stared blankly as a few kids huddled around a tree, standing before a small lifeless body dangling from a branch. The body was of a child—a child no older than them, the very same one who teased me on our way to the graduation hall.

And I don't even know his name.

I pressed my lips together, my teeth chattering as fear began bubbling up once again.

My gaze shifted, fixating on the rope responsible for this entire ordeal.

Should I as well…?

I could feel my eyes tremble as I started having thoughts of self-destruction. That was one of the first things that crossed my mind upon realizing where I landed, but I had managed to ignore it at the time.

First, it's an easy way out. And second… maybe—just maybe this transmigration is not just a coincidence and I will have a third chance, hopefully in a better place.

And then there was one final reason—I didn't want to witness or participate in another one of Kiri's graduation exams.

As these suicidal thoughts lingered, sobs echoed around me, and this time, I couldn't ignore them.

Turning my gaze, I noticed more kids forming a perimeter around us, the lifeless body at the center. Some were trembling with teary eyes. Many covered their mouths, trying to stifle their cries, while others stared blankly, contemplating a similar fate.

I knew none of their names, except for one—Zabuza Momochi, who was among the tearful crowd. The impact of this scene far exceeded the graduation hall spectacle. We had fainted immediately after witnessing that, likely due to the pressure emanating from the vice-principal.

That felt more like a dream, but this—this was too surreal. A once lively child now dangled before us as a lifeless body. If the academy aimed to traumatize these kids, they succeeded remarkably.

This is where the Bloody Mist Shinobi are forged.

Despite it all, most would toughen up, for they had a reason to live. Most of them knew what they signed up for, willingly seeking power even if their odds of survival were below par.

But what's my reason for being here? Even the original body lacked a purpose when entering the academy, merely following a bunch of his friends; almost none of whom were selected.

The second day of school—the second day of my second life, and I was already contemplating suicide.

I must be the most miserable transmigrator to ever exist. Sigh... I wish it was like in those stories where a normal guy, within seconds of transmigration, immediately turns into an Alpha Male Super Giga-Chad with a complete grip over his emotions.

I sighed at my miserable attempt to cheer up. Unwilling to let any intrusive thoughts take hold of me, I turned around and moved away from the scene. I could already see a couple of other kids doing the same.

****

(Short info-dump, OwO)

The technological landscape of the world was peculiar. Despite having electricity and light bulbs, the absence of running water stands out, particularly in Kiri, because nearly everyone possesses basic water ninjutsu skills. Of course, those of lower cast don't fall under that category. The practice inadvertently contributed to Sage's desire for Ninshu to spread across the world, though in a somewhat convoluted manner.

For those from the slums, the sole water source is the Mizuchi Waterway. Being the military of Land of Water, the village lies at the edge of the mainland, directly connected to the expansive sea spanning the entire shinobi world. Legend has it that the First Mizukage, with the assistance of the Seven Legendary Swordmen of the time, carved this waterway, a testament to his great wisdom.

The waterway divides the village into two halves: one comprising the lower-class district and the business district, and the other the upper-class district.

In Kirigakure, casts are divided into three classes. The upper cast comprises clans that played a pivotal role in the village's establishment, including the Water Daimyo's clan. Consequently, a significant portion of the upper-class districts is inhabited by the descendants of these influential clans. However, a handful of clans, such as the Yuki and Terumi clans, met their demise during Kiri's past civil war, primarily due to the apprehension surrounding the Kekkei Genkai they possessed.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

The people who supported the founding members during the village establishment were granted the middle class. They make up a relatively larger part of the village's population, occupying the business district as well as most of the Water Capital—Muzishiro.

The descendants of those who opposed the formation of Kirigakure and the rebels of the village were granted the lowest cast. They also make up a substantial amount of the population of Kirigakure with most living in the slums.

The academy is located in the upper district of the village occupying a substantial portion of the upper-class district, surpassing even the Mizukage's estate in size.

The academy itself is segmented into three main parts: the dormitory, the class/training ground, and the Grand Library. The Grand Library primarily attracts visiting shinobi rather than regular students.

Dormitories are separate for individuals from the lower district and those from the business district or clans, but all stay in the same building nonetheless. They all attend the same classes, differing only in their approach to orientation and graduation requirements "tailored" for each group.

****

Walking away from the gruesome scene, I made my way to the Mizuchi River. The morning sunlight peeking through the mist couldn't do anything to soothe my heart, I was too agitated. Today was just my second day here, and I don't know how long will I be able to survive this.

