Skipping the minor episode of Iruka eavesdropping on the story outside, the students in the class were all seated back in their places under the guidance of their new homeroom teacher.
"Alright, that was a great story from our classmate just now."
"However, I hope everyone can still focus on learning Ninjutsu."
"Now."
At this point, Iruka picked up a piece of chalk and swiftly wrote his name on the blackboard.
Tap tap—
After finishing, he tapped the chalk against the board a few times to draw everyone's attention, then smiled and said,
"My name is Iruka Umino."
Following his self-introduction, Iruka also mentioned his hobbies—eating ramen and soaking in hot springs.
Unlike many in Konoha who loudly proclaimed their dreams of becoming Hokage, his aspirations were simple and ordinary: he merely hoped all his students would successfully graduate in the future.
He was a representative of the average person in Konoha.
However.
Kaito thought this scar-faced Iruka wasn't a bad homeroom teacher at all.
"Alright, now it's your turn. Just follow my example."
Iruka chuckled, then began calling on the students in the front row one by one.
Kaito and Shikamaru sat at the very back, so their self-introductions would be the grand finale.
Ino, sitting in the front row, was the first to stand up. She brushed back her golden hair, adjusted the ribbon in it, and smiled as she rose.
"My name is Ino Yamanaka. I like... sunflowers. My dream is..."
When it came to her dream, she glanced sideways at Kaito Uchiha, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"My dream is to have a sincere and passionate love in the future."
Beside her, Sasuke's gaze flickered between Ino and Kaito.
Since this blonde girl entered the classroom, she had stolen glances at Kaito 43 times, averaging about 3 seconds each...
Enough to show that this girl...
Just wanted to trick Kaito into buying flowers from her shop again!
Disgusting!
Did she really think the Uchiha's money was that easy to swindle?
Focused solely on training, Sasuke had no interest in girls. He simply believed this blonde girl had ulterior motives for getting close to Kaito.
When it was Sasuke's turn, he first shot a warning glare at Ino.
"Uchiha Sasuke. I hate all blondes."
Ino: ?
Sasuke stood up coldly, hands in his pockets, then shifted his gaze to Naruto's seat. Their eyes locked instantly.
For a full three seconds, their stares clashed as if sparks were flying.
"I don't like anything. My dream is... to become the strongest in the Shinobi World."
As he said this, Sasuke's eyes briefly flicked toward Kaito in the back.
"Tch—"
Naruto felt like this guy was deliberately provoking him. Gritting his teeth, he let out a scoff, his competitive spirit flaring up.
He slammed his hands on the desk and stood up, shouting at the top of his lungs,
"I, Naruto Uzumaki, am gonna be Hokage one day!"
The classroom fell silent for a moment—before erupting into laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHA—"
"Are you kidding? Someone like you becoming Hokage?"
"Yeah! A Fox Spirit Brat like you should be ashamed of even saying that!"Sasuke suddenly frowned, remembering Kaito had once told him never to mock someone's dreams.
Though he couldn't stand Naruto Uzumaki, those who ridiculed him were even more detestable.
Naruto, undeterred by the laughter, had grown accustomed to such treatment since childhood.
He jumped onto the desk, raising a hand high. "I—will definitely become Hokage! Just you wait!"
"Idiot."
From the back row, Shikamaru voiced his opinion, finding the noisy Naruto foolish.
But... he had to admit, he respected the guy for daring to shout his dream out loud.
Kaito's gaze on Naruto was serious, because he knew Naruto would truly achieve his goal and fulfill everything he said.
Though...
If possible...
Could the whole "fox repaying a debt" thing be skipped?
Or maybe switch it to his little brother Sasuke instead...
Kaito sighed, worrying about his brother's future while turning back to Shikamaru to discuss the mission.
Yes.
He still hadn't given up.
"Shikamaru, about that mission..."
"Got any ideas?"
Shikamaru: "..."
At Kaito's words, Shikamaru had no idea how to respond. Leaning back in his chair, he let out a long sigh.
At the tender age of six, he suddenly carried the weariness and troubles of a sixty-year-old.
Perhaps too exasperated, Shikamaru narrowed his eyes and said lazily, "If you're trying to awaken your Martial Soul..."
"Why not try standing next to Iruka-sensei at the podium?"
Shikamaru's wisdom instantly cleared Kaito's confusion, unraveling all his doubts.
Makes sense!
First day of school = Martial Soul awakening
Shikamaru = Village Chief
Iruka = Grand Soul Master
In other words...
If he followed Shikamaru's (Village Chief's) guidance and stood before Iruka (Grand Soul Master) to introduce himself (awaken his Martial Soul), then the mission would be complete!
It all lined up. Everything made sense now.
Shikamaru!
Truly, you're the best!
His eyes brightened as he took Shikamaru's words to heart, repeatedly glancing toward the podium.
Though his expression was conflicted.
Because he could already imagine how absurd his next actions would be...
Kaito hesitated, repeatedly checking the system interface for rewards, silently hoping the other introductions would drag on a little longer.
Whatever!
For the mission, nothing else mattered!
The remaining introductions soon ended, though not without incidents—Kiba Inuzuka clashing with Naruto over their identical dreams, Hinata fainting after her introduction—all of which left Iruka's face twisted in frustration.
He had expected this class to be difficult, but he never imagined troublesome kids would come in droves.
The Fox Spirit Brat... the Uchiha twins with questionable intelligence... the extremely shy Hyūga heiress...
A headache!
For a brief moment, Iruka considered marching straight to the Hokage's office to file a vacation request.
Not that he was irresponsible...
But these students were truly a handful!
"Nara Shikamaru. Likes sleeping and daydreaming. Hates idiots and fools."
"My dream... is to live a peaceful life."
Shikamaru spoke listlessly, scanning the room with a faintly regretful look.
School... what a drag.Iruka's practiced smile was starting to crack. Right now, all he wanted was to finish work quickly and soothe his exhausted self with a nice hot spring bath.
But at least...
There was only one student left.
When Iruka saw the last Uchiha, he let out a long internal sigh.
"Alright, the student at the very back..."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Kaito nodded and stood up from his seat. Under the confused gazes of everyone, he resolutely walked toward the podium.
Shikamaru was instantly terrified, shooting up from his seat with sheer panic and helplessness on his face, reaching out as if to stop this guy.
But Kaito was too fast, and Shikamaru's reaction too slow—he could only watch helplessly as the guy strode toward the podium...
No!
Come back!
I was just joking earlier!!
The distance from the back row to the podium wasn't far, just a few steps, but to Kaito, it felt agonizingly long.
Iruka stared at Kaito Uchiha standing beside him, a dark cloud forming over his head.
"Student... you could've introduced yourself from your seat."
Ignoring the homeroom teacher's words, Kaito proceeded with his own Martial Soul awakening ceremony.
"My name is Kaito Uchiha. My hobbies are..."
"Martial Soul Awakening!!"
Shikamaru: "..."
Iruka: "?"
Sasuke: "?"