Everything Akabane drew in his comic seemed to reflect the stories of his classmates and their clans. This connection made him feel even more determined to work harder.
With the ninja academy exams finished, the students were about to be split into teams of three, each with a Jounin teacher. Akabane planned for chapters five and six to focus on Kakashi's bell test — a story filled with new ninjutsu techniques. If he could finish chapter six quickly, those ninjutsu could be added to his growing list.
"To unlock more ninjutsu, I really have to step up my game," he thought.
Although the Kurama Clan could learn Genjutsu, mastering it wasn't something that happened overnight. Akabane felt motivated to push forward and draw as many chapters as possible.
Right now, he was finishing chapter four. Since there was little else to do, he could wrap it up quickly. Slowly, students started returning from the exam, and Hiruzen followed behind the last two.
"Today, the exams are over," Hiruzen announced calmly. "Except for Uchiha Ryuu, I will give scores to everyone. Those who pass all the courses will receive their Konoha headbands. You can take a break for a few days after that."
Hiruzen's words sounded light, but there was a hint of sadness. He had watched these kids grow from the very start.
Vacation!? Akabane's eyes lit up. This meant he could focus on his comic without interruptions, letting his shadow clone handle the rest.
Perfect.
"By the way," Akabane added, "I'll tell my parents not to let anyone visit."
Most of his classmates encouraged him to draw more, but Tsunade was different — she had a fiery temper, and running into her was bad luck for him.
Maybe just asking her not to visit wouldn't be enough.
"Alright, everyone, you can go home now!" Hiruzen declared.
The classroom erupted as students hurried out. Within seconds, it was empty.
Hiruzen's face looked lonely — he knew most of these students wouldn't cross paths with him again.
As he turned to leave, he noticed Akabane still sitting at his desk.
"Akabane, why aren't you leaving yet?"
"Um… Sarutobi-sensei, don't think too much of it. I just wanted to be last," Akabane said with a small smile, standing and stretching.
"Oh, and when you bring new students next time, please make sure to introduce them to my comic, hehe," he added playfully.
Hiruzen chuckled. Akabane's comics were pretty amazing, after all.
"Maybe Iruka felt the same way I do now," Hiruzen thought softly.
Walking home, Akabane reflected on his luck. He was grateful to live in a time of peace, unlike Kakashi and others who had been thrown into battle so young. For now, he just wanted to steadily grow stronger, preparing for whatever the future held.
"Akaba! Over here!" a familiar voice called out.
His parents, Chiaki and Saki Kurama, hurried toward him.
"I told you not to push yourself too hard! Why did you fight Ryuu Uchiha? Are you okay?"
His mother grabbed his shoulder, scolding him. His father didn't speak but looked concerned.
"I fought Ryuu. See? I'm fine," Akabane replied, showing no injuries.
His parents must have already known who his opponent was, since the match list came out early and three hours had passed.
"But I didn't expect you to win. Ryuu was the heir of the Uchiha Clan," his father said, pride showing in his voice.
Akabane smiled, then changed the subject. "Dad, Mom, I want to ask something. Do we have any savings?"
His parents exchanged puzzled looks.
"There's a small Nara Clan store near our home. I want to buy it and turn it into a comic store," he said firmly.
Since he was still just a kid with no income, he had to ask them.
His father looked overwhelmed. They were an ordinary Kurama family, and if it weren't for Akabane's Kekkei Genkai Awakening, they wouldn't be significant.
Buying a store was a big request from a child.
"Son, you're about to become a ninja, and you'll have many missions ahead. You might not have much time to draw. Isn't opening a comic store too much right now?" his father asked gently.
His mother saw his hesitation and remained silent.
Akabane understood. So he spoke honestly, "I know it's a lot to ask, but since I'm now the successor of the clan, maybe if we present this to the clan leader, they'll agree."
His father looked even more puzzled.
"Is that still too much?"
Both parents hesitated.
"Well… we'll try to bring it up with the clan leader."
The change in their family's status was very recent, and it still felt awkward to make such requests.
Akabane's comic points system depended on this — so this store was essential for him.