Sigh... too many deaths.

After about half an hour had passed, I finally reached the river. The clear blue stream of water, that flows into the village from the sea. This was the only source of water for the poor in the village and if not for the Hozuki responsible for maintaining the river, the slums of the village would have long died out.

Reflecting on the river current, I took the chance to examine my new body. It possessed a small stature, with prominent dark circles under the eyes and a pointed nose, presenting a very thin complexion. My hair was blond but appeared incredibly dirty and greasy, with dry blood and dirt covering it. I had round brown eyes, and my sclera turning red due to lack of proper sleep and a lot of stress. My skin was pale, too pale in fact, marred with blood and dirt all over. Overall, it was nothing special.

Sighing to myself, I distanced myself from the road. Moving to the corner, I removed all my clothes and jumped into the river. Despite being directly from the sea, the water was not salty at all, courtesy of the Hozukis. As the current was very weak, I wasn't in any danger while here.

Swimming around I found a bit of seaweed. Grabbing a bunch of those, I rubbed it onto myself, trying to get rid of all the dirt and blood. After about ten minutes I was finally clean, but decided to remain in the water. There was nothing urgent I needed to worry about.

After about an hour inside the water, I decided to return. The sun was already high by now. I couldn't sleep well in the auditorium yesterday, so I was still tired and sleepy.

Calling it a day, I came out of the water and redressed. The cloths were the same, covered with blood and dirt.

It's not like I have an option.

Walking towards the stone path, I could still see a lot of the kids still in the water. Unlike me, privacy was the last of their concern as everybody seemed to have lost their soul.

It's not how it's supposed to be.

Feeling a bit lost, I ignored them and silently walked towards the barracks. The beautiful sight of Red Mapple Trees around me now seemed haunting. Their leaves looked bloodied, their woods; blood-soaked. As they blocked the sun, the mist began gathering once more, only to worsen my vision. I could barely make out the path ahead anymore, but I continued walking. What's the worst that could really happen?

A bit away I could see five small figures moving my way. Four alive one dead. The four were carrying the dead fifth by the limbs, their grip barely holding on to the four limbs of the cold and heavy corpse.

This… this was not supposed to be like this.

I silently watched as the four made their way towards me. Pausing for a bit, they nodded in my direction before passing me. Dried tears, sorrowful faces, and blank eyes were all they had as they walked down the stone-paved path, surrounded by the red leaves of the trees and the grey fog of the Mist.

This… was not supposed to be like this.

Too ashamed of myself, I wanted to immediately run away to the barracks, get some sleep, and forget about everything. But... I still decided to follow the group. The least I could do was mourn the kid with the others.

Sighing I silently followed from a distance as the group of four, carried their classmate's corpse in silence. I could have helped them out but… I didn't. I still didn't know what or why was I doing anything. I still couldn't accept the fact that I had transmigrated. I still couldn't accept the fact that this world was so cruel. I still couldn't accept the fact that this… this was my new reality.

Excuses, all excuses.

All I could do was let it be…

****

In a shadowy chamber, a short young man with unruly grey hair stared emotionlessly at the three figures before him. All three wore featureless black masks, concealing their identities, while the man himself bore a stitch-like scar that ran from under his eyes to his left cheek. His pupilless pink eyes lent an eerie quality to his child-like features.

"So, anyone interesting this round?" He asked no one in particular.

One of the three, who had distinctive white hair moved forward and responded, "Lord Yagura, we have several this year. We even have 3 with confirmed Kekki Genkai."

"Kekki Genkai? Was it the orientation?" The young man asked with a bit of amusement in his voice.

The same masked man nodded and looked behind him, prompting the masked woman with greyish hair to speak up. "Yes, the orientation seemed to have worked in our favor. I could infer three kids subconsciously activating their Kekki Genkai at the time. One had ice release, another had lava release, and the last kid seemed to have some kind of doujutsu. His eyes turned red for a moment, but I'm sure it's not the Saringan."

"Three Kekkei Genkai in a single year? Well, were hard-pressed to find a single one the previous year" Yagura remarked, nodding to himself he continued, "Monitor and train them well. I have a feeling that the next great ninja war will happen within a decade. They can prove to be a valuable asset during the rebellion."

"Yes, my lord."

====>Chapter 4: The Rebels<====

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