Naruto: Shinobi Rekindled

[jaybay23911]

The boy stirred to consciousness, feeling the slick sweat coating his skin. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't pry open his heavy lids. He was trapped in his own body, the fragments of his memory a jumbled mess. All he could remember was the pain, the accident, and the darkness. 'What the?' Overcome by confusion and disorientation. He couldn't recall a single detail from his past and it was maddening. He needed to find answers fast before it was too late.

His numb fingers wouldn't respond as he tried to move them. He could hear muffled voices in the distance and he strained to listen. With a surge of panic, he realized he couldn't get up. He was trapped, both physically and mentally. 'Shit, what the hell is going on?' he thought in desperation, trying to regain control of his body. But he didn't know how, and he lay there, helpless and alone, waiting for someone to come to his aid.

His mind raced with questions, wondering how he had ended up in this dark room. Was he kidnapped? Was he in a hospital? 'It's got to be a hospital, right?' he tried to reassure himself, but his voice came out as a whisper. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths, trying to calm himself, knowing he needed to gather information and figure out where he was. But even moving was out of reach.

The sound of a door opening and footsteps approached, and he opened his eyes to see a blurry figure standing over him. The figure spoke, but the words were indistinct. He tried to respond, but all he could manage was a weak groan. The figure seemed to understand, and a wave of soft sensation flowed through his body, bringing a sense of relief. He had no idea what had just happened, but he felt grateful to the figure, whoever they were. Was he a doctor? He waited for the figure to speak again, hopeful his injury wasn't debilitating, but also unease at the unknown surroundings and situation. 'Jesus Christ, what was that? Who is this person?' He had no idea what was going on.

The figure spoke again, and this time he could make out some of the words. "Don't move," the figure said, "you've been in an accident." His heart sank as he realized the extent of his injuries. He closed his eyes, feeling overwhelmed and trying to gather his thoughts. 'Goddamnit,' he muttered to himself, 'I need to stay strong.'

The figure reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You're going to be okay," they said, "we're taking care of you." He tried to speak, to thank the figure, but his voice was still weak. "Can you understand me?" the figure asked, and he managed a weak nod. "Good," the figure said, "I'm Doctor Kim, you're in the hospital. You've been in an accident and you've been unconscious for a few days."

He was relieved to know he was in a hospital, but also concerned as he couldn't remember the accident. He lay there, his mind racing with questions, but he knew he needed to focus on recovery first. 'How the hell did this happen? One second I was doing... Wait what was I doing?'

Doctor Kim noticed his confusion and continued, "Don't worry, we'll explain everything soon. Right now, you need to rest and let your body heal." He was left with more questions than answers, but he knew he had to trust the doctor and focus on recovery. He closed his eyes again, taking deep breaths and trying to relax. 'Alright, I'll get through this,' as his body relaxed and he fell asleep.



He stirred and groaned, his eyes slowly opened and he was able to focus his vision. A nurse hovered above him, conducting a thorough check of his condition. Although her lips were moving, he couldn't make out her words as he struggled to orient himself in this unfamiliar place. The strange symbols etched into the walls caught his eye, filling him with a sense of bewilderment and disbelief. He shook his head, attempting to clear his mind and bring himself back to the present moment.

As he scanned the area, he was startled to see people garbed in peculiar uniforms that closely resembled those from an anime series he had watched in his adolescence. 'Cosplayers?' he thought, feeling increasingly uneasy. He couldn't help but wonder how he had wound up in this bizarre setting and what on earth was transpiring. 'Why would there be cosplayers in a hospital?'

The muffled voices from outside the room caught his attention, and he realized that the language being spoken was a mixture of Japanese and an unfamiliar tongue. He took in his surroundings and observed that everyone in the hallway had distinct Asian features and unusual hairstyles. The notion that he was in some sort of cosplay gathering or an eccentric Asian hospital refused to leave him. 'What the hell is going on? Where am I.' Frustration and confusion warring within him. He couldn't help but question how he had ended up in this strange situation and what was happening.
Trying to piece together memories of his past, but try as he might, he couldn't recall the details of the accident that had brought him here. It was all a hazy blur. The aches and pains in his body reminded him that this was all too real, though, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was all just a dream.

The nurse finally gained his attention, detailing his situation and the extent of his injuries. He had been inflicted numerous fractures and internal wounds, but with proper care and rest, a complete recovery was assured. He acknowledged her words with a nod, grateful to be alive and eager to uncover the truth about what had happened to him.

With a sudden twist of his body, his gaze met the reflection of a young boy in the mirror. The child, who appeared to be around three or four years of age, possessed distinct Asian features: fair skin, shaggy brown hair, and piercing blue eyes. 'What the hell? Why can't I see myself? Who the hell is this kid?' He frantically searched for his own reflection, but no matter how hard he tried, all he could see was the young child staring back at him. Confusion clouded his mind as he struggled to make sense of the strange scene, but before he could grasp what was happening, a migraine unlike any other pounded his brain, memories flooding in a dizzying rush. The world around him vanished into darkness.



As consciousness slowly returned, a nagging sense of unease gnawed at him. The memories flooding his mind were not his own, but rather those of a three-year-old boy. He surveyed his surroundings, struggling to reorient himself, when the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He was no longer on Earth. Instead, he found himself trapped in the body of a confused and disoriented toddler.

'Shit, shit, shit!' He swore, his thoughts spiraling out of control. 'What the hell is happening?' He vividly recalled the bizarre symbols, the individuals in unconventional uniforms, and the unknown language. The pieces fell into place as he comprehended that he was not in a cosplay event or an Asian hospital, but in a wholly separate dimension. He struggled to grasp how or why he had been transported there, confined in a child's body, burdened with memories of a previous life that felt like a distant dream. 'Is this a coma or have I truly been transported to another dimension?' he wondered in disbelief.

'Have I lost my mind?' he ruminated as he feigned sleep. His thoughts were in a state of chaos, inundated with memories and experiences that felt like they belonged to someone else. He was unable to comprehend how he had ended up in the body of a child, in a world that was both familiar and foreign. 'Is this a nightmare, a coma, or have I truly been transported?' he questioned, grappling with the inconceivable. He had to proceed with caution, maintaining the guise of a child and concealing his true identity.

As the door creaked open and a woman entered the room, he muttered the name 'Kenji' to himself, realizing that it was his current identity. 'I need to unravel what the hell is happening, and fast,' he thought, fortifying himself for the unknown. Prepared to adopt the role of a child in this strange and foreign world.

As the woman approached Kenji, her aura exuded a nurturing warmth, and her touch was gentle. Kenji feigned awakening, his eyes locking onto her for the first time. She was a vision of beauty, with a petite frame, delicate features, and slender build. Her jet-black hair was tied in a bun, with a few strands framing her face. Her dark eyes held a depth of wisdom that defied description. Despite her small stature, she carried herself with a grace and poise that was otherworldly, radiating a strength that commanded respect.

The realization that she was going to be his mother, while he was trapped in the body of a three-year-old, both exhilarated and frightened him. The woman smiled at him and began to speak, checking in on his condition. Kenji returned her smile and nodded, pretending to be on the road to recovery. She helped him sit up and offered him a plate of food, which he eagerly accepted. The flavors were strange and unfamiliar, but he was resolved to enjoy them nonetheless. He listened intently as the woman spoke, sharing stories of her day.

While she spoke, Kenji's gaze drifted to the nurse, studying her features. This time, he noticed the symbol on her headband, a leaf, that seemed familiar but he couldn't quite place where he'd seen it before. The significance of the symbol nagged at him, but he couldn't put his finger on why. 'What the fuck is going on?' Kenji cursed in his mind, trying to process the situation through a child's limited understanding. He peered up at the woman looming over him, who was his mother. "Mom, where are we?" he croaked, his voice barely audible.

His mother's eyes glistened with tears as she cupped his face with a gentle hand. "You're in the hospital, baby. Everything's going to be okay," she reassured him in a soft voice.

"No, Mom, that's not what I mean," Kenji pressed, feeling increasingly anxious. "What's the name of this place?"

"We're at the Konoha Hospital, sweetheart," his mother answered, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.

'Konoha? What the hell is that?' His mind racing with confusion. 'I don't recognize this place,' frustration building within him. "Mom, what place is this?"

"Konohagakure no Sato, Kenji," his mother replied, her voice trembling with emotion. "You were in a terrible accident and we found you badly hurt in an alleyway with Rina. You've been in a coma for a few days, but you're okay now. I'm just so glad you're awake." She hugged him tightly, tears rolling down her cheeks as she struggled to keep her composure.

'Konohagakure no Sato? Something about a leaf? And hidden?' Kenji's mind was buzzing with questions. He couldn't shake the image of a symbol on the nurse's headband, something that looked eerily familiar to him. 'It looks like something out of an anime,' the absurdity of it all hitting him. 'Is this some twisted joke? Am I living in a fucking anime world?'

Despite his burning questions, his mother urged him to rest and get some sleep. Lying there, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and environments, Kenji couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had taken hold of him. He couldn't help but wonder what the hell was going on, and if he was trapped in some sort of alternate reality. 'Please, God, tell me this isn't real,' he prayed silently.

---

A/N

"Goddamn it," I thought to myself, "here I am, a greenhorn scribbler trying to make my mark in this world, and what do I do? I choose to dive into the deep end with a Naruto fan fiction. But hey, what the hell, might as well go all in, right?"

I welcomed feedback with open arms, positive, negative, neutral, I didn't give care. I just wanted to improve, to make my mark on the world of writing. "So, let's hear it," I thought, "lay it on me. Tell me how I can get better, how I can take my pen and carve my name into the annals of literary history."

But as much as I was prepared to take the heat, I couldn't shake the nagging fear at the back of my mind. "Don't sue me," I thought, "for Christ's sake, don't sue me. I don't own this IP, I'm just trying to pay homage to the masterpiece that is Naruto. So, please, have a heart, and let a struggling writer live."

 

[jaybay23911]

Kenji lay in his hospital bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, grappling with the shock of his new reality. He found himself in a world of ninjas and magic, a place that seemed like some twisted joke.

'What the hell! Come on, let this be a paradise, a peaceful haven,' he swore to himself, trying to make sense of the confusion and fear that consumed him. How had he ended up here? Was he part of some sick game?

He struggled to recall his past life, but all he could muster were hazy, fragmented memories that refused to come into focus. The only thing that was crystal clear was the accident, the blazing pain, and the darkness that had consumed him.

"Shit," he whispered, feeling a knot form in his throat. 'What happened to me? What happened to my life?'

His past felt like a distant dream, slipping further and further away with each passing moment. He felt a deep sense of loss, of grief, of being ripped away from everything he knew and loved. He was a stranger in this strange world, feeling lost and alone.

"I need to cling to something," he whispered, as he searched within himself. 'I need to find my place in this world and make sense of the events that have transpired.'

Fueled by a strong will, he resolved to make the most of his one-way journey to this alternate reality. A traveler in uncharted territory, he would face obstacles that were foreign and unknown. But with unwavering determination, he vowed to not only endure, but to flourish and create a fulfilling life in this strange new world.

'Screw it,' he declared with resolute determination. 'I'll make this work, no matter how strange or unwelcoming this environment may be.'

With a sense of purpose, Kenji set off to face the challenges that lay ahead, determined to turn his one-way ticket into a journey of survival and success.

Kenji's eyes snapped open, he gazed around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings with a sense of unease. His mother sat at his bedside, her eyes filled with love, but also with a hint of something Kenji couldn't quite identify.

"Sweetie," his mother spoke, her voice soft and filled with reassurance, "it's going to be alright. Mama's here for you."

Kenji tried to respond, but he realised the words that came out of his mouth were jumbled, like a language he'd never heard before. He tried again, but the same garbled sounds escaped his lips.

'Jesus Christ,' frustration building within him. 'What the hell is going on?'

Despite his garbled speech, his mother seemed to understand. She nodded, reaching out to stroke his hair with a gentle touch.

"Don't worry," she whispered. "You've been through a lot. You'll be back home soon."

Kenji nodded, even as his mind was filled with uncertainty about this world. He took comfort in this woman's touch, a familiar feeling that brought a measure of calm to his tumultuous thoughts. He knew he had to face this new reality head-on, no matter how difficult it may seem.

With a deep sigh, Kenji closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift off to sleep, ready to tackle whatever lay ahead.



Waking up, he looked around the room, the child's mother or anyone not to be seen. He lay there, the weight of his new reality settling in. Trying to make sense of the memories that lingered in his mind, memories of a life that no longer belonged to him. But he pushed them aside, determination setting in. He was a soldier, and he was ready to march into battle.

'No more moping around,' he said to himself, his voice firm. 'Time to step up and make the best of this new life.'

Kenji knew he was in a bind. He had been taken over by a being from another world and was now living in the body of a child. This knowledge was a heavy burden, one that he couldn't bear to share with anyone. He was acutely aware of the consequences of revealing his true identity. People would see him as a monster, a spy, a creature to be locked up and studied for his secrets. He couldn't allow that to happen.

So, Kenji made a vow to himself: he would keep his guard up, be careful, and trust no one with his secrets. He couldn't let his true identity be exposed, no matter what.

"Fucking hell," Kenji muttered quietly under his breath. "I've got to play it cool, keep my head down, and never let anyone suspect a thing." He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. 'I can do this. I have to.' Slapping his hands on his legs. "Alright let's look around."



Steeling himself, Kenji swung his legs over the side of the bed and hoisted himself up, every muscle in his body protesting at the sudden movement. He took a deep breath and braced himself, his hand still clutching the bedpost for support. This was it, the moment of truth. He was going to start exploring this strange new place, like a fearless adventurer venturing into uncharted territories.

Cautiously, he made his way to the door of his room and peeked out into the bustling hallway. Nurses and patients bustled back and forth, their voices and footsteps echoing off the sterile walls. Kenji felt a mix of nerves and excitement as he took in his surroundings, like a traveler in a foreign land.

But he couldn't let on that he was any different from the other patients, so he decided to play it cool and keep a low profile. He would observe and learn as much as possible, without drawing unwanted attention to himself. He would act the part of a child, blending in with the rest of the patients and keeping his guard up at all times.

Kenji strode through the hospital, his eyes taking in his surroundings. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, and it wasn't just the strange ninja-inspired uniforms that he saw everywhere.

"What the?" he muttered to himself as he gazed at the crowd. 'These uniforms look like they're straight out of ancient eastern culture, but with a modern twist. And what's with all these people with different hair colors? This place is getting weirder by the minute.'

He continued to take in his surroundings, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. The hospital was a mix of the familiar and the strange, and Kenji couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something important.

'Okay, let's focus,' he said to himself while looking around. 'I need to figure out where I am and if I am in cartoon world. And fast. Hope it's something completely new.'

As he made his way down the hallway, he couldn't help but overhear a hushed conversation between two other patients. "I heard that the Hokage is visiting today," one of them said, their voice low and conspiratorial. "I hope I get to meet him," the other replied. Kenji's curiosity was piqued. He'd heard the name Hokage before, but he couldn't quite figure it out. He didn't remember what it meant, like a word on the tip of his tongue. 'Shit that sounds familiar, okay let's assume cartoon world, fuck! It's been almost a decade since I used to watch cartoons, which cartoon was it again? Bleach maybe, Fullmetal Alchemist…uh probably not, Naruto, I hope not. Which one was it?' He made a mental note to ask someone about it, determined to get to the bottom of this mystery and find out what was going on.

