# Chapter 3: Academy Entrance
Kazuki's eyes snapped open before the first rays of sunlight touched the sky.
No alarm. No external sound. Just the internal clock he'd been training over the past six months, combined with Jarvis's subtle bio-rhythm monitoring.
**[Time: 0523 hours. Sunrise in 37 minutes. Recommendation: Begin morning routine.]**
He sat up slowly, careful not to disturb the silence of his new home. The house his parents had left him was small—just two rooms, a kitchen area, and a bathroom—but it was his. No shared barracks, no noise from other children, no caretakers checking on him.
Complete freedom. Complete isolation.
Kazuki changed into simple exercise clothes—a plain gray shirt and dark shorts—and stepped outside into the pre-dawn darkness.
The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of dew and earth. Kazuki took a deep breath, filling his lungs, and started to run.
His route took him through the residential district, past shuttered shops, along quiet streets where only the occasional early-rising merchant stirred. His footfalls were light, controlled, the product of months of training his body to move efficiently.
**[Heart rate: Optimal. Breathing: Controlled. Chakra circulation: Passive but steady. Current pace sustainable for 73 minutes before fatigue.]**
As he ran, the sky began to lighten—deep purple bleeding into soft pink and orange. The first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, illuminating Konoha in golden light.
Kazuki slowed to a stop on a hill overlooking the village, his chest rising and falling steadily. From here, he could see the Hokage Monument, the tower, the countless buildings spreading out like a living organism.
*Beautiful,* he thought, and meant it.
In his previous life, he'd lived in Tokyo—a concrete jungle choked with smog, light pollution washing out the stars, the constant hum of electricity and engines. Even the parks had been carefully manicured artificial spaces.
But this? This was different.
No factories belching smoke. No cars congesting streets. No cell towers dotting the landscape. Just trees, buildings made from wood and stone, and the natural world coexisting with human civilization.
The sky above was so clear he could still see stars fading in the dawn light. The air tasted clean. Birds sang in the trees around him.
*I died in that polluted world,* Kazuki realized. *And woke up in one where nature still breathes freely. Where the sky is still clear enough to see every star.*
**[Observation: Host's appreciation for environmental quality noted. Recommendation: Complete morning routine and prepare for Academy entrance examination.]**
Right. The exam.
Kazuki turned and ran back toward his house, his mind shifting from philosophical wonder to practical preparation.
Today, everything would begin for real.
---
By the time Kazuki arrived at the Academy, the sun had fully risen and the grounds were already crowded with children and their families.
The Ninja Academy was an impressive building—three stories of wood and stone, with a large courtyard in front where potential students gathered. A banner hung above the entrance: "Welcome, Future Shinobi of Konoha."
Kazuki stood at the edge of the crowd, observing.
**[Scanning... Approximately 200 children present. Age range: 5-8 years old. Multiple chakra signatures detected. Identifying notable individuals...]**
His eyes tracked across the sea of faces, and Jarvis highlighted several with small markers in his vision:
**[Minato Namikaze - Age 5 - Orphan - Chakra Signature: Above Average - Current Location: 15 meters northeast]**
A boy with bright yellow hair that seemed to catch the sunlight, wearing simple civilian clothes. He stood alone, watching the crowd with an expression of quiet determination.
*There he is. The future Fourth Hokage. The Yellow Flash. The man who'll die sealing the Nine-Tails.*
*Not if I can help it.*
**[Mikoto Uchiha - Age 5 - Uchiha Clan - Chakra Signature: Above Average - Current Location: 23 meters east]**
A girl with dark hair and pale skin, wearing the Uchiha clan symbol on her back. She stood with several other Uchiha children, her posture perfect, her expression composed.
*Mikoto. Future wife of Fugaku. Mother of Itachi and Sasuke. One of the massacre victims I need to save.*
**[Nawaki Senju - Age 5 - Senju Clan - Chakra Signature: High - Current Location: 31 meters northeast]**
A boy with brown hair, laughing loudly with a group of other children. Despite his young age, he carried himself with confidence—the confidence of someone from a legendary clan.
*Nawaki. Tsunade's little brother. He dies young in the war. Another tragedy to prevent.*
Kazuki committed their faces to memory—not that he needed to with Jarvis recording everything, but old habits died hard.
**[Additional notable individuals detected: 17 children from major clans (Hyuga, Aburame, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Nara, Inuzuka). Estimated average chakra capacity of all applicants: 12 units. Host current capacity: 15 units. Ranking: Upper 15%.]**
A chunin instructor stepped onto a raised platform at the front of the courtyard, his voice amplified by what Kazuki recognized as a basic sound-projection technique.
"Attention, all applicants! The entrance examination will consist of three tests: a 100-meter sprint for speed assessment, a 5-kilometer endurance run for stamina evaluation, and kunai throwing for accuracy and control. All applicants will be divided into groups of twenty. When your name is called, proceed to the designated testing area!"
The crowd murmured with excitement and nervousness. Kazuki felt neither. He'd been preparing for this. He knew what was coming.
**[Assessment: Based on host's current physical capabilities and training, estimated rankings: 100m sprint - Top 10%. Endurance run - Top 15%. Kunai throwing - Top 20% with optimization assistance.]**
"Nervous?"
Kazuki turned to find the yellow-haired boy standing next to him—Minato Namikaze, wearing a friendly smile that seemed to brighten the space around him.
"A little," Kazuki admitted, playing the part of a normal five-year-old. "You?"
"Yeah. But excited too!" Minato's grin widened. "I've been looking forward to this for months. I'm Minato, by the way. Minato Namikaze."
"Kazuki Kurogane."
They shook hands—Minato's grip was firm despite his small size, and his palm was already developing calluses from training.
*He's been practicing,* Kazuki noted. *Good. He has that drive even now.*
"Are you from the orphanage?" Minato asked, his tone casual but observant. "I saw you leaving from that direction."
"Yeah. You too?"
Minato nodded. "My parents died when I was a baby. Border conflict. I don't really remember them."
"Mine too. When I was two."
A moment of understanding passed between them—two orphans in a world at war, both trying to become strong enough to matter.
"At least we're not alone, right?" Minato said, gesturing at the crowd. "Though I guess we're competing against a lot of clan kids who've probably been training since they could walk."
Kazuki followed his gaze. The clan children were easy to spot—they wore their symbols proudly, stood in groups with their family members, and carried themselves with the confidence of those who'd never had to worry about food or shelter.
"They have advantages," Kazuki agreed. "Resources, techniques, family training. But that just means we have to work harder."
Minato's eyes lit up. "Exactly! That's what I think too! Just because they got a head start doesn't mean we can't catch up, right?"
*You'll more than catch up,* Kazuki thought. *You'll surpass almost all of them. You'll become the Fourth Hokage. You'll develop the Rasengan and master the Flying Thunder God. You'll be called a genius that only appears once in a generation.*
*But you'll also die at twenty-four, sacrificing yourself to save the village.*
"Right," Kazuki said aloud. "We just have to prove ourselves."
"Group Seven! Report to Testing Area A for the sprint evaluation!"
Kazuki's name was in Group Seven. So was Minato's.
"Looks like we're up," Minato said, his excitement palpable. "Let's show them what orphans can do!"
---
Testing Area A was a straightforward 100-meter track marked with white lines. Twenty children lined up at the starting position, some bouncing with nervous energy, others perfectly still with clan-trained discipline.
Kazuki took his position, noting who stood near him. Two Uchiha children. One Hyuga. Several civilians. And Minato, three spots to his left, practically vibrating with anticipation.
**[Analyzing competitors... Calculating optimal performance strategy...]**
*Don't go all out,* Kazuki instructed Jarvis. *I need to place well, but not so well that it draws excessive attention. Aim for top five.*
**[Acknowledged. Adjusting recommendations to achieve ranking between 2nd and 5th place.]**
"Ready..." the chunin instructor called out. "Set... GO!"
Kazuki exploded forward.
His legs pumped, arms swinging in perfect rhythm. Months of morning runs, of optimized training, of Jarvis calculating the most efficient movement patterns—it all came together in this moment.
The wind rushed past his face. The finish line approached rapidly. He could see other children flanking him—a blur of motion and color.
**[Current speed: 87% of host's maximum capability. Current position: 2nd place. First place holder: Minato Namikaze. Distance to finish: 23 meters.]**
Minato was ahead of him, moving with natural grace and speed that seemed almost effortless. His bright yellow hair streamed behind him like a banner.
*Of course he's fast,* Kazuki thought, pushing harder. *He'll eventually be called the Yellow Flash. Speed is his thing.*
Kazuki crossed the finish line in second place, his lungs burning pleasantly, his heart racing. Minato finished a full second ahead of him, and the gap to third place was nearly three seconds.
"Good race!" Minato jogged back, barely winded. "You're fast! I thought I'd be first by more."
"You're faster," Kazuki replied honestly. "That was impressive."
The other children finished straggling in. The chunin instructor recorded their times on a clipboard, his expression neutral but his eyes lingering on Minato for an extra moment.
*He's already noticed him,* Kazuki observed. *The instructors always spot the prodigies early.*
---
The 5-kilometer endurance run was less about raw speed and more about pacing and stamina management.
**[Recommendation: Maintain heart rate between 145-160 BPM. Conserve energy for final kilometer. Predicted finish position with optimal pacing: 3rd to 5th place.]**
The route took them through the Academy grounds, into the surrounding training areas, and back. Twenty children started together, but the pack quickly spread out.
Kazuki settled into a steady rhythm, letting his body find its natural pace. This was familiar territory—he'd done hundreds of morning runs over the past six months.
Minato started strong, pulling ahead early. But Kazuki noticed his pace was slightly too fast—he was burning energy he'd need later.
**[Analysis of Minato Namikaze's performance: Current pace unsustainable. Predicted fatigue at 3.7-kilometer mark. He will likely finish between 4th and 7th place if he does not adjust.]**
*He's running on enthusiasm rather than strategy,* Kazuki thought. *Natural talent but no formal training in endurance management.*
Three clan children maintained perfect pacing—their training showed in every controlled breath, every efficient stride. Kazuki matched their rhythm, running just behind them.
At the 3-kilometer mark, Minato began to slow. His breathing was ragged, his steps less certain. He glanced back, saw Kazuki, and pushed himself harder—pride overriding pragmatism.
**[Subject Minato showing signs of overexertion. Not recommended for host to emulate.]**
Kazuki maintained his pace, passing Minato at the 4-kilometer mark with an apologetic glance. The blonde boy looked frustrated but determined, gritting his teeth and forcing his legs to keep moving.
The finish line appeared. Three children ahead of Kazuki—two Uchiha and one Hyuga. He could push harder, maybe catch one of them, but...
*No. Fourth place is fine. Good but not exceptional.*
Kazuki crossed the line in fourth place, his breathing controlled, his body tired but not exhausted.
**[Endurance run complete. Performance: Above average. Chakra reserves still at 87%. Physical condition: Optimal for kunai throwing test.]**
Minato finished seventh, bent over with hands on his knees, gasping for air. But when he looked up and saw Kazuki, he still managed a thumbs-up and a grin.
*He never stops smiling,* Kazuki realized. *No matter what. That's his real strength—not his speed or talent, but his indomitable spirit.*
---
The final test was held in a dedicated throwing range. Ten targets set at various distances, each marked with scoring rings. Ten kunai per student. Maximum score: 100 points.
Kazuki had practiced throwing with makeshift wooden kunai at the orphanage, but real steel kunai had different weight, different balance. He picked one up from the provided rack, feeling its heft.
**[Scanning kunai specifications... Weight: 142 grams. Length: 21 centimeters. Balance point: 8 centimeters from handle base. Calculating optimal throwing technique...]**
A three-dimensional model appeared in Kazuki's vision, showing the ideal grip, the proper throwing motion, the trajectory needed for each target.
*This is almost like cheating,* Kazuki thought, not entirely comfortable with the advantage.
**[Correction: This is optimization based on host's physical capabilities and the tool's properties. The host must still execute the throw. The A.I. merely provides guidance.]**
Fair enough.
"You may begin!"
Kazuki picked up his first kunai, adjusted his grip based on Jarvis's recommendation, and threw.
**THUNK.**
The kunai embedded itself in the second ring from the center. 7 points.
**[Analysis complete. Adjustment needed: Release point 0.3 seconds earlier. Wrist angle: decrease by 7 degrees.]**
Second throw. Adjustment made.
**THUNK.**
Inner ring. 9 points.
**[Improved. Continue current technique with minor corrections for distance variation.]**
By his eighth throw, Kazuki had found his rhythm. The corrections became intuitive, Jarvis's guidance merging with his muscle memory.
Eighth throw: 9 points.
Ninth throw: 8 points.
Tenth throw: 10 points—dead center.
Total: 81 out of 100.
**[Performance: Above average. Ranking estimate: Top 25%.]**
Kazuki stepped back from the line, satisfied. Around him, other children were finishing their attempts. Some clan children scored in the high 80s or low 90s—clearly they'd been training for years. Civilians mostly scored between 40 and 70.
Minato stepped up to the line, his expression focused. His first throw went wide—only 4 points. His second was better—6 points. By his tenth throw, he'd scored a total of 63 points.
Not terrible, but not exceptional either.
The blonde boy looked frustrated with himself, but he still managed to smile when he rejoined Kazuki.
"You're good at this," Minato said. "81 points! That's really high for someone without formal training."
"I practiced a bit," Kazuki admitted. "You did well too."
"Not as well as I wanted." Minato glanced at the clan children with their high scores. "They make it look easy."
"They've had teachers and resources their whole lives. We've had six months, maybe less. Given that, we both did fine."
Minato's expression brightened. "You're right! And we'll only get better from here!"
*That optimism,* Kazuki thought. *That's what makes him who he is. No matter the setback, he always looks forward.*
---
All the applicants gathered in the courtyard as the sun reached its zenith. The chunin instructors had compiled the results, and now the Academy's headmaster—a stern-looking man with graying hair—stood on the platform to announce them.
"We tested 200 applicants today," the headmaster began. "Of those, 120 have been accepted into the Academy. You will be divided into four classes based on your performance: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D."
Kazuki felt his heart rate increase slightly. He knew he'd done well, but which class?
**[Probability of Class A placement: 73%. Class B: 25%. Class C: 2%.]**
"Class A represents our top performers—those who showed exceptional promise. Class B are solid performers with good potential. Classes C and D are for those who met minimum requirements but need additional foundational work."
The headmaster began reading names.
"Class A: Minato Namikaze, Kazuki Kurogane, Mikoto Uchiha, Nawaki Senju..."
Kazuki exhaled slowly. Class A. He'd made it.
More importantly, so had Minato.
*We'll be in the same class. I can build a relationship with him from day one. Establish trust. Become friends.*
The list continued—mostly clan children filled Class A, but there were a few civilians and orphans scattered among them. Thirty students total.
"Those who were not accepted, do not despair," the headmaster said once all classes were announced. "You may reapply in six months. Use that time to train and improve."
Some children burst into tears. Others stood stoically, accepting their failure. Parents comforted crying kids or lectured those who'd disappointed them.
Kazuki watched it all with detached observation, cataloging reactions, noting which families were supportive and which were harsh.
---
A murmur rippled through the crowd, and heads turned toward the Academy entrance.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, walked onto the platform.
He was younger than Kazuki had expected—only thirty-eight years old, still in his prime. He wore the traditional Hokage robes and hat, but his face was kind, his eyes sharp and intelligent.
*The Professor. The God of Shinobi. Master of all five chakra natures and both. One of the strongest ninja alive right now.*
"Congratulations to all who passed," Hiruzen said, his voice carrying easily across the silent courtyard. "You have taken your first step on the path of the shinobi. This is a proud moment."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the children.
"But I must also speak to those who did not pass today. Failure is not the end. It is merely feedback. Learn from it. Grow stronger. Return and try again. The Will of Fire does not distinguish between those who succeed immediately and those who persevere through hardship."
Several of the crying children stopped, listening intently.
"The Will of Fire teaches us that the older generation lights the flame for the younger generation. We who came before protect and guide you who come after. And when we fade, you will carry that flame forward, passing it to those who follow you."
Hiruzen's expression grew serious.
"We are currently at war. The village faces threats from outside our borders. Many of you will grow up faster than you should. You will see things children should not see. You will face dangers that no young person should face."
The courtyard was utterly silent.
"But know this: Konoha will protect you. Your teachers will guide you. Your comrades will stand beside you. And when you become strong, you will protect others in turn. This is the cycle. This is the Will of Fire."
He smiled then—warm and genuine.
"Welcome to the Ninja Academy. Make us proud."
The crowd erupted in applause. Even the children who'd failed clapped, inspired by the Hokage's words.
Kazuki clapped too, but his mind was elsewhere.
*The Will of Fire. Sacrifice for the village. The older generation protecting the younger.
But it's also a trap. How many people died believing in it? How many sacrificed themselves when they didn't have to?
Minato will die invoking the Will of Fire. So will countless others.
But maybe... maybe there's another way. That you can protect the village without throwing away your life. That sacrifice shouldn't always be the first option.
The sun was setting as Kazuki walked home, his mind full of the day's events.
He'd placed second in the sprint.
Fourth in the marathon.
Hit 81 out of 100 points in kunai throwing.
Been placed in Class A with Minato, Mikoto, and other future legends.
By any objective measure, it had been a successful day.
But as Kazuki entered his small house, closed the door behind him, and stood alone in the silence, the weight of what was coming pressed down on him.
Many of those kids today were clan children. Uchiha, Hyuga, Aburame, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Inuzuka. They all have family techniques, training from experienced ninja, resources I can't access.
Mikoto will become one of the strongest kunoichi of her generation. Nawaki has Senju blood—even if the clan is basically gone, the heritage is there.
I'm just an orphan with an AI Chip and knowledge of a future that might not even happen the way I remember.
[Assessment: Host is experiencing impostor syndrome. Counterpoint: Host has achieved 2nd stage chakra control at age 5—a feat most Academy students do not achieve until graduation. Host possesses advantages that compensate for lack of clan heritage.]
Maybe. But advantages mean nothing if I don't use them properly.
Kazuki sat on his bed, looking at his small hands—the hands of a five-year-old child.
Tomorrow, classes start. Real training begins. I'll be learning alongside the future Yellow Flash, the future Uchiha matriarch, the future Senju heir.
I can't afford to waste time. Can't afford to slack off. These six months of secret training?
That was just the foundation.
Now the real grind starts.
He thought about Minato's smile. About the clan children's confidence. About the Hokage's speech on the Will of Fire. About the 80 children who'd failed today. About the war still raging beyond the village borders.
So much to do. So many people to save. So many tragedies to prevent.
But I can't do any of it if I'm not strong enough. Power is the foundation. Everything else builds on that.
Kazuki lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
I have time. Not a lot, but some. I need to use every single day.
[Recommendation: Establish training schedule for Academy period. Prioritize chakra control advancement, combat skill development, relationship building with key individuals, and information gathering.]
Yeah. Tomorrow, I'll create a detailed plan. Tonight...
Exhaustion crashed over him—physical, mental, and emotional. The adrenaline of the day had sustained him, but now it drained away, leaving only weariness.
Tonight, I sleep. Tomorrow, I become stronger.
Kazuki closed his eyes, and despite the weight of knowledge and responsibility he carried, sleep came quickly.
In his dreams, he saw flashes of the future—
END OF CHAPTER 3
.... Don't forget the POWER STONES.