One insult was all it took to drag Konoha's pride onto the battlefield.
"Hmph. Those damned Uchiha."
"Still refusing to behave themselves."
After listening to his subordinate's report, Danzo Shimura frowned deeply. The killing intent in his heart toward the Uchiha clan grew thicker by the second.
Danzo had never hidden his disgust for them.
An evil clan like that deserved to be wiped out.
He had pressured Hiruzen Sarutobi more than once over the issue, but Hiruzen's stance had always been ambiguous—neither agreeing nor refusing outright.
But now—
"Mocking my grandson?"
"They've really got a death wish."
"Come with me."
Decision made, Danzo immediately left Root with Yamanaka Fu and his companion, heading straight for the Hokage Tower.
What should have been a long-standing dispute between the two old men ended far more quickly than usual.
This time, shockingly—
They reached an agreement.
As for what was said behind closed doors, no one knew.
All anyone saw was Danzo exiting the Hokage's office with a faint smile on his face.
—
The next day.
"Young Master, the clan head asked me to inform you."
"You'll be reporting to Iruka's class today."
Hearing the butler's words, Alaric raised an eyebrow.
He'd been planning to demand a class transfer himself.
Turns out the old man had already handled it.
Remembering Hiruzen's face yesterday—dark as burnt charcoal—Alaric almost laughed.
And since he was being moved into the protagonist class anyway…
Might as well farm some fusion progress.
—
At the Ninja Academy.
Under Iruka Umino's guidance, Alaric entered the classroom.
The previously noisy room fell dead silent the moment they stepped inside.
"Well then," Iruka said, forcing a smile, "Alaric, why don't you introduce yourself?"
No response.
Not a word.
Iruka instantly felt awkward.
"He's so cool…"
"And handsome!"
"I think he's even better-looking than Sasuke!"
"Yeah! Totally!"
The classroom erupted again.
At the back, Shikamaru Nara slumped over his desk, eyes half-lidded.
"What a pain…"
Nearby, Ino Yamanaka's eyes sparkled as she stared, clearly lost in thought.
"He's nothing special."
"Sasuke is way cuter."
"Right—Sasuke is the best!"
Ignoring the chatter, Sakura Haruno gazed dreamily toward the window seat.
But the boy she admired only sneered.
"Hey, hey, Alaric Sarutobi."
"Don't get too arrogant."
"You think this is your old class?"
"So what if you're the Sarutobi heir? You really think everyone's afraid of you?"
Since hearing about Alaric from his father, Sasuke Uchiha had dismissed him entirely.
Just a useless rich kid riding on clan prestige.
And now, watching the girls who once crowded around him shift their attention elsewhere—
It felt like something that belonged to him had been stolen.
The moment Sasuke stepped forward, the classroom fell silent.
Iruka's heart sank.
This was bad.
Before he could intervene, Alaric finally spoke.
"Oh?"
"Who the hell are you barking at?"
"Got the guts, then come outside and fight."
Sasuke's temper detonated.
"You think I'm scared of you?!"
"Training ground. Now!"
He stormed out of the classroom, fury blazing.
Alaric followed without hesitation.
Iruka cursed under his breath and rushed after them.
The rest of the class poured out as well.
After all—
Watching chaos unfold was human nature.
—
News of the confrontation reached the Hokage almost immediately.
Hearing the report, Hiruzen calmly took a puff from his pipe, not the slightest bit worried.
"Go."
"Notify Fugaku Uchiha."
"We'll meet at the Academy."
ANBU moved at once.
When Fugaku received word that Sasuke had clashed with Alaric, his expression changed sharply.
Trouble.
He rushed toward the Academy without delay.
—
At the training grounds.
Alaric and Sasuke stood facing each other.
Iruka, forced into the role of referee, could only watch nervously, ready to intervene at the first sign of disaster.
The surrounding students had already split into two camps.
"Who do you think will win?"
"Obviously Sasuke! He's a Uchiha genius!"
"Not necessarily—Alaric is the Hokage's grandson!"
"Sasuke's the strongest!"
"No—Alaric is!"
The shouting escalated, voices clashing like blades.
Among Alaric's supporters, one blond boy was especially loud.
"Woohoo! Alaric, get him!"
"Teach that stuck-up Sasuke a lesson!"
"Hit him! Hit him!"
The enthusiasm made Alaric glance over.
Spotting Naruto Uzumaki in the crowd almost made him laugh.
"Hmph."
"Alaric Sarutobi—today I'll show you what the Uchiha are made of!"
Sasuke formed the confrontation seal.
Alaric didn't bother responding.
No chakra surge.
No hand signs.
Why would he?
"What's with the stalling?"
"Hurry up."
"Let me see what kind of strength the Uchiha clan actually has."
The mockery pushed Sasuke past the edge.
What had started as a simple lesson—
Now demanded blood.
"You asked for this!"
Sasuke's hands flew through seals.
Snake—Ram—Monkey—Boar—Horse—Tiger—
Iruka's face was drained of color.
"Sasuke—stop!"
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