6 Chapter 6 : Learning is Grea (1/2)

Over Kenji's first week in the academy, he absorbed any kind of knowledge he could. Even with Mr. Yuto putting his class to sleep with lectures of the first great war, Kenji attentively listened with the occasional nudge of Hansuke's shoulder to wake him up. Kenji often did this. Even though his initial reaction was angry, Hansuke learned to appreciate how much his friend cared. And speaking of friends, every single day after the ten year lecture of Mr. Yuto, the class would participate in sparring, shuriken, and kunai practice. The sparring field. This is where Hansuke and Kenji enjoyed their time the most. Upon the dismissal from the classroom, the students could never find Mr. Yuto at all. He was probably sleeping somewhere. Whatever. He looked like he needed it. Anyway, since the students assumed they were without supervision, everyone would genuinely practice what they were told for only half the allotted time. Instead of finishing, the class would gather around the center of the field which was marked by the largest oak tree within the surrounding 200 miles.

Each student wondered in anticipation what trick the two prodigies would pull out. It turns out, Kenji and Hansuke became the catalyst of acceleration for each other in terms of learning shinobi tricks. After class, the moment the boys parted from each other and joined the 'retrieval' posse, aka parents picking up their children, questions would fly.

”Mom! What else can you teach me? Hansuke showed me up today.”

”Mom! Dad! I need something to blow the socks off Kenji tomorrow.”

It didn't matter how minuscule. A new kick, a new ninjutsu, a shuriken bank shot. Whatever tricks they thought could trump each other were learn without hesitation. It not only became a contest for the two friends, but it also boosted the morale and confidence of their classmates, especially one day when the boys played their hand simultaneously. They both used the clone jutsu at the same time. Uproar continued throughout the entire session.

”If they can do that, why can't I.”

”I should ask my parents to teach me something too.”

The thoughts and desires of each and every child merged into one. The determination to become the greatest ninja possible was formed as the foundation or the cornerstone of Mr. Yuto's class.

The first week proved to be an excellent tool for Mr. Yuto as well. As the oooooo's and aaaahhhh's radiated from the center of the field, Mr. Yuto was perched along the roof of the building. Listening. And smiling.

For the second week, Mr. Yuto hastily required all students to test the nature of their chakra using traditional chakra paper.

Kenji didn't understand this. Why would the academy test for nature so quickly? Aya certainly never told him about this, but there's bound to be numerous changes since her academy days. Without any hesitation, Kenji proceeded to relish in the art of being first to volunteer for things. His teacher poked a small, square piece of paper into his students face. Kenji was used to the erratic behavior of his sensei already.