Chapter 11: Chapter 11- Academy Entrance
As the warm rays of the morning light gently showered the village, life in Uzushiogakure was already in full flow, preparing for the start of a new day. The bustling energy of locals going about their daily duties presented a colorful scene, with each person adding to the rhythm of the village's existence.
In the midst of this bustling backdrop, Katsuo, the protagonist of our story, was also preparing himself for the start of a crucial day. A week had passed since he celebrated his fifth birthday, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Today was the day he would take his first steps into the world of shinobi by officially enrolling in the famed ninja academy.
Katsuo was excited, but not overly so; after all, he had previously experienced academy life in his previous life on Earth, and he also had little knowledge of what the academy would teach them, further diminishing his enthusiasm.
The only reason he is excited is that after the Academy arc, he will officially become a Shinobi and will be able to go on missions.
✝️ Info dump ✝️ Info dump ✝️ Info dump ✝️
The Uzushiogakure Ninja Academy was a large structure, its walls made of durable stone (concrete) and bearing the rich history of the Uzumaki clan. Intricate uzumaki symbols were delicately carved onto the walls, each swirl and pattern an echo of the clan's past.
The institution was integrated into the village's military structure to nurture future generations of ninja and accumulate more man power.
The concept of a ninja academy was relatively new among the hidden villages.
During the Warring States Period, the countries of the world were uniformly small, constantly battling each other for land, power, and opportunity. To fight these battles, countries hired one or more clans of mercenary shinobi to represent their interests, the shinobi's loyalties ultimately going to the highest bidder. The constant warfare in turn led to constant death, creating an average lifespan of only thirty years.
Children were the greatest victims of the era, forced to fight for their clan no differently than an adult would and, more often than not, being killed by older and more skilled opponents.
It wasn't until 'Hashirama senju,' the God of Shinobi, and the head of the Uchiha clan, 'Madara Uchiha,' his friend and rival, came to an agreement to put an end to the slaughter between their clans.
The allied 'Senju' and 'Uchiha' formed a pact with the Land of Fire to allow them to establish a shinobi village within its borders, what would be called Konohagakure. Other clans wishing to share in the new peace settled in Konoha as well.
The other Shinobi clans on other countries in the elemental nation began to feel threatened when they saw two of the strongest Shinobi clans joining hands and establishing a village.
As a result, they too, formed alliances and began to establish their own Shinobi villages in order to increase their fighting power. resulting in the development of the hidden Shinobi villages.
Thus was the Warring States Period brought to an end, replaced by the Shinobi Organisational System of the Five Great Shinobi Countries.
The emergence of this new age saw the development of a systematic approach to training and deploying shinobi, and at the center of this approach was the concept of the ninja academy.
Ninja academies from all around the elemental nations mirrored the requirements and ideologies of their respective villages. They had an important part in moulding the future of shinobi culture as centers of learning and preparation.
With the knowledge that a well-trained and skilled Shinobi force was vital for the defense and progress of the village, the hidden villages invested heavily in these academies.
The curricula of these academies were meticulously developed to address the various needs of being a shinobi.
As with any school, students are taught a core curriculum of reading, writing, mathematics, science, geography, etc. These lessons are typically framed in a ninja-context, and in fact are learned at all in order to facilitate later instruction in tactics and strategy.
Students learn the Shinobi Rules, how to strengthen their minds and bodies, and receive special lectures from veteran shinobi. They are taken through the handling of ninja weapons and tools, like shuriken and kunai, learning how to throw and wield them through target practice, as well as instructed on the basics of trap-setting. Academy students are also taught about chakra and how to use it, hand seals.
Shinobi classes can be broken into the basic levels of:
• 'Taijutsu' classes serve as the Ninja Academy's equivalent of physical education. In taijutsu class, students are engaged in physical activities to help train their bodies and develop their stamina. Sparring is common.
• 'Ninjutsu' classes provide the bulk of what potential ninja learn at the Academy. Students are taught about chakra, how to manipulate it and use hand seals, and ultimately how to use techniques such as the Transformation Technique and the Clone Technique.
• 'Genjutsu' classes are focused less on how to create illusions and more on how they function. Students are taught how to determine if they are trapped within a genjutsu, and then how to release themselves from it.
This comprehensive methodology assured that graduates were not only combat-ready, but also possessed the strategic acumen required for various missions.
Instructors, many of whom were seasoned shinobi with battle experience, were tasked with both educating and encouraging their students.
These mentors instilled values of teamwork, perseverance, and loyalty – qualities that were deemed essential for the cohesion of a village and the success of missions. This mentor-student relationship often extended beyond the academy, shaping the personal growth and development of young shinobi.
As each generation of shinobi graduated from these academies, they were sorted into teams based on their aptitudes and skillsets.
These teams, made up of a variety of skills, were created to enhance teamwork and friendship. This dynamic enabled young shinobis to balance each other's strengths and shortcomings, reflecting the village's motto of unity and diversity.
The system of ninja academies not only provided a continual influx of talented shinobi, but also enabled the hidden villages' continued expansion and influence. The significance of these academies grew over time as techniques were developed, strategies changed, and the legacy of each village was carried on by the next generation.
In this way, the rise of hidden villages and their corresponding ninja academies represented a profound shift in the world's approach to warfare and diplomacy. No longer solely reliant on individual talents or disjointed clans, the shinobi world was now guided by institutions that nurtured the potential of young shinobi, harnessing their collective strength to usher in an era of relative stability and mutual cooperation.
✝️ ✝️
The academy's gate was bustling with people; as it was the start of a new year, many children accompanied by their families had arrived to join the academy.
Katsuo was also present, accompanied by his father, mother, and his younger brother 'Kiyoshi,' who was warmly wrapped in his mother's hug.
Before entering the academy, Katsuo was receiving a important talk from his mother.
"Listen, young man," she began, her voice a blend of sternness and concern. "I know how dedicated you are to your training, but as you start at the academy, remember not to do anything foolish. And, please, try to make some friends, alright?"
Even though Katsuo was secretly rolling his eyes, he kept his face serious and looked her in the eye. "No need to worry, Mom. I won't do anything foolish, and I'll definitely make some friends."
His father's laughter boomed forth, a soothing sound that lifted his spirits. "Empty promises won't get you very far, son," he said, a knowing grin on his face. His words were cut short when he noticed his wife's gaze. "Um.. Actually, your mother is correct. Training is important, but so is building connections."
"Right, Dad," Katsuo said with a chuckle in his voice. "I'll make sure to remember that."
✝️
Once inside the academy, we were herded onto the enormous academy grounds. It was a sight to behold - a vast area that would serve as the setting for our first step into the Shinobi world. The air hummed with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
The instructors, a mix of seasoned shinobi and educators, orchestrated the proceedings with an air of authority and guidance.
"Listen up, everyone," one of the instructors said, their voice a mix of authority and encouragement. "Each of you will be subjected to a test to assess your abilities." This exam will help us understand your strengths and areas for improvement. When the test is finished, you will be assigned to your respective classes."
As the Instructor's words sank in, everyone began to mentally prepare for the test.
The children were led in groups through a number of exercises and challenges that tested a variety of talents. They were urged to give their best in everything from basic chakra control, Kunai throwing, and taijutsu to agility drills that strained their limits. As each of them strove to demonstrate their might, the atmosphere was electrified with a mixture of determination and curiosity.
The test was not particularly tough for Katsuo and the other children of Shinobi lineage.
As previously stated, the children were divided into classes based on their ability after the test.
✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
• Info dump 😅😅
A/N: Hit me with some power stones.
✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone