Shino-sensei was writing down the scores of all the students who had already completed the obstacle course. Indra earned full points for finishing first, surpassing that kid Iwabe—much to the surprise of most students, who began talking excitedly.
"As expected of the Uchiha's number one prodigy!"
"He's really damn awesome!"
"So cool!"
Damn, now Indra was starting to understand how his father and uncle must have felt with all these fangirls. Oh, the horror. Thankfully, he had Himawari, who was also glaring at the fangirls. Seeing her reaction, Indra couldn't help but think she looked like a cute cat.
At Lunch Break
Damn, I forgot to bring my lunch, thought Indra with a frustrated tch.
Himawari, seeing his reaction, immediately understood. Thankfully, she had made an extra bento, predicting that something like this might happen—Indra was often so focused on his training that he forgot other things.
"You didn't bring your lunch, did you, Indra-kun?" Himawari said with a teasing smile.
Indra looked away, feeling embarrassed for making such a rookie mistake.
"But don't worry," she continued, holding up the bento. "I predicted this and brought an extra one. Really, Indra-kun, sometimes you're so focused on training that you forget everything else."
"Indra-kun, you should take better care of your health. I don't want my best friend to end up bedridden. So from now on, please look after yourself, okay?" Himawari said, her tone filled with concern.
But Indra didn't feel irritated by her scolding. On the contrary, a warm feeling spread in his chest at her concern and care. She really is precious, he thought.
"Okay, okay, Princess. I'll listen to you," Indra said with a rare gentle smile on his face.
Himawari blushed deeply at the title "Princess." Looking at Indra's rare gentle smile on his handsome face, her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink. She felt incredibly shy hearing such an intimate title and seeing that soft smile. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it might burst.
Everyone around who was eating lunch felt like they'd just been force-fed a mouthful of dog food. Some could even swear they saw pink bubbles floating around the two of them.
Especially Boruto.
In his mind, he kept yelling, "That's my sister!! That's my sister!! Why is he getting so much special treatment? She even made a bento for that teme!!"
If looks could kill, Indra would have been dead a hundred times under Boruto's glare.
Indra noticed the glare but simply flashed a smug smile at Boruto, which only made him even angrier.
Just when Indra and Boruto were about to start an argument—
"Can't you idiots see I'm using this room?" an older teen in punk-style clothing said, standing up from his sleeping position on the chairs.
I remember this kid from the plot, Indra thought. He was an idiot, to say the least. All he ever did was complain about not passing. Btch, please—if you want to pass, you study and work hard. That's all there is to it.*
Boruto greeted Iwabe, but unfortunately for him, Iwabe responded harshly, insulting him for being the son of Naruto. He jumped down and grabbed Boruto by the collar.
"I don't like the idea of hanging out with a guy like you all the time. And you—" he pointed his earth staff at Indra "—you think you're better than everyone just because you're called a Uchiha genius. But I know for a fact you're just a weakling!"
Himawari frowned at Iwabe's attitude toward both Indra and Boruto. She didn't like his tone one bit.
Boruto began to get angry, but Indra, with his usual composure, replied in a calm, sarcastic tone,
"Oh really? Then tell me, Iwabe the Repeater—if I'm so weak and you're so strong, why are you still here?"
"Oh wait, don't tell me—it's because you're just a sore loser who can't even handle basic academic subjects, right?"
Gasps spread through the classroom. Shikadai, Denki, and the rest of the newly arrived students stared in shock.
Iwabe was furious, ranting about the war and how weaklings shouldn't even talk. Then, suddenly, he grabbed Denki by the throat, starting to choke him.
Himawari was about to intervene, but Indra placed a calm hand on her shoulder. She looked at him questioningly, and Indra simply signaled with his eyes—I'll handle this.
Understanding, Himawari sat back down.
This was going too far for Indra's liking. With a flicker of lightning, he used his Lightning Flicker Jutsu, appearing in front of Iwabe and knocking his hand away from Denki.
Indra gave Denki a quick glance, receiving a grateful look in return.
"If you have so much time to stay as a weaklings," Indra said coldly, "why don't you use it to train and stop being a burden?"
He then ignored him.
Indra activated his Sharingan, glaring sharply at Iwabe, which made him flinch.
But Iwabe, blinded by arrogance, shouted, "If you've got something to prove, then let's settle it in the training ground!"
Iwabe was about to storm off when Boruto clenched his fists. "I'll fight too—"
Before he could finish, Indra's Sharingan spun toward him.
"This is my battle," Indra said firmly. "If you want revenge later, or if you think he hurt your friend, fine—deal with it then. But for now, you'll obey me and stay on the sidelines."
A faint pressure of chakra leaked from Indra, making Boruto stiffen. Reluctantly, he nodded.
Why does this situation feel so familiar? Indra wondered, a faint memory surfacing.
Himawari sighed softly; she knew Indra-kun hated having his fights interrupted.
Academy Training Grounds
All the students gathered to watch the duel.
"Damn it, it should've been me fighting, not that damn Indra," Boruto grumbled, grinding his teeth.
"Stop complaining, big brother. And don't say bad things about Indra-kun, or I'll give you a Gentle Fist," Himawari warned, raising her fist threateningly.
Seeing her expression, Boruto went quiet immediately.
"Damn it, this isn't fair. I'm your big brother, but instead of helping me, you're helping that teme Indra…" he muttered, sulking while his friends sweat-dropped at his childishness.
"What's the matter? Not scared yet?" Iwabe taunted with a cocky grin.
Indra stood calmly, arms folded across his chest. He looked at Iwabe indifferently and replied coldly,
"Just a mere pebble—not even half as good as me."
His tone was domineering and condescending, as if Iwabe were nothing more than an insect.
Iwabe, burning with rage, decided to go all out. I'll teach this arrogant Uchiha a lesson, he thought.
The audience was stunned by Indra's attitude. Some whispered that he was too arrogant.
Himawari, however, was completely confident. She knew just how powerful Indra truly was.
Meanwhile, Boruto thought bitterly, Damn it… why is he so arrogant—and so cool? He clenched his fists, frustrated that his spotlight was stolen again.
The match began. Iwabe threw several shuriken, but Indra effortlessly countered, his own weapons knocking Iwabe's off course.
Iwabe looked shocked.
They clashed in close combat—Iwabe swung his metal rod with all his strength, but Indra's reflexes were far superior. He dodged gracefully and countered with lightning-fast punches.
A solid hit to the stomach made Iwabe gasp for air. Before he could recover, Indra delivered a flurry of strikes followed by a powerful roundhouse kick, sending Iwabe crashing into a boulder.
Indra dashed toward him again. Iwabe tried to swing his rod in desperation, but Indra easily predicted it, grabbed the weapon, and shattered it in his hand.
Grabbing Iwabe by the neck, Indra lifted him effortlessly, his three-tomoe Sharingan glowing crimson.
Iwabe's eyes widened in fear.
Indra stared at him coldly. "Do you want to dance too?"
The crowd fell silent, completely stunned by Indra's strength.
Shikadai thought, My father was right—the Uchiha really are monsters.
As expected of the Uchiha genius. He might be the strongest in the academy, Denki thought, still in disbelief.
Boruto clenched his fists tightly. Deep down, he had always seen Indra as his lifelong rival. Seeing this overwhelming gap filled him with frustration and disappointment. I can't beat him like this, he realized.
But then his eyes hardened with determination. Just wait, Indra. One day, I'll surpass you.
Unnoticed by anyone, Boruto's chakra flared slightly—the Ashura chakra inside him stirred at Indra's display of power.
Indra looked down at Iwabe's trembling form and tossed him aside like trash.
"What's the matter? Didn't you say weaklings don't deserve to be shinobi?" Indra said coldly. "Funny—I only see a pathetic loser. Instead of whining about failing to graduate, maybe study harder. Honestly, you're more useless than that glasses-wearing kid."
Iwabe froze, speechless.
Without another glance, Indra turned and walked away.
Seeing him leave, Himawari quickly stood up and followed.
Moments later, Shino-sensei arrived.
"What do you all think you're doing out of class?" he demanded.
"Shino-sensei, Boruto will explain everything. I'm heading back to class," Indra said calmly as he walked off. Himawari gave Shino-sensei an apologetic smile before following after him.
Boruto was left standing there, speechless.
As they walked, Himawari finally spoke.
"Indra-kun, don't you think you were too harsh with Iwabe? I mean, he's going to be our classmate. Shouldn't we try to get along?" she asked softly.
"Hima, he's too arrogant for his own good," Indra replied. "Challenging people stronger than him is just asking for trouble. Besides, I went easy on him—I didn't even break any bones."
Himawari sweat-dropped at his answer, sighing and shaking her head.
"Hima, sometimes you're too soft," Indra said, lightly flicking her forehead.
"Hey! What was that for?!" Himawari pouted, rubbing her forehead.
Seeing her reaction, Indra couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Well, I couldn't help it—you're just too cute."
"Hey! Stop saying things like that out of nowhere!" Himawari stammered, her cheeks turning red again.
The two of them continued their lighthearted argument as they start it walking
To be continued.