The next morning was cool but sunny. I sat by the window, lazily gazing outside while replaying the events of the previous day in my head. The exam trials, the conversation with the mentors, and then—the exhausting training session I had with Gai.
That evening, I was ready to head home, intending to get a good rest before the next day. However, as always, Gai was full of energy and suggested an extra training session. I knew refusing wouldn't be easy—when Gai set his mind on something, he made sure it happened.
But training on an empty stomach? No, thanks.
"Alright, but first, we eat," I said, and Gai's face lit up even more.
So, we headed to a small eatery that served excellent curry with rice. As soon as I caught the spicy aroma, I realized I was hungrier than I thought. While we ate, Gai went on and on about new training methods, the importance of strengthening body and spirit, and, of course, "the power of youth." I half-listened, more focused on my food, but I couldn't help but get infected by his enthusiasm.
When we finished, he clapped me on the shoulder and declared,
"Now we're ready! Let's train until the stars appear in the sky!"
I could only sigh, already sensing that this evening wouldn't be easy.
And I was right.
Together with Gai, I ran around the training ground, did push-ups, and then we practiced strikes and dodging until my muscles burned. He, of course, didn't look tired at all—on the contrary, it seemed like he was just getting started.
The only question that wouldn't leave my mind was—WHERE DOES HE GET SO MUCH ENERGY?!
While I gasped for air, trying to recover, Gai looked like he could go on for hours. He bounced in place, rolled his shoulders, and even suggested another lap around the field "to reinforce the results." I didn't even have the strength to answer—I just collapsed onto the ground, arms sprawled to the sides.
When it was finally over, I barely dragged myself home. Every step sent a dull ache through my legs, my arms trembled, and my back throbbed from overexertion. I don't even remember how I made it to my room—I just know that as soon as I hit the bed, sleep washed over me like a wave.
My eyes snapped open—as if someone inside me had flipped an alarm switch.
Today… today they announce the exam results!
All my sleepiness disappeared in an instant. I sat up quickly, stretching, only to feel the full effect of yesterday's training.
"Ugh… that was a tough session," I muttered, doing some light stretches.
But fatigue couldn't stop me. Quickly throwing on my clothes and grabbing a bite of breakfast (if you can call a couple of rice balls washed down with water "breakfast"), I rushed to the academy.
It was still early morning, but the village was already coming to life. Shops were gradually opening, shinobi flashed across rooftops, and merchants prepared for the new day. The fresh morning air filled my lungs, and I felt my excitement growing.
By the time I reached the academy, a crowd had already gathered at the notice board—students, parents—everyone was waiting for the results to be posted.
I looked around, but the list wasn't up yet.
"Guess they haven't put it up yet," I thought, stepping to the side.
I nodded to myself and took a deep breath. The waiting was agonizing, but all I could do was be patient.
About half an hour later, a man in civilian clothes walked out and pinned up the results. The crowd immediately surged forward.
"There's no way I can get through that," I thought.
Suddenly, I noticed a man in a green jumpsuit walking at a leisurely pace, paying no attention to the curious gazes around him. On his back, laughing loudly, sat Guy.
Everyone in the village knew him—the man known as the "Eternal Genin." He never gained fame as a great shinobi and was often mocked. Even my predecessor had seen him running through the village many times.
Meanwhile, the crowd at the board grew more restless. Some students cheered, while others walked away with lowered heads. The tension in the air was palpable.
"Alright," I muttered, clenching my fists. "Time to check."
I pushed my way forward, squeezing through the crowd. People got in the way, some took too long reading the list.
"Just a bit more…" I muttered, finally getting closer.
And then…
My eyes found the list.
A quick scan… Searching for my name… My heart pounded harder…
And there it was—
Kotetsu Hagane, Class 232.
I PASSED!
"Hah… ha-ha…" I chuckled unexpectedly, feeling all the tension drain away. I did it.
From behind me came a victorious shout:
"HOORAY! MY YOUTH SHINES BRIGHTER THAN EVER!"
Of course, Gai had passed too.
I turned around to see him beaming with joy, clenching his fists as if he were about to burst into happy tears.
Trying to escape the crowd, I immediately headed toward my classroom. My whole body was trembling with excitement. I didn't even get a chance to talk to Gai because of this overwhelming feeling.
Running up the stairs and past the classrooms, I finally found my number—232. This was my class. The door was slightly open, and without hesitation, I stepped inside.
The classroom was still empty, and although I felt some relief, the silence was slightly unsettling. The feeling of being alone within four walls was a bit eerie, but the joy of passing the exam slowly started to calm my nerves.
