Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Shikayu, The Vacation
To avoid the awkward atmosphere, Kisuke quickly changed the subject.
"Alright, class. Let's announce the test results."
The kids below were not so easily distracted.
Someone shouted, "Kisuke-sensei is trying to change the subject!"
Immediately, someone chimed in,
"Yeah! You promised a feast if we got first place!"
"That's right! Don't lie to kids! No tricks!"
"Kisuke-sensei, you're so mean! Cheating even us kids!"
The noisy little ones were so loud they almost brought the roof down.
Just then, a lazy voice cut through the clamor.
"Alright, let's forgive Kisuke-sensei. He's probably got it rough."
"My guess is that at least 80% of Kisuke-sensei's salary doesn't stay in his own hands."
Huh?
The kids froze for a moment, then their expressions turned comically vibrant.
"Really?"
"For real!" Nagano smirked mischievously.
"Kisuke-sensei, you should've told us if you had troubles. We would've understood!"
Another joined in.
"Exactly, exactly! We get it, we get it!"
Kids in this world matured way too fast. Gossip was far more interesting to them than some feast.
A girl giggled and said,
"Didn't think Kisuke-sensei was so whipped! Love it!"
"When I grow up, I want to marry someone like Kisuke-sensei. Uh, his personality, not his looks."
Kisuke covered his face with both hands. He felt his dignity as a teacher vanish completely.
If not for the shoes on his feet, he would've been so embarrassed he'd dig a three-bedroom apartment with his toes.
He cast a resentful glance at the child who had started all this.
"Thanks a lot."
The boy waved it off dismissively, muttering softly, "See, this is why women are so troublesome."
The boy, with his pineapple-styled hair, lazily leaned against his desk. His distinct appearance and sharp intellect made it clear he was a member of the Nara clan.
When the commotion finally died down, Kisuke tapped on the desk to regain their attention.
"Alright, time to announce the results."
"When I call your name, come up to get your test paper."
The mood grew tense at the mention of grades.
"Whew, I'm so nervous."
"Same. If I don't do well, I'm gonna get beaten when I go home."
"Haha, good thing I'm an orphan."
"...??? If you're an orphan, should I let your uncle and aunt know next time?"
"No, no, no! I'll treat you to drinks after Academy! Please, be human!"
Kisuke began, "First place, Hatake Kakashi."
Kakashi stood up emotionlessly, retrieved his paper, and sat back down without a word. Kisuke was used to it—this kid always seemed devoid of emotion.
"Second place, Nara Shikayu."
Shikayu lazily got up, moving as if he were an old man in his seventies.
One of the top students let out a wail.
"Ugh, it's those two in the top spots again. I bet I'm third."
Another top student sighed.
"Being in the same class as them—are we lucky, or just unlucky?"
"But hey, third place should be me."
The two looked at each other, sparks flying in their eyes.
Nagano laughed loudly.
"You two are wrong! Someone bragged during the test that they'd make the top three."
With a sarcastic tone, he added, "Clearly, third place will go to the genius of our class—Uchiha Obito!"
Meanwhile, Shikayu slowly returned to his seat.
Kisuke continued, "Third place... Uchiha Obito."
Top Student A: "???"
Top Student B: "??!"
Nagano: "?!?!"
Everyone was stunned.
No way. Obito actually made the top three?!
Obito, grinning, didn't immediately get up to claim his paper. Instead, he smirked and made faces at Nagano.
Kisuke was speechless.
"Obito, I called your name. Didn't you hear me?"
Obito stood up, still grinning.
"I heard you, sensei. I just wanted to make sure everyone else heard it too."
Kisuke: "… Hurry up and get over here!"
Under envious and begrudging gazes, Obito cheerfully retrieved his paper. At the same time, a notification echoed in his mind.
[Selection complete! Reward obtained: Fire Release Proficiency +5!]
"Fourth place, Top Student A."
"Fifth place, Top Student B."
"..."
After announcing everyone's grades, Kisuke assigned the holiday homework.
Obito, however, didn't hear a single word.
Homework?
What homework?
When I was dead last, I didn't do homework.
Now that I'm in the top three, why should I start?
Kisuke droned on for another half an hour before finally stopping, still reluctant to let go.
"Alright, enjoy your vacation! See you all next term."
Once Kisuke left the classroom, the kids erupted into cheers.
Vacation!
Inside the classroom, small groups of friends began gathering to plan their break. Homework? No one would touch it until the last minute.
Rin approached Obito, ready to congratulate him, but another girl discreetly shoved her aside.
The newcomer sidled up to Obito and spoke in a sugary voice.
"Obito, I didn't think you'd do so well!"
"I didn't understand a few questions. Could you teach me later?"
Obito shot her a glare.
"Why didn't you ask Kisuke-sensei earlier? Now you're asking me? Are you trying to make things hard for me?"
"No time. Ask Kakashi instead."
The girl left, fuming.
Ugh, stupid straight guys!
"Pfft."
Rin couldn't hold back her laughter.
Just then, an unexpected figure approached, arms crossed.
"Not bad. Congrats, congrats. Guess I underestimated you."
Shikayu?
Obito was slightly surprised. They'd hardly interacted before, yet Shikayu was now talking to him.
"Thanks, Shikayu," Obito replied.
Shikayu nodded slightly, sighing inwardly.
He felt lonely.
Typically, Nara clan kids formed a trio with members from the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans—Ino-Shika-Cho.
But his parents had decided to have a second child, while the other two families hadn't.
Over the years, he'd tried making friends on his own, but geniuses like him were usually solitary. He refused to mingle with ordinary kids.
He'd even tried befriending Kakashi—total failure.
The rest of the class didn't interest him.
Now, though, he'd found a new target: Obito.
Shikayu leaned in closer, studying Obito intently.
"You know, you seem different lately. Almost like you're a different person... You're not, are you?"
Obito froze.
What the hell? Pineapple-heads are scary!
Seeing Obito's unnatural expression, Shikayu scratched his head and added,
"Just kidding. Don't take it seriously."
The awkward atmosphere eased a little.
In the brief silence, a crisp voice rang out.
"Obito, Shikayu, Rin-, do you have plans for the break?"
All three turned toward the speaker, thinking the same thing.
Who is this person?
Do we know them?
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