Welcome to the Academy: A new Class of young ones!

Hakaku woke up unusually early, looking out his window to find that he had risen before the sun. Most days, he'd lay back down and get the extra sleep. Today, he wouldn't even try. He was dealing with a plethora of feelings. So, he'd sit against the window and reflect as he waited for the day to peek over the horizon and orange to overtake the night sky. Curled against the windowsill, he'd allow himself to introspect.

Growing up, when he wanted a moment to himself like this, he'd go to the maple trees in the forest behind his home. Well, his former home. He hadn't been there for a while; he hadn't seen a maple tree since his parents defected. It felt wrong to think about that night. Hakaku promised himself that he'd move on, but today was special. He'd finally get to start his journey to being a shinobi. A journey that would reunite his family once again, this time being the last. His parents had spent his whole life driving him away from it, and even now, they were tainting what was supposed to be the happiest day of his life.

Those words quickly ended this train of thought. Today was the happiest day of his life. He wouldn't let himself mourn the family that left when he had one asleep in the other room. He'd smile and turn to the wall that divided their rooms; as he did, he'd see the first ray of sunlight shine warmly against it. He'd gently raise his hand and watch its silhouette press against it. In his own way, it was a silent gesture of appreciation. He'd quietly jump up, stretch, and wordlessly walk to the kitchen.

The white-haired boy knew he'd at least have another hour before his aunt and uncle woke up. He'd begin working on breakfast. Cooking was an activity Hakaku hadn't been able to do since he was injured when he moved in. Nevertheless, it was always his favorite chore growing up. He remembered they had leftover salmon from last night, so he decided on his favorite, Ochazuke. Steamed rice with plenty of savory ingredients, partially steeped in green tea. He'd take his time, a luxury that allowed him to make the dish look yummy and inviting. As he finished a pot of morning tea, Hakaku heard a door open.

It was his aunt, still in her pajamas. Her expression changed in waves: tired, confused, surprised, excited, settling finally on joy. She'd come over and give her nephew a hug and a kiss on the forehead. Hakaku chuckled and hugged back, causing his uncle to stumble into the doorway. He'd mumble, "You're awake this early?" before going through his own movements of confusion, bemusement, and pride. As the sun rose further and light began filling the room, they'd enjoy a family breakfast.

Afterward, his uncle would collect the dishes and clean up with a warm "Thanks for breakfast, kid." Hakaku would smile and nod before excusing himself to get ready. Once ready, he still had plenty of time to arrive at school 30 minutes early. He'd get lunch from his aunt and have some last-minute checks from them before heading off. As he went, he heard something from his aunt, surprising him and his uncle.

"Have a great day, my son."

Once the shock wore off, he'd give a huge smile before responding. "I'll do my best, mom." He'd then get going, finally arriving at school half an hour early.

Contrasting her was the woman who stood in the classroom. This woman was tall, intimidating, and cold. Despite this, Hakaku felt only admiration. Nokino was a ninja on the job. Her energy was intense, but this was what the ruby-eyed boy expected. He'd smile and bow to her before taking a seat in the front of the class. He waited far too long for this. Now that he was here, Hakaku wouldn't miss any detail of her instruction.

He'd observe his other classmates as they entered. He expected them all to be younger than him but was surprised to see that there were people of all ages in class. The variety was encouraging. He thought he would be nearly double the age of his classmates, but he fell somewhere in the middle. An idea that gave him hope that maybe he wasn't too late. This anxiety quickly replaced itself when he saw his sensei glared at the students who came in late. He would make it a point to keep showing up early. Other students whispered and murmured amongst themselves. Hakaku remained quiet, partially to observe his sensei further and partially because he had no friends to talk to. He wondered if he was wasting the opportunity to make friends with his silence. The thought of introducing himself to strangers left him paralyzed with anxiety.

He wouldn't have time to beat himself up. The blonde-haired instructor soon silenced her class. Afterward, she commanded attention with her authoritarian opening words. Hakaku immediately began taking notes, writing down everything he needed to remember. He'd also write her question down. What kind of ninja he wanted to be? He wondered if she was looking for a specific answer or one more personalized. Hakaku would allow another student to answer first. Maybe that would give him the answer he desired. Or, at least, a precedent to follow. He was a little surprised to see who answered first.

