"Not what you expected?"

  A voice rang out, full of smug amusement.

  Kazeo didn't eveo turn. He already knew who it was.

  Uchiha Ishikawa stood a few steps away, hands behind his head, smirking like he owhe pce.

  'This guy again…' For some reason, Ishikawa had made it his mission to pete with him ihing. Even when Kazeo won, he opped taunting.

  Kazeo turned, fshing a polite smile.

  "Shouldn't you check the results before talking , Ishikawa-kun?"

  Ishikawa huffed, his smirk widening.

  "Why would I? I already know I got first pce. And you? Hmm… fourth? No, fifth!"

  Kazeo's smile stretched just a bit more.

  "Oh? Then you should defiake a look. You might be in for a surprise."

  For a moment, Ishikawa looked unsure. But then he scoffed and walked over to the board. The moment his eyes nded on the rankings, his whole face froze.

  Academy Exam Results:

  1. Tanaka Kazeo - 313

  2. Uchiha Ishikawa - 312

  3. Hyuga Kaito - 309

  4. Senju Rin - 303

  5. Hyuga Shinko - 297

  ...

  7. Shimura Hiko - 286

  Silence.

  Then—

  "Whaaaaat?!"

  Ishikawa staggered back a step, eyes darting over the list again, as if he had misread it. But no. The numbers didn't ge.

  "No way! This—this has to be a mistake!" He whirled around, jabbing a fi Kazeo. "How a less kid beat an Uchiha?!"

  His voice carried through the room, making a few other kids shift unfortably.

  "Ishikawa… stop being dramatic." Someotered.

  "Tch." Ishikawa crossed his arms, scowling. "You must've cheated on the written exam! No way you beat me fair and square!"

  Kazeo sighed, rubbing his temple. "If I cheated, wouldn't I have gotten a perfect score?"

  Ishikaened his mouth, then closed it. He spun back toward the rankings, staring at the single-point difference. His hands twitched.

  "This isn't over, Tanaka! ime, I'm going to crush you!" He decred, jabbing a thumb at himself.

  Kazeo didn't reply. He had already turned away, his mind elsewhere.

  -----

  'All exams were worth 100 marks, except for the shuriken throwi. Sihe first year focused more on theory, practical skills would only gain more weightage from the sed year onward. That was why I hadn't been too ed about this particur exam. '

  The written exam had been ughably easy for him. While the other kids struggled, rag their brains , Kazeo had breezed through it. The Leaf tration exam had been another major factor in his victory. But despite seg first pce, a frown tugged at his lips.

  His fiapped against his arm, his eyes lingering on the rankings. Too close.

  'A single mistake and I would've lost. ime, I might not be so lucky.'

  That realizatio a sharp wave of irritation through him. He ched his fists.

  It wasn't enough.

  His taijutsu was still g. His shuriken throwing needed serious work. A year, the practical exams would weigh even more.

  If he didn't push himself harder, some kid—armed with years of ied teiques ae training—would snatch the top position.

  And with it, the rewards from hokage also.

  ------

  A few mier, Okabe-sensei arrived, his serious face as intimidating as ever.

  "Good, you're all here."

  He g Kazeo for a moment before tinuing.

  "gratutions, Kazeo, on taking first pce."

  Kazeo gave a small bow. "Thank you, Okabe-sensei."

  "Now, listen up. The Hokage will be arriving soon. Follow me."

  Excited whispers spread among the students. They were about to meet the Hokage again!

  Ihe training ground, all the students lined up properly. Before them stood Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.

  His kind smile rested oudents as he spoke.

  "gratutions to all of you who passed. You are now part of the Sed-Year Elite Css. And for those who didn't make it, don't be disced. Work hard, and you may ehe elite ext year again."

  Then, of course, came the Will of Fire speech.

  Kazeo stood still, listening, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

  Then, the Hokage's gaze nded on him.

