Chapter 24: Decision

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it's a new year.

Inside the ninja school, Tetsuya collapsed on a chair, staring at the birds outside the window. Sure enough, no matter what world you're in, school can be boring.

Shikamaru was in a similar position, basking in the warm sunlight and almost drifting off to sleep. Iruka, full of passion on stage, had veins appearing on his forehead. These two were definitely the key problem children in the class.

The chalk in Iruka's hand snapped in two, and he threw the pieces at Tetsuya and Shikamaru. Today, he had to teach these two a lesson! Despite his anger, he subconsciously reduced the strength but retained the precision.

Shikamaru spotted Iruka's movements and could have easily dodged, but he was too lazy to move. It was simpler to let Iruka hit him, get it over with, and maybe live more comfortably later. As a high-IQ representative, he knew how to solve problems in the simplest way.

Tetsuya didn't even lift his eyelids. Hinata reached out and caught the chalk, softly but firmly saying, "Iruka-sensei, hitting students is wrong…"

Iruka almost spat out a mouthful of old blood. It's wrong to hit students, but is it okay to be distracted and sleep in class? Usually, Hinata was the top student, but when Tetsuya was involved, she changed completely.

Damn, how did such a lazy brat kidnap the eldest daughter of the Hyuga house?

Taking deep breaths to calm himself, Iruka pointed to Tetsuya. "Tetsuya, you answer this question!"

Tetsuya stood up helplessly, looking at the dense numbers and letters on the blackboard, lost in thought. Who could tell him why becoming a ninja involved enduring the torture of mathematics and physics? Throwing shuriken should be straightforward—why involve calculations?

Tetsuya might be able to push back a Kage-level powerhouse, but he couldn't solve this question. "I don't know."

His tone was justifiable, but Iruka laughed in anger. "Go out and stand!"

Tetsuya walked out of the classroom under Shikamaru's envious gaze. Shikamaru wished he could join him and find a nice tree for a nap.

...

On the playground, Tetsuya lay under a tree, enjoying his leisure time. Standing outside was pointless; Iruka had a good temper and wouldn't make a fuss over such trivial matters.

Well, that's settled.

If it weren't for Hinata and maybe Ino, Tetsuya would have graduated early. The knowledge taught here might be useful for average ninjas, but he was beyond that. In the future, facing the ninja world's perverts, should he really bother with basic skills?

Life isn't just about fighting; it's also about love.

He glanced at the sun, estimating the time. It was nearly lunchtime, and he had to go back for the meal Hinata and Ino prepared. The two girls were raising him like a pig. If this continued, wouldn't he end up relying on them?

Patting off the dust, he stood up from the grass. Suddenly, he sensed something and looked up, his eyes meeting the scarlet Sharingan on a tree.

Uchiha Itachi.

Tetsuya was surprised; he hadn't seen Itachi in a while. Perhaps Anbu duties or the tension between the village and his clan kept him busy. Itachi's eyes had deepened with sorrow. Noticing Tetsuya, Itachi frowned and then vanished with Body Flicker Technique.

Tetsuya was baffled but quickly realized the significance.

Konoha Year 55.

Uchiha Massacre Night.

With more Anbu in the village recently, it was clear that a major event was imminent. But what did this have to do with him?

Tetsuya chuckled to himself and returned to the classroom as if nothing had happened.

...

Meanwhile, Itachi met with the Third Hokage after taking one last look at Sasuke. "Have you decided?" Third Hokage asked, his tone complicated.

Itachi's Sharingan swirled, forming the Mangekyō. "Lord Hokage, I've made my decision. I'll act tonight. Since the Uchiha clan is corrupt, it should be cut off by me, the Uchiha clan. And I can spy on the mysterious man claiming to be Uchiha Madara."

"My only request is for you to take care of my brother Sasuke."

Not long ago, a masked man approached Itachi, inviting him to join an organization. Itachi didn't agree but didn't refuse, sensing the man's danger and Sharingan. He suspected the man was behind the Nine Tails Rebellion.

Third Hokage exhaled a ring of smoke, hiding his expression. He knew Itachi was trading all Uchiha lives for his brother's. "After tonight, I'll declare you an S-class traitor and issue a bounty. As long as I'm alive, Sasuke will be safe."

No names were mentioned, but Itachi understood. "Thank you," he said, kneeling before disappearing.

Third Hokage's eyes dimmed as he looked towards the Uchiha compound. After today, the policy against the Uchiha, started by the Second Hokage, would end. A burden lifted from his heart, but he dared not relax. The information Itachi revealed was alarming—an organization called Akatsuki and a masked man.

Konoha knew nothing about them until now. They had attacked twice, and their true intentions were unknown. Third Hokage hoped Itachi could gather useful information for Sasuke's sake.