Chapter 8: I Really Don't Want to Fight You (2/2)

Iruka's words were like a bomb, instantly igniting the atmosphere.

"Challenging Sasuke right away, huh."

"Although I can't stand Sasuke, I have to admit that his strength is impressive."

"But Senju-kun is a few years older than Sasuke."

Soon, voices supporting Haru emerged.

However, these voices were fleeting.

"That doesn't matter. Remember, even real genin aren't Sasuke's match."

"Yeah, yeah, I saw it with my own eyes. Sasuke taught those trouble-making genin a harsh lesson last time."

"Sasuke was really cool back then."

"What do you mean by that? Sasuke is just as cool now!"

Accompanying these comments, many female students began to scream, cheering for Sasuke.

Meanwhile, Sasuke remained indifferent, hands in his pockets, seemingly unaffected by it all.

In fact, Sasuke didn't care about the compliments from his classmates; his previous actions weren't to show off but because they had insulted the Uchiha clan in front of him.

They brought this upon themselves.

To put it bluntly, Sasuke was only focused on returning to the Uchiha compound to continue training in Fire Release.

Or maybe go hunting with his brother Itachi.

"So, what do you think, Senju-kun?" Iruka continued speaking, as he saw this as a great opportunity to understand Haru better.

"No need." Sasuke replied.

However, to Iruka's surprise, Sasuke suddenly spoke up.

This took him aback.

He had thought Sasuke would be eager for such an opportunity.

After all, sparring was a great learning experience for kids at this age.

"Huh?"

"No need?"

"Wait, is Sasuke actually going to back down?"

"Hmph." Sasuke stood at the center of attention, hearing the doubts directed at him.

But he didn't care about others' opinions; he just wanted to quickly return to the Uchiha compound.

If luck was on his side, he might even run into his brother.

"Just declare him the loser," Sasuke said in a deep voice, appearing very composed.

These words sent another wave through the crowd.

"I knew it! That's Sasuke for you!"

"So cool! He didn't ask Senju-kun to concede; he just declared him the loser outright."

"So domineering! No wonder he's a genius from the Uchiha clan!"

"Sasuke-kun is so cool, unlike that loudmouth Naruto," Sakura couldn't help but comment.

They had initially thought Sasuke was backing down, but they didn't expect him to think Haru wasn't even qualified to spar with him.

This was understandable; Sasuke had consistently ranked first and was a genius of the Uchiha clan.

This was confidence!

Almost all the female students instantly cast adoring looks toward Sasuke.

"Why is it always about me?" Naruto sulked, not understanding why Sasuke always stole the spotlight.

Then he pointed at Sasuke. "Sasuke, if you're so capable, come and challenge me!"

"Alright, alright." Iruka sighed helplessly. Although Sasuke was exceptional in many ways, he sometimes found it hard to integrate into the group.

But one couldn't deny that Uchiha Sasuke was indeed outstanding.

Describing him as a genius was no exaggeration.

'You really are something, you brat.'

Haru's mood was somewhat complicated.

Sasuke truly knew how to show off at all times.

It seemed that with every gesture, he radiated an air of superiority.

However...

Watching the disdainful glances from his classmates,

Haru found it hard to convince himself that nothing had happened. In fact, if possible, he didn't intend to fight Sasuke at all.

After all, he was here to sign in and earn rewards, not to challenge Sasuke.

But with the current situation, if he nodded, it would be the same as admitting defeat.

That feeling was akin to being in middle school when a primary school kid suddenly jumped out to try to take his lunch money.

"Alright, Iruka-sensei, can we end class now?"

Seeing Iruka standing there unresponsive, Sasuke grew impatient.

"I really don't want to fight you," Haru said, shaking his head as he stepped forward to stand opposite Sasuke.

The surrounding voices gradually quieted down.

Even Naruto, who wanted to challenge Sasuke, was caught up in the moment, his gaze flickering between Sasuke and Haru, hands clenched into fists.

One was a show-off, and the other had acknowledged his dream of becoming Hokage.

This left Naruto feeling conflicted.

On one hand, he hoped Haru could win.

But on the other hand, he felt he understood Sasuke better than anyone.

'Sasuke is strong.'

'Truly strong.'

'It's not just about being the top student.'

'Even real genin might not be Sasuke's match.'

'Haru would lose.'

'And lose badly.'

As for the others, they naturally didn't think highly of Haru.

"Sasuke, go for it!"

Sakura cheered loudly for Sasuke.

"Sasuke-kun, you can do it!"

Soon, Ino joined in, cupping her hands together to amplify her voice, louder than Sakura's.

"Ino pig!"

"Big forehead!"

The two glared at each other fiercely before starting a shouting match.

"Sasuke, go for it!"

"Go Sasuke!"

The commotion even caused some of the boys to instinctively step back.

Unlike the girls, some boys secretly hoped Sasuke would face some hardship.

But it was just a wish.

After all, Uchiha Sasuke was undeniably strong.

"You probably don't know what it means to be an Uchiha." Sasuke said, hands still in his pockets, looking coldly at Haru.

"I'm from the Senju clan…" Haru couldn't help but retort.

"Ha."

Sasuke sneered. He knew a bit about the Senju and Uchiha clans.

But the current Senju clan had long lost its former glory; they were a declining clan.

There was no way to compare them to the Uchiha today.

"Just go ahead, new guy," Sasuke said impatiently, showing no intention of taking his hands out.

"I understand, Sasuke." Iruka had to emphasize.

Sparring was not meant for fighting; the mark of reconciliation was also a crucial element.

"I know, Iruka-sensei." Sasuke finally assumed the stance for the spar.

Haru mirrored Sasuke's actions, taking his own stance.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage building's office,

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was using the crystal ball to activate the Telescope Technique, observing the events at the ninja school.

Haru's first day of school was not what he had expected, with him sparring against Sasuke.

But the Senju clan and the Uchiha clan...

This reminded him of the two legends from the Valley of the End.

And now, due to the policies of the Second Hokage, the Uchiha clan was filled with grievances.