"Hakken, our use of Shadow Clones for class hasn't been exposed yet. There's no need to rush things, right?"
The weekend had passed, marking the start of the second week since the new batch of students enrolled at the Ninja Academy.
Last Friday after class, the elite section's instructor, Ryūji Yamazaki, had announced that a small entrance exam would take place in the second week.
The exam would cover not only basic theory but also test each student's proficiency with the Three Basic Jutsu—assessing their individual potential.
Of course, shuriken practice and combat drills were also scheduled to begin.
Arriving early at the academy gates, Itachi looked at the ever-calm Ken-san and voiced his question with a hint of doubt.
Indeed.
With Shadow Clones attending lessons while they trained at the practice grounds, Itachi thought this arrangement could last quite a while—at least until their clones were discovered.
"Don't underestimate Konoha. And don't underestimate the Hokage."
Hakken raised his head slightly, gazing toward the Hokage Building in the distance.
He had no idea how the two Hokage inside made their decisions for Konoha's future.
But Orochimaru had once mentioned that someone had already taken notice of him.
If that was true, then there was no point wondering whether the Third Hokage's Telescope Technique had picked up on something—it likely already had.
And considering what Shisui had said yesterday about Danzō wanting to recruit him into Root…
Hakken had his own calculations to make.
"The peaceful days are over."
He ruffled Itachi's hair lightly and sighed.
"Starting this year, this village is going to become a mess."
"You mean…"
Itachi's sharp mind quickly caught on to what Hakken was implying.
"And most importantly," Hakken continued, "when disaster comes, I don't want to still be some kid who's never even tasted blood."
He strode forward, step by step, until he stood before the locked school gates. Then he took a deep breath.
"Eight Inner Gates…"
"Ninth—School Gate, open!"
Boom!
The power of a demon surged through him, accompanied by a fierce roar. The gate before him exploded into splintered fragments.
Itachi froze in disbelief.
Destroying the academy gates—was this Hakken's idea of stress relief?
"Don't ask. Just admit it's cool. Gotta make some noise before graduation."
Dusting his hands off, Hakken let out a satisfied exhale.
Itachi could only shake his head, unsure what to say.
This man always acted on instinct, always following his own logic.
But one thing lingered in Itachi's mind—what was that "disaster" Hakken had mentioned?
...
Ninja Academy, Elite Class.
Class time had arrived.
Yet the students were abuzz with chatter, their conversations circling endlessly around two things—the entrance exam scheduled for today, and the burning mystery of who had shattered the Academy's front gate.
Itachi sat quietly beside Hakken, waiting in silence.
Hakken always had a plan; all Itachi needed to do was follow his lead.
The only difference today was that, unlike their usual mornings spent sweating in the training grounds, they were sitting obediently in their seats—without the familiar thrill of skipping class.
A figure suddenly approached. Itachi's gaze shifted, and he saw a purple-haired girl walking toward Ken-san.
"Here's your cloak."
Holding the softly scented cloak in her arms, Yūgao Uzuki's face turned slightly pink. "It's been washed."
This cloak... looked strangely familiar.
His eyes flicked over the faint Uchiha crest embroidered on the fabric, and realization dawned.
Wasn't that the cloak he himself had placed over Hakken that night, worried his friend might catch a chill walking home?
How had it ended up in Yūgao Uzuki's hands?
And judging from her words—it had clearly been washed.
Hakken and Yūgao... huh?
They actually looked quite compatible.
So why did his chest suddenly feel... tight?
Maybe it was because that cloak had originally been his gift to Ken-san.
With a small huff, Itachi pushed the thought aside. There was no point dwelling on such nonsense.
Hakken accepted the cloak she offered, his brow lifting slightly as a faint fragrance reached him.
That wasn't the scent of Konoha-brand detergent.
It smelled... oddly similar to Yūgao Uzuki herself.
He gave a small shake of his head and murmured a quiet "thanks," before closing his eyes again to rest.
The purple-haired girl looked a little disappointed and sighed softly as she took a seat nearby.
"Hey, completely fallen for him already?"
Her best friend, Izumi Uchiha, began winking and teasing her with an exaggerated grin.
So annoying.
Yūgao gave her a shy glare, but just as she was about to deny it, she froze for a moment—then gave a tiny, dazed nod.
She admitted it?
Izumi's mouth fell open. She wanted to tease her more... but the moment had passed.
Yeah.
Once she'd confessed, what else could she say?
"Ahem!"
A sharp cough echoed through the room as their instructor, Chūnin Ryūji Yamazaki, stepped into the classroom. Instantly, the noise died down.
Clearly, after only a week, this stern man had already become every new student's nightmare.
"Everyone, follow me. Time for your entrance exam."
Casting a satisfied glance around, Ryūji Yamazaki's eyes finally landed on two students—Itachi Uchiha and Hakken Yoru.
Two boys personally mentioned by the Hokage.
On the surface, one was diligent and focused, while the other did nothing but sleep.
As different as night and day.