"From the Uchiha clan?" Mizuki asked thoughtfully. "Could it be a prodigy who's already unlocked his eyes?"
"Not exactly," Anko muttered in frustration. "But that brat's Swift Dash is too impressive! It's clearly just a D-rank ninjutsu, but he makes it seem more powerful than some C-rank techniques!"
Kurenai looked surprised. "Although jutsu ranks usually indicate how difficult they are to master, they do reflect the actual strength of the technique most of the time. To surpass that limitation really is impressive!"
Seiki chuckled softly. "The Uchiha really are a family of natural-born talents."
"What's even more infuriating is, that little brat seems to want to take over The Third's name from me!" Anko puffed her cheeks indignantly.
Shizune blinked. "Aren't you graduating soon anyway? Passing the position to him wouldn't be that bad, would it?"
Anko freaked out. "But now lots of people say that brat plans to challenge me directly! If I graduate right now, won't it look like Lady Anko is scared of him?"
"Interrupting for a second!" Guy hesitantly raised his hand. "Shouldn't the psychology club leadership change happen through debates or something instead of a fight?"
"Haha, well..." Anko nervously chuckled, "That's just because back then I 'convinced' everyone else using this method when I became club president!"
Everyone's mouths twitched violently as they seemed unable to face the word "convinced" straight on anymore.
"In any case, there's absolutely no way I'll give up!" Anko declared firmly. "I must defend the honor of being The Second!"
However, her bold declaration received no response whatsoever.
Everyone completely ignored her and carried on with their own conversation.
"Guy, do you think I should take my Blade: Flying Scales out for some fresh air? Keeping my ninja blade sealed in a scroll doesn't help build our bond," Asuma said solemnly.
"I understand you want to show off," Guy replied earnestly, "but carrying such a dangerous weapon into an area filled with students might get you beaten up by the teachers!"
Kurenai hesitated as she asked, "Seiki, do you think we should bring some gifts when we meet the teacher later?"
Shizune nodded vigorously. "Right, Seiki, isn't it inappropriate to go empty-handed like this?"
"We should bring some gifts, but overly valuable presents might cause unnecessary rumors," Seiki snapped his fingers. "Teacher Yamakei loves collecting ninja tools, so why don't we give him Hanzo's scythe? At least it has some worth."
"Ahhh! At least respond to me!" When no one paid any attention, Anko groaned in frustration before turning thankfully toward Mizuki. "Only you, Big Brother Mizuki, are willing to listen to me."
Mizuki managed a forced smile on his stern face. "Since senior brother treats you so well, won't you introduce me to that Shisui Uchiha later?"
Anko: (▼皿▼#)
...
As Anko quietly complained, the group arrived at the mountain behind the village.
It was still the same grove as before, but much livelier than ever.
Besides students, teachers, parents, and even some curious villagers had gathered here today.
Asuma couldn't help blurting out when he saw the scene, "Wow, it's way busier than before!"
Anko proudly puffed out her chest. "All of this is thanks to the Second!"
Guy asked excitedly, "Has my Passionate Youth Club turned into a huge club by now?"
Anko gave him a sympathetic glance. "That club was disbanded long ago due to having too few members… or rather, absolutely no one at all."
Guy looked as if struck by lightning, murmuring dazedly, "How could it be like this?"
Walking toward the central area, they saw a large crowd gathered around, letting out amazed gasps from time to time.
"So amazing! They've won again!"
"No wonder they're called legendary gambling masters—the Gambling Fox!"
"This elder is quite impressive too!"
"Their scores are extremely close. It'll all depend on the final round!"
Exchanging glances with odd expressions, the group curiously edged closer.
In the middle of the scene was a board game called "Mahjong," invented by Seiki.
Two of the players had very low scores, clearly already defeated, while the other two were closely matched—either could win.
Seeing this, Asuma lowered his voice and asked, "That girl using Transformation Jutsu is obviously Senior Kushina, right? I'm way too familiar with the way she plays cards!"
Shizune whispered in shock, "Isn't this ganging up on someone? Isn't it a bit much bullying this poor old gentleman like this?"
Kurenai gave a soft smile. "You still don't get how strong the Nine-Tails is, huh? This situation shows it perfectly—sometimes two can be worse than one."
"Besides," Seiki chuckled, "you don't need to feel sorry for this old man. Danzo Elder isn't someone who easily gets taken advantage of!"
"Eh? Danzo Elder?"
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"I've crossed paths with Elder Danzo several times, so I'm quite familiar with his chakra signature."
The surrounding noise was extremely loud, making it difficult for normal people to notice their quiet conversation.
But those two players weren't just any ordinary folks.
When they heard that voice, both stiffened simultaneously, staring at each other as an awkward atmosphere filled the space between them.
"Hehe… Haha! Elder Danzo sure has refined tastes!"
"Hmph! You yourself aren't exactly lacking either, Miss Nine-Tails..."
Their eyes met, silently agreeing not to expose each other's identities, then casually resumed playing cards as if nothing happened.
But deep down, neither of them was focused on the game anymore.
After Kushina won this round and claimed the championship title, Danzo hurriedly took off before anyone could stop him.
Unfortunately, he hadn't walked more than a few steps when Seiki blocked his path.
"Danzo Elder, shouldn't you currently be guarding the camp?" Seiki asked with feigned confusion.
"That's right! Wasn't I supposed to be at the camp?" Danzo murmured blankly.
Everyone: (￣ー￣) that awkward face everyone makes when they're speechless
"Hem hem," Danzo declared with arms folded behind his back, looking dignified, "I was contemplating the strategic competition between Iwagakure and Konoha, but struggled to find inspiration, so reluctantly decided to explore alternative possibilities."
"It's worth sacrificing some of my precious time for the sake of Konoha!"
Asuma muttered quietly, "Trying to sneak off and call it something so noble—just like you to spin it that way!"
Danzo's expression stiffened. Did that bastard really think he wouldn't hear?
Seiki chose not to call him out on it and smiled instead as he said, "Elder Danzo, please don't overwork yourself."
At this moment, Kushina pushed her way out from the crowd and approached them, ruffling Seiki's hair, "You really hurt my feelings! You're back and didn't even come see your sister!"
Seiki helplessly replied, "I went yesterday, but I couldn't find Sister Kushina."
Kushina's smile paused momentarily. For today's match, she had indeed left early to spar with Mahjong (a traditional Chinese tile game) partners in preparation.
Unfortunately, the Uchiha household discipline was too strict for her to successfully coax Mikoto out and join her.
"Hahaha, this isn't important," Kushina let out a couple of forced laughs before turning serious, "What matters is Kurama is really angry right now—it hates nothing more than someone saying it can't play well!"
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