At this moment, Mikoto stood on the platform with a composed expression.
Her long ponytail was tied neatly behind her, and the Uchiha-branded trench coat draped over her shoulders made her look both elegant and imposing.
Though she was usually gentle and soft-spoken, Hayashi knew that Mikoto was someone who, beneath her kindness, carried an unshakable will. Once she made a decision, it was nearly impossible to change her mind.
As one of the most gifted prodigies of the Uchiha clan, Mikoto's strength was undeniable. At only six years old, she had already demonstrated an exceptional level of talent. Her diligence in training only amplified her natural gifts, making her far more formidable than she usually let on.
During spars with classmates, Mikoto often held back, never revealing her full strength. Yet, whenever she faced an opponent seriously, she showed the utmost concentration, treating every fight with respect.
Her opponent, however, was a sharp contrast.
On the other side stood Nara Shikaku, who looked like he had just rolled out of bed.
"Wake up, you're on the selection arena now," Jiraiya reminded him.
Shikaku yawned lazily. "What a drag. I'd rather sleep on the rooftop."
Everyone knew this about him—though Shikaku always acted sluggish and troublesome, his brilliant IQ of 180 meant no one could underestimate him. Behind him stood the rest of the Ino–Shika–Cho trio, a formation already considered a vital force in Konoha's future.
"I'll just forfeit," Shikaku muttered, waving at Jiraiya. "Jonin-sama, I'm not feeling well, can I withdraw?"
"Not feeling well?" Jiraiya blinked.
The boy looked perfectly fine, his face flushed with health. If anything, Shikaku looked more like he was trying to avoid a hassle than someone sick.
Jiraiya quickly understood. The Nara clan—laziness and avoiding trouble were practically etched into their bloodline. Still, allowing Shikaku to back out so easily would make him, as the supervising Jonin, look bad.
"Fine," Jiraiya said at last. "This match goes to Uchiha Mikoto. But I'll be sure to mention your surrender to Nara Jonin later."
"… Could it be a male Nara Jonin instead?"
"That won't work. Isn't the head of your family a woman?" Jiraiya shot back.
The audience erupted into laughter.
"… Great," Shikaku thought bitterly, "now the entire Jonin circle knows Dad's afraid of Mom. How am I supposed to live this down?"
Grumbling to himself, Shikaku stepped off the platform. "How am I supposed to go home tonight?"
Then, spotting Choji snacking nearby, an idea struck him.
"Choji, can I stay over at your house tonight? I don't really feel like going home."
The other students burst into knowing smiles.
"… They've misunderstood," Shikaku muttered darkly.
Meanwhile, Mikoto hurried over to Hayashi, her eyes bright.
"Hayashi, it's over."
"Yeah," Hayashi said warmly, ruffling her hair. "Mikoto is amazing. Even Shikaku avoids facing you."
"That's not true," she said with a soft laugh. "He's always like that during training. I'm not sure I could actually defeat him."
"It doesn't matter," Hayashi said confidently. "If I can beat him, then as long as you can beat me, that's enough."
Mikoto smiled. "But I can't bring myself to fight you… So, how about we fight side by side instead?"
Hayashi smiled. "Alright. Then I'll leave my back to you, Mikoto."
...
On the sidelines, Jiraiya, who had been trying to pick up flirting tricks, nearly choked on air.
"This… this must be the legendary 'show of affection.' What terrifying power! It's almost as dangerous as an S-rank jutsu. If I try learning it, I might not survive!"
"Haha, Hayashi and Mikoto are always like this," Minato said with a smile beside him.
"Why? I'm amazing, but I'm sixteen and still can't get a girlfriend. Am I worse than a six-year-old kid? Why would Tsunade rather choose Orochimaru over me? Am I not handsome enough?" Jiraiya groaned.
"Jiraiya-sama, with your strength, I'm sure you'll find someone eventually. Being rejected now just means the right person hasn't come yet," Minato replied calmly.
The words hit Jiraiya straight in the heart. "Kid… what's your name?"
"My name is Namikaze Minato, a second-year student at the Academy."
"Namikaze Minato, huh? You're sharp, and you talk well too. I like you. If you perform well in this outdoor class, I'll give you one-on-one tutoring."
It was no secret that among the Third Hokage's three disciples, only Tsunade came from the prestigious Senju clan. Jiraiya and Orochimaru were both from civilian backgrounds. Perhaps out of rivalry with Orochimaru, Jiraiya had taken a sudden liking to Minato.
"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama. I'll do my best!" Minato said earnestly.
"Good, now get ready. Your next opponent isn't easy. It's that pesky kid with his darling like sister."
"It's Hayashi," Minato corrected with a wry smile.
"Oh? Is he really that strong?" Jiraiya asked casually.
"Very strong," Minato answered seriously, his expression tightening. "I've never beaten him. He often wins with just a single genjutsu."
"The Uchiha clan's genjutsu talent has always been terrifying," Jiraiya admitted. "Do you think you can handle it?"
"Yes," Minato said firmly, tightening his grip on his kunai. "I've thought of a way to counter him."
"Good. Go show that lovestruck brat the fury of us single men!" Jiraiya laughed. "If you win, I'll even let you tag along when I'm gathering material."
"… …" Minato's expression stiffened.
...
When Minato finally stepped onto the platform, Hayashi raised an eyebrow.
"What did Jiraiya talk to you about for so long? He didn't drag you into peeping at the women's bathhouse, did he?" Hayashi asked bluntly.
"Careful, Minato. That white-haired old man is bad news. Just look at him—perverted, single, and lonely. Mark my words, he'll end up writing scandalous books one day just to vent his frustrations!"
"… Hahaha," Minato laughed awkwardly.
"Oi, brat!" Jiraiya shouted furiously from the audience. "Who are you calling a peeper?! That's called gathering inspiration! It's art, you hear me! And who says I'll write smut?! I'm going to write the greatest ninja novel the world has ever seen!"
Orochimaru, watching from the side, gave a disdainful hiss. "Idiot."
"Who are you calling an idiot, you freak?!" Jiraiya shot back.
"Hmph."
___
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