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When someone becomes accustomed to another person's behavior, any sudden and drastic change in that person can come as a shock—and even feel unacceptable.
This was precisely how Bonchino felt at the moment.
There was no other reason for it—Rong Lin's transformation had been too extreme. From a mischievous troublemaker to a well-behaved child overnight, such a shift would leave anyone feeling uneasy.
Bonchino waved his hand dismissively, sizing Rong Lin up and down. Rong Lin met his gaze calmly.
"Not bad."
After a brief pause, Bonchino broke into a gentle smile and patted Rong Lin on the shoulder. "I'm glad to see you've made this change. Though I must admit, it feels strange... Haha."
Scratching his head, Bonchino realized his words carried an unintended tinge of bias and quickly corrected himself. Smiling warmly, he added, "Go ahead. I'll inform the librarian about your request. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to let me know."
Pausing again, Bonchino couldn't help but reflect. Rong Lin was his student, and he knew everything about him—his father from the Uchiha clan, his mother from the Hyuga clan. It was rare for members of these two families to form a bond, given their strained relationship. Unfortunately, this union had led to both families ostracizing Rong Lin, leaving him to live among ordinary villagers.
And now...
Looking at Rong Lin's earnest expression, Bonchino couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.
With Bonchino's approval secured, Rong Lin exhaled in relief, a grateful smile spreading across his young face. "Thank you, Sensei. I won't disappoint you."
"Mm, go ahead." Bonchino nodded with a smile, deeply moved by the sudden maturity Rong Lin displayed. Perhaps this little guy had finally woken up to reality? How else could one explain such a dramatic transformation?
Without the support of a clan, all Rong Lin could rely on was the academy to fill the gaps in his knowledge. As for advanced ninjutsu, that remained out of reach for now.
Though still just a child, Rong Lin's chakra reserves were formidable. After all, he had been designed as a "monster," not someone like Kakashi, whose chakra reserves were notoriously meager.
Having gained Bonchino's permission, Rong Lin's mood brightened as he returned to the classroom, contemplating how to achieve what he desired most.
"Oof, looks like someone got scolded by the teacher."
No sooner had Rong Lin stepped into the classroom than a mocking laugh rang out, drawing his attention.
Spotting Sarutobi Asuma's smug grin and the nearby Hyuga Tarin, Rong Lin immediately understood what had happened. The Hyuga and Sarutobi clans had always maintained close ties, with the Third Hokage acting as a bridge between them. While Rong Lin wasn't directly targeted by either family due to his age, private gossip behind his back was inevitable.
"What's it to you?!"
Among the younger generation, fights or arguments rarely drew intervention from parents or clans unless they crossed certain boundaries. In fact, minor conflicts were often encouraged as a way to foster growth.
Thus, even though Asuma's father was the Third Hokage, Rong Lin didn't give him an ounce of respect. As for physical confrontations—if he couldn't handle a few kids, he might as well find a block of tofu to bang his head against.
The entire classroom fell silent. No one expected Rong Lin to retaliate so bluntly, showing zero regard for Asuma's status. Even Kakashi, who usually remained indifferent to everything, couldn't help but glance over curiously.
"You!" Asuma hadn't anticipated such a sharp retort and was momentarily left speechless.
"Brain-dead moron."
With that cutting remark, Rong Lin strode to his seat, replaying the content Bonchino had taught earlier.
"Bastard!!!"
Regaining his composure, Asuma's face turned beet red as he shouted furiously, "Bastard, what did you say?!"
"He said you're brain-dead."
The classroom remained eerily quiet—save for that single sentence, which echoed loudly. What shocked everyone even more was who had spoken: Kakashi!
Wasn't this guy supposed to be indifferent to everyone?
Rong Lin shot Kakashi a surprised glance, not expecting him to throw shade at Asuma like that. Perhaps Kakashi found Asuma irritating enough to warrant a jab—or maybe, despite his stoic nature, he was still just a kid deep down.
"Snicker~"
If Rong Lin had called Asuma brain-dead, people might have simply been surprised. But when Kakashi said it, laughter erupted uncontrollably throughout the room. Obito laughed the hardest, given his own strained relationship with Asuma.
The Sarutobi and Hyuga clans were allies, while the Hyuga and Uchiha clans were rivals. For Asuma and Obito to get along would defy logic.
"You dead-last loser, who do you think you are to mock me?! Stupid Uchiha brat!!"
"Bastard!!"
Obito instantly flared up, but Rong Lin watched the scene unfold with an amused smirk. He hadn't expected the conflict to escalate and involve Kakashi and Obito as well. Seeing Obita and Asuma nearly come to blows made Rong Lin want to burst out laughing.
After exchanging heated words with Obito, Asuma glared daggers at Rong Lin twice before reluctantly backing off. He planned to settle the score after school, knowing full well that fighting within the academy grounds was strictly forbidden.
Would Rong Lin be intimidated by Asuma's threats?
Of course not. If he couldn't handle someone like Asuma, he might as well give up entirely. Honestly, the only person who gave Rong Lin pause was Kakashi. Despite his perpetually emotionless demeanor, Kakashi's taijutsu skills were exceptional—a stark contrast to Rong Lin, who had yet to learn anything substantial.
He needed to find a way to acquire some skills. Ignoring Asuma's intimidation, Rong Lin scratched his head, realizing that Kakashi's presence had lit a fire under him.
Unfortunately, Kakashi had the backing of the Hatake clan and a Shadow-level ninja as a father figure, while Rong Lin could only rely on himself.
"Hehe, kid, you're dead meat."
Never underestimate the vindictiveness of children. Just as school let out, Asuma and Hyuga Tarin cornered Rong Lin in a secluded alleyway.
"I'm curious—how exactly do you plan to make me 'dead'?"
A playful smirk spread across Rong Lin's face. He never considered himself a saint, and fighting? Wasn't that something every boy experienced at some point?