Chapter 24: The Class
Iruka frowned slightly upon hearing Naruto's self-introduction, but he didn't say much.
Before taking over this class, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already briefed him on the situation, specifically telling him to look after Naruto.
However, Iruka's parents had died during the Nine-Tails Rampage. He felt a surge of hostility from within when he saw Naruto, but recalling Naruto's introduction and Hiruzen Sarutobi's instructions, he had to act as if nothing was wrong.
As for how to treat Naruto in the future, Irukahadn't quite decided yet.
As for the other students in the class, a wave of clamor broke out upon hearing Naruto's self-introduction.
Faint voices could be heard saying,'So he's that Demon Fox!'
'Why is the Demon Fox in our class?'
'How can a Demon Fox come to the Ninja Academy?'
And other similar remarks.
Meanwhile, the second-generation children from the Great Clans only glanced at Naruto with curiosity, saying nothing at all.
After Naruto finished his introduction, Iruka had the students distribute the textbooks.
Naruto took a cursory glance; aside from the basic Chakra Extraction Technique and the basic Three Basic Jutsu, there were some simple physics and arithmetic books, while the rest were books praising Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After a quick look, Naruto stuffed all the books into his desk cubby.
Seeing Naruto's actions, Shino Aburamewhispered to him, "Even if you don't want to study, you should take out one or two books to shield yourself. If you get caught by the teacher, you'll have to go stand in the hallway as punishment."
Naruto smiled and nodded, saying, "You have a point! Your glasses are pretty cool! Where can I buy them? Could you give me a pair?"
"No problem, I'll give you one tomorrow."
"Thanks!"
"You're welcome, we're classmates after all!"
Just as Shino Aburame finished speaking, Shikamaru and Choji both turned around.
Choji even held out his potato chips to Naruto.
"Have some chips!"
"Uh...! Thanks!"
With that, Naruto took a chip and popped it into his mouth; Choji's move had actually caught Naruto off guard.
Shikamaru smiled and said, "Choji is quite shy. His way of making friends is to share his food. I hope you don't mind."
Naruto smiled and replied, "I don't mind that at all! By the way, how long are we supposed to stay in this school?"
"Are you asking how long we stay today, or how long we study at this school?"
"Both!"
"Once the books are distributed, we can pretty much go back. Tomorrow is school as usual. As for this school, we have to study for six years, graduating at twelve under normal circumstances. Of course, you can also graduate early."
Naruto nodded and said, "I see! I just looked at the curriculum, and it feels like studying at the Ninja Academy is a waste of time."
Nara Shikamaru's lips curled as he said, "In the eyes of the Great Clans, coming to the Ninja Academy isn't just about studying."
Nara Shikamaru's words gave Naruto a momentary pause, but he soon understood what was going on.
One way or another, commoners needed a platform for advancement, and the Ninja Academy was that platform for them.
As for second-generation kids like them coming to the Academy, it was entirely for show to the commoners.
It was to let the commoners see that even the Great Clans needed to attend the Ninja Academyto become Ninjas.
The Great Clans also sent some of their children to the Academy to let the commoners know which Great Clans existed in Konoha, while simultaneously establishing prestige among the common people.
Naruto smiled and looked at Shikamaru, saying, "Does that mean we can skip class?"
Shikamaru shook his head and said, "As long as it's not too obvious, skipping class is naturally fine. However... if you get caught, you'll still be punished by having to stand outside."
"Then just don't get caught! Come on, I'll take you guys to grill some fish."
Nara Shikamaru was stunned by Naruto's words. He didn't expect Naruto to be so bold as to disrespect the teacher on the very first day, especially before the books were even finished being handed out! If he skipped class now, the teacher would definitely hold a grudge.
"I think you should endure for a bit! We can leave after the books are distributed. If you skip now and the teacher keeps a close eye on you later, you'll be in big trouble."
Choji also nodded in agreement, handing his chips to Naruto and saying, "If you're really bored, I'll treat you to some chips."
Seeing both of them advising him, Naruto smiled, took two chips, and said while eating, "Fine, I'll give him some face! I'll leave after the books are distributed."
Shikamaru's lip twitched as he said, "So Iruka-sensei should thank you for staying?"
Naruto said with a playful, arrogant grin, "Of course! I'm the Demon Fox! Waiting obediently for him to finish handing out books—isn't that giving him face?"
"Tch! Don't think we don't know what's going on with this 'Demon Fox' business. It only fools the ordinary people."
Naruto glanced at Iruka and said, "But he's one of the people who was fooled!"
Nara Shikamaru froze for a moment, understanding what Naruto meant.
Shikamaru had seen the look in Iruka's eyes earlier when he looked at Naruto, which indicated that Iruka didn't know Naruto was the Jinchuriki.
Shikamaru looked at Naruto and smiled, dropping the topic. Continuing it would inevitably lead to sensitive issues.
Seeing Shikamaru's smile, Naruto couldn't help but admire Shikamaru's intelligence.
After the books were distributed, Iruka announced the school time for tomorrow and then allowed the students free time.
It was called free time, but it was actually for the children to explore and get to know the school.
Naruto looked at Shikamaru, Shino, and the others, saying, "I don't think you guys are interested in staying at school. How about going to my place for grilled fish?"
Shikamaru nodded and said, "Choji and I are in!"
Shino Aburame still said coolly, "I'm in too."
"Do you mind if I invite Hinata Hyuga from the Hyuga Clan?"
Nara Shikamaru raised an eyebrow and said, "Of course not! If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have wanted to invite Ino Yamanaka from the Yamanaka Clan."
"I'm fine with that too! We'll be in the same class from now on, so we should get to know each other."
Naruto and Shikamaru shared a smile and went to invite their respective people.
Naruto walked up to Hinata and said, "I've invited some classmates to go grill fish, do you want to come?"
Hinata nodded timidly and said, "Okay!"
Then she shyly lowered her head again.
Seeing Hinata's reaction, Naruto smiled and led her to join Shikamaru and the others.
But to Naruto's surprise, besides Ino Yamanaka, Sakura Haruno had also come along.