"Ugh! Can you believe that guy? Bringing so many people just to gang up on us? It's ridiculous!" Naruto fumed as he dragged Sasuke over to where Jūgo was quietly reading. "We need to get back at him. We have to show that blacky we're not to be messed with."
Jūgo, who was engrossed in a book titled The New Grass Ninja Spirit and Ideology, reluctantly lifted his head to meet Naruto's fiery gaze. After a brief pause, he sighed and said, "Maybe we should just let it go. We're all classmates; fighting each other isn't the answer."
He held up his book, pointing to a passage. "Look, even the Grass Ninja Spirit emphasizes unity and camaraderie among classmates. We should be helping each other, not picking fights. Besides, Black Zetsu didn't really do anything that bad."
All Black Zetsu wanted was for them to call him 'Big Bro.'
When you think about it, Black Zetsu has been held back for seven years—he's practically a senior. Is it really such a big deal to call him 'bro'?
In fact, when Jūgo asked Kabuto about Black Zetsu at home, he was stunned to learn about this legendary figure at the academy. Who would've thought someone like that existed here?
Only in Grass Ninja Village would they refuse to give up on any child. In any other village, someone who had repeated the first grade for seven years would've been expelled long ago. Besides, from what Jūgo had heard, apart from forming cliques, Black Zetsu didn't actually bully anyone.
"Jūgo, what's wrong with you?" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief as he clenched his fists in frustration. "Have you forgotten how that guy ganged up on us?"
Jūgo rolled his eyes at Naruto's outburst. In all honesty, getting into a fight on the first day of school was their own doing. Besides, Black Zetsu didn't even hit them; he just reported them to the teacher. Sure, it wasn't the most honorable move, but it was exactly what a student should do.
As for the second time… After being tricked, Naruto and Sasuke were livid and wanted to challenge Black Zetsu to a one-on-one fight.
Sasuke, still fuming over being outsmarted on the first day, reluctantly agreed. After all, if his most hated rival ever found out, the mockery would be unbearable. So, to protect the honor of the Uchiha clan, he decided to go through with the challenge.
Surprisingly, Black Zetsu accepted the one-on-one fight. At first, Naruto and Sasuke took this senior, who had been held back for seven years, seriously. But when they arrived at the agreed-upon spot… a dozen people suddenly appeared, surrounding them.
And then… What was supposed to be a one-on-one challenge quickly escalated into a chaotic all-out brawl.
As Jūgo pondered the situation, a bitter smile crossed his face. This legendary senior had an astonishing disregard for ninja ethics. No wonder he hadn't graduated in seven years—clearly, he hadn't been immersing himself in the Grass Ninja Spirit properly.
On that note, the Grass Ninja Spirit itself is profoundly insightful. It is filled with truths and wisdom that have been immensely beneficial to him.
Fortunately, despite his anger at the time, he hadn't reached a state of fury, and his seal remained stable. As a result, he didn't lose control during the brawl. If he had inadvertently injured a classmate, it would have deeply distressed him. After all, Jūgo was quite content with his current life.
Lifting the book in his hand, he declared, "We should concentrate on our studies and aim to surpass him academically."
"Jūgo, what's going on with you? Have you forgotten how he tricked us? Twice!" Naruto's eyes widened with disbelief as he stared at Jūgo.
In truth, Naruto wasn't upset about the physical confrontation. After enduring the loneliness in Konoha, he yearned desperately for recognition and friendship. However... that guy was simply beyond redemption.
In his five years of life, Naruto had never encountered anyone as despicable as him, not even in Konoha. The first time, he not only deceived them but also reported them to the teacher. The second time, after tricking them again, he had them ambushed and forced them to call him "Bro."
Naruto felt he needed to teach him a lesson, or he would be left feeling unsatisfied. He turned to Sasuke, who was standing nearby with a cool demeanor, and asked, "You agree with me, right, Sasuke?"
Sasuke yawned, cast a disinterested glance at Naruto, and said flatly, "Childish."
"What did you say?! Didn't you agree to fight for the honor of the Uchiha clan?" Naruto's reaction was immediate and angry, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"Idiot," Sasuke replied, ignoring Naruto's outburst and mocking him.
"You jerk, Sasuke!" Naruto's irritation reached its peak, and he called Sasuke out.
