Chapter 21: Eight Trigrams of Indra and Ashura

Early the next morning, Tetsuya dressed up and summoned a Shadow Clone. According to the instructions from the Third Hokage, the Shadow Clone transformed into an ordinary-looking young ninja.

"Remember, your name is now..." Tetsuya paused, struggling to recall. "Yusuke Kazaki, and you're assigned from Anbu."

The Shadow Clone nodded expressionlessly and headed to the hospital. It was just a tool without emotions.

Tetsuya had long stopped sending another Shadow Clone to Konoha Forest to hunt beasts. He painfully discovered that these ordinary animals only provided him with one-time attribute points. Over a year had passed, and the animals near Konoha had been almost wiped out by him. Sometimes, he couldn't find any for days. So, he decided not to waste his efforts anymore.

After setting everything in motion, Tetsuya made his way to the academy for his first day. The classroom was already bustling with students.

"Morning, Hinata," Tetsuya greeted her as he found her sitting at the back.

"Morning, Tetsuya," Hinata replied with a soft smile. Her mood was visibly lifted, likely due to the prospect of spending every day with Tetsuya from now on.

Tetsuya's arrival didn't go unnoticed. The girls in the class whispered among themselves.

"He's so handsome, what's his name?"

"I don't know, but I'll find out later."

"Don't even think about it; such a handsome boy is definitely the father of my future children!"

The boys, however, eyed Tetsuya with suspicion. "This guy's already showing off on the first day," they muttered.

"Hello, my name is Yamanaka Ino. Nice to meet you!" Ino introduced herself, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Tetsuya realized he was sitting in front of the Ino–Shika–Chō trio. He smiled back, appreciating Ino's straightforwardness. "Hello, my name is Kamiyo Tetsuya. Who are your friends?"

Ino, slightly embarrassed by her friends' lack of decorum, nudged them. "Hey, stop eating and introduce yourselves!"

Shikamaru sighed, "Nara Shikamaru, and this is Akimichi Chōji."

Chōji nodded, still munching on his snacks.

Tetsuya greeted them warmly. He knew Hinata was already familiar with the Ino–Shika–Chō trio as the eldest daughter of the Hyūga clan. Hinata and Ino began chatting happily, forming an instant bond.

A commotion stirred in the class as Uchiha Sasuke arrived. The prestigious Uchiha name, combined with Sasuke's striking looks, drew all eyes to him. Sasuke's cool demeanor made him an instant favorite among the girls.

"Naruto, when did you get here?" Tetsuya asked, noticing his friend.

Naruto glanced at him resentfully. "I was here before you."

Tetsuya smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I didn't see you. Come on, let's go get some ramen after class."

Naruto's mood lifted immediately. "Sure! I won't lose to that Uchiha guy!"

Tetsuya chuckled, understanding the unspoken rivalry between them. It was like the bond between Ashura and Indra reincarnated.

The bell rang, and Iruka entered, carrying a stack of documents. This was his first time teaching, and the pressure was palpable, especially with so many future clan leaders in the room. Nevertheless, Iruka quickly found his stride and began with introductions.

One by one, the students introduced themselves. Tetsuya paid little attention until it was Sasuke's turn.

"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. My dream is to become a ninja as powerful as my big brother and to restore the Uchiha clan's honor."

The room buzzed with admiration for Sasuke. Even Sakura, who had been unnoticed until now, blushed deeply at his words.

"My name is Hyūga Hinata. My dream is..." Hinata's voice trailed off, barely audible. Tetsuya knew her dream was likely connected to him, and he smiled reassuringly at her.

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto! My dream is to become Hokage and be acknowledged by everyone!" Naruto's declaration was met with silence and disdainful looks, even from Iruka, who struggled with his own biases.

"Okay, you can sit down now, Naruto," Iruka said, trying to move on.

"Damn it, I will be Hokage!" Naruto insisted, feeling the weight of everyone's doubt.

"I trust you, Naruto," Tetsuya's voice cut through the quiet classroom. "I believe that you can become the Hokage that everyone acknowledges."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, and he grinned brightly. "Thanks, Tetsuya! I won't let you down!"