The next day.
In a ninja academy classroom, Class 1.
"Mikoto-chan, what are you doing here?"
Hikaru Kinoshita and Minato Namikaze stepped into the classroom, surprised. Mikoto was eight years old, two years above their grade.
"I don't know. I just got the notice yesterday that I should report today."
"Oh!"
At this time, only a few students had arrived. Hikaru found a seat by the window in the back row and quietly sat down.
As more students trickled in, Hikaru noticed familiar faces all in younger, childlike versions.
Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Chōza, Hyuga Hizashi, Hyuga Hitoshi, Senju Nawaki, Uchiha Shigeru, Aburame Shibi, and Inuzuka Ayaka.
Except for Nawaki, who was six, they were all eight years old two years older than Hikaru but somehow carried a small-adult demeanor. Especially Hyuga Hizashi, who wore a pair of cloudy eyes, looking extremely serious.
"Hikaru-kun, are we in the wrong classroom? These students are all third graders," Minato whispered.
It wasn't surprising that Minato was skeptical. After all, they were just two six-year-old commoner ninja among a class full of children from major clans many of them little clan heads.
"Don't worry. If they provoke us, just hit back."
Hikaru's heart leapt. This was a perfect opportunity. If he could form a small group and make himself the center, even Danzo wouldn't dare act against him.
Minato sighed helplessly. "You really don't mean that, do you?"
At that moment, Hyuga Hizashi walked up to Hikaru and said, "I would like to sit here. Can we switch seats?"
Though it sounded like a question, the tone allowed no refusal.
"No."
Hikaru rejected him outright, leaving no room for negotiation. The back row by the window was his territory. How could he give it to a Hyuga with cloudy eyes? Besides, the boy practically invited trouble.
"Then prove it. Beat me in a duel, and this seat is yours," Hikaru said, tilting his chin in full dramatic fashion.
Minato sighed again. "This friend of mine is too dramatic."
All the other students turned to see how Hizashi would respond. Would he quietly submit or assert his status? Either way, it promised embarrassment.
Seeing the dilemma, Hyuga Hitoshi, unwilling to let his older brother be humiliated, stepped forward. "You don't need brother's help. If he refuses, I'll handle it."
"No. This is a duel between men. You choose, Hizashi. Will you fight me or give up?"
Hikaru focused on Hizashi, ignoring Hitoshi. The duel had to be with the strongest no side clans.
"Impudent!"
Hitoshi's veins bulged as he prepared to step in, ready to punish Hikaru.
"Stop! A duel between men cannot be interrupted. If you want, I can take your place," Minato said calmly, locking eyes with Hitoshi.
The surrounding students winced. Kids, no matter how old, just didn't grow up fast enough.
"Yes! A duel between men cannot be disturbed!" Senju Nawaki cheered, stars in his eyes. "So cool!"
Nara Shikaku rubbed his forehead. Kids… they were troublesome. Still, he was curious to see what Hizashi would choose.
Hizashi, as the young Hyuga clan heir, had pride, but dueling a little brat crossed a line. He hesitated.
After a pause, his gaze firmed. Better to bully a kid than retreat in shame. "How will we compete?"
"Eating contest. Whoever eats less pays," Hikaru proposed.
The tension shattered. Nara Shikaku's face darkened. Kids… so unpredictable.
Nawaki felt his idolized image crumble.
Minato forced a stiff smile. Should they really be having an eating contest? Ridiculous.
Akimichi Chōza, always snacking, perked up. Duel? Not interested. But eating? Now that caught his attention.
Hikaru knew how to maintain his "cool-hot-blooded kid" image excitable, but not violent. In a village ruled by two little exhibitionists, nothing could remain hidden.
No power? Play it sneaky. But a hot-blooded, dramatic kid was always in style.
Meanwhile, Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi watched from a crystal ball, smiling faintly. This was youth. Pure, without darkness. He noticed Hizashi's hesitation but also his choice to protect family honor over simple pride.
Even at a young age, he prioritized family over village. Sarutobi wondered if Hizashi was ready for the elite class. Sometimes, one bad apple could spoil the whole barrel.
"Let's wait and see. If he remains like this, he'll return to the regular class as his clan's little heir," Sarutobi thought.
Hikaru, meanwhile, waited for Hizashi's response, already plotting his next move if the boy refused.
After a careful glance at Hikaru, Hizashi nodded.
"Alright. After school, Akimichi barbecue. Whoever loses pays."
"Fine."
Minato sighed in his heart. Hizashi was still too young to understand the dangers of the world.
"Everyone's so energetic. Teacher is pleased," Hikaru remarked.
"Bang!" A puff of white smoke exploded from the podium. When it cleared, Murakazu Kinoshita stood there, smiling.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Murakazu Kinoshita. I'll be responsible for this class from now on. Please take care of me."
"Devil teacher!" a student exclaimed, having heard of his frequent punishments.
Murakazu: "(ー_ー)!!"
This class would be tough. Kids… so annoying.
He pointed at the culprits. "You two! How dare you talk behind my back! Out! Run a thousand laps!"
Minato: sigh (︶︿︶)=凸
Hikaru: "ヽ( ￣д￣;)ノ"
This guy's insane!
When the two didn't move, Murakazu roared again. The teacher's and older brother's authority was in full display.
"Hey!" Minato grabbed Hikaru, and they ran out.
Murakazu's face softened instantly. "Alright, class, let's begin!"
The students groaned. This teacher wasn't just strict he was a showman.