"Well, both of you have exceeded my expectations in both the physical test and chakra evaluation. Has Hiroshi said anything about a reward?"

Hearing about the reward, both of their ears perked up. Yomi replied,

"Yes, Lord Hokage, the old man said that you will give us some rewards, but only if our performance is satisfactory."

Hiruzen was happy with the enthusiastic reply, but he decided to take one last step. The reward he had in mind was something every ninja in the world would kill for. He asked,

"Well, I have two options for you. First, I can give your orphanage enough resources so they don't have to worry about anything at all.

Or, I can give you both a special jutsu that will make you powerful. You guys can discuss this and tell me what you want."

Even though Kaida could easily see through Hiruzen's little act, he would have still chosen the same. He was not an ungrateful person who didn't know how to return favors.

"Lord Hokage, we don't need to discuss this. We would like to choose the first reward. Please give our orphanage the resources you mentioned," Kaida said, and Yomi nodded her head with full confidence too.

With a real smile on his face, Hiruzen said,

"Power as well as character at such a young age. It is great for our village that we have talents like both of you. I will give the reward I promised, but you guys will also get to learn a jutsu from me when you graduate from the academy. Since my work here is done, I should get back to my duties."

Both of them smiled and waved back to him. Kenji, still shocked by what he had seen, said,

"You guys are selected for a special class and will get special accommodation. So you can pack your belongings and come in front of the academy in five hours. From there, we will take you to your new accommodation."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

The orphans who passed the entrance exam would no longer live in the orphanage. They were provided with small apartments in the residential areas, rent-free until they became ninjas, along with a small stipend to support themselves.

They were not surprised about this as old man Hiroshi had already told them. They had already packed their belongings but still went back to the orphanage to say their last farewells and thank the old man for all his care and support.

"Thank you, old man," both Kaida and Yomi bowed and thanked the old man for everything he had done for them.

"Well, I already knew you guys were going to be selected for the ninja academy, but still stay the same as you were here. Do your best, and one day you will make your parents and the whole village proud of you."

Both Kaida and Yomi nodded. Yomi went to say her goodbyes to her friends, and Kaida waited at the entrance of the orphanage where he met Suri.

"Oh! Congratulations on the selection," Kaida said.

"You too. I heard you guys will be in a special class. Well, I am happy for you," Suri said with a smile.

After a short conversation, Suri went on his way to the academy. After half an hour, Yomi also came out of the orphanage, and both of them made their way toward the academy.

When they reached the academy, Kenji was the one to take them to their new apartments, which were close to each other.

When Kaida went inside his apartment, he was happy because it was properly cleaned and very neat. While the rooms were small, they were more than enough for him. It had a small living room, a bedroom, a very compact kitchen, and a washroom.

There weren't many gadgets in the home apart from a fridge, cooking stove, and other stuff needed for cooking. There was also a sofa in the living room and a bed with an alarm clock in the bedroom. He also saw a first-aid kit.

They both were told that they would be given around 2000 Ryo each month. Kaida found out that one dozen eggs cost 24 Ryo, one liter of milk cost 9 Ryo, and a packet of bread slices cost 5 Ryo. One kilogram of meat cost 60 Ryo.

Various vegetables and fruits ranged from 10-20 Ryo. He used to go to the market around the orphanage.

He was really happy with the amount as it was enough for them to live without any tension about finances.

Kenji also told them that they had two days before the academy would start and they would have to attend the entrance ceremony where Lord Hokage himself would give a welcome speech to all the new students.