The morning sun slanted across the rooftops of Konoha, painting the streets in soft gold.
For Kazuki, it was a morning unlike any other.Not because it was the start of something grand — he wasn't one for sentimental beginnings — but because it was the first time he and Azula were leaving the Uchiha compound .
The Uchiha district was… orderly. Too orderly. Straight streets, clean walls, the occasional elder glaring disapprovingly from a porch.
Outside?The village breathed differently. Messier. Louder.
And standing a few steps ahead, grinning like he'd just won the lottery, was Obito Uchiha.
"Come on, you two! You walk like old people!" he called, waving them forward.
Azula narrowed her eyes. "Obito, we're perfectly capable of keeping pace. Unlike you, we don't have to burn energy to look excited."
Kazuki smirked. "He's overcompensating. This is probably the highlight of his week."
"Month," Azula corrected.
Obito spun around and walked backward so he could grin at them both. "Laugh all you want — but I'm about to become the greatest Hokage in history! You'll be bragging you knew me before I was famous."
Kazuki rolled his eyes. Hokage? From the Uchiha? That's about as likely as Danzo giving free hugs. But he kept that thought to himself — for now.
First Sight of the Academy
The Ninja Academy wasn't nearly as imposing as Kazuki had imagined.Two stories, pale wood, wide windows. The smell of chalk and floor polish drifted out as they stepped through the main gates. The noise hit next — dozens of kids shouting, laughing, running past with wooden kunai in hand.
Azula's gaze darted from one detail to another, her expression unreadable. "So… this is it."
"Careful," Kazuki said dryly. "If you breathe too much of this air, you might lose your edge."
She gave him a sidelong look that promised retribution later.
They passed classroom after classroom, the sounds of teachers shouting over chattering students echoing down the halls. Kazuki's eyes flicked over every door and window, mentally noting:
Three exits per hallway.
Two stairwells on each end.
Every window on the first floor large enough for a quick escape.
Old habits, he thought. Growing up Uchiha means memorizing escape routes before you even sit down.
When they reached the last door at the end of the hall, Obito didn't knock.He slammed it open like a dramatic stage entrance.
"Class 1-A! Your future Hokage has arrived!"
Half the class turned to stare. The other half didn't even bother.
Kazuki stepped in behind him, letting his gaze sweep the room — and froze for a heartbeat.
Kakashi Hatake sat in the second row, head propped lazily on one hand, mask hiding the lower half of his face.
That mask… I will see what's under it. Even if it's the last thing I do.
Might Guy sat two seats away, radiating pure unfiltered energy. That haircut, that grin, the… enthusiasm.
Wait — wasn't this guy rejected once? Did they just… let him in when no one was looking?
Asuma Sarutobi was in the back, slouched so low in his chair it was a miracle he hadn't slid off.
That's the man who somehow lands Kurenai? What did he use — hypnosis? Bribery? Blackmail?
Kurenai Yūhi sat primly near the front, bright red eyes framed by dark hair, every movement graceful even at six years old.
Yep. You can already tell the cake will be delicious when baked. Still… Asuma? Really?
Hayate Gekkō was pale and looked like he might cough himself into unconsciousness at any second.
How did he survive long enough to date Yugao? That's sheer stubbornness.
Yugao Uzuki, sitting beside him, had a neat ponytail of deep purple hair.
Purple hair. Automatically winning points.
Rin Nohara sat just behind Kurenai, posture neat, hands folded on her desk.
She looked like the type who'd volunteer for everything — class rep, clean-up duty, rescue missions. Probably carries a medical kit in her backpack
Iruka Umino was smiling politely at everyone, posture straight.
Future teacher material right there. Guess I should be nice — he's probably going to teach some protagonist brat later.
And in the back corner: Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki, whispering like bouncers at a secret club, while Genma Shiranui lazily chewed on a senbon.
The gatekeepers of Konoha's future social life, apparently.
Their teacher stepped in then — tall, sharp-eyed, with the Sarutobi clan crest on his flak jacket. "Alright, settle down. I'm Sarutobi Shin, your instructor for the year. Let's start with introductions."
Before he could call a name, Obito shot up like a rocket. "Obito Uchiha! Future Hokage! You'll all remember this day when I'm the one protecting the village!"