  "Tanaka Kazeo, gratutions on seg first pce. Step forward and ask what you want as your reward."

  Kazeo walked forward and bowed. He stayed silent for a moment before speaking.

  "Thank you, Hokage-sama. Umm.. I ask for the Uchiha or Hyuga 's Taijutsu teiques as my reward?"

  Gasps

  The Third Hokage studied Kazeo with calm, unreadable eyes, his wise gaze pierg through the boy's seemingly i request. The weight of history, of tless geions proteg their secrets, rested on his shoulders. A…

  "That is a bold request," Hiruzen finally said, his tone measured. "But you must uand, teiques are closely guarded, not freely given to outsiders."

  A ripple of whispers spread through the students. Even some of the instructors seemed caught off guard by Kazeo's direess. Asking for an Uchiha or Hyuga's taijutsu? That wasn't just bold—it was audacious.

  The Hokage, however, remained posed, his gaze never leaving Kazeo's. After a brief pause, he let out a small, amused chuckle.

  "Still… it is not often that someone asks me for such a thing so directly."

  His smile was unreadable—part intrigue, part amusement.

  "I make the request on your behalf," he tinued, "but the final decisios with the heads. However, if you would prefer a guaranteed reward, you may choose something else."

  Kazeo had expected this. He thought

  'A direct request might get rejected ht. But if I show i in multiple things, I might at least get something useful.'

  Kazeo didn't miss a beat. His lips curled into a thoughtful smile as he responded, "Then… what about Senju 's Taijutsu?"

  Another wave of murmurs spread. The Senju may not be as promi as before, but their taijutsu was still formidable.

  This time, Hiruzen ht chuckled, shaking his head. "A persistent one, aren't you?" His voice held somethiween amusement and admiration."Very well. The Senju's open-hand bat forms be arranged.However, the Senju's Taijutsu requires great physical endura may not suit you. Are you sure?"

  Kazeo paused, fakiation before sighing. "In that case, Hokage-sama… may I have a week to decide?"

  Hiruzen's eyes gleamed with knowing amusement. 'The boy is calg his options, angling for the best deal. Clever.'

  "Very well," he nodded. "You have one week. If you ot decide, I will personally speak with the Uchiha and Hyuga heads to see what be done."

  Kazeo bowed low. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

  Hiruzen watched him for a moment longer, a flicker of curiosity in his a gaze. 'This boy… he sure is iing.'

  -------

  After Hokage left, Okabe stepped forward, his usual serious expression in pce as he addressed the students.

  "There will be a two-month holiday starting tomorrow. The academy will resume as usual after that. So, enjoy your break, but don't sck off. Keep training your chakra, and if possible, try to learn some jutsu as well," he said, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. "That's all. You are dismissed."

  A wave of excitement rippled through the children. Whispers and murmurs quickly turned into cheers as they realized they had two full months without the rigid academy schedule. Some were already discussing what they would do—training, pying, or just zing around.

  "TWO MONTHS?! LET'S GOOOOO!"

  "I'm gonna learn the Fireball Jutsu!"

  "Haha, I'm just go ramen every day!"

  Kazeo shook his head at his cssmates excitement but said nothing.

  As the students started heading home, Kazeo stretched his arms, letting out a breath before turning on his heels.

  -------

  Kazeo didn't head home immediately after the academy ceremony. Instead, he stopped by the market.

  The stalls were lively, merts shouting about fresh vegetables, warm dumplings, and handcrafted toys. Kazeo ignored most of the noise and focused on his task—buying something for the orphanage kids.

  He had already phis in advance—celebrating with the orphanage kids. After all, he wasn't close to anyone else other than them in this world.

  At a small toy stall, he carefully picked out spinning tops, wooden kunai, and a couple of dolls for the younger ones but then realization hit him.

  "Damn… how am I supposed to carry all of this?"

