In the morning, the sky was covered with rain, gray and gloomy, with the wind howling.
Makoto lay quietly in the attic, watching the curtain of rain outside the floor-to-ceiling window.
Hancock had been serving him earlier, but Makoto had sent her away, leaving only Samui by his side.
She saw His Majesty staring at the rain in deep thought and did not disturb him.
Instead, she silently handled official affairs, the soft scratching of her pen against the paper serving as a subtle reminder of her presence.
Autumn had arrived, yet the palace held few plants that could reflect the change in seasons.
He remembered that outside the Hokage Building, there used to be a large tree with lush branches and leaves.
Looking out over the entire village, many new buildings had sprung up, some obstructing the view, making it harder to see the forest beyond Konoha.
In truth, the attic where Makoto resided was already quite high; there was nothing that could truly block his sight.
With his Tenseigan, he could clearly perceive everything in the city.
He was simply overcome by a sudden wave of nostalgia, a longing for his past life.
But such feelings never lasted long—his past life had never been as free and unrestrained as the one he lived now.
Makoto rose from his seat and left the attic.
Samui intended to follow, but he refused her.
On the rain-soaked streets, there were few pedestrians.
Though the raindrops never touched Makoto, he could still feel the chill in the air, which made his mind exceptionally clear.
He first went to the Ninja Academy, where, in this world, his children should be attending class.
Without disturbing anyone, Makoto floated lightly to the outside of a classroom and saw Naruto and Sasuke sitting together, perfectly synchronized as they lay on their desks, fast asleep.
On either side of them, two boys sat attentively, taking notes with great focus.
With his keen eyesight, Makoto noticed that these two boys were writing two identical sets of notes—clearly copying them on behalf of Naruto and Sasuke.
Seeing the two soundly sleeping troublemakers, Makoto couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
Had these two somehow become school tyrants?
He then glanced at Hinata, who was absentmindedly staring out the window, completely uninterested in the lesson.
Makoto exhaled lightly.
Naruto and Sasuke both shivered at the same time, creating a loud noise in the otherwise quiet classroom, instantly disrupting the teacher's rhythm.
The teacher sighed helplessly and said, "Naruto, Sasuke, pay attention in class."
He seemed long accustomed to this behavior and didn't bother scolding them.
Naruto and Sasuke, in turn, looked utterly indifferent.
Watching this scene, Makoto fell into thought—it was obvious that their attitude was due to them being his sons.
"Y-Your Majesty?"
At that moment, a voice sounded beside Makoto.
Turning his head, he saw a young male teacher wearing a forehead protector, his hair neatly tied up.
Makoto gestured for him to stay silent but soon felt that the man looked somewhat familiar.
"What's your name?"
The young teacher immediately became excited. "Your Majesty, my name is Umino Iruka. I'm a teacher at the academy."
Makoto pointed toward the classroom where his children were and asked, "Do you teach this class?"
Iruka looked slightly embarrassed. "I'm not qualified to teach His Highness's class."
Makoto immediately understood.
It seemed that being a teacher for his children had become a highly sought-after position.
After all, the teacher-student relationship carried great significance, and it was only natural for some influential figures in the village to take this matter seriously.
As for himself, he had never paid much attention to it.
Makoto nodded slightly. "Come with me."
He then went to the classroom where Neji was.
Inside, Neji, Toneri, and Jugo were seated together.
Neji was lost in thought, Jugo was asleep, and only Toneri was attentively listening to the lesson.
After watching for a while, Makoto headed to the principal's office.
Nonou was working there, and when she saw Makoto enter, she was slightly surprised.
It had been some days since he last visited, and she couldn't help but wonder if His Majesty had grown tired of her.
Then, she noticed Iruka standing behind Makoto.
Understanding her place, Nonou immediately stood up and stepped aside, allowing Makoto to take the main seat.
"Who is the teacher for Naruto's class?" Makoto asked.
Nonou replied, "The teacher in charge is Mito Monju. The other subjects are also taught by the academy's elite instructors."
Makoto turned to Iruka and asked, "Was that the person teaching just now?"
Iruka quickly nodded. "Yes!"
