21: Sasuke Has Completely Become a Scumbag

[Ninja school classroom.]

[The Genin assignments are being announced today.]

[Sasuke sits in his seat, quietly flipping through a book.]

Ino: "Sasuke-kun! I really hope we get assigned to the same team!"

[Ino rushes over and leans against Sasuke, rubbing her face affectionately against him.]

[Sasuke turns his head and gives a slightly apologetic smile.]

"I'd love to be on the same team with you, Ino, but it's impossible for just you to be with me. It's a shame."

[The Ino–Shika–Chō trio must be placed on the same team.]

[Ino's teammates were basically decided from birth.]

[Upon hearing this, Ino lets out a frustrated wail.]

Ino: "Why do Shikamaru and Chōji have to be my teammates?"

[A row behind them.]

[Chōji quietly munches on food without saying a word, while Shikamaru rolls his eyes and shifts into a more comfortable napping position.]

[Sakura enters the classroom, spots Ino, and angrily pulls her back.]

Sakura: "Ino, please control yourself! Get off Sasuke-kun. We're still in the classroom!"

Ino: "No way! Ugh… I'm so jealous, Sakura. You actually have a chance to be on Sasuke-kun's team!"

Sakura: "It's just a possibility. I'm not sure I'll be on his team either."

Ino: "Well, that's still better than me! I have no chance at all… ugh."

"Alright, alright, stop whining."

[Sakura and Ino were originally best friends, but once they both decided to pursue Sasuke, their relationship soured.]

[However.]

[After Sasuke started taking the initiative, he acted as a mediator between the two, miraculously restoring their friendship!]

[To the left of Sasuke's seat, across the aisle, sits Hinata.]

[At this moment, Hinata is nervously poking her fingers together, glancing at Sasuke from time to time, her face flushed with embarrassment, hesitating to speak.]

"Hinata, do you want to be on the same team as me?"

[Sasuke suddenly turns his head and asks gently.]

"!"

[Hinata's body stiffens, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. After hesitating for a moment, she gives a small nod.]

"I hope we're on the same team too, Hinata."

[Sasuke reaches out and gently ruffles her hair.]

[Hinata is too shy and needs physical contact and encouragement to build her confidence.]

[Hinata's face flushes even more, and she lowers her head, nearly burying it in her chest.]

[Though she has experienced this countless times over the past few years, it still makes her nervous. At least now she doesn't faint like she used to.]

[In recent years.]

[Sasuke may have been flirting with many girls at the ninja academy.]

[However, the only ones with whom he's maintained long-term relationships are Hinata, Sakura, and Ino.]

[While he knows that reviving the Uchiha clan is crucial, he's selective in his choices.]

[Looks and talent are both important.]

[Hinata and Ino are future heirs of prestigious ninja clans.]

[Sakura may be a commoner, but her chakra control is excellent, and her academic performance is outstanding.]

[As for the other girls, after Sasuke flirts with them, they're mostly left as nothing more than tools.]

(Ayanokoji-kun? 😳)

---

Terumi Mei: "This handsome guy has completely turned into a scumbag…"

Tsunade: "Jiraiya, reflect on this."

Jiraiya: "You can't blame me… I only opened the door for him. Not many of my readers have gone as far as he has…"

Kurenai Yuhi: "Sasuke's behavior is even worse than Kakashi's back in the day."

Shizune: "Although many girls liked Kakashi, he was completely indifferent. In fact, he got along better with Obito and Guy…"

Hatake Kakashi: "..."

Might Guy: "Of course! Kakashi and I are eternal best friends!"

Uchiha Obito: "Tch! Who's friends with Kakashi?"

Uzuki Yugao: "Senior Kakashi is far behind… Sasuke can make three remarkable girls coexist peacefully, but that's only because of his careful manipulation. Senior Kakashi is still single…"

Ebisu: "Three beautiful girls at once… I've never even dreamed of something like that!"

Kiba Inuzuka: "Damn, I'm so jealous!"

Uzumaki Naruto: "I'm jealous too!"

Rock Lee: "I'm not greedy—I just want Sakura!"

Yamanaka Inoichi: "I want to punch someone!"

Hyuga Hiashi: "I want to punch someone too!"

Yamanaka Inoichi: "It's all Jiraiya's fault!"

Hyuga Hiashi: "It's Jiraiya's fault!"

The two fathers glare at each other angrily.

If it weren't for Jiraiya's series, Uchiha Sasuke wouldn't have opened the door to this new world and wouldn't have corrupted their daughters!

Jiraiya: "..."

But that's not fair!

So many people have read his book, but only a handful, like Sasuke in the parallel world, have turned into complete playboys.

Can that really be my fault?

---

[At the classroom door.]

[Naruto bursts in excitedly, running straight toward Sasuke.]

"Stupid Sasuke! I became a ninja too! Just wait—I'll surpass you in no time!"

[Sasuke looks up and gives his signature smile.]

"Really? Congratulations, Naruto. You graduated too. If you want to surpass me, you'd better work hard."

Uzumaki Naruto: "…"

[How annoying!]

[That aloof attitude!]

"Sasuke! Fight me! I just learned an awesome new jutsu, and I'll definitely beat you this time!"

[Naruto declares loudly, pointing at Sasuke.]

"Naruto, this is a classroom! Don't disturb Sasuke-kun while he's reading!"

[Sakura scolds him.]

[Naruto's energy falters for a moment.]

"Sakura, don't be too harsh. Naruto's just excited about learning a new jutsu. Be kinder to your classmates."

[Sasuke says softly.]

"Yes, Sasuke-kun! I understand!"

[Sakura seems to have hearts in her eyes as she coughs twice before addressing Naruto.]

"Naruto, congratulations on graduating, but please don't disturb Sasuke while he's reading."

Naruto: "…"

[Ahhh!!!]

[Why does Sakura congratulating me just make me feel worse!?]