Chapter 20: The Chief's Reward
With Burst Step in his arsenal, Shinra felt his combat power had ascended to another tier entirely. Even facing an average jounin, he now believed he could put up a serious fight.
Watching the eastern sky lighten to a pale grey, he finally headed home. A quick shower, a massive breakfast to replenish the night's expenditure, and he set off for the academy, feeling no fatigue despite the sleepless night. His new metabolism, fueled by sheer protein and will, was a wonder.
When he arrived, the classroom was already half-full. The buzz of anticipation for the day's comprehensive tests was palpable. Strangely, Kushina wasn't in her seat yet. Probably delayed by the aftermath of last night's incident.
"Good morning, Shinra-san!"
Mikoto's voice was, as ever, a soft, gentle melody. Good morning, indeed. Someday, our children will be saying 'good morning' to us… A stray, amusing thought crossed his mind.
"Shinra-kun! Ah! You look so cool today!"
"Shinra-san, would you like to walk home together after school?"
His improved social standing, a direct result of defeating Masaki Uchiha, had unleashed a swarm of admirers. His decent looks, previously overlooked, were now under intense scrutiny. To them, he'd become the aloof, cool genius.
Shinra offered polite, non-committal smiles. I'm a simple man, he thought wryly. With a practiced, charming smirk, he made his way through the gaggle of girls and slid into the seat next to Mikoto.
"You're very popular, Shinra-san," Mikoto observed with a sweet, knowing smile.
"Sigh. Popularity is just empty flattery," Shinra said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur as he leaned slightly closer. "None of it is half as captivating as the smile you just gave me, Mikoto-chan. That actually makes my heart skip a beat."
His eyes were warm, his expression one of sincere, focused admiration.
Mikoto, utterly unprepared for such a direct, smooth line, froze. A brilliant, deep blush exploded across her delicate features, turning her the color of a ripe summer strawberry. She looked utterly flustered and adorably flattered.
Shinra, feeling triumphant, was about to follow up when an unfortunately timed, cheerful voice cut in.
"Good morning, Shinra-san! I hope we get matched up soon in the practical combat rankings!"
Namikaze Minato stood there, his smile bright and sunny, radiating friendly rivalry.
A visible tick appeared near Shinra's eye. He had a sudden, powerful urge to punch this guy who'd ruined his perfectly good moment.
Minato, sensing the strange atmosphere and noticing Mikoto's crimson face, blinked. "Ah… sorry. Bad timing?" he asked, his tone shifting to one of awkward realization.
Shinra just stared at him, rendered speechless by the sheer, oblivious timing.
Just then, their homeroom teacher, Takenawa-sensei, stormed in, his expression thunderous.
"Class! Silence!"
His roar instantly quelled the noise. At that moment, Kushina slipped in, breathless, and dropped into the seat beside Shinra.
"Are you okay?" Shinra whispered, leaning in close.
"Ah! Y-yes! I'm fine!" she stammered, her cheeks flushing a matching scarlet. "I was just… talking with Grandma Mito. That's why I'm late."
Shinra nodded, not pressing further.
Takenawa-sensei's voice boomed through the room again. "Alright! As you all know, starting today we begin the comprehensive evaluations! By order of the Hokage himself, this midterm will use a point-ranking system! The victor of the final combat tournament will be named the Chief Student of this year!"
A wave of excited murmurs swept the class. The Hokage's personal involvement!
"The Hokage will personally present the award! I expect every one of you to strive with the Will of Fire!"
The mention of a personal award from the Hokage had the young Konoha hopefuls buzzing. Even Minato's eyes gleamed with fierce determination, and he shot a challenging look Shinra's way. He had clearly marked Shinra as his primary rival.
Shinra, however, ignored the competitive gaze. Instead, he stood up directly.
"Sensei," he asked, his voice clear and practical. "Can the Chief Student's reward be… meat? Money would also be acceptable."
Silence.
Every student turned to stare at him, expressions blank with confusion.
Takenawa-sensei blinked, momentarily thrown. "Huh? Well… I suppose so. Money, certainly."
He was baffled. In all his years teaching, he'd never had a student so young ask about the monetary value of the Hokage's award. And meat? What kind of request was that?
Shinra simply nodded, utterly unfazed by the strange looks. Upon hearing 'money' was an option, a blaze of pure, acquisitive fighting spirit ignited in his eyes.
The title of Chief Student? He would claim it.
After all, a man couldn't keep eating 'soft rice' forever. A man needed his dignity… and his grocery fund.
(End of Chapter)
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