Time slipped by quickly, and three years passed in the blink of an eye.
By now, Uchiha Hayashi had advanced to the fifth grade of the Academy. That meant, after one more year, he would finally graduate and become a Genin of Konohagakure.
The classroom in June was unbearably hot, filled with the sweltering air of summer. Outside, the branches of tall sycamore trees stretched lazily toward the windows, their leaves brushing the wooden frames. Cicadas cried endlessly in the distance, their rapid chirping echoing through the classroom until it felt as if even one's heartbeat fell into rhythm with the sound.
Hayashi sat slouched at his desk, half-asleep. Just as his eyelids threatened to close completely, a deep green leaf detached from a branch outside and floated down, landing softly on his head.
Startled, he lifted his head to see that Uncle Nishimura was still rambling on at the front of the class.
"Let's assume the Second Hokage releases Water Release into a one-hundred-cubic-meter pool. Now, if the Second Kazekage digs a small hole in the side of the pool, which leaks one liter of water per minute, how long will it take for the Second Hokage to fill it? Let's calculate…"
Nishimura's booming lecture dragged on endlessly. Hayashi's thoughts grew muddled—none of it made any sense to him.
Summer, the best time to relax, yet here he was trapped in this suffocating room. His frown deepened as the sound of the cicadas mixed with Nishimura's droning voice.
So noisy! Can't they let people sleep in peace?
Hayashi shot an annoyed glare at Nishimura, who remained completely absorbed in his lecture. All Hayashi wanted at that moment was to sneak out, find a shady tree, and enjoy a nap beneath it. That was, in his opinion, the true way to embrace summer.
He turned to his friend beside him. "Minato, let's get out of here. We can't stay trapped in this soul-crushing class."
Minato Namikaze, who had been listening with half an ear, squinted thoughtfully, then gave a small smile. "Hmm… maybe you're right."
"That's it then, I'm in," Nawaki added, nodding with determination. "I can't take another minute of this boring lesson."
Hayashi grinned. "Exactly. If we stay here any longer, we'll suffocate. Forget learning ninjutsu, it's hard enough just to breathe."
Nawaki crossed his arms, his expression serious but comical at the same time. "And the worst part—just look at Nishimura-sensei's face. It's like being caught in an S-rank genjutsu."
Hayashi tried to stifle a laugh. Nishimura, the broad-shouldered Chunin standing at the podium, was known for his stern expression and thick muscles. Sweat never seemed to touch him, no matter the heat, a testament to his years of taijutsu training. The man was tireless, an immovable wall of discipline.
As expected of the legendary "Black Face" Nishimura. Truly unyielding.
If only Hayashi could get away with sending a Shadow Clone to class. That had worked once—until a girl had accidentally dispelled it during training, leaving her in tears for days. Ever since, the Academy banned the use of clones to attend in one's place.
Hayashi's gaze drifted to Mikoto Uchiha, sitting diligently at her desk, taking notes as if the sweltering air didn't bother her at all. "She really is a genius," Hayashi thought, impressed.
In front of him, Kushina Uzumaki had tied up her vibrant red hair to battle the heat, though it didn't seem to help much. She was fast asleep, drooling slightly as if caught in a dream. Hayashi smirked. "As expected of Kushina… she can sleep through anything."
"By the way," Nawaki whispered, "how exactly are we sneaking out? Nishimura is a Chunin. If he catches us, we'll end up in the office for sure."
"What's this? Nawaki, aren't you the one who just said you couldn't stand it anymore? Where's the plan?" Hayashi teased.
"If I had a plan, I wouldn't be asking you," Nawaki muttered.
Minato chuckled quietly, but his eyes were still scanning for a chance. The three of them lowered their voices, careful to use the subtle ventriloquism technique ninjas practiced—minimizing lip movement so as not to draw attention.
From the podium, Nishimura's booming voice continued without pause. "Now, suppose the Third Hokage is fighting the Raikage. After launching a Fire Release, the Hokage adds explosive tags. Write out the explosive chemical equation…"
Nawaki's eyes dulled in despair. "If we don't leave soon, I'll die right here," he whispered.
"Hey, Hayashi, Minato," another quiet voice came from behind. Shikaku Nara leaned forward, his usual lazy look on his face. "If you're sneaking out, count me in. This class is unbearable."
"Me too," Choza said, his voice almost desperate. "If I stay, my snacks will melt before I get to them."
Hayashi glanced around. To his surprise, many of the students nearby were nodding in agreement, all still pretending to face the blackboard. Even Shikaku, Choza, and others had mastered the art of silent conversation in Nishimura's class.
The only exceptions were Kushina, still sleeping, and Mikoto, still jotting down every word as though the class truly mattered.
"So, what if we all go together?" Nawaki suggested. His eyes gleamed with mischief.
"A group escape," Hayashi whispered back. "Simple, but effective. If everyone runs in different directions, even Nishimura won't be able to stop us all. Let's call it… 'Operation Summer Great Escape.' Difficulty rating: A-rank."
Nods of agreement spread quietly through the classroom. Nearly everyone was ready to bolt the moment the signal was given.
Out of fifty students, forty-eight prepared to flee.
Hayashi smirked. "Alright, then. When the moment comes, no regrets. Whoever gets caught takes the punishment alone. Everyone else runs free. Understood?"
Dozens of subtle nods answered him, silent yet united.
The plan was set.
And so began the Summer Escape.
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