"Stupid Naruto!" Sasuke sneered back.
"Jerk, Sasuke!" Naruto responded in kind, their argument escalating.
The two began bickering once more. Seeing their argument escalate, Jūgo sighed in exasperation and said, "Alright, enough already! I've heard that Leader Akihiko has returned. If he finds out you're fighting in the academy, he'll be seriously disappointed."
Naruto's face fell at the reminder, but he quickly puffed out his chest and declared, "F-Fine! I, Naruto, will follow in Brother Nagato's footsteps and become the top student in the academy. I'll let that guy off this time."
He didn't want to let Uncle Akihiko or anyone else down. Since arriving, Akihiko had shown him a great deal of kindness. Unfortunately, while Akihiko had been wonderful to him, he wasn't his father. Nonetheless, Naruto admired him greatly.
Meanwhile, Sasuke thought about Akihiko, who had left for work with his mother earlier this morning. Although he found it somewhat odd, he kept his thoughts to himself. Despite his tendency to pat people on the head, Akihiko wasn't so bad after all.
For now, Sasuke was focused on restoring the honor of the Uchiha clan and proving to that loathsome guy who was truly right.
Muttering to himself, he said, "I wonder what that guy is up to now?" As he spoke, he clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination. He needed to become stronger—stronger than that guy.
"Sasuke, what's got you all worked up now?" Naruto asked, puzzled, as he patted Sasuke on the shoulder. "Uncle Akihiko says kids shouldn't overthink things, you know~"
"I'm not overthinking anything, you idiot, Naruto!" Sasuke's mouth twitched in annoyance at Naruto's words.
"Hey! You're really annoying, you know that? You arrogant jerk, Sasuke!" Naruto snapped back, clearly aggravated by Sasuke's attitude.
Watching the two of them bicker again, Jūgo sighed in exasperation and covered his face with his hands. Why did they always argue over the smallest things? Were they enemies in a past life?
On a different note, Jūgo reflected on his own situation. Despite his father, Mubuki, having adopted Yahiko, Kabuto, and him, they all got along very well. Asui and Yahiko had already graduated and become outstanding shinobi. Kabuto, who would be graduating this year, was on track to be the top student, and Jūgo had no doubt he'd achieve that distinction.
Recalling the 'gift' Yahiko had given him with a smile a few days ago, Jūgo's expression turned wry as he glanced at Naruto. "By the way, Naruto, did you get your gift yet?"
"Gift? Not yet~" Naruto blinked and replied, "Brother Nagato hasn't been around lately, but I heard he's prepared something. I'm really looking forward to it."
"Trust me, you won't be as excited once you see it," Jūgo said, his mouth twitching at Naruto's eager expression.
Before Naruto could ask what Jūgo meant, the bell rang.
"Class is starting; no time to chat. You'll find out soon enough," Jūgo said as he settled back into his seat, lowering his voice. "Oh, and I heard we're getting a new student today."
"A new student?" Naruto blinked in surprise. "Did Uncle Akihiko bring home another pretty mom last night?"
Huh? What is this guy talking about? Jūgo was momentarily puzzled by Naruto's remark, but his confusion was quickly replaced as two figures entered the classroom—one was their homeroom teacher, Eiji-sensei, and the other was a red-haired kid about their age.
Naruto's curiosity was piqued, but he couldn't help but frown as he observed the new kid's expression. "Why does he look even more arrogant than Sasuke?"
Sasuke's mouth twitched at Naruto's comment. "Idiot!"
"Alright, you two, enough with the bickering!" Eiji-sensei walked in, clearly used to their constant squabbling. He shook his head helplessly.
Despite their complicated family situations, they were all exceptionally talented. One day, they'd undoubtedly become valuable assets to the Grass Ninja Village, just like Nagato.
Clapping his hands, Eiji smiled and announced, "Now, let's give a warm welcome to our new classmate!"
Applause filled the room as all the children turned their attention to the new student standing at the front of the class.
Eiji looked at the silent boy and sighed inwardly, thinking, 'Looks like we've got another tough one on our hands'. He then said warmly, "Don't be shy—go ahead and introduce yourself!"
He gave the boy a gentle nudge. Gaara, who had been nudged forward, lifted his head with a blank expression. After a brief glance at Eiji, he turned to face the other kids and said flatly, "I'm... Gaara."