Reflecting on the entire incident, Sarutobi Kajin belatedly realized how poorly he had behaved. After thinking for a few seconds, he could only accept responsibility. He didn't dare report what happened, since revealing everything might lead to even worse consequences.
Then the teacher used the Shadow Clone Technique, creating two clones. Together with his original body making three in total, each one carried a student by the arm and escorted Sarutobi Kajin to the school infirmary. After being examined by the school doctor and confirmed fine—no major issues, just needing time to recover—the teacher finally left. Before leaving though, he added, "Oh right, you lot will be responsible for keeping this area clean for the next six months."
Clearly, this was punishment—an appropriate penalty for losing a fight—and also an opportunity given by the head teacher for Sarutobi Kajin to make amends. Whether he could grasp this lesson depended entirely on himself. The head teacher wouldn't offer any hints.
This unexpected punishment immediately caused the few others lying in beds alongside Sarutobi Kajin to turn grim-faced. But the head teacher paid no attention to their displeased expressions. After speaking, he simply left the infirmary, clearly dissatisfied with these students who had ruined his evening plans.
From then on, Shiyu Uchiha's life returned to peace once again. Every day at school, he attended morning lectures, studied theory, and occasionally discussed lessons with his two desk partners.
At lunchtime, they shared meals together. Occasionally, he got to enjoy homemade bento boxes brought by his two other desk partners, Shun Mizutani and Taki Tachibana. His daily routine had never felt this pleasant before.
Especially Aburame Shika and Inuzuka Teru, who misunderstood the relationship among the trio, looked at Shiyu Uchiha with strange eyes full of envy—as if wishing themselves in his place. As for Osamu Akimichi, he remained fairly indifferent—his only real interest was in good food.
Yet Shiyu Uchiha himself hadn't perceived any romantic atmosphere. Although he did harbor certain feelings toward others, due to low emotional intelligence, he wasn't very skilled at building closer connections and could only let things develop naturally.
He couldn't shake the feeling that those two girls were acting a little strangely close. However, Shiyu obviously failed to notice the truth behind it.
Of course, he never relaxed his training either. During afternoon practical courses, he often practiced the Trio-body Jutsu alone and refined his hand-to-hand combat skills. At the same time, he never skipped practice on hand seals. Only when he occasionally had free time would he train together with Shun Mizutani and Taki Tachibana, offering them guidance as well.
With his guidance—and thanks to their natural talent and hard work—both Shun Mizutani and Taki Tachibana unlocked their potential. By the time of the final class exams, they had already risen above the lowest ranks and were nearing mid-tier levels.
Even after advancing into second grade, during martial arts training sessions, they took turns challenging the three bullies who originally harassed them, beating them so thoroughly they looked utterly humiliated. This allowed the two to vent their anger dramatically, letting those individuals understand the old saying: "The wheel of karma turns—has Heaven ever forgiven anyone?" At the same time, this experience strengthened their characters, making them increasingly bold and determined.
In the end, with no other choice, they even had Sarutobi Kajin step in to privately talk with Shiyu Uchiha. After paying a hefty protection fee, they managed to avoid another beating. Following this payment, the relationship between Sarutobi Kajin and Shiyu improved somewhat. However, the others had already gone their separate ways. After all, they were still young—Shiyu Uchiha had barely set a trap, and they were already halfway into it.
Shiyu Uchiha handed all the money to the two girls. With this cash, their cultivation would be much smoother for a while, allowing them to afford extra supplements.
Occasionally, Shiyu Uchiha would also bring them some local specialties from the Uchiha Clan. It wasn't anything valuable per se—just high-value local specialties that were hard to come by outside without paying a hefty price, giving the two girls additional benefits.
Shiyu Uchiha had even offered them financial support outright, but both, having grown increasingly strong-willed, declined. Eventually, after mutual compromise, they reached the current arrangement—which still filled the two with deep gratitude toward Shiyu Uchiha.
Not long after the incident with Sarutobi Kajin, Sarutobi Shin'nosuke, who was Kajin's senior, perhaps feeling that Shiyu had disrespected him by beating his underling, felt he needed to respond somehow. Otherwise, it might damage his reputation. Although the matter hadn't spread yet, he believed his strength was enough to dominate Shiyu and decided it was time to put pressure on him.
Thus, the two—who had been in the same class for over a year—met for the very first time during a hand-to-hand combat training session. The instructor led everyone through a round of hand-to-hand combat and pointed out any incorrect movements. As the teacher was about to announce free practice, inviting questions when needed, Sarutobi Shin'nosuke spoke up with apparent preparation.
"Teacher," he said, "I think solo training is rather boring. I wonder if you could find me a sparring partner? I believe I'll improve faster through partner practice."
The moment he opened his mouth, the teacher knew this troublemaker was at it again. By the time Shin'nosuke finished speaking, the teacher was just as he had expected. In fact, he was already sick and tired of Sarutobi Shin'nosuke.
Day in and day out, all he did was use his Hokage father's name to stir up trouble. He showed no respect to his teachers and always acted smart, though everyone could see right through him. But what could the teacher do—his dad was the Hokage after all. To avoid trouble, the teacher just had to pretend to go along.
He then recalled Nawaki, a student who graduated two years ago—the grandson of The First. In terms of status, Nawaki was no less than Shin'nosuke, yet while studying at the academy, he made friends everywhere, always earning praise wherever he went.
And what about you? Aside from a few sycophants, who actually wants to associate with you? How he missed the days when The First and The Second were around—the village atmosphere back then was nothing like it is now. Thinking thus, the teacher unconsciously drifted into memories of his own student days.
As the teacher zoned out, Sarutobi Shin'nosuke repeatedly gestured toward the person he wanted to spar with—Shiyu Uchiha—but the distracted teacher didn't notice at all.
Finally, refusing to give up, Shin'nosuke directly called out: "Classmate Shiyu Uchiha, I wonder if you'd be willing to help me. I thank you in advance."
He finished with a bow, feigning politeness.
His words abruptly pulled the teacher out of his reverie. The teacher's displeasure toward him deepened, but he couldn't easily express it. Instead, he turned his gaze to Shiyu Uchiha, clearly waiting for Shiyu's response.
This greatly displeased Sarutobi Shin'nosuke, who decided to go home and complain about it later. Having been flattered by several toadies, he had already begun to see himself as someone important.
Before he could think further, Shiyu Uchiha replied, "Teacher, I agree. Please make the arrangements."
After saying this, he also bowed to the teacher, clearly distancing himself from Sarutobi Shin'nosuke, which pleased the teacher greatly.
"Fine then, start preparing," the teacher said, adjusting his emotions and speaking directly.
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