It wasn't Kiyo.
That hurt Kiyo deeply.
The one who cracked up was a kid from the regular class. After drawing the cat, he had barely stepped up to the front before doubling over with laughter. Kiyo stood beside him, indignation written all over his face, as though someone had stolen his ancestral craft.
"I haven't even laughed yet," he muttered.
Morita Yu said, "You could learn some restraint."
"Restraint hurts."
Today's quiz finally went beyond the preliminary requirements. Iruka allowed everyone to use a tiny amount of chakra for one brief attempt at transformation. They weren't required to complete it; he would only assess observation, hand seals, and stability. Teacher Mizuno kept the records, while Iruka conducted the test. Mizuki wasn't in the classroom, at least not visibly.
When Che came in, he noticed that a window toward the Academic Affairs Room was open a crack.
He didn't look any longer.
They drew lots to determine the order. Sasuke went very early. He drew the messenger Chunin, formed three clean seals, and raised his chakra, producing a faint, wavering outline around his body. He hadn't transformed completely, but he captured the shoulder strap, the sleeve buttons, and the weight of the man's steps. Several children in the classroom drew sharp breaths.
Iruka nodded. "Stable."
Mizuno recorded a high-tier pass.
As Sasuke returned to his seat, he didn't look at Naruto, but he passed by Che.
"Don't overdo the act."
Che blinked. "You care about me?"
Sasuke walked away with a cold expression.
Kiyo drew the cat. He approached with great solemnity, nearly tangled his fingers while forming the seals, and ultimately only made two tufts of hair stick up, with faint whisker-like traces of chakra appearing beside his cheeks. The entire class fell silent for a beat, then burst