The next day arrived swiftly.
Shorai was excited—almost glowing—and it showed.
"Good morning, Shorai-kun," the girls chirped, flustered. "You're… almost shining."
It was unusual. Since anyone could remember, Shorai wore a quiet seriousness, softened only by rare smiles.
"Morning," he said, offering a sheepish grin. "Just had a good night's sleep. Made progress on some ideas."
He hurried to his seat, cheeks warm.
"Eh…?"
They narrowed their eyes, then resumed whispering.
Sasuke noticed. His cold frown cracked into a rare look of surprise. "What happened to you? Trying to become like that idiot?"
Naruto turned. "Wha? I'm here, jerk!"
"Something pleasantly surprising came up," Shorai replied, placing his books down. "No worries."
Class began. Iruka reviewed semester progress—praise, critique, the usual.
Shorai leaned on his hand, lost in thought.
Silence.
Then, a note slid across the desk.
Sasuke, under his arm, pushed it forward.
'I want to talk to you after school.'
Shorai glanced, wrote back: 'Why the wait? What's on your mind?'
Sasuke: 'Your suggestion. No limits. I'd like to try.'
Shorai raised a brow. Seriously? Took you long enough.
'Sure. Meet me at the Academy grounds—8:00 PM. Private.' He slid it back.
"Hey! Shorai, Sasuke!" Iruka's voice cut through. "Am I bothering you two?"
"Sorry, sensei," Shorai said. "Sasuke did nothing wrong."
Iruka's gaze darted between them, suspicious. "It's not self-study time. Pay attention. And if you have a question, ask—like you always do, Shorai."
The class turned, curious.
"Hehe…" Shorai scratched the back of his head.
Iruka shook his head and continued the political-history lesson.
When the long break bell rang, Shorai approached Iruka.
"Sensei, I have an important meeting today—tailor shop. I might not make it back in time, though I'll try."
Iruka studied him. "No one leaves during break. But… given your results, I'll make an exception. One hour. And no bribes." He pointed at Shorai's offer of a meal.
Shorai smiled. "Worth a try."
He ran back to his room, startling Tetsuo.
After a brief explanation, the caretaker calmed. Shorai grabbed his scrolls and rushed out.
The central district led straight to the Hokage's residence. On that main street stood a familiar building: Heavenly Lotus, its swirling logo glowing in the sun.
Inside, a young woman with black hair and brown eyes looked up from her notebook.
"Good day. My name is Shorai. I'm here for… 'Haga's Plan.'"
She blinked. "Oh… my… what a cute young man. Am I dreaming?" Her eyes locked onto his face—then his clothes. "Wait. What did you say?"
"H-Haga's Plan…?"
"OH! SO IT'S YOU! COME, COME!" She leapt up, grabbed his arm, and pulled him to a table.
"He told me about you. You brought the designs?!"
Shorai unrolled the scrolls.
"…"
"Is something wrong?"
"Y-yes… no! Incredible!" She dove into the designs, eyes wide.
"Oh! Wait here!" She remembered something, tore her gaze away, and vanished behind a door.
Shorai sat, puzzled, checking his watch—30 minutes left.
Moments later, she returned with Ren.
"Ho-ho! Shorai-san! You finished them so fast?!" Ren's eyes lit up at the designs.
"They're marvelous, Haga-dono!" the woman gasped.
"Aren't they, Aya? A revolution! The fashion world will witness Heavenly Lotus's second bloom!" He struck a swirling pose.
Shorai twitched.
"Ren-dono—"
"I told you to call me Ren!"
"Sorry. Ren, I'm in a hurry. I have about 20 minutes before I must return. My teacher gave me a special permission."
"I see… you could've come later—"
"Today's been busy. I didn't want to keep you waiting. I'm a man of my word. But if it's alright, I can return after 5 PM."
"Cute and manly!" the woman beamed.
Ren smiled. "Here is the contract. Shorai will sell us his designs. But…" He leaned in. "He is also our model."
"W-what?!" She froze, eyes darting between them.
Ren explained his vision. Her excitement reignited.
"You're incredible, Boss! Your vision is legendary!" She sized Shorai up, eyes sparkling.
"Now, Shorai-san," Ren declared, "play your part, and we shall bring a new spring to the village—no! To the world!" He struck another dramatic pose.
Shorai twitched again. I might involuntarily develop a tick from associating with this man.
After signing, they set the time for later. Shorai received his payment—sealed in scrolls, surprisingly generous.
He returned to class just as the bell rang.