(My dream is to become Hokage and revive the Uchiha clan!)

The day before class, Shino made a change in the seating arrangement.

During the change, Boruto’s dissatisfied roar rang out: “Why do I have to sit next to this guy?!” He glared at Chitose, pointing his finger straight at him.

Shino sharply stopped him: “Stop, Boruto! Pointing fingers at others is very impolite!”

He watched Boruto angrily withdraw his hand and instead cross his arms and glare at Chitose. Shino headachely clenched his fist and placed it on his mouth to cough heavily:

“Cough! This seating change is the result of my careful consideration. Because I want classmates to find the most suitable partners through contact with different classmates and provide a reference for the graduation groupings. And build tacit understanding with each other! More importantly, the relationship between some students really needs to improve!”

Sarada at the front row nodded deeply in agreement.

The current seating arrangement was that Boruto sat in the exact middle of the third row, which corresponded to the center of the entire classroom. From the perspective of the blackboard, on Boruto’s right was Chitose, on the left was Mitsuki, behind was Shikadai, and in front was Sarada. On Shikadai’s right was Chocho, left was Inojin. On Sarada’s right was Iwabe, left was Denki. Metal was across the aisle on Mitsuki’s left, similarly across the aisle, class president Sumire was on the right side of Chitose.

That’s roughly how Boruto’s acquainted classmates were distributed.

Facing Boruto’s rudeness, Chitose didn’t even raise his eyebrows. After the seats were arranged, he just sat down and continued reading the Fire Style Ninjutsu Heart Sutra he had taken out from his family’s study room.

Sarada turned her head to look at her brother, and got an inquiring look from the other party. She hurriedly shook her head to indicate she was fine. In her heart, she couldn’t help but think that after talking with Seventh Hokage yesterday, her brother seemed completely different. To be precise, before yesterday when they returned home, she clearly felt the change in her brother’s attitude.

Although there was still some estrangement and courtesy, his eyes no longer held the wariness from before.

After dinner, brother also practiced the ninjutsu Father taught him. Brother is really amazing. Father had just left for a few days, yet he has completely mastered the four C-rank fire style ninjutsus.

She saw with her own eyes when Father was teaching him ninjutsu. When Brother first used the Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu, he spewed out a huge fireball.

Although because he had just started learning hand seals so it was still not very skilled, but in Sarada’s eyes, Chitose had progressed a lot in almost a month of practice. Although incomparable to them who started learning hand seals and practicing ninjutsu since last year in class, with Brother’s persistence in training every day, she believed he would improve faster.

In comparison, her progress was much slower due to her physical strength, physique, chakra reserves, etc. For example, when they previously practiced shurikenjutsu, Brother watched Father demonstrate only once then grasped the basics. He directly advanced to aerial shuriken collision throwing. This was very difficult okay? According to Father, he had practiced for a long time before accomplishing it, yet Brother did it after only one night! He’s really so awesome! Her brother was more amazing than even geniuses!

Well, she’s not impatient though. As long as she persevered, she would eventually accomplish her own glory. After all, Brother is the best! No one can compare with Brother!

“Next, let’s have a thought education lesson.” Shino stood at the podium, looking at the seated students chatting with each other after the new seating was arranged. He then looked at Boruto who had been lectured by him earlier. With his nose scrunched and face stinking, after sitting down he distanced himself far from Chitose, almost squeezing Mitsuki off the table. The veins on Shino’s temple jumped wildly.

“Boruto! You come up first!”

Upon being called out, Boruto was like being pardoned. With a “whoosh” he jumped up and zigzagged to the podium in three steps, then put both hands in his pockets, tilting his head to ask Shino, “What do you need me for, Teacher Shino?”

A huge cross protruded from Shino’s head. He took a deep breath to forcibly calm himself down, then faced the students to announce, “Today's curriculum is to introduce yourself to everyone as uniquely as possible. Required information includes history of your surname, origin of your name, birthday, interests, and what kind of person you want to become in the future - or dreams.”

He deliberately emphasized the word “unique”.

Hearing the students start complaining “Isn’t this just self-introduction?” “Boring!”, Shino thoughtfully looked towards Chitose. Seeing the other also looking thoughtfully at himself, he hooked the corners of his lips.

Seventh Hokage went through so much trouble for you to integrate into Konoha, huh Chitose.

He turned around and wrote the mandatory self-introduction topics on the blackboard with chalk before turning back around. Seeing the students still clamoring, he roared, “Double the math homework for anyone who can’t recite today’s assignment!”

Immediately, the classroom quieted down. Shino nodded satisfactorily and said to Boruto who was strangely spacing out, “Start.”

Boruto gave a start, glancing at him once, then sneakily taking a peek at Chitose.

Shino raised his brow imperceptibly. Unexpectedly, this brat Boruto was quite observant.

Right now Boruto was thinking about the scene yesterday after school when he bumped into Dad walking with Chitose towards the Hokage building. He vaguely felt this strange thought education class was not so simple.

—But what’s the relationship between that and him? It’s just a stupid Dad and arrogant show-off.

