Naruto: Power in Play

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

"The Ninja Academy, a cornerstone of the village's legacy, was envisioned and brought to life by the visionary Second Hokage in the year 388. A hallowed institution that has borne witness to the meteoric ascent of countless prodigies and adept shinobi throughout its storied existence. More than just a place of instruction, it is the very cradle of Leaf Village's indomitable ninja tradition. The root of Konoha."

Ando's eyes traced the grand words etched alongside the gate. They stood as a testament to the village's commitment to education, growth, and the cultivation of its future defenders.

At the front, the caretaker responsible for escorting them to the academy walked to the gates after instructing them to stay back. A ninja in a dark green flak jacket welcomed the matron with a light smile.

Mihara Iwao [Level ?]

Age ?

The man exuded a strong presence. Clad in a modest sleeveless shirt beneath his rugged flak jacket, his muscled arms were boldly displayed. His leaf headband shone on his left arm. He had a calm and focused demeanor. An occasional flicker in his gaze, directed toward the orphans and his surroundings as he conversed with the caretaker, revealed his cautious nature.

It wasn't the first time Ando had seen a ninja outside the orphanage, but he never felt disappointed by them. Their demeanor, posture, and energy were just something he was not used to. In this regard, for once, Ando had the same reaction as his peers. They were all fascinated by the ninjas.

The discussion between the matron and the ninja was short. In a few moments, the children were led through the academy gates.

Once inside, Ando's jaw unconsciously slackened. The sight before him left Ando in awe.

The academy sprawled out grandly, far larger than he had ever anticipated. As he stepped into the open court, his senses were overwhelmed by a symphony of sights and sounds. The expanse gave the illusion of stretching beyond the horizon. In one corner, he spotted intricate obstacle courses designed to challenge both body and mind, while in another, dedicated taijutsu practice fields echoed with the rhythmic sounds of training.

The dormitory buildings stood tall and proud, towering over the grounds, while the school buildings remained still and quiet, as if holding their breath, waiting for the rush of students to fill their halls with energy. Further away, a few buildings seemed more official, likely reserved for the staff.

Ando couldn't help but compare this impressive sight to the fictional scenes he had seen in anime. The academy here was a real symbol of hard work and purpose, its wide layout showing just how serious the training inside really was. It fit perfectly with the military village theme, where neglecting the place where the future soldiers were going to be groomed was just stupid.

He was impressed, failing to school his features. But he was not the only one. Glancing toward the group of orphans standing nearby, he noticed their wide eyes, agape mouths, and faces illuminated by a mixture of astonishment and delight.

"Don't be too shocked yet. There is more to come." The voice of the caretaker accompanying them roused them from their trance, and the group started moving again.

As they toured the place, they met a few students who lived on the campus. And Ando took the time to observe as many people as he could to get a read on the general level of the people around.

After the tour, they were brought to the green building in the middle of the academy. The administration office was managed by chunins. Their tour guide, Mihara Iwao, walked inside and then came back with two additional chunin, each carrying a set of scrolls clutched securely in their hands.