Time flew by like a galloping steed—swift and unforgiving.
In the blink of an eye, two weeks had passed.
During that time, Shūyū had farmed a solid haul from Kushina:
8x [Chakra (White)]
2x [Kagura Mind's Eye (Blue)]
1x [Sage Body (Blue)]
2x [Uzumaki Bloodline (Blue)]
2x [Nine-Tails Chakra Fragments]
He did hit a couple unlucky days where he couldn't extract anything at all.
But overall? Still a decent haul.
That said—he hadn't synthesized anything yet.
This amount just wasn't satisfying enough.
He planned to clear out the entire second-year class first.
Then he'd synthesize.
Compared to greenhorn first-years, the second-years had been training a full extra year.
In every area—ninjutsu, chakra reserves, combat sense—they were vastly superior.
Historically speaking, second-years always had a tradition of bullying the newbies to show who's boss.
A rite of passage, if you will.
Every year, some cocky upperclassmen would pick out the timid or the slow and "remind them" of the pecking order.
Then when the first-years moved up, they'd carry on the cycle.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
It was practically baked into the Academy's culture.
But this year?
Before the second-years could even get started…
A challenge letter showed up.
A bold, arrogant challenge letter.
From a first-year.
And not just any challenge—
"I challenge the entire class."
What?!
Was this kid out of his mind?
Then they saw the name: Shūyū.
Of course.
The same lunatic who, just half a month ago, soloed three entire classes from his own year.
Now he wanted to take on the second-years too?
The students were outraged.
Everyone in class buzzed with fury.
"This little freshman thinks he's hot stuff?!"
"We've got to show him what REAL Academy veterans can do!"
It wasn't just a matter of pride.
It was about restoring order.
Elsewhere, Kushina watched nervously.
"You're really gonna fight all the second-years… alone?" she asked.
Though she spent a lot of time with Shūyū and knew firsthand how strong he was, this time felt different.
The second-years weren't pushovers.
They had over a hundred students—140 in total.
All with a year more training under their belts.
It wasn't just a matter of skill now.
Could he handle being outnumbered this badly?
Could his chakra last?
What if he lost?
What if they ganged up on him?
What if he got hurt?
Still, news spreads fast.
Within half a day, the secret leaked.
Someone in Year 2 let it slip—and it spread like wildfire.
Within an hour…
Everyone at the Academy knew.
"Hey, you hear about that crazy first-year?"
"The one who wiped three classes already?"
"Yeah, apparently he just challenged all of Year 2!"
"No way! Freshmen are this bold now?!"
"Guess we're in a whole new generation…"
Even the teachers caught wind.
Despite attempts to keep it quiet, someone squealed.
The buzz made its way up the chain.
And before long—every instructor knew.
Especially Shūyū's homeroom teacher, Ishiki Mori.
Last time, he'd barely recovered from the PR nightmare of Shūyū crushing three whole classes.
Now the kid wanted to fight 140 second-years?
Was this kid planning to solo the entire Academy?
Today Year 2.
Tomorrow Year 3.
Then 4, 5, 6...
What next?
A graduation ceremony atop a pile of unconscious students?
Ishiki was ready to shut it all down.
He was already halfway to dragging Shūyū out for another long lecture when—whoosh—a masked ANBU appeared.
"Orders from the Third Hokage. Stand down. The matter is under observation. A protective detail will be assigned. If things get dangerous, they'll intervene immediately."
Ishiki froze.
"T-The Hokage… knows?"
Yes.
And more than that—
The Third Hokage himself would be watching.
Ishiki slowly sat back in his chair, stunned.
"That lucky brat…"
To be noticed by the Hokage as an orphan?
That was practically winning the Academy lottery.
If Shūyū performed well, even slightly, there was a high chance he'd be flagged for elite training.
Just look at the Hokage's disciples:Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade…
All top-tier.
All now elite jōnin.
And Ishiki?
Just a mid-level chūnin.
"Life's not fair…" he muttered bitterly.
But deep down?
Even he was curious to see what this reckless student of his would pull off next.
Next Chapter Tease:
As the battle day approaches, all eyes are on Shūyū.Can he conquer 140 second-years?Or has he finally bitten off more than he can chew?
And what will the Hokage think… when he sees Shūyū's true potential?