Rumors ignited overnight—but the real storm was only beginning.
"Uchiha Izumi reporting."
Once Izumi arrived at the Sarutobi estate, a servant quickly led her inside.
They passed through several courtyards and buildings before finally stopping in front of Alaric's residence.
Staring at the elegant structure before her, Izumi's eyes widened slightly.
It was no worse than the Uchiha clan head's home.
"This is Young Master Alaric's residence," the steward said calmly.
"From today onward, you'll be responsible for attending to him."
"Attending… personally?"
Before Izumi could gather her thoughts, the steward turned and left. Everything that needed to be said had already been said.
Left alone, facing the lavish residence—and the Sarutobi heir she had yet to properly meet—a wave of helplessness washed over her.
After a deep breath, Izumi stepped inside.
"Oh. You're here."
The moment she entered, she saw Alaric, dressed casually, his posture relaxed and utterly unguarded.
Izumi's face instantly flushed.
"Y-Young Master Alaric!"
"From today on, I'll be serving you."
"Please… take care of me."
Seeing her nervousness, a hint of amusement flashed through Alaric's eyes.
"You're missing something."
Izumi froze.
She knew exactly what he meant.
For a moment, she didn't know where to look—especially with Alaric standing there so casually, exuding an effortless confidence that made it hard to breathe.
"…Y-Young Master," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Satisfied, Alaric waved his hand.
"Alright. Go put your things away."
"You'll be staying here from now on."
He pointed to a side room.
Izumi hurried inside, setting down her belongings. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she found her resistance slowly melting away.
After meeting Alaric in person, the task didn't feel as unbearable as she had feared.
Once she finished unpacking, Izumi returned.
Alaric glanced up briefly, then gestured toward the bed.
"Do what you're supposed to do."
"Don't make me remind you again."
Izumi's cheeks burned.
She hesitated, then carefully lay down on the edge of the bed, stiff as a board, barely daring to breathe.
After a moment, she spoke softly.
"…It's ready, Young Master."
Alaric walked over and lay down as well—keeping a clear distance.
Izumi tensed instinctively, but nothing else happened.
"Relax," Alaric said calmly.
"Sleep."
That was all.
Despite her racing thoughts, exhaustion eventually won.
Morning came quickly.
Izumi woke up first.
When she opened her eyes, she saw Alaric already dressed, standing by the window.
She hurriedly sat up, flustered and embarrassed.
"…G-good morning."
Alaric glanced over, then looked away again.
"Get ready. We're heading to the Academy."
Only then did Izumi realize something—and let out a small, startled sound before ducking back under the blanket.
The awkwardness lingered in the air.
But somehow—
It felt lighter than before.
—
At the Ninja Academy.
Outside the gates, whispers followed Sasuke Uchiha the moment he arrived.
"That's Sasuke…"
"The Uchiha genius?"
"Genius? Alaric didn't even bother lifting a finger."
"Tch, always acting so arrogant."
Sasuke's mood darkened instantly.
Suppressing his irritation, he entered the classroom—and immediately spotted the blond idiot grinning at him.
"Hahaha! Hey, cool guy!"
"Got taught a lesson yesterday, didn't you?!"
Sasuke shot Naruto Uzumaki a murderous glare.
"Shut up, idiot."
He scanned the room instinctively.
Alaric wasn't there.
Clicking his tongue, Sasuke dropped into his seat, expression sour.
Among the girls, most had already shifted their attention.
Only Sakura Haruno still hovered nearby.
"Sasuke-kun—"
"Don't you get annoying?"
The words hit like a slap.
Sakura froze, then quietly returned to her seat, eyes stinging.
Even Ino Yamanaka, who had been about to mock her, hesitated and said nothing.
Then—
The classroom door slid open.
Alaric stepped in.
Ino was the first to react, rushing forward.
"Alaric! Yesterday was incredible!"
Before she could say more, the other girls surged in, pushing her aside.
"Alaric!"
"You were amazing!"
"Will you be my boyfriend?!"
Alaric raised an eyebrow, thoroughly entertained.
Fortunately, Iruka Umino arrived just in time, restoring order.
Under dozens of gazes, Alaric walked to the back of the classroom—
And sat down beside Hinata Hyuga.
He smiled faintly.
"Long time no see, Hinata."
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