Although the Caged Bird Seal prevented Haruki from using the Byakugan for extended periods, through relentless training, he had managed to extend its effective range to 700 meters. After activating it for five seconds, he no longer needed its assistance and could switch to Gentle Fist attacks directly.
His shurikenjutsu had also progressed; he could now simultaneously throw nine kunai to strike nine separate targets. He hadn't neglected his ninjutsu basics either — he could form three hand seals in a single second using the Clone Technique, Substitution Technique, and Transformation Technique, though Haruki still wasn't entirely satisfied with his speed.
More notably, with the power inherited from the Senju bloodline, his chakra reserves had significantly increased. His Byakugan could now remain active for a full ten minutes. He'd already begun practicing tree climbing with weighted gear, and his water-walking had reached the river training stage.
All in all, Haruki was pleased with his progress over the past six months.
Apart from the occasional visit from his older cousins Hiashi and Hizashi after returning from missions, Haruki spent most of his time alone. During his breaks, he explored nearly every corner of Konohagakure. Despite the wartime tension, the village remained relatively peaceful. Patrols led by red-eyed Uchiha shinobi were a common sight, but the atmosphere on the streets was still calm.
One afternoon, while Haruki was having lunch at the home of his friend Tsukimi, Hizashi came looking for him.
"Haruki, I've got some news," Hizashi said.
"What's up, big brother Hizashi?" Haruki looked up from his bowl.
"The Ninja Academy is opening enrollment. Lord Third has issued a new order — children aged five and up can now register."
"Wasn't the age limit six?" Haruki scratched his head.
"It used to be," Hizashi nodded. "But with the war escalating, Konoha's losses are mounting. The Third Hokage decided to lower the age so we don't end up with a gap in talent after the war."
"I see. I'll register then. Thanks for letting me know, big brother Hizashi," Haruki replied politely.
"Do your best. Hiashi and I are heading back to the front lines soon. Take care of yourself," Hizashi said with a nod before taking his leave.
After he left, Haruki pondered the idea of joining the Academy.
"With my current strength, I'm already at genin level. The Academy doesn't really have anything new to teach me. Still, there are people I want to meet — Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Kushina, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. I wonder if they've already graduated. Kakashi, Obito, Gai… they're probably just born or still toddlers now. I'd love to meet them all eventually."
"Besides," Haruki continued in thought, "graduating from the Academy is the official way to become a genin. That makes me a proper Konoha shinobi. Who knows what resources or opportunities the school might offer?"
With his mind made up, Haruki registered two days later.
The Academy's registration area was swamped. Clearly, many families had received the same message: in times of chaos, becoming a ninja offered a greater chance of survival — and for those with talent, status.
Children lined up to register on their own. No parents were allowed to accompany them — a deliberate test. After all, if a kid couldn't even handle registration, how could they survive as a ninja?
The crowd reminded Haruki of his previous life's college enrollment — back then, parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts would all tag along for something as simple as registration. He chuckled at the memory.
Following the procedures — health checkups, aptitude assessments, and paperwork — Haruki completed the process with ease. For a Hyuga, especially one with an active Byakugan, it was mostly a formality. That afternoon, the list of accepted students was posted. Haruki's name was on it.
On his way home, he strolled past storefronts, musing to himself:
"Maybe I'll open a clinic someday. Or a restaurant. A Szechuan-style place would be nice… Though come to think of it, Ichiraku Ramen won't open for years. I'll be around thirteen or fourteen by then, right? Man, I could really go for a bowl of Lanzhou-style beef noodles…"
His stomach growled as the craving took over.
That's when he noticed a newly opened barbecue joint along the street — its banner gleamed with the name "Barbecue Q".
"Wait, this wasn't here a few months ago. 'Barbecue Q'? Could this be that barbecue place Akimichi Choji loves?" Haruki's eyes lit up. "Heh, worth a try."
Inside, the place was packed. Smoke and the rich aroma of grilled meat wafted through the air. After a short wait, Haruki got a table. He eagerly ordered a set of meat and began grilling.
Strips of pork and beef lined the grill. Beneath them, red-hot coals radiated heat. As the fat rendered, golden juices sizzled and crackled, releasing waves of irresistible fragrance.
Haruki picked up a lightly browned slice with his chopsticks, dipped it in spicy-sweet sauce, and popped it into his mouth.
