Chapter 21: The So-Called Top Student
"Shikaku," Shikashin began, his tone serious. "You already know the situation with Tonari. You absolutely cannot speak of it, not even to those closest to you. I've already informed the other families, and they understand not to ask questions.
"For now, Tonari will be staying with us. I expect you to get along with him."
Shikashin looked at his son, a mix of approval and wariness in his eyes.
As far as he was concerned, Shikaku was a decent kid. He hadn't inherited Shikashin's "handsomeness," but at least he'd inherited the brains.
The only problem was Shikaku's inherent laziness and reluctance to concern himself with matters that didn't directly affect him—a trait Shikashin pretended not to recognize in himself.
"Oh," Shikaku replied indifferently, his tone disinterested.
While he outwardly agreed, inwardly, Shikaku was curious about Tonari. Especially after witnessing the destruction of the forest caused by the tail-end of Tonari's power.
That kind of overwhelming destructive force left a lasting impression on his young mind.
"How can someone so young—someone who doesn't even look like a ninja—wield such strength?" Shikaku wondered, glancing at Tonari.
Was it solely because of the tailed beast within him?
After finishing his lecture to Shikaku, Shikashin turned his gaze toward Tonari.
If not for the Two-Tails sealed inside him, Shikashin admitted he might genuinely like the boy.
Not that Tonari's good looks, which far surpassed his son's, had anything to do with it. Absolutely not.
No, it was Tonari's cleverness that intrigued him—a child so young yet capable of such calculated thoughts. It wasn't hard to imagine Tonari surpassing him one day.
The more Shikashin thought about it, the more he understood the Hokage's decision to keep Tonari.
"Tonari," Shikashin said, his expression softening, "you'll be staying with us for now. Treat this house as your own. If you need anything, just let me or your Aunt Shikimi know. If we're unavailable, you can even ask Shikaku for help.
"Don't underestimate him just because he's not much older than you—he's already a certified ninja!"
Ninja.
The word carried weight. In this world, being a ninja represented power and privilege.
Tonari's eyes lit up as he turned to Shikaku. "Shikaku-nii, can you teach me how to become a ninja too?"
For some reason, Shikaku felt a chill run down his spine as Tonari's eager gaze locked onto him.
Before Shikaku could respond, Shikashin interjected with a laugh.
"Don't be in such a hurry, Tonari. You'll have plenty of opportunities to become a ninja here in Konoha. The best way to start is through the Ninja Academy."
"Ninja Academy?" Tonari echoed, feigning ignorance as he struggled to keep his expression neutral.
Shikashin nodded. "That's right. It's where every young ninja learns the basics. If you want to become a great ninja, it's the best place to start."
Tonari nodded obediently, his expression one of pure innocence.
"However," Shikashin continued, "the current school term has already started, and you're unfamiliar with the basics. If you don't want to be in the same class as younger kids, I suggest you study on your own for now.
"I'll provide the materials you need, and if you have questions, feel free to ask me or Shikaku. Once the busy season is over, I'm sure the Hokage will make arrangements for you to join the Academy."
With that, Shikashin placed a large pile of books and scrolls on the table in front of Tonari.
The stack was as tall as Tonari himself.
Tonari stared at it, his eyes wide with disbelief. He blinked, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
For a moment, he wanted to hurl a few choice insults at Shikashin's family.
Shikashin smirked, satisfied with Tonari's stunned reaction. Who's the little fox now?
"Uncle Shikashin," Tonari said after a moment, his tone carefully neutral, "could you show me to my room?"
"Shikaku, show him the way. Your aunt has already prepared a room for him," Shikashin replied, waving them off.
Tonari picked up part of the stack and turned toward the door.
Halfway there, he stopped and looked back at Shikaku.
"Well? Are you just going to stand there? Hurry up and help me!"
Shikaku blinked, then sighed. "...Fine."
---
The Nara family residence was spacious and well-equipped. Tonari's temporary room was no exception, complete with a comfortable bed, a writing desk, and various essentials.
Once Shikaku had placed the remaining books on the desk, Tonari promptly shooed him out, closing the door behind him.
Left alone, Tonari stared at the towering pile of reading material.
He took a deep breath, recalling the events of the day.
While he maintained a composed façade, inwardly, he was cursing the Konoha leadership.
A bunch of scheming old foxes—every single one of them.
It didn't take a genius to understand their motives.
At the end of the day, they'd fallen prey to the allure of the Two-Tails.
A tailed beast, freely delivered to Konoha's doorstep, was too valuable to pass up.
Tonari didn't immediately dive into the books. Instead, he sat in contemplation, analyzing his current situation.
Should I keep a low profile or flaunt my talents?
On one hand, being too meek could make him an easy target. On the other, standing out might draw unwanted attention.
"Still," Tonari muttered, "those old foxes aren't entirely united. Danzo probably supports keeping me the most—he thinks the Root's brainwashing has made me loyal to him.
"But Hiruzen... he's no saint either. Let's not forget who gave Danzo free rein in the first place."
Tonari grimaced, recalling the moment he woke up in the hospital, surrounded by old men staring at him like a prize specimen.
Why do I feel like they're all drooling over my body... in the creepiest way possible?
Suppressing a shiver, Tonari refocused on the task at hand.
"Low profile it is... for now. But I can't afford to play dumb forever."
He glanced at the books.
If they think piling on work will slow me down, they're sorely mistaken.
A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Let me show them what a real top student looks like."
He picked up the first book, Chakra Refinement for Beginners, and began to read.
---
(End of Chapter)