Time in the Tang household moved gently, measured by familiar sounds—the forge's ringing heartbeat, Tenten's energetic shouts from the yard, and the soft, steady steps of Tang San learning the world around him.
Nothing felt rushed.
Nothing felt strange.
But some things changed quietly.
⸻
A Few Months Later
Tang San sat beneath the porch roof, a wooden practice dagger resting across his knees. Afternoon light warmed the yard, where Tenten—loud as ever—was wrestling with a training post she had declared her childhood rival.
He wasn't training.
He wasn't concentrating on anything in particular.
He was simply… breathing.
Then something shifted inside him.
Not chakra.
Not natural energy.
Just the normal maturation of a young mind whose spiritual strength was naturally high.
A quiet clarity settled over him.
And then—
Memories flickered.
Not in a rush—
not dramatic—
just flashes.
A deep courtyard shrouded by night.
A fight in darkness.
Hidden weapons flickering like cold stars.
A confrontation he hadn't expected.
A blade—
a decisive strike—
and his life ending not from accident or weakness,
but from betrayal
and purpose.
The fragments settled in his chest like stones dropped into still water.
Tang San's small hands closed around the wooden dagger.
His breathing stayed even.
The Tang Sect.
Hidden weapons.
Mysterious Heaven Skill.
Pieces of his old life, sharp and undeniable, yet softened by the quiet rhythm of his new home.
He did not panic.
He did not cry.
He simply accepted the truth as it returned—naturally, as part of growing into himself.
When his mother called for him moments later, he stood up and followed her inside.
Outside, nothing had changed.
Inside, he understood himself a little more.
⸻
Two Years Later — Age 6
Tenten had started the ninja academy the previous year, proudly dragging her new schoolbag around the house every morning as if it were a sacred relic.
Every evening she returned bursting with stories:
"I threw the straightest kunai!"
"I beat three kids in obstacle running!"
"San, you HAVE to get into the academy soon so I can show off my cool little brother!"
Tang San listened quietly, a soft smile sometimes tugging at his lips.
Their father continued training them slowly, focusing on discipline, balance, and proper handling of tools. Their mother kept the home warm, always watching her children grow with gentle eyes.
Tang San never showed anything extraordinary.
He learned quickly—but within believable limits.
He forged small tools with good instincts—but nothing beyond what a sharp child might grasp.
His spiritual strength grew in the background—naturally, quietly, without anyone noticing.
He practiced little bits of Mysterious Heaven Skill only in the calm of early mornings or before sleep, never drawing attention.
And piece by piece, his memories of his old life blended with his new one seamlessly.
⸻
Ninja Academy Entrance
The morning the new student cohort was to begin, Konoha was lively.
Children hurried around in fresh clothes.
Parents fussed.
Vendors set up early for the rush.
The Tang house, as always, was calmer.
Tang San stepped out of his room dressed neatly, nothing dramatic or flashy—just a six-year-old ready to start school.
Tenten bounded over, already in her own academy uniform.
"San! Today is your first day! You're going to love it!"
Then she paused dramatically.
"But don't expect to catch up to me. I'm already a veteran."
"You started last year," he reminded gently.
"Exactly. I have experience."
Their parents smiled at their familiar bickering.
Their father adjusted Tang San's collar.
"Be respectful to your instructors. Learn steadily. Don't rush."
Their mother brushed dust off his sleeves.
"And have fun. You'll make friends."
Tenten grabbed his arm eagerly.
"Come on! We'll walk together—big sister leading the way!"
Tang San followed her toward the village, steps small and steady, heart calm.
He didn't feel nervous.
He didn't feel special.
He simply felt ready.
Ready to begin this world's path properly.
Ready to grow at his own pace.
Ready to live this life—
with memory and purpose,
but without haste.
The academy gates came into view.
And Tang San took his first step forward.
⸻