TPMITWON Chapter 33: Welcoming Ceremony for New Students

Along the way, they encountered several other children who also seemed to be heading to the Ninja Academy. Some of them appeared excited, chatting with their friends, while others walked nervously, perhaps because it was their first time truly entering the world of ninjas.

When they arrived at the Ninja Academy, Souta was taken aback by the sight before him.

The academy grounds were larger than Souta had imagined, already filled with many children his age. If Souta made a rough estimate, there were probably around seventy to eighty people there. A considerable number, more than Souta had previously thought.

Souta stood next to Pakura, observing his surroundings. Some children stood alone, like them, while others were accompanied by their parents.

Souta didn’t think much of it at first, but then he noticed Pakura staring at the children with their parents with an expression that was hard to explain. Souta squinted slightly, and although Pakura's expression remained flat, there was a hint of sadness there—a feeling that Pakura was trying to hide.

Souta fell silent. He knew that Pakura was an orphan.

After a moment, Souta finally asked, "What's wrong?"

Pakura flinched slightly, then shook her head gently. "No, it's nothing."

Pakura's response sounded flat, but to Souta, it felt like a forced lie.

Souta remained silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Hey, what's your dream, Pakura?"

Pakura looked a bit surprised. She glanced at Souta, who was looking at her with a faint smile.

"I... I don't know," Pakura replied, her voice sounding uncertain.

Souta smiled slightly. "As for me... right now, I just want to become stronger."

Pakura frowned. "Become stronger?"

"Yes. Right now, my dream is to become stronger so that I can survive in this world," Souta said lightly, as if it were the most natural thing.

Pakura fell silent, processing his words. After a moment, she nodded slightly. "That... makes sense."

Before their conversation could continue further, Souta suddenly turned toward the academy building and exclaimed, "Ah! Look, the event is starting!"

Above the academy, a man spoke loudly. "Welcome, everyone! You are the chosen children who have successfully passed the Entrance Exam for the Ninja Academy! Today, you gather to begin your journey as students of the Ninja Academy. First, Lord Kazekage will give a speech...!"

As a man stepped forward, Souta fell silent. He recognized the person.

The Third Kazekage.

...

...

...

The Third Kazekage's speech felt so long and boring that Souta couldn't even remember a single word the man said. Souta's eyes were half-closed, his body slightly leaning forward, and his head nearly fell before he hurriedly straightened it again.

Several other students seemed to be experiencing the same thing. Some sat with their hands propping up their chins, some began glancing sideways to chat quietly with their friends, while others simply stared blankly at the sky, as if hoping time would pass quickly.

Finally, after what felt like a century, the Third Kazekage concluded his speech.

"Alright, that's it. I hope you all study diligently and become true ninjas!"

As soon as those words were spoken, the Kazekage immediately turned and walked away from the roof of the Ninja Academy. His cloak fluttered lightly in the hot desert wind, while several escorting shinobi quickly followed behind.

Souta let out a long sigh. "Finally..."

However, before Souta could enjoy the tranquility, a teacher stepped forward and spoke loudly.

"Alright, students whose names are called, please follow the teacher calling you. You will be taken to your respective classes!"