Chapter 7 — He's Got at Least Four Years Before Graduation, Right?!
Hokage's Office
Bang!
The sharp crack echoed through the Hokage's office as Tsunade's palm slammed heavily against the wooden desk. Papers trembled. The ink bottle wobbled dangerously.
A fierce, almost delighted grin spread across her face.
"Serves him right! Just as expected from someone I've taken a liking to!"
Jiraiya nearly choked. He shot her a frantic look, subtly gesturing toward the man seated behind the desk.
Our teacher is still right there.
Tsunade noticed. She simply snorted.
"Jiraiya, keep rolling your eyes like that and I'll dig them out myself. What are you sneaking glances for?"
Jiraiya: "..."
He immediately straightened up and looked anywhere but at her.
Tsunade crossed her arms, her golden eyes flashing with irritation.
"What? So Sarutobi Shinnosuke is allowed to bully others, but no one's allowed to stand up for my little sister?"
The moment Jiraiya heard that tone, he wisely shut his mouth. One did not argue with Tsunade when she was like this—especially not over something involving Kushina.
"Old man," Tsunade said at last, turning toward the Hokage, "handle it however you see fit."
As the village's designated next Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Kushina had been placed under discreet but constant surveillance from the moment she entered the academy classroom. Sarutobi Hiruzen and his three disciples had been observing everything through the crystal ball using the Telescope Technique.
They had seen the entire incident—Shinnosuke's arrogance, the bullying, and Uchiha Tendō's decisive retaliation.
That was why Tsunade had been practically vibrating with satisfaction when Tendō stepped in. If not for the setting, she might truly have applauded.
A faint, serpentine smile tugged at Orochimaru's lips.
"Tsunade… no matter what, Shinnosuke is sensei's son."
His tone was mild, almost idle—but the meaning beneath it was sharp.
Tsunade understood immediately.
It wasn't about defending Shinnosuke. It was about giving their teacher a dignified path forward.
After all, Tendō had already made his point. Pushing further would only make things awkward.
She exhaled softly and said nothing more.
Behind the desk, Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly released a stream of smoke. His aged face was calm, but his eyes were thoughtful.
"Tsunade," he said gravely, "this matter is indeed Shinnosuke's fault. I will discipline him severely and give you—and Kushina—an explanation."
Tsunade gave a small, noncommittal nod.
Whether or not Hiruzen would truly discipline his own son was another matter entirely. But publicly acknowledging fault was already enough to preserve face.
Seeing the tension ease, Jiraiya quickly seized the opportunity to shift the topic.
"Hahaha! That Uchiha boy just now—his strength is no joke. His physical ability alone has probably already reached Chūnin level."
There was genuine admiration in his voice.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed faintly with interest.
"Tsunade… earlier, you said this boy caught your attention?"
The three of them had once fought side by side on countless battlefields. There was little need for secrecy among them. And with Orochimaru's position in the village, any information he wanted was merely a matter of time.
"His name is Uchiha Tendō," Tsunade replied. "I assume you've heard of him."
"The most outstanding talent among the younger generation of the Uchiha clan?"
"That's right. But that's not the most important part."
Her expression turned serious.
"Four months ago, he awakened the Sharingan. And he opened directly to two tomoe."
Jiraiya inhaled sharply.
"At eight years old? And already two tomoe?!"
The Sharingan was not the Byakugan, which awakened at birth. For most Uchiha, it required intense emotional stimulation to manifest—and even then, it usually began with a single tomoe.
To skip straight to two at such a young age…
It was extraordinary.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice grew solemn.
"And that is not all. His temperament and natural talent are no less than those of the Second Hokage in his youth."
The room fell quiet.
"In the future," Hiruzen continued, "he will undoubtedly become one of Konoha's pillars. We must strengthen his bonds with the village while he is still young."
His gaze shifted to Tsunade.
"When the time comes, I intend for you to lead his team. It will deepen his connection to Konoha."
Jiraiya's mouth twitched.
"Old man… he's got at least four years before graduation. Isn't that planning a bit too far ahead?"
Orochimaru's thin smile widened as he gestured lightly toward the crystal ball.
"Sensei… perhaps that bond is already on its way."
At those words, all eyes turned toward the shimmering image within the sphere.
---
Ninja Academy — Classroom
Honda Takeshi stood stiffly at the front of the room, his expression dazed.
When he had first seen Uchiha Tendō return to school, he had felt relieved—even pleased. Every teacher treasured a brilliant, disciplined student.
But now?
On the very first day back, the boy had beaten up the Hokage's son.
Honda felt his career flashing before his eyes.
Finished… I'm finished…
Uchiha Tendō glanced at him and immediately saw through his thoughts.
"Sensei," he said calmly, "there's no need to worry. The Hokage is a reasonable man. He will handle this matter impartially."
His tone was steady, neither arrogant nor apologetic.
But the words were deliberate.
Tendō knew exactly who was watching.
Having watched the original story of this world, he understood Sarutobi Hiruzen better than most. The Third Hokage valued his reputation deeply. He prided himself on fairness, benevolence, and public image.
After hearing such open praise, how could Hiruzen possibly act in a way that contradicted it?
Honda Takeshi forced a bitter smile.
"Tendō… thank you for comforting me."
Whether he believed those words was another matter entirely.
He then turned toward the red-haired girl still standing near the door.
"Kushina, find a seat and sit down."
With that said, he hurriedly escorted the injured students to Konoha Hospital, Namikaze Minato quickly following behind to assist.
The classroom gradually quieted.
Uzumaki Kushina stood awkwardly for a moment, glancing around. Most seats were already taken. Some students avoided her gaze. Others whispered quietly.
Her eyes eventually landed on the last row.
On him.
Uchiha Tendō sat by the window, posture relaxed, expression indifferent.
Gathering her courage, she walked over.
"Um… hello. May I sit here?"
He didn't look at her.
"Suit yourself."
Only after hearing that did Kushina carefully lower herself into the seat beside him.
Up close, she could see the sharp lines of his profile and the calm detachment in his expression.
"Hello. My name is Uzumaki Kushina."
"Uchiha Tendō."
His response was brief.
Kushina hesitated, then spoke sincerely.
"Thank you for earlier. If you hadn't helped me teach them a lesson… I wouldn't have known what to do."
Tendō's gaze remained forward.
"I just couldn't stand them. I wasn't trying to help you."
Silence fell.
"..."
The words Kushina had prepared caught in her throat.
She hadn't expected warmth.
But she hadn't expected this level of indifference either. Her bright red hair framed a face that slowly dimmed with disappointment.