Chapter 35: Chapter 35: If You Dare, Don't Leave After School, See You in the Woods!
Chapter 35: If You Dare, Don't Leave After School, See You in the Woods!
Although Katsuragi wanted to say something more intense, considering the attitudes of the other elite kids, he ultimately toned it down a bit, specifically pointing out that it was for those who might want to trouble him in the future. (...)
However, his idea of being mild was not taken so by the other kids, who already thought Naruto was arrogant, and now they saw Katsuragi as even more so.
If it weren't for Katsuragi's imposing aura holding them at bay, the classroom would have likely erupted in chaos by now.
Looking at the silent classroom, Katsuragi didn't say much more and returned to sit next to Hinata. His only real concern was whether this incident might cause her any trouble.
Being troubled himself wasn't much of a concern; at worst, he'd get a lecture. But if anyone dared to trouble Hinata because of this, Katsuragi was ready to ensure they experienced a fate worse than death.
"Katsuragi!" Seeing Katsuragi return to his side, Hinata called out with some concern.
Seeing Hinata's expression, Katsuragi gave a reassuring smile and whispered softly, "Don't worry, they're just a bunch of kids, it'll be fine! Remember, even Neji can't beat me."
"Hmm!" Hinata nodded slightly. Just as she was about to say more, she felt a small hand grasp hers. Looking down and seeing it was Katsuragi's, her cheeks turned red, and after a brief struggle, she resigned herself to his boldness, shyly letting him continue.
While Katsuragi was teasing Hinata, Iruka finally managed to gather himself after the incident with Katsuragi and Naruto. Not daring to let students introduce themselves freely anymore, he began to go through the roster from front to back.
Fortunately, the third kid to introduce himself was shy; he simply stated his name and hurried back to his seat, followed by others who were either outgoing or just mentioned their names.
"My name is Liangou Sheng!"( I don't know this character it's look like a fan made OC)
"Hmm?" Hearing this somewhat familiar name, Katsuragi couldn't help but look up at the stage, spotting a boy with an arrogant air and rather ordinary looks.
"Uzumaki Naruto and Katsuragi Kotori! Listen well!"
Just as Katsuragi's gaze met his, Liangou Sheng pointed towards him, proclaiming with an air of supreme confidence, "The future Hokage will definitely be me, Liangou Sheng!"
"You two might as well give up now!"
"Liangou Sheng, go for it!"
"I believe in you! Go Liangou Sheng!"
"Liangou Sheng! Liangou Sheng!"
Hearing the group of cheerleading kids nearby, Katsuragi was somewhat speechless. Was this supposed to be a cheer squad?
Naturally, Naruto wasn't one to ignore such provocations and immediately stood up, loudly retorting, "You jerk! I'm going to be the future Hokage!"
Seeing yet another challenge, Iruka felt a headache coming on. To prevent further chaos, and seeing that Liangou Sheng still seemed to want to say more, he quickly interrupted, "Alright! Next student, please!"
"But teacher, I haven't finished talking!"
"Who's next?"
Iruka now felt like kicking him; why couldn't he read the room? Wanting to be Hokage with that level of intellect, he'd probably be clueless even if the village was under attack.
As another student approached the podium, Liangou Sheng, knowing his time was short, looked back at Katsuragi, who was still staring at him dumbfoundedly, and quickly said, "Katsuragi Kotori, if you dare, don't leave after school. Meet me in the woods!"
"See you, ghost!"
Katsuragi muttered under his breath. It's not like he was a cute girl or a little loli; why should he comply just because Liangou Sheng called him out? Besides, meeting in the woods sounded more like a date.
"My name is Nara Shikamaru! I like sleeping! I hate trouble! Thank you!"
Watching the future tactician take the stage after him, appearing utterly reluctant, Katsuragi felt a bit wistful. If only the other classmates could be more like Shikamaru!
Aside from Katsuragi and Naruto, the other rambunctious kids in the class introduced themselves one by one, including Hinata, who also went up to give her name. Soon, everyone in the class had finished their introductions.
The classroom dynamics were roughly as follows.
Sasuke, with his handsome looks, drew the attention of most of the class's girls and Naruto, much like in the original story. Though Katsuragi was handsomer than Sasuke, his popularity wasn't as high, possibly because he had spoken up for Naruto and was always hanging around Hinata.
Liangou Sheng, seemingly hostile towards Naruto and Katsuragi, had gathered around him a group of kids with similar thoughts, forming a significant faction within the class.
The first day at Ninja Academy was more boring than Katsuragi had anticipated. Although he knew they wouldn't be learning ninjutsu on the first day, he hadn't expected it to be this dull.
So, not long into the day, he leaned against Hinata and sneakily slipped into the courtyard to play with the Three-Tailed Fox and Snow Woman, remembering that he hadn't yet shared the news of the mission with them.
Though he was woken up a few times, Katsuragi ultimately survived the first day at school, his initial thought that this task would be easy completely dispelled.
In a way, the "Path of the Ninja" task was harder than the previous bounty seals. It was only the first day, and there were 365 days in a year. How many more days of this did he have to endure? Katsuragi couldn't be bothered to count.
He hadn't taken Liangou Sheng's words to heart, so when he was ready to go home and saw Liangou Sheng blocking his path with a group of kids, he was momentarily stunned, wondering what was going on.
"Hmph! Katsuragi Kotori, I knew you'd try to ditch us, but I'm smart. Today, you'll see just how tough Lord Liangou Sheng is!"
Liangou Sheng clenched his fists, looking fierce, somewhat resembling a gang leader.
"Do you have the money?"
Katsuragi remembered the invitation to the woods during the introduction and reassured Hinata with a look before stopping Naruto who wanted to speak, smiling and asking,
"Didn't you forget what I said? Before you come to trouble me, consider whether you have enough for medical expenses!"
"Hmph! There are so many of us! If anyone needs medical treatment, it'll be you!"
Liangou Sheng looked disdainful, seemingly mocking Katsuragi for not seeing the current situation.
"Wow! You actually don't uphold the values of the rivers and lakes! Isn't it supposed to be a fair fight?"
Katsuragi, truly idle at the moment, decided to tease him a bit, "If you bully the few with many, people outside will look down on you!"
"Eh!?" Being just a kid, Liangou Sheng was somewhat simple-minded and seemed to take Katsuragi's words to heart, hesitating before looking back at his companions and then gritting his teeth,
"Fine! Then let's have a fair fight! I've been specially trained by my father, I will defeat you!"
"What if you can't?" Katsuragi continued to taunt, "You'll probably call your friends to jump in!"
"You guys can't interfere with our duel, did you hear that?"
Hearing Katsuragi's words, Liangou Sheng immediately turned and shouted at his followers, who looked at each other in confusion. Someone took the lead in nodding, and soon they all started nodding.
"See? They won't interfere!" Liangou Sheng looked at Katsuragi, as if satisfied with his arrangement.
While they were talking, a crowd had gathered around them, including a few teachers, but seeing that neither Katsuragi nor Liangou Sheng were doing much, they just watched to see how things would unfold.
"Alright then!"
Katsuragi stretched his arms, ready to end this farce. After instructing Naruto and Hinata to stay put, he approached a wary Liangou Sheng and asked with a smile, "Are you ready to feel despair?"
End of Chapter 35