Murmurs and a few chuckles rippled through the room. Kakashi didn't even bother looking up.
Next came Azula. She stood, voice cool and clipped. "Azula Uchiha. Don't get in my way."
Then Kazuki's turn. He stood slowly, gaze sweeping the class. "Kazuki Uchiha."A pause. Then, with the faintest smirk: "I'm here to see how interesting you can all make my year."
Then came Kakashi Hatake. The boy stood lazily, hands in his pockets."Kakashi Hatake. I plan to be a shinobi like my father, Sakumo Hatake."
Kazuki tilted his head. Sakumo Hatake — the White Fang. His suicide in cannon was surrounded by rumors, conspiracy theories and fan theories . Some say betrayal, others say politics. I should keep an ear open for news. Kakashi's can be a good rival but still seeing him without 'Make Out Paradise' is weird .
Might Guy practically leapt out of his seat. "Might Guy! I will become the strongest shinobi in the world!"
Strongest, huh? Given what I've read in the cannon… he did actually pull it off though in taijutsu. Even Madara acknowledged him — and Madara doesn't acknowledge anyone.
Kurenai Yūhi rose gracefully. "Kurenai Yūhi. I want to be a strong kunoichi like Lady Tsunade."
Kazuki's lips twitched. Tsunade, huh? Ambitious. She'll never hit that bust size though. Not without chakra-enhanced… never mind.
Asuma Sarutobi was next, posture slouched. "Asuma Sarutobi. I'm going to be Hokage one day."
Kazuki barely stopped himself from laughing. Nepotism at its finest. Your dad's the current Hokage, so of course you think the job's up for grabs.
Hayate Gekkō stood slowly, looking like a stiff breeze might knock him over. "Hayate Gekkō. I just… want to serve the village."
You'll serve it alright. Just try not to cough yourself into an early grave.
Yugao Uzuki followed, voice steady. "Yugao Uzuki. I want to protect those I care about."
Kazuki noted the purple hair. Points for style. And somehow, she'll end up with Hayate. Mystery of the century.
Then Rin Nohara stood, offering a polite smile. "Rin Nohara. I want to be a skilled medic-nin and help my teammates."
Medic-nin Kazuki thought. Still… might be useful to have around. If I ever break an arm, she can patch me up before Obito starts crying about it.
Iruka Umino stood next, smile warm. "Iruka Umino. I want to be a teacher someday."
Kazuki nodded slightly. Future academy teacher material. In another decade, he'll probably be standing where Shin is now.
Kotetsu Hagane grinned. "Kotetsu Hagane! I'll guard the village better than anyone!"Izumo Kamizuki immediately followed: "Izumo Kamizuki! I'll be right there with him!"
Kazuki raised an eyebrow. Ah yes, the legendary gatekeepers. Hope they learn to tell friend from foe.
Genma Shiranui stood lazily, senbon in his mouth. "Genma Shiranui. I'm here for the paycheck."
Kazuki smirked. Honest. I can respect that.
As the rest of the students introduced themselves, Kazuki let his thoughts wander.
So this is the lineup. The so-called future elite of the village… and a few who look like they wandered in by accident.
He glanced at Obito, who was still grinning like the world's most optimistic idiot. Hokage, huh? The village will never make an Uchiha Hokage — the top brass is too paranoid. It's almost funny watching him dream. Almost. Maybe I should help him, just for the chaos it would cause.
When introductions wrapped, Shin began explaining the Academy's training schedule. Kazuki tuned out most of it.
By the time the bell rang for lunch, Obito was already on his feet. "Come on! Let's check out the training field!"
As they stepped into the hallway, Kakashi passed by, hands in his pockets. Kazuki matched his pace for a second.
"What's under the mask?" he asked casually.
Kakashi didn't even slow down. "Wouldn't you like to know."
Challenge accepted, Kazuki thought.
Outside, Might Guy was doing push-ups with one hand, shouting about the flames of youth.
"Does he ever stop?" Azula asked.
Kazuki shook his head. "Not unless someone pours water on him."
And as they left the grounds, Kazuki cast one last look back at the Academy.
Yeah… this is going to be interesting.