--
The morning class was "History of Konoha," and Eiichiro stood at the podium with the air of someone about to deliver the most important lecture of the semester.
"Today we're covering the Third Hokage," he announced. "Pay close attention—this material is essential for the final exam."
Hanekawa propped his textbook upright on his desk like a makeshift wall. He'd already memorized most of the history content weeks ago while grinding for the "Academic Master" entry. At this point, attending class was just theater—though his recent stellar performance meant even Eiichiro wouldn't question why he spent lectures doing math problems instead of taking notes.
"The Third Hokage, born into the Sarutobi clan, is our current leader," Eiichiro continued. "Under his guidance, Konoha has flourished."
Hanekawa noticed Eiichiro's eyes drift toward Asuma Sarutobi. Most of the class followed suit. Asuma's jaw tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line.
Yeah, that's got to get old fast, Hanekawa thought. Being defined by your dad's accomplishments. Though I guess that's better than being defined by your dad's failures.
"The Third is known by many titles," Eiichiro went on. "The strongest Hokage. The Professor of Ninjutsu. The Ninja Hero. He was personally trained by the Second Hokage and has mastered virtually every jutsu in Konoha's arsenal."
The class erupted in murmurs of admiration. Hanekawa switched to his math textbook and started working through the problems. If he was going to ace the theoretical exam, he needed to nail the math section.
---
Lunch break arrived like a reprieve.
Asuma exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated. That whole lecture was basically a love letter to the old man. Disgusting.
He was still stewing when Kurenai appeared at Hanekawa's desk, lunch box in hand. Her face lit up as she set it down.
Asuma's expression froze.
That brat.
He stood up, walked over, and planted himself in front of them. "Hanekawa. I want a duel."
Kurenai's eyes widened in surprise. Didn't he lose badly last time?
"I'm not the same as I was before!" Asuma said quickly, reading her expression. "I've been training hard!"
Hanekawa considered this for a moment. "There's a practical class in two days. We can fight then. No point wasting time now."
"Fine!" Asuma's confidence returned instantly. "I'll definitely win this time!"
In half a month, I've learned genjutsu countermeasures and trained with actual illusion specialists. There's no way I lose. Everyone's going to see me win. They're going to cheer.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Good luck," Hanekawa said with a smile.
Something about that smile made Asuma's stomach twist. It was too calm. Too confident. Like Hanekawa had already seen the outcome.
Is he messing with me on purpose?
Asuma glanced at Kurenai and caught her watching Hanekawa with obvious admiration. His mood soured further. He turned back to his seat without another word.
"Let's eat," Hanekawa said, handing Kurenai chopsticks.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked, picking up a piece of fried shrimp. "He's the Hokage's son. He probably has ways to counter genjutsu now."
"I know," Hanekawa nodded. "I'm planning to try something different this time."
Kurenai relaxed. "Okay then. I trust you."
---
A few desks away, Rin had opened three lunch boxes. She handed chopsticks to Obito first.
"Thanks, Rin!" he said brightly, then glanced at Kakashi with obvious pride.
Kakashi was looking elsewhere—specifically, at Hanekawa.
Obito followed his gaze and felt irritation spike. "That win against Asuma was just luck," he muttered.
"Can you defeat someone with luck?" Kakashi asked flatly, accepting chopsticks from Rin.
"Why not?" Obito's voice turned sharp. "If I'd used my full power last time, Asuma would've been done in seconds!"
"Ninjas don't deal in 'what ifs,'" Kakashi said bluntly. "You either win or you lose."
"You—!" Obito's hands clenched.
"Obito," Rin said gently, tugging his sleeve. "Try the tempura I made. I think you'll like it."
"Rin's cooking is always amazing!" Obito's anger evaporated instantly, replaced by his usual enthusiasm.
Kakashi's eyes remained fixed on Hanekawa for a moment longer before he turned back to his meal.
---
Physical training began after lunch.
"One hundred laps around the playground!" Eiichiro called out. "Begin!"
The class exploded into motion. Obito shot forward immediately, sprinting hard from the start while glancing back to see if Rin was watching.
"Idiot," Kakashi muttered, taking off at a measured pace.
Hanekawa and Kurenai ran side by side, maintaining steady breathing and consistent speed. Around them, other students either burned out quickly or settled into the middle pack.
By lap fifty, the hierarchy was clear.
Kakashi and Guy occupied first and second place, trading positions occasionally. Hanekawa, Kurenai, and Asuma formed a tight second group. Obito had already faded to the back, his early sprint having cost him dearly.
Kakashi noticed Hanekawa closing the gap. Last time he wasn't even in the top ten. Now he's right behind me.
He could hear Hanekawa's breathing—uneven but controlled, like someone deliberately managing their energy output.
Is he holding back?
Kakashi frowned and pushed harder.
By the final lap, only three runners remained: Kakashi, Guy, and Hanekawa. Most of the class sat on the ground, exhausted.
"What's going on with this guy?" Kakashi's breathing was ragged now, his rhythm disrupted. Every time he thought Hanekawa was about to hit his limit, the other boy's pace would stabilize again.
Am I actually going to lose?
Kakashi gritted his teeth. His swordsmanship training was intense enough to build serious stamina, and his natural talent was undeniable. He shouldn't be struggling against a six-year-old.
He took a deep breath and accelerated.
"THIS IS THE SPRINGTIME OF YOUTH!" Guy bellowed, his entire body vibrating with excitement as he watched the two competitors chase each other down the final stretch.
Hanekawa's mouth twitched slightly. Here we go.
He stopped holding back.
