Under the early morning light, the tree wasn’t the ideal place to rest, especially with the heavy dew clinging to its leaves. The swing hanging from the tree didn’t offer much comfort either, damp and uncomfortable.

Fortunately, those gathering here at this hour were likely future ninjas, even if they weren’t fully trained yet. The adults nearby spoke in hushed voices, glancing at the group beneath the tree before quickly looking away.

Today marked the first day at the Ninja Academy. Parents had come to see their children off, socialize, and give last-minute advice on friendships that would shape the next six years. Yet, because of the small gathering under the tree, everyone instinctively lowered their voices.

Among the group was a little blonde boy, sitting on the ground with his back to the tree trunk. His eyes burned with anticipation as he stared toward the academy gates, still closed. If anyone tried to approach, a chubby boy would glare them away protectively. Though not exactly intimidating with his round face, he made his intent clear.

With him were a blonde girl and a boy with a pineapple-shaped hairstyle, watching the scene with a mix of amusement and helplessness. Sitting on the swing in the middle of the group, a red-haired boy loosely held the rope, breathing evenly—fast asleep.

“Choji, you should wake up Hikaru. It’s almost time,” said the pineapple-haired boy, checking his pocket watch. He didn’t make a move himself, just glancing toward the swing.

“Right, got it.”

The chubby boy, Choji, moved over and nudged the red-haired boy awake. “Hikaru, it’s time.”

Blinking and rubbing his eyes, the red-haired boy shifted to sit sideways on the swing. “Can we go in already?”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“There’s still three minutes left,” replied the pineapple-headed boy.

The red-haired boy sighed, tapping his foot against the ground to stop the swing from moving.

Finally, the gathering began to stir. Voices around them grew louder as people resumed their conversations.

Inside the academy auditorium, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, stood at the podium, delivering his well-rehearsed opening speech. In the crowd, the red-haired boy sat with a blank expression, appearing slightly out of place among his peers. Even the pineapple-haired boy beside him seemed to be listening intently, at least outwardly.

Yet, every so often, whenever Sarutobi glanced in his direction, the Hokage’s voice grew more spirited, as if encouraged by the boy’s presence. The red-haired boy was Akimichi Hikaru, the twin brother of Akimichi Choji and the son of Akimichi Choza—a well-known figure in Konoha, particularly for his unusual sleep habits.

In the audience, Hikaru let his mind wander, thinking about recipes he wanted to try next. Being a reincarnated soul from another world, he was accustomed to moments of detachment, aware that his body and talent were unique. Upon his reincarnation, he’d gained a peculiar “talent,” though its workings remained largely unknown to him.

He remembered two instances when his talent had activated. The first was when he arrived in this world, where he received a subtle physical boost. The second had occurred during the Night of the Nine-Tailed Fox, when he’d gained mastery over “housekeeping” skills—especially cooking. His culinary abilities were unmatched among his peers, a talent he’d honed over the years.

Just as he was lost in thoughts of food, the applause snapped him back to reality. The speech had ended, and it was time to head to their new classroom.

As they walked, Naruto turned to Hikaru, a hint of anxiety in his eyes. “Hey, Hikaru, do you think I can make new friends here?”

Hikaru smiled, nodding reassuringly. “Of course.”

Encouraged, Naruto’s steps quickened, leaving the group behind as he ran toward the classroom.

“What an enviable idiot,” the pineapple-headed Shikamaru muttered with a lazy grin as he followed, the rest of the group trailing behind.

Qiu Daoguang/Hikaru Akimichi [MAIN CHAR]

Qiu Daodingzuo/Choza Akimichi [CHOJI AND HIKARU DAD]