Makoto continued, "How is this Mito Monju's teaching ability?"
"Monju-sensei is one of the academy's elite instructors and is highly trusted by everyone," Nonou answered.
"Oh? Has he been working here for at least three years?" Makoto asked casually.
Nonou was momentarily at a loss for words. "Uh… well…"
"Give me his file."
"I'll go get it," Nonou said, turning to leave.
The teachers' records weren't kept in the principal's office.
But Makoto waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it. In my opinion, Mito Monju's teaching skills are mediocre at best. Remove him from his teaching position."
Nonou hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking, "Then… who do you think would be a suitable replacement?"
She hadn't expected His Majesty to suddenly take an interest in this matter.
It seemed likely that he had just observed Mito Monju's class and found his performance unsatisfactory.
Makoto pointed at Iruka. "Him."
Both of them were stunned.
Iruka froze for a moment before frantically waving his hands.
"Y-Your Majesty… I can't! My rank…"
Nonou thought for a moment before saying, "Iruka-sensei hasn't been at the academy for very long either. His teaching experience isn't very extensive."
Makoto glanced at her and asked, "Oh? And Mito Monju's is?"
Iruka never expected something like this to fall onto his shoulders.
The class he'd be taking over included three of His Majesty's own children!
Teaching them… Iruka felt like he was dreaming.
He didn't think he had any outstanding qualities, and compared to Monju-sensei, he could list plenty of his own shortcomings.
Iruka wanted to persuade His Majesty to reconsider and choose someone more suitable.
Makoto asked, "Let me ask you something. If you saw Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata sleeping in your class, what would you do?"
Iruka immediately responded, "Of course, I'd wake them up and patiently teach them in private, explaining that they shouldn't waste time in class and should focus on learning useful knowledge…"
He went on and on, passionately elaborating on the importance of education.
Makoto's mouth twitched as he listened.
He thought to himself that Iruka was indeed as inexperienced as Nonou had said—he had plenty of theoretical knowledge but lacked real teaching experience.
Still, his enthusiasm was a good sign.
Makoto then asked, "And what if Naruto refuses to listen and says, 'My dad is the Emperor, what right do you have to tell me what to do?'"
Iruka was stunned.
Makoto continued, "Or what if Naruto threatens you, saying, 'Don't ever try to discipline me again, or you'll regret it'?"
"…"
Iruka fell silent for a while before finally muttering, "I think… if His Highness were really like that, Your Majesty… there might be something wrong with your parenting."
Makoto: "…"
Nonou, standing to the side, struggled to hold back her laughter.
Makoto cleared his throat, feeling a bit awkward, but he quickly regained his composure and said seriously, "You're right. I've been somewhat neglectful when it comes to my children's education. But don't avoid my question."
Iruka slowly responded, "I will fulfill my duty as a teacher. If His Highness becomes my student, then in my eyes, he is simply my student."
Makoto nodded in approval. "From now on, you will take Mito Monju's place."
Iruka solemnly nodded. "Understood! I will not fail Your Majesty's trust."
With a glance from Nonou, Iruka excused himself, leaving only the emperor and the principal in the office.
After some thought, Nonou explained, "Mito Monju performed adequately in all aspects during the hiring process. He is also well-liked and trusted by many at the academy."
Makoto glanced at her. "Weren't you once part of Root? Can't you see the problem here?"
Nonou could only say, "Everything about him followed proper procedures. When the teachers for the three young princes were being selected, he was strongly recommended by everyone. I couldn't object."
Makoto didn't press her further but instead fell into deep thought.
This kind of situation was common everywhere.
He could intervene in what he saw, but what about the things he didn't see?
Like those two children copying notes for Naruto and Sasuke—well-dressed, clearly not from ordinary families.
It was unlikely that Naruto and Sasuke were bullying them.
More likely, those kids had willingly positioned themselves as followers.
Nonou walked over and locked the office door, then turned back and moved closer to Makoto, standing right by his side.
Makoto let out a soft sigh. "This is my fault."
His eldest son, Neji, was too mature for his age, which had made him neglect Naruto and Sasuke's upbringing, assuming they would turn out just like Neji.
But this was his first time being a father.