He continued down the hall, observing his surroundings and taking in all the sights and sounds, like a scientist cataloging a new species. He was on high alert, ready to disappear if anyone got too close. But, he was also determined to find out everything, he could, and figure out what type of world this is. With each step, he felt a sense of adventure, like a child discovering a new toy, mixed with a twinge of fear and caution, knowing that he was walking into the unknown.



As he ventured further, he stumbled upon what looked like a training room. Peering inside, he saw a group of teens and young adults moving their hands in a seamless, almost graceful manner, like dancers in a carefully rehearsed routine. 'What the fuck?' "Are they tutting?" Looking on confused. While studying them, he was taken aback as he felt a strange tingling sensation run through his veins, like an electric shock. "Whoa, what the hell is this feeling?" he looked at himself wondering. 'It feels like water in my body.' Snapping himself out of this new sensation. 'Okay focus, I can look at this in my room or new home.'

He continued studying the group intently, trying to make sense of what was going on. As he watched, they created a greenish glow around the bodies of dead fish, making him question if they were trying to bring them back to life or utilizing some sort of healing method. 'Definitely magic, so a magic world, but what the hell are they doing?' He mused, his mind overflowing with possibilities. He made a mental note to ask about it later, recognizing that it could be a crucial piece of information for him to understand this new world and its inhabitants.

'Wait a minute,' he thought, 'that tutting looks familiar.' Suddenly it dawned on him, 'Shit, that's like those hand signs from Naruto.' He swore under his breath looking up at the ceiling, 'God, or whoever you are. May the devil stab you in the back! Pierce your heart. And may your death be slow and painful.' He grumbled, still fuming. He now knew that he was stuck in the world of Naruto, but his memory of it was vague at best, frustrated, but he would think about it more when he was back in his room.

His focus shifted back to the group, and he tried to recall the name of the technique they were using. He mumbled softly to himself, "Come on, what was it called? Healing something... technique... Ootsu... Bwhatsu... Dammit, what was it called again?" Frustration boiled within him as he couldn't remember the name of it. While he started walking back to his room.

"Hold there, young one." A gruff voice spoke, halting Kenji's steps. The wise, old man, his weathered face creased with a warm smile, stood behind him, pipe in hand.

"What's your business here?" The old man asked, his piercing gaze fixed upon Kenji.

Taken aback, Kenji stammered, "I...I was just curious about what they were doing."

The old man nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Taking a puff from his pipe, he said, "They are training in Iryō Ninjutsu, a jutsu that harnesses the power of chakra for healing purposes. A critical skill for the future of our village, wouldn't you agree?"

Kenji studied the old man, noting the traditional garb of a ninja - a hat and haori with a red full-length kimono tied with a white sash. 'He seems familiar,' Kenji thought to himself. He then stuttered a response, "Y-yes, yes. T-thank you, sir. I should return to my room."

The old man chuckled, "Indeed, child. Go on, now." Kenji quickly darted past him and back to his room.

Kenji stumbled down the hallway, his heart pounding as he heard the telltale yell of the students. "HOKAGE-SAMA!" echoed through the halls. Kenji's mind raced with confusion. 'Who the fuck is this guy?' he thought to himself. His heart raced as he realized he had just encountered someone significant, though he couldn't quite recall who.

He tried to shake the feeling of worry that settled in his gut as he made his way back to his room. "I hope to Christ I don't run into that guy again," he muttered under his breath.



Once inside his room, Kenji lay down on his bed and took a deep breath, his mind in a state of disarray. He felt like he was missing something crucial, and he couldn't shake the feeling. As he lay down in bed, he took a deep breath and tried to organize his thoughts.

'Okay, let's break this down,' he said to himself. 'I'm in Naruto, a world of ninjas and jutsu. It's fucking crazy, but if I want to make it, I need to learn everything I can about this place, the people in it, and what sets it apart from my own world.'

The strange, pulsing energy he felt inside him was also nagging at him. "Is this chakra?" he muttered to himself. "I need to figure that out too."

"Goddamnit," he grumbled. "I've got a lot of work ahead of me. But first things first, I need some fucking sleep. I can't tackle all this with a headache."

Kenji closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep. He was ready to delve into the world of Naruto, to learn everything he could about the ninja and their magical abilities, in this strange new reality, hoping he wouldn't die again.

 

[jaybay23911]

As Kenji stepped out of the hospital, he let out a sigh of relief, finally free from the suffocating walls that had held him captive for the past week. He was ready to tackle this new world head-on, but as he and Chiyo navigated the busy streets of Kohana, Kenji was struck by a barrage of emotions.

"Well, that confirms it," he muttered, as he gazed at the giant cliffside resembling Mount Rushmore, with three giant heads carved into the rock.

'Unbelievable,' as he gazed at the towering buildings and unfamiliar sights that surrounded him. 'This has to be the Hidden Leaf Village.'

He was amazed by the sheer difference between the world of Naruto and reality. 'Cartoons and reality don't mix, do they?' he thought, struggling to reconcile the two. 'I hope the story I remember is still the same, or I'm going in blind.'

But as they continued to walk, Kenji suddenly stopped, a sense of apprehension washing over him. "Shit, I don't even remember that much," he whispered, frustration creeping into his voice.

Chiyo turned to him, her eyes filled with concern. "What's wrong, Kenji?" she asked.

"I don't know what to do," he said, feeling overwhelmed.

"Don't worry," Chiyo said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll figure it all out together. I'll guide you every step of the way."

But Kenji couldn't help but shake his head. 'You don't even know how bad it is,' he thought to himself.

As they ventured towards the outskirts of the village, Kenji noticed the buildings and crowds start to dissipate, making way for more open spaces and greenery. He spotted towering walls, shaped at the top to prevent scaling, surrounding the area.

"Jesus, these people must be paranoid as hell," Kenji mumbled, he was taken aback by the towering height of the giant walls.

He walked in silence, deep in thought. 'This is all so different from Earth. Fuck! I can't treat this place the same, or I'm likely dead. This is going to be annoying.'

Turning down a small path, Kenji spotted a small residence come into view. The walls, made of a combination of wood and stone, provided both privacy and security.

'This must be the home of a ninja family,' Kenji thought as he admired the functional yet modest design of the compound.

As he approached the residence with his mother, Chiyo turned to him with a warm smile. "Welcome home, Kenji." Kenji felt a flood of relief wash over him. 'Jesus, Thank God!' he thought letting a sigh of relief, 'Families not poor and not being orphan is a double win. That would have been a nightmare figuring my way through that mess.'

Taking in his surroundings he realized that, while the house may not have been grand, it was still impressive in its own right. The single-story, traditional-style home had a tiled thatched roof and white-plastered walls, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols marking the family's status. Inside, the residence was a blend of traditional and modern design, with the main house constructed of wood and sliding paper doors. 'There has to be more to those doors right? No way in hell would there be such weak defenses. Right?...'

Stepping into the small courtyard garden, Kenji noticed a tranquil pond with koi fish swimming within. The house had several rooms, including a living room, kitchen, and bedrooms, all equipped with modern amenities such as electricity and running water. 'At least I won't have to worry about food and water,' Kenji thought as he looked around, 'and they're clearly well-off by the looks of it.'

As they entered what appeared to be the living room, Chiyo asked, "Son, do you want anything to eat?" Kenji nodded, trying to mimic a three-year-old impression. "Uh-huh," he replied. Chiyo headed to the kitchen to prepare what Kenji assumed would be lunch.

Kenji sat at the dining table, staring down at his hands. Now with some time to himself, he was preoccupied with his new reality - stuck in the world of Naruto.

'Alright, let's break this down,' he thought, his mind racing. 'I need to figure this out and fast. First things first, I need to remember the damn story. Dammit, I need a book or something to write all shit down. There's just so much to remember about this world, where do I start?'

He sighed, leaning back in his chair. 'Well, I'll figure out that in a bit, when I go to my room, hopefully, there's a book or something. What's next? Ah yes, that's right. I need to make sure no one knows I'm a man in a child's body. This is just insane. How did this even happen? And what's with these crazy powers? Chakra? Magic? Plus, I apparently might know what the future is, but I don't remember much. The last thing I want to happen is to find myself in a cell or torture chamber for those secrets. Do I tell anyone? Nope, no way I'm doing that right now, I'll assess and then make a judgment call in the future. Who knows who I can trust in this world. I need to be careful.'

He shook his head, staring at the ceiling. 'The most important thing now is to train this body of mine and get in shape, god dammit! Why did I have to be a damn child? At least this world has magic! Or chakra, whatever. I've got to learn how to use that if I'm going to survive. This is insane. How did this even happen to me?'

He started taping his hand on the table as he considered his options. 'Magic, hahaha I can't believe it! Hell yeah, can't wait to learn that. But first, I've got to figure out how to blend in. There's a school if I remember, I can attend that or a mentor maybe? Chiyo will know. I've got to be careful though. I don't want to attract too much attention.'

While he was deep in thought, Chiyo walked in with a tray of what appeared to be sushi in ball-shaped form, a common dish in Japan. 'What the hell are those called again?' Kenji wondered. 'Ah, who cares, I've got better things to do.'

He grabbed one of the ball-shaped sushi and took a bite. A surprised expression washed over his face as he realized how delicious it was. "This is yummy," he exclaimed, glancing up at Chiyo, who was beaming with pride. But as he continued to eat, he couldn't shake off the strange sensation that seemed to be flowing through his body. It felt like water flowing through his body 'Is this chakra? I hope it is.' He wondered to himself, unsure of what to make of the unfamiliar feeling. Hoping for the best, he asked, "Mum, why do I have this tingling feeling in my body? It feels like water in my body."

Chiyo's eyes widened in shock as she looked at her son. 'How is this possible?' she thought. 'Most children's chakra coils don't unlock until they're five or older, even clans kids. Kenji has only just turned three!' She was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness at the thought of her son's potential as a prodigy.

"Kenji, give me your hand," she said, still in shock. Kenji extended his hand, and Chiyo took it in hers. She channeled into him, the sensation causing Kenji's eyes to widen in surprise.

'Whoa, what a weird feeling,' Kenji thought to himself. "What is this, Mom?" he asked, his voice filled with interest.

Chiyo was beaming with elation as she began to explain chakra to Kenji. With her child showing potential as a prodigy, she felt a surge of pride.

"Kenji, Listen up," she said, her voice filled with eagerness. "I'm about to teach you about something that's going to be an important part of your life. This is chakra your feeling, it is the life energy that flows through all living things, including ninjas."

Kenji was wide-eyed with wonder as Chiyo continued to explain the concept of chakra. "Chakra is the force that allows ninjas to perform ninjutsu, or ninja techniques," she said. "Each person has a limited amount of chakra, and the ability to use it is determined by the strength of the chakra core, coils, and tenketsu within their body."

'Wow, this is insane,' Kenji thought, his mind racing with the possibilities. 'I'm gonna be a ninja, just like in Naruto. No, I'm going to be way better than the brat.'

Chiyo could see the excitement in her son's eyes, and she knew she was doing the right thing by teaching him. "I have a feeling you're going to be a natural at this," she said, a smile spreading across her face. "Chakra can be unlocked and strengthened through training and experience, allowing a ninja to access more of their chakra and perform more powerful techniques."

As Chiyo spoke, Kenji's finally accepted his new reality, his mind was awash with memories from his past life, where he remembered watching and reading 'Naruto', 'Jesus, it's actually real!' He thought, a rush of excitement coursing through his veins. 'I'm a fucking wizard, Harry!'

He was so lost in thought that he barely heard his mother as she explained the intricacies of chakra and its power. 'I've got a lot to learn,' he thought, 'I'm so ready for this!'

Suddenly, Kenji interrupted Chiyo with a look of pure innocence on his face. "Mum, can you teach me?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement and determination.

"So you're eager to learn how to be a ninja, my dear?" Chiyo asked, her eyes crinkling with motherly amusement as she looked at Kenji's eager expression.

"Yes, Mom, I am!" Kenji exclaimed, his eyes shining with determination.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that, sweetie," Chiyo said, smiling warmly. "But let me warn you, becoming a ninja takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and discipline. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

"I'm positive, Mom," Kenji said, nodding his head vigorously. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes."

"Alright then," Chiyo said, her expression turning serious. "We'll start your training tomorrow. But for now, why don't you go freshen up and play with your toys for a bit? And remember, you're not allowed to leave the compound just yet. I've got some things I need to take care of."

"Got it, Mom. I won't let you down." Kenji said.

"I know you won't," Chiyo said, smiling.

Kenji rose from his seat, his heart racing with excitement as he began to explore his new home. 'Fuck yeah, Magic! No-no, it's chakra now,' he thought to himself, marveling at the strange power that flowed through his veins.

Despite his annoyance at being treated like a child, Kenji knew he had to make the best of his situation. "I hate acting like a kid," he muttered under his breath, as he made his way through the lush backyard. He marveled at the well-maintained greenhouse, filled with an array of unfamiliar plants and herbs. It was clear that whoever tended to this garden had a green thumb.

As he stood there, surrounded by the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents, Kenji began to reconsider his resentment. "Oh well," he sighed, acknowledging the fact that this body he was inhabiting was technically only three years old. And he had replaced the actual son of the woman who was treating him as her own.

Determined to scope out the place properly, Kenji decided to explore the rest of the property. He crept along the perimeter, taking note of everything around him. The place was huge - much bigger than he had initially realized. There was a pond with koi fish and even a training room.

He sneaked a peek into the training room, eager to see what was inside. But before he could get a good look, he was promptly kicked out by Chiyo.

'How the hell is she keeping an eye on me when she's in a completely different place?' he thought with frustration. 'Must be some ninja bullshit. Hope not. Are their camera's in this place?' He looked up at the wall and ceiling wondering.

Finally settling in his room, Kenji lay on the bed looking up at the ceiling, deep in thought. "Alright, game plan," he murmured, running through his strategy. 'Training is a go, with Chiyo taking care of that, hopefully, she'll push me. I'm in the Hidden Leaf Village or Kohana, but I've got no clue what timeline it is and I don't remember much. Hmmm... How does the story go again?' he thought, twirling his fingers as he tried to recall the events of the Naruto anime and manga series.

'Naruto goes on some missions in and out of the village, some sort of exam happens, they get invaded…. I think, and some other things I don't remember. Fuck! Oh yeah, that's right, there's that whole thing with Naruto chasing that emo boy, don't they fight, and Naruto gets stabbed in the back? Hmmm, alright, let's think again,' he suddenly sat up, and a realization dawned on him. "That's right! He becomes that fox thingy, doesn't he," he said, smiling at his own cleverness.

'Also something about a group of top-rank ninjas hunting those chakra beast thingies. So, all I gotta do is figure out whether the village has been invaded or if that fox monster has destroyed this village. Shouldn't be too hard,' he thought, rubbing his chin. 'Jesus Christ, this kid has a lot of energy. I want to start moving around again. Might as well do some exercise,' getting off the bed and getting into a push-up position. "One, two, three..." he began, started working out.

