Chapter 5: Jūrokuya's Invitation, the Summer Vacation

Chapter 5: Jūrokuya’s Invitation, the Summer Vacation

Time flew. The first semester had nearly ended.

For this entire semester, the first-year curriculum at the Academy had focused solely on academic studies and physical training. Day after day, students dedicated themselves to studying, exercising, and practicing chakra control.

Except for Class 1, all other classes had students who were asked to withdraw. Becoming a ninja was that demanding. The entrance exam was notoriously difficult, but the graduation test was even harsher. Graduating from the Academy didn’t guarantee promotion to genin status—if a student couldn’t earn a jonin instructor’s approval, they’d be forced to repeat the year. The dropout rate was staggering.

And this was merely the first hurdle to becoming a full-fledged genin. Above genin stood chunin, special jonin, and the elite jonin ranks. But for Jūrokuya and the Nine Great Prodigies, such concerns were irrelevant.

Except for the first two weeks, Jūrokuya had avoided attending classes in person. They only sent shadow clones to the Academy, and wouldn’t return in person until the taijutsu sparring session approached.

Truthfully, Jūrokuya’s sole reason for enrolling was to observe Hinata Hyūga, Naruto, and Sasuke. More specifically, to trigger their "Red Traits"—those unique genetic abilities. Before the end of the Academy term, Jūrokuya needed to activate at least one or two of these traits. After graduation, opportunities to interact with them would dwindle, making their mission exponentially harder.

In the original timeline, the Nine Great Prodigies wouldn’t reunite until the Chūnin Exams—three months after graduation. With the exams typically starting July 1st, this left a critical window of opportunity.

Ding ding ding!

The dismissal bell rang, ending another day. After an afternoon of physical training, students remained energetic.

“Jūrokuya, wanna play ninja tag with us?”

“Hey Jūrokuya, walk home together?”

Groups formed as students left campus or lingered to socialize. Jūrokuya’s shadow clone received countless invitations—they’d become the class’s most popular student. Though their clone attended solely to monitor Hinata, Naruto, and Sasuke, they treated everyone warmly, politely declining offers without appearing aloof.

Today’s excuses were no different. With a sheepish smile, the clone clasped their hands. “Sorry, I’m already booked! Next time, I promise!”

“Aww, they’re taken again. Jūrokuya’s so popular!”

The students sighed but accepted the refusal. Later, as the clone vanished in an alley, its memories and fatigue flowed back to the original Jūrokuya. Meditating at home, they murmured, “The break starts soon. Time to move.”

July 20th arrived.

After morning classes ended, lunchtime began. Some students returned home while others unpacked bento boxes in classrooms or outside. Jūrokuya usually went home for meals—being a shadow clone had its limitations. But today, they appeared in person with a bento box, sharing lunch with Hinata.

Three months had passed since they’d become classmates. Though not yet inseparable, they’d grown close enough to share hobbies and secrets. Hinata adored flower pressing, while she’d discovered Jūrokuya’s clone technique long ago.

At first, she’d gasped in shock, her pale eyes widening. Now, her admiration only deepened—how had Jūrokuya mastered the shadow clone jutsu without even learning the basic Three Body Techniques?

As they ate, Jūrokuya suddenly asked, “Hinata, got plans for break?”

“I’ll train at home,” she replied softly.

“Wanna train with me?”

“C-can I?” Hinata’s eyes lit up, then dimmed. “But Father won’t allow me to leave without guards. After the kidnapping…”

“You worry too much.” Jūrokuya smirked. “Just answer—do you wanna sneak out and train with me?”

She nodded, blushing furiously as she muttered, “Yes…”

“Perfect. Tomorrow, I’ll handle everything,” Jūrokuya whispered conspiratorially, leaning close enough for their breath to brush Hinata’s ear.

Her face turned crimson, chopsticks trembling. The three months of emotional resilience she’d built crumbled instantly. Though not fainting like in the old timeline, her mind still went blank.

“Remember this,” Jūrokuya repeated, flicking her forehead when she forgot their plan. “Tomorrow, play your part or we’re toast.”

Obediently, Hinata nodded, her expression adorably dazed.

The next morning, the Academy’s summer break officially began.

Jūrokuya left their home, entered an alley, and vanished in a puff of smoke. Moments later, a blonde girl wearing a straw hat—Yamanaka Ino’s spitting image—dashed toward the Hyūga compound.

“Hi! I’m Yamanaka Ino! Hinata and I promised to hang out today,” the disguised Jūrokuya greeted cheerfully.

After verification, a white-cloaked Hinata emerged, her shy smile mirroring Jūrokuya’s.

The plan succeeded flawlessly. The Hyūga heir had slipped out.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end