The morning sun poured softly through the windows of the academy classroom, casting golden lines across the wooden desks. Shin sat at his usual spot near the window, casually chatting with Aiko and Minato. Their conversation drifted between food, training, and yesterday's results—though Shin still couldn't fully believe he'd placed first. The classroom buzzed with low murmurs and occasional laughter as more students filed in.
The door slid open with a familiar thud, and silence fell like a curtain. Nara Boku entered the room with his usual calm, calculating expression. Everyone instinctively stood and greeted him in unison, "Good morning, Sensei!"
With a small nod, Boku moved to the front of the room, folding his hands behind his back.
"I hope you all rested well," he began, his tone composed and steady. "Yesterday's results were impressive for many of you. But now, I want you to shift your focus from scores and rankings to something more important."
The students looked at each other curiously. Boku continued, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"You've all come a long way, and while you're still in the early stages of your training, it's time you start thinking about what kind of ninja you want to become. Will you be a close-range specialist? A tracker? A medical ninja? A sensor? Or perhaps a support-type with expertise in tools, genjutsu, or even strategy?"
He paused for a moment to let his words sink in.
"There's still time, yes—but don't wait too long. Start paying attention to what comes naturally to you. Whether it's speed, control, observation, or raw strength—find it. Understand it. Your greatest strengths often hide in your instincts. Once you understand where your talents lie, you can sharpen them like a blade."
The class had fallen completely silent now. Even the usually distracted students like Shimura Haru and Inuzuka Mira were paying full attention.
"I'm not asking you to decide your future today," Boku added, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But awareness is the first step. Think about your battles, your training, your habits. The clues are already there."
Shin leaned back in his chair, arms folded, his mind quietly turning over those words. He thought about his speed, his awareness in fights, and how naturally he could read movement. Aiko scratched his chin thoughtfully, while Minato stared ahead with that calm, knowing smile—perhaps he'd already begun to figure his path out.
Nara Boku finished, "You'll have guidance along the way. But ultimately, this path is yours to walk. Choose wisely."
Boku looked around the room, his eyes calm yet sharp. "To help you understand better," he continued, "let me explain the different kinds of shinobi you can grow into."
He began pacing slowly across the front of the classroom.
"Some of you may become Assault-type ninja—the front-liners who engage the enemy head-on. These shinobi rely on speed, power, and close-range combat ability. But not everyone is meant to fight on the front lines."
He paused and gestured toward the back of the room.
"Then there are Medical ninja, who are the backbone of any squad. Without them, many missions would end in tragedy. It takes precision, chakra control, and immense patience."
"Others may be more suited to becoming Sensor ninja," he said, now making eye contact with a few students. "These are the ones who can detect enemy chakra, track movements from afar, and relay crucial intel in battle. Don't underestimate how vital their presence is."
"And then," he continued, "we have Support and Communication ninja—the planners, strategists, and tool specialists who ensure that everything flows smoothly in a mission. They may not be the flashiest, but they're often the reason a team succeeds at all."
The class remained quiet, listening intently.
"Every role matters," Boku said, his tone now firmer. "No ninja is lesser than another because of their chosen path. What's important is finding what you're good at—what feels natural, what sparks something inside you. That strength? That instinct? Follow it."
He stopped and turned to face the class fully.
"Focus on honing that strength. Whether you are on the frontlines or behind the scenes, every ninja has a place. You just need to find yours."
Shin nodded slowly, his fingers curled under his desk. It was the first time he truly began thinking not just about training harder—but training smarter, with purpose.
---
The lunch bell rang, and students began to pour out into the courtyard, chatter filling the air. Shin sat under the shade of a tree near the academy wall, his bento untouched beside him. He leaned back, eyes tracing the clouds lazily drifting across the sky, but his mind was anything but idle.
"Find your strength... focus on it..." Boku's words echoed in his head.
Shin exhaled softly, running a hand through his dark hair. Alright... what exactly am I good at? He closed his eyes and started listing to himself. My ninjutsu is definitely above average. Chakra control too—some of the exercises that others struggle with, I can manage without breaking much of a sweat. And my chakra reserves? They're pretty impressive for someone my age.