She was a girl slightly younger than he was, though she still carried a stuffed animal with her. Was this normal at their age? He never had any stuffed animals, so he'd give her the benefit of the doubt and say this was probably normal. What truly surprised him was someone who seemed so shy was the first to respond. She revealed herself to be an uchiha, a clan of legendary prowess. He would keep his eye on her. Hopefully, she'd continue to surprise him. Her answer intrigued him. Her goals as a ninja seemed tied to her desires as a person. To find her confidence and become strong enough to protect others. Simple, but they'd serve her well. At least, they wouldn't waiver easily.

Once she was finally to sit down, Hakaku would stand up to go next. He had carefully considered the task and found an answer he could commit to. He'd stand before the class and pause for a moment. The eyes on him caused his heart to race, but he wouldn't let it affect him. He took a deep breath to steel his nerves before speaking, his voice calm and confident.

"Good morning, my name is Hakaku."

He'd bow before continuing with a soft smile.

"I'm 14 years old. I'm from the Koutaishi clan, and..."

He'd pause a split-second. Uncertainty flashed over his features before resolve steeled him. He'd continue with more passion in his voice.

"... and I want to be the type of ninja who progresses ninjas. A master student who learns, applies, elevates everything taught, and uses it to hone others. Most importantly, I want to be someone who stays true to their morals and serves their village with all their being."

Fearing ending up long-winded, Hakaku would stop there. His eyes would wander around the room, worried about how he came across. He was sure of his answer regardless of perception, but this didn't stop him from caring about how his classmates perceived him. He'd manage to keep the worry off his face until his sensei finally allowed him to sit down. With a quick bow, he'd hurry back to his seat. He would then lower his head a moment to compose himself. He was grateful to have gotten that out of the way early. Now, he could focus on getting to know his classmates instead of worrying about how he came across. He'd keep his head lowered to avoid drawing attention to himself. Despite this, he'd keep his eyes and ears pinned to the front of the class. Even if he was anxious, he was still eager to meet the rest of his classmates.

With a few kids arriving late into class, Nokino looked at them with a gaze of fury, making them scared enough to not do it again. At least, that was her goal. But after her speech, the kids started to present themselves, like instructed to. Nokino sat on her desk, on the right corner, crossed her legs, waiting and watching from the side the presentation of each and every student, one by one, in front of her and her desk, but mainly, in front of the class.

The first one was a small bean, a very shy young girl of Uchiha descent. She was almost visibly shaking from the shyness of being first, since no one proposed themselves to present themselves in front of the class. Nonetheless, she at least got the courage to go first. As she walked toward the front, Nokino was she had a small hare plushy with her. ''By chakra and all the Hokages, are we allowing kids like that now?'' Tought to herself Nokino, sighing audibly. As she listened to the presentation, Nokino smoke her cigarette with almost anger. This was a profession she cared deeply for, something that was brutal, deadly, and honorfull. When she wanted to produce hardcore and ready to die for their lord shinobi, she was expecting some motivated kid. This one tho, was a wimp incarnate. Her spine and character was as soft as an overcooked ramen noodle. This give Nokino hanger, but in the end, she calmed herself. ''common, you've trained weaker than this. Only need to break them to toughen' em up. All in due time.'' Said nokino to herself in her head, as she exhaled the cigarette smoke, and exasperation at once.

''Welcome Emiri Uchiha. Being a protector and getting strong is a good goal. Sit back, 'aight? Also, you are in the world of grown ups and ninja now. If you bring ''MiStEr CoTtOnTaIl'' in class again, I'll put it in the trash, 'aight? NEXT!'' Said Nokino with a cold look and face, mocking the name of the stuffed animal. She could keep it at home, but this wasnt the place for it. Beside, Emiri would definitely get bullied for it, and Nokino wanted to prevent bullying and for them to be focused on learning, not defending themsleves from bully when it could be prevented by not exposing one's vulnerability and soft spots. 

As the next kid arrived after Nokino yelled next, he seemed way more confident. This child was a bit older, and had white hair. Maybe a Hatake? Who knows. Well he was about to present himself, and for once, Nokino didnt have a bad feeling or impression. His attitude reminded her of herself when younger and she liked it. With a faint smile, Nokino looked and listened. This kid knew where he was going. He had assurance, thought before speaking, a rare trait of intelligence too few present in young folks, and knew what he wanted in life and as a shinobi.

