[3] – The New Room
[3] – The New Room
Reiji blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion. Does this mean the scroll’s contents are incomplete? Or is my understanding of chakra control insufficient?
He stared at the notification for a moment, considering the implications. It seemed like the scroll might not be entirely helpful yet, but it could also hint that his understanding of chakra control was still none. It didn’t matter for now, though. He had the scroll, and it might prove valuable once his abilities were more developed.
Shaking his head, he tucked the scroll into his pocket, the worn parchment crinkling as it settled. With a mental nudge, he accessed his inventory, stowing it safely for later. There was still work to be done. A lot of work.
The morning had been intense—his muscles were sore from the grueling physical exercises, but his mind was still eager to absorb more. If he was going to live in the village, he realized he needed to understand its layout, culture, and daily rhythms. So, he decided to walk through the village, giving his body a much-needed respite while familiarizing himself with his new surroundings.
Reiji changed into simple clothes and slipped out the door.
The village was vibrant filled with life. The marketplace bustled with vendors calling out their wares, the scent of fresh produce and sizzling food hanging in the air. Children dashed through the streets, laughing as they played, and shinobi moved with purpose, their expressions serious and focused.
Above it all loomed the Hokage Monument, the carved faces of past Hokages staring down over the village with timeless authority. Reiji couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship and the sense of pride it must inspire in the villagers.
His wandering thoughts were interrupted when he spotted a familiar figure moving through the marketplace. Ryuko-sensei, Reiji thought, recognizing the man from his entrance exam. Ryuko was carrying a stack of materials in his arms, expertly balancing them with ease, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Reiji slowed his pace, watching for a moment before their eyes met. Ryuko’s face broke into a smile, and he adjusted his load, approaching Reiji.
“Reiji-kun!” Ryuko’s voice rang out, cutting through the noise of the bustling marketplace. “I thought I recognized you. You passed, didn’t you?” He gave a light chuckle, his tone warm and casual. “Impressive. What brings you out here before classes have even begun?”
Reiji straightened up, a little thrown off by the sudden shift from Ryuko’s usual stern teacher persona to this more easygoing, casual demeanor. It was strange—almost like a switch had been flipped. “I want to get a head start on training,” Reiji replied, his voice carrying a faint trace of frustration. “Especially chakra control. I’m still struggling with the leaf concentration exercise.”
Ryuko’s expression shifted, a raised eyebrow signaling his curiosity. “Most students barely even practice after joining the Academy. Practicing before entering? That’s… good.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his gaze narrowing as if he were sizing Reiji up. A soft smile tugged at his lips, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement. “It’s rare to see such determination in a new student. Not many would push themselves this much before classes have even begun.”
Reiji shifted on his feet and explained, “I feel like if I don’t start now, I’ll fall behind. I don’t want to be the weakest in the class.”
Ryuko’s gaze softened slightly, but his response was immediate. Ryuko gestured for Reiji to follow him without missing a beat, leading him to a nearby bench. Reiji complied, eager for any advice he could get. They sat down, and Ryuko set his materials aside, giving him full attention.
“Forcing chakra won’t work,” Ryuko began, his voice calm but full of conviction. He demonstrated with a few graceful movements, guiding his chakra with an ease that Reiji could only dream of. “You have to guide it with intent. Chakra responds better to a calm mind and clear visualization than it does to sheer willpower.”
Reiji listened intently, absorbing every word. As Ryuko continued, Reiji found himself filled with questions—not just about the leaf exercise, but about chakra flow in general, how experienced shinobi used it, and the common pitfalls beginners faced.
Ryuko, clearly pleased with Reiji’s curiosity, took his time to answer each question, breaking down complex concepts in a way that was both clear and accessible.
“Think of chakra as an extension of yourself, not just a tool,” Ryuko advised thoughtfully. “It follows your intent. If your mind wavers, so will your control.”
Reiji nodded, fully intent on applying everything he was learning. He had always thought of chakra as a force to be commanded, but now it seemed more like something he had to communicate with, which required a bond between his mind and body.
With a new sense of understanding, Reiji placed the leaf on his forehead once again. This time, he focused less on brute strength and more on the sensation—the flow of chakra, the delicate movement of energy. The leaf wobbled but stayed in place briefly before slipping off. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.
Ryuko watched him with quiet satisfaction. “You’ve got strong analytical skills,” he said, nodding approvingly. “But you’re still missing some fundamental knowledge. The Academy library is open to admitted students—I recommend spending some time there before classes officially start.”
The suggestion was precisely what Reiji needed to hear. He had so much to learn; the library would be a goldmine of information.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Ryuko added as he picked up his materials. “You should visit the Administration Office today. They’ll process your academy allowance and assign you a dorm room.”
Reiji blinked, caught off guard by the mention of a dorm. “New room assignment?”