It was dinnertime, and Kenji was feeling a bit worried about it all, as he sat down at the table with his mother, Chiyo. The fragrant aroma of the food wafted up to his nose, and his stomach rumbled in hunger, but he was too preoccupied with his thoughts to fully appreciate the meal.

"So, how was your day, Kenji?" Chiyo asked, a warm smile on her face.

"It was good," Kenji replied, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. "Just exploring the place and getting my body used to things."

"That's great to hear," Chiyo said, dishing out a generous serving of rice onto his plate. "You know, I must admit, I'm happy you're exploring the place. But, you know that the training room is out of bounds."

"Sorry mom," Kenji said, picking at his food. "I guess I forgot."

"That's understandable," Chiyo said, nodding. "But I'm glad to see you're starting to move around. You know, your father will be excited to hear the news. He's away on a mission right now, but he'll be back soon."

Kenji's heart sank. "Dad is a ninja?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Yes, he is," Chiyo said, a proud smile on her face. "We didn't tell you, because you were too young to know. He's going to be so proud of you when he finds out his son is a little genius."

"I hope so," Kenji said, feeling a knot form in his stomach. He knew he had to be careful around his father, especially if he was a ninja too. "So, what kind of missions does he go on?"

"Oh, all sorts of things," Chiyo said, waving her hand dismissively. "Mostly stuff to protect the village and keep the peace. He's one of the best chuunin in the village, you know."

Kenji nodded, trying to hide his growing anxiety. "That's amazing," he said, forcing a smile. "I can't wait to learn more about being a ninja."

"You'll do great, Kenji," Chiyo said, patting his hand. "I have no doubt about that."

As the meal continued, Kenji couldn't shake the feeling that he was in over his head. He knew he had to be careful, to keep his guard up and make sure no one suspected that he was a completely different person from the child who was supposed to be living in this body. But with his father being a ninja, with a fresh pair of eyes, and trained experienced ninja eyes, he knew the task ahead of him was going to be far from easy.

 

[jaybay23911]

Kenji jolted awake, his body drenched in sweat and his heart racing. The remnants of a dream about his past life lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of all he had lost.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, and made his way to the courtyard, where Chiyo was waiting for him. She had agreed to teach him the ways of chakra and the shinobi, but Kenji was nervous. He knew that his new child's body might present some challenges.

"Good morning, sweetie," Chiyo greeted him with a smile. "Are you ready to begin training?"

Kenji forced a determined nod, "Yes, I am ready," he said, trying to mask the nerves in his voice. He thought of attempting to use chakra last night but didn't want to risk it while he had a teacher available.

They made their way to an open area of the courtyard. "Kenji, today we're starting with meditation," Chiyo announced. "It's crucial for sharpening your mind and this will allow you to master your chakra."

Kenji nodded eagerly, but couldn't help feeling a twinge of apprehension. He had meditated before, but never in relation to chakra. 'I wonder how different this is going to be?'

Chiyo directed him to sit down and close his eyes. "Concentrate on your breathing," she said softly. "Feel the air entering your nose and filling your lungs. Then exhale slowly, allowing the air to escape."

Kenji followed her instructions, feeling a sense of tranquility as he focused on his breath. As the chakra in his body began to respond. 'Woah, this is different.' he thought.

"Now, envision a ball of light in your mind," Chiyo instructed. "Concentrate on that ball of light and picture it getting brighter and brighter. As it grows brighter, feel the light in your body becoming denser and denser and allow it to flow through your body in control, as it travels throughout."

Kenji fixated on the ball of light, feeling the chakra in his body surge with newfound power. 'I can't believe it,' he thought to himself, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. As a rushing sensation went into his chest, 'Woah! This feeling, it's, It's like magic running through my veins.'

He opened his eyes, his body brimming with energy, looking at Chiyo. "That was awesome!" He said with a laugh. "I've never felt anything like that before."

Chiyo smiled widely at him. "You're a natural, Kenji. With a little practice, you'll master chakra in no time. Alright Kenji let's continue"

As they meditated, Chiyo delved deeper into the concept of chakra, explaining its nature and function. "Chakra is the life force that courses through all living things," she said with a calm expression. "It's the power that fuels our jutsu and other ninja techniques. The ability to master chakra is what sets us apart from the strongest ninja, and what defines us from the rest. It's a skill that can mean the difference between life and death in battle."

Kenji listened intently, his mind focused on the gravity of Chiyo's words. He knew that if he wanted to survive in this world, he would have to master the art of chakra.

As the meditation session came to an end, Kenji felt a sense of calm and clarity that he had not experienced in a long time. He looked to Chiyo, ready for the next lesson.

Chiyo stood up, her arms crossed as she looked at Kenji with a sly grin. "Kenji, you have a long journey ahead of you," she said, as she walked over to a nearby pond. With a series of quick hand seals, she summoned a soccer ball size of water, that soared through the air before crashing down into the pond, creating a spectacular display.

Kenji watched in awe, his eyes widening at the sight of the water jutsu. He had never seen anything like it before. The water shimmered and glistened in the sunlight, sparkling with a dazzling array of colors. "That's amazing!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder. Then realization hit, 'Fuck! She's a ninja too.'

Chiyo smiled at Kenji's reaction, pleased with the show she had given him. "That's just a basic water jutsu," she said. "Wait till you see some of the more advanced ones. But before we get to that, let's get back to your training." Clapping her hands, "Alright, it's time to work on your body. Your mind is only half the battle, it's the yin to your yang, the mind, and the body. Get up Kenji."

Kenji got up and studied his mother, he could sense the power of it, recalling the way she walked gracefully and silently the first time they met. "Mom, are you a ninja?" he asked, his voice betraying his nervousness. Chiyo quirked an eyebrow, studying her son. "Yes, sweetie," she replied with a small smile, "but I stopped to take care of you."

Kenji was taken aback by his mother's confession. "Wow, I didn't know mum," he mumbled.

His mind was currently a chaotic mess. 'Oh shit, two of them, fuck! Well she not done anything, she must have thought the accident that caused the changes. She hasn't treated me any different. Let's hope it stays that way.' He thought to himself as he waited for Chiyo to begin their training.

"Alright, we'll start with the basics." Then leading him through a variety of exercises that would build his strength, agility, and stamina. While training he found the intensity of the training to be challenging for his body, but with Chiyo's guidance, he began to make progress.

"Push through the pain, Kenji," Chiyo urged, as he labored through a series of exercises. Kenji's muscles aching and strained, but he refused to surrender. In this world, he knew that strength did not come easily. Superpowers existed here, ninja superpowers, and he was determined to possess them. He would not settle for a life as a mere civilian, as he had on Earth. He yearned for something more, and he saw his mother's training as the path to attain it.

After an exhausting training session, Chiyo clapped, a smile spreading across her face. "Good job Kenji, we finish now. We'll continue tomorrow." Kenji collapsed, gasping for air. 'Damn, that was intense,' he thought to himself as he watched Chiyo leave the room. "Go get cleaned up, and we'll have breakfast soon," Chiyo called out, and Kenji nodded, and spoke tiredly, "Yes, mom," before dragging himself to the bathroom.

Time passed as Kenji trained with Chiyo, and he was flabbergasted by his rapid progress. The strength he was building was unheard of for any child on Earth, and he didn't dwell on the science behind it, he just assumed it was the chakra in his body doing the heavy lifting and molding his body. Instead, he relished in the progress, the fantastical sensation of it all, like he was a character in an anime. 'This is awesome, I've never felt this way in Earth.'



Sitting at the small wooden table in the study, surrounded by stacks of books and scrolls, Kenji thought to himself, 'Thank god they have a library. Otherwise, gathering information would be a royal pain in the ass. Pity, it's small.' While he continued to read through a child's book in language.

Chiyo was teaching him the basics of the language of this world, and Kenji scribbled notes down, sometimes struggling to keep up with her lessons. "What the hell, do they teach all kids at this breakneck pace or am I just that stupid?" he muttered under his breath. He was just grateful that he could barely read and had been granted access to the home library.

As time passed, Kenji found himself growing closer to Chiyo. She was a strict teacher, but also a patient and kind person. 'It's a real shame I'm only three,' he thought, looking at his small hands. "Why the hell did I have to be stuck in this child's body?" he sighed.

As he became more proficient in the language, Kenji turned to texts on human anatomy out of curiosity. Flipping through the pages, studying the intricacies of the human body, he thought to himself, 'Jesus, I never thought I'd be reading about this in a fantasy world. I guess it's better than nothing. But man, do I miss the internet. I wish I could just Google all this shit.'



Weeks passed and Kenji's strength grew with each day. But then, one day, a stranger entered the residence. He was tall, with dark hair and a handsome face marked by a small scar across his cheek. He wore the unmistakable Chūnin vest, and Kenji felt a jolt of recognition. This was his father, Taro. Kenji watched as Chiyo greeted him with a warm embrace, and he couldn't help but feel nervousness at the reunion.

Taro looked Kenji over with a smile and said, "Hey there son. Come give your dad a hug."

Kenji tried to sound and act like a child as much as possible, running towards his farther he excitedly shouted, "Dad!" But in his mind, Kenji was cursing himself, 'God dammit, I hate pretending to be a child, but I have to keep up the act.'

Taro ruffled Kenji's hair as they walked into the kitchen. Kenji sat at the kitchen table with his family, feeling nervous. He looked at Taro and thought, 'Did I fool him? He hasn't been here for long, he only got here. But I better give him a shock to keep him distracted and focused on something else.' He knew that revealing to his father that he had been able to use chakra would be perfect, as it was something that he found out that children his age couldn't use. He decided to do it before Chiyo spoke.

"Dad," Kenji said, his voice taking on a note of innocence. "I can use chakra." Taro's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to Chiyo for confirmation.

"Is this true?" Taro asked, incredulous. "But how is this possible? He's only three, a toddler!"

Chiyo nodded her expression one of pride. "It's true," she said. "Kenji has been training with me, and he's been making remarkable progress in learning how to harness his chakra."

Taro was stunned. "But how can this be?" he asked, still in disbelief. "It should take years for him to even open up his chakra coils, let alone control them."

Chiyo thought for a moment, her eyes meeting Taro. "I don't have an answer for that," she said. "But I can tell you that Kenji is a little genius. He's been training at a pace that I've never seen in a child. He may be a prodigy like the Hatake clan heir."

Taro let out a hearty laugh, his eyes shining with pride. "Well done, my boy! After lunch, you'll have to show me what you've learned," he said, beaming.

Kenji's face lit up with excitement. "Yes, I can't wait," he said, nodding eagerly. But despite his enthusiasm, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered, 'Just hope he doesn't realize something's not right.'

After their meal, Taro and Kenji made their way to the courtyard. Taro was eager to see the extent of his son's abilities, and Kenji was ready to demonstrate his newfound talent.

Taro strolled over to a pile of leaves scattered and plucked one from the ground. He returned to Kenji, holding out the leaf to him. "Here, take this leaf and try to stick it to your forehead," Taro said, his voice filled with amusement.

Kenji took the leaf and inspected it, it was just an ordinary leaf. He looked back to Taro, "How do I make it stick?" he asked.

Taro smiled at him. "That's the challenge. Use your chakra to make the leaf stick to your forehead."

Kenji nodded, focusing his chakra and pressing the leaf against his forehead. At first, the leaf wouldn't adhere, it kept slipping away. 'What the hell am I doing wrong?' Feeling angrier at every failure. He kept trying, again and again as some time passed by. "I can't seem to get it to stick," Kenji said, his frustration evident.

Taro placed a hand on Kenji's shoulder. "It's alright son. You're trying to force the leaf to stick instead of letting your chakra flow naturally. Relax, take a deep breath, and let your chakra guide the leaf towards you. Allow it to naturally stick to you, like you naturally stick the ground."

Kenji took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. He tried again, this time focusing on letting his chakra guide the leaf. And this time the leaf stuck to his forehead. "I did it!" Kenji exclaimed, his face lighting up with pride.

Taro was in disbelief as he watched Kenji effortlessly stick the leaf to his forehead. 'Unbelievable,' he thought. 'This kind of skill at such a young age could draw unwanted attention to us. We need to keep this under wraps.' He made a mental note to discuss keeping it secret and wondering whether Chiyo told anyone, he doubted that though, and he needed to find a way to make Kenji understand that he needed to keep his abilities hidden.

Taro nodded. "Good job, now try to keep it there for as long as you can." Kenji focused his chakra and kept the leaf stuck to his forehead. Despite its tendency to slip, he concentrated harder and managed to keep it in place more often than not. Taro smiled, "Impressive, you're a natural. Keep up the good work."

Kenji's body began to shake as he struggled to maintain the leaf on his forehead. Sweat poured down his face as he pushed himself to keep going. But as exhaustion set in, his body felt drained, like the water leaving his system. Kenji's vision began to blur and he felt himself losing consciousness. 'Shit,' he thought as he crumpled to the ground, the leaf falling from his forehead as everything went dark.

Taro moved with lightning speed as Kenji fell, catching him before he hit the ground. "Kenji?" Taro called out, his voice filled with worry. He quickly checked Kenji's body, relieved to find that he was simply exhausted from his chakra overuse. 'I'll have to be more cautious with his training from now on, he's too young and his body can't adapt,' Taro thought to himself. But his thoughts quickly shifted to what Chiyo's reaction was going to be. "Shit, I hope Chiyo doesn't freak out when she sees this," he mumbled worriedly.

 

[jaybay23911]

Kenji woke up with a barely audible whine, his head spinning like a merry-go-round. 'Fucking hell, I feel like shit,' trying to focus on his racing thoughts. Attempting to clear his befuddled mind, he heard Taro and Chiyo conversing in hushed tones nearby, their words muffled and hard to understand.

He focused on their whispering, their voices barely audible. Kenji could hardly comprehend what they were saying, but he was able to decipher that the situation was grim from the small fragments he could overhear. It seemed that border disputes between the different villages were hindering trade. Kenji puzzled together that the smaller villages seemed to be the cause of it and it was getting progressively worse.

'Shit, this is bad,' he cursed, attempting to clear his befuddled mind, 'Please, no wars. Wait a minute, why don't I remember any of this from the story?'

Another bout of dizziness hit him, and a loud groan came out of his mouth, alerting Chiyo and Taro. They immediately fell silent, hovering over him with concern.

"Kenji, you're awake!" Chiyo exclaimed, her voice laced with worry.

"I feel sick," Kenji said weakly, still feeling dizzy.

Chiyo shot Taro a stern look before turning back to Kenji. "You exhausted your chakra, dear," she said softly. "You pushed yourself too hard."

Taro tried to defend himself, "Don't worry son. A few days of rest, and you'll be back in shape in no time." He scratched the back of his head and looked at him with a reassuring smile. "We won't do that again for a few days, but you should focus on your meditation. It'll help you feel better faster."

"Okay," Kenji weakly nodded.



