17 Chapter 17 : Ninja School Life

It was the fourth day since the academy started. Shirou was currently in the history class.

"...and so the third Hokage became the strongest Hokage." - Teacher.

The teacher was describing the deeds of the Sarutobi Hiruzen. From how the second Hokage Tobirama Senju chose him to his powers of 5 nature transformations and his accomplishments during the Second Ninja World War. Shirou was bored out of his mind.

'How did the notion that Hiruzen is the strongest Hokage even appear? That guy is nowhere near the level of the first Hokage. There is some kind of manipulation involved. Most likely controlling public opinion, deleting records and killing or bribing people from the older generation who knew the truth.' - Shirou.

'I always find Hiruzen's character confusing. Was he a good guy or a bad guy? Maybe it's not as simple as black and white. My gut says that at some point in life, he became mentally unbalanced. The guy has good intentions but many of the things he does or does not do makes no sense. Like Sakumo's death, Naruto's childhood, Uchiha genocide and many others.' - Shirou.

'Hiruzen can be called a good guy who makes the worst decisions. If that does not make him crazy then I don't know what does. On the other hand, his partner Danzo is much easier to judge. A selfish and evil existence who somehow managed to convince himself he is always right and he can do no wrong. Basically, he is a bad guy.' - Shirou.

"That's all for now, you all can take a break." - Teacher.

"Finally, it's over. History sure is hard." - Obito.

"? Weren't you sleeping the entire time." - Kakashi.

"Yeah." - Rin.

"Urgh... Never mind that let's go." - Obito.

Everyone arrived at the training grounds. Shirou, Rin, Obito, Guy, and Kakashi have formed a group. Shirou wanted to be alone as he did not like being around too many people, but Guy managed to pull him in.

'Urgh... I wanted to be alone and keep thinking about the secrets of the universe.' - Shirou.

Shirou kept quiet while the group started discussing various stuff. He would occasionally say a few words.

"Shirou, why do you look so tired?" - Rin.

"Well... I always liked being alone. It's not that I hate people. I just don't like being among crowds I guess." - Shirou.

"Eh.. that's no good. Shirou, you should hang out more with people." - Guy.

"I did try. But the more I tried the more I did not like it. Social interaction just makes me miserable." - Shirou.

"But.." - Guy.

"Guy. There are all kinds of people in the world. I don't think it's good to force them simply because it does not align with our thoughts." - Kakashi.

'Thank you Kakashi.' - Shirou.

"Hm... I guess you are right. As expected of my rival Kakashi. Even your thinking surpasses mine." - Guy.

"Hmph. It wasn't that big of a deal." - Obito.

"Kakashi, why do you always wear that mask on your face." - Rin.

"I bet it's because his face is ugly." - Obito.

"Obito, that's not a nice thing to say." - Rin.

"I am also curious, Kakashi, can you show your face without the mask? It's ok if you don't want to." - Guy.

'Even I am curious. After all, this is a real-world now. It is not like the anime art style. I wonder what he looks like.' - Shirou.

Everyone was looking at Kakashi.

"Sigh... Do you really want to know?" - Kakashi.

Kakashi reached out and grabbed the corner of the mask preparing to remove it. Everyone gulped waiting for the big reveal.

"Behind this mask..." - Kakashi.

'Wait... is he doing what I think he's doing?' - Shirou.

"... is another mask." - Kakashi says as he removes the mask only for others to see that there is another mask covering his face.

'Bastard. I thought that Kakashi at this age was a serious no jokes person according to the anime. But I guess I was wrong. He seems to already have this mindset.' - Shirou.

Rin, Obito, and Guy seemed to stumble a bit. They looked at Kakashi with judgemental looks.

"You bastard, you tricked us. That's it. I challenge you to a fight." - Obito.

Everyone was surprised by Obito's challenge.

"Uhm... Obito didn't you already lose to Kakashi in yesterday's sparring match." - Rin.

"That... No, I will definitely win today." - Obito.

"Oh... I can feel the power of youth. Kakashi, I also challenge you to a fight." - Guy.

"So troublesome. I guess I will finish this quick." - Kakashi.

"Huh?.. What's with you all? Don't just look Shirou, stop them." - Rin.

"Me? What can I do? Obito is jealous and angry while Guy is a hard work enthusiast who likes difficult challenges." - Shirou.

"... I guess you are right." - Rin.

As expected, things ended in a fight. Obito was defeated instantly. Obito's movements were easily seen through by Kakashi. After narrowly evading the first attack, Kakashi launched a perfect strike to Obito's jaw. The blow to the jaw moved Obito's skull with enough force that his brain hit the walls inside the skull causing him to pass out.

After some time the gang managed to wake up Obito. He looked sour as he realized he lost to Kakashi again.

Next, it was Guy's turn. He managed to last a minute before he was also defeated. Kakashi was a bit surprised as it took some effort to beat Guy. Guy's physical abilities were better than Kakashi's. But Kakashi was able to gain the upper hand due to his superior technique and chakra control. Mid-battle, when Guy punched Kakashi, Kakashi exploded into smoke. This was just a clone Kakashi created using chakra. The real Kakashi charged through the smoke to the surprised Guy gaining the upper hand. When Guy recovered he already found a kunai had arrived and stopped near his neck. He was defeated.

"Ha Ha. This is youth. I will increase my training to beat you in the future." - Guy.

"Dammit, why? Just you wait Kakashi, when my sharingan awakens I will defeat you in an instant." - Obito.

"Yeah yeah." - Kakashi.

"You were awesome Kakashi." - Rin.

"Your fight with Obito ended too quickly but the battle with Guy was very good." - Shirou.

"Guy was stronger than I thought. It was a good fight." - Kakashi.

"Ha Ha. Don't be so modest Kakashi. I know you held back." - Guy.

"Kakashi you are so talented. I have no doubts that you will be able to graduate early." - Rin.

"Wait, Shirou why don't you fight with Kakashi?" - Obito.

"Sorry, but I have a condition that makes my body weak. My chakra is also lower than average. I will lose quickly." - Shirou.

Everyone looked at Shirou with sympathy.

"...You are healthy. Right?" - Rin.

"Shirou, you know the life of a ninja is extremely demanding in physical ability and chakra right? Are you sure you want to become a ninja." - Kakashi.

"I think there is no problem. Shirou works hard and as long as he doesn't give up he will definitely become a splendid ninja." - Guy.

"Yeah, that's right. Shirou can definitely become a good ninja." - Obito.

"Thanks, Guy, Obito. But things are not that simple as I can just work hard and hope I will become a strong ninja. I am trying to find out what I am good at and focus on that. I just hope I can find the way." - Shirou.

"Well, I hope you can find your path Shirou. In fact, you are already doing better than Obito as he still thinks that once his Sharingan activates, he can instantly defeat me and become the Hokage." - Kakashi says with a smile.

"HEYY..." - Obito.

Everyone starts laughing. They talked some more and returned to class as the break was over.