The principal of the Ninja Academy walked out of the Hokage Building, his face heavy.
After returning, he gathered all the teachers and conveyed the Hokage's orders.
One by one—
The teachers walked toward their classrooms.
Each with a grave expression.
…
Nakamura Hino stood at the door of Class 3-A.
Inside—
The familiar noise of children laughing and chatting echoed.
His eyes turned red.
His hand trembled as he reached for the door—
But he couldn't bring himself to open it.
They're still just children…
Tears suddenly streamed down his face.
War—
Something that once felt distant—
Had suddenly arrived.
He was a teacher.
Unless it was a dire situation—
He wouldn't be sent to the battlefield.
But these children—
Eight or nine years old—
Were about to step into war.
What awaited them wasn't a fair fight—
But slaughter.
A single Jonin ambush—
Could wipe out an entire Genin squad.
Nakamura Hino felt utterly powerless.
His body trembled violently as he covered his mouth—
Trying not to let the children inside hear him.
The same scene—
Was unfolding in countless classrooms.
…
Finally—
He wiped his tears harshly.
Slapped his own face.
Took a deep breath—
And opened the door.
"Students!"
He forced a smile.
"Today… I have some news to share."
"The Hokage and village leadership have decided—"
"You will graduate early!"
"Congratulations!"
"You are now… Genin!"
"I believe…"
"You will all become great ninja in the future!"
"And finally—"
"I wish you all success on your martial path!"
At the end—
He could no longer hold back.
This man—
Who usually scolded them with a stern face—
Was now crying like a child.
"S-Sensei, why are you crying?!"
"Yeah! This is really weird!"
"Stop crying, Sensei! This is a good thing—we became Genin early!"
The children were completely confused.
They didn't understand—
What awaited them.
Though he often scolded them—
They truly liked this rough-on-the-outside, gentle-on-the-inside teacher.
After three years together—
Their bond ran deep.
So they rushed to comfort him.
"I… I'm just happy!"
Nakamura forced a smile.
"You've finally become outstanding Genin!"
"Wait here—I'll go get your headbands."
He quickly turned and left.
The classroom erupted into chatter.
"What's gotten into Nakamura-sensei?"
"He has this side too?"
"Haha! He's kind of cute today!"
Laughter filled the room.
…
Only one person—
Remained silent.
Hoshino Yoru.
His expression was cold.
He understood clearly—
War had arrived.
…
Soon—
Nakamura returned with a box filled with headbands.
One by one—
He handed them out.
Each student—
He looked at carefully.
Encouraged them.
Placed the headband on their forehead.
And said—
"I wish you success on your martial path."
Then—
He watched their backs for a long time—
Before moving to the next.
Again.
And again.
He tried to memorize every face—
Every figure.
Because he didn't know—
How many of them would survive.
…
Finally—
Only one remained.
"Congratulations, Yoru."
Nakamura smiled at his most outstanding student.
"Thank you, Sensei."
Yoru smiled in return.
"Yoru… you're the best student I've ever taught."
Nakamura's voice softened.
"Even though I didn't teach you much…"
"You're still my student… right?"
"Of course, Nakamura-sensei."
Yoru smiled gently.
"You taught me a lot."
"…Though I really didn't expect you to eat that much!"
Nakamura suddenly burst into laughter.
"I regret agreeing to that condition! The principal forced me to go hunt beasts in the mountains just to feed you—I didn't even get time to rest after work!"
"Haha… sorry about that, Sensei."
Yoru scratched his head awkwardly.
"Well… I'll be going now."
"…Yeah."
"I wish you success on your martial path."
Yoru turned and walked toward the door.
"Yoru!"
Suddenly—
A shout came from behind.
Yoru turned back.
Nakamura stood there—
Eyes bloodshot.
"You're the student I'm most proud of!"
"I've never had a student as outstanding as you!"
He shouted with everything he had.
"Make sure you—!"
His voice broke.
He couldn't continue.
"…Yeah."
Yoru smiled brightly.
"I'll make the entire ninja world know—"
"That here—"
"Exists my teacher, Nakamura-sensei!"
"The best teacher in the entire ninja world!"
With that—
He turned and walked toward Uchiha Mikoto and Uzumaki Kushina—
Joining Minato Namikaze and the others.
The five of them left together.
Behind them—
Nakamura Hino finally broke down—
Sobbing uncontrollably.
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