Classroom fun

And so class began.

The theory lessons for new students were rather dull, especially for Naruto and Hashirama.

The definition of a ninja?

Ninjas... needed a definition?

That was Hashirama's reaction when he heard Iruka explaining to everyone what a ninja was.

In Hashirama's eyes, anyone who had chakra and knew how to use it already counted as a ninja.

Yes, fair and straight to the point.

How could you be a ninja without chakra?

"This was compiled by the Second Hokage during his time as Ninja Academy Principal. He also consulted the heads of every clan, making it a very comprehensive understanding."

"Our definition is the most comprehensive in the entire Shinobi World."

Iruka greatly admired his idol. He had been the Ninja Academy's very first principal, after all. Without him, there would have been no thriving Ninja Academy today, and someone of common birth like Iruka would never have been able to become a ninja.

This was a rare means of moving up in society, provided, of course, that you had talent or worked hard enough.

"Huh? Why didn't Tobirama ask me back then?"

Hashirama wondered whether he had forgotten something. How could his dear little brother possibly not have asked his big brother about the definition of a ninja?

I'm Hashirama, the one known as the God of Shinobi!

Tobirama: "I spent so much time back then, even setting aside some of my ninjutsu research to focus on planning our future, while all you could think about was your Madara. I couldn't be bothered to ask you."

Yes, Hashirama and Madara had been having a falling-out around that time, so... those who knew, knew.

Actually, Iruka was very competent. He was the director of studies for this year's intake, after all. Coming from a common family, how could he have reached that position without some ability?

"Hey, Choji, could you give me some Potato Chips~?"

Naruto's voice was very quiet, but loud enough for Choji, who was secretly snacking behind him, to hear.

"But the teacher's still here."

Choji was a little surprised by Naruto's request, but these were his favorite Potato Chips, after all. There was nothing wrong with Naruto wanting some.

Yes, that was how a food lover thought. Very easy to understand.

"It's fine. Just pass them to me under the desk."

"Then be careful eating them. Don't get caught."

Choji passed the Potato Chips to Naruto under the desk.

"Thanks! I'll bring you something to eat tomorrow."

Naruto had successfully acquired Potato Chips. Yes, he was very happy.

Hearing Naruto's words, Choji immediately liked him a lot more.

He's bringing me something tasty tomorrow! Yeah, he's nothing like that demon fox Ino talked about.

How bad could someone who brings me food be? He's pretty great.

Beside them, Shikamaru watched the pair's sneaky little exchange, then glanced at Iruka on the platform and sighed helplessly.

Oh, teach, you've really hit a brick wall getting assigned our class!

Then he casually took a piece of candy from Choji's desk drawer, popped it into his mouth, and stared blankly at the blackboard.

He had learned all this from books ages ago, after all. He might as well zone out now. How relaxing.

Having gotten his Potato Chips, Naruto began munching away in secret.

Yes, Iruka-sensei turned his back. Good chance!

Chomp. He took a whole chip into his mouth and pressed it with his tongue, crushing it and releasing its rich aroma.

These were custom-made Potato Chips from the Akimichi Clan. You couldn't even buy them elsewhere.

Sasuke, who was listening attentively, heard a faint crunch. He turned his head without drawing attention and immediately spotted Naruto sneaking food.

Damn it, eating in class!

He was very angry, but he still had to leave a good impression on the teacher. At the very least, he had to behave well and not embarrass his big brother.

Damn it, that smells good.

Traces of the aroma drifted through the air into Sasuke's nose.

Hinata, sitting to Naruto's left, naturally smelled it too.

But unlike Sasuke, who had been slow to notice, she had known what Naruto was thinking the moment he moved and had watched the whole thing.

As for why she had known everything that happened without turning around, that had to do with the recent changes to her Byakugan.

Now, even without activating her Byakugan, Hinata had a full 360-degree field of vision with no blind spots, and she could turn it off at will. For now, though, she still couldn't see through things.

After activating her Byakugan, she could exert a certain oppressive pressure on her surroundings. This ability had only appeared a month earlier.

Even Hiashi had been shaken by that pressure at the time, and afterward, Hinata's daily appetite had grown even larger.

Hiashi was quite happy about it, though. His daughter's abilities had grown stronger, after all. Eating a little more was fine, and she didn't gain weight anyway.

However, Hinata had also been told not to release that pressure casually, especially in front of outsiders. Even ordinary clan members weren't allowed to see it.

Everyone else had normal Byakugan, after all, so why did her eyes have an extra ability?

They even had a bluish tint to their white. Who knew what those old fossils in the clan would think?

Still, Hinata already had strength approaching that of a Genin. Once she grew up, perhaps she could slaughter all those old fossils-scratch that, get them to step down in favor of someone more capable.

But as Hinata watched Naruto eat a chip in one bite, she felt a pang of hunger in her own stomach.

I want some. ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

Naruto sensed a gaze on him, as though many people were watching him.

He turned to look and found Hinata sitting in her seat without giving anything away, seemingly listening attentively.

Uh, it's almost lunchtime. From what Naruto knew of Hinata's appetite, she was probably hungry by now.

He secretly took Hinata's little hand and gave her half the Potato Chips.

Hinata blushed, then finished the Potato Chips at incredible speed, leaving Shikamaru behind her staring in shock.

Wait, that fast?

Choji recalled a recent rumor in his clan. A girl from the Hyuga Clan had nearly broken an Akimichi Clan member's eating record at the Akimichi BBQ Restaurant.

But that girl had never been seen again after that visit, and the auntie from the clan had signed a confidentiality agreement with the Hyuga.

Hiashi: "It's a good thing that my precious daughter can eat, but having strange people set their sights on her would be bad."

A certain Cloud Ninja, a certain underground Root, and a certain blond-scratch that last one-were being singled out for criticism here.

Naruto, however, was used to it. Over the past two years, Hinata's appetite had grown year by year, and her physical condition had kept improving too.

Yes, but she was a little behind Naruto.

(*^▽^*)

Sasuke: I really want some. How could they eat in class and not even share with me? Damn it!

How could Iruka possibly miss the children's little antics? He felt that losing his temper on the first day wouldn't be ideal, so he decided to wait a few days before making an example of someone.

Besides, it really was nearly lunchtime, and Iruka was a little hungry too, so he could understand.

But understanding was one thing. Once he spoke with their elders tonight, he would teach them a lesson tomorrow!