  His seven-year-old arms werely built for hauling rge bags of toys and food. And while his body was strohan most kids his age, it didn't ge the fact that he was still small.

  He sighed. "Alright… let's do this smartly."

  After a bit of haggling, he vihe shopkeeper to hold the toys for him while he went to buy food.

  , he stopped at a food stall, carefully seleg rice balls, sweet dango, and a small cake. But when the vendor handed him the food, he stared at the bags.

  "This… is a lot."

  Bang the bags on his arms, he carefully walked back to the toy stall, where the shopkeeper raised an eyebrow.

  "You sure you carry all of that, kid?"

  "…Of course," Kazeo replied, his pride refusing to let him admit the obvious struggle.

  The momeried pig up the toy bag, he knew he messed up. His arms wobbled, and for a sed, he felt like everything was about to fall.

  "Oi, oi, careful!" The shopkeeper snatched the bag before disaster struck.

  Kazeo clicked his toch… This is annoying."

  Then, aruck him.

  Setting the food bags down for a moment, he took out a small scroll from his pocket. It was something he had bought after getting the money . It wasn't much—just a simple ste seal.

  "You're a ninja?" the shopkeeper asked, watg in surprise as Kazeo pced the toys ihe seal and rolled it up.

  "Not yet. But soon," Kazeo smirked.

  With the food in his hands and the toys sealed safely in the scroll, he finally made his way to the orphanage.

  -------

  The orphanage was the same as always—old, creaky, but filled with warmth. The momeepped inside, excited voices filled the air.

  "Big Brother Kazeo!"

  A blur of movement, and suddenly, small hands g to his body. A little girl with pigtails looked up at him with bright eyes. Behind her, more children peeked out, their faces lighting up when they saw what he was carrying.

  "Food" one of them cheered.

  Before he could say anything, the children dragged him iheir excitement bubbling over.

  Inside more children started flog him.

  "You came back!"

  "Did y something?"

  Kazeo smirked. "Why do you all assume I brought something?"

  The kids pouted. "Because you always do!"

  Kazeo chuckled and held up the bags and scroll of toys. "Alright, alright. I got food and toys."

  "Yay!"

  As the kids cheered, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

  "Now, now, don't trample the poor boy."

  The children instantly stepped aside as Grandma Kaori walked in.

  Her silver-streaked hair tied in a bun. Though she moved slowly, her preseill carried authority.

  But the warmth in her gaze was what made this pce feel like home.

  "Grandma," Kazeo greeted with a small bow.

  She gave him a knowing look. "First pce, huh?"

  Kazeo blinked in surprise. "How did you—"

  Kaori chuckled, tapping her foot on the wooden floor. "You may be growing up, but you still have the same look in your eyes whenever you aplish something."

  Kazeo scratched his cheek, feeling strangely embarrassed.

  "e here, boy."

  She raised her arms slightly, and for a moment, Kazeo hesitated. He was too old fs… wasn't he?

  But when he saw the soft smile on her wrinkled face, he sighed and stepped forward. She pulled him into a brief embrace, patting his back.

  "I'm proud of you, Kazeo," she whispered. "You work so hard, even when no one is watg."

  Kazeo ched his jaw, familiar warmth swelling in his chest.

  "Thanks… Grandma."

  She sed the food and toys bags and then gave Kazeo a long, knowing look.

  "Kazeo," she sighed. "Are you spending your academy pension on this?"

  Kazeo blinked.

  "Huh?"

  Kaori crossed her arms. "That little pension they give academy students is barely enough to survive a month. If you're using it to buy food and toys for the orphanage… Are you cutting down on your own meals?"

  Kazeo realized where she was ing from. She didn't know about his extra earnings. To her, it looked like he was burning through his already tight finances.

  He sighed. "Grandma… don't worry. I have a side ine."

  Kaori narrowed her eyes. "Side ine? What side ine?"

  "Just some extra money from… things." He shrugged.

