This couldn't help but make Ryosuke think of a saying from his previous life—one that fit the Third Hokage perfectly.
"With just three sentences, I can make an Uchiha work for me without question."
"It's nothing. I was just wondering why the clouds above Konoha look so dirty today."
When Ryosuke looked up toward the courtyard sky, Shisui followed his gaze.
Then he scratched his head—there weren't any clouds at all.
"Shisui, I'm your older brother, right?"
Shisui met Ryosuke's serious gaze and nodded firmly.
Ryosuke glanced back at him.
Protecting one's younger brother… was that the true inheritance of the Uchiha?
"How was your training today, Shisui? Are you tired?"
Ryosuke took a few steps forward, gathering the keepsakes and carrying the box inside as he spoke.
"Pretty good. I can handle it!"
Seeing this, Shisui stepped forward to help.
"The body is like a spring—if the pressure exceeds a certain limit, it loses its elasticity. Training is the same. Remember to pace yourself."
Shisui nodded seriously, following behind.
"Yes, big brother! I'll remember!"
"How was the food over there today? Better than home?"
"Hmm… not as good as what you make, but still fine."
"…"
The two brothers chatted idly like that until the full moon hung high in the sky, and then the house fell silent.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, Ryosuke and Shisui went their separate ways—one toward the Ninja Academy, the other toward the clan's gathering grounds.
It wasn't long before Ryosuke spotted someone else heading toward the Academy.
The slow, unhurried walk looked familiar.
Striking white hair, a young face, a mask covering it.
The person seemed to sense his gaze, turned his head toward Ryosuke, and stopped.
"Kakashi? You're heading to the Academy?"
Seeing Kakashi out on the street at this hour surprised Ryosuke.
"Didn't you tell me yesterday to check out the Academy?"
Kakashi replied lazily.
Ryosuke had to think for a moment before remembering—he had said that.
It was just an offhand remark, but Kakashi had actually taken it seriously.
Ryosuke looked him up and down.
Kakashi shifted uncomfortably under that gaze.
"What are you staring at?"
Ryosuke smiled.
"Didn't think a block of wood like you could actually take initiative. Still, it's good—walking around more might stop you from becoming a shut-in. Not bad at all."
Kakashi rolled his eyes and ignored him, heading toward the Academy.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke card points +2.
Ryosuke quickened his pace to walk alongside him.
"Kakashi!!"
Before long, a loud, passionate voice rang out.
"Bet on your youth and have a blazing duel with me!"
Ryosuke turned toward the flash of green that bounded up in just a few breaths.
Green spandex, bowl-cut hair, brimming with energy—no doubt, it was Might Guy.
Looking back, Ryosuke caught sight of a bead of cold sweat running down Kakashi's forehead.
Meeting your dearest friend, Kakashi—working up a sweat already, aren't you?
"I refuse!"
Kakashi brushed past Guy without stopping.
Seeing Guy frozen in place, Ryosuke raised an eyebrow.
"Guy! Youth doesn't retreat! Come on—duel! How can you give up so easily?"
The moment Ryosuke said this, Guy's disappointment vanished as if replaced by a shot of adrenaline.
He gave Ryosuke a big thumbs-up, then flashed a brilliant grin that nearly blinded him.
"Oh!! My dear friend Ryosuke, thank you for the encouragement! Youth never retreats!!"
With that, he bounded after Kakashi like a spring-loaded machine.
Kakashi shot Ryosuke a fierce glare over his shoulder.
Ding. Uchiha Sasuke card points+3.
"Kakashi! Don't run from it! Let's burn our youth and decide the winner!"
Guy was practically radiating battle spirit.
"No."
Kakashi rolled his eyes and refused again, sidestepping him to keep walking.
Guy chased after him once more.
Watching the two—one running, one pursuing—Ryosuke couldn't help but laugh aloud.
"Ryosuke, what's so funny?"
He turned.
Long, flowing black hair, adorable face, and big, bright red eyes that blinked innocently.
The cute girl was none other than Kurenai Yūhi.
"Oh, it's you, Kurenai. Nothing, just remembered something amusing."
At his evasive answer, the little girl pouted, displeasure plain on her face.
"Typical arrogant Uchiha!"
A mocking voice cut in.
Sarutobi Asuma walked over, giving Kurenai a sidelong glance before focusing his eyes—full of hostility—on Ryosuke.
"What does my arrogance have to do with you?"
Ryosuke gave Asuma a flat look, thinking how ridiculous he was being.
Asuma's face darkened. He never expected the usually quiet and well-behaved Ryosuke to talk back—especially in front of Kurenai, the girl he liked.
"You… Hmph. You're from the Uchiha clan, blessed with a powerful kekkei genkai, and yet you don't even know how to use it. You're a disgrace to your clan!"
The way Asuma kept glancing at Kurenai finally made Ryosuke realize—so that's what this was about. He was trying to show off for her.
Ryosuke looked him up and down, clicking his tongue.
"You teaching me how to live my life?"
Asuma gave a haughty snort, tilting his head up.
Ryosuke crossed his arms.
"You've graduated from the Academy, right?"
Asuma's posture faltered. Awkwardly, he shook his head.
"No."
"You're a ninja, then?"
A bead of sweat rolled down Asuma's temple as he mumbled.
"No…"
"So we're classmates?"
Asuma's voice was barely a whisper.
"Yes…"
"Then who are you standing there lecturing like you're some authority? I thought you'd graduated and become a ninja already. You think you're Kakashi—able to graduate early just because you feel like it?"
Ryosuke's words left Asuma red and green in the face, unable to respond.
"Hmph, Ryosuke! Just you wait! I'm going to apply for early graduation right now! Once I'm a ninja, I'll… teach you a lesson!"
Ryosuke smirked.
"Oh? So you do know your own limits. Go ahead and apply—come back after you graduate."
Asuma was practically steaming with anger, his eyes wide.
He pointed a trembling finger at Ryosuke, then finally let out a cold snort and stormed off from the place that had just humiliated him.
Ryosuke gave a short laugh.
The "Second Hokage" really did have a childish temper.
As for early graduation? Not likely.
Sure, on the surface all the villages were at peace, but under the surface currents were already swirling. War could break out at any moment.
And with Asuma being the Hokage's son, there was no way his father would approve him graduating early.
Ryosuke was just about to leave when a timid voice spoke up beside him.
"Ryosuke… I-I'm sorry! I caused you trouble."
He turned to see Kurenai looking up at him with an apologetic face.
He stepped forward, gently ruffling her hair.
Her hair was soft, fragrant, and had an excellent feel to it in his hand.
[End of Chapter]