As expected, when the team assignments came out the next day, Hikaru felt a bit numb.
Holding the assignment list, Hikaru looked at the three familiar names on it with a pained expression.
He had thought he might be grouped with Tsunade, Nonō Yakushi, or Chiri Uchiha—maybe one or two of them. But what he didn't expect was that Mito Uzumaki would assign him all three.
And to maintain the proper squad structure, he had been hastily promoted to Jōnin.
Which meant he was now the team leader responsible for the three of them.
Toki Chi, standing off to the side, couldn't stop grinning at the look on Hikaru's face.
Over the past few years, Hikaru's truancy had become an open secret among them.
At first, he at least sent a Shadow Clone to class—but eventually, he even stopped doing that and simply didn't show up.
Fortunately, the rest of the squad wasn't as brazen as he was.
Even so, Toki Chi was often the subject of ridicule—and envy.
He was mocked because his class was always short a few people during lessons;
But envied because his class had a literal god of the ninja world: Hikaru Uchiha—along with a few other prodigies far ahead of their peers.
And over the past couple of years, the feelings Tsunade and the others had for Hikaru had only become more obvious—so much so that the entire grade knew about it.
Now that Hikaru was clearly heading for a battlefield of love, the joy on Toki Chi's face couldn't be hidden.
Seeing that barely contained delight, Hikaru raised a brow slightly and teased with a playful tone:
"Sensei, what's got you in such a good mood? Is it because you finally saw your student show up today?"
There was a light smile in Hikaru's voice, as if he were making a casual joke.
Toki Chi was a little embarrassed by the jab, quickly smoothing out his smile and clearing his throat twice to hide the awkwardness.
He composed himself and said with feigned calm:
"How could that be? I'm just happy for you, that's all. You're the new god of the ninja world in Konoha, and now you're leading Tsunade and the others. I'm really looking forward to your future."
Hikaru chuckled but didn't expose Toki Chi's excuse.
He waved his hand, turned, and walked away.
Watching Hikaru's departing back, Toki Chi couldn't help but sigh emotionally.
"That brat… he's really grown up." Toki Chi muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, Hikaru had already entered the classroom. Looking at all the unfamiliar faces, he couldn't help but feel a bit reflective.
He took a deep breath, a strange emotion rising within.
It had been nearly seven years since he arrived in this world.
Back then, he'd only been in his early twenties. Seven years—that was a third of his previous life.
But time had a way of washing everything clean. In these past few years, he had grown more and more accustomed to life here.
He had gradually integrated into this new world and begun a completely new journey.
After calming his emotions, Hikaru knocked on the door beside him and said clearly:
"Team Seven. Tsunade, Nonō Yakushi, and Chiri Uchiha—come with me."
As soon as he finished speaking, the three girls ran over, visibly excited.
Their faces were filled with anticipation, as if they were eager for the adventures to come.
Seeing their expressions, a wave of warmth filled Hikaru's chest.
Sure, he had helped them a lot—but who's to say they hadn't helped him emotionally as well?
Once they had all gathered, Hikaru took them and vanished with a Body Flicker.
Only a flurry of shocked whispers remained in the classroom.
...
At that moment, Hikaru had already brought Tsunade, Nonō, and Chiri to a wide training field—the Senju Training Grounds.
It was a place they often visited, and where Hikaru had always mentored them.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves above, and a gentle breeze swept through, bringing a refreshing coolness.
The three girls looked around in excitement, unable to hide the joy on their faces.
"Even though we all know each other well, why don't we stick with tradition and do proper introductions?" Hikaru suggested.
Tsunade and Nonō didn't show any impatience—in fact, they nodded eagerly.
Chiri let out a tsundere huff but still looked at Hikaru with expectation.
"In that case, I'll go first."
Hikaru smiled and began.
"My name is Hikaru Uchiha. I'm twelve years old, and I'll be your team leader."
His voice was clear and magnetic, naturally drawing the attention of all three girls.
He continued:
"I can use a bit of every type of ninjutsu, and I don't really dislike anything. As for what I like..."
He paused here—then noticed the way all three girls' gazes had shifted, and quickly added:
"It's you three. And Granny Mito, of course."
The moment he said that, the faces of Tsunade, Nonō, and Chiri lit up with pure joy, like flowers blooming in spring.
Clearly, they heard exactly what they wanted to hear—and it made them genuinely happy.
Then Tsunade stepped forward for her turn.
She thought for a moment, then spoke clearly:
"I'm Tsunade, same age as Hikaru. We grew up together."
"I specialize in Medical Ninjutsu and Wood Style. I'm also decent at Taijutsu."
Then, she took a deep breath and bravely declared her feelings:
"The person I like is Hikaru. I want to always be with him."
The instant those words came out, her face turned completely red—like a shy peach blossom glowing even more radiantly in the sunlight.
Tsunade's bold confession left the other two girls dumbfounded—as if they'd just been struck by lightning.
Their minds buzzed, temporarily stunned.
Hikaru, too, was surprised. He hadn't expected Tsunade to be so direct about her feelings.
In truth, Tsunade hadn't intended to confess this early or this bluntly.
She had hoped to wait a few more years.
But the pressure from Nonō and Chiri had left her no choice.
Their relationship was subtle, complicated—each one vying for Hikaru's heart.
Tsunade knew Hikaru well: he wouldn't reject her... but he wouldn't reject the others either.
So she decided to speak up bravely, hoping that she and Hikaru could always be together.
But what happened next pushed Hikaru straight into the worst battlefield of love of his life.
Because the moment Tsunade finished, Nonō and Chiri suddenly snapped out of their daze.
And both of them... started putting on a performance of their own.