Some defeats hurt more… after the fight is over.
"This kid… he's been hiding it well."
A faint smile tugged at Watanabe Yū's lips.
Kai's effortless victory over Hyuga Sora proved one thing—
his strength far surpassed his opponent's.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have ended so cleanly.
Class 1-3…
might have produced a promising talent.
Perhaps—
he could even be compared to Uchiha Itachi?
Over the past two months, Itachi had been exceptional.
Easily the academy's top student.
But after a moment's thought, Watanabe shook his head.
A genius like Itachi wasn't something you found everywhere.
As for Kai hiding his strength—
Watanabe wasn't upset.
If anything, he admired it.
Low-profile.
Steady.
Composed beyond his years.
Qualities of someone who could go far.
At the same age—
Watanabe knew he couldn't have done the same.
His gaze toward Kai grew more approving.
"Uchiha Kai wins."
Kai showed no excitement.
No pride.
He simply returned to the crowd.
Defeating Sora meant nothing.
With three bloodlines—
if he couldn't win, he might as well smash his head into tofu.
"Inuzuka Yano, Akimichi Seichō—take him to the infirmary," Watanabe sighed.
"Hopefully this teaches him something."
"Sensei, can we switch?" Yano raised his skinny arm. "I can't carry him."
"Yeah… I get tired just walking…" Seichō added between bites of chips.
Both clearly disliked Sora.
"No negotiations. Move."
"…Fine."
The two reluctantly lifted Sora.
He looked miserable—covered in dust, still twitching slightly.
"Don't puke on me!" Yano grumbled. "Serves you right for barking like that earlier."
"He's heavy… can't he diet?" Seichō muttered.
Sora nearly spat blood in rage—
but endured it.
For now.
"Continue!"
The remaining matches were uneventful.
Soon—
school ended.
"Class dismissed."
"Yeah!"
Cheers erupted.
…
Infirmary.
"Nami, are you feeling better?"
Instead of going home, Kai came to visit her.
Most of the class avoided him.
But Nami—
was different.
From the very first day—
she had shown him kindness.
After two months—
he considered her a friend.
"I'm okay now," Nami said softly. "A medical ninja treated me."
"Sorry for making you worry…"
Her eyes grew misty.
"You're crying again?" Kai sighed lightly.
Then he smiled.
"If we're friends, just call me Kai."
"I'll call you Nami."
"Really?" Her eyes widened.
"We're… friends?"
Kai nodded.
She deserved it.
"Thank you!"
She clenched her small fists, beaming.
"G-Kai… let's get along!"
She extended her hand.
"Of course."
Their hands met.
Soft.
Warm.
"To celebrate… I'll treat you to Ichiraku Ramen!" she said excitedly.
"No need—"
"Yes!"
She was firm.
"I'm free today," Kai said immediately, completely serious.
Ichiraku Ramen—
he had wanted to try it for a long time.
But money had always been tight.
Now?
Perfect opportunity.
"…Okay," Nami said, smiling sweetly.
Her heart fluttered.
Eating ramen together—
was that… a date?
"You're going for ramen?"
A round head popped in.
Sarutobi Daiki.
"Yes," Nami said politely. "I wanted to treat Kai. I'm sorry I can't invite you too…"
Internally:
Please don't come.
"You're letting a girl pay? No manners," Daiki scoffed.
Kai shrugged.
Manners?
Could that fill your stomach?
"I'll treat you both," Daiki declared grandly.
He had been holding back earlier.
Didn't want to owe Kai.
This was his chance.
"My appetite is… a bit big," Kai warned.
"…Mine too," Nami added softly.
Daiki puffed his chest.
"I'm going to be Hokage."
"My word is absolute."
"Then thank you, future Hokage-sama," Kai said cheerfully.
Nami smiled sweetly.
Revenge—
would be served.
…
Ichiraku Ramen wasn't far.
Ten minutes later—
they arrived.
"One tonkotsu ramen."
"One chashu ramen."
"One special ramen."
"Coming right up!"
Half an hour later—
Daiki stared blankly.
Bowls stacked high.
"…You two eat a lot…"
He counted.
Nami—
six bowls.
Kai—
twelve.
Twelve.
Daiki himself?
Two.
But—
a promise was a promise.
A Hokage—
couldn't go back on his word.
So he paid.
With dignity.
…And a bleeding heart.
What he didn't know—
some Hyuga girls had huge appetites.
And Kai?
With a Asura's Chakra—
was a monster.
"Come again!" Teuchi personally saw them out, smiling brightly.
Twenty bowls.
A total of 1,500 ryō.
A great day.
"Thanks, Daiki!"
"Thank you!"
Kai even let out a satisfied burp.
Daiki stood tall, hands behind his back—
quietly squeezing his now-empty wallet.
His heart wept.
But his face—
remained calm.
A Hokage must have composure.
"Money is nothing… resolve is everything…"
He forced a smile.
It looked…
a little like crying.
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