Oda-sensei, whom they hadn't seen in a while, hadn't changed a bit. He began by greeting the students, asking if they had worked hard during the break, and reminding them that a new semester had begun. That said, Oda-sensei was indeed very dedicated. Putting aside his actual teaching ability, he at least did not bring shame to the profession.
Among the lower-grade students, he had earned the respect of many classmates.
After his opening remarks, Oda began the usual roll call. When he called out "Uchiha Obito," there was no response.
The King of Lateness was late again.
As expected of Uchiha Obito, his latecomer persona remained perfectly consistent, something even Seiryū had to admire.
Seiryū even suspected that Obito might be doing it on purpose, trying to attract attention through his tardiness. Just as Oda finished calling the last name, the sound of hurried footsteps approached.
It was as if he had timed it perfectly... Obito carrying his school bag, came running in, drenched in sweat and panting heavily. He immediately blurted out his usual excuse, "S-sorry, Sensei, I'm late. I ran into an old grandmother on the way…"
The whole class fell silent: "..."
Can't he come up with a different excuse?
Even before Obito opened his mouth, everyone already knew what he was going to say.
Every single one of them had Observation Haki that could predict the future!
Oda looked at Obito with a blank expression and said, "I know. Go back to your seat."
Obito noticed the looks on his classmates' faces and felt wronged. He mumbled under his breath, "I really wasn't lying this time…"
He honestly hadn't lied—not this time, and not the times before, either.
Konoha's aging population was truly serious. There really were a lot of grandmothers and grandfathers!
Clap. Clap.
Oda clapped his hands to get the class's attention, cleared his throat, and said, "Students, today is the first day of the second semester. We need to see if you slacked off during the break."
"Today, we'll be having practical and combat training so your sensei can see how much progress you've made."
"All students, proceed to the Fourth Training Ground!"
On the very first day of the second semester, they were already doing practical and combat training to assess their progress over the month-long break.
From that alone, it was clear how ruthless the Ninja Academy really was…
The results of the morning's weapon-throwing class were soon released.
As expected—
Seiryū once again came in first. Kakashi was the eternal runner-up. Third place went to Uchiha Ryota, fourth to Asuma, fifth to Shiranui Genma, and sixth to Kurenai…
'Even after a full month of special training in weapon throwing with my big brother, I still can't beat those two?' Uchiha Ryota, who placed third, was frustrated.
The Uchiha Clan was clearly known for its weapon-throwing prowess, and he had trained like crazy. Yet, he still lost to Seiryū and Kakashi.
'As I thought, if I want to surpass them… I need to awaken the Sharingan!'
Ryota clenched his fists, unwilling to accept the result. In previous years, Uchiha Clan members were always among the top. They were guaranteed second place, if not first.
So why did two monsters appear in his generation?
He cast a disdainful glance at his clanmate, Obito, his heart full of contempt and frustration. 'As an Uchiha, he ranked below average in weapon throwing? What a disgrace to the clan!'
"..." Obito was also feeling defeated at the moment. He had really tried his best.
But what could he do when the kunai, senbon, and shuriken just refused to obey?
Others hit exactly where they aimed. He aimed east and hit west. Of course, he was crushed.
He just wanted to show off a little in front of Rin!
Clearly, the only way to impress her was to awaken the Sharingan…
Seeing the disheartened Obito, Guy, who was in the same boat, patted him on the shoulder and comforted him, "Obito, don't get discouraged. As long as we keep working hard and don't waste our youth, our scores will definitely improve!"
"Haha…" Obito gave a dry laugh. But Guy's encouragement worked a little. "I won't give up! One day, I'll surpass Kakashi and Seiryū!"
Guy grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "That's the spirit of youth! I'm fired up! Train weapon throwing with me! If we don't hit the bullseye a hundred times, we'll run twenty kilometers after school!"
Obito's face twitched. "Training together is fine, but… twenty kilometers? No thanks."
With his scrawny little body, if he ran twenty kilometers straight, he might drop dead on the spot.
Might as well let the clan prepare for his funeral a few days early…
Time passed quickly during the weapon-throwing class.
When the afternoon combat class arrived—
The rules were the same as before: draw lots first, then challenge.
But this time, it wasn't just basic Taijutsu. Ninja tools were allowed too, making the battles far more dangerous.
Oda, being a Chūnin, was in charge of ensuring the students' safety.
After all, as a Chūnin, he could intervene when things got out of hand.
That was a teacher's job.
Match after match concluded. As expected, there was no suspense, Seiryū and Kakashi made it to the final round to compete for first place again!
In the arena.
Kakashi faced Seiryū, his tone serious. "As expected, it's you again in the final match, Seiryū."
Seiryū smiled. "Same as last time? All-out battle?"
Kakashi nodded. "Of course. For us, fighting with everything we've got is the only thing that makes sense. I won't lose this time!"
[Ding. Geniuses are merely stepping stones for the Host. You have encountered the Commoner Genius Hatano Manishi again in combat training. Facing an opponent you've already defeated once, the Host is only permitted to win!
Mission Issued: Defeat the Commoner Genius Hatano Manishi again!
Mission Reward: Bakudō #8: Seki!]
Hearing the system prompt, Seiryū's eyes lit up. So this guy called "Commoner Genius Hatano Manishi" showed up again, and the system even gave him a quest?
Nice!
For once, the system wasn't being useless!
Seiryū felt a flash of joy, a smile forming at the corners of his mouth. "I've learned quite a few Ninjutsu recently. You'd better be careful."
"I haven't been slacking either."
"Then let me see what progress you've made."
The two stood across from each other, locking eyes as they both formed the Seal of Confrontation.
Then—
Kakashi pulled a metal short sword from his ninja pouch. Seiryū drew a kunai.
Swish. Swish.
The next moment, the two moved at the same time, charging forward. The distance of several meters closed in an instant.
One held a sword. The other gripped a kunai in a reverse hold!
Clang!
Before the eyes of all the students and teachers present, their weapons—one from the left, one from the right—collided, producing a sharp metallic clang.
Clang. Clang. Clang…
They immediately disengaged upon contact.
Then, they kicked off the ground again and charged once more. In just a few seconds, their sword and kunai clashed more than a dozen times. The sounds of metal striking metal rang out nonstop, accompanied by flying sparks…
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)