Chapter 7 – Shadows Behind the Moonlight
That night, after the cloaked figure disappeared, Kazuki Akihiro walked slowly toward his home. His feet moved, but his mind was still left behind at the exam grounds. That shadow, that gaze—it was as if it pierced into his soul.
Kazuki (in his heart):
"Why do I feel… that person knows who I really am? There's no way he's just some ordinary bystander. Could it be… he knows I'm not truly part of this world?"
Kazuki stopped walking. The night wind blew, leaves trembled, and the sound of crickets seemed to laugh at his hesitation. He clenched his forehead protector, still empty without a symbol.
Kazuki:
"The genin exam… might only be the beginning. But am I ready to face something beyond just the Exam…?"
---
The Next Morning – Konoha Village
The village was lively again. The market was crowded, the aroma of dango and takoyaki drifted from the small stalls. Kazuki stood in front of a dango shop, his stomach growling.
Kazuki:
"If I keep thinking about that shadow, I'll go crazy. Better… fill my stomach first."
Suddenly, someone patted his shoulder.
Kiba: "Oi, Kazuki! Don't be so tense! We already passed the preliminary stage! You should be happy, not sulking like someone heartbroken."
Kazuki just turned, finding Kiba with Akamaru on his head.
Kazuki: "I'm not sulking. I'm just… thinking."
Kiba: "Thinking? Hahaha! That's not a ninja's style, bro. A ninja must act right away! Right, Akamaru?"
"Woof!" Akamaru barked softly, as if in agreement.
Kazuki only sighed while giving a faint smile.
Not long after, Hinata appeared from the opposite direction. Her face immediately turned red upon seeing Kazuki.
Hinata: "A-ah… Ka-Kazuki-kun… Morning…"
Kazuki (smiling gently):
"Morning, Hinata. Are you okay after yesterday's exam?"
Hinata lowered her head, her index fingers touching each other.
"U-um… yes. Th-thank you… for protecting me in the arena yesterday."
Kazuki was slightly taken aback. There was a sincerity in Hinata's eyes that was hard to explain. As he was about to answer, suddenly a loud voice cut through the moment.
Ino: "Hiiinataaaa! Don't be so nervous, you shy girl! If you want to be close to Kazuki, just say it!"
Sakura, who happened to be walking behind, quickly chimed in.
Sakura: "Huh, don't be ridiculous, Ino. Besides… weren't you also dazzled when Kazuki managed to pull off the perfect bunshin no jutsu yesterday?"
Ino panicked, her face flushing red.
Ino: "Huh?! I-I was just impressed! That doesn't mean I like him!"
Kazuki just stood in the middle of them, his face full of confusion.
Kazuki (in his heart):
"Oh my… Is this the beginning of something like… ***? This world really loves to mess with me."
---
At the Academy – Announcement Day
Iruka stood before the students.
Iruka: "Alright, everyone. The results of the preliminary exam are out. Those of you who passed will soon be placed into genin teams, and will receive your first mission. Remember, becoming genin is not the end—but the beginning of your journey."
The students immediately whispered to each other with excitement.
Iruka opened the list.
Iruka: "Team 7… Kazuki Akihiro, Hinata Hyuuga, and Shikamaru Nara."
Kazuki was slightly surprised.
Kazuki (in his heart):
"The same team as in the simulation yesterday. Looks like this was already decided…"
Hinata lowered her head with a red face. Shikamaru just observed.
Shikamaru: "Haaah… what a drag. But with the two of you, maybe I can relax a little."
Kazuki glanced at Shikamaru.
Kazuki (in his heart): "A truly laid-back person…"
Shikamaru just shrugged.
Shikamaru: "Better to save energy. But if serious trouble comes, I'll move."
---
Night – Reflection
Kazuki sat alone on the rooftop of his house, gazing at the moon. He held his empty forehead protector, the silver light of the moon making it gleam faintly.
Kazuki (in his heart):
"Tomorrow I will begin my first mission as a genin. But… who is that cloaked figure? Will he appear again? Or maybe… he's waiting for me to let my guard down?"
The night wind blew again. For some reason, Kazuki felt the moon that night was colder than usual.
From a distance, in the shadow of the trees, those pair of eyes appeared again. Watching. Waiting.
Kazuki closed his eyes, then whispered.
Kazuki: "If you really are following me… then hurry and show yourself. I will not run."
But that shadow remained silent, as if playing with its existence.
Kazuki gripped his forehead protector tightly.
"This is only the beginning. I must be strong… to protect the people around me. I can no longer just be a spectator in this world."
The moon shone brightly, but the shadow that watched him grew darker—signaling that Kazuki's journey was only truly about to begin.
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TO BE CONTINUED....