After the sparring session all students went back to their classroom and the taijutsu period has ended, afterwards there is a 5 minutes short break. Both Minato and Asteru went to the washroom to wash up their faces.
"Hey Minato isn't it today... that the transfer student was gonna come?"
Minato splashed a bit of water on his face and wiped it with a towel, his expression calm but curious. He looked up at Asteru, droplets still clinging to his hair.
"Yeah… I think so. I heard she's supposed to arrive during the next period. Why… you seem a bit nervous?"
He leaned against the sink, tilting his head slightly, the faint sound of running water filling the brief pause.
"I'm not nervous, it's just coming to academy during this time period.... after a month is something I never saw or heard that's all..." Asteru waved his hand in denial of his nervousness.
Minato gave a warm usual smile to Asteru and started walking out of the washroom, meanwhile Asteru looked at the back of Minato as he also walked out with him. 'well I'm not really nervous but worried because Mito Uzumaki dies in the process of making kushina a Jinchūriki and since they had nice relationship in anime... I wonder how she feels right now...' Asteru looked out through the window as both Minato and he walked back into class.
After the break:
The classroom door slid open with a faint shhk as the instructor gestured for the new arrival to step inside.
She stepped in timidly, hands at her sides, her large violet eyes darting around the room, trying to take in every unfamiliar face. 'Why is everyone staring so much…? I… I have to stay strong as Miro-sama told, or they'll think I'm weak.' For a moment, she lingered on the first row, then quickly inhaled and exhaled — a shaky attempt at calming her nerves.
"All right. We have a new transfer student today… who will be attending our Academy." the instructor announced with his usual firm-but-neutral tone.
The girl raised her head, her cheeks faintly flushed, lips pressed together as if trying to keep from trembling. Then, as though gathering courage from somewhere deep inside, she closed her eyes tightly and shouted:
"I'm Kushina Uzumaki, ya know!"
The words echoed across the room. Silence followed… then realization hit her.
"Oh!!" She clamped one hand over her mouth, the other clenched into a fist at her chest, eyes wide as if she had just exposed too much of herself. 'Oh no! Why did I say it like that!? They're going to laugh… stupid, stupid!'
Murmurs immediately rippled through the classroom like wildfire.
"Look at the color of her hair."
"How can anyone have hair like that?"
"That's… that's way too red!"
Kushina's hand subconsciously brushed the strands framing her face, 'Here it comes again… the same thing… always my hair… is it really that strange?' one loose bang fell stubbornly toward her nose. Her violet eyes dimmed as she almost looked helpless. 'Don't cry, Kushina. Not here. Not in front of them.'
In the middle row, Mikoto whispered to Sayomi across who sat Asteru.
"Her hair… it really does stand out, doesn't it?"
Sayomi fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, whispering back to Mikoto as Asteru leaved on his desk, "I… I think it's pretty, but…"
From the window side, Choza leaned toward Shikaku.
"Red hair… never seen that before."
Shikaku smirked lazily, scratching the back of his head.
'What a drag… but man, she's bold to walk in like that.'
On the opposite row, Haishi folded his arms.
'Another loud one… tch, Now I don't want another one like the purple eyed bastard but let's see how she is.'
Tsume slammed both palms on her desk, grinning ear to ear.
"Oi oi, fiery one, huh? I like her already!"
But then came the nastier whispers from the back bench.
"—I wouldn't go out with hair like that."
"Bet people stare at her in the streets."
Finally, the instructor had enough. His chalk slammed down against the board with a crack.
"Hey! Be quiet and settle down! Otherwise you'll be standing in the hall with two buckets of water all day!"
The noise died instantly, leaving only the faint rustle of paper.
Kushina visibly flinched at the reprimand, her small fists drawing tightly to her chest. But then… she straightened her back, her violet eyes blazing with new determination. 'No… I won't let them laugh at me forever. I'll make them look at me for who I am, not my hair nor the fact that I'm an outsider of the village!'
"I'm…" she paused, then raised her chin high.
"I'm going to become the village's first female Hokage!"
The air in the classroom froze. The silence was louder than the murmurs had been. Mouths fell open in little "o" shapes, a few kids gasping. Even the instructor blinked once, caught off guard.
Minato, calm as ever, stood from his seat. He pressed his fist to his chest, smiling softly — a quiet but resolute smile.