Kenji had taken a few days off to rest to recover from his last training session mishap, but he was now eager to get back to his ninja training. He started his day with a morning workout with his father, Taro. But before they began, Taro pulled Kenji aside for a serious conversation.

"Listen to me closely, Kenji," Taro said, his tone grave as he seated the boy down. "Your chakra abilities are not something to be shared with anyone outside of this home. It's crucial that you keep them secret, as it could put you in danger." Kenji listened closely, recognizing the weight of his father's words. Taro continued, "This is part of your ninja training, Kenji. You must keep this a secret, just like all the other ninja techniques you will learn. Can you do that for me, Kenji?"

Kenji looked up at his father, his expression serious. "Yes, I can keep it a secret," he promised solemnly.

Taro grinned, giving Kenji a quick ruffle of the hair. "Good job, son. Now, let's get back to training, but don't forget this. No telling anyone about your chakra abilities, okay?"

Kenji nodded his head, but he couldn't help feeling a little annoyed at being treated like a child. He understood the concept of secrecy all too well, especially given that he was hiding a larger secret. Still, he was more eager to resume his training, to unlock more of his hidden potential and become something akin to a superhuman.

Taro clapped his hands together, "Alright Kenji, let's get started." He motioned for Kenji to take a stance. "This is the 'Flowing Leaf' style, a taijutsu technique. It's based on the natural movements and abilities of the leaf."

Kenji watched with interest as Taro demonstrated the basic stances of the style. Taro's movements were quick and precise, and Kenji could see the potential power of the technique. "It's all about using quick strikes to take down opponents and evasive footwork to avoid incoming attacks," Taro explained.

Kenji asked, "What's the point of being graceful like a leaf, though? Why not just go for strength and power?"

Taro smiled. "Because being graceful allows you to move in unexpected ways. Your opponents won't know what you're going to do next, and you'll be able to use that to your advantage."

Kenji nodded, trying to absorb everything Taro was teaching him. "This is perfect for someone like you, Kenji," Taro said, clapping him on the back. "With your natural talents, this will make you quick and agile for your age."

Kenji couldn't help but feel excited, letting out his childish side out. "So I can use this and flip around in battle against other foes?"

Taro chuckled. "Yes, but also remember, this style is about being adaptable and resourceful. You need to be able to adjust your movements to suit different situations and foes."

Kenji diligently practiced the stances, making sure to perfect each one under Taro's watchful eye, correcting him along the way. As he moved through the forms, he felt himself becoming more fluid and graceful, just like a leaf blowing in the wind.



Kenji finished tidying up the training room, wiped the sweat off his forehead, and went to have breakfast with his family. As they discussed plans for the day, Chiyo abruptly said, "Kenji, it's time for you to go outside and make some friends with other children in the village." Smiling, she added, "We're going to the park so you can play."

Kenji was taken aback by this sudden change in his routine. He couldn't help but feel frustrated at the thought of having to pretend to be a child and play with a bunch of kids he didn't know. 'Why does she have to change things up all of a sudden?'

Trying to hide his annoyance, he forced a smile and said, "Okay, Mom," as he got up from his seat and headed to his room, his mind whirring with ways to make the trip as painless as possible.

Taro noticed the look on Kenji's face and tried to reassure him, "Hey, it won't be that bad. You might even have fun."

Kenji snorted in disbelief, "I doubt it, Dad."

"Come on, Kenji," Chiyo interjected. "It's important for you to socialize and make friends with kids your own age. You can't spend all your time training."

Kenji knew his mother was right, but the thought of playing with kids who were decades younger than him mentally was not appealing. "Fine, I'll go," he said with a sigh.

As Kenji made his way to his room, he tried to think of ways to make the best of the situation. 'Maybe I'll teach them some earth games.' He laughed, 'it would be funny watching ninja kids kicking a rugby ball around. I wonder if there are any balls in this village, there should be right?' he thought to himself. 'That will definitely make it make it less boring.'



Kenji trudged behind Chiyo as they approached the park. As they arrived at the playground, Chiyo turned to him with a beaming smile and exclaimed, "Alright Kenji, go have some fun!" Kenji just stared at her for a moment, a mix of confusion and frustration bubbling up inside him. As he watched the other children running around and playing, he made his way to the playground equipment and began practicing his moves.

Feeling like an outsider, he looked around the playground, 'What am I supposed to do here?' he thought to himself, growing increasingly exasperated, 'there's no ball to play with, and how the hell do I make friends with kids?' He felt like he was trapped on a strange alien planet.

A little voice interrupted Kenji's training, "What you doing?" Kenji turned to see a curious child, with a wrinkled nose, standing in front of him.

"Training," Kenji replied, trying to hide his annoyance.

"That's boring," the child said before running off to play with his friends.

'Typical kids, scattered brained and have the attention span of a goldfish' he mused.

Kenji was about to continue exercising when another child approached him. "Hey, come play with us!"

"Great, just what I need," Kenji muttered, feeling a sense of frustration. But then he thought, 'Maybe if I play along, they'll leave me alone. What game should I we do. Hmm. Ah, that right.'

He turned to the group of kids and grumbled, "Fine, let's play. But were going to play hide and seek," Kenji suggested, trying to make the best of a bad situation. "I'll be the evil ninja from outside the village in hiding, and you guys are the good ninja from the village and you have to find me. You can't look when I'm hiding and you have to count twenty."

The kids eagerly agreed, and Kenji instructed them to turn around and count to twenty while he hid. 'Hopefully, they know how to count,' he thought to himself. As soon as they started counting, he quickly made his way into the forested area of the playground and climbed a tree with his hands and feet. After looking around he found a comfortable spot that hid him from view and from his perch, he watched as the kids searched frantically for him, trying to stifle a chuckle at their obvious attempts in searching.



Chiyo sat on a bench, watching her son Kenji play alone in the playground. She felt a complex mix of emotions - pride in his cleverness and resourcefulness, but also guilt for his lack of social skills.

"That's quite the clever child," one of the other parents chuckled, and another added, "I wonder how long they'll last before they get bored."

As she watched Kenji hiding in the playground, Chiyo couldn't help but feel disappointed that he wasn't making friends. Had the accident something to do with his behavior? The anger towards the person responsible for it rose within her, leaking a minute amount of killing intent. She knew that the village and Taro were on their trail, and they would make sure they suffer for what they did.

'Why can't he just be like other children?' Chiyo thought to herself. 'Why does he have to be so different?' She sighed, wishing she could do more to help her son. But for now, she could only watch, train him, and hope that he would find his place in the world.



As the children continued to play, Kenji remained hidden in the tree, taking in the serene view of the village. He watched the bustling city below, observing the villagers as they went about their daily routines. His gaze turned to the Hokage Mountain, its carved faces looming over the village.

'Ah, the Hokage Mountain,' Kenji mused. 'I wonder how the old man is doing. I can't believe I ran into him when I first arrived.' But as he studied the mountain more closely, his curiosity turned to concern. He remembered there being more faces carved into the mountain, but now there were only three.

'What's going on here?' Kenji wondered, feeling a growing sense of confusion and uncertainty. He knew he needed to uncover the truth, and he made a mental note to research the village's history and its leaders when he returned home. He was certain that this was the key to understanding the situation he found himself in.

"There has to be more to this," Kenji whispered to himself, his gaze fixed on the Hokage Mountain. The questions swirled in his mind. 'What happened to the other faces?' he pondered.



Chiyo and Kenji walked through the door of their home, with Kenji feeling a sense of relief after the chaos of the playground, while Chiyo was visibly disappointed that Kenji hadn't made any connections with the other children. Taro was out, doing ninja stuff as usual.

Without a word, Kenji headed straight to the library, his determination to uncover the answers he sought only growing stronger. As he sat in the library, studying a book on the Hokage's of the village, the truth hit him like a ton of bricks.

"No fucking way," Kenji muttered, his disbelief evident in his voice. "Fuck. Nooo! Dammit." he let out a cry of despair, as the reality of the situation set in. With a flicker, Chiyo appeared in the room like a ghostly apparition with a kunai in hand, her movements silent and swift as she scanned the room for any threats.

Kenji was momentarily stunned by her sudden appearance but quickly regained his wits. Chiyo, seeing no threat in the room, asked Kenji softly, "What's wrong, honey? You look like something scared you."

Kenji stared blankly at her and the book in front of him. His mind was racing with the realization that he knew nothing about his current situation. He couldn't help but wonder where the other Hokage's were. 'Am I in the timeline before, fuck! What the hell am I supposed to do?' he thought to himself.

"I'm sorry, mum," Kenji finally said, tears streaming down his face. "I was reading this book, and it scared me."

Chiyo hugged Kenji tightly and whispered soothing words, "It's okay, sweetie. It's just a book. Let's not read it again, okay?" She glanced at the book in his hands, 'The Legendary Leaders: A History of the Konohagakure Hokages,' and couldn't help but wonder what it was that scared Kenji so much.

"Alright, let's go grab a bite to eat," Chiyo suggested, noticing Kenji's troubled expression. "It'll take your mind off things." Kenji nodded, his mind racing with the realization that he had no information to work off of in this timeline. He couldn't rely on his foreknowledge, and the thought of potentially causing a butterfly effect by changing the future made him anxious. He knew he would have to adapt quickly and be ready to navigate this world blindly.

 

[jaybay23911]

Taro stood before his son, as he executed the fluid movements of the "Flowing Leaf" style katas. With a discerning eye, he watched his every move, noting the slightest of imperfections.

"Good, but keep your weight centered," Taro reminded, his voice carried in command. Kenji made the necessary adjustments, his focus unwavering as he strived for perfection.

The sweat dripped down Kenji's face, but he pressed on, determined to master the flowing leaf style. Taro's eyes glimmered with pride as he watched his progress, a faint smile touching his lips.

"Faster, Kenji," Taro ordered, his voice resounding with authority. "Relax and let your body move with ease. Don't struggle, become one with the wind." Taro demonstrated the kata, his movements fluid and nimble, like a leaf carried by the breeze.

'Hahaha, this is awesome!' As Kenji moved his excitement got the better of him and lost focus, tripping over his own feet while executing a kata. "Up, Kenji. Focus! You can have fun after we've finished," Taro encouraged.

Kenji regained his composure and corrected his form with each repetition, feeling the wind guide him as he flowed through the katas like a leaf on the breeze. Taro's teachings echoed in his mind, inspiring him to master the art.

"Well done," Taro said as he approached his son. "But now, let's see how you fare against a real opponent."

His eyes lit up at the challenge, and he stepped forward, 'I'll show you what I can do old man!'. Taro, meanwhile, stood coolly, his seasoned gaze sizing up Kenji's stance.

The sparring match began with Taro unleashing a swift kick, catching Kenji off guard and sending him stumbling back. Taro capitalized on the opportunity, launching a barrage of punches and kicks, each one connecting with Kenji's defenses.

But Kenji was not one to back down, and he fought back with every ounce of energy he had, struggling to keep up with Taro's mastery. Taro's movements were precise and calculated, relentless in their attack, and Kenji was pushed to the brink.

As the match wore on, Kenji's form began to deteriorate, and Taro noticed this. He stepped back, correcting Kenji's stance, showing him the proper technique for executing the 'Flowing Leaf' style.

"You're letting your guard down, Kenji," Taro said, his voice stern but not lacking in encouragement. "Your footwork is sloppy, and your strikes lack proper technique. You need to focus on these areas if you want to improve."

Kenji took Taro's words to heart, incorporating the corrections into his fighting style as the sparring match resumed. But despite his best efforts, Taro's mastery of the 'Flowing Leaf' style proved too much, and the match ended with Taro coming out on top.

"Good job, Kenji," Taro praised, a proud gleam in his eye. "You've improved greatly since we started first training."

Kenji stood up straight, feeling accomplishment. "Thanks, dad," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude.

"But remember, son," Taro warned, his tone growing serious. "The world is full of strong opponents, and you must always stay alert. Never let your guard down."

Kenji nodded, understanding the gravity of Taro's words. "I won't, Dad. I'll always be vigilant," he replied, determination in his voice.

"Good," Taro said, clapping his son on the shoulder. "I have faith in you son. You'll be as strong as the Hokage one day. But for now, let's go get something to eat. I'm starving."

Kenji smiled, feeling grateful for Taro's support. He knew he had a long way to go, but with Taro's guidance, he was confident he could reach the top of the totem pole one day.


Kenji sat in the library, surrounded by stacks of books on the human body. Trying to absorb his mother's teachings, but his mind was wandering, lost in thought. 'Will I ever get this. Why is Chiyo shoving an entire encyclopedia down my head. It's making my brain hurt.'

"Kenji, focus!" Chiyo snapped, breaking him out of his reverie. "You want to become a medic ninja, don't you?"

Kenji nodded, 'Of course I do. Who wouldn't want this power.' His eyes fixed on the diagrams and notes spread out before him.

Chiyo continued to explain the intricacies of the human anatomy for some time, her voice steady and confident as she pointed out different muscles and organs. Kenji couldn't help but be awed by the complexity of the human body, while he listened his mind started to wonder, he remembered what he had learned of the woman.

Chiyo was a skilled medic-nin, he was only beginning to realize the extent of her knowledge and expertise. Recalling memories from the kid's past, he began to piece together her past as a medic-ninja, a chunin-ranked-nin none the less. Though she had retired after giving birth to him, he couldn't help but imagine the dangers she must have faced in her line of work, trying piece how a battle in this world looked like, because, so far the similarities from the cartoon were worlds apart.

On the other hand, Kenji couldn't help but think of his father, Taro, he was highly skilled and was of high renowned for his rank, known for his exceptional abilities as a top-ranked sensor, according to his mother. Despite his lack of talent in this area, Taro still took the time to pass on his skills, dedicating himself to teach him the technique with unwavering patience as he struggled to pick up the basics.

One lesson in particular always brought a smile to his face. Taro had blindfolded him, daring him to find a rock he gave him, using only his senses. At first, he was confused and thought it was an impossible challenge, but he tried to do it anyway, not ruling out the possibility as he was in the world of Naruto. Again and again he tried to sense the damn thing, but he kept failing, which in turn, made him more determined to do it as his stubbornness got the better of him.

As he persisted in his efforts, he was amazed to discover that he actually succeeded in sensing the damn thing! He let out a joyful laugh, feeling like he was a protagonist in a story when he first succeeded it.

Only to find out later, that the rock was made of highly chakra-sensitive material and wasn't used in sensor training by anyone else in the village, as the person lacked the talent in the arts. But that didn't matter to him, he was just happy to have the unique opportunity to develop new skills.

Every time he remembered that lesson, he couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, he was just grateful for the experience.


Kenji recoiled as Chiyo's chop struck the crown of his head, delivering a jolt of pain that served as a harsh reminder of his misdeed. "Ouch!" Kenji grumbled as he rubbed the throbbing spot. "Why did you do that mum?"

Chiyo sighed and shook her head. "That's enough for today," she spoke. 'Finally! I want to see if I can do the stunt this time, and let's see if I can finally get three leaves to stick this time' Kenji quickly tidied up the desk, eager to move on to the next task.

