"Hey, you're not doing much better! You barely passed!" Naruto glared at Shikamaru. Although Xia Li had said something similar before, he still couldn't accept it.
Shikamaru yawned and glanced at Xia Li, noticing that many eyes in the classroom were subtly focused on him. He sighed. Being first place was indeed troublesome. He could handle the theoretical questions, but the practical exercises…
Shikamaru had almost failed, and the main culprit was right in front of him. What a pain! And now there were more troublesome people around him, right here beside him!
This was still a classroom. If skipping classes was over, Shikamaru couldn't even imagine it.
Sure enough, when the bell rang, Xia Li's previously empty seat quickly became surrounded. While Xia Li wasn't as handsome as Sasuke, he was still quite good-looking, and his character was impeccable.
Naruto, pushed aside by the crowd, didn't know what to do.
Shikamaru, sitting beside him, had already anticipated this and left his seat as soon as class ended. Seeing Naruto being shoved aside, he silently thanked himself for making that decision.
"Ah, you got pushed out too!" Naruto pointed at Shikamaru.
"I didn't," Shikamaru rolled his eyes.
"Haha, don't deny it. I didn't expect Xia Li to be so popular." Naruto felt the same as he looked at Shikamaru and suddenly found him more pleasing.
"Such a nuisance. Why don't you just switch seats?" Shikamaru thought as he observed the scene.
As for Xia Li, no matter his past life or current one, this was the first time he had encountered something like this. At first, he was a little flustered, but then he realized it was indeed troublesome. He furrowed his brows, thinking that although the way Sasuke handled people in the original story didn't exist, perhaps he could learn something from it.
Thus, Xia Li ignored everyone around him, staring intently at his book, as if no one else existed.
Suddenly, everything around him fell silent. Had everyone left?
Xia Li looked up and saw that the bustling crowd remained, but standing before him was… Uchiha Sasuke. Everyone around stopped talking at the sight, anticipating the clash between the most handsome Sasuke and the top student.
Chapter 26: Uchiha
"What's wrong, Mr. Uchiha?" Xia Li looked up at the stern-faced Sasuke in front of him. He didn't feel offended; in fact, he found the boy somewhat endearing.
As for the legendary competitions, Xia Li had no interest in them. While the environment might influence his personality, it wouldn't make him childish.
Sasuke stared at Xia Li, his deep eyes full of reluctance, and finally said, "Next time… next time, I will surpass you!"
With that, Sasuke turned and walked back to his seat without another word.
Xia Li froze for a moment, then couldn't help but smile. Even in the world of Naruto, kids were still kids. This serious yet handsome demeanor was incredibly cute.
Xia Li thought about capturing it with his camera to show them when they grew up—he could probably make a lot of money.
However, Sasuke's declaration had no effect on Xia Li. He was not someone easily defeated. While Sasuke was also a cheater in some ways, it was clear that he hadn't yet faced proper consequences for his actions.
Moreover, Xia Li held a favorable impression of Sasuke. He was diligent, carried the pride of the Uchiha clan, and his words reflected his self-respect and personal character.
In fact, Sasuke's pride wasn't a bad thing. Compared to other Uchiha, Sasuke was almost childlike, yet remarkably competent. He didn't hate others more than he hated himself, nor did he secretly target people because of their status. Even just declaring his effort made him impressive.
Xia Li remembered that in his previous life, he had hated Sasuke as a child. He thought the boy was mean and didn't treat Naruto well. Back then, as long as Sasuke treated Naruto poorly, he disliked him. Now, seeing Sasuke boast about revenge, Xia Li's former self would have been even more irritated.
Now, Xia Li realized he had grown more rational.
Although Sasuke was proud of himself, he wasn't arrogant. His effort and talent could not be ignored. Compared to other Uchiha, his strength was indeed formidable.
As for the relationship between Sasuke and Naruto, it seemed tense on the surface, but they both understood each other.
Finally, Sasuke began contemplating revenge. Wasn't that normal? After all, his entire clan had been killed. If Danzo were dead, would everything end? That was wishful thinking.
If Sasuke remained indifferent after such a catastrophe, then he truly would be a heartless traitor.
Even so, Sasuke didn't turn evil; he simply claimed the mantle of avenger whenever he could. In comparison, Xia Li understood that Sasuke's experience had been influenced by legend—and so had Kakashi.
As for Sasuke's brother, Uchiha Itachi, his Mangekyo Sharingan was unparalleled, yet…
Xia Li simply could not comprehend him. Wanting to ease conflict between the clan and the village was one thing, but if that failed, killing the clan? That was beyond understanding.
Xia Li didn't want to understand—it was irrelevant to him.
He only knew that if anyone dared harm Xina in the future, whether high-ranking Konoha leaders or elders, as long as their strength wasn't sufficient, they must first endure. Once powerful enough, he could fight alongside the village. He would overturn the situation!
When the time came, no one could stop him.
This mindset limited Xia Li's personal development because Xina lived a comfortable life in Konoha, and the village treated him well. He had a relatively easy job, a decent income, and even some ninja allowances.
Though these were small favors, they allowed Xina to raise Xia Li properly—which was enough.
It also meant Xia Li never intended to betray the village. He knew of its darkness, some of which was unbearable.
But what did that matter to him? Xia Li was not a saint seeking justice; he was simply an ordinary person wanting to grow stronger and protect himself and those he cared about.
Furthermore, Konoha's darkness was terrifying. Were other villages cleaner? Barely—everything in this ninja world was tainted.
As for the things that made him uncomfortable: if he could change them, fine. If not, it shouldn't affect him or those he cared about.