He flexed his fingers, feeling the pulsing energy within. And my eyes... even though I haven't awakened the Sharingan, I still notice things most others miss. That's an Uchiha trait, I guess. He smirked faintly, then shook his head. But speed-wise, I'm doing well... not elite, but quick enough to react, dodge, and strike when needed.
But then his expression hardened.
Taijutsu... His jaw clenched slightly. I'm okay. Not great. Not terrible. Just... okay. But being "okay" won't keep me alive out there. This world isn't kind to average. I don't want to be the weak link in a squad because I got caught in close combat without a plan.
His eyes opened slowly as he sat up. Maybe I should think about picking up a weapon... but what kind? A katana? No... that would restrict my movement. Carrying something long like that would slow me down, especially if I'm weaving hand signs during combat. A staff? Too flashy. A chain weapon? Too unpredictable. Throwing knives or shuriken? I already carry those.
Shin let out a sigh, pressing his back against the tree bark. His mind kept searching, calculating.
What I need is something compact... something deadly, but light... something that doesn't interfere with hand signs...
Then, like a lightning bolt, it struck him.
Wait... what if the weapon is a part of me? His eyes widened. What if I could wear it... like claws?
He held up his hands, fingers slightly curled.
Retractable claws—short, sharp, and brutal. Nothing too long, just enough to tear through muscle or block a blade. I wouldn't need to draw them, I could just flick my hand and they'd be out. No wasted motion, no delay.
A grin tugged at the corner of his lips, a rare flicker of excitement shining in his eyes.
Something like... Wolverine from those old comics from my old world.
He finally looked down at his untouched lunch, appetite suddenly returning as his thoughts settled.
Maybe I just found my edge, he thought.
---
As Shin sat beneath the tree, still turning the idea of retractable claws over in his mind, a sudden realization struck him—he still hadn't asked the Hokage for his reward.
The perfect opportunity is right in front of me. This could be it, he thought, standing up abruptly. If I get the Hokage's support, I can have the weapon made exactly how I want it.
Without wasting a second, Shin made his way through the academy grounds and toward the Hokage's office. When he arrived, a polite-looking assistant sat by the entrance, sifting through some documents. Shin stepped forward and spoke, "Excuse me. I had an appointment with Lord Hokage regarding the reward from the exam."
The assistant looked up and offered a knowing smile. "Yes, he's expecting you. You may go in."
Shin nodded and stepped toward the large wooden door. He knocked firmly.
A calm, wise voice responded from within. "Come in."
Shin opened the door and entered the room. Behind the desk sat Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, his eyes as kind as they were sharp, and his iconic pipe resting nearby.
"Ah, Shin," Hiruzen greeted warmly. "So, have you decided what you'd like for your reward?"
Shin stepped forward with a nod. "Yes, Lord Hokage. I've been thinking… I'd like to request a custom-made weapon."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Hmm, a weapon? That's an interesting choice. Most students ask for books or tools. But… a good decision. I've noticed that your taijutsu, while decent, lacks the finishing power in close-range combat. A proper weapon could give you the edge you need." He leaned back slightly. "So then, what kind of weapon do you have in mind? A katana? A short sword? A bo staff?"
Shin shook his head. "Actually... none of those. I'd like something light and compact. Something that won't interfere with my ninjutsu or movement—retractable claws, attached to my hands or wrists. I want to enhance my close-range damage without giving up mobility."
Hiruzen's expression turned thoughtful. He stroked his beard, clearly intrigued. "Claws…? Like blades that extend from the hands?" He leaned forward. "I've seen many types of weapons in my day, but that's… unique. Creative. Tactical."
He reached into a drawer and pulled out a smooth, palm-sized piece of wood with a hammer emblem carved into its surface. Handing it over to Shin, he said, "Take this. It's a token for the blacksmith at the east end of the village. The shop's called Ironroot Forge. The owner there is a trusted craftsman who's made gear for the ANBU and Jōnin alike. Show him this token and explain your weapon idea in detail. He'll work with you to design it."
Shin accepted the wooden token with both hands and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I'll go right away."
"Good," Hiruzen said with a smile. "Innovation and adaptability—two things a shinobi should never lack. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create."
With renewed excitement, Shin turned and left the office.