"Lunch, then the park," Chiyo announced, Kenji felt his heart sink. He knew what was in store for him, another afternoon of entertaining a group of unruly children. The thought filled him with dread. "Not again," he muttered to himself. 'I'm fresh out of game ideas for these brats. Tag again, I guess,' he resigned. 'At least it's good training.' The prospect filled him with a sense of impending doom.


Kenji darted and dodged through the sea of children, dodging their outstretched arms as they cried out, "Tag, you're it!" He muttered to himself, "I take it back," as he narrowly escaped their clutches. The parents watched from a distance, amused by the spectacle, but Kenji was far from entertained. In the distance, he could see Chiyo clapping and cheering, egging the children on as they swarmed around him. Kenji rolled his eyes, feeling frustrated. 'Fantastic,' he thought wryly. He was surrounded by a horde of energetic children, and he knew this was going to be a long, arduous afternoon.


Taro and Kenji stood in the training room, their breathing echoing in the silence and the occasional shuffle of fabric as Kenji executed the flowing leaf style. Taro scrutinized Kenji's movements, noting the growing fluidity with each passing session.

As the taijutsu training reached its conclusion, Taro produced a small, unassuming piece of blank paper, causing Kenji's curiosity to be piqued. Confusion marred Kenji's features as he gazed at the paper, wondering what purpose it could possibly serve in their training.

Taro, noticing Kenji's bewilderment, smirked. "What, you think I want you to draw something?" he teased, his voice filled with amusement.

"What's the deal with this paper?" Kenji asked, his tone filled with skepticism. Taro simply smirked and gestured for Kenji to take a seat.

Kenji obliged, and Taro instructed him to channel his chakra onto the paper. Kenji focused his energy, watching in amazement as the paper crumbled to dust under his chakra.

Taro stroked his chin, deep in thought. 'Earth, why did he get earth affinity?' his voice tinged with confusion. 'Neither Chiyo nor I have earth, only water, and fire. Hmmm... well this should be interesting.'

Taro spoke, explaining to Kenji what the paper represented. "The remnants of that paper, my son, are a testament to your innate affinity for earth chakra. It's a rare gift, one that gives you the power to control the very earth itself."

Kenji looked at the crumpled piece of paper in his hand, then back to his father, a sense of awe building within him. "Earth chakra," he muttered to himself, "the power to control the earth."

"Yes," Taro continued, "earth techniques are often used for defense, and with enough mastery, you can create walls, traps, or even entire fortresses. It's a formidable power, one that requires great discipline and control."

Kenji's mind raced as he considered the possibilities. He had always been drawn to the earth, feeling a deep connection to its solidity and stability. Now, to learn that he had a natural ability to control it. It was almost too much to comprehend.

"But," Taro's voice cut through Kenji's thoughts, "with great power comes great responsibility. You must learn to control your chakra, to use it wisely, and to always be mindful of the consequences of your actions." Taro's hands moved in fluid, practiced movements, performing a series of hand seals. In response, small balls of water and fire appeared in each of his hands, and he manipulated them with ease, each movement precise and controlled.

Kenji watched in awe, feeling a sense of wonder at the mastery his display. This was the true power of a ninja, the ability to control the elements and unleash them upon the world.

"The foundation of what you do today," Taro continued, his voice filled with import, "will determine where you are in the future. The better your basics, the stronger and more diverse your jutsu will be. Do not take this lightly, Kenji." With a sharp clap, Taro dismissed the balls of water and fire, "Alright, follow me, we take this outside." Leading Kenji out to the yard.

Kenji followed his mind still reeling from the demonstration of the power he had just witnessed. 'Holyshit that was awesome. I wonder when I can do that?'

Taro strode ahead, with Kenji in tow, heading toward the training yard. Kenji's thoughts were in a frenzied state, as he wondered what new techniques he might learn to wield the power of the earth. They approached a clearing in the yard, and Taro gestured for Kenji to sit.

"Close your eyes, Kenji," Taro said, his voice low and measured. "Place your hands on the earth, and feel its pulse coursing through you. The earth is a force of nature, and you must learn to tap into its power."

Kenji did as he was told, focusing all his attention on the ground beneath him. He felt a strange sensation as if the earth was pulsing with energy, waiting for him to harness it.

"Good." Taro smiled, "Now, I want you to grab and carry a handful of dirt with you at all times. Mold it. Get to know it intimately. Learn its secrets. The earth is a powerful ally, and you must become one with it."

Kenji nodded, taking a handful of dirt in his hand. He closed his eyes, letting the energy of the earth flow through him. This was going to be a long and arduous journey, but he was determined to master the element of earth. 'Let's get started,' as he began his meditation, feeling a faint sense of the power of the earth coursing through him.


As the seasons shifted, Kenji was consumed by a single-minded pursuit, improvement. For a year, he devoted every ounce of his being to honing his skills, by pushing his body to the limit. His days were spent tirelessly building strength, endurance, coordination, and taijutsu. But it was his mastery of chakra and the earth element that was the true test of his will.

Despite his unwavering determination, Kenji's progress was hampered by the limitations of his still-growing body and its potential. He lay on his bed, manipulating a small piece of dirt with his basic earth element mastery, contemplating the extent of his abilities. The memory of the jutsu names and techniques danced in his mind, but he had dismissed the hand signs as too dorky to learn. Now, in hindsight, he regretted not learning them. "If only I had known," he lamented to himself, his mind bursting with incomprehension.

He rose from his bed, his mind set on a singular goal. He was determined to improve his skills, he wanted to learn a jutsu, and he was willing to take any measure necessary to achieve it. 'Taro will be back soon according to Chiyo, let's see if I can get anything out of her in the mean time,' he mused to himself.

Stepping into the kitchen, Kenji approached Chiyo with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Good morning Mom," he said, his tone light and playful. "I've been thinking about something, and I was hoping you could help me."

"Oh, what is it sweetie?" Chiyo asked, her eyebrows furrowed with suspicion.

"I want to learn a jutsu!" Kenji said, adopting a pouty expression in an attempt to appear as endearing as possible. "I was hoping you could teach me one."

Chiyo considered his request, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Very well," she said, "I'll teach you a jutsu, but there's a catch." She leaned in, her voice lowering to a whisper. "You have to be able to tap me once during a spar, and I won't hold back."

"Awesome!" Kenji said his grin widening. "But we'll do it outside, you can't leave the ring, and you can only dodge, no fighting back. And, umm, ah that's right. You can't use any jutsu."

Chiyo nodded, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Very well, Kenji," she said. "It's a deal."


Kenji and Chiyo stood facing each other in the training yard, the sun beating down upon them, a light breeze blowing through the trees and rustling the leaves. They were ready to engage in a sparring match, and the tension was palpable.

"Alright, Kenji," Chiyo said, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know the rules. Touch me once and the match is yours."

Kenji's eyes narrowed with determination. 'I'll touch you alright, a jutsu is on the line' He was going to win this match, no matter what it took. He took a deep breath and prepared himself for the fight of his life.

The two of them began to move, Chiyo's body fluid and graceful as she dodged and weaved around each Kenji's moves. His arms shot out, trying to grab hold of Chiyo, but she was always just out of reach. He lunged forward, his fingers stretching out, but she danced away, her movements quick and light.

As the minutes passed, Kenji's frustration mounted. He had trained for this moment, and yet he couldn't seem to land a single touch on Chiyo. He scowled and growled, determined to win, but with each passing moment, she remained just out of reach.

"Come on, Mom!" Kenji exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration. 'Dammit, this is harder than I thought.'

Chiyo just laughed and continued to dodge his attacks. "We made a deal, Kenji," she said with a grin. "You're just not quick enough."

Kenji's frustration mounted with each passing moment, but he refused to give up. He was a strong enough he thought, he rigged the rules in his favor and he was determined to win. He gritted his teeth and redoubled his efforts, his arms reaching out again and again, but Chiyo remained just out of reach.

As they continued to engage in their sparring match, suddenly a flock of white-eyed birds flew overhead in formation, their high-pitched trills filling the air and creating a mesmerizing aerial display for the entire village to witness. Kenji looked up, confused by the spectacle. 'What the hell are those birds doing?'

But Chiyo's expression turned pale as she deciphered the hidden message conveyed by the birds. Without hesitation, she called an end to the match. "Kenji, that's enough for today," she said, her tone urgent. "Go play inside and don't leave the house." Kenji knew that something serious had transpired, and Chiyo's urgency only added to his confusion.

Chiyo disappeared, leaving Kenji in a state of bewilderment. As he watched her go, all he could see was a trail of leaves in her wake. Kenji couldn't help but wonder what was happening. 'What the fuck is going on?' as he struggled to make sense of the strange event that unfolded around him.

 

[jaybay23911]

As night descended, Kenji sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, deep in concentration. His eyes were closed, and his hands were placed lightly on the ground. He was trying to sense the chakra of anything that was around him.

But he couldn't seem to get the hang of it. His frustration grew, and he muttered to himself, "God dammit! I just can't seem to do it." Kenji had been working tirelessly to improve his sensor skills, but it seemed like no matter what he did, he couldn't seem to make any progress.

He began to focus his attention on a single point, his breathing slowing as he tried to center himself. He opened his mind, attempting to feel the flow of chakra around him. Gradually, he began to sense the faintest of energies emanating from the objects in his room. He concentrated harder, and the energies grew more pronounced.

Kenji's eyes snapped open, a look of surprise on his face. "Hell yeah, I did it," he said, awed by what he was sensing.Happy with what he has done, his thoughts wondered about what happened earlier that day, 'I haven't heard any news yet. I wonder what's going on? No explosions or screams, no fighting. Everything seems to be normal in the village so far from what I can tell. What the hell is going on?'


His thoughts were disrupted, by what sounded to be Chiyo's voice. Her voice echoed through the house, pulling him towards the source of the sound, he heard a commotion. Kenji's thoughts scattered, replaced by a gnawing sense of worry as he emerged from his room. Finding out what happened.

As Kenji neared the main room, the sound of Chiyo's voice grew clearer, revealing a tone of sadness, almost like she was crying. He was wondering what had happened, and as he entered the room, he was surprised. Chiyo was clinging to Taro, her tears flowing freely. "Taro, please!" she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. "There must be another way! You don't have to accept it!"

Kenji's mind raced with confusion, trying to piece together the events unfolding before him. 'Wait why is Taro here? I thought he was on a mission. And what is with him with the gear, it looks like wearing a lot more than usual.' he stood there listening intently, trying to clue himself on the situation. 'What the fuck is going on!?'

Taro held Chiyo close, his expression somber and pained. "I'm sorry, Chichi," he whispered his voice heavy with regret. "The village requires me, and I must answer the call. Stay strong and prepare, I don't know how bad it's going to get. Our son needs you."

"Please…just choose another station, it's suicide where you're going," Chiyo spoke with a bare whisper, as she clung harder into Taro's chest.

Turning his head, Taro approached Kenji, he felt a palpable sense of foreboding settled over him. He knew that something big must of happened, his father looked like he was about to embark on a suicide mission.

Taro knelt down, his eyes blazing with a mixture of emotion and determination. "Listen closely, Kenji," he rasped, his voice low and steady. "I have been tasked with a mission, one that will test the limits of my skills to protect our village. I cannot predict what will happen, or when I'll return."

Kenji felt his heart sink as he listened to his words. He knew that Taro was skilled, but knowing what he knew, there were monsters out there and he was worried for him.

"And make no mistake, Kenji," Taro continued, his voice ringing with conviction. "You are a member of the proud Izumi family. It is your duty to protect your mother, to become strong, and to uphold the family's honor." Taro's grip on Kenji's shoulder was firm, conveying the weight of responsibility that lay upon him. "I have faith in you, my son," Taro continued, his eyes shining with pride. "You possess the strength and intelligence to succeed, to become a true master of the shinobi arts."

Kenji's mind raced as he gazed into his father's eyes, reading the love, the pride, and the fear that lay within. "What kind of mission, Dad?" he asked, his voice a hoarse whisper.

Taro's lips tightened into a thin line, and he cast a furtive glance over his shoulder. "A mission of utmost importance, Kenji," he replied, his voice a hushed whisper. "One that requires stealth and cunning, and may well put me in harm's way."

Chiyo clutched Taro's arm, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, please Taro" she sobbed. "Come back to us, safe and sound."

Taro pulled Chiyo into a fierce embrace, kissing her deeply before turning to his son. "Take care of your mother, Kenji," he said, his voice firm, then smiled. "I'll be back before you know it."

Kenji watched in stunned silence as Taro disappeared into the night, leaving behind a trail of rustling leaves. The reality of the situation hit him like a ton of bricks, and he was filled with a deep sense of fear and uncertainty. The fear that he may never see Taro again, a man he had come to view as a close friend.

But as he gazed into his mother's eyes, he knew he had to be strong. Something had happened that morning, and it had changed everything. He didn't know exactly what, but the clues were numerous. With a deep breath, he understood that he had to push himself even harder, as he didn't know how long he had left, till something affected him.

"Mum, can you train me? I want to be strong," his voice spoke with resolve.

Chiyo's eyes brimmed with tears as she drew Kenji into a tight embrace. "Okay," she whispered, her voice thick with feeling. She recognized that this moment represented a turning point in Kenji's life, signaling the end of his innocence and the beginning of a difficult and arduous path to being a shinobi.


Kenji and Chiyo clashed in an intense duel in the yard, their bodies moving with precision as they exchanged blows and evasions. Kenji lunged forward with a punch, but Chiyo sidestepped with ease, delivering a sharp kick to his gut. He staggered backwards, gasping for breath. Chiyo pressed her advantage, raining down a barrage of strikes and kicks that Kenji struggled to fend off.

'Dammit I still can't give her a damn challenge,' Kenji thought as he struggled to keep up with Chiyo's relentless assault. He let his guard slip for a moment, and Chiyo capitalized with a devastating blow to his midsection. "One mistake can be fatal in battle," she warned, her voice stern. "You must maintain your focus, Kenji."

Kenji doubled over, coughing and gasping for air. "Get up," Chiyo commanded. The fight continued as Kenji rose to his feet, resoluteness etched upon his features. Chiyo continued her barrage, forcing Kenji to defend himself with all his might. He could feel his energy waning, his focus slipping, and his resolve wavering.

'Fuck she's relentless,' while he struggled to keep up with Chiyo's relentless assault. He pushed himself to the limit, dodging and blocking with all his might, but Chiyo seemed to have the upper hand. He let his guard slip once again, and Chiyo seized the opportunity with a brutal kick to his chest.

"You're not paying attention, Kenji!" Chiyo yelled, her voice echoing through the yard. "You're not putting in enough effort! You're going to get yourself killed in battle if you don't focus!"

Kenji felt a surge of anger and frustration, and he redoubled his efforts. He fought with all his might, his movements quick and precise, his strikes and kicks swift and deadly. He and Chiyo clashed in a whirlwind of motion, exchanging blows and evasions, pushing each other to their limits.

Finally, Kenji saw an opening, and he took it with a punch that Chiyo had to block.

"You're getting better," Chiyo said with a smile. "But you're still not there yet. Keep practicing, and you'll get there eventually."

Chiyo clapped her hand ending the session. "Good job Kenji, it's about time for you to advance to the next phase," Chiyo declared as she led Kenji to another section of the training grounds. The surroundings were dotted with various targets, set up for them to practice their skills.

