The morning sun filtered through the wooden lattice windows of the Senju ancestral house, casting a warm glow over the traditional tatami floors.
Gojo stirred from his futon, the scent of miso soup and grilled fish wafting through the air.
As he slid open the shoji door, he found Shizune bustling in the kitchen, her movements graceful and practiced.
"Good morning, Gojo," she greeted with a gentle smile.
"Good morning, Shizune," he replied, stretching his arms and yawning.
His eyes scanned the room, searching for a familiar presence.
Noticing his gaze, Shizune chuckled softly. "Master Tsunade is still sleeping," she said, a hint of exasperation in her voice.
Peering into the adjacent room, Gojo saw Tsunade sprawled out, snoring softly, a sake bottle clutched in her hand.
He shook his head and sighed. "Some things never change," he muttered.
Shizune set a steaming bowl of rice and grilled fish on the low table.
"Breakfast is ready."
Gojo took a bite and his eyes widened in surprise. "This is delicious! You're an amazing cook, Shizune."
She blushed slightly, "Thank you, Gojo."
After finishing his meal, Gojo went to his room to change into his new outfit—a modern take on the traditional shinobi attire.
He wore a high-collared, sleeveless black tunic with silver accents, paired with dark blue pants tucked into knee-high black boots.
A silver belt cinched his waist, and a white cloak with the Senju clan symbol draped over his shoulders.
Fingerless gloves and a forehead protector completed the ensemble.
Returning to the main room, he asked, "Can Tsunade drop me off at the academy?"
Shizune shook her head. "She's... Still sleeping.
I'll accompany you instead."
The streets of Konoha were bustling as they made their way to the academy.
With Tsunade's influence, Gojo had been admitted directly into the highest class without an entrance exam.
At the academy gates, Shizune turned to him. "Remember to be respectful and attentive. Make a good impression."
Inside, the classroom buzzed with chatter. Sakura, Hinata, and Ino sat together, their eyes occasionally darting to the door.
Shikamaru lounged with a sigh, "What a drag." Choji munched on chips, while Kiba played with Akamaru.
Shino sat quietly in the corner, observing.
Iruka entered, followed by Gojo. "Class, this is Gojo Senju. He'll be joining us from today."
Gojo nodded, scanning the room. The girls blushed, and murmurs spread.
Suddenly, the door burst open. Naruto stumbled in, panting. "I'm not late, am I?"
"Move aside, loser," Sasuke sneered, pushing past him.
Naruto glared. "What did you say, you jerk?"
The two began bickering, drawing the class's attention.
Some girls giggled, while others sighed.
Gojo stepped forward, his presence commanding. "Enough."
Sasuke turned, eyes narrowing. "Stay out of this."
Without warning, he lunged at Gojo, but Gojo sidestepped and gently tapped Sasuke's shoulder, sending him stumbling.
Iruka intervened, separating them. "That's enough! Take your seats."
As Gojo sat between Shikamaru and Choji, a system notification echoed in his mind:
[ Ding! Congratulations to the host for plundering Naruto's opportunity. Reward: 2000 points. ]
Gojo smirked, understanding the implications.
Iruka addressed the class, "Let's begin introductions. Say your name and your dream."
Ino stood first. "I'm Ino Yamanaka.
I aim to become a strong kunoichi and... marry someone special." She glanced at Gojo, blushing.
Sakura followed. "Sakura Haruno. I want to be a powerful ninja and support those I care about." Her eyes briefly met Gojo's.
Hinata spoke softly. "Hinata Hyuga. I wish to become stronger and protect my loved ones." She peeked at Gojo, then looked away.
Shikamaru sighed. "Shikamaru Nara. I just want a peaceful life."
Kiba grinned. "Kiba Inuzuka. I'm gonna be Hokage!"
Shino adjusted his glasses. "Shino Aburame.
I aim to understand and master my clan's techniques."
Naruto jumped up. "Naruto Uzumaki! I'm gonna be the greatest Hokage ever!"
Sasuke stood, his voice cold. "Sasuke Uchiha. I will restore my clan and defeat all who stand in my way."
Gojo rose, his voice calm and confident. "Gojo Senju. I aspire to uphold my grandfathers' legacies—Hashirama and Tobirama—and become the next god of shinobi."
Gasps filled the room. Even Iruka looked surprised.
Sasuke clenched his fists, his pride wounded as gojo drew all attention.
[ Ding! Congratulations to the host for plundering Sasuke's opportunity. Reward: 1000 points. ]
Gojo felt a gaze upon him. Turning, he saw no one, but a sense of anticipation lingered.
The day had just begun, but the winds of change were already stirring in Konoha.
[ To Be Continued ]
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Author's Note:
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Let's keep pushing forward—no regrets, just pure hype!
– azuredragonx
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