Of course, Uchiha Sasuke didn't understand anything about the connection between Indra's and Asura's chakra.
To Sasuke, aside from the man he wanted to kill, there were only two people in this world who felt different—
Uzumaki Naruto, and Ito Akira.
Akira had noticed it as well. Sasuke's attitude toward him had subtly changed.
Naruto, too, had mentioned more than once—yesterday and again today—that Akira felt different somehow, though he couldn't explain why.
And even Uchiha Madara had begun treating him differently from the moment Akira first summoned him.
All of it made Akira think of something amusing.
Could this be because of Indra's chakra?
In the original flow of history, the reincarnation of Indra's and Asura's chakra had produced two pairs of legendary rivals—friends bound by love and hatred at the peak of the shinobi world.
Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama.Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke.
Both pairs were defined by conflict, connection, and fate.
So now that I have Indra's chakra…What does that make me?
The third wheel?
Am I the one who barged into Naruto and Sasuke's destined rivalry?
The thought made Akira glance at Naruto and Sasuke, then immediately shake his head.
Nope. Not getting involved in that.I'm not into guys—let them keep that dramatic passion to themselves.
I'm a man. I like women.
With that thought, Akira's gaze drifted to Yamanaka Ino, who was still holding flowers in her hands.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Ino immediately lowered her head, her face turning red.
See? See?!
Still got it.
Akira had already noticed Ino's feelings.
But for now, they were still students at the Ninja Academy. There was no rush.
We'll talk about everything after graduation.
Objectively speaking, Ino was an excellent match.
Delicate features. A slender figure. Among the new generation of Konoha, her looks were easily top-tier.
And it wasn't just appearance.
Her family background was equally impressive.
Her father, Yamanaka Inoichi, was the head of the Yamanaka clan. Marrying her would mean instant access to status, resources, and influence.
The Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans were practically inseparable.
Marrying Ino would be equivalent to gaining the support of three clans at once.
That would be incredibly useful for Akira's long-term goals in Konoha.
As Akira was still lost in thought, Ino suddenly walked toward him, flowers clutched tightly in her hands.
"Akira…" she said softly."These are for you. I grew them myself. I hope you like them…"
She handed the flowers to him, her head lowered shyly, barely daring to look at his expression.
Akira froze.
He hadn't expected Ino to make the first move.
He accepted the flowers.
"Thank you, Ino," he said warmly."I really like them—but…"
Ino's heart skipped.
But…?
This was the first time she had ever given flowers to someone.
The idea had come from overhearing her parents talk.
Her father had once told her that when he was young, he won her mother's heart by giving her flowers.
That conversation had pushed Ino to carefully choose the prettiest flowers she'd grown and bring them to school today.
So what did Akira mean by but?
Did he not want them?
Then she heard him continue.
"It's just that… as beautiful as these flowers are, they still can't compare to you.To me, you're far more beautiful than any flower."
For a split second, Ino's temperature seemed to spike.
Her face turned bright red.
Steam practically rose from her head.
Akira stared in shock.
Wait—hold on.
I thought this kind of thing only happened with Hinata when she was around Naruto.
Back then, he'd secretly felt a bit envious.
The legendary 'steam princess' effect.
And now… I triggered it too?!
Ino was so flustered she couldn't even speak. She turned and hurried back to her seat, completely panicked.
Akira watched her retreat, feeling quietly satisfied.
Still—everything could wait until after graduation.
That vague, youthful affection was beautiful precisely because it was restrained.
Once Iruka-sensei entered the classroom, the noise slowly died down.
"Everyone," Iruka said, smiling,"today we'll be organizing a practical training session for our class."
"This is your final year at the Ninja Academy. Once you graduate, you'll officially become shinobi. Practical training is essential."
"In the morning, we'll review your theory lessons.In the afternoon, we'll begin practical combat training."
The classroom immediately lit up with excitement.
Practical training meant fewer lectures.
Meanwhile, Sasuke turned toward Akira, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.
In the last practical session, Akira had been his biggest obstacle.
This time… I won't lose.
At that moment, however, Akira had already collapsed face-first onto his desk.
Strictly speaking, he wasn't asleep.
He had entered the spiritual space.
From the podium, Iruka surveyed his students and let out a quiet sigh.
They were talented—but exhausting.
Sleeping Uzumaki Naruto, Nara Shikamaru, Inuzuka Kiba.Akimichi Chōji, constantly eating.Uchiha Sasuke, distant and withdrawn.Haruno Sakura, focused entirely on Sasuke.Yamanaka Ino, focused entirely on Akira.
Oh—and there was also Aburame Shino, who somehow always faded into the background.
Iruka frowned slightly.
Why is his presence so low? I always forget about him…That level of nonexistence… honestly, he's born to be a ninja.
"…Wait. Who was I thinking about just now?"
Iruka shook his head.
Never mind. Let's continue the lesson.