The next morning, Uchiha Hayato headed to school as usual. After escorting Minato and Kushina home the previous day, Hayato had been surprised to receive a scroll from Uchiha Setsuna. It contained notes on training techniques and had been delivered by one of Setsuna's men, leaving Hayato puzzled about the elder's intentions.
Although he accepted the scroll, he didn't let his guard down. He decided to observe for a few days before making any further moves.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. The academy didn't teach much that was practical—subjects like history, math, geography, and ninja theory could all be self-taught. Advanced jutsu? The academy didn't touch on them.
"Once I learn Shadow Clone Jutsu, I'll send a clone to school in my place," Hayato mused, recalling the keepsakes left behind by his parents.
"Good morning, Hayato!"
A cheerful voice called out as a forceful slap landed on Hayato's right shoulder, making him wince. He turned to see the grinning face of Kushina.
Feigning nonchalance, he returned the greeting, though inwardly he thought, If Kushina wants to become Hokage, Minato might truly stand no chance.
Of course, Minato's combat instincts were far superior to Kushina's.
"Kushina, has anyone ever told you that you're really strong?" Hayato said with a sigh.
"Hmm, let me think… Maybe? Are you complimenting me, Hayato? My strength isn't that great…" Kushina said, smoothing her long red hair, a slight blush on her cheeks.
Hayato covered his face. That wasn't a compliment, he thought, but her lively and straightforward personality was undeniably very "Kushina."
"All right, all right, let's head to class."
At the academy gate, a familiar figure blocked their way.
"I'm sorry, Kushina-san!"
It was Dekai.
"Second-year students are stirring up quite a scene," a pineapple-haired boy on the rooftop muttered as he glanced down at the commotion. "Looks interesting, but I think I'd rather find Chōza and get something good to eat."
Kushina was confused. This was the same boy who had led the others in mocking her red hair and even fought with Hayato yesterday. How could he be apologizing now, just a day later?
She didn't want to forgive him so easily, but his expression seemed earnest.
"Move, will you?" Hayato said impatiently. "If you're really sorry, you should apologize to every single person you've bullied."
Noticing Kushina's uncertainty, Hayato grabbed her arm and walked past Dekai, leaving him standing at the gate in silent contemplation.
"Hayato, do you think that's okay?" Kushina asked hesitantly. She was kind at heart, and while she hadn't experienced much bullying in this world thanks to Hayato's intervention, she was quick to consider forgiving Dekai.
Releasing her arm, Hayato placed his hands behind his head. "Who knows? I don't think someone who enjoyed bullying others can change so easily."
He thought back to the villagers' shift in attitude after the Pain Invasion and added, "If he really does change, that's great. But before that, he needs to apologize to everyone he hurt. If he's sincere, he'll do it."
Kushina nodded, half understanding, but then turned toward the classroom and was startled by what she saw.
"Minato, what happened to you? Didn't sleep well last night?" Hayato asked, looking at the faint dark circles under Minato's eyes.
Minato, unable to voice his true frustration—It's your fault for saying such mind-blowing things yesterday!—replied with a slightly resentful expression, "Yeah, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about testing my skills against you and earning my Pokémon. It got me too excited to rest."
Yawning, Minato's eyes gleamed with determination. "Hayato, don't hold back!"
Hayato chuckled, finding himself slipping into a more youthful mindset. "Of course not."
"Is everyone here?" the teacher, Yamashiro Youhei, asked. "Kushina-san, we didn't assign you a seat yesterday. How about—"
"Here's fine!" Kushina interrupted, quickly sitting beside Hayato.
Youhei chuckled awkwardly. None of the other students seemed to mind, and Dekai quietly returned to his seat, much to the teacher's relief.
"All right, let's start today's lesson…"
The boring school day passed in a flash.
"Minato, let's head to the survival training field," Hayato said after class. He hadn't forgotten the mission he'd triggered. As the future Fourth Hokage, Minato was someone Hayato needed on his side.
Meanwhile, in another classroom, a bespectacled girl with soft golden hair adjusted her glasses and addressed Dekai.
"Don't worry about it, Dekai-san. What matters is that you've recognized your mistakes," she said kindly.
"But how did you manage to apologize to everyone you bullied?"
"You wouldn't understand, Nono," said a lively girl with a ponytail nearby. "I heard he got a serious beating from Uchiha Hayato in his class. I'd love to see that for myself!"
Dekai's face flushed with embarrassment. "It was my fault. I used to get teased for my looks, and I went on to do the same to others. After Hayato defeated me, the Third Hokage called me aside. I thought he was going to scold me, but instead, he bought me an ice cream and sighed, telling me to think about my actions."
Clenching his fists, Dekai continued, "I disappointed the Third Hokage. But Hayato… He stood up for others and did what I couldn't when I was being bullied. If I could act like him, maybe I'd regain the Hokage's trust."
"Is that Uchiha Hayato over there?" the ponytailed girl said, pointing out the window. Kushina's bright red hair was unmistakable, and Hayato was walking beside her.
"Should we follow and see what they're up to?" she suggested mischievously.