From the start, Xia Li knew he was selfish, and he had no intention of changing.
Thus, Xia Li could never understand Uchiha Itachi's actions. He could only conclude that the people of the Naruto world had unique ways of thinking…
What did that have to do with Xia Li? Let Sasuke and Konoha leaders handle it—it had nothing to do with him.
However, as he thought, Xia Li couldn't help glancing at Sasuke and recalling the village events. He hadn't paid much attention before, but it seemed the village and the Uchiha clan were increasingly intertwined. He felt uneasy.
So, was the Uchiha clan about to be wiped out?
Xia Li thought about it. He only knew of the event, not when it would happen. Judging by appearances, it seemed imminent.
For the night the Uchiha clan would be annihilated, Xia Li had no intention of changing his decision or getting involved. He was just a small player—should he simply die?
Knowing Xina's overall actions rarely intersected with the Uchiha, Xia Li relaxed. Then he began pondering the clan again.
Ultimately, Xia Li felt hopeless; perhaps death was the only outcome.
Unfortunately, Uchiha Fugaku was a relatively gentle clan head. Without encountering Danzo, relations with Konoha might have eased. Even if tensions remained, resistance wouldn't be forced.
Unfortunately, there was Danzo. As long as he existed, reconciliation with Konoha was nearly impossible.
Perhaps Shisui's Mangekyo temporarily dazzled him, prompting rebellion?
Xia Li thought it shouldn't be that simple. Fugaku was the clan leader—did he really believe one Mangekyo could defeat the village, the strongest village at that?
Thus, if the clan rebelled, it was likely desperation that drove them, seeing Shisui's Mangekyo and deciding to try.
Later, two young people betrayed him, and even his clan was wiped out by an unfilial son…
Truly unfortunate.
Xia Li felt lucky he wasn't reincarnated into the Uchiha. Otherwise, he would first think about escaping Konoha. He never intended to change the clan or village, let alone encourage Shisui to assassinate Danzo.
Forget it—overthinking only harms the brain. This was all speculation, unverifiable, and meaningless to dwell on.
Chapter 27: Rewards
In fact, Xia Li's cold indifference caused people around him to scatter. There was no need to feign warmth while being icy, yet if he remained at the top, dispersal would become impossible.
After everyone left, Yamanaka Ino had the chance to approach Xia Li. She walked over nervously to greet him.
Ino didn't know why she was worried. She had greeted Xia Li before, but seeing him ignore everyone, she feared he might also ignore her.
"Xia Li, you're really popular now."
Xia Li turned to see Ino, helplessly saying, "I don't want to be this popular—it's annoying. I just want to read quietly."
Seeing Xia Li's usual attitude, Ino relaxed and laughed. "No choice—your grades are far above second place."
Xia Li sighed. "It's really troublesome."
"So Xia Li intentionally ignores others?" Ino suddenly seemed to realize something.
Xia Li glanced around and nodded. Though he didn't care much about people, speaking aloud might offend someone. Better to act indifferent.
"Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret," Ino laughed, seeing Xia Li's expression.
"If others hear, it would be troublesome," Xia Li said no more.
Satisfied, Ino left. She felt special, having passed unnoticed by both parties.
Ino could sense the surprise of others seeing him speak to Xia Li and felt proud.
Why would Xia Li think so much? Ignoring others before, but now around a familiar person, he couldn't pretend?
If Ino knew, she'd probably say: "You're already cold—you don't need to pretend!"
"The scary ones are finally gone." Naruto returned to his seat, wiping nonexistent cold sweat, complaining, "I can't even go home now."
"Yeah, it's pretty intimidating," Xia Li thought, agreeing. Though he had seen this in the original story and thought it exaggerated, facing it now felt genuinely intimidating.
"It's your fault," Shikamaru said, walking to the other side, glaring at Xia Li with deadpan eyes for forcing him to leave his seat.
"Then there's nothing I can do. You can't just let things happen deliberately, right?" Xia Li said, glancing at Shikamaru.
"Yeah… true," Shikamaru scratched his head, speechless. Had he just claimed his theoretical knowledge was weak?
However, Xia Li had clearly noticed. Shikamaru looked at Xia Li, now focused back on his book, and sighed—this person lived up to his reputation.
The day passed quickly. Xia Li continued his usual training, practiced the Empty Void, and completed the final lightning massage. Even finishing first didn't change this habit.
After all, from Xia Li's knowledge of the past life, once a routine broke, excuses to slack off would follow, so it couldn't be skipped.
The events mirrored yesterday, but Xia Li now knew Xina wanted to know the results.
Xia Li hadn't intended to be cryptic. After handing the score sheet to Xina, he took his clean clothes and towel to the bathroom.
Xina looked at the scores—full marks and first place—and was momentarily stunned. Her son had been playing outside every day, and yet his grades were this good?
As for his physical performance, it was solid. After all, Xia Li trained intensely before coming home daily, giving his body excellent conditioning.
However, his theoretical score was still first. Was her son really that talented?
Xina pondered, recalling Xia Li's childhood intelligence and diligence. Though recently tired, seeing these results renewed her motivation. She imagined boasting about him to colleagues and smiled.
In fact, Xia Li was even more exhausted. The lightning massage helped his body recover, and recovery required energy.
Where did that energy come from? Naturally, from food—hence Xia Li's recent voracious appetite.
From Xina's perspective, however, this must have been the result of rigorous training at school. Even if her salary only covered living expenses, despite other frugality, maintaining such results would be impossible otherwise.
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