''Teaching and helping others to grow and learn, and to help elevate the levels of shinobis in the village is a great goal. Its the one i'm thriving in myself. Its a great way of serving our lord Hokage. You'll have a lot to learn, and to listen to, Koutaishi. Show me that seriousness and willingness, 'aight? Now go sit back. NEXT!'' said Nokino, still smoking and siting on top of her desk. She was impressed, and eager for this student to show their resolve. Teaching was one thing, but teaching to someone who wanted to become a sensei too? That was luxury and like a sweet gift for Nokino!

But, as the next one got up and walked toward the front of the class, Nokino's smile faded a bit, seeing who arrived. It was Yuma Hyuuga. They had met prior to this, as he was a transfer from another class, after making a deal with Nokino. Indeed, she caught him training after school hours. He had broken into the school at night, and was trespassing. As a deal, Nokino told him he would be in her class now, and she would train him personnaly from this point forward. He was a rebel, but at least was interested in progress and studying as well as training, not only in breaking rules. He introduced himself in a less formal way for sure, but in a passionate way nonetheless.

''Welcome to my class Yuma. I hope you'll behave. Its a great goal to become famous, and you have the right reason to want it, to be known as Yuma more than as Hyuuga. But don't fall into vanity, or stupidity, otherwise you'll only be known as 'the student who got failed by Nokino', 'aight? Go back in place now. NEXT!'' Said Nokino as a reply to his speech. He would be one to watch for sure, but a potential danger to the village integrity, as fame seeking can often lead to recklessness. 

The others student all presented themselves one by one, up until the last. This one, was one of those who arrived late into class. Nokino remembered him. She would forever remember him. She could even spot him in a crowd of a thousand kids. His name was Isamu. She had teached him previously, last year to be exact, but she failed him at the genin exam. Full of bravado, and always accompagnied by his dog, this Inuzuka kid was back, for better or worse. As he arrived toward the front of the class and presented himself, Nokino looked over him with eyes of almost killing intent, her pale purple glare sending knives and fixing the kid without flinching. He too, wanted as a goal to be famous. But as he neared the end of his presentation he said something that made Nokino freeze for a mere instant. 


Immediately as he said that, Nokino eyes shifted toward him, her face now malicious and almost creepy as she looked at him like she was about to murder him in front of the whole class. With a motion so swift that almost none could see it, Nokino's hand left her flak vest pocket, and lunged at the back of the head of Isamu, slapping him with a strong enough slap that it would send him flying, falling a few metters back on his back. She would immediately go toward him, towering over his to the floor small person, her intimidating look and crossed arms looking down on him with fury and authority. 

''GO BACK TO YOUR PLACE RIGHT NOW. After class Isamu you will wait here and live the consequences of your actions. Speak like that to me again and I will personally tell your parents and the Inuzuka clan how much of a failure YOU are, and how you will never be a ninja. Have I been understood? NOW. Sit. the. fuck. down.'' Replied Nokino, pointing at the place he needed to go back to. She had never encountered a student this undisciplined and disrespectfull. She wouldnt tolerate that type of behavior ever, she made that very clear. She was here to teach them to become and to be exceptional shinobis, but politeness and respect wasnt her job to teach them. If they didnt understand the privilege of being a ninja, they shouldnt become one. Plain and simple. She would explain that to him after class. 

But for now, seeing how everyone must be terrorized from this situation, and seeing that the presentations were done, Nokino got back to her desk in front of the class, and started to talk.


''Sorry for this situation. Being a ninja is something to take very seriously. I sincerely hope this never has to happen again. Now thank you all for the presentations. I hope you all enjoy this semester and learn a lot. Keep focusing on your goal, and on your learning of the ninja way and everything should be good. For today, we will only do the school visit now that the presentations are done. I'll show you the grounds for training, the classes, where the restroom is, as well as the cafeteria. You'll meet the other teachers too, and then it will be all for today, 'aight?'' Said Nokino before making her way to the door, ready to lead the class to make the visit.

As all students slowly gathered around the door to leave, Nokino waited on them to get out of the class and make a straight line, ready to follow her trough the education establishment, and complete the visit of the place. She noticed a commotion while the students gathered, hearing a few loud spurs of speech and more. As she stretched her head a bit in the direction to see and hear what was happening, she saw a few kids bully Emiri for her rabbit plushie. 

