After changing into clean clothes, Hiko sighed at the shredded garments on the floor. High-intensity training tore clothes to rags. And not just clothes—ninja tools too.
Shuriken, kunai—these things cost a fortune.
Whoever said being a ninja was a money-burning profession was absolutely right. Tools, scrolls, constant chakra refinement, and proper nutrition all demanded cash.
Money. Always money.
Even in a world where strength ruled, money still gave headaches. Thinking that made him laugh.
Distracted by thoughts, he arrived in class a little late. Most of the students were already there.
"Uchiha Hiko!!!"
Tsunade stormed up before he could sit. She had brooded all night, still unable to accept her loss. Why had she lost? Why?!
No way. She had to get her pride back.
Her shout pulled Hiko from his thoughts. Seeing her pouty, unwilling face, he smirked. This girl just would not give up.
"What's this? We agreed yesterday. I won. You weren't supposed to glare at me anymore. Or are you the type who can't keep her word?"
"Lies!"
She faltered, cheeks flushing. Was she the kind to go back on her word? She clenched her teeth and forced herself to deny it.
"Then sit down and stop glaring," he said, pointing to her seat.
Arms crossed, she sat with a huff. Hiko nodded in satisfaction, leaned back, and waited for class.
Around them, wide eyes stared. The infamous princess of the Senju clan… obeying Uchiha Hiko? Were they dreaming?
Jiraiya pinched his cheek hard, convinced his eyes were lying. Even Orochimaru looked stunned. Hiko had calmed violent Tsunade? Impossible.
"No way! Why should I listen to him?!"
Realization dawned under their stares, and Tsunade's face went red. She whirled on Hiko, ready to explode. But then he winked playfully at her.
Her temper flared. She slammed the desk.
"Uchiha Hiko! Don't wink at me! Just because you're handsome doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Let's bet again!!"
"..."
Hiko froze, then chuckled awkwardly and coughed without answering.
The entire class gaped. Even the teacher, just stepping inside, blinked at the two of them. Clearing his throat, he said, "Enough. Class is starting. Save the flirting for after."
Flirting?! With Uchiha Hiko?!
Tsunade's brain short-circuited. The word hit like a bomb. Every kid in class turned their gaze on them, even Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
Her cheeks burned hotter, eyes flashing like a tigress ready to pounce. Her clenched fists said enough: Tsunade was furious.
And when she got mad, it was no joke.
Few dared provoke her. Not in class, not in the grade, not even in higher years.
Yes, academy students were technically equals. But Tsunade, at five, could still beat you bloody—and walk away without consequence.
Complain to the teacher? Or to the Senju clan? Even the Hokage himself could not help. As long as you weren't killed, you had no case.
Nobody wanted that.
Hiko ignored it and kept listening. The teacher's joke was harmless, and Tsunade would not dare take her anger out on him directly.
"Huuhhh..."
She glared at the staring kids, breathing hard, forcing herself calm. If not for the teacher, she would have already erupted.
But she was still boiling.
"Uchiha Hiko!!!"
Her shout rattled the walls.