After all the students finished their self-introductions, Iruka finally officially started the first lesson.
"Today, we will be learning the most basic knowledge for a Ninja – the extraction and utilization of Chakra."
Iruka picked up a piece of chalk and drew a simple diagram on the blackboard. "Chakra is the energy produced from the 130 trillion cells of the spirit and body, and it is the foundation for us to use Ninjutsu..."
Naruto rested his chin on one hand, listening to Iruka's lecture. Although Naruto had learned this knowledge three years ago, sitting in the classroom and revisiting it now brought a strange sense of nostalgia.
After explaining Chakra and the method of extracting Chakra, Iruka began to teach hand seals.
Naruto thought the concept of hand seals was quite cool, but unfortunately, in the later stages, it was mostly just clapping hands and whatever was called for appeared. This ritualistic method of hand seals became a rare sight.
The latter half of the lesson shifted to the history of the Ninja World.
"A long time ago, the Ninja World did not have the concept of 'Ninja Villages'. Ninjas fought each other in the name of their clans, and their average lifespan was less than thirty years old..."
When discussing the history of Konoha's establishment, Iruka only mentioned Senju Hashirama's achievements in quelling the chaos and establishing Konoha. He did not mention a single word about the deeds of the other founder, Uchiha Madara.
After the history lesson ended, the sunlight streamed obliquely through the window onto the desks. It was noon, and Naruto enthusiastically opened his bento box. Satsuki also untied the bento her mother had carefully prepared.
The two naturally began to exchange food, which had already become their regular interaction.
At the other end of the classroom, several young boys huddled together, whispering and occasionally glancing over.
"Hey, did you guys see that? Satsuki and that blonde guy..."
"Why is she eating with someone like that?"
"How about... we invite her over?"
After an intense exchange of glances, one boy mustered up the courage to walk over. He deliberately straightened his back, wanting to show off his "elite demeanor."
"Um..." He stood in front of Satsuki's desk, his voice unconsciously raising a few octaves, "You're from the Uchiha Clan, right?"
Satsuki swallowed the food in her mouth, then looked up. In the sunlight, her dark eyes sparkled like jewels, instantly making the boy who came to talk to her blush.
"Yes," she responded briefly, "Is there something you need?"
The boy nervously said, "I, I heard that talented children from the Uchiha family start training before entering the Ninja Academy..."
He grew more confident as he spoke, "Why don't you come and eat with us? We can exchange training experiences! My dad is a Jonin, and I started training before entering the Ninja Academy!"
As he spoke, he glanced proudly at Naruto. Yes, this was the children's plan: only invite Satsuki, so they could have lunch with Satsuki and leave Naruto out.
Satsuki replied in a calm tone. "No need, I already have a training partner."
Her tone was not impolite, but not distant either; it was just a very plain refusal. Yet, even so, the little boy standing at the desk instantly flushed red.
After all, he was a child, and very thin-skinned. After being rejected so directly, he could only lower his head and quickly walk away.
After the figure walked away, Satsuki nonchalantly picked up her chopsticks, took a golden fried shrimp from her bento box, and gently placed it in Naruto's bento.
"Here, try this. Mom knows you've been taking care of me, so she specially made it for you."
This was, of course, a lie.
In reality, Satsuki herself had proactively asked her mother to make an extra portion. At the time, Mikoto had even given a meaningful smile, but how could she honestly admit something like that?
"Really? Then please thank Aunt Mikoto for me." Naruto immediately picked up the fried shrimp and took a bite. The crispy coating made a clear sound between his teeth, and the sweet shrimp meat melted on his tongue, making him involuntarily narrow his eyes.
This was Naruto's assessment: delicious, much better than what he made himself. He could only conclude, 'As expected of the Uchiha Clan Leader's wife?'
After Naruto finished the fried shrimp, he picked up some char siu from his bento box and placed it in Satsuki's bowl as an exchange. "Here, try my char siu. Although it certainly can't compare to yours..."
"Oh, I also prepared some snacks." Naruto rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a small bag, opening it to reveal several bright red items.
A derivative of tanghulu, candied cherry tomatoes.
Satsuki stared at the cherry tomatoes for two seconds before reaching out and taking one. She took a small bite, and a sweet flavor instantly spread on her tongue.
He still hadn't forgotten her favorite tomato dish...
Even though cooking for himself was already a lot of work... he still specially made these...
Satsuki ate the cherry tomatoes in small bites, her peripheral vision catching Naruto expertly finishing his bento, a little sauce on the corner of his mouth. She instinctively wanted to reach out to wipe it off for him, but halfway, she stiffly changed it to handing him a tissue.
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After a pleasant lunch, it was afternoon. The lecture venue shifted from the classroom to the playground for taijutsu class.
But the lesson wasn't about running together or anything; it was about sparring in groups.
"First group for sparring, Uchiha Satsuki versus Uzumaki Naruto!"
Satsuki's eyes instantly lit up. What good luck. She thought, completely unaware that this might have been a deliberate arrangement.
In her proud perception, among the entire class, only Naruto was worthy of being her opponent.
The two walked to the center of the field, and Iruka solemnly announced the rules. "No real ninja tools are allowed, and stop before causing serious injury." He looked at the two of them. "Now, form the Seal of Confrontation."
Naruto and Satsuki simultaneously raised their hands, forming the standard Seal of Confrontation.
The students watching from the sidelines immediately stirred. Several young boys squeezed into the front row, shouting with red faces and necks.
"Satsuki! Go for it!"
"Show that guy your strength!"
"Satsuki! Can you teach me shuriken after the fight?"
Satsuki was deaf to these noisy voices; her gaze remained fixed on Naruto. A breeze swept by, blowing her bangs, and her dark eyes were full of concentration.
Satsuki adopted a standard taijutsu starting stance. "I won't hold back."
Naruto smiled and took his starting stance. "I'll give it my all too."
Iruka's raised hand sharply swung down. "Battle start!"