Ryuko nodded, his expression thoughtful. “All academy students are entitled to basic housing and a stipend. Your current accommodations are just temporary. The Administration Building is near the Hokage Tower—you can’t miss it.”
The idea of a new room was both exciting and intimidating. Reiji barely had time to process this when, almost on cue, a familiar chime echoed in his mind. A new notification appeared.
[QUEST ALERT: Administrative Affairs]
Visit the Administration Office to receive your Allowance and room assignment.
Reward: +75 XP, Monthly Allowance Unlocked, Better Living Quarters
Failure: -70 XP, No stipend
Time Limit: 1 hour
Reiji grimaced, the consequences of failure hitting him like a cold splash of water. -70 XP? That was huge for him, especially considering he had just made few progresses. No allowance meant no money for supplies, and no dorm meant he would have to continue staying at the orphanage. It would be more than inconvenient—affecting his privacy and peace of mind. He couldn’t risk failing this quest.
Wasting no time, he stood up, giving Ryuko a quick thanks. He had no intention of missing out on the opportunity.
“I’ll head there right away,” Reiji said, determined. The sooner he got this done, the better.
…
The Administrative Building loomed ahead—a large, circular structure with the Konoha symbol boldly displayed above its entrance. It had a formal, official air, as though the walls held the weight of decades of history and bureaucracy. Inside, the sound of shuffling papers, murmurs of conversation, and the occasional irritated sigh from waiting civilians filled the air. Shinobi and regular citizens moved purposefully through the halls, tending to various administrative duties. It was a busy place, but there was an organized calm to the chaos—a system running efficiently behind the scenes.
Reiji approached the reception desk, where a kunoichi with short black hair neatly organised a file stack. She barely looked up as he came, but when he spoke, her eyes flickered to him, assessing him in an instant.
“Excuse me,” Reiji said politely, trying to sound confident despite the uncertainty that still lingered. “I’m a new Academy student, and I was told to come here for my allowance and housing assignment.”
The kunoichi scanned him briefly, her gaze sharp yet impassive. After a moment, she nodded and waved a hand dismissively. “Of course. Name?”
“Reiji.”
She flipped through a thick ledger with practised ease, her fingers flipping pages at a rapid pace. “Entrance Passed... Yes, here you are.” She didn’t wait for a further acknowledgement before motioning for him to follow. “Come with me. We’ll need to process your paperwork.”
Reiji followed her down a quiet hallway, the faint sound of distant chatter echoing off the walls. She led him into a small office where an older man sat behind a desk with reading glasses perched on his nose and a receding hairline. He was stamping documents with an air of methodical precision, a calm focus to his movements that hinted at years of experience in this kind of work.
As they entered, he looked up, peering over the rims of his glasses. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging Reiji’s presence. “Sora-sensei,” the kunoichi said, introducing Reiji. “This is Reiji, the new Academy student. He needs his stipend and housing processed.”
Sora-sensei nodded and offered Reiji a warm, welcoming smile. “So, you’ve passed the Entrance Examination. Congratulations, and welcome to Konoha’s Ninja Academy.” He gestured to the chair opposite him. “Please, sit. Let’s go through the necessary formalities before we process your stipend and housing.”
Reiji sat down, his palms resting lightly on his knees. The sense of formality in the air made his usual casual demeanor feel out of place, but he tried to relax. Sora-sensei slid a form toward him, a series of neatly typed questions.
“Before we proceed,” Sora began, adjusting his glasses, “I need to confirm a few details.”
He cleared his throat and started reading from the form, his voice steady and official.
“Full name?”
“Reiji.” Reiji answered promptly, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Surname?”
Reiji hesitated, the question making him pause longer than he intended. He had no family name. His entire life had been spent in the orphanage, never knowing his parents. “…Just Reiji,” he said quietly, unsure how to answer otherwise.
Sora gave a slight nod, making a note in the file. “Understood.”
Sora gave a slight nod and made a note in the file. “Parental status—are your parents living?”
“No,” Reiji said, a dull ache accompanying the words. “I was raised at the orphanage.”
Another brief notation. “That qualifies you for both housing and the full orphan stipend.”
Sora continued flipping through the form. “For record-keeping purposes, we separate stipends into two categories. Students with living parents receive a reduced amount—2,800 ryo per month—since their families are expected to provide additional support. Orphans, however, receive the full amount of 5,000 ryo, along with Academy housing.”
Reiji nodded, committing the numbers to memory. He’d need the stipend, especially for training supplies, and it was comforting to know the village provided some stability to orphans like him.
“Any prior medical conditions or injuries that might affect your training?”
“None.”
“Do you have an emergency contact?” Sora asked, glancing up from the form.
Reiji’s heart skipped for a moment. He had no immediate family, but there was someone he could name. “…Nanako, from the orphanage,” he said, his voice steady despite the uncertainty.
