The Sixth Year of Konoha's Founding
Kenichi Sato's Age: 10 Years Old
Early June – Final Week of the First Academic Term
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Ever since his meeting with Tobirama, Kenichi had felt a new weight in his chest.
It wasn't fear—more like the awareness that his eyes were no longer the only ones watching.
On a warm morning, the academy students gathered in the training field.
The instructor announced, "Today's test is different. Each of you will be sent to a point inside the forest. Your objective: remain completely still for four hours. No movement, no chakra, and don't get detected."
One of the girls raised her hand. "Even if an animal walks by?"
The instructor chuckled. "As long as you don't move, you're fine. A chunin will be observing each area using ninja birds and advanced sensory techniques."
Kenichi looked toward the forest. Same trees, same place—but this time, he was the one being watched.
---
Behind a thick tree, Kenichi sat in a crouch.
He breathed slowly. Closed his eyes.
The wind rustled softly through the branches. The subtle hum of insects trickled into his ears.
He tried to forget the need to succeed.
But something was missing.
No chakra allowed.
Without his sensory wave… he felt exposed.
> "Am I strong… or just used to relying on the technique?"
An hour passed.
Then the second.
Then the third.
His heart beat faster—not out of fear, but an inner urge to release chakra.
But he stayed still. He did not move.
> "Patience… is another kind of training. Strength isn't always about hitting hard."
Time was heavy, but his body remained silent.
---
When the time ended, everyone returned to the field.
The instructor announced, "Only three completed the test without a single mistake."
"Kagami Uchiha… Homura Mitokado…"
Kagami stretched his arms and said, "I expected to pass. But four hours? Brutal."
Homura simply nodded, as usual. He didn't speak much—but he didn't fail either.
Then the instructor paused and looked at Kenichi.
"…And Sato Kenichi."
Some students raised their eyebrows.
Kagami smiled, "Even when you're silent, you stand out. Strange!"
Kenichi chuckled softly.
But deep inside, he knew:
> "This time, I didn't win with strength. I won with patience."
---
That evening, he sat in the courtyard while Haru played around him.
She asked, "Can you really stay like that without moving?"
He answered with a smile, "Four hours."
She blinked in disbelief. "I can't last one minute!"
He laughed and said, "You know? Sitting still can hurt more than fighting sometimes."
As he shared a quiet moment with her… someone else was planning a different kind of stillness.
---
In a quiet office inside the command tower, Tobirama read the report.
He murmured, "Even when we take away his tools… he proves himself."
Then he lifted his gaze to the village map.
"The next test… won't be in the forest."