Ryūji Sawada continued:
— Now that we've finished discussing what will be taught, let's move on to the second part of our introduction. Every student of the Academy has access to the Academy Library — it contains all the knowledge necessary to pass the graduation minimum.
A murmur passed through the class. Some students appeared intrigued, others indifferent. I, however, immediately became interested. Access to knowledge was a huge step for me.
— Your names have already been added to the access list, — the teacher continued. — If you're asked, provide the class number, your first name, and surname. You are allowed to borrow any information from the library for up to three days. After that, if it's not returned, the Academy will either charge a fee for the information or revoke your access to the library until the item is returned.
The teacher scanned us with a stern look, clearly hinting that we should follow the rules. I too started thinking about which books could help me develop my skills more quickly.
— That's all for the theory, — announced Sawada, setting aside the list with our names. — Now, let's move on to the practical part.
He looked over the class attentively, as if checking if we were ready for the next stage of learning. The room fell silent — everyone was waiting for what came next.
— The Academy's format provides a balance between theory and practice. This means that half of your study time will be dedicated to learning theoretical foundations, and the other half to applying the acquired knowledge in practice, — he continued, crossing his arms over his chest. — The schedule is set: classes will run from eight in the morning until two in the afternoon. So, don't be late — this is the first step towards shinobi discipline.
Some students exchanged glances, realizing that early mornings would now become part of their routine.
— And one more important point, — added Sawada. — All orphans whose parents served in the ranks of the Hidden Leaf Village's shinobi are entitled to receive an additional equipment set. It includes ten kunai and ten shuriken.
Somewhere behind me, a muffled "oh, cool" was heard, but the teacher, ignoring it, continued:
— To receive this set, you need to go up to the second floor of the Academy, walk to the end of the corridor, and head to the supply room. Just give your name and surname — if you're on the list, you'll get your equipment.
— Keep in mind, — the instructor added, — this is your personal inventory, and its loss will not be compensated.
— There's not much time left until the end of the lesson, — he said. — So, I'll give you a short tour. I'll show you where the supply room and the library are located, available to all students.
Sawada turned to the door and gestured for us to follow him.
We obediently got up from our seats and stretched out after the teacher into the corridor.
We stepped into the corridor and then headed upstairs. The Academy was quite large — long corridors, many doors behind which classrooms, lecture halls, and instructors' offices were hidden.
The second floor was less crowded than downstairs, but now and then we passed older students busy with their own matters. Some cast us fleeting glances — some with curiosity, others with clear superiority, as if evaluating the "newbies."
Sawada stopped at a massive door at the end of the corridor.
— This is the supply room, — he announced, tapping lightly on the door. — It stores basic equipment, as well as additional sets for those who are entitled to them.
The door was closed, but there was a small notice hanging nearby:
"Inventory distribution is from 8:00 to 14:00."
— Now, let's go to the library, — said Sawada and moved on.
We walked a bit further down the corridor until we reached tall double doors. They were decorated with simple wooden patterns, and nearby hung a sign that read "Academy Library."
— This is where the study materials are kept, available to each of you, — the teacher explained. — Books on tactics, the history of shinobi, chakra, martial arts, and much more. But don't forget to return them on time.
Some students peeked inside with interest. I also glanced quickly — long rows of bookshelves, several reading tables.
Sawada turned around and continued walking down the corridor, not slowing down.
— Don't fall behind, — he called over his shoulder.
We hurried after him, stepping over a few invisible steps in the air — the pace changed so quickly from listening to the lecture to active movement.
After a few turns, we entered a more spacious part of the Academy. There were fewer doors, but windows now appeared, offering a view of the training area. Several older students were practicing strikes on wooden dummies.
— The training halls are located in the southern part of the building, — Sawada casually remarked, noticing our looks. — Access is available after classes, but don't stay too late.
Guy, walking beside me, clenched his fists in excitement. He looked like he was ready to run down and join the older students right now.
— What about extra classes? — someone from the students asked.
Sawada raised an eyebrow but answered without hesitation:
— They will be available to those who show sufficient diligence in the main disciplines. The Academy values self-improvement, but if you can't maintain a balance between theory and practice, overloading yourself may be harmful.