Thinking so, Boruto rolled his eyes. Relaxing, he opened his mouth, “My name is Boruto Uzumaki. The history of my surname comes from my old man!”

Shino almost flipped over next to him. The prestigious Uzumaki clan that once grasped such formidable sealing techniques and had a long history filled with outstanding talents... was actually dismissed in one sentence?!

Boruto’s voice continued to destroy Shino’s psyche, “...Name, hmm... to be honest, I also don’t know why I was given this name. What’s more, it sounds really lame.”

There was a burst of friendly laughter from the students below.

Chitose contemplated. When searching for the truth and reading up on Konoha’s clan histories, he paid attention to Seventh Hokage’s wife’s Hyuga clan. If he remembered correctly, Seventh Hokage’s wife had a remarkable cousin who perished prematurely. Boruto’s name was probably to commemorate him.

While Chitose was thinking deeply like so, he didn’t miss hearing Boruto’s birthday.

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“Hobbies are playing video games, watching movies, about that much.”

“And dreams...” When speaking until here, Boruto’s previous indifferent expression finally changed. He became serious, his azure eyes filled with confidence and determination.

“I must walk a completely different path than my old man, then defeat him and make him admit total loss!” He held out his right thumb, pointing it straight at his heart, indicating this sentence was his true thought from the bottom of his heart.

At that moment, looking at the other’s azure eyes that were deeper than Seventh Hokage’s, Chitose was slightly surprised to see the radiance that burst forth that he never expected to see from Boruto. Just then, Boruto suddenly turned his head to stare fixedly at Chitose, opening his mouth wanting to say something.

Chitose felt his whole body turn cold in an instant. An ominous feeling transmitted from his heart.

The guy who always gave him a headache, with a voice so loud the whole building could hear, fiercely yelled out a sentence: “And you, Uchiha Chitose! Just you wait, one day I will definitely defeat you!”

There was sudden silence in the classroom.

“...Then come try.” Chitose’s tone was plain as he broke the silence. He didn’t even change postures, still maintaining that posture of sitting sideways looking at the blackboard ever since Shino announced the start. Only when speaking to Boruto did his sharp and confident black eyes narrow.

In a moment, the girls in front sucked in a breath of cold air, blushing.

Dissatisfied with hearing the girls in class start fangirling over Chitose, Boruto walked off the podium in extreme dissatisfaction, glowering at Chitose while passing by Mitsuki’s seat to return to his own. Still glaring fiercely at Chitose from above, he gave a loud "hmph". But Chitose had already turned his attention to the next student.

Boruto was made extremely unhappy by his attitude, not even listening carefully to the following students' self-introductions. Instead, he would occasionally glance at Chitose on the left, wanting to find a "weakness" of the other party. Abruptly, he heard Shino call out "Next, Uchiha Chitose!" then the classroom instantly erupted into discussion. Only then did he suddenly realize Chitose was the last one to go on stage.

The students were all looking at him, so Boruto also didn't just sneak glances like before. Unhappily frowning, he eyed Chitose from the side as the latter stood up.

At this moment, the previous discussion in the classroom disappeared. As if having agreed beforehand, the students simultaneously quieted down and widened their eyes to look at him.

Boruto had to admit, this guy just had this kind of ability to attract everyone's eyes to follow him the moment he appeared... Even he was no exception.

He looked at the clan crest on Chitose's black coat, watched him stand still on stage, sweeping an expressionless gaze across the classroom. For some unknown reason, when their eyes unintentionally met, Boruto suddenly felt "this guy seems different from before".

Just his imagination? He's still acting cool right? Boruto shook his head. With one hand propping half his face, he turned his eyes away, pretending to seriously study the ninja code of conduct pasted on the wall, while his ears pricked up the moment Chitose's voice sounded.

“My name is Uchiha Chitose... The Uchiha clan has been around since the Warring States period, even before the establishment of Konoha. The Uchiha clan is renowned for its unique dojutsu – the Sharingan. Seventy years ago, Uchiha Madara, a member of the Uchiha clan, co-founded Konoha with the First Hokage. 'Uchiha' sounds similar to ‘tuánshàn’ (round fan), which not only represents the shape of our clan emblem but also symbolizes our proficiency in Fire Release."

The boy's cold voice provided a brief introduction to the origin of his surname and the history of his clan, causing Shino to nod repeatedly. The classmates couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. While Sarada's introduction was impressive, Chitose’s calm and serious tone made a significant impact. A hidden aura of dominance, the heritage of a prestigious clan, emanated from Chitose’s composed demeanor. Combined with the fact that Sarada hadn't mentioned the connection between Uchiha Madara and the First Hokage, in the students' minds, the Uchiha clan was already an aristocratic and formidable presence, altering their perception of Chitose and Sarada.

Boruto couldn't help but shift his gaze to Chitose, silently watching him continue, "My name is Chitose,' given to me by my mother. Her idea was simple – she just wanted me to grow up healthy and happy, to live a long and prosperous life."

Speaking of his mother, Chitose seemed to be lost in memories, his gaze distant. Although the meaning of the name was simple, it resonated deeply with everyone, invoking thoughts of a mother's sincere wishes. The atmosphere in the classroom became warm and tender.

