Hinata sat at the front of the classroom, her fair little face tilted slightly downward. She seemed to be reviewing her textbook, but her pale eyes kept straying, almost involuntarily, toward the window seats at the back.
When she saw Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and even Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, and Sakura Haruno gathered around Naruto, all chatting and laughing comfortably together, her slender fingers unconsciously curled into small fists. She felt deeply envious.
For an introverted, shy girl like her, being able to talk naturally with others and have so many friends seemed impossibly distant, yet it was something she longed for.
Yet there was no jealousy in that envy. Instead, she felt happy for the person she admired.
Naruto-kun...
She whispered his name in her heart, warmth and admiration welling up within her.
He really is amazing!
To her, breaking free of isolation and drawing these companions together was an extraordinary feat in itself.
Sasuke Uchiha sat impatiently at the front, his back ramrod straight, in sharp contrast to the rather relaxed atmosphere at the rear.
His arms were folded, his fingers tapping unconsciously against his elbows as he watched the doorway with a piercing gaze, waiting for the teacher to arrive.
The surrounding chatter seemed to have nothing to do with him. An icy aura that warned others to keep their distance enveloped him.
His chest was filled with a blazing desire for revenge against Uchiha Itachi. That hatred burned and churned like magma deep within him, threatening to burst out of his body.
But he still needed to grow stronger.
That realization was like an icy rein, holding his nearly uncontrollable emotions firmly in check.
He knew full well that, with his current, insignificant strength, facing that man would be like throwing an egg against a rock.
He had to endure. He had to make the most of every second at school, learn everything that could make him stronger, and build the strength he needed to turn his blade against that man.
That absolute hatred and absolute restraint clashed fiercely within his young body, making him seem increasingly withdrawn and restless.
Soon, Umino Iruka arrived in the classroom.
The ninja students quieted down to listen.
"Today, I'd like to introduce a new teacher. From now on, he'll occasionally come in to substitute for your practical combat classes."
Seeing that the students had settled down, Iruka clapped his hands.
A figure dressed in green stepped through the doorway.
"Hello, everyone! I'm Might Guy!"
Huh?
Naruto's eyes widened.
This isn't right, is it? What's Guy-sensei doing at the Ninja Academy?
The previous afternoon.
"A teacher... me?"
Hearing what the Third had said to him in his office, Might Guy looked utterly bewildered. Almost unable to believe his ears, he pointed at himself, his rugged face filled with confusion and doubt.
Has Lord Third had too much to drink?
Seated behind his desk, the Third wore a gentle but certain smile. He took a puff from his pipe, slowly exhaled the smoke, and confirmed in a steady voice, "Yes. You, Guy."
Seeing that Guy still seemed unable to take it in, he explained further, undisguised praise in his voice. "You've taught such an outstanding student in Naruto. Both his strength and his character have far exceeded my expectations.
"This proves that you have a unique and effective approach to guiding and nurturing young people.
"So I believe it's time for you to take on greater responsibilities."
The Third leaned forward slightly, his gaze resting on Guy as he announced his final decision. "Starting with the next graduating class, I think you can lead a Genin team. Pass on your 'youth' and passion to Konoha's new sprouts."
"Then can Kakashi take on students in the same graduating class as me?"
Guy immediately pressed the question, a competitive fire igniting in his eyes.
To him, whatever he did, it only truly meant something if he could do it alongside Kakashi, his eternal rival and closest friend.
"That won't be possible."
The Third shook his head, his tone firm.
"Kakashi is still a member of the ANBU. He has his own missions and responsibilities."
But Guy did not give up. He puffed out his chest and stated his reasons in a booming voice. "Lord Hokage! I believe that letting Kakashi spend more time with Konoha's Genin, with this energetic new generation, would help him emerge from the shadows of his past far more than keeping him in the ANBU, carrying out those dark missions!
"So I formally request to take on students in the same graduating class as Kakashi Hatake!"
Looking at Guy's utterly earnest, even stubborn expression, the Third fell silent for a moment.
"That isn't possible at present."
He repeated his position, though his tone softened. "Since you're so determined..."
He considered it briefly, then made a concession. "I can agree to postpone your appointment as a team leader.
"You can try to persuade Kakashi himself to apply for a transfer to a jonin instructor position."
Considering that Kakashi was indeed a very powerful ninja, as well as the Fourth Hokage's student, the Third finally relented. Having him teach the next generation was appropriate both in terms of passing on his skills and in its symbolic significance.
But he also imposed a nonnegotiable condition. "However."
He looked at Guy, his eyes growing more serious.
"While you're trying to persuade Kakashi, you'll have to go to the Ninja Academy and teach one month of practical combat classes each year.
"That will give you some experience teaching students before you lead a team, and it will also help you get to know the young sprouts who might one day become your subordinates."
"Yes, sir!"
Far from seeing this as a burden, Might Guy reacted as though he had been entrusted with the most glorious mission. He snapped upright, a fierce fire blazing in his eyes, his clenched fists trembling slightly with excitement.
Then Might Guy roared in his trademark voice, so thunderous it almost seemed capable of shattering the windows of the Hokage's Office. "I'll put all my passion and youth into teaching those children! I absolutely won't disappoint you, Lord Hokage!"
His surging enthusiasm made it seem as though he could hardly wait to charge into the school and instill the "secrets of youth" in every student.
Kakashi, I'm going to become a teacher.
But I won't stop training because of it. Just you wait!
Youth never stops!
I'll always keep the Nintaijutsu I've painstakingly developed for the Eight Gates Released Formation ready for you, and I'll keep improving it!
Whether it was Morning Peacock, Daytime Tiger, or Evening Elephant, Might Guy always felt that something was still missing if he wanted to defeat Kakashi.
Why don't I prepare a ninjutsu for the Eighth Gate of the Eight Gates Released Formation ahead of time, too?
Morning sun, broad daylight, dusk...
I've got it!
When night falls, I'll unleash youth's final movement in the name of Guy!
The final move unleashed by opening the Eighth Gate-I'll call it Night Guy!