"Alright, Kenji," Chiyo stated as she retrieved a kunai and shuriken from a hidden pouch. "We're going to proceed to use some weapons now. These are a kunai and a shuriken, crucial instruments for any ninja," she explained, presenting the weapons to Kenji for examination.

Kenji took hold of the weapons, analyzing them with a sense of wonder. "They're so small, wow, and so sharp," he noted, impressed.

"Precisely," Chiyo confirmed with a stern gaze. "And that's why it's crucial that we learn to handle these weapons with the utmost care. Kenji, if I catch you treating these weapons with anything other than respect, you will be banned from practicing them until you enter the academy. Is that clear?"

Kenji nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Yes, mom. I will not treat them as toys," he pledged.

Chiyo smiled, satisfied with her son's response. "Good. Let's move on to the shuriken, first." She demonstrated the proper grip and stance for throwing the weapon, showing Kenji the key to generating enough force to make a successful throw.

Kenji mimicked her grip, feeling the weight of the shuriken in his hand. "Understood," he acknowledged.

"Excellent," Chiyo praised. "Now, aim for that target over there," she indicated a makeshift target nearby.

Kenji took aim and launched the shuriken, watching as it flew through the air and landed just inches from the target. "Nice throw," Chiyo complimented.

"Awesome! I can't wait to get good at this" Kenji exclaimed. 'Damn, I'm starting to actually feel like a ninja now.'

"You will," Chiyo reassured him. "But for now, let's move on to the kunai." And with that, the training continued.


As he and Chiyo made their way to the park, Kenji couldn't ignore the palpable tension that gripped the village. Even the parents at the park, who attempted to maintain a facade of normalcy, couldn't hide the worry etched upon their faces. Kenji, with his keen sense, saw through their guise.

They reached the playground, and Kenji noticed a group of sullen children playing. He approached them and asked, "What's wrong, guys? Why the long faces?"

One of the children looked up at him and replied, "Our moms and dads aren't coming back home." Kenji was taken aback and inquired further, "What do you mean? Where did they go?"

The child looked at him with tears in his eyes, "Mommy went to the pure land. They were fighting in a big battle to protect the village and didn't return."

Kenji's heart dropped as he realized the severity of the situation. He turned to an older child for more information, and the child revealed, "We're fighting with another bad village. That's why our moms and dads have to leave."

Kenji's expression darkened, 'Shit, are we at war? What the hell happened? How did it start?' His thoughts recalled on what happened recently. 'Those birds and Taro's sudden appearance, then departure. Chiyo's harsh training. It starting to make sense. Shit.' Calming himself down. 'No, I can't jump to conclusions. It might be a small skirmish instead.'

He surveyed the children and saw the sadness and worry on their faces, struggling to cope with what was happening in the village. 'They need help. I can't mope right now' Kenji didn't want them to endure another moment of sorrow and decided to take action.

"Hey everyone," Kenji spoke with a gentle tone, "I know things are tough right now, but let's have some fun. How about we play our favorite game, ninja tag!" He spoke in excitement.

The children looked at each other uncertainly, unsure if they were ready to have fun just yet. But Kenji's infectious enthusiasm soon had them nodding in agreement.

"Awesome!" Kenji exclaimed, "Let's get started!"

As they started to play, Kenji watched the children relax and smile. The worry and sadness in their eyes slowly dissipated, replaced by laughter and joy.

A child tagged Kenji and exclaimed, "I got you!"

Kenji laughed, "Well done! And remember, even in the darkest of times, we can always find something to laugh and smile about."

Another child added, "Like playing ninja tag with you, Kenji!"

Kenji smiled, "Exactly! And who knows, maybe you'll tag me again."

The children laughed and continued to play, the atmosphere lightening with each giggle and shout. Kenji felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that he had brought happiness to the children and made a difference in their day.


Kenji sat at home, his mind consumed by thoughts of what had happened at the park. He had an uneasy feeling from it all, from what he heard from the kids he was wondering if the village was at war and he hoped his suspicions weren't true. Deciding to get over it and confirm it, he decided to confront Chiyo, and get a clearer understanding of the situation.

Chiyo sat across from Kenji, her expression serious. "Kenji, I know you have questions about what's happening," she said. "I can tell you that there is unrest in the land of fire. And our enemies, Iwagakure are putting pressure on our borders."

'Shit! I suspected as much,' Kenji thought with a tinge of worry. "But who else is involved? The village is strong, right? Everyone in the village looks worried. They wouldn't look so down if everything was okay. Are there other villages?" asked with increasing concern.

Chiyo hesitated, her eyes shifting away from Kenji's gaze. "There are...other factors involved," she said evasively. "But rest assured sweetie, the village is strong and we have nothing to fear."

Kenji felt a sense of panic rising within him. He wasn't ready for this, for the prospect of war and the dangers that came with it. 'Shit! Shit! Shit! I'm just a fucking kid. I'm weak, how the hell am I going to survive this? I'm not ready! God dammit! I don't remember any of this being in the fucking show.'

Chiyo reached out and took his hand. "Sweetie, don't worry," she said, her voice gentle. "You have the strength and skill to face whatever comes your way. Just focus on your training and let the village handle the rest."

Kenji nodded, taking comfort in Chiyo's words. Taking a deep breath, 'Fuck, I've got to train more, no more fucking around.' He would do his best to be ready for whatever lay ahead.

---

A/N
Well, this chapter was annoying to write. I went through several revisions before settling on this version. I considered many different endings, but this one seemed the best fit. I hope you enjoyed it. From here on, the story should start to build in intensity, but it may still change as I continue to revise. I plan to post every other day from now on, as I can't sustain the previous pace. Thank you for reading! Feedback, both good and bad, is always appreciated. Thanks for being a part of the journey!

 

[jaybay23911]

Kenji crept through the dense underbrush, his eyes fixed on a small, darting creature that was feeding among the greenery. He moved with calculated stealth, each step measured to preserve the serene tranquility of the woods.

"This is it," Kenji whispered to himself. "It's now or never."

His hand gripped a shuriken, a weapon that he had honed to lethal precision through countless hours of training.

As the animal stepped into the clearing and Kenji took a slow and calm deep breath. 'Now!' He sprung into action, launching his shuriken with deadly accuracy. The weapon sailed through the air, its sharp edges glinting in the sun. The creature too slow to react, and with that the weapon struck it directly in the head, as it lay there lifelessly.

Kenji approached the creatures body, retrieving his shuriken and wiping it clean on a nearby leaf.

"Ha, take that rabbit," Kenji laughed. "I am the hunter, and you are the hunted."

Out of the shadows a figured emerged, surprising him, Kenji quickly shifted his stance into a defensive mode, preparing for the worst. Only to realize that it was his mother. 'Shit! She keeps appearing out of nowhere. Why couldn't I sense her?'

Chiyo approached and examined Kenji. Her eyes shone with approval, she nodded. "Good job," patting him on the head. "It seems your skills are truly improving."

Kenji grinned with the acknowledgement, knowing it was hard to get it from her. Recalling the recent hunt, it was a new experience for him. He was starting to understand why hunters from Earth kept returning to the activity. There was something primal about it all, something he was beginning to enjoy.

"Alright, let's review, shall we?" Chiyo said, her expression calm as she continued. "I want to go over your techniques, Kenji. You've done well, but there is still much room for improvement. I'll share some tips I've learned over the years to help you sharpen your skills."

And with that, Chiyo began pointing out Kenji's strengths and weaknesses, and he listened intently, his mind buzzing with potential. He knew he still had much to learn, and he couldn't let his recent success get the better of him.

He sighed, 'I still have a long way to go.'


Walking down the main street of the shopping district, Kenji headed towards the park. The place was busy with people walking about, but the buzz of war was palpable in the air, with hushed whispers and talks about the conflict with their neighboring country, the land of Earth and their biggest foes Iwa followed him wherever he went. People were divided, some outraged by the attacks from the Rock Rats, others worried about their future and the strength of the nation, but at the center of it all was the legendary figure, White Fang.

Once celebrated as a hero, the name White Fang was now being tarnished by rumors and hearsay. Kenji, curious about it, wondered what had caused the villagers to turn on him and wanted to see if they were true. So, he asked his mother about the real situation and what caused for it all to happen. He knew she wouldn't go into detail, but at least she would tell him something that he could work with.

To his surprise, Chiyo's demeanor changed instantly. She looked upset at the topic and it seemed to hit a nerve for her. She stopped walking and looked into his eyes with unwavering conviction. "Do not listen to the gossip of the ignorant, Kenji," she told him firmly. "White Fang is a great man, a man that went above and beyond his duty for the village. He deserves our respect and admiration for what he's done. And he does not deserve the petty slanders of the villagers that know nothing. Kenji… I owe that man a debt that can never be repaid. I need you to remember that son, please don't forget that."

"Okay," Kenji nodded. He was taken aback by her sudden change in mood. 'Holy crap! What the hell did he do for you to be like that? Should I ask her?' Tempted to probe for more. But he could tell from her expression that this was a personal matter, and she wasn't willing to share any more information.

'I guess I'll leave it. Maybe she'll tell me more in the future.' Despite his curiosity, Kenji decided to respect her privacy. As they continued on to the park, but Chiyo's mood remained somber.


Time went by and under Chiyo's expert guidance, Kenji sharpened his skills, feeling a growing sense of power and mastery of the shinobi arts. Chiyo was a demanding teacher, but Kenji was driven by the fear of the unknown, the war that was raging on and the strength he felt as he continued to improve becoming a true full blown superhuman. He was determined to become as strong as he could, to be ready for whatever lay ahead.

"It's time I teach you a jutsu," Chiyo declared.

"Yes!" Kenji exclaimed, his excitement palpable. 'Finally, I can't believe she finally going to teach me something. Haha, this is going to be so awesome.'

But Chiyo was quick to temper his enthusiasm. "First, we'll go over the hand seals once more."

Kenji took a deep breath, and nodded.

Chiyo continued, "Hand seals are the foundation of ninjutsu," her voice steeped in the wisdom of years of experience. "Remember Kenji, chakra is the vital energy that animates all living things, it is the key to unlocking the power of ninjutsu. And, hand seals are the tools we use to control and direct chakra to perform incredible feats."

Chiyo demonstrated a variation of hand seals, her fingers moving with lightning speed to form the intricate shapes. "Each hand seal is a specific movement that stimulates specific points on the body, known as chakra points," she explained. "By forming these seals in a specific sequence, we create a circuit that channels our chakra, unleashing its power."

Kenji watched spellbound, as Chiyo demonstrated different hand seals.

"But how does it work mom?" he asked. "How does forming these seals actually control my chakra to perform a jutsu?"

"It's all about the flow, Kenji," Chiyo replied with a nod. "Think of chakra as a river, flowing through our bodies. The hand seals act like dams, redirecting and shaping that flow, determining its direction and strength. As we become more skilled, we can control and manipulate our chakra with greater precision. And if you become a master of the skill, you can execute a jutsu without seals."

"Today I will teach you the substitution jutsu," Chiyo said, she executed the hand seals slowly for Kenji to observe it. And suddenly, a cloud of smoke enveloped her, and when it cleared, a branch stood in her place.

Chiyo's voice echoed from a distance, "The Substitution Jutsu is a powerful technique." And with a sudden reappearance Chiyo stood in the place of the branch, "This jutsu is not to be underestimated son. Even if it is a beginners jutsu, it is capable of surprising even the most seasoned of shinobi, if you master it. This will help you hold a deadly advantage on the battlefield."

With that done, Chiyo began to impart the intricacies of the Substitution jutsu, her words emphasizing the ability he was about to wield and the caution he must take when using it.

'Damn, I'm starting to feel like a real superhuman now.' Kenji thought, as he imagined running wild with the possibility of teleporting anywhere like the blink skill in a videogame.

"Can I try it now mom?" he asked, his voice filled with eagerness.

"Very well," Chiyo replied, her tone stern. "Show me the hand seals, but don't infuse them with chakra just yet."

Kenji performed the hand seals flawlessly, calling out each one as he performed them. "Tiger, Boar, Ox, Dog, Snake."

"Good," Chiyo said, pointing to a block of wood nearby. "Now, replace this block of wood."

Kenji began the seals, but this time, nothing happened. "What the...?" he muttered, looking to Chiyo for answers.

"Again," she instructed, "but this time, let the flow build with each seal, and channel it to your core."

Kenji tried once more, and this time, a cloud of smoke surrounded him. He shifted, but instead of finding himself on solid ground where the block was located, he found himself above it mid-air, feeling dizzy and disorientated, Kenji couldn't focus, falling hard to the ground. "Oof!" he groaned, but his excitement was palpable. "I did it!"

"Good work, sweetie," Chiyo smiled. "Alright, let's try it again. Now, that you have the hang of it." And with that, Kenji continued to hone his skills, practicing the Jutsu with newfound energy.


The war raged on, as the seasons passed by in a blur of death and destruction. The conflict growing increasingly brutal and lethal with each passing day. Other nations and villages watched from the shadows, probing their lands, waiting for a moment of weakness, waiting to strike and sink their fangs into the heart of their enemy.

In the midst of this tumultuous landscape, Chiyo stood her ground, her unwavering resolve to guide and instruct her son, never wavering. Kenji was determined to master the art of the shinobi, to survive in the cutthroat world of Naruto, where being a ninja was about far more than just wielding weapons and battling foes.

Kenji soon discovered that being a shinobi was about moving with stealth, tending wounds, traversing treacherous terrain, identifying traps, following tracks, perfecting control over his chakra and other essential skills. He grew in knowledge and experience with each passing day, soaking up the wisdom of his mentor like a parched desert absorbs rain. She was in a race against time, determined to impart as much knowledge as possible to her son, preparing him for the trials that lay ahead.


Chiyo stood before the towering gates of the Kohana Academy, her eyes fixed firmly on her son, as he prepared to embark on his journey as a shinobi. Despite his exceptional abilities and innate genius, she couldn't shake the fear that gripped her heart. He was too young, he only recently turned five. And with the devastating war that had ravaged the land cast a long shadow over the village, leaving deep scars and depleting the numbers of their ninja force, putting immense pressure on the borders and the land. He was likely to join.

"I can only pray that the knowledge I've imparted to you will keep you safe," Chiyo whispered, her voice quivering with regret and sorrow.

As she gazed at the imposing academy, Chiyo knew that the accelerated education her son was about to receive was far from perfect. The school was under immense pressure to maintain its appearances and numbers, leading to rushed lessons and courses being cut. With the most promising students allowed to advance rapidly through the ranks, she feared that Kenji would be among them.

Despite her commander's assurance to keep her from joining the war effort, Chiyo was conscripted to fight. And now, with Kenji being old enough to start at the academy, she was powerless to stop the process. The thought of being unable to be there for her son weighed heavily on her heart, leaving her filled with grief.

Chiyo gazed wistfully at the academy gates, her thoughts drifting back to the moment when it all began.

It was just another ordinary day, as she was training Kenji on his shinobi skills. It was until that moment an urgent message transmitted throughout the village. As soon as she saw the message, she knew the situation was dire. Like many others, she rushed to her designated location, a seemingly unremarkable building located between the jonin training grounds and the village's economic zone.