Shino, on the side, pondered more than the other kids. The Uchiha clan, known as the "cursed clan," possessed the unique bloodline technique, the Sharingan. As their power increased, so did the negative effects on their bodies. Typically, the more outstanding an Uchiha ninja, the shorter their lifespan.

Like Chitose’s father, Uchiha Itachi. Once considered a genius ninja to an extent that others could never match, he left the world at the young age of 22. Looking at Chitose, Shino felt a tinge of sadness.

The mother named her child with such a simple name, yet it conveyed deep blessings, hopes, and love.

Below the podium, Boruto looked into Chitose’s eyes and, in a moment of illusion, found him surprisingly gentle. Yes, gentle. Who would have thought that this seemingly cold guy would reveal such a tender side when talking about his family?

By the way, this was the first time Boruto heard Chitose talk about his mother. Oh right, Sarada was his cousin, so where were his parents? Where did he live before? Why did he only come to the ninja school now? What about his knowledge and skills? Where did he receive education before? Boruto's eyes wandered, planning to ask Sarada about it when the chance arose.

—"Dad won't tell me. Can't I ask someone else?"

Returning to Shino, he realized something. Since Chitose started his introduction, he effortlessly changed the emotions of the classmates twice in a row. Shino looked at the kids reminiscing about their mothers, and even the class leader, Hazumi, had tears in her eyes. In his mind, Shino marveled at Chitose’s unique ability to influence people's emotions.

For a leader, the ability to stir the emotions of the masses was indispensable.

It may sound long, but it took Shino only a few seconds to analyze everything. Meanwhile, Chitose’s voice continued, "Interests make you stronger."

He paused and glanced at Boruto.

Boruto, who was complaining about his seemingly boring interests, was surprised at Chitose’s seriousness. Staring into Chitose’s deep obsidian eyes always made him unexpectedly tense, and he couldn't fathom why.

"My dream is to become the Hokage."

The boy's resolute and serious voice resonated in the quiet classroom. The classmates widened their eyes, and even Shino was astonished. Having a dream of becoming the Hokage, even in Konoha, was quite rare. Moreover, declaring it with such confidence in public was extraordinary.

Boruto's pupils contracted, still processing Chitose’s declaration, when Chitose’s voice echoed once again, "And to revive the Uchiha clan."

After saying that, Chitose bowed slightly and descended from the podium. Just then, the bell rang for the end of the class. Chitose paused, turned, and left the classroom.

In his wake, the classmates in the classroom exploded with excitement.

Sarada pursed her lips, stood up, and followed him. As for Boruto, he continued to stare at the classroom door, replaying in his mind the scene of Chitose expressing his desire to become the Hokage. In the background, friendly teasing from classmates like Kaketa and Migi reached his ears, "If you defeat Chitose, he might come to snatch your future Hokage position. Go for it, Boruto!"

He couldn't help but shout loudly, "I will never become Hokage!"

For a moment, all the classmates turned to him in surprise.

Boruto furrowed his brows fiercely, turned around, and left. Kaketa and Migi, momentarily stunned, hurriedly followed, but Boruto's figure was nowhere to be seen.

Boruto swiftly walked down the corridor, the shocked expressions of his classmates still vivid in his mind. He clenched his fists.

Must the son of the Hokage become the Hokage? Why does everyone assume that? He adamantly refused to become that lousy Hokage!

A pause, Chitose’s determined and serious expression as he spoke of wanting to become Hokage once again flashed in front of Boruto's eyes. His gaze darkened, stopping in his tracks. Chitose’s voice echoed in his mind, and he lowered his head, hands in his pockets, his golden hair covering his eyes. After a while, a muttered complaint escaped his lips, full of dissatisfaction, "Tch. That jerk."

"Is big brother serious?" Sarada's voice rang out not far away, surprising Boruto, who suddenly realized he had unknowingly walked into the garden. Identifying the direction of the voice, he was about to sneak over and hear Chitose’s response when the familiar voice had already reached his ears.

"Yeah, I'm serious."

Boruto froze in place, listening intently.

"...Hey, big brother. I've always been thinking, what is a ninja? Why do we become ninjas?" Sarada fell into silence for a while before suddenly posing a question.

Chitose didn't immediately respond, as if contemplating something. Boruto also found himself reflecting on Sarada's words. Honestly, the same question lingered in Boruto's mind.

Finally, Chitose’s voice once again entered Boruto's ears, and he subconsciously held his breath, eager to hear Chitose’s answer.

"Ninjas are just a profession. We ended up on this path just because the people close to us were ninjas."

Boruto disdainfully curled his lips. Wasn't this the same as not saying anything?

On the other side, Sarada had a similar question. However, they heard Chitose’s laughter.

It was the first time Boruto heard Chitose laugh. He was always so cold, keeping everyone at a distance. Encountering Chitose’s laughter for the first time, Boruto thought it was the most pleasant sound he had ever heard. He couldn't help but wonder…

What kind of expression does Chitose have when he laughs like this?