The classroom had finally settled into a gentle silence, save for the rhythmic scratch of chalk against the blackboard.
Iruka-sensei, ever the diligent teacher, concluded the final sentences of the lecture on Konoha history.
The students looked mostly attentive—well, most of them.
At the far corner of the classroom, Senju Gojo was fast asleep.
His head rested peacefully against his crossed arms as sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating his silver hair like a halo.
A small breeze occasionally fluttered through, making his hair sway gently, much to the delight of several fangirls seated nearby.
Sasuke Uchiha, however, was not amused.
His eyes flicked between the sleeping Gojo and the adoring glances of Sakura, Ino, and Hinata.
A scowl tugged at his lips.
"Tch. Show-off," he muttered under his breath.
Iruka turned around and blinked, eyes narrowing as he noticed Gojo's still form.
"Senju Gojo! Wake up in class!" he shouted, reaching for a piece of chalk and flinging it toward the silver-haired boy.
Sasuke grinned. "He's gonna get it now."
But to everyone's surprise, Gojo's hand shot up mid-sleep and caught the chalk effortlessly, his eyes still half-lidded.
With a long yawn and an exaggerated stretch, Gojo stood up slowly and said, "Sensei, please don't throw chalk so carelessly.
What if it hit someone innocent? We wouldn't want to risk injury over naptime."
Iruka's forehead gained several twitching lines. "Just… sit down, Gojo."
"Yes, yes," Gojo said, waving lazily and sitting down again with the grace of a lounging cat.
The class collectively murmured at the scene, some impressed, others annoyed.
Iruka rubbed his temple. "Anyway, class dismissed for lunch.
This afternoon, the Third Hokage himself will be visiting our classroom.
Be on your best behavior."
With that, he exited the classroom, probably in search of painkillers.
---
As the lunch bell rang, bento boxes popped open like ninja scrolls.
The aroma of seasoned rice, pickled vegetables, and fried delights wafted through the air.
Everyone gathered in their respective friend groups.
Naruto, however, sat at his desk, stomach grumbling and gaze wandering.
Gojo, noticing this, stood up and quietly walked over to him. "Hey, want mine? I'm not that hungry today."
Naruto's eyes lit up like fireworks. "Huh? For real?!"
"Yep. Just don't drool on the box, alright?"
"You're the best, Gojo! Believe it!"
Gojo smirked. "Don't overdo the catchphrase, champ."
Ino, Hinata, and Sakura had been watching from a distance. Their eyes sparkled.
"He's so thoughtful!"
"Did you see how kind he was to Naruto?"
"I need to give him my onigiri!"
Before they could approach, however, a shadow loomed over Gojo's desk.
"Eat this," Shizuka Uchiha said shyly, placing a neatly wrapped bento in front of him.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes didn't quite meet his.
Gojo blinked. "You didn't even ask if I was hungry… but food is food. Thanks."
Then he felt it—a glare that could freeze lava. Sasuke.
Shizuka followed Gojo's gaze and noticed her younger twin fuming.
She quickly pushed another bento toward Sasuke.
"Here, eat. Don't get mad."
Sasuke huffed and looked away, but still took the bento.
Gojo, seeing the tension, offered, "Why don't we just share this? That way nobody gets left out."
Before long, Hinata, Sakura, and Ino had joined them, forming an impromptu lunch circle.
Chopsticks clinked, food was passed around, and even Sasuke, though quiet, ate without further complaint.
Shikamaru, observing from the side, sighed deeply. "That guy... what a drag.
He can calm a bunch of hormonal fangirls with a single sentence.
Must be a jutsu."
Unbeknownst to all, Shizuka had been sweating buckets.
Her system panel hovered in front of her invisible to everyone else:
[Sub Task Completed: Share a meal with Senju Gojo. Time: 9 minutes 52 seconds. Reward: Chakra +25%]
She breathed a sigh of relief. She knew the punishment if she failed—kissing Gojo in public.
Her face turned red at the thought.
"No way… I'd die from embarrassment," she mumbled.
---
Meanwhile, at the edge of Konoha Forest...
Uchiha Itachi stood in silent contemplation. The breeze rustled the leaves above him.
"You look like you're trying to become one with the wind," a voice said.
Itachi turned. "Shisui."
"The clan's getting restless. The elders are pushing again. If things go south, the village might—"
"I know."
"...And your sister? Shizuka? She still won't talk to you?"
Itachi's eyes softened, unusual for someone usually so composed.
"Since childhood, she's always avoided me. She'd cry when I entered the room.
I thought maybe I scared her… but it was more than that. I've failed her somehow."
Shisui put a hand on his shoulder. "You did what you thought was best, Itachi.
You're not the villain she sees."
Itachi shook his head. "Intent doesn't matter if the result is pain.
I wish I could talk to her properly, even once."
---
Back in the classroom...
The doors creaked open and a hush fell across the students.
The Third Hokage entered, flanked by two ANBU.
The aged leader wore a calm smile, his eyes betraying experience and wisdom.
"Children, today I speak to you not as Hokage, but as a proud grandfather of this great village."
The students sat upright, even Naruto. Gojo remained sprawled but kept his eyes open this time.
"The Will of Fire… it is the spirit that binds us. From the First Hokage to me, your Third, we protect this village because we love it.
That love burns in each of you."
Gojo internally scoffed. Ah yes, the ultimate propaganda speech.
Give your life for the village and be hailed posthumously while they forget your name two generations later. Nice.
Sarutobi continued, "A true ninja is one who endures, not for glory, but for peace.
Like the brave Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, who gave his life for the village… or Uchiha Shisui, who is working nonstop for the village to ease tension between village and Uchiha—"
Shizuka gritted her teeth. Hypocrite. You orchestrated Shisui's downfall.
Manipulated Itachi into killing our clan.
As the speech dragged on, Gojo heard a third hokage mention about uchiha and village
Gojo nearly chuckled out loud.
Shizuka looked over at him, confused by the flicker of amusement in his eyes.
He glanced at her and mouthed silently, "Don't fall for it."
Her eyes widened.
The speech finally ended, and the students applauded politely.
Sarutobi gave a grandfatherly nod and exited with the ANBU.
Outside the classroom, the Hokage sighed. "There are many bright sparks among them.
Especially that Gojo boy… I must keep an eye on him."
The ANBU beside him merely nodded. In the shadows, plans were already brewing.
And in the hearts of several children, sparks had already turned to flames.
Chapter End.
---
[ TO BE CONTINUED ]
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Author's Note:
Boom! The chapter ends… but my journey as a humble author continues!
If you laughed, raged, or felt the urge to slap a fictional character today—don't forget to drop a Power Stone or add this novel to your collection!
It fuels my fingers and feeds the system behind this villainous tale.
Got an idea? A plot twist suggestion? Or just wanna yell at a character?
Slide into the comments—I read everything.
Until next time,
Stay evil, stay awesome, and thanks for reading!
– Your Scheming Author
azuredragonx
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