Dinner Party

Now a strange sight had appeared in the hallway of Class A: the entire class stood outside the door, while the classroom sat empty inside.

Even the few who hadn't participated earlier had been dragged out by the others to join the standing punishment.

As for Namikaze Minato, he felt it was too awkward to be the only one sitting alone in the room, so he figured he might as well go out and stand with everyone else in the hallway.

"It's fine. When we all make it big someday, this will be proof of our unity."

"We just threw a few punches—what's the big deal? If you don't stir up some trouble while you're young, you won't even have the chance when you're old." Hyuga Matsuba looked completely unbothered.

"Hyuga Matsuba, you're way too optimistic," Nawaki said, feeling dejected. "But if I really did become famous, I'd definitely regret this."

"How could you possibly become famous, Nawaki? You're overthinking it. Someone like you could never make it big." Hyuga Matsuba laid out the harsh truth.

Nawaki was already upset, and now he'd been stabbed in the back. He wanted nothing more than to tear Hyuga Matsuba apart.

Dodging Nawaki's dagger-like glare, Hyuga Matsuba turned to face Mikoto.

"You're not only beautiful, but you've got a kind heart too. You had nothing to do with that earlier, yet you still stood up to speak for me. My heart's practically melting from your kindness."

"You... you..." Feeling the meaningful stares from the classmates around her, Mikoto was on the verge of tears. She clenched her little fists and refused to pay Hyuga Matsuba any more attention.

Seeing that Mikoto was genuinely a bit angry, Hyuga Matsuba wondered if he'd gone too far. He turned his head and glared at Hizashi Hyuga instead.

"You. Say it yourself—how do you want me to hit you?"

With so many classmates around, Hizashi Hyuga stiffened his neck and said, "Did I say anything wrong? That's just how it is!"

"Stop blabbering and tell me how we're settling this. Or just pay up and we'll call it private."

Hizashi Hyuga thought it over for a moment, then obediently fished a few hundred yen out of his pocket and placed it in Hyuga Matsuba's palm. The motion looked like it had been repeated many times before.

"Hyuga Matsuba, how dare you extort my little brother?" Having witnessed the whole bullying process, Hyuga Hiashi was absolutely furious.

"You really talk out of your ass. I didn't kidnap him—he willingly handed over the money. Ask him yourself." Hyuga Matsuba shot Hizashi Hyuga a meaningful look.

"Little brother, tell the truth! I'm here to protect you!"

Hizashi Hyuga looked at Hiashi, who wasn't much stronger than him, then thought about Hyuga Matsuba's strength. He chose to go against his conscience and lie.

"He's right. He didn't bully me. I wanted to give him the money."

"I..." Seeing how spineless his little brother was, Hiashi didn't want to say anything more. He abandoned his brother and walked off on his own.

"That kid's a little rich kid?" Nawaki sidled up eagerly.

"You're going to be someone important in your clan someday—how can you be so pathetic?" Hyuga Matsuba was speechless.

"Don't even mention it. Tsunade loves gambling and always asks me for money to bet. I barely have any cash on me. All I can afford now is instant noodles to barely fill my stomach." Nawaki searched his whole body and only found a few dozen yen in loose change. His face was full of misery.

"You're pitiful." Hyuga Matsuba felt sorry for Nawaki. He'd forgotten that Nawaki had that gambling-addict sister.

Before long, the teacher returned from the hospital. Seeing the hallway packed full, he felt a headache coming on.

"Get back in there and attend class properly! If you dare do this again, watch out!"

But actual disciplinary marks or demerits were unlikely. Most of the students in this class came from powerful backgrounds, and besides, Uchiha Ken wasn't seriously hurt. So the matter was dropped.

Class began. Ueno Juri cleared her throat and started explaining the school's rules and regulations.

Today was the first day of school, so lessons hadn't started yet—they would begin tomorrow. For now, the top priority was making sure this bunch understood the school's regulations.

"I'm not pursuing this group fight any further, and we won't discuss what's past. But don't you dare let it happen again, or you'll be in for it!"

Even as she spoke, the teacher circled back to the incident.

"Okaaay~" The students sitting in their seats showed little cooperation. No one wanted to listen to her.

Looking at this bunch of little brats, Ueno Juri felt that tough days were ahead for her.

"I'm warning you—today's the first day, so I'll let you off this once. But if this happens again, I'll kick you all out!"

Finally, it was time to leave school. Hyuga Matsuba stood up from his seat and took the initiative to invite: "Mikoto, want to grab something to eat with me tonight? My treat!"

"Your treat? Count me in!" Nawaki's dog-like ears were sharp, and he bounded over in an instant.

Staring at this unexpected third wheel, Hyuga Matsuba had no choice. "Fine. Everyone, follow me—I'm paying. The whole class can come eat. Target: BBQ Restaurant!"

"Whoa! Matsuba, I really like you as a buddy!" Tokunaga said excitedly.

"So, little beauty, would you do me the honor?"

"Okay." Mikoto pursed her lips and smiled as she agreed.

Except for a few who had other plans, most of the class joined the gathering, including the Hyuga brothers.

After arriving at the destination, Nawaki called out, "Waiter, get us set up quick!"

"Alright, alright! You're all kids, so I'll give you twenty—no, fifteen percent off!" The owner initially wanted to offer an even bigger discount, but when he saw Hyuga Matsuba, he almost didn't want to give any discount at all.

Everyone sat down. Hyuga Matsuba started ordering—meat and vegetables alike, all brought in. In one go, he asked for seventy plates.

"Hold on! We're all just kids—how can we eat that much? Order less to avoid waste," Sophia, sitting nearby, said.

"She's right. Ordering this much and not finishing it would just be wasting your money." Mikoto also thought it was too much.

"You don't know—Hyuga Matsuba is basically a bottomless pit!" Before the man himself could speak, Nawaki blurted it out.

Once they started eating, everyone truly saw what it meant to be able to eat.

The dinner was almost over. Mikoto secretly tugged at Hyuga Matsuba's sleeve, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, "This meal must have cost a lot. I can lend you some."

The corners of Hyuga Matsuba's mouth began to curl up. He gently stroked Mikoto's small hand and whispered back into her ear, "Don't worry. I have plenty of money. I can support you."

"Oh, you!" Mikoto felt embarrassed again. She turned away with a playful pout and continued eating.

After the dinner ended, it was getting late, so everyone went their separate ways.

After saying goodbye to Mikoto and Nawaki, the three children of the Hyuga Clan set off on the road home.

Hyuga Hiashi was as expressionless as ever. Hyuga Matsuba, usually a chatterbox, started chatting with Hizashi Hyuga.

But Hizashi Hyuga kept worrying he'd get beaten up, so he barely spoke. What a bore.

Back at the clan compound, the three said their goodbyes, and Hyuga Matsuba returned to his own small house.