Nonou wrapped her arms around his neck and said, "Their Highnesses are all quite sensible, and their grades are excellent. They'll grow into capable individuals in the future."
Outside, the rain poured down relentlessly.
The soothing fragrance on Nonou's body filled the air, gradually calming Makoto's thoughts.
................
In Neji's Classroom
Toneri, who was attentively listening to the lesson, suddenly leaned toward Neji and whispered, "His Majesty was here just now."
Neji snapped back to reality and looked at Toneri in surprise.
Toneri continued, "He saw you spacing out."
Neji couldn't help but whisper back, "Then why didn't you wake me up?"
Toneri calmly replied, "By the time I noticed him, His Majesty was already outside the classroom."
Neji felt a wave of dread wash over him.
Toneri reassured him, "It's fine. You're the top student in class. You've already mastered everything the teacher is teaching. His Majesty won't punish you for that."
But Neji wasn't worried about being punished—he cared about his image in his father's eyes.
He nudged the sleeping Jugo with his elbow. "Wake up! Pay attention to the lesson!"
Jugo groggily lifted his head, blinking at Neji in confusion.
When class ended, Neji was in a gloomy mood.
Jugo looked bored as well.
He found school dull, and if it weren't for Neji, he wouldn't have wanted to stay here at all.
Just then, Tohno Kensuke eagerly approached them, grinning as he said, "Do you guys want to go watch a movie today? The new release Ashina: Chronicle of a Stolen Nation is really popular right now, and the tickets are hard to get. I happen to have five of them."
Neji, uninterested, simply replied, "I don't feel like going."
Toneri was quite interested and took the movie ticket, looking at the promotional image printed on it—an aged yet resolute warrior.
He said, "I think it should be pretty interesting. Why not give it a watch?"
Neji glanced at the ticket as well and said, "Alright then. How much are the tickets?"
Kensuke chuckled. "Not expensive, not expensive—1,000 ryo per ticket."
He knew the prince's personality well—if he tried to give the tickets for free, Neji wouldn't accept them.
Neji reached into his pocket, pulled out three banknotes, and handed them over.
They were for him, Toneri, and Jugo.
Kensuke grinned. "Alright, let's go together after school. But don't fight me over paying for drinks and snacks."
Neji was always meticulous about money matters with him, but when it came to Toneri and Jugo, he never bothered.
Kensuke understood his position in the prince's eyes, but he didn't mind.
Plenty of people wished they could be in his shoes, but they had no way in.
He firmly believed in what his father once told him—this empire's future belonged to the princes.
Neji casually said, "Suit yourself."
He knew Kensuke wasn't short on money.
The guy's father, Tohnogawa, was the Minister of the Science and Craftsmanship Department.
Toneri was quite interested and asked Kensuke about the general plot of the movie.
Having done his homework beforehand, Kensuke enthusiastically began explaining, while Neji half-listened, his gaze drifting toward the misty rain outside the window.
The classroom was noisy during the break, and some students even gathered around to listen to Kensuke's storytelling.
"The novel says that Ashina Isshin lusted after the beauty of the Divine Maiden…"
The classmates listened intently, making Kensuke the center of attention.
A long-haired, thick-browed boy nearby angrily said, "That Ashina Isshin is too despicable! A samurai should never use dirty tricks in a duel."
But Daito scoffed. "As long as you can win, any technique is part of your own strength."
The two started arguing, and other classmates joined the discussion.
However, most of them sided with Daito—not because they truly agreed with him, but simply because the long-haired, thick-browed boy was the worst student in class, often ridiculed by everyone, and nobody wanted to stand on the same side as him.
The noise irritated Neji.
He was just about to tell them to quiet down when he caught sight of a familiar figure outside the window, signaling to him.
Neji got up and walked out of the classroom, and the little girl outside quickly approached him.
"What is it?"
"I'm out of money. Lend me some, will you?"
Neji frowned. "You usually have more pocket money than I do. How did you run out so quickly?"
Hinata shrugged. "I went out to eat with some friends the other day and ended up paying for a lot of people. I couldn't just let someone else foot the bill, could I?"