At first, she decided to go there to stop them, but in the end, she just looked. It wouldnt be a good thing to intervene, as Emiri was on the path of the ninja, and if she wanted to be a true ninja, she would need to figure it out by herself on how to get rid of bullies and ennemies, as teachers and grown up wont be there for her to rely on them in the future and in missions. As the events outfolded, Nokino observed to still give her a chance of being supervised. If the kids would go too far, the Iburi sensei would intervene, but otherwise she watched over the others kids gathering, keeping a side eye on the event. 

But Nokino noticed something else. With her superiror eyesight and also her experience in reading body language and people in general, she could see that it affected another kid beside Emiri, the new Hyuuga kid, the one she recently took into her class as a mesure since he broke into the gym of the academy. He seemed angry with the bullying, looking at them in a way that he wanted Emiri to defend herself too, instead of interfeering. But when the bullies decided to drench in water the stuffed rabbit, emptying their whole water bottle for the day on the soft friend of Emiri, Yume seemingly had enough of them. As they stomped on it on the drenched floor of the class entrance, Yume replied to them, asking them to leave her alone. 

With a swift movement, he hit with his open plam the first kid, sending him gasping on the floor from the pain, and pivoted rapidly to do the same to the second bully still standing. At this point, the whole group of students gathering around the door had turned around to look at the fight. Well it wasnt really a fight, as Yume had beaten both boys with a single strike each, making it more of a beating than a fight trully. As Nokino now looked at them, her arms crossed, towering with her large and tall stature her eyes were squinting, indicating her iminent fury. But, she also had a smile, her upward lips holding her cigarette signaling for once a sing of satisfaction instead of the usual displeasement or disapointment Nokino could so often show. With her smug face, Nokino approached the scene, walking trough the crowd of bystander kids like a tower in tall grass, and stopped at the feet of Yume and Emiri, with the two bullies slowly getting back on their feet from the ground. As she closed in, Yume took back the rabbit from the floor, and gave it back to Emiri, asking her if she would be alright. Before she could answer, Nokino had a few thing to say.

'' 'Aight, 'aight everyone back in line alright? You two, and Emiri plus Yume, you stay here. Everyone else, you get out of class, and wait in a single rank file on the right side of the door in the corridor. I'll be out shortly and we can proceed with the visit. NOW!'' said loudly Nokino to be heard and understood that this wasnt just a directive, it was an order. 

As the class got emptied, remaining only the 4 students causing the commotion, the blond haired sensei closed the door, or should we say slammed it close, and leanned on the door, her arms still crossed. 

''YOU FOUR. ON YOUR KNEES. NOW.'' said loudly Nokino in a tone of repriment. As she looked at the two bullies first, she was going to start with them.

''ARE YOU TWO FUCKING IDIOTS? Ninja need to cooperate. You are all and will all be part of the same shinobi force, for the same village. Rivalry we can deal with but THIS? You BOTH should be ashamed. You both will receive disciplinary actions. As a consequence, you will both write an apology letter to Emiri, and youy will both write TEN TIMES a scroll from TOP to BOTTOM, with the lesson learned here, how you understood, and why you wont do it again, HAVE I BEEN UNDERSTOOD?'' said Nokino with the way of speaking of a drill sergent, her face close to the bullie's, leaning toward them to be sure to be understood. As both bullies were almost crying and just shook their head in understanding, Nokino turned toward the other two, Emiri and Yume.

''NOW. You two. Yume, it seems you quite enjoy putting yourself in trouble eh? You did well today. Standing up to protect your fellow Konoha shinobi and future collegues is the type of behavior I want to see. Also, good showcase of that taijutsu you've been working on, keep it up, 'aight?'' said at first agressively, and then very proudly to Yume with her smile back, showing her approval.

''Now you Emiri. You need to start fending for yourself. And that plush, you get now why I said to keep it in your house? This aint a kid place. You seriously need to toughen up.'' Said Nokino with a neutral face, seemingly unimpressed with her behavior.

''Now, lets get out and go do that visit, 'aight? I dont want to hear another thing regarding this situation.'' added the teacher while opening the door.

