Chương 42: This Is Fine

I woke up in my bed, confused as hell. My mind felt unclear, as though I'd forgotten something important. My thoughts were foggy. I walked to the bathroom, washed my face, and drank some water. The memory hit me suddenly, causing me to spit the water all over the mirror. Panicked, I started pacing around my flat in frantic circles. Eventually, I noticed it was already dawn and no one was in my flat. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to relax. What happened with Root was a serious issue.

I had completely forgotten that those guys liked to snatch up young kids, and I'd gone around flaunting my skills everywhere. I sighed in despair, realizing how stupid I had been to overlook something so important. To be fair, it had been a long time since I'd watched the series, and if I remembered correctly, Root didn't heavily influence Naruto's story aside from their harassment of him as a kid to steer him towards the darkness.

"Well, what's done is done," I muttered.

"Not much I can do about it now." Deep in thought, I decided that since the cat was out of the bag, I might as well go all-out. make myself look like a prodigy the village would want to protect, someone from the new generation they could place their hopes on. I nodded to myself. Considering Daiken's reaction, I felt confident that Hiruzen and eventually Tsunade would have my back if things stayed close to the original story. Honestly, though, I didn't care if things changed because of me.

My priority was becoming strong enough to protect myself and those I care for. As for Naruto… well, I'd deal with that when the time came. Looking out the window, I saw the sunrise painting the sky a beautiful shade of red. Since I'd gotten some decent rest, I decided to use the morning to work out before heading to the Academy. Today would only be about declaring ranks anyway. My eyes sparkled with greed, I mean, anticipation for my request, which would add another dimension to my fighting style.

I was truly excited about that. After an intense workout, in which I took out all my frustration and anger at my weakness and reliance on others, I felt slightly better. With some meditation and a drawing session later tonight, I knew I'd feel much better. I walked toward the Academy with light steps, knowing it was the last day of the first year. I greeted several merchants along the way, though most recognized me immediately and turned their heads away.

I mumbled under my breath, "Just because I haggled with you for thirty minutes to lower the price by a tiny amount doesn't mean you have to treat me like this." After arriving, I noticed the atmosphere was exceptionally casual. All the kids were smiling, clearly happy about the upcoming summer vacation and eager for free time to relax and fool around. Parents were also present, hopeful about their children's ranks. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

I smiled, watching kids and their parents enjoy the morning as I made my way toward the advanced class. I opened the classroom door, and immediately dozens of intense eyes snapped toward me with dizzying speed, making me reel back slightly. Even though I knew I'd arrived last, this reaction seemed excessive. The parents of the advanced class students were something else entirely. They were stern, serious, and focused.

Clearly, they had no intention of letting their kids rest even a minute during the vacation, and that was reflected in the faces of the kids themselves, who looked like they'd spent the last year working in a coal mine with more of that ahead. To my surprise, Sena's parents appeared normal. I tried sensing their emotions, and sure enough, they didn't give off the same creepy vibe their daughter did.

Sena noticed me and smiled, speaking in a somewhat loud but not overly so voice, "I look forward to our training, Noa-kun." Her parents looked confused. I smiled back politely, since I still needed her help arranging my sensory training. I then noticed Shizuru's parents signaling me warmly to come stand with them, so I wouldn't be alone. I choked up slightly, deeply appreciating their gesture. My smile grew larger as I slowly approached them. Then something tall stepped into my path.

I looked up to see a tall man with sharp onyx eyes wearing traditional Uchiha clothing, staring down at me with an intense gaze.

"Ah, so this is Kaen's father," I thought to myself before greeting him politely, "Hello, sir." He didn't respond. A tick mark appeared on my forehead.

"Well, he's just as annoying as his son," I thought, noting their strong resemblance.

"You're not worthy enough for my son to consider you a challenge," he said coldly. My eyes twitched slightly as I thought, "So it's not just Kaen. His father is just as stubborn and irritating." I chuckled nervously, unsure what to do since he wasn't moving.

"Leave the kid alone, Takeshi," said a deep voice from behind him. Takeshi turned back, looking at the other man condescendingly.

"Kaito, what business is it of yours if I want to talk to this kid?" Kaito replied sharply.

"He's with me, so stop bullying him." Takeshi's tone became serious.

"It's none of your business what I do." Kaito's eyes sharpened dangerously. A tense standoff began, drawing everyone's attention until Daiken suddenly opened the classroom door and stepped in. not with his usual silent movements, but heavy, powerful footsteps. Takeshi smirked, breaking eye contact, and walked confidently yet irritably toward Kaen and his wife. Kaito turned to me, his voice softening slightly.

"Don't worry about him. He's like that with everyone." I got the distinct impression he was implying that the entire Uchiha clan was difficult but wisely decided not to comment. Shizuru's mother welcomed me warmly, immediately ruffling my hair with enthusiasm. Her voice was filled with pride, warming my heart.

"I heard you did amazingly yesterday against a Hyuga clan kid! How impressive!" Laughing, I shook my head with mock pride.

"That's expected of me. the prodigy of the advanced class!" My voice echoed louder than intended, drawing everyone's attention back to me again. I winced slightly at the reaction my declaration caused. Daiken's voice suddenly boomed through the room, pulling all eyes toward him.

"Welcome to the first-year ranking ceremony."

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