"I want to become a great Hokage, who will be admired by everyone in the village too."
Gasps and murmurs started again.
"Minato too?"
"Of course he'd say that…"
"Two Hokages? That's crazy."
Kushina turned to look at him, violet eyes narrowing slightly. To her, his words lacked the fiery conviction she expected. His smile was warm, but… she didn't see the steel in him. Not yet. She puffed her cheeks slightly, dismissing him in her head. 'Him too? …He sounds so calm, like it's just words. Not fiery, not burning… He doesn't look like someone who can shoulder the whole village, He's just bluffing...'
Asteru, leaning on his desk at the back row, watched the scene with his usual calm, unreadable expression. His purple irises glimmered faintly in the light.
'So she's here finally… Uzumaki Kushina. I almost forgot yesterday that she was supposed to join late. Loud voice, fiery temper… if I get too close, it's only trouble. Especially when she grows up to be "that" Kushina ha.hah... Better keep my distance… for now... if possible.'
As Minato sat back down, Asteru leaned forward slightly, whispering just loud enough for him to hear.
"You just painted a big target on your back, you know that, right?"
Minato glanced back with his gentle smile, unfazed.
"Maybe. But if it helps her feel less alone… I don't mind."
Asteru blinked once, then leaned back in his chair with a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
'Hah… typical Minato.'
The instructor cleared his throat, snapping everyone back to order.
"All right. Kushina, take the empty seat in the last row, left side. Class, open your books to page 12. We're continuing high level chakra theory today."
Kushina nodded quickly and made her way forward, clutching her things close, her cheeks still faintly pink. As she sat down beside Sayomi and Asteru, whispers began threatened to rise again—until the teacher's sharp glare silenced them instantly.
As Kushina slid into her seat, her movements stiff and deliberate, cheeks still pink from declaring her dream earlier. She put her small notebook on the desk with a soft thunk, sneaking a sideways glance at Minato — calm, neat, already flipping pages.
Then her gaze brushed Asteru. He was leaning lazily on his desk, one hand propping his chin, his bright purple eyes watching her with unreadable calm. That gaze lingered for a second too long.
'What? Why is he staring…' her brow twitched.
"What are you looking at, ya know?" she whispered sharply, her cheeks puffing slightly.
Asteru blinked, tilted his head, and smirked faintly.
"…Nothing. Just thinking how loud the class got when you walked in. Way louder than when Minato said he wanted to be Hokage."
Her cheeks flushed deeper. "Wha—are you saying I was showing off?!"
Asteru shrugged, voice low and casual.
"Not saying that. But the way you shouted… if someone didn't hear it, they must be deaf."
Kushina clenched her fists under the desk. 'Ughhh this guy—!!'
Before she could snap back, the instructor's chalk tapped the board again, calling for order. The classroom quieted, and Kushina forced herself to face front, biting her lip. But her violet eyes flickered toward Asteru, simmering. 'Stupid boy showing-off… It's his fault I felt embarrassed! If he wasn't sitting here, staring, I wouldn't have yelled so loud…'
Asteru turned his gaze to the front, 'Messing with her and confusing her really does feel nice when she is just a kid... but even as a kid, she is way more dangerous than most genin haha...' He laughed to himself lazily.
During Lunch:
Asteru got up, hopped onto the desk in front of the bench right in front of Minato, and sat down as usual. The sudden motion made Kushina flinch, her violet eyes widening for a moment at his casual stunt.
"Now, now... what did you bring for lunch today? Mine are rice balls today..." Asteru smiled at Minato, oblivious to Kushina's surprise.
Minato chuckled softly, opening his small bento box. "Dried fish and some pickles. Nothing fancy."
But Kushina's irritation spiked at Asteru's nonchalant jump. Her eyebrow twitched, lips pursed, and she stood abruptly, muttering under her breath. Without a word, she turned on her heel, clearly annoyed, and started walking toward the classroom door to get some fresh air.
The moment she reached the aisle, however, three boys stepped in her way, forming a loose semicircle around her.
Asteru, mid-bite, froze for a second and lazily lifted his eyes toward them. 'Hmmm… those three. If I remember correctly, that over-confident one is Kiyou Masada. Tch… looks like he's copying my hairstyle. And that big-lipped guy, Kenta Mori… whatever. The other one's Renji… can't remember his full name. Noisy bunch.'
