With the instructor's loud shout, the noisy crowd finally quieted down.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Moments later, they saw an old man walking forward.
He wore a red Hokage robe and a wide-brimmed hat, marked with a large red "Fire" character.
The moment he appeared, the surrounding ninjas immediately showed respectful expressions.
Even the parents who hadn't yet left became solemn and reverent.
Because—
This white-bearded elder was none other than Konoha's Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi!
…
"Lord Third!"
A ninja stepped forward and reported something quietly to him.
After a moment, Hiruzen nodded.
Then he slowly walked to the front of the training field and stepped onto the podium.
With a gentle smile, his gaze swept across all the new students.
When his eyes landed on Uzumaki Naruto, they paused briefly.
And when they reached Kazama Shin—
They lingered for a moment as well.
…
"Who's that old guy? Why do all the adults look so scared of him?"
Naruto squinted his eyes, looking at the seemingly kind old man on stage, whispering mysteriously to Shin.
Hearing Naruto's words, Kazama Shin's lips twitched slightly.
"You don't even know who he is?"
Shin glanced at him and replied calmly.
"Why should I know him? He's not the Hokage! I, Uzumaki Naruto, am going to become Hokage one day. Only people worthy of being known by me—"
"Oh, he's the Third Hokage of Konoha."
At those words—
Crack!
Naruto's nonstop chatter instantly came to a halt.
His mouth hung wide open, frozen in shock.
"What?! He doesn't look anything like the one carved on the Hokage Rock!!!"
Naruto suddenly shouted.
He simply couldn't believe that the powerful figure depicted on the monument was this old man in front of him.
"…Sigh."
Hearing Naruto's loud voice, Kazama Shin sighed helplessly.
Wasn't this just asking for attention?
Sure enough, everyone turned to look at them.
Especially the parents and instructors—their expressions turned stern.
And when they realized it was Naruto, those parents' gazes grew even colder and more disgusted.
Fortunately, the Hokage was present.
Since Hiruzen himself said nothing, no one dared to speak up.
"Haha, I am indeed the Third Hokage!"
Perhaps understanding Naruto's confusion, Hiruzen laughed heartily, showing no intention of blaming him.
With a warm and approachable smile, he spoke loudly, smoothly diffusing the situation.
Then—
He began his speech.
…
About half an hour later—
As Hiruzen continued recounting the glorious history of Konoha, Kazama Shin muttered inwardly,
"As expected… every opening ceremony comes with a leader's speech…"
Fortunately, this was the ninja world, and the Hokage had countless responsibilities.
Soon enough, Hiruzen began wrapping things up.
"…Wherever leaves dance, fire will continue to burn…"
"The light of that fire will illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout."
"This is the Will of Fire."
"And from today onward, you are all its new inheritors. Grow well… the future belongs to you!"
There was no doubt—
As Hokage, Hiruzen was a skilled speaker.
His speech made the children realize Konoha's greatness and ignited their passion.
Just by looking at the longing in their eyes, it was clear.
Finally, under the admiring and respectful gazes of the parents and ninjas, the Third Hokage departed.
…
Kazama Shin, of course, wasn't so easily swayed.
But on the surface, he still showed a look of anticipation for the future.
From today onward—
He was officially a student of the Ninja Academy.