"Naruto-kun, Sensei didn't punish you yesterday, right?"
In the hallway outside the classroom, Naruto heard a familiar voice and slowly turned around.
Standing in front of him was Uchiha Mikoto, holding a lunchbox in her hands.
Her deep blue eyes met his dark gaze.
"No, I wasn't punished. Sensei is reasonable. He just told me not to handle things so violently next time," Naruto replied flatly, turning back toward the classroom.
"What do you think of Uzumaki-san, the new transfer student?"
For the first time, Mikoto's voice quivered as she addressed him.
"I don't have any particular opinion. If possible, it's best for us not to meet at all," Naruto said bluntly.
For reasons she couldn't explain, Mikoto felt a heavy weight lift from her chest upon hearing his response.
"Pfft—"
Suddenly, Mikoto looked up and laughed. Her lips curved into a small arc, her smile as radiant as a flower blooming in spring.
Her black hair framed her delicate, fair face, giving her an innate air of grace and charm. But when Mikoto smiled, it added an unexpected beauty to her already striking features.
Even Naruto, who had grown used to the artificial beauty of social media influencers in his previous life, was momentarily stunned.
"So beautiful," he blurted out, blinking in surprise.
Hearing his words, Mikoto's eyes narrowed with delight. Her mood brightened visibly.
She stepped closer, extending two pale fingers, and gently poked Naruto on the forehead.
"Naruto-kun, with how good you are at flattering girls, you're sure to become a playboy someday. Hmph."
With that, she skipped away toward the classroom, humming an unfamiliar tune.
Naruto rolled his eyes and muttered irritably, "What kind of logic is that?"
Entering the classroom at a leisurely pace, Naruto noticed something unusual on his desk—a lunchbox.
The Uchiha clan crest was emblazoned on the box. He let out a wry chuckle.
"Looks like I'm on track to become Sasuke's father..."
"Eh? Naruto, who made you lunch?"
Naruto turned his head and was met with the sight of vibrant red hair—a strikingly lively presence.
"I made it myself, Kushina," Naruto replied, his hand pressing down firmly on the lunchbox. He maintained a composed expression as he slid the box into his desk drawer.
"Hmph, liar. You're such a shameless liar," Uzumaki Kushina huffed, her nose scrunching up like a kitten upset over spilled milk.
She had intended to thank him for helping her yesterday, but now...
Kushina's shoulders drooped as she glanced down, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Hidden behind her back, the lunchbox she held made faint creaking sounds under her tightening grip.
Not wanting Naruto to notice her emotions, Kushina quickly turned her head away.
Her heightened Uzumaki senses suddenly picked up a gaze fixed on her. She turned to find Namikaze Minato watching her and Naruto with a curious expression.
"What are you staring at, you girly-faced idiot?" she snapped without hesitation.
Minato flinched, quickly averting his eyes. "Wow, she's got a temper," he muttered, though there was also a trace of embarrassment at being caught.
At that moment, Morino Sensei entered the room, glancing around to check attendance. He nodded slightly.
"Everyone, gather on the field," he instructed curtly before leaving, not allowing any time for hesitation.
When Sensei spoke, it carried more authority than the parents at home.
---
At the School Field—
Morino Masakazu stood before the students, holding a clipboard in hand. His voice was firm as he announced, "For the past three months, we've focused on the theory of ninja tools. Now, it's time for a practical throwing assessment."
"This assessment will be sent directly to the Third Hokage. Do your best," he added.
The field buzzed with murmurs.
"Finally, we get to handle ninja tools! I'm so excited," someone whispered eagerly to a friend.
"If our scores go to the Third Hokage, I really need to aim for a high grade," another remarked.
Morino Masakazu frowned, his students' chatter irritating him. He sighed quietly. He couldn't truly bring himself to be harsh on these endearing yet exasperating kids.
"Silence. Anyone who keeps talking will lose their assessment privileges."
The field fell silent instantly. The threat was more effective than any other warning.
"I'll call names. Come forward to collect your kunai," Morino ordered.
"Uzumaki Naruto."
Naruto stepped forward and accepted three kunai from Sensei. With practiced ease, he twirled them through his fingers before throwing them.
Thud, thud, thud—
The kunai struck the wooden targets in a perfect line, landing with solid thuds.
Naruto wasn't showing off—it was pure muscle memory, honed over years of battle.
Morino Masakazu gaze lingered on Naruto's calm demeanor. This child is different. Too composed for someone his age...
"Uzumaki Naruto: full marks," Masaki announced, jotting down notes on his clipboard.
"Next, Uchiha Mikoto."
"Full marks."
"Next, Namikaze Minato."
"Full marks."
"Next, Uzumaki Kushina."
"Pass."
He noted beside her name: Unpredictable throwing style.
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