Neji sighed helplessly. "Why don't you ask Naruto and Sasuke for money?"
"They don't have any either."
Neji reached into his pocket and took out his wallet. "How much do you need?"
"Ten thousand ryo."
Neji's hand froze mid-motion, as if he wanted to say something, but Hinata was faster.
With a swift motion, she snatched the bills straight from his hand.
Then, grinning mischievously, she turned and ran off. "Thanks!"
Neji twitched at the corner of his mouth as he watched his wallet instantly deflate, feeling a sharp pang of pain.
Although they were of noble lineage, their mothers were strict with their allowances, giving them a fixed amount each month.
Hinata, however, always managed to get extra from her father.
When Neji returned to the classroom, the group of students that had gathered around his seat had already dispersed.
Only Kensuke remained since his and Daito's desks were right behind Neji, Toneri, and Jugo.
Kensuke asked, "By the way, Your Highness, a new archery range just opened on West Street. Want to check it out tomorrow?"
Toneri smiled. "Sounds fun—"
"I'm not going," Neji interrupted coldly.
Kensuke was about to say something else, but Neji subtly touched his now-empty wallet, his gaze turning even colder.
"I said, I'm not going!"
...............
As someone who used to be the leader of the kids in her old neighborhood, Ino couldn't stand Hinata's behavior.
On the first day of school during self-introductions, Hinata had arrogantly stood on the podium and declared, "From now on, everyone in this class has to call me 'big sis' when they see me."
She was domineering, arrogant, and completely dismissive of others—yet, unfortunately, she was also a princess.
Faced with her authority, no one dared to defy her.
The teachers turned a blind eye, and the students obediently played along.
But Ino refused to humor her.
Every time she saw Hinata, she acted as if she didn't exist.
Hinata never directly bullied her, but the little followers around her made sure to isolate Ino.
As a result, the only friend Ino had left was Sakura.
During the break, Hinata—who had just gone out and returned—stood on the podium and generously announced, "Don't rush home after school. I'll treat everyone to bubble tea."
Her grand gesture immediately sparked cheers throughout the classroom, with everyone praising how generous and kind the princess was.
Ino felt bitter.
She knew full well that Hinata was doing this on purpose.
By inviting the entire class, Hinata wouldn't need to say outright that she wasn't welcome, but Ino knew she wouldn't go.
And just like that, she'd be left out once again.
Beside her, Sakura whispered, "Don't worry, Ino, I won't go."
That finally made Ino feel a little better.
She huffed and said, "It's fine. I'll treat you instead."
She glanced toward Hinata, who was surrounded by adoring classmates, and felt even more defiant.
It's just bubble tea. What's the big deal?
Like I can't afford one myself.
On the other side, the only other ones who didn't react to Hinata's bubble tea invitation were Naruto and Sasuke.
Watching how popular Hinata was, Naruto grumbled sourly, "Didn't she just treat the whole class to a meal? How does she still have so much money? Just how much allowance did Dad give her? That's way too unfair!"
Sasuke nodded in agreement.
It was the end of the month, and he was broke too.
Naruto suggested, "How about we go ask Dad for more allowance next month?"
But Sasuke pondered for a moment and said, "I think it'd be more reliable to ask Itachi-nii instead."
"Will Itachi-nii tell Mikoto-mom?" Naruto asked hesitantly.
"…Probably not?" Sasuke replied, though not entirely sure.
Meanwhile, in the upper grades, Neji suddenly sneezed.
Toneri, sitting beside him, asked, "What's wrong? Are you catching a cold?"
Neji rubbed his nose and said, "I don't know."
From behind, a very eager Kensuke immediately handed him a tissue, his chubby face full of smiles.
"Your Highness, here's a tissue."
Startled by how suddenly Kensuke had leaned in from behind, Neji pushed his face away in disgust. "Stay away from me!"
Toneri commented, "It's easy to catch a cold in rainy weather, so you should be careful."
Neji gave a small nod.
Outside, the rain drizzled on in a hazy blur.
Inside, the classroom was bustling with noise.
A cool breeze drifted in from the open door, and Jugo lazily yawned.
Then, the school bell rang, signaling the start of the next class.
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