Things unfolded exactly as Jiraiya had expected.
At the Konoha Ninja Academy, the morning lessons had just ended, and the students were on break.
Although the massive commotion caused by Susanoo in the village had erupted during class, leaving the children unable to witness it themselves, word spread fast. In no time, news of the strange disturbance had reached the entire Ninja Academy.
The corridors, playground, and shady spots beneath the trees were full of children playing, roughhousing, and chattering away.
Only Sasuke Uchiha sat alone by the classroom window. His expression was cold as he lowered his head and rapidly formed hand seals over and over, constantly training his speed.
After the Sky Screen's revelations, after seeing his brother Itachi's fate, Sasuke had worked harder than ever.
Just then, hurried footsteps came racing down the corridor.
A child drenched in sweat and gasping for breath burst into the classroom, his face flushed with excitement as he shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Everyone! Do you know what just happened in the village?! Something huge! Seriously, something absolutely huge!"
The children who had been laughing and playing in the noisy classroom looked up and began heckling him. Not one of them took him seriously.
"Something huge? Stop making stuff up! The Sky Screen hasn't even lit up. What could possibly have happened?"
"Exactly! With Lord Hokage here, someone will hold up the sky even if it falls!"
"Are you feeding us nonsense again, Kuroko? Come on, what's the gossip? Stop keeping us in suspense!"
The little brats all talked over one another, filling the classroom with noise and laughter.
The child called Kuroko drew a deep breath, forced his panting under control, and shouted a stunning announcement with every ounce of strength he had.
**"I'm not lying! Just now!