You're Still a Long Way Off!

"That was so cool!" The passionate words of admiration burst involuntarily from several spirited young children.

They were deeply moved by Hayato's forceful, resolute declaration. Though they didn't yet fully understand its deeper meaning, his presence alone was enough to fill them with awe.

In short, at that moment, Hayato was undoubtedly the brightest star in the room, so handsome that it was hard to look away.

After finishing his declaration, Hayato didn't linger. He walked down from the podium at an unhurried pace, every step steady, as if he were keeping time with the rhythm of the world.

"All right, now that everyone's introduced themselves, let's all get along from now on." Shuichi clapped his hands on the podium, his tone warm and expectant, bringing this unusual round of introductions to a perfect close.

It was the first day at the Ninja Academy. Once the introductions were over, Shuichi began making arrangements for what came next.

He planned to choose a few students to accompany him to collect the teaching materials so they could be handed out. In the end, Asuma and Obito were selected to go with him.

Before long, the three returned with their arms full and distributed the materials to their classmates one by one.

Hayato took his materials and flipped through a few pages. They contained detailed explanations of basic ninja knowledge, beginning with an introduction to chakra.

Hayato had already learned a little about these basics at home, as he came from a ninja family.

He quickly lost interest in the textbook.

Perhaps the material was too simple for him, or perhaps it was because the more advanced lessons would come later.

Before long, an idea took shape in his mind: graduate as soon as possible and explore the vast world of ninjas.

Class officially began. Shuichi stood at the podium and started teaching the students about chakra.

"The human body has 130 trillion cells. The physical and mental energy produced by those cells combine to form stamina, which is the foundation for using Taijutsu. Through a specific process of extraction, stamina can be converted into chakra inside the body..."

His words were clear and powerful. Each one seemed to contain boundless strength, guiding the students into the mysterious world of ninjas.

However, not everyone was interested. Some students daydreamed, while others slept soundly. Most of them had already been taught this ninja knowledge by their elders at home, while some of the more mischievous students simply didn't care about it.

Class always seemed to fly by. Before they knew it, it was time to leave.

Kurenai nudged Hayato's shoulder, waking him from his sleep. "Hayato, class is over."

Hayato rubbed his bleary eyes and looked around. His classmates had all left the room, and only he and Kurenai remained.

"Oops, I slept through it. Thanks, Kurenai!"

Hayato quickly tidied up, got out of his seat, and headed for the door.

At the classroom entrance, a shadow blocked his way. He looked up and saw that it was Asuma.

"What is it?" Hayato asked calmly, with a hint of authority in his voice.

Asuma glared fiercely at Hayato. "Stay away from Kurenai from now on. Understand?"

Hayato shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Boring." He had no time for Asuma's Taunt and continued walking.

Burning Jealousy flared in Asuma. "Damn it, how dare you ignore me! I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget."

He clenched his right fist, pushed off the ground, and lunged forward, throwing a punch straight at Hayato's face.

Seeing Asuma and Hayato clash, Kurenai hurriedly shouted, "Asuma, stop!"

But Asuma paid no attention. He needed to save face, and he didn't slow down.

Hayato simply sidestepped and dodged the attack with ease. Then he swept his right leg out, making Asuma lose his balance, and followed with a roundhouse kick to Asuma's stomach, sending him flying backward.

Asuma landed hard on his backside. His stomach burned with pain, and he quickly rubbed it with his right hand, glaring at Hayato through gritted teeth.

If looks could kill, Hayato would probably have been torn limb from limb by now.

But Hayato just stood there with his hands in his pockets, looking at Asuma calmly. "You're still a long way off, second-generation." He drew out the last word, as if mocking Asuma for getting ahead of himself.

After that, Hayato didn't linger. He exchanged a glance with Kurenai and nodded in greeting before leaving the classroom.

Watching Hayato's retreating figure, Asuma scowled. "Damn it! That bastard!" He hated being tied to the Third, and Hayato's attitude had only made him angrier.

"Asuma, you went too far!" Kurenai's voice rang out, making Asuma freeze. He turned and saw her standing over him with her hands on her hips, glaring angrily.

Asuma felt terribly wronged. I'm the one who got hurt. Why are you blaming me?

"Asuma, who I spend time with is my business. Don't meddle in my affairs from now on." With that, Kurenai walked away, leaving Asuma still lying on the ground.

Seeing this, Asuma couldn't help but hate Hayato even more. "It's all that guy's fault!"

Meanwhile, after putting an end to the farce, Hayato had already reached the school gate. He quickly spotted Misaki waiting for him there.

"Sorry, Mom. I made you wait."

Misaki smiled and shook her head, patting Hayato on the head. "Well, is the Ninja Academy fun?"

Hayato thought for a moment before replying, "It's pretty good!"

Just then, Kurenai called out, "Hayato!"

Hayato turned around and saw her running toward him. After catching her breath, she apologized. "I'm sorry, Hayato. Asuma caused you trouble."

She looked like a child who'd done something wrong. No, she was a child.

"It's fine. It wasn't any trouble for me!" Hayato replied simply, then ruffled Kurenai's hair with his right hand. "Besides, it wasn't your fault."

As someone ruffled her hair, Kurenai's cheeks flushed pink, and she shyly lowered her head.

"By the way, Hayato, aren't you going to introduce me? Who is this...?" Misaki's voice interrupted the two children's conversation.

Kurenai lifted her head and looked at Misaki, quickly greeting her. "Hello, big sister. I'm Kurenai Yuhi, Hayato's classmate."

Hearing Kurenai call her big sister, Misaki covered her mouth and laughed. Her gaze softened even more. "Hello. Though I should correct you—I'm Hayato's mother."

"Huh? His mother? I'm sorry, I couldn't tell. You really do look so young," Kurenai said in surprise.

Sure enough, when it came to age, all women were remarkably sensitive about it. Hayato saw the smile his mother could barely hide and added with a grin, "For the record, Kurenai sits next to me."

At that, Misaki's eyes narrowed even further. She crouched down and said softly, "Is that so? Kurenai, I'll have to trouble you to look after my Hayato from now on."

Kurenai quickly waved her hands. "That's not it at all. Hayato is really strong. If anyone's looking after the other, it's Hayato looking after me."

"Then, could you tell me what you meant by trouble just now?"

"Come on, Mom, we should get going." Hayato didn't want to discuss the matter any further, so he quickly cut in.

"See you tomorrow, Kurenai!" Hayato pulled Misaki along and waved goodbye to Kurenai.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."