Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 10

I take my seat in the back row, from where I have a good view out the window. The sunlight gently filters through the glass, bathing the classroom in a warm glow. I look outside, letting my gaze drift over the trees that sway lightly in the wind. A slight tinge of nervousness courses through me, but I'm also eager for what's to come.

Sensei Iruka steps to the front, and his presence fills the room. With a firm voice, he begins to introduce himself. "Today, we will all introduce ourselves," he says. "State your name, your age, and what your goals as a shinobi are." He looks at each of us in turn, and I can sense that my classmates are getting slightly nervous.

The first student, Haruto Sato, stands up. He has medium-length black hair and green eyes that shine with determination. "I'm Haruto Sato, 6 years old. I want to become the best genjutsu user to control my enemies." His voice sounds confident, almost arrogant.

Next, Aiko Yamamoto stands up, a small girl with large, bright blue eyes. "I'm Aiko Yamamoto, 6 years old. I want to learn medical ninjutsu to earn a lot of money." Her words sound pragmatic, and I wonder if she really understands what it means to be a ninja.

With each student that introduces themselves, I notice that their goals are often selfish or superficial. Many just want to be the best or to gain power and fame. It seems like no one has really thought deeply about their future as shinobi. But then I realize that I'm not much different.

I've always dreamed of becoming as strong as Shisui and Itachi, but I've never really thought about why. Suddenly, I realize that I don't want to give empty words when it's my turn.

"I'm Ryota Ishikawa, 6 years old, and I want to learn powerful ninjutsu so that people will fear me," says the boy in front of me, his voice firm, but his words send a shiver down my spine. He seems serious about it.

Then it's my turn. I stand up, my hands trembling slightly, but I force myself to stay calm. I take a deep breath and look at my classmates. "I'm Yukari Uchiha, 6 years old. I want to become a shinobi who can protect the village, especially those who are dear to me. That's why I train and why I want to get stronger." My words come from deep within, and as I sit down, I feel a mix of relief and pride rising within me.

The rest of the day passes without much instruction. Instead, Sensei Iruka thoroughly explains what we can expect in the coming years at the Academy. The minutes drag on, and my thoughts keep wandering. When the bell finally rings for recess, the other children rush outside, full of energy and excitement. I, on the other hand, stay seated for a while, letting the commotion around me sink in.

"Yukari, can you come here for a moment?" I hear Iruka Sensei call. I stand up and go straight to him. "The Third Hokage wants to see you after school. Please make your way to his office after class." I nod and leave the classroom, my heart pounding with excitement.

Outside, I find a shady spot under a large tree in the schoolyard. The sun is shining warm and bright, and I sink into the grass. I take out my bento and start eating it slowly, while I turn up the music in my headphones. In the distance, I hear the laughter of the other children playing together. My eyes follow a sparring match between two older students. They're probably in their last year at the Academy, and their movements are precise, but to me, they're easy to read.

I notice that some of my classmates are watching me and whispering, but it doesn't bother me. If they have something to say, they can come to me. The break passes quickly, and when the bell rings, signaling the end, I get up and make my way back to the classroom.

The rest of the day is spent by Sensei Iruka explaining everything important about the Academy and our future training. Occasionally, I have quiet conversations with Yako and Kitsune in my mind, which helps me stay focused.

When the final bell of the day rings, I calmly pack my things. On my way out, I hear Sensei Iruka once more. "You haven't forgotten, right?" I nod and politely say goodbye.

Outside, the sun is shining, and the air is pleasantly warm. The sky is bright blue, and I enjoy the gentle breeze blowing through the village. It's a beautiful day to stroll through the streets of Konoha. "Maybe I should go for a walk later," I think, as I make my way to the Hokage's office, the anticipation of what's to come palpable in my heart.

I knock confidently on the door of the Third Hokage's office, but there's no answer. When I realize he's not there yet, I lean against the wall and wait patiently. But in my head, my thoughts are spinning in circles. Why does he want to speak with me alone? Usually, he meets with me and Shisui together to make sure we're okay. A sudden wave of panic grips me. What if he wants to tell me that something has happened to Shisui?

My thoughts are swirling wildly, and I don't even notice someone approaching until I suddenly feel a hand on my shoulder. Startled, I turn around and look directly into the gentle yet serious eyes of the Third Hokage.

"Come with me, I want to show you something," he says calmly.

I nod, but I can feel my throat tightening. "May I ask something first?" I finally manage to say.

He nods, and I can read the permission in his gaze.

"Has something happened to Shisui?" I ask, unable to hide the fear in my voice.

A gentle smile plays on his lips. "Don't worry. According to the latest report from Shisui, everything is fine. This is about something else. Please, follow me."

Relief washes over me, but the curiosity remains. I follow him through the busy streets of Konoha, and as we walk, he greets the villagers kindly, exchanging a few words with them here and there.

"Even after all these years, I'm always fascinated by how beautiful Konohagakure has become," he says finally, as we take a short break.

"Yes," I agree. "Especially on a day like this, it's particularly enjoyable to wander through the village."

He chuckles softly, and we continue on our way. Finally, we stop in front of a large house, and I look up at the impressive building.

"This is where I live," he explains. "But before we go inside, I need to tell you something important. What I'm about to show you is a great secret, known only to a few people. And it's of utmost importance that it stays that way."

I swallow nervously and then nod. "Keeping and protecting secrets is part of a shinobi's duties," I respond seriously.

He seems satisfied with my answer and opens the door. With a pounding heart, I follow him into the house, eager to see what awaits me.