Legacy Reborn (Sasuke x RWBY Sequel)

9 - Faunus Guest

Signal Academy

The main hall buzzed with excitement as Signal Academy students crowded around the posted results, eager to see their ranks and whether they'd advanced. Chatter filled the air as students scanned the list, eyes darting over names and ranks.

In the midst of the bustling crowd, Katsuro strode past without so much as a glance at the board. His pace was calm, his gaze fixed straight ahead, cutting through the sea of students without sparing a single one a look.

"Katsuro's first again... He's been top of the class since our first year," one of the students murmured with a sigh, eyes on the posted ranks.

"Of course he is," another added, "he's the son of the national hero. Guess we should've seen it coming."

"Still, he makes the rest of us look bad..." someone else grumbled, though admiration softened their tone.

But Katsuro paid no mind to their whispers. By the time they'd begun discussing him, he'd already reached his classroom. Quiet and empty, just as he preferred it.

Settling in, Katsuro pulled a book from his bag and began reading, savoring the silence and solitude. This was his routine—quietly absorbing knowledge, always reaching for something beyond the ordinary. The calm of his own mind, uninterrupted by the noise and distractions of others, was all he wanted.

The silence broke with the soft creak of the classroom door. It was Miss Yamada, the class instructor. She entered with a knowing smile, approaching his desk.

"You've topped the ranks again, haven't you?" she remarked a hint of pride in her voice.

"As always," Katsuro replied evenly, his gaze still fixed on his book.

Miss Yamada paused, folding her arms thoughtfully. "Well, I've got a suggestion for you, Katsuro."

The words caught his attention. He finally looked up, his expression calm but curious. "A suggestion?"

She nodded, her eyes studying him. "You've consistently excelled in every class, and we instructors, along with the principal, think it's time to consider something different for you. We recommend that you take the Early Admission Trials. If you pass, you could graduate ahead of schedule and move on to higher studies much sooner than planned."

Katsuro felt a flash of intrigue, though he kept his expression steady. The idea of early graduation had never crossed his mind—if he'd known it was an option, he would have pursued it long ago.

"I'm interested," he replied, his voice betraying a spark of ambition. "When can I start?"

Miss Yamada smiled, sensing his eagerness. "The first trials begin next month. You'll face challenges in strategy and academic aptitude. It won't be easy, but if anyone can handle it, it's you."

Katsuro's gaze returned to his book, but now, a subtle energy hummed within him. This trial was just the opportunity he'd been waiting for.

"I'll be ready." He closed his book with quiet finality.

"Good," Miss Yamada replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. She had been his instructor since the very first year, watching him grow and rise above every challenge with precision and focus. Seeing him now on the brink of such a promising step forward, her pride was unmistakable.

As she turned to leave, she paused at the doorway, glancing back. "Katsuro, remember—this isn't just about testing what you know. It's about testing who you are. Don't forget that."

Katsuro met her gaze with a rare, steady look of gratitude, his determination shining clearly. "I won't."

Miss Yamada gave a final nod, knowing he was ready, before stepping out, leaving Katsuro alone once more with his thoughts—except now, those thoughts were alive with purpose, and a sense of destiny just waiting to be fulfilled.