Challenge Sasuke? (One/Two)
"Iruka."
Mizuki brought Xu Fan to the playground and greeted Iruka.
Xu Fan looked around. There were probably dozens of students gathered here, and Sasuke Uchiha was naturally the center of attention.
Especially among the female students—their eyes were glued to Sasuke, almost as if they were in a trance.
Meanwhile, Uzumaki Naruto stood alone in a corner, completely isolated.
Even though he tried to act like it didn't bother him, a trace of loneliness was evident.
After all, Naruto Uzumaki was just a six or seven-year-old child.
If someone recorded a vlog of Naruto's current situation and uploaded it to Station B, the bullet comments would probably be flooded with things like "Naruto, come here, let me hug you," "Protector of the best prince," and "I have to defend this boy at all costs."
Hinata, who was also in this class, was absent today.
It seemed she was still recovering and resting in the hospital.
"Ah, Mizuki."
Iruka turned his head, acknowledging Mizuki's greeting while holding a notebook in his hands—likely to record the students' performance.
His gaze soon landed on Xu Fan, who stood beside Mizuki.
"So, you must be the student Hokage-sama mentioned?" Iruka asked with a warm smile.
Although it was unusual for a thirteen-year-old to enroll in the Ninja Academy, Iruka didn't seem to mind.
"Yeah," Xu Fan nodded, confirming his identity.
"Alright, Iruka, I'll leave him in your hands from now on," Mizuki said, though he didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave. "Today is a practical lesson."
"Yes. For a ninja, combat skills are just as crucial as knowledge," Iruka explained. "In fact, Taijutsu is considered one of the fundamental tactics of ninja warfare."
Although he was speaking to Mizuki, his words were clearly meant for Xu Fan.
"Okay," Iruka clapped his hands to get the students' attention. "Everyone, gather up."
As the students formed their groups, Naruto was about to stand next to Sasuke—until Sakura shoved him aside.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura greeted Sasuke in a soft voice, only to realize that her rival, Ino, was standing on his other side.
"Ino, why are you standing there?"
"I should be asking you that, Forehead Girl. That spot should've belonged to Naruto."
"Ahem."
Seeing the girls start another argument over Sasuke, Iruka cleared his throat to stop them.
Sasuke, however, stood with his hands in his pockets, completely unfazed by their bickering.
"Are kids this precocious these days?" Iruka thought to himself before addressing the class.
"Alright, everyone, listen up. We have a new transfer student joining us today," Iruka announced. "Starting now, Xu Fan will be studying alongside you at the Ninja Academy."
"Go ahead and introduce yourself, Senju-san." Iruka smiled encouragingly.
Although he was the class instructor, he often acted more like an older brother.
However, since he had only recently become a Chūnin teacher, he sometimes distanced himself from Naruto when dealing with certain matters.
Like now—he completely ignored Naruto's situation.
"Yeah." Xu Fan nodded and introduced himself to the class.
"My name is Senju Xu. I don't have any particular likes or dislikes. My dream is to become Hokage and restore the Senju Clan to its former glory."
In reality, Xu Fan was well aware of something.
The Third Hokage had a certain hobby—watching people through his crystal ball.
According to Xu Fan's understanding, this was a ninjutsu called the Telescope Technique. As long as he knew someone's chakra signature, he could observe them from a distance.
Normally, the Third Hokage used this ability to keep an eye on Naruto, ensuring his safety as the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.
Right now, not only had Xu Fan exposed his chakra to Sarutobi Hiruzen, but Naruto was also present in the same setting.
"If my guess is correct, the Third Hokage is probably watching us right now."
That was why Xu Fan had deliberately phrased his introduction the way he did—so Sarutobi Hiruzen would hear it.
Letting him know his stance was important. "My goal is to become Hokage and restore the Senju Clan."
Given his identity, saying that was perfectly natural.
"The one who's going to be Hokage... is me! Uzumaki Naruto!"
Naruto suddenly pushed through the crowd, pointing at Xu Fan as he shouted.
However, his declaration was immediately met with laughter.
"Hahaha! The dead-last wants to be Hokage? That joke never gets old."
"Yeah! If Naruto becomes Hokage, then I'll become the God of the Ninja World."
"Seriously."
"He has no self-awareness at all."
"You guys—!"
Naruto's face turned red with frustration as he clenched his fists. "I will become Hokage! And when I do, the village will finally acknowledge me!"
"That's enough, Naruto," Iruka sighed.
To the villagers, the Hokage was the most respected figure in the village.
But as long as the demon fox was sealed inside Naruto, he could never be accepted as Hokage.
As cruel as it was, it was better for Naruto to understand reality now rather than later.
"You—"
Just as Iruka was about to say something, Xu Fan interrupted him.
"Then do your best, Naruto." Xu Fan smiled at him.
Naruto froze, completely caught off guard.
He had declared his dream many times before.
But every time, all he received was mockery.
Especially from the adults, whose eyes were always filled with cold indifference.
He had gotten used to it.
But now—someone wasn't laughing at him.
Xu Fan was actually encouraging him.
And the way he looked at Naruto—his eyes, his smile—it was as if he truly believed Naruto had a chance of becoming Hokage.
For a brief moment, Naruto just stood there, staring at Xu Fan, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Did I make him cry?" Xu Fan was taken aback.
In the Naruto series, Naruto was always portrayed as someone incredibly strong. No matter what hardships he faced, he always smiled through them.
"Ah, no, it's nothing!" Naruto sniffed and quickly wiped his eyes. "It's just… some sand got in my eyes!"
Iruka, watching from the side, felt a sudden, sharp pang in his chest.
Even the other students seemed a little confused.
"Since when did Naruto become such a crybaby?"
"Ahem."
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Iruka decided to change the subject.
"Alright, let's move on with today's class."
He flipped through the transcript.
Since Hinata was absent, there was an empty slot on the roster.
Coincidentally, only one person was left without a sparring partner—Sasuke Uchiha.
The Senju and Uchiha Clans…
"Senju-san, how about it?" Iruka asked with a smile. "Would you like to challenge Sasuke, the top student in the class?"