The classroom was a chaotic marketplace, students roughhousing noisily. Seeing Tatsumi chatting with Minato, Mikoto politely stepped back, listening attentively. So considerate, Mikoto.
"This is a great chance, Minato. Work hard," Tatsumi said, less excited than Minato. His schedule was packed with taijutsu, ninjutsu, genjutsu, and shuriken practice. He had no time for pointless guidance. The Sannin wouldn't teach kids anything advanced, and Tatsumi had plenty of techniques from his father's scrolls.
"Where's Nawaki? He'd know more," Tatsumi said.
Hearing his name, Nawaki turned with a mischievous grin. "I've got exclusive intel. Wanna hear? Trade it for that kunai-throwing trick you used last time."
…
After a "special deal," Nawaki spilled, "My sister says they'll pick the top three for training. You two better step up!"
Wait, top three means a competition, right? Tatsumi's eyes lit up. More points!
He'd already beaten most of his year for points, earning the nickname "Brawl Maniac." Even Minato and Nawaki had suffered his "sparring." The system made me do it.
He hadn't earned big points in a while and was considering picking on third-years. A competition with high stakes was perfect. Winning first would be easy.
Tatsumi grinned slyly. "Awesome, right, Minato?"
Minato, disappointed by Tatsumi's earlier indifference, brightened. "Let's do this!"
"No, I'm just excited to meet Nawaki's sister," Tatsumi teased.
Nawaki froze. …
"Um, what's up, Nawaki?" Tatsumi asked.
Nawaki leaned in with a charming smile. "Work hard, Tatsumi." He extended a hand for a shake.
Tatsumi smiled back, gripping Nawaki's hand—then twisted it.
"Ow!" Nawaki yelped, dropping a kunai he'd been holding.
Minato: …
Tatsumi: …
Nawaki forced an awkward grin. Mikoto's gaze turned icy. "Tatsumi, what did you just say? I didn't hear clearly. Repeat it."
…
Minato and Nawaki shot him "you're on your own" looks and fled to their seats, leaving Tatsumi to face Mikoto's wrath. It took twenty minutes to calm her down.
Mikoto's perfect—kind, sweet… but she can go dark.
"Alright, brats, class is starting! Get to your seats!" Nishimura's booming voice filled the room. He coughed, then continued, "Today's outdoor lesson is different. Some of you know already—the Third Hokage recalled his disciples from missions. They're free today, so they'll teach your outdoor class. Line up and head to the training field!"
"Yes, Sensei!"
Students grabbed their ninja tools and props. "Slow down, no pushing!" Nishimura barked as the corridor filled with students. The lesson involved the entire school, not just Tatsumi's class, making it a massive event.
Tatsumi, Mikoto, Minato, and Nawaki lined up, moving slowly. "You're my students, future elites of Konoha," Nishimura droned. "Show some ninja spirit, like me. Don't embarrass me or act like ordinary kids!"
"Yes, Sensei!"
Oddly, despite his average ninja skills, Nishimura commanded respect, quieting the rowdy class with a few words. The students marched orderly to the training field.
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