Upon entering the secret entry of the building, Chiyo was stopped by two masked guards who materialized from the wall, demanding her identification codes and verification.

"Shōmeisho," one of them spoke, his voice as cold as ice. The other guard placed their hand on her shoulder, pulsing into her chakra system.

Chiyo followed protocol, reciting her identification codes and imbuing her chakra on her shoulder, displaying a stylized leaf symbol tattoo. The guards nodded, and she made her way to the briefing room.

As Chiyo stepped in, she was immediately struck by the tension that filled the air. The room was packed with comrades, all of them on high alert, their eyes fixed on the front of the room where the mission briefing was about to commence.

The briefing began, and she listened intently as her commander spoke. "I'll keep it simple. The situation with Iwa has escalated," he said gravely. "We're moving out to Kusa," he said, pointing to a map on the screen. "Perimeters will be set at Momiji, Sumire, and Botan. Tenchi and Kannabi are the priority. The danger level is set at code onyx, and the formation will be plumming bird. You all know what to do. Dismissed."

Chiyo's heart raced for her upcoming mission, but her commander pulled her aside with a firm grip. "Gecko, you're not joining this mission," he said firmly. "According to section 4-23B of the personnel guidelines, retired nin like yourself are not to return to active duty during wartime until your eldest is enrolled in the academy. Are we clear?"

Chiyo nodded, her voice filled with uncertainty. "Hai," she replied, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.

The commander gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "It's for your own good, gecko," he said kindly. "Take care of your son." With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Chiyo to ponder the situation.

As Chiyo stepped out of the room, her mind in turmoil, torn between relief at being able to spend more time with her son and fear for what was to come. But as she rounded the corner, she was surprised to find Taro waiting for her in the hallway. Despite the happiness of seeing him, Chiyo could sense that something was seriously amiss.

"Taro, what happened?" Chiyo asked, her voice filled with concern.

Taro looked up, his eyes filled with guilt and regret. "I failed my mission," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I'm going to the Kusa immediately. I won't return until the war is over, until I've made things right."

Chiyo's heart sank at the news, and she asked, her voice trembling with worry, "What went wrong, Taro?"

"White Fang saved me," Taro said, his voice filled with shame. "I failed ChiChi. It's all my fault. White Fang came back and saved our squad, my weakness caused this. I can't live with the guilt… the shame. Because of me, the village is going to war. Because of me, lives will be lost. Because of me, the blood of the village is on my hands." His voice dropped to a whisper, heavy with emotion. "Because of me, I've put our son's safety at risk. I can't live with that thought, ChiChi."

The air was thick with tension as Chiyo and Taro stood there, both grappling with their conflicting emotions. Taro was determined to leave for the battlefront, to make amends for his past mistakes and protect their village, but Chiyo couldn't bear the thought of losing her husband, especially after he had just returned from a failed mission.

"Taro, please," Chiyo whispered, her voice breaking. "Don't go. Not now. Not after everything you've been through."

Taro's eyes were filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "I have to go Chiyo," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I can't ignore my mistakes. I have to atone for my sins and do what's right for the village, for our family."

Chiyo's eyes were filled with determination. "Then see Kenji before you leave," she said, her voice firm. "Give him a chance to say goodbye. He deserves that much."

Taro's expression softened, and he nodded. "Okay," he said, his voice filled with emotion.


Back at the academy gates, Chiyo held her son close in a tight embrace. Kenji, feeling a pang of sadness, looked up at her and said, "Mom, I'll miss you. But don't worry, I'll be okay."

Chiyo smiled through her tears and replied, "Take care of yourself sweetie, and keep training. Remember what we've practiced."

With a deep breath, Kenji stepped away from his mother and towards the academy gates. "Bye, Mom," he called out, waving back at her.

"Bye sweetie. I love you," Chiyo said, her voice choking with emotion.

Kenji knew that this moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He was embarking on a path with no way to turn back, and he whispered to himself, "This is it, no going back from this."

---

A/N
This chapter proved to be an interesting one to write. I hope it met your expectations. As mentioned in the previous chapter, the story is about to speed up. I appreciate you taking the time to read. Feedback, both good and bad, is always appreciated. Thanks for being a part of the journey!

 

[jaybay23911]

"The will of fire burns bright, a power that lives within each and everyone of you, it's a force that cannot be quenched. It is a drive that propels one to greatness, a never-ending quest for excellence, a determination to never surrender in the face of adversity. The will of fire is what makes a true hero, and it is this spirit that lies within all of us, waiting to be unleashed.

"You, young ninja, possess this same potential. Your hearts are ablaze with the will of fire, waiting to be ignited. Do not let anything stand in your way, do not let anyone dim your light. Embrace your power and become the heroes you were meant to be."

As the elder in ceremonial attire addressed the audience, Kenji stood amidst the sea of young ninja-hopefuls, his eyes skeptically scanning the crowd. The Headmaster spoke of the "will of fire," a mantra that promised the potential for greatness, the drive to never give up, and the determination to reach for the stars.

Kenji couldn't help but scoff at the rhetoric, thinking to himself, 'Just another form of propaganda, how disappointing that it's only coming from the Headmaster. I wonder what the Hokage is up to.'

But as he looked around the courtyard, Kenji noticed something that piqued his interest. The younger students around him were beginning to stir with excitement, their eyes lighting up with inspiration and determination. They clapped along with the Headmaster's words, their enthusiasm palpable.

'Well, this is surprising,' Kenji thought. 'The kids are actually buying into this nonsense.'

Just then, a child turned to him, beaming with excitement. "I'm going to be a hero, I'm going to be like the Hokage!" the child declared.

Kenji couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the child's innocence. "I hope you do," he replied with a smile.

The Headmaster continued, "The will of fire is the spark that ignites our passion and fuels us to grow, and together as a village the flames grow brighter. Embrace it, let it guide you towards success and greatness. Never let anyone or anything dim the flames of your determination. Rise up, and let the flames become a reality!"

Kenji couldn't help but tap his foot impatiently, his thoughts filled with cynicism. 'I wonder when this shit is going to end?'



Kenji sat in the academy classroom, his mind wandering from the monotonous lecture on chakra manipulation and hand seals. While the other students around him took dutiful notes, Kenji felt a growing restlessness within him. He had already became exceptionally skilled in these techniques, but he knew the importance of maintaining his cover as a regular academy student. So he wrote and acted like his classmates, concealing his true abilities.

When his instructor called upon him to demonstrate a hand seal sequence for a mock ninjutsu, Kenji stumbled, performing the technique clumsily. The instructor frowned at his performance, but the other students were surprised.

"Wow, Kenji, you're so bad," one student marveled.

"Yeah, you're as bad as my brother," said another.

Kenji simply smiled and shrugged, hiding his real proficiency. With the conflict still raging, he wanted to keep a low profile and avoid attracting attention to himself. He hoped that by the time he graduated, the conflict would be over, and he could escape the horrors of war while he was still weak.

As he sat back in his seat in the crowded, bustling classroom, Kenji couldn't help but notice the absence of clan students. The room was filled with a mix of orphans, civilians, and children from newly formed ninja families.

His thought wandered back to Naruto, 'I haven't even met any other characters from the show yet, only the hokage by accident. Would I recognize them if I saw them anyway? This world is too real. How would I tell who they were unless they gave me their names? I don't even remember most of them.'

Pondering on why the academy separated them, he thought about it for a bit and it made sense to him. Given the substantial difference in ability between clan children and regular children, with stronger bloodlines and connections to chakra, as well as systematic training from their clans, the difference would be immense and might discourage the kids.

With a yawn, he could only hope that as he advanced through the grades, he would finally be able to showcase his true skills and find an actual challenge. The thought of continuing through courses meant for kids his physical age was driving him crazy, and the only thing keeping him sane was the physical training.

Looking around, he watched the instructor struggle to maintain order among the rambunctious group of fifty-two students and marveled at the man's ability to do so. 'I don't envy his job,' Kenji thought with a smile. 'I wonder how he stays sane. Probably with a lot of alcohol.' The air in the classroom was charged with excitement as the students buzzed with energy.



During lunchtime, Kenji sat alone in a corner, his thoughts consumed by moral dilemmas. The sounds of his classmates' conversations faded into the background as he reflected on the gravity of his responsibility. He struggled with the idea of children transforming into soldiers and the consequences of their actions.

"What the hell have I gotten myself into?" Kenji muttered, feeling the weight of his choices. He couldn't help but compare his current situation to when he was watching and reading Naruto. Everything was safe and sound there, but now he lived and breathed in it. The reality of it all had hit him hard, and he didn't like it one bit.

A few of his classmates approached him, trying to make small talk, but Kenji found it hard to connect with them. He felt a disconnect, unable to relate to their age, innocence and naivety. They excitedly discussed the "fun" activities they were learning, but Kenji saw through the disguise of the games and recognized the ninja training behind it.

'Everything is connected. Jesus, this is going to be a fucking nightmare,' Kenji thought, as he looked around at the children socializing and playing. The thought of witnessing some of them dying or, even worse, having to take a life of someone a bit older than them, nearly made him quit and surrender. But as he considered the world he lived in and the memories of destruction and death that the anime portrayed, he couldn't imagine the reality of such a tragedy.

'I have to be ready, no matter what,' Kenji reminded himself. He knew that abandoning his training would only lead to his downfall and repeating the same mistake the show made.

'I'll keep training for the future,' Kenji determined, his resolve strengthened. 'Maybe, in the future, I'll be able to make a difference and create a better world.' He braced himself for the challenges ahead, ready to do what was necessary.



Kenji entered his home, letting out a weary sigh of relief, the weight of his disguise as a typical academy student finally lifting off of him. He made his way to the living room, his mind exhausted from the day's events.

But his brief moment of peace was short-lived when he realized that no one was home. At first, he relished the solitude, but as time passed, he began to miss their presence.

'Am I lonely?' he wondered.

Chiyo's recent increase in work had been keeping her busier than ever, especially since he started at the academy. At times, he wouldn't see her for weeks on end. She had told him that she was conscripted as a medic-nin and would be sent out on urgent missions, but Kenji couldn't shake his suspicion about the nature of these missions. He wondered, 'Shouldn't she be working at the hospital?' Every time he saw her, she appeared drained and stressed.

Sinking into the couch, muttering, "What the hell is going on?" His thoughts raced with questions and suspicions, trying to unravel the mystery behind Chiyo's busy schedule, the conflict with Iwa, Taro's extended mission, and the rumors he heard at the academy. He felt certain that major events were unfolding, and it all seemed to be getting worse.

He leaned back, trying to steady his mind, but the feelings of unease lingered. 'What the hell is going to happen?' he worriedly ruminated, "How bad is it really?" The questions whirled in his mind, leaving him more confused and anxious. 'I really wish that I could watch or read Naruto again. At least it would give me something to work off.'

He wanted to know the truth, but for now, he would have to exercise patience. 'I have to be patient,' he reminded himself, 'Chiyo will let me know if anything is amiss.' He let out a deep sigh and opened his eyes, ready to face whatever was to come.

"Alright enough mopping, let's train!" Kenji yelled, marching out into the open. He scanned the area for a suitable spot and his eyes landed on a flatish-looking tree. "Let's give this a shot," he said, planting one foot against the trunk.

"Focus, you've got this," he whispered to himself, channeling his chakra to his feet feeling it adhere to it. Then lifting his other foot and he slowly placed it on the tree. "Hell yeah! This ain't so bad," he shouted, a smirk spreading across his face.

But his moment of victory was cut short as he lost focus and plummeted to the ground with a thud, landing on his butt. "Oof! I got too cocky," he groaned, rubbing his aching backside. "Alright, let's try again," he determined, getting back up and returning to the tree to try once more.

Hours passed and Kenji was still at it, determined to conquer the tree-climbing exercise. The sun was beginning to set and he was exhausted.

"Why the hell is tree-climbing so damn hard?" Kenji grumbled in frustration. He had been trying to master the damn exercise, but no matter how hard he tried, he kept slipping and falling. 'These fucking trees!' He felt that they were working against him. He was determined to conquer the exercise, but it was proving to be more challenging than he thought.



A month passed by and Kenji was at the academy track racing alongside his peers, he remained as low-key as possible, maintaining a steady pace in the center of the pack. The last thing he desired was to draw attention to himself.

Observing his classmates struggling to keep pace, panting and faltering, he couldn't help but feel a sense of otherness. He had always suspected that his early unlocking of chakra, which he believed to be an incredibly rare occurrence, was the reason for this. But, he didn't think that was all to it, realising he had a lifetime of experiences behind him, he was immune to the distractions that plagued normal children, possessing the discipline and focus to improve himself beyond that of an average child.

And he couldn't shake the nagging question of how he would measure up against the offspring of the powerful clans. Would he be equal in strength or even stronger? The news of the Hatake clan kid graduating in a year had taken him by surprise, and he couldn't help but wonder if he too could reach such heights if he were to unleash his full potential. If only the conflict wasn't ongoing, he would have followed in his footsteps.

With that, the instructor signaled the end of the training, clapping his hands, "Well done class, I'll see you tomorrow." Turning towards Kenji, he added, "Kenji, I'd like to see you in the classroom before you leave."

As everyone in the class started making their way out of the grounds, Kenji followed his instructor to the classroom stood there, while his instructor took a seat at his desk, grabbing a file. He looked up and spoke.

"Kenji, I wanted to congratulate you on your progress," the instructor said.

"Thanks, sir," Kenji replied, scratching the back of his head.

The instructor pointed to a file on his desk. "You'll be moving up a grade."

'What the fuck? Why am I moving up?' He started getting anxious.

His voice slight nervousness, "Why? I'm just average. I'm not even that good."

His instructor smirked. "That's part of the reason why, Kenji. You don't stand out much, and that's a good thing, especially in an undercover mission. But in a classroom full of young ninjas-to-be, I can tell that you're holding back and hiding."

Kenji's panic began to rise. 'Is my act that obvious?' he thought. Trying to keep a calm and collected appearance, he asked. "But sir, I don't think I'm ready."

His instructor looked at him with a frown. "Look, son. I get it. You're scared about the conflict with Iwa. That's understandable. But if you want to be a ninja, you must face danger and adversity constantly. If you're not serious, then you can quit now. Otherwise, you face your fears with a smile and move into the unknown."

Kenji was panicking on the inside. 'Shit, shit, shit. I can't stop now. fuck!'

"So what will it be, Mr. Izumi? Are you a shinobi?" the instructor asked.

"Sir… I want to be a ninja," Kenji replied.

"Good. You will report to classroom two delta tomorrow," the instructor said. "I think you'll do well in the new class, but you need more training to fool me. You have a lot of potential."

"Sir, am I that obvious?" Kenji asked nervously.

"Kenji, you stick out like a sore thumb," the instructor replied. "Everything about you, since you joined this class, screams that you think you're better, despite your attempts to suppress it."

"What did I do wrong, sir?"

