NARUTO: Starting with Hinata

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Tsunade asked casually while biting into an apple.

"Um."

Shiki nodded.

He realized that the apple came from the gift sent by Hiashi.

"What did you do?"

Tsunade smiled and asked, "I thought he was looking for me, but I didn't expect he was looking for you."

"Looking for me?"

Shiki subconsciously glanced at Hinata.

She noticed his gaze and lowered her head even further.

If this had happened a dozen years later, the scene would probably be quite thrilling.

"Father said he was thanking you for taking care of me, especially for treating me to a meal."

Hinata clenched her hands and said anxiously.

"I see."

Shiki understood.

Hiashi must have noticed the change in Hinata's strength. Just treating her to a meal wasn't enough to make him visit personally.

Tsunade glanced at Shiki, then at the blushing Hinata.

This kid is really popular with girls.

What kind of care would make the Hyuga clan leader come here in person?

"Let's eat."

Shizune came out of the kitchen.

"Hinata," Shiki consoled her, "Don't be shy, just think of it as your home."

Hinata nodded subconsciously.

"Huh? My home?"

Hinata's pupils suddenly contracted. Her face turned completely red, and the blush spread from her fair skin all the way to her ears.

Shiki looked confused.

Why are you blushing again?

---

Mizuki walked into the teacher's office.

After seeing Iruka with a smile on his face, he couldn't help but frown.

"Iruka."

A smile immediately appeared on Mizuki's face as he asked, "Anything happy?"

"It was a pop quiz in our class, and three people got full marks."

Iruka said directly, not hiding anything. Mizuki had been his friend since childhood, and they had a good relationship.

"Three?"

Mizuki's eyes flashed with jealousy and a hint of bitterness as he asked, "Who? Neji is the only one who consistently gets full marks."

"Shiki, Sasuke, and Sakura."

Iruka smiled and said, "The tests for first and second-year students are different, so there's no comparison."

"Even so, those who get full marks are all exceptional students."

Mizuki maintained a false smile and said, "Congratulations, Iruka."

"Oh, it's nothing. There are outstanding students in your class as well."

Iruka said seriously, "Maybe you'll get a promotion with Neji's help, Mizuki."

"That's true."

Mizuki replied proudly, "My level as a teacher is still higher than yours."

"By the way, did your students have any objections to me substituting for you last time?"

Iruka asked.

Mizuki's face stiffened. Not only did they have no objections, but they also said Iruka was a good teacher.

"Indeed, there were some."

Iruka noticed his reaction and couldn't help but sigh.

Mizuki clenched his fists subconsciously.

Damn it!

He had become friends with Iruka just to enjoy watching him be miserable. Every time he talked about unhappy things—especially about his parents' deaths during the Nine-Tails' attack—Mizuki couldn't help but feel satisfied.

"Iruka."

Mizuki forced a smile and asked, "How about giving them another lesson?"

"Huh?"

Iruka looked confused.

"As your best friend, I naturally want you to improve your reputation."

Mizuki said sincerely, "Prepare well."

"Mizuki!"

Iruka was genuinely touched.

So disgusting.

Mizuki felt a chill run down his spine as Iruka stared at him gratefully.

"But wouldn't you need to take a leave?"

Iruka asked hesitantly.

"Why not?"

Mizuki smiled brightly and said, "Do you think I'm like you, with no money and no girlfriend?"

"You bastard!"

Iruka said angrily, "One day, I'll find a girlfriend prettier than Tsubaki."

Tsubaki was Mizuki's girlfriend. She was beautiful and gentle.

"Sure, keep dreaming."

Mizuki laughed even louder. This time, his laughter was genuine.

"..."

Iruka looked at Mizuki, who continued to laugh uncontrollably. He didn't know why, but something about it felt off.

"I'm going to class now. See you after."

Iruka picked up his textbook and hurried to the classroom.

When he arrived at the podium, the corners of his mouth twitched.

To Shiki's left sat Hinata, and to his right, Ino.

The three sat together, chatting.

Hinata kept her head lowered, occasionally glancing at Shiki.

Ino smiled brightly, talking nonstop.

Shiki, however, remained stoic, like a block of wood, nodding occasionally but showing little expression.

'Ugh, I hate it!'

Having just been annoyed by Mizuki, Iruka felt another blow.

It's like Garen's whisper.

"Alright, class!"

Iruka clapped his hands on the podium. "Everyone, take your seats."

Hinata reluctantly got up and returned to her seat. She had come to school with Shiki today, so it was rare for them to chat in the morning.

Ino had joined the conversation midway.

"Before we start class, I have an announcement."

Iruka had regained his composure. "This Friday, we'll have another practical lesson with the second-year class A."

Sasuke perked up at the news.

According to his progress, by Friday, he would have mastered the Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu.

A smirk played at the corners of his mouth.

Most of these academy students had likely never even seen ninjutsu, let alone mastered it.

They'll finally understand what it means to be an Uchiha.

He thought of Neji and Shiki.

"Neji-nii…"

Hinata clenched her hands, feeling anxious.

But then she remembered Shiki's words: *Words are useless; you have to use your fists.*

While Iruka was teaching, Mizuki met with his student, Shinnosuke, in the office.

Shinnosuke was talented but had a terrible temper, which caused his classmates to avoid him.

"Shinnosuke," Mizuki said with a smile, "Our class will have a practical lesson this Friday with first-year class A."

"And what does that have to do with me?"

Shinnosuke asked impatiently.

"The teacher is giving you a task," Mizuki continued without reacting to his attitude. "Help the younger students during the class."

"Oh?"