Naruto: Void's Embrace

Chapter 3: A New Beginning

Riku woke up early the next morning, his body aching from the rigorous training he had done the night before. The sky outside his window was still dark, but the distant sounds of villagers starting their day reached his ears. Today was a significant day—his first official step into the ninja world. He would join the academy training sessions, even if it wasn't as a proper student yet.

He got up, stretched, and quickly went through his morning routine. The orphanage was quiet at this hour, and he preferred it that way. The fewer people he interacted with, the better. He packed a simple bento box for lunch and left the building without saying a word to anyone.

---

The academy grounds were already bustling with activity when Riku arrived. Groups of children chatted excitedly, some practicing basic jutsu, while others sparred under the supervision of their instructors. Riku walked past them unnoticed, his presence unremarkable compared to the vibrant personalities around him.

As he scanned the area, he noticed a familiar face—Naruto Uzumaki, the loud, energetic boy who always seemed to be the center of attention, whether intentionally or not. Naruto was busy arguing with another boy, his orange jacket standing out like a beacon.

Riku ignored the commotion and found a quiet spot to observe. His focus was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching.

"You're new here, aren't you?" a calm, almost monotone voice asked.

Riku turned to see a girl about his age. She had short black hair tied into a low ponytail and sharp gray eyes that seemed to pierce through him. She stood with a relaxed posture, her hands tucked into the pockets of her training gear.

"Akira Tachibana," she introduced herself, noticing his silence. "I've never seen you here before."

"Riku," he replied simply, turning his gaze back to the training field.

She tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Not much of a talker, huh?"

He didn't respond. Akira shrugged and sat down nearby, her attention shifting to the other students.

---

The morning session began with basic exercises. Riku stayed at the edge of the group, silently following the instructions. Most of the students ignored him, too focused on their own progress to notice the quiet newcomer. However, a few curious glances were cast his way, particularly from the girls, who whispered among themselves.

When it came time for sparring practice, Riku's name was called. He stepped into the ring, facing a boy named Daichi Yamada. Daichi grinned widely, his excitement evident.

"Let's have a good match!" Daichi said, raising his fists.

Riku nodded but remained silent, his expression unreadable.

The instructor signaled the start, and Daichi charged forward. He was fast but reckless, his punches wide and easy to predict. Riku dodged effortlessly, his movements precise and calculated. He waited for an opening, then delivered a swift strike to Daichi's side, sending him stumbling back.

The other students watched in stunned silence. Daichi recovered quickly, his grin never fading. "Not bad! Let's go again!"

The spar continued, with Riku maintaining his calm demeanor and countering Daichi's attacks with ease. By the time the match ended, it was clear who the better fighter was.

---

After the session, Riku sat under a tree, eating his lunch in solitude. To his surprise, Akira approached him again, her own bento box in hand.

"You're good," she said, sitting down a few feet away. "Not many people can handle Daichi like that. He may be clumsy, but he's strong."

Riku glanced at her briefly before returning to his meal. "It's just practice."

She raised an eyebrow. "You don't talk much, do you?"

He didn't reply, and Akira smirked slightly, finding his silence intriguing. She decided not to press further, instead eating her lunch in silence.

---

The afternoon session focused on teamwork exercises. Riku was grouped with Akira and another boy named Tetsuya Morimoto, a quiet but intense student who seemed more interested in his weapons than the people around him.

The exercise involved retrieving a flag from a designated area while avoiding "enemy" traps set by the instructors. Akira quickly took charge, devising a strategy that utilized each of their strengths.

Riku followed her plan without complaint, his sharp instincts and precise movements making him an invaluable asset. Tetsuya, though initially hesitant to cooperate, begrudgingly admitted Riku's skill after seeing him disarm a trap with ease.

By the end of the exercise, their team had successfully retrieved the flag, earning praise from the instructor.

---

As the day ended, Riku left the academy grounds, his mind filled with thoughts of the training and the people he had met. For the first time in years, he felt a faint sense of purpose—a glimmer of something that might eventually grow into more.

He didn't know what the future held, but he was determined to face it head-on, no matter how difficult the path might be.

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To be continued...