Uchiha Izumi

"If you don't mind, you can sit next to me."

Seeing Hyuga Gen looking somewhat awkward, Uchiha Izumi said with a smile.

When Hyuga Gen heard these words, it was as if he had heard the music of the heavens. Seeing her gentle and sincere smile, he felt as though he had fallen in love.

Today was the first day of classes at the Ninja Academy. When he walked into the classroom and found that most of the seats were already taken, he looked for a spot and prepared to sit down.

Just then, the person next to the seat said it was taken. He tried two more times, only to be told the same thing, and he finally realized what was happening.

Although he considered himself quite handsome, his Byakugan likely made the others feel uncomfortable.

It was understandable, really. The first impression the Byakugan gave was one of severity and a hint of eeriness; it was only natural that children wouldn't like it. But one day, they would understand just how valuable a Kekkei Genkai truly was.

Of course, Hyuga Gen wouldn't start an argument over it. After all, it was human nature, and they hadn't done anything wrong.

This left him in a very awkward position, with no one willing to let him sit beside them. Just then, hearing someone invite him, how could he not be overjoyed?

"Thank you!"

Hyuga Gen sat down and expressed his gratitude. Although he knew they were in the same class, he hadn't expected to become seatmates. It was a pleasant surprise.

Through this incident, Hyuga Gen truly experienced Uchiha Izumi's kindness and gentleness. She was truly worthy of being one of the most beautiful girls in the Hokage series, though now, Hyuga Gen felt the word "one of" should be removed.

It was a pity that fate was cruel. Such a kind and good girl—why didn't Uchiha Itachi cherish or protect her? To slaughter his own clan and kill his own parents for the sake of the greater good—was this the difference between a god and an ordinary person?

"Is something the matter?"

Noticing that Hyuga Gen had been staring at her, Uchiha Izumi asked with a hint of confusion.

"I'm just so grateful to you. My name is Hyuga Gen. Could you tell me your name?"

Although Hyuga Gen had already guessed her name, he figured she wouldn't know him, so this was the perfect chance to introduce themselves.

"You're welcome. It's only right for classmates to help each other. My name is Uchiha Izumi. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Looking at her dark, sparkling eyes and her sincere, pure smile, Hyuga Gen froze for a moment. He felt as if he could hear the sound of his own heartbeat.

Fortunately, the teacher arrived and drew her attention away, preventing her from seeing his embarrassment.

How pathetic, getting played by a little girl, Hyuga Gen mocked himself inwardly. He felt as if the twenty-plus years of his previous life had been lived in vain.

Then again, his previous life really had been lived in vain. He was nearly thirty and still a lonely bachelor, without even a girlfriend.

But even so, he had seen plenty of beauties and had some life experience. So what was this feeling of heart-fluttering excitement?

Could I be a lolicon? Hyuga Gen doubted himself. That didn't seem right, either; he had never felt this way about Hyuga Natsu, even though he thought she was cute and pretty.

Suddenly, an image flashed through his mind.

At night, a movie was playing on a screen in a classroom. A beautiful girl in the front row turned around, clenched her hands into fists, gave a thumbs-up, and flashed a sweet smile as she said, "You're amazing!"

Yes, that moment had left him dazed, and that image had remained hidden deep within his mind.

"Hyuga Gen? Is Hyuga Gen not here?" the teacher asked repeatedly.

"Present!"

Hyuga Gen hurriedly stood up to answer.

Seeing the teacher give him a deep look before making a mark in a small notebook, he wondered if he had been written up. Hyuga Gen had a bad feeling about this.

Hyuga Gen looked gratefully at Uchiha Izumi beside him; it was thanks to her reminder that he had reacted in time. Uchiha Izumi just smiled and shook her head slightly.

"Uchiha Itachi?"

"Present."

Uchiha Itachi answered concisely and efficiently.

Hyuga Gen looked toward the voice and finally noticed that Uchiha Itachi was sitting to the right of Uchiha Izumi, with only an aisle separating them.

Wow, this guy is so handsome.

Listening to the soft whispers of the young girls around him, Hyuga Gen felt a tiny bit of envy. Uchiha Itachi's charm was truly lethal.