When we reached the end of the corridor, he stopped in front of another door, which looked less remarkable than the others.
— Here are the administrative offices, — he explained. — If you have any questions or problems, you can come here. Just don't distract the teachers with trivial matters.
Some students exchanged glances, as if deciding whether it was even worth visiting this place.
— That's all. Full classes will begin tomorrow, so I advise you to prepare. You are dismissed.
As soon as Sawada said these words, the class buzzed with noise. Some immediately headed for the supply room, others hurried to discuss their plans for the rest of the day.
Guy looked at me, his eyes burning with enthusiasm.
— Let's go train?
I sighed tiredly.
— I want to pick up my equipment first, — I said, heading towards the supply room.
Guy paused for a moment, but then shrugged and followed me.
— Fine, I'll go with you. What if the line is huge — it's more fun waiting together.
We headed up to the second floor, where a small group of students had already gathered.
When it was my turn, I stepped up to the table where a middle-aged man in dark clothes sat. His gaze lazily slid over me, then he asked:
— Name, surname?
I gave my details, and with a grunt, he opened the ledger. Running his finger down the lines, he nodded and pulled out a small bundle from under the table.
— Ten kunai, ten shuriken.
I nodded as I accepted the equipment. The weight of the metal in my hands felt pleasant — definitely better than what I had before.
Quickly placing the kunai and shuriken in my pouch, I headed toward the exit.
— Let's stop by the library first, I want to see what the Academy offers, — I said.
— Alright, then I'll wait for you at the training ground, — Guy replied.
I blinked in surprise.
I thought he would come with me... — crossed my mind.
I headed toward the library, quickening my pace. I won't linger too long; I'll grab what I need now, and I'll study in the evening, — I thought.
The Academy library turned out to be spacious and well-organized. Shelves reached upwards, and neat reading tables with lamps lined the walls. Behind one of the tables sat a stern-looking woman in glasses — the librarian.
I approached the desk.
— I need to see which books or scrolls are available to students, — I said.
She looked up from her papers and nodded, pointing to the right row of shelves.
— The main textbooks are over there. If you're looking for something more advanced, you'll need permission from a teacher.
I thanked her and headed to the indicated section. There were quite a few books: tactics, basics of taijutsu, chakra control, history of Konoha... My gaze lingered on one book — "Different Fighting Styles Used in the Leaf Village." It wasn't very thick, only about six pages, so I decided to read it there.
I took the book off the shelf and sat at one of the tables. Quickly scanning the contents, the first part of the book described Konoha-ryu Taijutsu — the standard hand-to-hand combat style taught at the Academy. It was simple to learn and focused on a strong stance, powerful strikes, and solid defense.
Next, it described Goken — "Iron Fist." This style was geared towards powerful attacks capable of breaking through the opponent's defense. The book mentioned that the greatest user of this style was the First Hokage.
The third section described Jūken — "Gentle Fist." This was the style of the Hyuga clan, based on precise strikes to chakra points. Due to the clan's secrecy, the technique was rarely seen outside it.
The final chapter briefly mentioned improvised styles created by shinobi, mixing various elements.
The book was short and more of an introduction, with no illustrations, only describing the styles in words.
There was no limit on how many books I could borrow, so I thought I'd take a couple more. I returned the book and started picking new ones.
On the nearby shelf, there were several interesting scrolls: "Basics of Genjutsu,""Using Chakra in Combat," and "Tactical Techniques for Shinobi." I picked them up and thought for a moment.
Genjutsu didn't interest me much at the moment — it was a complicated field that required delicate chakra control. But the scroll on chakra use in combat could be useful.
Skimming through it, I saw chapters on basic body enhancement techniques. Although I had already partially mastered this technique, I thought it would still be helpful to read more. It also had sections on chakra control in the legs for speed enhancement and using chakra to strengthen strikes.
The scroll on tactical techniques also looked intriguing. It contained descriptions of various battle strategies, ways to adapt to an opponent, and how to use the environment in combat.
Adding it to the first scroll, I made my way to the librarian.
— I'll take these, — I said, placing the scrolls on the counter.
The woman nodded and made a note in the ledger.
— Return them within three days. Don't lose them.
I took the books and, without lingering, headed toward the exit.
Now to the training ground — Guy is probably already training.