The classroom buzzed like a noisy marketplace, filled with students roughhousing and chatting without restraint. The din made it difficult to focus, yet in the middle of it all, Hayashi calmly leaned toward Minato.
Noticing this, Mikoto politely stepped aside, giving them space to talk. She folded her hands neatly and adopted the posture of someone who listened with perfect attentiveness. Hayashi thought to himself, Truly virtuous… Mikoto always knows how to behave properly.
"This is a great opportunity, Minato. You should give it your all," Hayashi said, his tone composed.
Unlike Minato, whose excitement was practically overflowing, Hayashi remained calm. He had a schedule so tightly packed that he barely had room for anything extra. Between training in taijutsu, practicing shuriken throwing, honing basic ninjutsu, and refining genjutsu, every hour of his day was already spoken for.
Attending a "special guidance session" felt unnecessary to him. After all, even if the Sannin themselves were going to appear, they weren't going to hand over secret techniques to a group of academy children. And as someone who had no shortage of methods to train and ninjutsu to learn, the offer didn't move him much.
Right… Nawaki should know more about this, Hayashi thought, shifting his gaze toward the blond boy in the row ahead.
"Nawaki," Hayashi called.
Nawaki turned around immediately, his smug grin making him look like he was holding onto the world's greatest secret. "I've got exclusive news. Want to hear it? Trade me that kunai-throwing move you used the other day, and I'll spill it."
Hayashi sighed. After a short but predictable "exchange," Nawaki finally revealed his treasure of information, looking very pleased with himself.
"I heard from my sister that this time they'll hold an assessment to pick the top three students for training. So you two better try your best."
Hayashi froze for a moment. An assessment? So they're going to select the top three… meaning a competition is inevitable.
That realization lit a spark in him. If he could place at the top, the system would almost certainly reward him with another large haul of points. Lately, his supply of points had dwindled. He'd already "disciplined" nearly every student in his year who was worth any value, including Minato and Nawaki. The academy had even given him the infamous nickname Fighting Maniac.
It's not my fault, he thought bitterly. The system practically pushed me into it.
But now, this competition was an opportunity delivered on a silver platter. Winning wouldn't require extra preparation—Hayashi was confident first place would come easily. The thought brought a grin to his face.
"Really? That's great, isn't it, Minato?" he said, eyes narrowing with amusement.
Minato, who had been a little disheartened by Hayashi's earlier indifference, brightened at last. "Yes, let's work hard together, Hayashi… but, why do you seem a little too happy?"
Hayashi smirked. "Because this way, I'll get to see Nawaki's sister. Isn't that exciting?"
Nawaki's expression instantly stiffened.
Hayashi's words were nothing more than a cover, something tossed out casually. He hadn't meant anything suggestive, but Nawaki's suspicious glare made the air suddenly awkward.
"Hayashi!" Nawaki barked, standing up abruptly.
"Hm? What is it, Nawaki?" Hayashi turned toward him, feigning innocence.
Nawaki leaned in with a grin that was far too friendly to be genuine. "Work hard."
He extended his hand. Hayashi, amused, also reached out.
Their palms met—
Crack!
"Argh—Hayashi! I just wanted to shake hands, why twist my wrist like that?!"
"Nonsense. Of course I had to. Hmph."
"It hurts!"
Nawaki yelped in pain, his face contorting as he dropped the kunai he had been holding. The clattering sound echoed through the room.
Minato covered his face with one hand, speechless.
Hayashi raised an eyebrow. "Tch."
Mikoto, however, had been watching. Her eyes, which had been soft moments before, turned frosty.
"Hayashi," she said coldly. "What did you just say? I didn't hear it clearly. Repeat it."
Hayashi froze.
Nawaki and Minato exchanged a glance that all but screamed You're on your own now before slipping quickly back to their seats.
Left behind, Hayashi tried to look innocent, but it took more than twenty minutes of coaxing before Mikoto finally softened.
Mikoto is wonderful in every way—kind, obedient, virtuous, like an adorable younger sister, Hayashi thought, but she has this frightening ability to turn cold at the drop of a hat. When did she develop that skill?
Still, he couldn't deny that it was his fault for teasing her. Debts had to be paid, even if they required kneeling.
"Class is starting!"
A rough, booming voice cut through the classroom noise. Their homeroom teacher, Nishimura, entered with his usual black-faced scowl.
"Anyone not in their seat yet, get back now!" he barked.
The students scrambled obediently to their places. Once silence settled, Nishimura cleared his throat.
"Today's outdoor class will be different. Some of you may already know—the Third Hokage has recalled his three disciples from their missions. Since they're free today, they'll be teaching you at the training grounds. Line up and follow me!"
Excitement swept through the classroom.
"Yes, sensei!"
The students grabbed their ninja pouches and equipment. The hallway outside quickly became crowded; after all, this wasn't just their class. Every student in the academy was heading out for this rare opportunity.
"Don't shove, don't push!" Nishimura called, guiding them with surprising authority.
Despite his lack of talent as a shinobi, when it came to teaching, Nishimura had undeniable presence. With only a few words, he brought order to the rowdy crowd.
Hayashi walked alongside Mikoto, Minato, and Nawaki as they filed into line.
'As my students, you'll all become the pillars of Konoha in the future,' Nishimura boomed.
Hayashi muttered under his breath to Minato, "That line is unbearable. There's no real connection between being his student and becoming an elite shinobi."
Minato stifled a laugh.
Oblivious, Nishimura continued proudly, "So carry yourselves with the dignity of true shinobi. Like me, for instance. Don't embarrass me by acting like ordinary children!"
"Yes, sensei!" the class chorused.
Hayashi shook his head but couldn't deny it—when Nishimura spoke, the students really did listen.
With their lines formed neatly, the academy children began the march toward the training grounds, anticipation buzzing in the air.
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