Sora made another note. “That will do.”
He slid another paper forward. “Sign here to confirm your stipend registration.”
Reiji took the brush in his hand and signed his name carefully, the unfamiliar strokes of ink feeling more significant than he had anticipated. As soon as he finished, Sora reached into a locked drawer, retrieved several bills, and placed them on the desk with deliberate slowness.
[Allowance Received: 3,000 ryo]
Monthly Stipend activated
Currency System Unlocked
Reiji’s eyes lingered on the money. It felt surreal—like stepping into a new world where he had his funds and means of support. A strange mixture of independence and dependency washed over him. It was his, but it was also something provided by the village. It wasn’t his to keep forever but it would sustain him for now. He hesitated for a moment before accepting the money and tucking it into his pouch.
Sora, apparently noticing his momentary pause, continued without missing a beat. “Now, about your housing.” He reached for a fresh set of papers and began reading from them.
“Since you are an orphan without external housing, you are eligible for dormitory placement. Academy students are housed in assigned dorms based on availability.” He flipped through several more papers, selecting one and retrieving a minor brass key.
Sora handed it to Reiji with a polite, professional gesture. “You’ve been assigned to Building C, Room 204. It’s a standard Academy dormitory—a single room with a bed, a small kitchenette, and a private bathroom.”
[Housing Upgraded]
New Residence: Academy Dormitories, Building C, Room 204
Reiji stared at the key for a moment, feeling a strange weight in his hands. A room of his own. A private space, something he hadn’t had for as long as he could remember. It was a small, humble thing, but for him, it meant everything.
“Thank you, Sora-sensei,” he said, his voice filled with quiet gratitude.
Sora gave him a slight nod, pushing the papers aside as he prepared to move on to the next student. “No problem, Reiji. Welcome again to the Academy. May your path here be a fruitful one.”
Reiji bowed slightly, taking the key in hand.
Sora handed him a final slip of paper. “This contains the dormitory rules—no unauthorized visitors, and you are responsible for keeping your own space clean. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear will be deducted from your stipend.”
Reiji nodded, taking the key and paperwork.
Sora smiled faintly, his expression softening just a bit. “That concludes your registration. If you have any further questions, feel free to return to this office during standard hours. Otherwise, you’re officially settled.”
[QUEST COMPLETED: Administrative Affairs]
Reward: 75 XP (95/100), Monthly Allowance Unlocked, Better Living Quarters
Reiji stood up and gave a slight bow. “Thank you.”
As he stepped out of the office, key in hand, he exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. With his stipend secured and housing assigned, everything started falling into place. His next priority was checking out his new living quarters.
The dormitory was a modest four-story structure, a short walk from the Academy grounds. The building, though sturdy, showed signs of wear—its exterior scuffed from generations of shinobi-in-training passing through. A simple sign above the entrance read: “Konoha Academy Housing – Building C.”
Reiji ascended a metal stairway around the building, leading to the external walkways. His room, 204, was on the second floor and had a view of a small, well-maintained garden below. A few students loitered along the walkway, some engaged in idle conversation, while others leaned against the railings, gazing at the village streets. Most appeared to be older Academy students, already well-versed in the rhythms of life here.
Reiji pushed the door open and stepped inside, sliding his key into the lock.
The room was small but functional—and more importantly, it was his.
Against one wall was a standard-issue Academy bed, neatly made with linens folded at the foot and a solitary pillow placed at the head. Opposite it stood a compact wooden desk, its surface clean, with a built-in bookshelf stocked with a few introductory texts: “Fundamentals of Chakra Control,”“Shinobi Code of Conduct,” and a worn copy of “Beginner’s Taijutsu Manual.” A simple chair was tucked neatly beneath the desk.
The kitchenette was basic but practical—featuring a small refrigerator, a single hot plate for cooking, and a cabinet stocked with essential utensils. A sink with running water was positioned beneath a narrow window that offered a modest view of the garden below.
The bathroom, though small, was private—a luxury Reiji hadn’t had since the orphanage. It contained a basic shower, a toilet, and a sink, all arranged efficiently in the small space yet functional enough for his needs.
As he placed his bag down beside the bed, a familiar chime echoed in his mind:
[New Safe Zone: Personal Quarters]
Rewards: Resting here will recover Stamina and Chakra rapidly, Personal Storage Available
Reiji let out a quiet sigh of relief. The accommodation wasn’t extravagant, but this felt like a significant step up compared to his two days at the orphanage. He could rest here, regain his strength, and have some privacy—something he hadn’t experienced since this world.
He walked over to the window, looking out at the garden below. It was small but had a sense of calm, a tranquil space that was all his own. A soft breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, and for the first time in a while, Reiji allowed himself to relax, feeling the weight of the day’s efforts slowly lift off his shoulders.