In the classroom, benches and books flew, and angry shouts occasionally rang out.
A moment later, outnumbered, the weak Hiruko was pinned to the ground by several boys amidst the wreckage.
Such things exist everywhere.
In this cruel Ninja World, this level of bullying is not considered excessive. If one cannot adapt to even this, it is better not to become a Shinobi early on.
Otherwise, people will die.
Those who are too gentle are not suitable to be Shinobi.
"Hiruko, you really are surprising. We were just playing with you. Is there any need to get so angry? Hmm!?"
The younger the child, the easier it is to show pure killing intent, a ruthlessness unblemished by any impurities.
He could even smile happily, like tearing off a Butterfly's wings.
He was simply amusing himself.
"You dead last, you really dare!"
Gently patting the boy's cheek, the surrounding boys burst into laughter.
"Dead last! Dead last! Dead last!"
They chanted in unison.
Hiruko's face turned crimson, and humiliation was deeply etched into his heart.
Tsunade watched with cold eyes, arms crossed.
Honestly, she didn't think much of Hiruko, not out of malice, but simply because she looked down on such people.
This was related to her own personality.
If it were her, she would just throw another punch to shut the other person up.
Not cry here.
"How should we punish you to make you deeply remember our rules?"
The boys exchanged glances, understanding each other with a knowing smile.
Then several boys firmly grabbed Hiruko and lifted him up.
In front of Hiruko, that boy was already clenching his fists, eager for action.
It looked like he was going to use him as a punching bag.
The entire class watched this scene.
This feeling of being watched by everyone made the boy's expression grow increasingly smug.
Right now, he must be very impressive.
And Hiruko, at this moment, felt even more helpless.
Miki didn't want to get involved in such matters.
But some things shouldn't go too far.
"Stop!"
The righteous companion appeared.
With striking white hair, Jiraiya roared and stepped forward, grabbing the boy's fist.
The two little boys looked at each other.
One's face was full of shame and anger at someone opposing him.
The other was angry, angry at this bullying that clearly went beyond playing.
"Jiraiya, are you going to be our enemy!?" the boy roared sharply.
"So what!" Jiraiya said in a deep voice.
Since the start of school, Jiraiya had rarely, no, never gotten into an argument with anyone. He was good at taking jokes, and his personality was lively, playful, and boisterous, making him popular among the boys. Even though teachers also called him an idiot, he never experienced bullying.
Or rather, the boys knew Jiraiya was not to be trifled with.
"Jiraiya, are you serious? Sticking up for this sissy?"
Seeing someone save him, Hiruko looked at Jiraiya gratefully.
"Let him go!" Jiraiya said angrily.
"What if I don't!?" the boy chuckled with annoyance.
After a brief silence, Jiraiya gave the answer of a Hokage Shinobi.
He threw a punch, hitting him squarely in the cheek.
Naturally, Hiruko was released.
The boys exclaimed and scattered in a panic, then shouted and started fighting Jiraiya.
The classroom was in chaos.
"How despicable! Jiraiya, I'll help you!"
Seeing Jiraiya getting the upper hand, the boys he usually played with joined the fray.
Some girls on the side cheered loudly, not minding the commotion.
"I knew it, Jiraiya-kun has a cool side too," Chiri said with a smile.
"I don't think he's ugly," Miki said. "Just a little silly."
Tsunade watched the boys fight from the side, her eyes a little tempted.
For a moment, she couldn't decide which side to join.
It was the person involved, Hiruko, who was ignored by everyone, standing by, somewhat at a loss.
His courage had been completely depleted in his previous resistance.
Miki looked at Hiruko, sniffing to discern the scents in the air.
The body does not lie.
This smell…
Hmm?
Fear, tension, relaxation, gratitude, joy, and a little bit of jealousy?
Jealous of what?
Jiraiya, who was in the spotlight and making a big show?
So, he yearned for attention and importance?
Miki was thoughtful; she would observe a bit longer.
As some joined Jiraiya's side, others naturally joined the opposing side.
As the intensity of the battle escalated, things began to get increasingly out of control.
"This will really make Ogawa furious," Chiri said with a smile. "Boys are really interesting."
"What a boring burst of energy," Miki said. "Let's end this farce."
As she spoke, swarms of Insects erupted, a dark mass quickly filling the entire classroom, like a swirling black cloud, rolling beneath the ceiling.
A silence, spreading like a plague, extended. Those who noticed the Insects stopped their movements one by one.
When Jiraiya, in the center of the crowd, being beaten black and blue, finally noticed, he couldn't help but swallow nervously.
All that was in the classroom was the dense buzzing of Insects wings.
Under the pressure of the black mist above their heads, no one dared to breathe.
Miki tapped on her desk, drawing everyone's attention.
"I'm the boss of this class now. Who agrees, who objects?"
No one objected, so that meant everyone agreed, right?
"Then, I'm setting a few rules. Everyone, follow them carefully."
"First, maintain appropriate quiet when I am present."
"Second, no chasing or fighting in the classroom."
"Third, please resolve any conflicts yourselves. I suggest having a good fight during the combat test; do not disturb others' rest in public places."
"Fourth, please do not bully the weak, or I won't mind bullying you a little."
"That's all. Do you understand?"
Miki's indifferent voice swept gently across the room.
No one answered.
"We understand!"
The boys jolted, answering loudly and in unison.
Very spirited.
Miki nodded with satisfaction.
She recalled the flying Insects.
But the classroom remained eerily quiet.
Tsunade, the most likely to resist, was preparing a big move and temporarily didn't want to provoke Miki.
She endured this round, gritting her teeth in annoyance.
"Scary, scary, Miki, you're so scary," Chiri whispered conspiratorially into Miki's ear.
Miki couldn't be bothered to respond to her.
Chiri didn't find it boring either.
Jiraiya didn't say a word, choosing to return to his seat, wincing and shrinking his head.
The young Jiraiya suddenly understood that justice must be exercised within one's means.
Otherwise, it wasn't justice; it was serving himself up.
The troublemaking boy on the side clenched and unclenched his fists, eventually letting it go.
When Ogawa came to teach, he witnessed a peculiar scene.
It was really quiet today.
These little rascals weren't making a fuss.
"Crunch!"
The sudden, familiar sound made a vein throb on Ogawa's forehead.
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