章 18: Sensor Talent

While I was busy studying the puppet, I heard a knock on my door.

"Gaara, Breakfast is ready."

"Coming."

Packing everything neatly, I hid the chest under my bed once more... Just in case, I covered it with a blanket. Better safe than sorry.

Eating breakfast with Yashamaru is one of my favorite parts of the day. Although I hate being with others, he's the exception.

It's usually quiet since we are used to each other's company, but we both enjoy the peace so it's okay. Every now and then, he asks about school and I reply with standard stuff.

I don't want anyone to know what I'm doing in my free time, which is practically always training. I don't want to scare my father with my progress.

If he thinks that I'll grow out of control even a little bit, I can kiss goodbye my peace. I don't want to see Yashamaru die for no reason... Or anyone else for that matter.

In a way, I do it to protect myself from the possible mental repercussions that losing Yashamaru, my only real family, would have.

My brain is not stable enough.

Not only am I a child that's still growing, but my seal is mediocre at best. I am very prone to Shukaku's influence. Although I have to say that lately it's been getting a little better.

Enough of my problems. Tomorrow, I will have to participate in the school's tournament.

At the end of the first trimester of each year, the school holds a competition in which all of the students (apart from the ones that don't want to) will fight in one versus one battle to win the title.

The academy sees this event as good competition, allowing students to see each other's abilities up close and motivating them to get stronger themselves.

In my opinion, it's a great chance for both me and Shira. At his pace, I'm pretty sure most won't even stand a chance against his raw taijutsu ability.

I mean, the guy created a technique comparable to the eight gates while not having proper education and being completely self-taught... Fitting for my first loyal subordinate, if I may say so myself.

(AN: Although that would happen in the future)

As for me, it's a great opportunity to show control over my actions. If the grown-ups see that I'm actually not some crazed demon, I might get some of them to change their opinion about me.

The path to becoming a Kage is always easier with the support of the people... Even if they're all disgusting to me.

I dislike most people, but the reason I want to become Kazekage is simple. I'll get access to a lot of information, techniques and the like. I'll stand at the top and rule over the rest with an iron fist.

It must be just me, but I want them all to submit... Hehe.

Well, I digressed a little from the topic there. Back to the tournament.

Apparently, it will be divided into multiple categories that are to be dictated by age group. They will all take place in order, from youngest to oldest, and the winner of each category will be allowed to participate in the next one.

Basically, it's possible for me to compete against the pre-Genin if I win my way up.

Of course, I won't do that. Although the fame and respect that come with a title are attractive, it wouldn't be good for my situation.

I need to nerf my abilities in the eyes of others, without looking weak. In my opinion, going up a couple of years is not a problem... In fact it's probably expected.

I'll make sure to lose the final against the fourth-year students. That's around the time when they actually start to learn techniques such as the clone jutsu and Shuriken throwing.

I'll forfeit the last match and offer a good reason for doing so. The judges should understand.

Of course, this won't be the case in the following tournaments. Every year, I'll climb up a bracket until I win the whole tournament three times by the time of my graduation.

Yes, that sounds like a great plan to me.

Feeling confident, I cleaned my empty plate at the sink by myself and said goodbye to Yashamaru before leaving. He gave me a small cloth that contained two rice-balls he had prepared.

Thanking him for the food, I relaxedly made my way to the academy.

Once I got there, I entered the classroom and yawned. Another boring class.

As I was dreading the arrival of the teacher, I noticed a small paper under my desk... Where my books were located.

Curious, I picked it up and read it's contents.

'Please come and meet me at the back of the academy during break-time. I have to tell you something.'

Oh god... Don't tell me this is one of those... Confessions...

No... After all the effort I went through to make most of my classmates hate me. How did it come to this?

Ah, it must be my charming looks and heritage... Yes, that must be it. I can't do anything about being so attractive.

What? Let a man dream.

Whatever. Although I don't want to go, I have to reject the person hard so that this doesn't happen again. I'm pretty good at being mean.

As I was thinking of ways to reject a girl, my blue-haired classmate (Koji) Came over to my seat.

Up until now, his grades have been mid-tier in the class. He's neither good or bad in my opinion.

This is the first time I see him approaching anybody... And out of all people, I'm the one he picks? What could he possibly want from me...

Taking reserved steps, Koji nervously approached me. He stood by my seat and looked very hesitant.

With my arms crossed, I opened one eye and sent him a glare.

"What do you want?"

Gulping down hard, and seemingly finding the courage, he spoke softly. His voice was very quiet and pleasant to the ears.

"G-Gaara-San... I h-have something that has been bothering ever since we started the academy... I just wanted to ask you and get it off my m-mind..."

At this point, the whole class was looking at us. All of their eyes and ears were solely focusing on our private conversation. Ugh, children.

"Go ahead, speak your mind."

Ignoring everyone else, I agreed.

"W-well... my nose is quite good, that being the reason why my parents sent me to this academy instead of making me work in the family business... Ever since the third day, that gourd on your back started smelling like blood... What happened?"

Tears were almost starting to form in his eyes.

Children surprise me every day... This guy has a talent in sensing smells. And that's very rare unless you're from a clan such as the Inuzuka. He's a rare gem.

Not only that, but he seems to be kind-hearted to the extreme. He's crying out of pity since he thinks something bad happened to me.

I'm kinda touched... Syke. As if.

Smiling lightly, I opened my mouth and spoke.

"Don't worry about me. Everything is alright."

Koji looked at me one last time before turning and leaving back to his place. I can't afford to tell anyone apart from Shira that I killed somebody.

Either way, this kid is a great sensor talent... I could use his skills in the future.