Three weeks had passed since Kushina Uzumaki's fiery arrival, and the classroom had, in its own chaotic way, adjusted to her presence. She wasn't just a classmate anymore, she was a force. Loud, passionate, and stubborn as ever, she had slowly but surely carved out a space in the daily rhythm of the Academy. Whether students liked it or not, she was here to stay.
To Haruki, the class had taken on a new energy. With Kushina around, everything seemed a bit sharper, training drills more competitive, jutsu lessons more intense, even the lunch breaks a little livelier.
The week began with a rare announcement from Daiki-sensei.
"Starting today, we're increasing the complexity of your ninjutsu training," he said as the class sat in neat rows. "Those of you who've shown aptitude will be pushed harder. Those who haven't, well, you'll be catching up fast."
A few groans echoed around the room, but Daiki continued unfazed.
"You'll be learning techniques like the Body Flicker Technique and walking on water over the next month. Some of you may be introduced to elemental chakra manipulation, depending on your progress."
Haruki's eyes widened slightly. Elemental chakra already? That was sooner than expected. Jun looked ecstatic, he was practically bouncing in his seat. Sachi had her calm, unreadable expression on, but Haruki could see the way her fingers tightened just slightly. Even Kushina stopped doodling in her notebook and sat straighter.
The bell rang, and Daiki clapped his hands.
"Outside. Now."
Their new training field was located on a quiet slope near the edge of the Academy. Trees lined one side, and the ground was dotted with practice dummies and target logs. A shallow stream flowed nearby, perfect for walking on water practice.
The class broke into pairs and small groups, some warming up, others launching into enthusiastic attempts to scale trees or sprint across the water.
Haruki paired up with Sachi as usual, with Jun bouncing between them and another group. Kushina trained alone again at first, but Haruki had noticed she often stayed within earshot of their trio.
Minato, as always, practiced silently in his corner. He had already managed to stand on the surface of the stream for a few seconds, a feat that earned him silent stares and whispered comments. He remained humble, offering a quiet "You'll get there too," to anyone who asked.
Kushina, frustrated after a failed attempt to stick to the tree, let out a loud groan. "Ugh! Why is this so hard?!"
Haruki grinned. "Try molding less chakra at your feet. You're probably using too much."
She shot him a look. "You calling me heavy?"
"I said chakra, not weight."
Sachi snorted quietly.
Kushina blinked, then, was that a grin?
Maybe.
Haruki felt the atmosphere around them shifting. It wasn't just training anymore. It was something more: bonding through challenge, struggle, and the occasional bruised shin.
***
That evening, Haruki lingered after class at the training field, practicing throwing kunai into a distant log. His form was better now. More consistent. He didn't miss as often.
He heard footsteps behind him and turned.
Duy stood at the path's edge, hands on hips, grinning.
"Haruki-kun! You are really putting in the hours, huh?! Youth burns brightly in you!"
Haruki beamed. "Trying to keep up with everyone. It's getting harder."
Duy walked closer, watching his next few throws.
"You've grown," he said seriously. "Not just in skill, but in focus."
Haruki lowered his arm, listening.
"I'm not a jounin, or even a chuunin. But I've seen many young shinobi come and go," Duy continued. "Some have strength. Some have talent. But the ones who make it… they keep showing up. Even when it's hard."
Haruki nodded slowly. "I want to get stronger. Not just for me. For… everything. For people who can't."
Duy's eyes sparkled.
"That's the will of fire, Haruki-kun. Keep nurturing it."
***
The following week, a major change swept through the classroom.
Temporary squads were assigned again for a series of joint training drills. Haruki found himself grouped with a quiet boy named Ren, who had an almost unnatural affinity for wind-style chakra, and a girl named Kaede, who had yet to unlock hers but made up for it with analytical skill. The team dynamic was awkward at first, but Haruki had learned how to adapt.
In contrast, Jun was temporarily placed with Minato and Kushina, a trio that left Daichi sensei mildly amused and slightly concerned.
"I give them ten minutes before someone explodes," he muttered under his breath.
It took six.
***
Despite the chaos, the week unfolded in new and unexpected ways. Haruki found himself admiring Ren's precision and Kaede's strategic thinking. It forced him to reconsider how he approached training, not just brute effort, but creativity too.
On the third day of group drills, as Haruki walked back from the Academy with Sachi, they noticed a crowd near one of the Uchiha district checkpoints.
Sachi tugged his sleeve. "Let's take a detour."
They ducked through an alley and re-emerged on a quieter path, but not before catching a glimpse of Uchiha police in action.
Two officers flanked a detained shinobi, masked and bound. A third officer, tall, commanding, unmistakable gave quiet orders.
"Is that…" Haruki murmured.
"Sakumo Hatake," Sachi confirmed.
The White Fang of the Leaf.
He looked formidable even without the stories, silver hair, cloak fluttering in the breeze, a presence that silenced the air around him. Even the Uchiha stood straighter near him.
"He's helping the police force?" Haruki asked.
"Temporary. Tracking rogue elements," Sachi whispered. "That's serious business."
They watched only a moment longer before moving on, Haruki's heart thudding.
The world beyond the Academy wasn't a storybook. It was real. Complicated. Dangerous.
And he wanted to be part of it.
***
That night, at home, Kenji and Mika sat at the table after dinner. Haruki had excused himself to his room, but they both knew what was coming.
"He's doing well," Kenji said after a pause. "Better than we ever expected."
Mika smiled, brushing back her hair. "You're proud."
"I am. Aren't you?"
"Of course," she said softly. "But I worry too. The closer he gets to becoming a full shinobi…"
Kenji reached for her hand. "He's not alone. He's got us. His friends. That Duy fellow, even."
She laughed. "You like him."
"He means well."
They sat in silence for a moment.
"Do you think he'll be ready when the time comes?" Mika asked.
Kenji looked toward the hallway, where the faint sound of kunai practice still echoed.
"I think he's already on his way."
***
In his room, Haruki closed his journal and looked at the ceiling.
The world was getting bigger, and the stakes were rising. But so was he.
Tomorrow, there will be more drills. More chakra exercises. More bruises.
But also… more progress.
And he couldn't wait.