Naruto: The Mist Within-Chapter 110 - 109: New Beginnings

The holidays had ended, and the third year at Kirigakure Academy was about to start. Ren stepped through the academy gates, the usual buzz of students filling the air, though something felt different.

Something has changed, but I can't figure out what, Ren thought, scanning the courtyard attentively. The students were quieter than usual. Maybe it was just the tension of starting a new year.

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At the entrance, Ren found himself surrounded by his friends: Shin, Shinji, Jun'ko, Aoi, Yukiko, and Kurara, all reunited in the same year. This year, all classes had been merged, making the classroom more diverse but also crowded with both new and familiar faces.

Among the students was Misaki, who had finally advanced to the third year. Her determined gaze seemed to promise she would do everything to stand out.

"Hey, Ren!" Jun'ko greeted enthusiastically, waving a hand.

Ren responded with a faint smile, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He noticed every detail, every expression.

Something feels off. There's a strange atmosphere, like a shadow hanging over the academy.

Fujimoto-sensei entered with his usual decisive stride, but his expression was sterner than usual.

"Welcome to your third year," he began, scrutinizing the class closely. "This year will not be like the others. You will need to prove your worth, your dedication, and most importantly, your ability to face the challenges ahead. No exceptions."

His tone was authoritative, almost cutting, and the tension in the room grew thicker. Even Jun'ko, who usually found a way to joke around, remained silent. Fujimoto began outlining the year's program, but Ren struggled to focus. His instincts kept telling him that something was changing.

During the break, Ren wandered the courtyard and his gaze fell on Zabuza. He was sitting alone under a tree, a wooden sword resting on his legs. His face, usually serious, seemed even gloomier than usual.

Strange, Ren thought, observing him from a distance.

He's darker than usual. Could something have happened during the holidays?

Better to figure out what's on his mind. Deciding, Ren approached slowly. When he was just a few steps away, Zabuza looked up, his eyes cold and menacing.

"What do you want?" Zabuza asked, his voice a mix of irritation and challenge.

Ren hesitated, caught off guard by the aggressive tone. "Nothing," he replied quickly. "I just wanted to make sure everything was okay after what happened last time."

Zabuza stood abruptly, clutching the wooden sword. "I don't need your pity," he said, his tone as sharp as a blade. Then, without another word, he walked away, leaving Ren standing in place.

Could it be that something or someone has pushed him to become like this? Ren wondered, watching Zabuza's figure fade into the distance.

Though it's strange... now that I think about it, in Naruto, Zabuza tried to assassinate Yagura in a few years. I wonder if it was out of retaliation? I'll need to keep an eye on him.

Back in class, Ren couldn't shake his thoughts about Zabuza, but his silent musings were soon interrupted by the usual antics of the Jun'ko, Aoi, and this time even Kurara trio.

"You can't be serious!" Aoi exclaimed, his glasses slightly askew as he tried to defend himself from Jun'ko's accusations.

"I told you, it's your fault the punch froze during the party!" Jun'ko retorted, pointing an accusatory finger at him.

"Technically," Aoi began, adjusting his glasses with a scholarly air, "the freezing point of punch isn't related to my intervention but to Yukiko's elemental chakra..."

"Oops," Kurara chimed in, tossing a wooden kunai that landed near Aoi's foot.

Shinji, observing nearby, burst out laughing. "You're worse than the drunken ninjas at the market!"

"Who are the drunken ninjas?" Kurara asked innocently, and Jun'ko replied, "They're legendary ninjas who wander the market at night."

Kurara believed her immediately, her face lighting up with excitement.

Fujimoto clapped his hands to regain attention. "Silence! This is a ninja academy!"

Ren smiled but noticed Misaki's gaze fixed on them. She was watching intently, as if trying to figure something out. When Ren met her gaze, Misaki quickly looked away, returning to her desk.

When classes ended, the group headed home. Jun'ko and Aoi split off first, waving goodbye to Ren and Kurara.

"See you tomorrow!" Jun'ko shouted, while Aoi mumbled something about the statistical probabilities of being late.

Left alone, Kurara looked at Ren with a serious expression. "Tonight, we're going to the market," she said without preamble.

Ren looked at her, surprised. "Why do you want to go to the market?"

"I want to meet the drunken ninjas," Kurara said naturally and seriously.

Thinking about what Jun'ko had said earlier, Ren burst out laughing. "Kurara, Jun'ko was joking!"

- - -

As twilight enveloped the village, two ANBU moved silently among the shadows, following Council Member Fujino as he returned home. Their mission was clear: observe without being noticed.

"There's nothing suspicious," one murmured in an almost inaudible tone.

The other, more cautious, replied after a brief pause: "It's all too normal. Just home and work, no deviations, no unusual behavior. Don't you find that strange?"

The first ANBU didn't respond, but his eyes narrowed behind his mask, as if trying to glimpse something beyond the apparent monotony of Fujino's actions. The councilor entered his house without hesitation, shutting the door behind him. Hidden in the darkness, the ANBU exchanged a silent glance.

Elsewhere, far from the alleys of Kirigakure, a very different conversation was unfolding.

Zetsu slowly emerged from the ground, his unnatural figure shrouded in a sinister aura.

"Two insects are buzzing around your puppet," Zetsu hissed, sarcasm evident in his deep voice.

Obito didn't look away from the reflection, but his fingers tightened slightly along the edge of his cloak.

"Your plan to gain Yagura's trust doesn't seem to be working," Zetsu continued, his mocking tone stinging like thorns.

A shadow of a smile formed behind Obito's mask. He said nothing, but a cold, distant laugh filled the air. His eye, red and full of dark secrets, revealed that something was brewing in his mind. It was clear he had no intention of leaving anything to chance.

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