Chapter 38: Bullying Novices

"In this turbulent ninja world, people often band together for warmth. Organizations like Black Dragon Society, Shinsengumi, and Big Bird Corporation are common sights. Considering how Itachi Uchiha's classmates behaved in the original story, it doesn't surprise Toshiro!"

"It looks like some people, like me, don't want things to end so easily! Bullying kids is the most fun! It's the best way to pass time and relieve stress!"

Glancing in the direction where two stones had just been thrown from, Toshiro thought, and then said to his nearby pals, "Dragonfire, Flame, Shuho—take care of yourselves. Don't get knocked down too easily!"

There was an unwritten rule among ninja school students during private fights. They would generally stick to using the three basic techniques and body flicker jutsu learned in school. Forbidden items like kunai and explosive tags were off-limits, and lethal jutsus and secret techniques were out of the question.

As Sarutobi Ruyi led his group of friends charging towards Toshiro, he yelled, "Toshiro Uchiha, brace yourself! Today, I'm going to smash that smug face of yours!"

"Just thinking about that guy's usual disdainful attitude towards me makes me furious. I'm a core member of the Sarutobi family, often praised by my clan uncle, the Hokage. Whether they are from prestigious clans or common students, they all respect me. But this guy, with his arrogant demeanor, always outshines me. Enough is enough!"

Fuming over the repeated times Toshiro had stolen his spotlight and disregarded the Sarutobi clan, Ruyi rushed toward Toshiro with a fierce punch aimed at his face. 

Showing no fear, Toshiro effortlessly sidestepped the punch and tripped Ruyi, sending him flying due to his excessive speed. 

Such straightforward attacks were ineffective against Toshiro. Ignoring the flying and shouting Ruyi, Toshiro threw a punch at a chubby red-haired boy trailing behind.

"Such a heavy punch!" Chouji Akimichi, who blocked the punch with crossed arms, was stunned by the numbing sensation. "We've sparred before, but why is he so strong today? Is he on drugs?"

Chouji didn't know that ever since arriving in the second grade, Toshiro, with increased chakra, had been attending school using shadow clones. Even during afternoon activities, he'd do the same. 

Yet, he still managed to outshine his classmates.

"Guys, be careful of this guy..."

Before Chouji could finish his warning, Toshiro crouched, spun, and launched a sweeping kick towards his legs, causing him to topple over.

A pained moan was heard as Chouji lost his balance and fell. As Toshiro quickly stood, he without hesitation kicked Chouji in the stomach.

"This guy today is too fierce. Couldn't Ruyi find an easier opponent?" 

A kid with pineapple-shaped hair and his blond companion had just intercepted the flying Chouji. The force was too strong, causing both of them to fall.

As Toshiro was about to attack the two kids on the ground, a strong wind came from behind him.

"Too arrogant, don't look down on us!"

Ruyi, whose face had scraped the ground, bore a bloody gash as he launched a sneak attack on Toshiro from behind.

Remaining calm, Toshiro dodged the attack, grabbed Ruyi's attacking fist with his right hand, twisted his wrist, and threw him over his shoulder using his momentum.

A loud crash followed. Ruyi felt himself flying again. As he tried to think of a way to change the unfavorable situation, he suddenly felt dizzy and blanked out. 

That powerful shoulder throw was no joke.

Chouji, just regaining his senses and attempting to get up from the meat cushion beneath him, was struck down again as another body fell on him.

"This is endless! I was kind enough to spare you, but you didn't appreciate it. Now, there's nothing more to say!"

Toshiro didn't understand Ruyi's baseless hatred. But he wasn't planning to go easy on him. Walking towards Ruyi, Toshiro delivered a kick to each of the four kids on the ground.

He knew his limits—after all, they were classmates. He only made sure they temporarily lost their combat abilities.

Seeing Toshiro's ferocity, the surrounding second- and third-year ninja students were all trembling, not daring to breathe loudly, fearing they'd become his next target. One look at the pile of bodies and their fate was evident.

"Let's cherish this rare bond of peers!" Toshiro laughed, inviting them while taking down four more. 

"Damn bonds! If being your peer means ending up like that pile, then I'd rather not be your classmate!"

"We know he's formidable, being the top student of our grade, but this is too much!"

"Stop running!" With a powerful uppercut, Toshiro sent another panicked student airborne, then kicked him towards the growing pile of fallen students.

At his current level, dealing with second- and third-year students was a breeze. In no time, the pile of students kept growing.

"Indeed, there's nothing more satisfying than bullying amateurs!"

Sending the last standing student to the pile, Toshiro surveyed the scene.

Noticing the unfavorable situation for his side, Toshiro's classmates were slightly better off, but the upperclassmen were clearly outnumbered and overwhelmed. There was no way his friends could handle so many opponents alone.

(The end of the chapter)