The visit was quite long, taking about two hours so they pressed themselves to walk a bit fast. Nokino presented at first the classrooms. The 3 classrooms were basically all the same copied 3 times. After that it was the infirmary, followed by the cafeteria. After that, the group led by Nokino got outside, seeing the training grounds with wooden poles, stone slabs, practices dummies and the likes. As they went back inside, they visited the second floor, where a shinobi simulation room was, with also a library, and the school headmaster office was. The last place they visited was the place most wide and large, the Gym. Yume and Nokino of course had already been there, but the visit of the gym was always the most appreciated room, as it was were most of the training would take place, having the most high-tech gear and allowing for more with its reinforced structure able to withstand almost any jutsu. As the class all got toward the entrance of school, Nokino gathered once again the group.

''So there it was students! The academy in its entirety. If you do have any questions, i'd be happy to answer them. This conclude our first day of school, 'aight? You can all go back to your houses, and i'll see you tomorrow at 8am in class! bye now!'' said Nokino, waving her students goodbye while lighting herself a new cigarette, her face smiling again as the students were leaving waving goodby too.

[EXIT]

+1250 ryo, +6 AP

TWC: 3001

3001wc going toward Rupture (3001/3750)

Sitting there on the floor crying, Emiri believed that no one was coming and was beginning to accept the fact that these boys were just going to continue harassing her. As she sat there in silence closing her eyes and continuing to cry she heard some quickening footsteps approaching from behind her. It was the Hyuga boy from earlier who seemed quite resolved to solve the situation as well. He first tried to solve the situation diplomatically however this did nothing to stop the bullies from inflicting more harm on Mr.Cottontail. Emiri merely tearing up in response to seeing her beloved stuffed animal being dirtied so much, she wasn’t expecting what came next.    

The boy had seemed to give up on continuing diplomatic actions and Emiri could see a determination in his eyes to do something? But why would somebody do something like that for her? She watched as the young Hyuga acted quickly almost too quickly for Emiri to see as she watched the two bullies that she had struggled against in the morning being defeated so easily as one of them went falling over the desk, the other one landing by Emiri’s crossed legs, she recoiled a bit trying to escape the situation till she saw Yuma pick up her stuffed animal. He approached Emiri, the rabbit in his hand and attempted to hand it to her.

Flustered, Emiri reached for Mr.Cottontail taking it from Yuma’s hands and looked down toward her feet blushing a little, “T-thank you Yuma you didn’t have to help me but I really appreciate it.” before Emiri could finish responding to Yuma she was talked over by the teacher Nokino scolding the four of them as she had told the 4 of them involved to go on their knees. Emiri was overall embarrassed by the situation but found it entertaining to see the bullies getting scolded that was till Nokino got to her.

Nokino yelled at her telling her that Emiri needed to start fending for herself and that she needed to keep the stuffed animal at home. In response Emiri looked down further disappointed in herself and nodded “I-I understand Teacher Nokino I’ll try to keep him at home” following this the teacher moved on telling them not to mention anything else regarding the situation and each of them walked out, Emiri gripping the stuffed rabbit while also attempting to dry herself off, walking out of the room. The teacher would take Emiri and the entire group on a trip around the school. She marveled at the sights of the school being most interested in the library, a place to study. Maybe this would hold the answers for a way for her to improve herself? Either way the tour concluded with the teacher showing everyone off for the day promising to meet up the next day.

Walking home from the academy, Emiri thought of the past events and hoped to get to know her classmate better and maybe find out what makes him strong. Getting home she walked in the door the place empty and washed the stuffed animal making it clean, she went to her bed laying on the sheets with the stuffed animal in the air, holding it close to her face she spoke to it, “I think I might have met some of those people grandpa, maybe if I learn more about them I can reach that same point of confidence as well.. I miss you grandpa.” she looked sorrowfully at the stuffed rabbit before smiling, “But hey maybe they could be my first friends? I’ll have to work harder starting tomorrow for you grandpa and for me…oh what am I saying, goodnight grandpa…"

---

[Exit Claims:]
Post Word Count: 621
Total Word Count:1,723
17 points into chakra
1,000 into Vacuum Sphere Rank C 1,000/1,000
350 into  Basic Medical Ninjutsu Rank E 350/350
250 into Mark Seal 250/250

Mission Rewards:
1250 Ryo
6 AP