Ch 11: Marked for Death

The next day, Tatsumi got up on time, arriving at the ninja school with only a few minutes left before class.

The trees in front of the school were covered in dazzling cherry blossoms. Although Tatsumi wasn't the type to admire flowers, he couldn't help but be drawn in by the beautiful scenery before him.

But that was only for a fleeting moment.

Right now, his mind wasn't on cherry blossoms at all.

His mind was filled with thoughts of the classmates he would be fighting alongside this year.

In other words, the ones who would be giving him points.

Points are art.

My foolish classmates.

"Tatsumi, you're going to be late."

Inside the school grounds, a low and gentle voice called out to him. Tatsumi turned toward the voice and saw a ninja wearing a light green flak jacket, a Konoha forehead protector, and sporting a dark complexion with a muscular build.

"Ah, it's yesterday's dark-faced old—no, it's Teacher Nishimura, good morning!"

Phew, that was close. I almost called him "dark-faced old man" by accident. I wonder if this guy will give me trouble in the future.

"You were about to call me dark-faced old man, weren't you?"

"Haha, you're thinking too much."

"I'm only in my twenties, you brat!"

"What? I always thought you were already in your forties."

"Hmph, is that so?" Teacher Nishimura gave him a dangerous look.

By the way, Nishimura was the Chunin who tested the students yesterday.

After the test, some students gave Nishimura a nickname. It, of course, came from his dark complexion and the fact that he looked like he was in his forties.

"Come to think of it, a normal person wouldn't say 'good morning' at this time, would they?"

"Ah, sorry. Um—your complexion is very dark today too."

"You little punk, is my complexion more important than you being late for your first day of class?"

"So that's what this is about! Sorry, I'm late."

"You little... just hurry up and get to class!"

Teacher Nishimura sighed, muttering to himself as Tatsumi ran off. Watching the boy leave, he couldn't help but smile.

He really is different from the usual Uchiha.

---

The ninja school was divided into several classes. Each student was assigned to a class based on their entrance exam scores.

Simply put, those with excellent grades studied in the best class, while those with average grades were placed in regular classes.

The excellent class also included most of the clan children. In the future, they would become Konoha's pillars, receiving top-tier training and Jonin instructors upon graduation.

The regular class?

Cannon fodder.

Tatsumi hurried down the hallway, nearly running.

He hesitated under the sign that read Ninja First Year, Class A.

How should I make my entrance?

Cool? Dashing? A little domineering?

And how can I safely farm points in the future without affecting how others think of me?

Tatsumi shook out his trench coat.

What am I doing? I'm thinking too much.

I'm already five minutes late!

Tatsumi pushed the door open with force, giving his most amiable smile.

"Sorry, I'm a little late."

As soon as he entered, Tatsumi felt several hostile gazes. Not because he had super sensory abilities—no, these gazes were just too intense.

If they weren't in a ninja school…

He was pretty sure they'd jump him right now.

Turning his head, he immediately understood. It was the Uchiha trio he had beaten up yesterday.

And also a few other clan kids.

Ah… so their elders must've scolded them for losing to me.

I'm being targeted.

Who told me to be a genius?

Tatsumi wasn't worried. If they came to make trouble, that would be perfect.

More free points.

He shook his trench coat.

"So handsome! Ahhh!"

"I like him so much!"

Screams echoed through the classroom.

A group of fervent gazes burned into him.

…They were all from girls.

After all, Tatsumi was the top scorer in the entrance exam, a member of the prestigious Uchiha clan, and—most importantly—very handsome.

Naturally, he was popular.

Tatsumi, who had just entered school, was already on the "Top 10 Most Wanted Boyfriends" list.

His ranking was climbing by the second.

My popularity is unexpectedly high.

Anyway, time to find a seat!

Tatsumi saw Mikoto waving.

"Tatsumi, over here."

He walked over and sat down.

A chorus of sighs erupted around them.

Not just from boys.

But also from girls.

"Mikoto, good morning," Tatsumi greeted.

"You're late again." Mikoto frowned in concern.

"Ah, sorry. Um—I helped an old lady cross the road today. That's why I was late."

"Mmm, Tatsumi is so kind."

Mikoto immediately believed him.

Tatsumi's face turned slightly red.

Glancing around, he saw the golden-haired little sun, Namikaze Minato, sitting on his other side, diligently reading his textbook.

In front of him sat Senju Nawaki, who was staring at him with a fervent look.

"What are you looking at?" Tatsumi asked, disgusted.

Nawaki grinned but said nothing.

"Mikoto, hasn't the teacher arrived yet?" Tatsumi asked.

"Mmm, Teacher Nishimura is late."

"What? Nishimura's our homeroom teacher? I just saw him wandering outside!"

Is it really okay for this guy to take Konoha's salary and slack off?

I'll report him to the Hokage one day.

Just then, the door swung open.

Nishimura entered, holding a textbook.

The classroom fell silent.

Standing at the podium, he introduced himself.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Nishimura Shin, your teacher for Class A. Please take care of me."

He started writing his name on the blackboard… then gave up halfway.

Wow. That's too lazy.

The classroom, crammed with about fifty students, reeked of musty air.

In the corners, spiders spun webs.

Tatsumi leaned toward Nawaki and whispered, "The renovation budget must've been embezzled by the principal."

Nawaki blinked. "Um… the principal is my Hokage uncle."

…

Never mind what I said.

Tatsumi shut his mouth.

---

Then came self-introductions.

When it was Minato's turn, he stood up with a bright smile.

"My name is Namikaze Minato. My dream is to become Hokage and protect everyone in Konoha."

No one reacted.

Many kids wanted to be Hokage.

Nawaki followed next.

"I'm Senju Nawaki! I want to be like my grandfather, the First Hokage! My first goal—defeat Tatsumi!"

"..."

Mikoto stood up next.

"My name is Uchiha Mikoto. My wish is to protect the people I like."

She smiled sweetly.

"So cute!"

Finally, it was Tatsumi's turn.

Standing up, he spoke in a relaxed tone.

"Ahem. My name is Tatsumi. You can call me 'darling.' No need to be shy."

"DAR-LING!"

A chorus of deep, rough male voices rang out.

Tatsumi paled.

"…Forget I said that."

He sighed, then smirked.

"My foolish classmates. Want my position? If you want it, come and take it."

For a second, silence.

Then—killing intent.

Ah.

I've just been marked for death.

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