Kiyou pointed his finger straight at Kushina while the other two grinned ear to ear.
"Tomato!"
All three burst out laughing, slapping their knees and pointing fingers at her.
"From today, we're going to call you Tomato!"
Kenta leaned forward, his grin widening.
"You have a fat, round face with red hair."
Gasps and giggles rippled through the classroom immediately.
"Did he just… call her that?"
"Haha, a tomato… I kinda see it."
"Man, that's mean…"
Kushina's eyes flickered, her face tightening. She tried to keep herself composed, but Kiyou wasn't done.
"Just like a tomato!"
Renji quickly chimed in, eager not to be left out.
"As if a tomato can become the Hokage!"
The insult stung. Her breath hitched, but she held her ground, fists curling at her sides.
Kiyou rested a hand casually on the back of his neck, smirking.
"I hate tomato's!"
Kenta answered immediately, snickering.
"Me too…"
Renji stuck out his tongue like a child.
"Blagh!! I never eat it in my salad."
The three laughed louder, their voices echoing in the classroom. Some kids joined in the snickering, while others frowned uncomfortably.
Tsume slammed her fist into her palm, whispering to Mikoto with a wolfish grin.
"Heh, this is gonna get ugly."
Mikoto frowned slightly, whispering back, "They're going too far…"
Sayomi, sitting near Asteru, fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, worry flickering across her face.
"Kushina-chan…"
Kushina bit her lip, forcing herself to look away from them. Her violet eyes darted down the aisle, only to land on Minato and Asteru. Her gaze lingered for just a heartbeat, and both boys felt it.
Asteru blinked lazily, pausing mid-chew, while Minato's brows knit together in concern. The moment she realized they saw her glance, Kushina quickly averted her eyes, looking down, her expression tight.
'If it wasn't for that guy, I wouldn't have gotten in this situation at all…' she thought bitterly, sneaking another glance at Asteru.
But Kiyou kept hammering.
"Tomato…"
Kushina closed her eyes, shoulders trembling.
'I grudgingly accept being called that name… It's embarrassing… but it does fit me perfectly.'
Kenta leaned closer, smirking wickedly.
"You're getting redder and riper!"
A few classmates burst into laughter.
"She really does look like one right now!"
"Man, she's gonna explode!"
Renji suddenly tugged at her crimson hair.
"It's the tomato festival~ It's time to harvest!"
That was the last straw. Kushina's violet eyes snapped open, blazing with fury. Her teeth clenched, her hand shot up and grabbed Renji's wrist in an iron grip.
"Who're you calling tomato?"
Her face was flushed, a mix of anger and embarrassment, but her grip was unyielding. Renji winced, his smug grin faltering.
"Ow—hey—!"
Kushina growled, tightening her hold even more, both hands gripping his wrist.
"NOW YOU LISTEN… I HATE tomato's too, ya know!"
Before anyone could blink, she spun around three times with surprising strength, dragging Renji with her. The sudden motion knocked Kiyou and Kenta off balance, sending them sprawling across the floor.
Renji was flung free mid-spin, tumbling across the classroom until his face slammed against the blackboard and podium stand with a loud thud.
"Gah!"
Gasps and laughter erupted among the watching students.
"Holy crap—!"
"Did you see that spin?"
"Renji flew like a ragdoll!"
Meanwhile, Kushina straddled Kiyou, who was still groaning on the ground. He tried to push himself up, but Kushina's fists were faster.
"Keep calling me Tomato and you're going to get it, ya know!"
Whack! Whack! Whack!
The room erupted into chaos, some kids cheering her on, others wincing at the beating.
"She's savage!"
"Don't mess with her!"
"That's Uzumaki strength for you…"
Minato and Asteru both couldn't help but chuckle quietly at the scene. Minato's smile was soft, amused yet admiring, while Asteru leaned back with his arms crossed, lips quirking into a faint smirk. 'Hah. Reverse bullying, huh? this is what I call as twist.'
But Kushina suddenly turned her head mid-punch, her blazing violet eyes locking straight onto the two boys.
"What are you two laughing at?"
Minato stiffened instantly, his smile freezing. Both he and Asteru quickly snapped their gazes forward toward the blackboard, trying to act innocent.
