Early Morning — In the Great Village
The sky was still stretching its golden arms when I, Ryju, a bright-eyed ten-year-old kid with a dream bigger than the mountains, stood at the gates of the Ninja Academy for the first time.
My heart was practically doing backflips in my chest.
Ryju:"Oh yeah! I've waited seven years for this!"
Seven whole years of training in secret… of throwing pebbles like shuriken and sneaking snacks from the pantry without getting caught.
"I'm going to be the best ninja ever. No doubt about it!"
The academy gates creaked open with a dramatic flair (or maybe that was just my imagination). Inside… whoa.
So. Many. People.
I leaned in and whispered to myself, eyes wide.
Ryju (whispering):"OMG, there's so many people…"
The place was massive—colossal statues of the past Spiritual Kings towered over the courtyard, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Swords, scrolls, throwing stars—gear was lined up on walls like they belonged in a museum.
But something felt different. Heavier. The atmosphere was intense. Everyone around me had this determined look in their eyes—like they were already ready to fight dragons or something.
This wasn't like playing ninja with my cousins back home.
This was real.
I wandered around, jaw practically on the ground, trying to take it all in—until a sudden crackle from the speaker system made me jump.
???:"Hello, everyone! My name is Llyod—as you all probably know me as the Spiritual King."
Wait. WHAT.That was him?!
The real, actual, legendary Spiritual King Llyod, speaking to us live?!He was right there on the stage!
I froze in place. My fists clenched in excitement.
Ryju (thinking):"This is insane… Grandpa used to be the Spiritual King before him… I want to be just like him someday. Like all of them."
The Spiritual Kings—guardians of the realm, protectors of the people. My grandpa was one of them, and ever since I was little, I knew...
I want to protect others too.I want to become a Spiritual King.I want to—
???:"Hey! Do you want to be my friend? I'm new here!"
I blinked.
A girl, about my age, with Long blue hair and a bright smile, stood beside me holding out her hand. Just as I opened my mouth to answer—
Llyod's voice boomed again:"Hello, my fellow students! Are you all ready to become ninjas?!"
A beat of silence.And then—
EVERYONE:"YEAHHHH!!"
Ow. My ears.
Even my soul shook from that cheer.
Llyod:"Now that everyone's all excited… LET THE CHALLENGES BEGIN!"
Wait.
Challenges?What kind of challenges?!
Traps? Sparring matches? Giant frogs?!Doesn't matter. I was pumped.
Ryju (thinking):"This is it. The beginning of my journey… and nothing's gonna stop me now."
And so begins the path of Ryju, descendant of heroes and future protector of the realm (hopefully). With new friends, unknown rivals, and mysterious trials ahead, this young ninja is about to step into a world far bigger than he ever imagined.
But one thing's for sure—
He's ready.
[Let the Ninja Trials begin.]