Amid the crowd's astonishment, even Naruto's chattering finally stopped.
He was stunned.
Naruto had no idea how Hatake Kusuo had appeared behind him in an instant. It felt like a breeze had blown past, a flicker of a shadow, and then a hand rested lightly on his shoulder.
"Let's end this little scene here."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Hatake Kusuo."
Seeing that Naruto had calmed down, Kusuo returned to his signature warm smile.
Naruto, his back still to Kusuo, nodded silently.
Looking at this impossibly handsome boy with that gentle smile and outstretched hand,
Naruto, for the first time, felt embarrassed. It was as if he were the one who had been unreasonable.
His heart raced.
His face flushed red with shame as he lowered his head.
"S-sorry. I was too reckless just now." Then, not one to admit defeat, he quickly added,
"But next time, I'm going to beat you!"
"Remember my name. I'm Naruto. Uzumaki Naruto!"
That moment,
seen by the crowd, caused another stir.
"What a remarkable boy. To have such composure at this age… his future is boundless!"
One parent couldn't help but praise him.
Many of the clan heads quietly instructed their children to stay close to Kusuo at school. After all, this was the kind of connection prestigious families valued.
At the very least,
they should make friends.
The kids, still too young to understand, simply nodded as told.
After the parents left, a brief class placement ceremony followed.
No surprise there.
The child introduced by Kakashi was naturally placed in the top class, alongside the future Twelve.
Kusuo's day at school passed under the curious gazes of his classmates, especially the girls.
At their innocent and impressionable age, a boy like Kusuo—handsome, kind, and powerful—was exactly the type to capture their attention.
He stole all the spotlight that should have belonged to Sasuke.
Yet because of Uchiha pride and family honor, Sasuke couldn't bring himself to challenge Kusuo like Naruto had.
The first day's lessons were mostly basic knowledge, things most clan children had already learned at home.
It was meant to help everyone adjust.
So classes ended early.
After school,
the academy gate was once again crowded.
Though it wasn't as packed as in the morning, big names like Fugaku and Hiashi weren't there this time.
"Nii-san!"
A joyful cry rang out as Sasuke ran happily toward the gate.
Kusuo's heart stirred.
That must be...
Sasuke's brother?
Looking closely, he saw a teenage boy, a soft tear groove on his face, mature beyond his years, with a certain grace as he gazed fondly at Sasuke.
"So this is Itachi?"
Kusuo silently observed Uchiha Itachi.
In Kusuo's mind,
Itachi was the only one in the village worth his attention. His cousin didn't count; Kakashi had already strayed from the true path. But Itachi was different. He was the real deal, a true genius.
Whether in battle or in character, Itachi was far beyond his peers.
As for Naruto's and Sasuke's future powers, those wouldn't awaken for many years.
By chance,
Itachi noticed Kusuo watching him.
Curious, Itachi looked back at Kusuo and recalled what his father had said earlier that day about an exceptional new student. Could this be the one?
He smiled and called Sasuke to his side.
With two fingers, he gently tapped Sasuke's forehead. "Come on. Let's head home. I've still got a mission to finish tonight."
Hearing that, Sasuke's face immediately fell. He frowned.
"Nii-san, you promised to teach me shuriken today!"
Itachi smiled again. He'd put off promises like this many times before, and there would be many more in the future.
Still, he couldn't deny the deep affection he felt for his little brother.
"Next time. I promise."
Then, as if struck by a thought, he pulled Sasuke close and glanced at Kusuo's retreating figure.
"Maybe you can train with your new classmate. It might help you build teamwork."
Somehow, Itachi sensed that this boy's potential far surpassed the praise his father had given.
He gave Itachi that same unique feeling he'd once had when facing Shisui.
"What's the big deal!"
"He's just some fast kid. He's nothing compared to the Uchiha Sharingan!"
"When I awaken my eyes like you, I'll make sure he falls before our Sharingan!"
Sasuke clenched his small fists, speaking with scorn.
His words brimmed with pride, his bond with the Uchiha giving him confidence and a sense of superiority.
But Itachi shook his head seriously.
"Sasuke, never underestimate anyone. I can feel that boy has a spirit far beyond the ordinary. What he showed today might just be a small part of what he's truly capable of."
"We may be Uchiha, but there are other clans and ninjas in the world who are just as formidable. Besides, the village has already begun…"
He trailed off, hesitating, then gave a bitter smile.
It was still too soon for Sasuke to learn the secrets of the clan.
Hearing his idolized brother praise another boy so highly,
Sasuke's jealousy flared to its peak.
It felt as if something precious of his had been snatched away.
Staring at Kusuo's back, he gritted his teeth and swore in his heart,
"Hatake Kusuo, I'll remember you!"
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100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter