"Hehe, thanks, Grandpa Hokage."
With a grin, Hayashi Ren snatched up the money from Hiruzen and wobbled out of the Hokage's office.
"Don't be late for the school opening ceremony next week!"Hiruzen called out, watching Ren's retreating back.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it, Grandpa Hokage."Ren waved dismissively and closed the office door behind him.
"Still just a kid, after all,"Hiruzen murmured to himself, pressing down the edge of his Hokage hat with a soft sigh.
What he didn't notice, though, was that the moment Ren stepped outside and closed the door, the pale and weak expression on his face completely vanished.
In its place was a look of cold calculation.
"School, huh? By the time classes start, I'll probably already have the strength to challenge any of you…"
He smirked inwardly, then turned and walked away from the Hokage building.
Konoha, Year 63. April. Spring.
The streets no longer carried the chill of winter. Instead, they were alive with the warm, vibrant atmosphere of the season.
Adults strolled along the roads, holding their children's hands, stopping here and there to buy little trinkets or snacks.
The shouts of vendors mixed with the innocent laughter of children, creating a lively, cheerful energy throughout the village.
"Ren!"
A bright, crisp voice rang out.
Ren, who was out with Sako and Naruko, about to grab some breakfast, instantly looked exasperated when he heard the voice.
The three of them turned in the direction of the sound—only to see a familiar blonde girl, Ino, dashing toward them.
With a soft thud, she leapt at Ren like a flying squirrel, latching onto his back like a koala bear.
Ren let out a sigh, clearly fed up. Naruko pouted, while Sako's face darkened noticeably.
"Ino!"
A sharp, annoyed voice followed shortly after.
A girl with flowing pink hair—Sakura—came running over, clearly not pleased.
"Damn it, Ino! I saw him first!"Sakura seethed inwardly, her fists clenched tight.
"Nyeh!"
Ino stuck her tongue out at her, then turned to Ren and said sweetly,"Ren, I've thought it through. I know now you'll never have feelings for me."
Ren was briefly startled by her words. He almost felt a sense of relief—but then he narrowed his eyes and asked,
"If that's the case, why are you still clinging to me?"
Beside him, Naruko nodded seriously.
"Yeah, you should get off Ren-kun."
Sako didn't say anything, but her intense stare never left Ino. In fact, there was a faint flicker in her eyes—almost like the Sharingan was about to awaken.
"Nope."
Ino let out a snort. Instead of letting go, she tightened her grip around Ren's neck, her cheek pressing gently against his back.
"I've realized… I don't need you to love me back. I'll just love you, no matter how you feel about me."
Ren's voice turned cold."Do you even know what you're saying?"
He reached back, firmly grabbed Ino's wrist, and forcibly peeled her off, setting her down on the ground.
Without another word, he took Naruko and Sako by the wrists and hurried away.
What he didn't notice was that the moment he held their wrists, both girls blushed faintly, their cheeks tinged a soft pink.