In the blink of an eye, it was Konoha Year 56. Sasuke, Karin, Shiryu, and the others were already six years old.
In the courtyard of the Daimyo of the Land of Water's mansion, spring was in full bloom. A gentle breeze shook the petals, creating a shower of pink.
A group of six-year-old children were chasing and playing around the large pine tree in the courtyard.
Hamamaru and Sasuke each held a wooden longsword, mimicking their fathers' stances as they sparred.
Seishin, Manaka, and Shion were playing an archery game nearby.
Only Shiryu was practicing his fist technique in a corner of the courtyard.
Shun stood under the pavilion, watching the children's lively figures, his eyes full of smiles.
In these six years, the Land of Water had become more stable under his governance, and the people's lives had become increasingly prosperous, with a booming population.
His family also became livelier, with eight consorts each performing their duties, managing the Daimyo Mansion in an orderly fashion.
Now, the children had all grown up healthy and reached the age to attend the Ninja Academy.
Tsunade walked over with a cup of hot tea, shaking her head helplessly. "These six little rascals have more and more energy. Yesterday, Hamamaru and Seishin almost broke the garden fence fighting over a football. Manaka and Shion are quiet, but they can still pester me for an entire afternoon with Ninjutsu stories. Karin and Sasuke, needless to say, they fight all the time."
Mei, supporting her slightly bulging belly, smiled gently. "Isn't that the truth? I'm pregnant now and get tired after a few steps, but they always surround me asking, 'When is little brother coming out?' Sometimes I really want to package them up and send them away for a few days of peace."
Kurenai, sitting nearby, holding her one-year-old daughter, Mirai, added with a laugh, "Mirai is well-behaved, but these six older siblings are so noisy that sometimes they even wake her from her nap. Thankfully, Shun is sending them to the Ninja Academy. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."
Sāra walked over and handed Kurenai a handkerchief, saying gently, "It's a good thing for children to be energetic, it means they are healthy. But going to the Ninja Academy is indeed suitable. They can systematically learn Ninjutsu basics and also meet peers, which is better than just making a ruckus at home."
Mikoto, Ami, Chie, and Yukari also gathered around, chatting about the children's interesting anecdotes, their voices full of anticipation for opening day.
In these six years, they had been "tormented" enough by six energetic children. Now, they finally looked forward to the children starting school, and they could have some time for themselves, either to research Ninjutsu, handle government affairs, or simply rest well.
Shun smiled and took over the conversation, "I've already spoken with the Ninja Academy. I'll take them to register next week. Itachi is now 12 years old and capable of handling things on his own. Having him accompany his younger siblings, I'm at ease."
When Itachi was mentioned, everyone nodded.
In these six years, Itachi had learned many Ninjutsu, and his Three-Tomoe Sharingan was used with great skill. Ordinary Elite Jonin were no match for him.
Normally, he proactively took care of his younger siblings, guiding them daily in practicing basic Ninjutsu, teaching them to read and write, and was the most reliable brother in the children's eyes.
Listening to his wives' conversation, Shun thought a lot.
In the original story, Itachi awakened his Mangekyo at 11 years old, now he was already 12.
Shun pondered how to come up with a reliable method to stimulate Itachi and help him awaken his Mangekyo.
Chie looked at the little girl in Kurenai's arms and asked with a smile, "By the way, Kurenai, you named Mirai, didn't you? It's such a beautiful name, signifying hope."
Kurenai gently touched her daughter's cheek and nodded. "Yes, I hope she can be safe and happy in the future, without having to experience too many battles like us. But this child seems to have a great talent for Genjutsu. Last time when I was practicing Genjutsu, she actually followed along, waving her little hands, and her eyes even showed faint Chakra fluctuations."
Mei said with a smile, "If my child is a boy, I'll have him learn Water Release from me. If it's a girl, she can learn Genjutsu from Kurenai, or Medical Ninjutsu from Tsunade-nee. Either way is fine."
...
A week later, the Ninja Academy opened as scheduled.
Shun specifically set aside government affairs to personally take the children to register at the school.
Because of these children's special identities, the Ninja Academy specifically created a special class for them. In this special class, besides Shun's six children, there were also eleven other children.
The always grinning, silly-smiling blonde Naruto.
The shy Hinata, dressed in Hyuga clan attire.
Suigetsu, with the distinctive features of the Hozuki clan, always playing with Water Release.
Shino, covered in insects, sitting quietly in a corner.
Kiba, full of energy, with his dog on his head.
Choji, slightly plump, holding a bag of potato chips.
Shikamaru, looking intelligent and always trying to slack off.
Ino, with a ponytail, lively and cheerful.
Kurama Yakumo, with a hint of melancholy in her eyes, sitting by the window.
And also Kazami Chihiro and Sakura, with pink hair and determined eyes.
Shun smiled and said to Itachi beside him, "Many of these children are from prestigious clans, they will be the pillars of the Ninja World in the future."
Itachi nodded, his gaze falling on Yakumo, and he said softly, "Father, Yakumo seems a bit special. I heard she's been plagued by an inner demon since childhood, and her Genjutsu often goes out of control. Could it harm the younger siblings?"
Shun followed Itachi's gaze. Murakumo was instructing his daughter not far away. Yakumo's eyes were full of unease, her fingers tightly clutching the corner of her clothes.
He pondered for a moment, then said to Itachi, "You take the younger siblings into the classroom first. I'll go to the Kurama household tonight to see if I can help Yakumo resolve her problem."
...
Inside the classroom, the children quickly became acquainted.
Sasuke proactively walked up to Naruto, raising his wooden kunai. "Hey, your name is Naruto, right? Do you want to have a match with me?"
Naruto immediately agreed excitedly, and the two began to "spar" in the open space at the back of the classroom;
Manaka walked up to Hinata and gently offered her a cherry blossom. "My name is Manaka. Let's be friends, okay?"
Hinata blushed and nodded, softly saying her name, "My name is Hyuga Hinata, please take care of me."
Hamamaru was entangled by Suigetsu, discussing the principles of Water Release and Fire Release counters.
Shikamaru leaned back in his chair, watching the noisy crowd. He sighed helplessly, muttering "What a drag," but was still drawn by the potato chips Choji offered, and couldn't help but take one.
Shun stood outside the window, watching the children getting along harmoniously, his eyes filled with gratification.