"Mmm! That's good," he nodded in approval. The meat was crispy on the outside, tender within, perfectly seasoned with a balanced kick. Each bite released a satisfying crunch, followed by savory richness that wasn't overly greasy. Haruki kept eating, thoroughly enjoying himself.
"This is delicious," he thought. "Though probably packed with calories. Hmm… maybe I should open a teppanyaki place someday. That'd be a solid second career."
Just then, three teenage boys, around thirteen or fourteen, walked in.
"Mission's done! Barbecue! I need barbecue!" shouted a plump red-haired boy with narrow eyes and a big grin. His shirt had the kanji for "food" across the belly.
Next to him, a dark-haired boy with a ponytail and silver earrings rubbed his forehead with a sigh. "So crowded. What a drag…"
Behind them, a blonde with a neatly tied ponytail looked around. "No seats left. We might have to wait a while."
"Choza, maybe we try another place?" the blonde suggested.
"No way!" Choza protested. "I can smell the meat already! I'm not giving up!" He swallowed hard, almost drooling at the scent.
The dark-haired boy — evidently the brains of the group — scanned the dining area and smirked.
"Choza, there's one table with just a kid eating alone. We can offer to share the table and pay for his meal. Win-win."
"No problem!" Choza agreed instantly. "Let's go!"
The trio made their way to Haruki's table. He had just eaten a few pieces of meat when he looked up to find three older boys staring down at him.
Haruki blinked. "No way… That's them — the legendary Ino-Shika-Cho trio from the previous generation! Akimichi Choza, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi. Man, I always liked these guys. Shikaku's smarts, Choza's warmth, Inoichi's calm strength — they all made an impression on me."
"Hey there," Inoichi said politely. "Are you alone? Mind if we share the table? Our treat."
Choza looked like he might burst from anticipation. Shikaku looked as lazy as ever.
"Sure," Haruki smiled. "The more, the merrier."
"Yes!! Barbecue!!" Choza cheered, already plopping down.
The others followed suit. Haruki flagged down the waitress and ordered more meat.
"Fifteen more plates of barbecue!" Choza shouted enthusiastically, jabbing the menu with gusto. Shikaku looked resigned.
When the meat arrived, Choza was practically on fire. His chopsticks moved at lightning speed, grilling, flipping, and eating in a flawless cycle. Haruki could barely keep up.
"Yup. Like father, like son. No wonder Choji turned into a meat-devouring machine — it's hereditary," Haruki mused. "Their personalities really match their future kids."
Though a bit embarrassed by Choza's display, neither Shikaku nor Inoichi said anything. Haruki didn't mind. When the food started running low, he ordered another round.
They were soon chatting like old friends.
"You're from the Hyuga clan, right?" Shikaku asked. "What's your name? I'm Nara Shikaku. This is Yamanaka Inoichi, and the food monster is Akimichi Choza."
"I'm Hinata Haruki, from the branch family. Just turned five. I start at the Academy soon."
"We're already chunin — same squad," Inoichi added.
Conversation flowed easily.
Choza, a true foodie, was amazed by Haruki's descriptions of dishes like kung pao chicken. Haruki even invited him over sometime to try his cooking. Choza, who didn't have many friends because of his size and appetite, was visibly touched by the kindness.
Shikaku, a strategic genius, got along well with Haruki. Though Haruki didn't know how to play shogi, he was skilled at Chinese chess, Western chess, and go. He planned to make a custom board and challenge Shikaku in the future.
Inoichi, passionate about gardening, lit up when Haruki shared his knowledge of grafting, propagation, and greenhouse cultivation. They hit it off instantly.
By the end of the meal, the four had become fast friends. They split the bill evenly (though Choza definitely ate the most), then headed out, laughing and chatting.
"I want to open a flower shop someday," Inoichi said, gazing at a storefront.
"I'll open a clinic," Haruki replied with a grin. "And I'll put your flowers next to my patients' beds — make Konoha Hospital obsolete! Oh, and I'll open a restaurant too. Choza, be a regular customer, alright?"
"Ugh… after I digest this meat… I'll be there. Kung pao chicken, mapo tofu, boiled fish…" Choza burped.
Shikaku shook his head with a groan. "You're still thinking about food? Troublesome…"
The four burst into laughter as they walked down the street.