Then, a new thought struck me—the most important thing was to choose the right seat. I didn't want to repeat my past mistake. Sitting in the front row always made me feel like I was being watched. If I ever dozed off or got distracted, it would be immediately noticeable. And training in that position was difficult.
The last row wasn't a great option either—teachers always checked those seats. I didn't want to risk it. I needed something in the middle. The third row—that was the perfect spot. Not too close to the teacher to avoid unwanted attention, but not too far to stay engaged with the class.
I walked to the third row and chose a seat by the window—it had a good view of the class and felt a bit more peaceful. After settling in and placing my things on the desk, other students started arriving. Some entered the classroom, while others ran through the hallways.
Then, a loud noise echoed in the hallway—the door suddenly flew open, and in burst Might Gai, his usual energy and boundless enthusiasm on full display.
His steps were so fast and confident that he didn't even notice me at first. He walked past the rows and then suddenly stopped, eyes wide in surprise.
"Kotetsu! You're in Class 232 too?!" he shouted so loudly that it felt like the entire school could hear him.
Why is he the one shouting, yet I'm the one embarrassed? I thought.
I looked at him in surprise, unable to answer before he suddenly marched straight toward me as if drawn by a magnet.
"You're in Class 232, which means we're classmates!" he said, grinning, as he sat down beside me.
"Uh… yeah, I guess so," I replied, thinking to myself—I've only known him for a day, but he's already acting like we've been friends for ten years.
A little later, as I continued talking with Gai, I noticed the classroom filling up. Most of the students were unfamiliar, but one stood out—a massive guy, probably around 140 cm tall, with short silver hair, wearing a white jacket, blue pants, and sandals. He walked in, sat down, and said nothing.
Another student soon entered—someone vaguely familiar. He had a scar on his face, was fairly tall, with neatly combed dark hair, and dressed in dark clothing. He quietly took a seat in the back corner, observing the room.
As the class continued filling up, the tension inside me grew. New classmates, the chatter, the noise—it all added to my nerves.
And then, the door opened again. A man stepped inside.
The atmosphere shifted instantly—all eyes turned toward him.
It was our teacher.
He entered the classroom calmly, gave us a brief glance, then paused before speaking:
"Good morning, students. I am your instructor. My name is Ryuji Sawada, and I will be guiding you in this class."
His presence immediately set the tone for the room. He continued:
"Today, we will start with a brief introduction so you can understand who is sitting next to you. After all, it is important that we all get along. So, let's go in order—introduce yourselves!"
He pointed to a massive boy sitting in the front row.
"Let's start with you," the teacher said.
The boy stood up straight. Though his towering height and solid build were impressive, his voice was surprisingly calm.
"Morino Ibiki," he said, giving a slight nod.
The teacher briefly observed him before moving on.
"Good. Next."
One by one, we introduced ourselves, and I found myself processing a strange thought—Ibiki had such nice hair in his youth...
From the introductions, I learned that Raido Namiashi and Ebisu were also in my class—both of whom would become special jonin in the future. But, honestly, with Guy sitting beside me, that seemed insignificant in comparison.
The teacher furrowed his brows slightly, as if evaluating our attentiveness, then continued:
"As I mentioned, we will be working together until each of you is ready to become a genin. This path will not be easy."
He paused for a moment, making sure we were paying attention.
"Now, let's go over what you will need to master before you can become genin. This isn't just about physical training—it's a set of essential skills that will make you a true shinobi."
Sawada-sensei took another pause before proceeding:
Taijutsu – The basics of hand-to-hand combat.
You must develop speed, strength, and endurance, as well as learn effective close-combat techniques.
Ninjutsu – The use of chakra to perform various techniques.
You will master fundamental jutsu such as the Substitution Jutsu, Clone Jutsu, and Transformation Jutsu.
Chakra Control – Learning to manage and efficiently utilize your chakra.
Teamwork – The ability to collaborate with comrades.
Strategic Thinking – The ability to analyze situations, anticipate an opponent's moves, and quickly adapt to changing battle conditions.
Physical Conditioning – Without proper endurance and strength, becoming a competent shinobi is impossible. Running, strength training, flexibility, and agility exercises—all of these will help you survive in battle and overcome difficult challenges.
Basic Medical Aid – Every shinobi must know how to provide first aid—bandaging wounds, stopping bleeding, applying dressings, and even performing basic resuscitation. These skills could save your life or your teammate's.
Ethics and Discipline – Understanding the responsibilities and code of conduct of a shinobi.
The teacher scanned the room before concluding:
"All these skills will not only help you become genin but will also allow you to survive in the harsh world of shinobi."
Kotetsu Hagane
Strength – 18
Speed – 19
Chakra – 30
Chakra Control – 42
(Genin requirements: 100 in each stat)
Techniques: – [To be determined]