The instructor took off his glasses, revealing his white, pupil-less eyes. "First and foremost, I'm part of the Hyuga clan. We're natural sensors. I can sense and see your chakra, Kenji, and when you're practicing seals, your chakra moves like someone who has a few years of experience. That's impossible for someone your age, even in the clans. You're either a genius or your coils opened early."

"Secondly, you've clearly trained your body to a high level. You clearly surpass all of your classmates in fitness. That level of fitness is what I'd expect from someone in their fourth year, which you're not."

Kenji interrupted, "But sir, I've never led the pack in any of the exercises."

"That's correct," the instructor said. "But there's one obvious flaw in your disguise. You have a clear and steady heartbeat throughout the exercises. Your muscles don't strain like someone who done vigorous exercise. And your biggest flaw, which you don't realize, is that you have a clear tell. Whenever you intentionally hold back in any of the exercises, your right index finger and cheek twitch, only slightly, but for a shinobi like myself, it's plain as day."

Kenji stood there in shock, speechless.

His instructor got off his desk and put his glasses back on. "You'll improve, Kenji. Good luck with your training."

He patted Kenji on the back as he walked out of the classroom.



Kenji walked out of the academy gates, his thoughts in a whirlwind of shock, fear, and confusion. He couldn't fathom how his instructor had seen through his disguise so effortlessly. On his way home, he wondered if Chiyo and Taro were aware of his secret too. The thought of being discovered by his own adopted parents sent a surge of panic through him.

"Am I that obvious?" he muttered. 'Do Chiyo and Taro know? What am I going to do? Are ninjas that observant? Shit!' The notion of underestimating the capabilities of those around him was daunting.

As he walked, lost in his thoughts, a sense of hopelessness and despair settled in. He knew he had to be more cautious and vigilant to keep his secret safe, but the thought of constantly looking over his shoulder was exhausting. 'I thought I hid myself well,' he sighed. 'I guess I was wrong. Ninjas are fucking scary.'



Kenji arrived home, surprised to find his mother there, as she was usually gone for long periods of time, tending to the needs of the village. He greeted Chiyo with a warm embrace.

'Finally, something good for the day, might as well tell her,' he smiled.

"Sweetie, how was your day?" she asked, a genuine smile on her face.

"It was great, Mom," Kenji replied. "I have some good news."

Chiyo raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh, what news?"

"I'm moving up a grade," Kenji declared proudly.

Chiyo's eyes widened in surprise. "That's fantastic! I'm so proud of you."

However, Chiyo was also troubled. The war was growing in intensity and it wasn't looking good for the village. She knew that soon would be deployed permanently to the borders, dealing with any task the village demanded. The fact she might never see her son again, hurt her.

'Is the village graduating students at a faster rate? He's not ready. I know Kenji is smart and strong for his age, but why now? Not when it's about to get worse,' Chiyo thought, taking a deep breath. 'Okay, he can't hold back anymore. I know he's holding back and he doesn't want to graduate early, but he has to prove himself to be valuable to the village. He needs a jounin sensei, he'll be safer that way.'

Chiyo knelt down and looked at her son. "Sweetie, I have something important to tell you," she said, softly stroking his hand, trying to reassure him. "I know you've changed since the accident, you've been training well beyond what I would expect someone your age to. Your my little genius and I don't care that you've changed. Remember you're my son, and I want the best for you." She hugged him, noticing him tense and pale slightly.

"Kenji, the war, it's getting worse, the other lands are testing our borders," Chiyo continued. "I have to leave to work in the hospitals closer to the borders, and I don't know when or if I'll be able to come back."

Kenji was in shock from what Chiyo had told him, first his instructor telling him he stood out too much, and now his mother telling him that she knows he's changed, and with the confirmation of the war getting hotter, everything around him seemed to be turning to shit.

He was close to having a panic attack, but he needed confirmation.

"Do you really want me to show them everything?" he softly asked his mother.

Chiyo nodded firmly. "Yes, sweetie. I want you to show them everything you're capable of. You have great talent and potential, and the village needs strong ninja now more than ever. You'll be safer if you're a valuable asset to the village."

Kenji took a deep breath. "Okay, Mom. I'll do it."

---

A/N
Another doozy of a chapter. This one went through so many revisions that it changed my future drafts and made the chapter longer. I'm going to be pulling all-nighters to keep up the pace of releases. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and as always, feedback - both good, bad or ugly - it's appreciated. Thanks for being part of this journey!

 

[jaybay23911]

Kenji stood at the edge of the sparring ring, his eyes locked onto his opponent, the pompous Senju brat who thought he was better than everyone else just because of his clan. He was older, taller, and had more training than Kenji, but that didn't mean shit. The brat was here to prove himself as the next Hokage, just like every other kid in the village.

"I'll beat you this time, Monkey!" the brat declared confidently, using the stupid moniker he always called him.

"Can we begin?" Kenji asked the instructor impatiently, while Nawaki's eyes blazed with determination staring at him.

His instructor sighed and signaled the start of the match, and Kenji was off like a shot, his body a blur of motion as he charged forward. The brat tried to catch him off guard with a powerful mid height sweep kick, but Kenji was ready. Ducking beneath the attack, dodging by a hair's breadth, and followed through with a lightning-fast right hook that connected with the brat's gut, leaving him winded.

The brat staggered back, quickly regaining his footing, he then used his larger size to his advantage, following with a powerful punch. But Kenji was too quick, slipping past the attack with ease and darting around him. The brat was getting pissed, his strikes missing their mark time and time again as Kenji was one step ahead, using the "flowing leaf" style to his advantage.

Despite the brat's best efforts, Kenji was in control of the fight, always pre-empting his moves and striking quickly before slipping away. The brat was forced to adapt, his strikes becoming more calculated and precise, but Kenji never lost his focus.

Finally, Kenji saw an opening, his opponent at the edge of the ring, and with a swift roundhouse kick, sending the brat tumbling backwards and out of the ring.

Kenji walked over to him and helping him up.

"You're good, monkey," the brat said, still trying to catch his breath. "But I'll beat you next time. Don't get cocky."

"Good luck," Kenji smirked. "Just remember, I'll keep getting stronger, twig."

The brat glared at him in irritation. "I'm not a twig!" he yelled, but Kenji paid him no mind.

The instructor approached them. "Kenji, good job. Nawaki, if you want him to call you something different, beat him."

Nawaki slumped, "Yes sir." Both students performed the seal of reconciliation and hopped out of the training ring.

'What an annoying brat,' Kenji thought to himself. 'He's been bugging me since I came to this class, declaring me his rival. Ha, what a joke. I'll keep on beating his ass, I don't give a shit that he's a Senju.'

Kenji walked off to a nearby tree and sat under it, his mind lost in thought. The memories of the past year and a half came rushing back to him, as he remembered the day that changed his life forever.



"That day still haunts me," Kenji spoke under his breath. Remembering being caught out by his first-grade instructor and then by Chiyo. It was a nightmare, he came close to losing his shit when they both pointed out his pitiful disguise.

'I never would have thought that these ninja were so observant, I knew that they were good, but not by that much. How naive of me. I underestimated them and it nearly got me exposed.' From that day on, he knew he couldn't rely on common sense he had brought with him from Earth or the show. He adapted as best he could, but he always made sure to be extra cautious, never underestimating their skills again.

On the plus side, Kenji ceased hiding his abilities and embraced his full potential. He rose swiftly through the ranks of the academy, experiencing newfound freedom as he honed his skills in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Genjutsu. The lessons were challenging, encompassing everything from tactics to information gathering.

As a quick learner, Kenji excelled in the academies courses and especially in the art of chakra control and manipulation, earning recognition from his teachers and cementing his status as a genius.

But with each step forward, Kenji faced more and more scrutiny. The clan kids were particularly threatened by his exceptional abilities, and they couldn't accept the fact that he was outperforming them.

"Fucking brats. They can't handle that someone is doing better than them. Especially someone without a backing." He could see the frustration in their eyes, and he knew that they were determined to bring him down.

As he continued watching the students sparring, he couldn't help but wonder how Taro and Chiyo were doing. They had sent letters from time to time but he hadn't heard from them in a while, and there had been no notice from the village. He hoped they were still doing well and that they had managed to avoid most of the shit going on with the war.

The academy had become more intense over the years, as the war loomed on, it became publicly known that the land of fire was been pushed from all sides. The world of the ninja was in turmoil. The Five Great Shinobi Countries were facing a decline in power, and as the borders weakened, skirmishes with smaller nations broke out with increasing frequency. These small conflicts soon escalated, their flames spreading far and wide, until finally, they exploded into an all-out war.

'Goddammit, this war is a fucking disaster. What the fuck are the people at the top doing.' The prolonged conflict was taking its toll, and the village was struggling to maintain its war potential.

Kenji knew that he needed to be ready for whatever lay ahead. He had grown physically and mentally stronger, and he was as ready as he could to take on any challenge that came his way, even though he didn't want to.

'I hope I don't have to see any of these kids die in this war.' He couldn't help but think to himself.



Another day in the classroom, the genjutsu instructor called out to his students. "Pair up class," she announced. "Remember, this is just a training exercise, so don't go too far."

Tomoe, the Uchiha girl known for her exceptional genjutsu abilities, stepped forward and approached Kenji. She had a fierce rivalry with him, as he had a tendency to break through her illusions.

They squared off, eyes locked in a silent challenge. Tomoe was the first to act, her eyes narrowing as she focused her energy into her hand, suddenly felt a piece a wire attaching on his left ankle. Kenji felt a subtle shift in the air as the room suddenly changed, and he was transported to a different place entirely.

Tomoe induced an illusion on him. Putting all of her focus into the technique, determined to finally get the better of him.

Kenji's mind was transported to garden filled with vivid images and sounds. Vines, started wrapping around his foot growing faster and faster up his leg. He was easily able to tell that he was in an illusion.

'Why don't they make these illusions more subtle. This shit is too obvious.' So Kenji was able to resist her attempt, he focused on his core, letting his chakra buildup and them he let out a flood of chakra, breaking through the illusion with ease.

Kenji gave her a smile, when he broke out. Just frustrating her with her failed attempt. So they continued on, he enjoyed breaking out illusions. And, they continued on training and Tomoe's frustration grew with each failed attempt, beginning to use more advanced techniques, with her eye changing to red. This time, she was successful in placing him under an illusion.

Kenji stood their waiting, his mind in wonder. "Why hasn't Tomoe put me under yet?" Something felt off, so he started focusing in caution, sensing for any foreign chakra in his system. Suddenly, he felt a subtle invasion chakra but his mind was telling him it was fine and to ignore it, his thoughts were being manipulated.

'Holy shit! What the hell did she do.'

He was trapped in a world that wasn't real, but it felt incredibly real. Every detail was vivid and lifelike, and Kenji started looking around, scrutinizing, trying to find any discrepancies in his surroundings and couldn't help but notice the small changes around. The room seemed slightly different than it before, slight colour differences in the walls, some of the chairs looked different on their legs at different angles, and the writing on the wall changed. He felt an instinctual urge to escape. 'I need to get out now!'

His mind telling everything was fine, but he had to ignore the foreign thoughts and focus. His body flushing with his chakra, finally able to escape that prison.

'Holy shit,' Kenji breathed, studying Tomoe. "You actually managed to get me good this time. That was a good attempt," Kenji said, trying to downplay his escape.

Tomoe was staring at him, a mixture of frustration and awe on her face. She had been so certain that she had finally managed to ensnare Kenji in her illusion, but once again, he had managed to break free.

'I'll have to work on my resistance to genjutsu,' Kenji thought, feeling disbelief. 'Damn, that was intense.'

Their instructor watched the exchange with interest. "Kenji, well done. But, you need to break the jutsu quicker, otherwise you'll be taken down in that timeframe." Looking at Tomoe she said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "Tomoe, keep practicing, you were just paired up with a bad match. Any other student wouldn't escape."



During lunch, Kenji sat cross-legged beneath the branches of a sturdy oak tree, his eyes closed in deep meditation. Focusing his chakra, feeling the ground beneath him and his connection to the earth. Suddenly, the sound of two sets of footsteps approached him, one leisurely, as if the walker didn't care if they were discovered, and the other silent, moving with the grace, only noticing the grass part ways.

Kenji opened his eyes to see Akihiro and Haru, two of the few kids he could have a friendly conversation to, as they made their way towards him. Akihiro was a typical Nara, his clan known for their intellect, but he was too lazy to put it to use. He stood at average height, with a small scar on his right cheek, and had the spiky hair that was a hallmark of the Nara clan. Haru, on the other hand, was like any other member of the Aburame clan. He was the tallest in the class, but always wore dark glasses and a large dark-green hoodie, that concealed the insects he kept hidden on his person.

"What's up, 'Brains', 'Bugs'? Ready for tomorrow's test?" Kenji greeted his friends with a grin.

"That I am, 'Monkey'," Haru replied in his usual neutral tone.

"Ugh, this is going to be such a drag," Akihiro groaned. "Why can't we just skip it? It's going to be such a pain." He flopped on the ground laying down staring at the sky.

"Ha! It won't be that bad," Kenji said, laughing. "We'll get some exercise and have a bit of fun. Can't wait to do something serious."

Akihiro turned and gave him a funny look, it looked as if he was disgusted at the thought of actually working.

"Alright, alright, just think 'Brains'. The quicker you finish the task the quicker you'll get to laze around. Have you heard any news on what mission we'll be given?"

"My family won't tell, it's an exercise for training. So no clues and I'm too lazy to find out."

"I concur, the elders mentioned it was needed for my development and that it would be close to impossible to find out at our levels. The academy is well protected."

"Fair enough, I guess I've got to wait till tomorrow."



Kenji sat in his homeroom class, lost in thought. But the sharp bark of the instructor's voice jolted him back to reality. "Listen up, class. You'll be heading out on a mission today in teams of three. This is a team-based mission, and each team will have a separate objective."

"Emi, Kenji, Taro. Report to room five-charlie for instructions," the instructor continued calling out other names. But, he ignored it.

The trio made their way to the designated room, Kenji leading the way. Emi, a sharp-minded Yamanaka, and Taro, an Inuzuka with his trusty ninken companion, Kenta, followed close behind.

"You ready?" Kenji asked, as if he was bored.

"Of course, 'Monkey'," Taro replied with a smirk, as Kenta barked in agreement.

"Hmpf," Emi snorted, her disdain for Kenji palpable.

'Why did I have to be paired up with her?' Kenji thought, a sigh escaping him. 'She still hates me after that spar. Why would you be so stupid to have long hair in a fight? It's just asking to be grabbed.'

Upon entering the room, they were met by a middle-aged man in a chunin vest. He gave them a critical once-over before speaking. "Students, your task is to retrieve a totem from training ground twenty-two. The exact location is unknown. This is a covert mission, and you must not be seen. The item will be guarded by enemy forces, expect the grounds to be trapped."

"Hai," the trio responded in unison.

---

A/N
Finally completed this chapter. Initially, I considered skipping Kenji's time at the academy, but I decided to include a few chapters focused on his final year. Writing about his time at the academy would have been tedious and boring for me. I hope you enjoyed reading it despite the challenges of introducing new characters. As always, feedback - good, bad or ugly - it's appreciated. Thanks for being part of this journey!