But curiosity tugged at Minato. He couldn't resist stealing a peek from the corner of his left eye. The moment his eyes met hers again, Kushina's glare intensified, and Minato whipped his gaze back to the front like lightning.
Asteru, however, only glanced at the interaction out of the corner of his eye, his smirk growing slightly.
'Hmmm~ now we're talking. The first spark between Kushina and Minato. Hehe~'
Kushina's fists came down one last time on Kiyou's head with a loud thump!
"Take THAT!"
Kiyou's eyes rolled a little, his arms flopping as he groaned in defeat. Kushina stood up with a sharp huff, cheeks flushed red from anger, hair swaying with her movement. She shot a final glare around the room, then stomped toward the door.
Tchk! She slid the door open with more force than necessary, stepping out without looking back.
Some classmates whispered as the door clicked shut behind her.
"She's scary when she's mad…"
"Well, they kinda asked for it."
"Yeah, but still… whoa."
As the murmurs filled the air, Asteru casually slid one of his rice balls across Minato's desk.
"There. Sharing is caring..."
Minato blinked at the rice ball, then glanced up at Asteru. "…Thanks." His voice was soft but genuine.
Asteru didn't linger for a reply. He hopped lightly onto Minato's desk, balanced himself, then jumped down smoothly, landing right beside the groaning Kiyou.
Haishi who was just leaving the classroom from front door stopped in his step as he watched Asteru moving closer to the fallen Kiyou, 'What is this guy doing now?'
Bending down on his toes, he tilted his head and poked Kiyou's forehead with one finger.
"That looked like it hurts… doesn't it?"
Kiyou winced, his lips twitching as if he wanted to retort but couldn't muster the strength.
Sayomi, tilted her head slightly. "…Asteru-kun." Her voice was soft, carrying both curiosity and concern.
Asteru smirked faintly, then stood, turning toward Kenta. The boy had been "playing dead" during Kushina's rampage, sprawled awkwardly on the floor. But as he started to rub his back and quietly push himself up, Asteru was already there. 'She forgot to teach this guy a lesson... guess I'll continue it.'
With a swift, fluid motion, Asteru lifted his leg straight forward and smack!—his foot connected squarely with Kenta's chin.
"Ungh!" Kenta's head snapped back, and he collapsed to the ground, properly unconscious this time.
The classroom fell silent for a heartbeat. All eyes turned toward Asteru.
Gasps and whispers broke out at once:
"Did he just—kick him out cold?"
"Whoa, he's flexible…"
"Kenta deserved that though…"
Tsume, eyes wide, leaned over her desk with a grin. "Oi, did you see that kick?! He knocked him clean out!"
Choza, still munching on a rice cracker, frowned. "Kinda harsh… but… fair, I guess?"
Mikoto exhaled softly, almost like a sigh as she walked towards Sayomi's desk "Honestly… all three of them deserved it. But Asteru doesn't hold back much, does he?"
Minato stayed quiet, though his lips curved into the faintest smile.
Haishi folded his arms, eyes close as he gave a remark after watching Asteru. "...Unnecessary... He should learn restraint."
Sayomi, though, leaned back from her seat towards mikoto who was standing on her back, speaking up in her calm, almost hesitant tone. "Still… Kenta-kun was pretending. If Asteru-kun hadn't stopped him, maybe he would've caused more trouble later."
Asteru straightened up, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve. He looked around the room with a calm expression, his voice casual.
"What?! Kushina forgot to beat him up, so I did it since he deserved it. That's all…"
He gave a dismissive wave, as if it wasn't worth a big deal, then turned away. His hands laced behind his head in a relaxed posture, and he strolled toward the door.
Some kids leaned forward, watching in awe, some jaws dropped, few whispered furiously, while others muttered nervously.
"Did you hear him? He—"
"Man, Asteru's scary when he gets serious…"
"Nah, he's just… cool."
"He whistled—wait, did he just try to whistle?!"
"He even tried to whistle on the way out—"
"Wait, that was a whistle?!"
Sure enough, Asteru's lips pursed as he made a soft, faint sound — not a full whistle, but close enough for an eight-year-old. He walked out casually, shoulders loose, leaving behind a classroom buzzing with tension, awe, and unspoken laughter.