The two-week vacation quickly passed, during which Shinra completely mastered tree climbing and water walking. Learning how to do so comfortably took a week, and doing so while being occupied with something else—like reading a book—took another.
Shinra stood shirtless in front of the mirror, looking at his clearly defined muscles. "I expected that with all that training I would end up looking like a bodybuilder, but I guess this is more effective for ninja work."
He quietly began dressing for his first day of the new academic year. 'When I looked through the library, I didn't find almost anything about fuinjutsu (sealing techniques) or medical ninjutsu. Such specialties are chosen after a shinobi graduates.
The academy is slowly running out of things to teach me. The only remaining things I need to learn are the two academy techniques, genjutsu basics, and the Body Flicker jutsu from the library.'
Shinra entered the classroom. As usual, he was the last to arrive—but this time the entire class was quietly observing him. Naturally, his fight against Ren and overtaking his rank had earned him a reputation as a talented genius.
'It does feel quite strange to have dozens of people tracking me, but I suppose this is inevitable.'
Ignoring the stares, Shinra walked to his seat by the window and calmly placed his bag down.
The students chatted about their experiences during the two-week vacation, with some of the clan kids boasting about being taught secret techniques or undergoing special training.
Reigen entered shortly after, clapping his hands once to quiet the room.
"Settle down. We'll start the lecture right away."
The lesson covered genjutsu—how to identify when you are under one, and most importantly, how to disrupt chakra flow to break free.
As the lecture progressed, a low whistling sound echoed faintly through the classroom. Reigen subtly began using genjutsu on the students, testing how long it would take them to break out. The technique was harmless, only altering small details in the environment.
'Hmm?' Shinra narrowed his eyes. 'Reigen's bandages—don't they usually cover the left side of his face? …No, it's not just Reigen.'
He glanced around. Most of the class now appeared left-handed.
'So this is a genjutsu—mirroring reality. But when did he cast it? Was it the whistle? It came from outside the classroom… did he use a shadow clone?'
Shinra quickly formed a hand sign and disrupted his chakra flow. The illusion shattered, and everything returned to normal.
Reigen noticed the movement and gave a slight nod. Most of the students, however, still looked dazed, staring blankly into the distance.
The next to break free was Hyūga Hyori, followed shortly by Uchiha Ren, Nara Shikari, and Inuzuka Inumaki.
Still, Shinra could feel Reigen's gaze linger on him from time to time.
'Usually those with heightened perception identify genjutsu faster,' Reigen thought. 'I expected the Hyūga, Uchiha, or Nara to be first—but this kid surprised me again.'
The incident Shinra had caused some time ago was kept tightly under wraps by ANBU. Even the sensory jōnin who had felt the chakra disturbance were never informed.
When the final bell rang, students began packing up noisily, conversation flooding the room once more.
"Everyone is dismissed," Reigen said, then paused. "Except Shinra. Stay behind."
The chatter faltered for a moment before resuming at a lower volume. Several students glanced back at him as they filed out, curiosity written plainly on their faces.
Shinra remained seated, expression neutral.
Once the classroom emptied and the door slid shut, Reigen turned to him.
"The Hokage wants to see you."
Shinra blinked once. "…The Hokage?"
Reigen nodded. "I'll escort you."
'So this is his decision,' Shinra thought as he stood. 'I didn't expect it to be this soon.'
Standing before the Hokage's office, Shinra felt it again—that faint pressure.
'…I'm being watched. Lately, everyone seems to enjoy observing me from the shadows. I can't complain; I've drawn too much attention to myself. Once I get my hands on the Shadow Clone Jutsu, I'll tone things down.'
The watchers were naturally the Hokage's personal guards. Reigen knocked, waiting for permission before entering.
Both Shinra and Reigen bowed respectfully. "Good evening, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen smiled lightly. "You may raise your heads."
His gaze settled on Shinra. "You must be Shinra. I've heard quite a bit about you from Reigen—talented and hardworking. A rare combination at your age."
Shinra bowed slightly deeper. "I am not worthy of such praise."
Hiruzen glanced at the Shadow Clone scroll on his desk, then back at the boy. "Tell me, Shinra—what drives you to train so relentlessly? Is it revenge for your parents?"
Shinra paused.
'So this geezer was the one spying on me these past few days. Was he really watching me for two whole weeks?
No… if it was after the exams, that would make sense—I did ask for the Shadow Clone Jutsu. But I remember being watched right after I left the hospital.'
Realization struck. 'Someone must have noticed my sensory field and reported it to him… or perhaps to Danzo.'
Hiruzen watched him patiently. 'It's good that he's thinking about his reasons. A shinobi without clarity will eventually falter.'
Shinra composed himself and shook his head. "I'm not getting stronger to avenge my parents, who were killed by the Demon Fox."
Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly. "Why? Do you not harbor hatred toward it?"
"I do blame it," Shinra replied evenly. "But the Fourth Hokage gave his life to stop the Demon Fox. In that sense, my parents were already avenged. I choose to believe in the man who protected this village with his life."
Hiruzen stared at the blue-eyed child in silence. 'At seven years old… and he already understands the cycle of hatred.'
Smiling gently, he handed Shinra the scroll. "Take it. You've earned it. I expect great things from you."
Shinra accepted it with a bow. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
"You are not to share or copy this scroll," Hiruzen said firmly. "Return it once you've learned the jutsu."
He continued, voice serious. "When a clone disperses, its memories return to you. Overuse can cause severe headaches—and potentially long-term damage. Never keep clones active while sleeping, and do not create more than one."
After ensuring his warnings were understood, Hiruzen dismissed him.
Shinra exited the office, mentally exhausted. 'The part about not harboring hatred was true, but I had to mix in some motivation behind it. If I'd said I wanted strength simply to survive, he never would've handed me that scroll.'
Back in the office, Hiruzen leaned back, lighting his pipe. "The Will of Fire within that child will burn brightly."
Unknowingly Shinra had created a deeper impression of himself in Hiruzen's eyes, but around the same time someone else with a bandaged eye who is not Reigen has set his eyes on him.