There's an old saying: where there is oppression, there is resistance.
Under Kyūsei's iron-fisted rule, quite a few students defected to the faction led by Uchiha Naoki—the Fan Club.
Meanwhile, an even larger number who had been thoroughly beaten into submission formed the Uzumaki Gang.
Thanks to Kyūsei's tireless "efforts," what had once been a scattered, disorganized class of academy students now shared an unprecedented level of unity—at least in terms of goals.
The Uzumaki Gang wanted to unify their entire year and then crush the grade above them.
The Fan Club, on the other hand, swore to overthrow Uzumaki Kyūsei's tyrannical rule and restore peace, justice, and a bright future to the Ninja Academy.
Today marked the thirteenth direct confrontation between the two factions' leaders.
By the time it started, the training field was packed with spectators.
The two sides stood clearly divided, though Kyūsei's side had a very obvious numerical advantage.
Both factions were a messy mix—Inuzuka, Hyūga, Aburame kids, and plenty of civilian students as well.
At this moment, they all stood behind their respective bosses, glaring at the opposing side with shared hostility.
Kids didn't care about politics or gains.
All they knew was simple: those guys pissed us off—so let's beat them up.
The academy instructors were fully aware of what was happening, yet none of them stepped in.
To them, ninja were people who fought on the edge of blades.
This kind of everyday brawling was harmless—educational, even.
They'd already prepared medical-nin support in advance.
Up in the principal's office, the Third Hokage watched the scene below with a gentle smile.
He couldn't help feeling a little emotional.
Something he himself had never managed to do… Kyūsei had accomplished instead.
For this brief moment, everyone had set aside their grudges and clan identities.
They weren't Uchiha, Hyūga, Inuzuka, Aburame, or civilians.
Even the Uchiha kids—through this so-called Fan Club—were actually getting along quite well with children from other clans.
Right now, they were comrades on the same battlefield.
"Come on, you defeated losers! Why don't you hurry up and submit to the Uzumaki Gang?!"
"Once we unify the academy, the benefits will be huge!"
"You spineless traitors! You got beaten half to death and now you're licking the enemy's boots—aren't you ashamed?!"
"Hah! What do you know?!"
"Boss Kyūsei is chosen by heaven!"
"Boss Naoki defies fate and changes destiny!"
"Chosen by heaven!!"
"Defy fate!!"
"By heaven!!!"
"Change destiny!!!"
"Waaahhh! I'll beat the crap out of you!"
"Come on then! If you're scared you're a dog!"
"Woof woof woof!!!"
That last bark came from an Inuzuka clan's ninja dog.
It was like a fuse being lit.
The two sides instantly collided.
The field erupted into chaos—
barking dogs, buzzing insects, yelps of pain everywhere.
The moment the kids started throwing punches, a squad of ninja appeared around the field, watching closely and ready to intervene at any time.
At the same time, a medical-nin team quietly took their positions.
From a classroom window, Kaoru stood watching.
Her ocean-blue eyes were fixed on the red-haired figure in the crowd, trading blows with Uchiha Naoki.
"Kaoru, aren't you going down to watch?" Shinnosuke asked casually as he leaned over.
"No need," she said with a soft smile.
"Kyūsei likes playing around. Let him have his fun."
"Tch, honestly," Shinnosuke said, puffing out his chest.
"That guy Kyūsei only knows how to fight all day. He never studies properly."
"Not like me—I do my homework as soon as I get home, and I always review when I have free time."
Kaoru didn't respond.
She watched a bit longer, saw the balance of victory clearly tipping toward Kyūsei, then turned and left the classroom.
Shinnosuke hurried after her like a loyal puppy.
"Kaoru, want to try the bento I bought? It's from that new shop—super deluxe!"
"No, thank you, Shinnosuke," she replied politely.
"I made my own bento."
"Huh?"
"Then… can we exchange and try each other's?"
By now, they had reached the edge of the field—just within the Third Hokage's line of sight.
Even though he couldn't hear them, he could read their lips well enough.
The Third Hokage's face darkened.
That little brat…
Kaoru sighed softly, clearly tired of Shinnosuke sticking so close.
"Shinnosuke," she said gently,
"we're ninja. The most important thing is improving our strength."
"If you're bored, you might as well go fight."
"That's way more meaningful than following me around."
She pointed toward the field, where the battle had already been decided.
Shinnosuke froze.
Then his eyes lit up like he'd discovered a new continent.
So that's it!
Kaoru liked strong people.
That must be why she paid special attention to Uzumaki Kyūsei—he beat everyone up on the very first day!
So if I defeat Uzumaki Kyūsei…
She'll definitely fall for me!
Just as expected of the girl I like—such practical tastes!
And she's even guiding me onto the right path! She wants me to grow stronger!
Once I beat Kyūsei, she'll naturally like me!
Truly worthy of Kaoru!!!
"Yo! Kaoru! Little Shinnosuke! What're you two doing over there?"
Kyūsei waved at them with a victor's grin, a massive shoe print stamped proudly across his face.
Nearby, Uchiha Naoki staggered to his feet, glaring stubbornly at Kyūsei.
"Just you wait!"
"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river!"
"I'll beat you someday!"
Kyūsei leaned in, poked Naoki's forehead with a finger, and laughed.
"Forgive me, Naoki."
"That day will never come."
Naoki blinked in confusion.
…Did he just call me Naoki?
Since when were we that close?
Wait—did he just say never?
"You bastard! Don't look down on people!"
"Let's go!"
"Next time, I'll take it all back!"
He turned to leave, limping—only to trip over some poor soul still lying on the ground and collapse again, completely unable to move.
A medical-nin immediately rushed over.
Kaoru walked up to Kyūsei, her face slightly red, and handed him a clean white handkerchief.
"Wipe your face…"
On the other side, Shinnosuke stared at the scene, silently screaming at the heavens.
What do I lack compared to this bastard?!