  Kaori wasn't buying it. "You better not be doing anything reckless."

  Kazeo chuckled. "No illegal work, I promise."

  Kaori sighed again but ruffled his hair. "Hmph. Just don't starve yourself, idiot boy."

  "I won't," he reassured her.

  She let go, her eyes studying his face. "But don't think you just bribe us with food and toys. You're staying for dinner."

  Kazeo chuckled. "I figured."

  The celebration quickly began.

  The kids tore into the food with excitement, mung on dango and rice balls. They ran around, spinning their ops and pretending to be ninjas.

  At one point, Kazeo noticed a group of boys holding wooden sticks, pretending to fight.

  "Hyaaah! Take this, demon!"

  "Hah! I'm an Upper Moon! You'll never defeat me!"

  "But I'm Kamado Tanjiro! I'll protect everyone!"

  Kazeo raised an eyebrow. So, Demon Syer fever had takehe orphaoo, huh?

  "Big Brother, be Rengoku!" one of the kids suddenly demanded, shoving a wooden stito Kazeo's hands.

  "Eh?"

  "Yeah! You have to fight us! You're the Fme Hashira!"

  Before he could protest, five kids charged at him, wooden sticks raised.

  Kazeo sighed. 'Guess I have no choice.'

  He spun his stick dramatically. "Very well. As a Hashira, I ot allow demons to roam freely!"

  The "battle" was chaotic. The kids charged at him wildly, swinging their sticks with full force but Kazeo dodged easily, tapping them lightly with his "sword." One by ohey fell to the ground, dramatically pretending to be defeated.

  "Agh! He's to!"

  "Nooku is amazing!"

  Laughter echoed through the orphanage. Even Grandma Kaori chuckled as she watched from the side.

  Kazeo, of course, dodged easily.

  After the "battle," Kazeo sat down beside her. She passed him a cup of tea, her hands trembling slightly as she poured.

  "How are you feeling?" he asked.

  She smiled. "Old."

  Kazeo frowned. Lately, he had noticed it—how her hands shook more, how her voice sounded weaker.

  'She won't be around forever.'

  The thought made his chest feel tight.

  "Kazeo," Kaori said suddenly, looking at him. "Yrowing up so fast… Sometimes, I wonder if you'll outgrow this pe day."

  Kazeo shook his head. "This will always be my home."

  Kaori's smile softened. She reached out, resting a hand on his head.

  "Then promise me something," she said. "No matter where life takes you… don't lose the kindness in your heart."

  Kazeo swallowed, nodding. "I promise."

  For a long moment, they sat there in fortable silence, watg the children py.

  No matter what happened, no matter how strong he became—this moment, this warmth, would always be a part of him.

  ---------

  Hokage's Office – Evening

  Kazeo stood in front of the Hokage's office, arms crossed, the glow of the evening sun casting long shadows across the wooden floor.

  I already asked for my reward in m, and the Hokage told me to return in the evening. But why this te?

  The office door remained shut, ae the occasional footsteps of passing shinobi, the hallway was eerily silent.

  Something feels… off.

  A few mier, the door creaked open, and a iured for him to enter.

  "Lord Hokage is expeg you," the man said, stepping aside.

  Taking a breath, Kazeo walked in.

  Ihe Third Hokage sat behind his desk, a grandfatherly smile resting on his lips. The warm glow of the nterns behind him painted his wrinkled fa an almost f hue.

  "Ah, Kazeo," the old maed.

  "Close the door behind you, would you?"

  Kazeo nodded and did as he was told, the soft click of the tch eg in the room. He turned back—

  —only to meet a pair of glowing red eyes.

  His body froze.

  Sharingan? Here?

  A sudde pressed against his mind, drowning his thoughts before he could eve. His vision blurred, his limbs went numb, and darkness swallowed him whole.

  ( To be tinued....)

  -------

  [Author's Note :

  chapter date - 11th March

  ]