Being in the same class as Uchiha Itachi was a misfortune, because he would outshine you in every aspect, leaving you with no hope of ever standing out. At the same time, it was a stroke of luck; as a classmate and partner, he was incredibly reliable.

Before long, the roll call ended. The teacher then had everyone introduce themselves, and everyone got to know one another.

Aside from Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Izumi, Hyuga Gen didn't recognize anyone else in the class. It was no wonder, really; in the original Naruto anime, the others were just background characters who didn't even have names or screen time.

If Uchiha Izumi hadn't had contact with Itachi and appeared in the anime, Hyuga Gen wouldn't have known her either. However, there were quite a few familiar surnames, like Sarutobi and Inuzuka...

"Alright, that's all for today. You are all dismissed to go home. We will officially begin classes tomorrow; I hope no one will be late."

"Oh, and Hyuga Gen, stay behind. Clean up the classroom before you head home," the homeroom teacher said, looking at Hyuga Gen.

Great, I really did offend the teacher. He's already giving me a hard time. Oh well, I shouldn't have been daydreaming, so I suppose it's fair.

"Understood, teacher," Hyuga Gen replied, feeling a bit depressed.

Hearing his response, the teacher paused for a moment, nodded, and walked out of the classroom.

Immediately, the classroom became a bit more lively. Some of his classmates packed their things, some headed straight for the door, and others left the room in small groups.

"Hyuga Gen, do you need my help?" Uchiha Izumi stood up and asked.

"Sure! That would be wonderful, thank you for the trouble," Hyuga Gen said, his face lighting up with surprise.

That was close, good thing I reacted quickly, Hyuga Gen thought to himself. He had almost turned down such a perfect opportunity for some alone time.

"I'll help out too," Uchiha Itachi suddenly said, having apparently overheard their conversation.

Hyuga Gen had already been surprised that Uchiha Izumi wanted to stay and help, but he certainly hadn't expected Uchiha Itachi to offer as well.

Is this what they call the protagonist's halo? No way, if you stay, won't you be interrupting me while I'm trying to flirt?

"Itachi, don't you need to go home and look after Sasuke?" Hyuga Gen said aloud, while thinking, Hurry up and go home to take care of Sasuke, you brother-obsessed maniac.

"How did you know I have a younger brother named Sasuke?"

"Itachi? Do you two know each other?"

Uchiha Izumi and Uchiha Itachi asked in confusion at the same time. After they finished speaking, they exchanged a glance before turning their gazes back to Hyuga Gen.

"Uh, of course I know. After I met you yesterday, I was chatting with my grandfather at home, and he told me," Hyuga Gen replied, making up an excuse that also answered Uchiha Izumi's question.

"It's fine. I'll help you finish cleaning before I head home; it won't take long." Although Uchiha Itachi was a bit puzzled, he didn't press the matter further.

And so, the three companions began their work. Watching Itachi clean as if he were performing a taijutsu routine, Hyuga Gen deeply understood what he meant by "it won't take long."

Before long, the classroom was spotless, not a speck of dust to be found. The area Hyuga Gen had finished wasn't even a third of what Uchiha Itachi had managed.

What made Hyuga Gen feel even more ashamed was that the areas he had cleaned weren't as tidy as the ones Uchiha Itachi had handled, and he even had to have Uchiha Itachi tidy them up a second time.

"Itachi, you're amazing," Uchiha Izumi said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Uchiha Itachi.

Hyuga Gen couldn't help but give Uchiha Itachi a thumbs-up as well, but seeing the look of admiration in Uchiha Izumi's eyes, he felt a twinge of jealousy.

"Itachi, Izumi, thank you both for today. Come on, let me treat you to a meal."

"No thanks, I need to get back to look after Sasuke, so I'll pass," Uchiha Itachi quickly declined.

"Come on, don't be so hesitant. It won't take long, it'll be quick." With that, Hyuga Gen grabbed Uchiha Itachi and started walking outside.

"Izumi, come along."

Before they had even taken two steps, Hyuga Gen turned his head and said with a smile, continuing to pull Uchiha Itachi along without waiting for Uchiha Izumi's answer.

Watching the two of them ahead, Uchiha Izumi couldn't help but reveal a sweet smile.