"..." Uchiha Fenghuo felt utterly wronged. What was the point of quietly minding his own business if he could still be targeted? He had just finished an hour-long scolding from Kiyono-sensei—again!
"Uchiha Fenghuo! You were born into the Uchiha clan, yet you neglect your training, cause disruptions during class, fail to cooperate with your peers, and stir up trouble wherever you go. During Kakashi Hatake's graduation, you made reckless claims and even challenged him far beyond your level. You embarrassed yourself and became a laughingstock not only in the Academy but all across Konoha. You've completely disgraced your sensei's reputation!"
Kiyono wasn't exaggerating. Over the holidays, teachers from other classes often teased him in passing, mocking the Uchiha from her class. It was humiliating.
Had Fenghuo not been a member of the Uchiha clan, Kiyono would have long since transferred him to another class using her authority.
"Sensei, that's not fair!" Uchiha Obito suddenly stood up, shouting in protest. "Fenghuo trained so hard over the break! He's definitely not a joke!"
Obito's shout was followed by a flurry of whispers around the classroom.
"I heard that idiot Fenghuo trained in taijutsu until he landed in the hospital," sneered a boy from the Hyuga clan—Hyuga Shinmune, a branch house student with decent skill in the Gentle Fist.
"An Uchiha who can't even awaken the Sharingan, so he has to rely on basic taijutsu? Pathetic," muttered Sarutobi Asuma, glancing at Fenghuo with a cold look before turning away.
"What a waste of bloodline."
"Such a loser."
Jeers came from all sides. Some of the more capable students had long disliked Fenghuo, and now they seized the chance to ridicule him openly.
Fenghuo swept his gaze across the room. He wasn't a villain, but neither was he a saint. At that moment, he silently noted every single person who insulted him, mentally blacklisting them.
Half the class made that list—Mizuki included, who was already jealous of him.
Only a few remained neutral—Yuhi Kurenai, Ibiki Morino, Feizhu Qingting, Rin Nohara—those who said nothing. True to their later significance in the ninja world, they already carried a different air.
Kiyono raised her hand to quiet the class, her gaze drifting from Obito to Fenghuo, who remained calm and silent. Something felt different. The old Fenghuo would've argued back—but now...
"Anyone who trains diligently deserves some respect," Kiyono finally said, her tone softening. "Uchiha Fenghuo worked hard over the break. Whatever his reasons, effort is worth recognition. I hope you continue this path. But your past behavior still disappoints me."
Though she still sounded stern, Kiyono's acknowledgment of his effort surprised Fenghuo.
But it made sense. Their class housed prodigies like Asuma Sarutobi—the Third Hokage's son—and before that, Kakashi Hatake, son of the White Fang. Even Kurenai and Rin had strong potential. The village wouldn't assign just any teacher to guide them.
'Maybe she's like Iruka-sensei from Naruto's time,' Fenghuo thought.
After assigning afternoon training, Kiyono left.
Ding ding ding—
The bell rang, ending morning classes.
In a flash, the peaceful classroom became as noisy as the Konoha market, with kids rushing to lunch.
"Asuma, I made bento today. Let's eat on the rooftop!" Yuhi Kurenai chirped, her round cheeks bouncing slightly as she smiled. A total little loli.
Asuma, always the princeling, brought two fancy bentos and followed her lead.
"Obito, I brought lunch too," Rin Nohara smiled, jogging over to him.
Obito hesitated, glancing at Fenghuo. His own bento was still with him.
"What's wrong?" Rin asked curiously—Obito rarely acted like this.
"Uh, Rin… your bento is great, really! But…" Obito scratched his head. The truth was, he had been eating at Fenghuo's house all holiday—hot-and-sour cabbage, mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, kung pao chicken, fish head with chili peppers…
His taste buds had defected.
"Why don't we eat with Fenghuo today?" he asked, hopeful.
"Why?" Rin frowned. She didn't hate Fenghuo, but she preferred to ignore him.
"His cooking is amazing!" Obito's stomach growled for emphasis.
Fenghuo quietly unwrapped his own bento and glanced over. Obito nodded to Rin with pleading eyes.
Finally, Rin gave in. She was only six and, though wary of Fenghuo, couldn't resist a heartfelt request.
They ate in class, seated together.
Rin's bento was neat—rice balls with seaweed and green veggies, visually pleasing.
Obito opened his box. Inside were rice and leftovers from Fenghuo's morning cooking—hot-and-sour cabbage, mashed potatoes.
The aroma wafted through the air.
"Sniff… what is that smell?"
"It's sour… and spicy… I'm drooling…"
Several students looked around.
Obito dug in like a starving wolf. Rin's eyes widened at the scent.
When Fenghuo opened his own box, the fragrance intensified.
Gurgle.
Rin's stomach betrayed her.
Fenghuo pushed his bento over. "Want a bite?"
"Huh?" Rin hesitated. The scent was too good. She wrinkled her nose and nodded shyly.
After one bite, her eyes sparkled.
'Delicious! Someone who can make food this good can't be that bad… can they?'
"Well?" Fenghuo asked knowingly.
"It's amazing!" Rin exclaimed. "Tangy, spicy, and so flavorful!"
By now, even Asuma and Kurenai, who were heading to the rooftop, circled back. Kurenai's face was full of longing—clearly a foodie.
"Mmm! So good!" Obito moaned between bites. "See, Rin? Told you!"
"It's cold, but still better than warm food!"
"Hmph! What's so special about adding vinegar and chili?" sneered a white-haired boy.
Fenghuo glanced up. Mizuki.
Jealous already?
'If this is enough to upset you… wait until I bring out the big dishes.'
"I could make something better than this!" Mizuki declared. Several others chimed in, supporting him, then left in a huff.
"Asuma?" Kurenai looked at him with hesitation.
"…Fine," he sighed. "Go ahead."
"Can I have some, too?" Little Kurenai pleaded with sparkly eyes.
And so, around Fenghuo sat Obito, Rin, Asuma, and Kurenai, happily eating.
But Fenghuo looked at his quickly vanishing food and nearly cried.
"Hey, hey! I'm the one who cooked all this!"