Physical training was scheduled for the afternoon.This morning's lesson was History of Konoha.
"Today's topic is the Third Hokage," said Eiichirō, standing at the lectern."Everyone, pay close attention. This chapter is a major part of the final exam and is guaranteed to be on the test."
Yukawa propped up his History of Konoha textbook on his desk.That way, he could block the gazes drifting down from above.
In order to earn the "top student" title, Yukawa had already mastered most of the material and didn't need to follow the lecture step by step.Plus, with his recent stellar performance, even if Eiichirō noticed something was off, he would turn a blind eye.
"The Third Hokage, from the Sarutobi clan, is the current Hokage. Under his leadership, the village of Konoha is thriving."
As Eiichirō mentioned the Sarutobi clan, his gaze instinctively drifted toward Sarutobi Asuma.He wasn't the only one—most of the class looked that way, too.
Asuma clicked his tongue.Although his relationship with Hiruzen Sarutobi had somewhat improved thanks to the genjutsu unsealing lessons, he still found others' assumptions frustrating.
He wanted people to think of him as "Sarutobi Asuma" first, not just "the Hokage's son."
"The Third Hokage was the personal student of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and is proficient in all of Konoha's jutsu," Eiichirō continued."He has many titles—'The Professor,' 'The Strongest Hokage,' 'The God of Shinobi'..."
Many students looked up with admiration and longing.
You're right, but whether it's the beginning, the middle, or the end, everyone forgets the details—he's simply 'the strongest Hokage.'
Yukawa casually pulled out a math workbook and began solving problems.Whether he could rank first in the written exam would depend on whether he got the math questions right.
The morning lessons ended, and lunchtime began.
Asuma exhaled heavily.That damn old man—his biography was pure praise. Disgusting!
When he becomes Hokage, he's going to… exaggerate even more.
Asuma put down his textbook and turned—just in time to see Yūhi Kurenai running over to Yukawa's desk with a lunchbox in hand.
His expression instantly froze.
That damn Yukawa brat!Unforgivable! I'm gonna fight him!
"Yukawa," Asuma walked over and said, "I challenge you to a duel!"
Kurenai instinctively looked over, surprised.In her mind, Asuma had lost badly last time and clearly wasn't a match for Yukawa.
Doing this again… the result wouldn't change.
"I'm not the same person I was before!"Asuma quickly added, noticing the look on her face.
Why are you yelling like that?
Yukawa thought for a moment. "We have a sparring class in a few days."They could fight during class—no time wasted.
"Deal!"Asuma perked up and said confidently, "This time, I'll definitely win!"
Over the past two weeks, he hadn't just learned how to break out of genjutsu—he'd also practiced with genjutsu-type ninja.
How could he lose now? No way Yukawa could one-shot him again!
He would make the schoolyard his victory stage, with everyone rising to cheer his name!
"Good luck," Yukawa said with a smile.
"…"Asuma felt stuck.
Yukawa's calm response made him look arrogant in contrast.While Asuma was still grappling with guilt, he noticed Kurenai's reaction.
You're such a baby!
He realized that in Kurenai's eyes, his image was plummeting.Was Yukawa doing this on purpose, or just carelessly?
Gritting his teeth, Asuma turned and walked back to his seat.
There was no point explaining anything now—his only option was to defeat him.
"Let's eat."Yukawa casually handed Kurenai a pair of chopsticks.
"Do you have a plan?"Kurenai picked up a piece of tempura shrimp and asked, "He's the Hokage's son. He's probably found a way to counter genjutsu by now."
"I know."Yukawa nodded.
This time, he planned to win differently.
"Good."Kurenai was reassured.
Not far away, at another desk, Nohara Rin opened three lunchboxes.She picked up her chopsticks and gave one to Uchiha Obito.
"Thanks, Rin!"Obito grinned and shot a smug look at Hatake Kakashi—only to find Kakashi staring elsewhere.
Following his line of sight, Obito saw Yukawa.
He couldn't help but mutter, "He only beat Asuma because he got lucky."
As a member of the Uchiha clan, he looked down on genjutsu users.
"Could you have beaten Asuma with luck?"Kakashi took the chopsticks from Rin and asked indifferently.
"Why not?"Obito snorted. "If my jutsu had gone off properly last time, Asuma would've lost for sure!"
"A ninja doesn't deal in 'what ifs,'" Kakashi said coldly. "A win is a win. A loss is a loss."
"You—!"Obito trembled with anger.
"Obito," Rin tugged on his sleeve gently and said, "Try the tempura I made—how does it taste?"
"Rin's tempura is definitely top-notch!"Obito grinned instantly.
After lunch, it was time for the dreaded physical training.
"A hundred laps around the field—begin!"Eiichirō stood at the starting line and gave the signal.
The class charged forward.
Leading the pack was Uchiha Obito.He started fast to gain an early lead and even turned his head mid-run to try catching Rin's attention.
"Idiot," Kakashi muttered.
Rin could only respond with a helpless smile.Who sprints right at the start?
Yukawa maintained steady breathing and jogged alongside Kurenai at a consistent pace.
As time passed, the gaps started to show.Obito burned out first, falling to the back of the pack.
Leading were Kakashi and Might Guy.Yukawa, Kurenai, and Asuma made up the second group.
At lap ninety, the rankings shifted again.Asuma watched helplessly as Yukawa passed him.
He wanted to fight back, but his legs were a mess—he was out of strength.
Kakashi glanced at Yukawa, who had been running behind him this whole time, and frowned slightly.
He clearly remembered Yukawa barely making the top ten in their last training session—definitely not second place.
Now, they were running neck and neck.
He could hear Yukawa's breathing—uneven but still under control.
Kakashi's expression grew serious as he pushed forward.
By the final lap, most students had collapsed on the ground, too exhausted to continue.
Only three remained running: Kakashi, Guy, and Yukawa.
"What's with this guy?"Kakashi panted, his rhythm broken.
Every time it seemed like Yukawa was reaching his limit, he somehow bounced back.Was he going to lose?
Even though Kakashi didn't specifically train for endurance, his kenjutsu practice wasn't light.Combined with his talent, his physical prowess was already above most genin.
Clenching his teeth, Kakashi gave it everything he had and picked up the pace.
"This is youth!"Guy trembled with excitement as he watched the fierce race between the two.
Yukawa's lips twitched.
But… this was a good chance.
It was time to go all out!
In the final stretch, he unleashed his full strength without holding back.