บท 270: CH - 265 Bullying?!

After all, who was he? Black Zetsu, the mastermind behind the scenes in the ninja world and the embodiment of Uchiha Madara's will, is now reduced to a six-year resident first-grade student at the academy. Typically, new students would address him as Black Bro out of respect. But these kids dared to call him an idiot?

Black Zetsu glared furiously at the three brats standing before him. "You little punks have really caught my attention."

In truth, he had already mastered the curriculum to advance to the second grade after six years. However, due to various reasons, he chose to remain in the first grade, observing countless new students come and go.

Why? Well, there were reasons. Madara's foresight was lacking, Obito's intelligence was limited, and the Grass Ninja leader was riddled with pitfalls. What other choice did he have?

Originally, he had believed that by posing as the will of Madara as chronicled in the book, and sticking close to Obito, he could influence him back onto the 'correct' path. However, Obito had dismissed him as a fool, claiming he lacked intelligence, and refused to heed his advice, insisting instead on focusing seriously on his studies to avoid dishonoring Uchiha Madara's name. It was a truly ironic predicament.

He couldn't decide whether to laugh at Obito's words or to be infuriated. Who lacked intelligence here? Who was the fool? He had been a master manipulator behind the scenes for thousands of years, guiding countless Uchiha ninjas to their destinies, including their downfalls. And now, he was being looked down upon by a young Uchiha?

The Uchiha clan was infamous for their questionable mental stability, and being seen as foolish by them was an outright insult.

Reflecting on this, Black Zetsu felt a surge of frustration. Six years! He had endured six long years. Did they even know what he had been through during this time? All he had wanted was to see his mother, yet he was treated as nothing more than a fool.

But he had no other choice. For the sake of his mother, he had to persevere. She was counting on him to rescue her.

Once his mother was liberated, everyone would see who the real fool truly was. For now, he saw no immediate opportunity and decided to bide his time, placing his hopes in the future. Yes, he would continue laying low. With Madara losing his sanity, the White Zetsus laboring in factories, Obito questioning his intelligence, and the elusive Rinnegan out of his reach, his best strategy was patience—to outlast them all, especially the cunning and enigmatic Grass Ninja leader.

Having lived for millennia, a few more decades in hiding meant little to him. Thus, he chose to remain in the first grade, patiently waiting for the perfect moment, carefully observing each new student for signs of potential, hoping to find another 'Uchiha Madara' or 'Senju Hashirama' among them. Guiding such individuals could pave the way to achieving his vision of peace and bring him closer to reuniting with his mother.

Thus, he meticulously scrutinized every newcomer, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, asserting his dominance in the first grade. Over the years, he had encountered many rebellious children, but none had dared challenge him as boldly as this blond fool who had called him an idiot.

Despite the troublemakers, he had methods for dealing with them, honed over his six-year tenure in the first grade. With his followers behind him, Black Zetsu straightened his posture and fixed an intimidating glare on the trio before him. "You brats… don't think you can leave right after school!"

He was determined to demonstrate his authority to these naive kids.

…

Meanwhile, not far away, Akihiko watched the scene unfolding in the classroom with a deepening frown. He couldn't believe that bullying was taking place right under his watch at the Grass Ninja Academy. And to his surprise, the perpetrator was none other than Black Zetsu?

Why was Black Zetsu, the mastermind of the ninja world, stooping to the level of a schoolyard bully? Had he forgotten about his imprisoned mother, who had sacrificed so much to bring him into this world? What about his grand ambitions and his crucial mission? And now, he was provoking a fight after school?

"This issue needs to be addressed swiftly and sternly by the academy," Akihiko declared firmly as he reassured Mikoto, who stood nearby with a concerned expression. "Bullying has no place here. It's a serious matter that requires immediate action."

Turning to Pakura, who appeared nonchalant and unimpressed, Akihiko's voice sharpened. "As the headmistress, you need to take this seriously. How could such incidents occur under your supervision? What kind of example are we setting for our students?"

Pakura sighed heavily, rolling her eyes in mild annoyance. "The academy has been monitoring the situation closely. Remember, a few years ago, there were suggestions from teachers to consider special measures for Black Zetsu, such as early graduation or even expulsion, citing his poor academic performance and behavioral issues. However, you opposed these recommendations."

"I... did I?" Akihiko repeated, his confusion evident as he struggled to recall making such a decision.

Pakura shot him a disbelieving glance before turning to Mikoto, who struggled to hide her amusement at Akihiko's reaction. It dawned on Pakura that one of the three children Akihiko had brought back must be Mikoto's child. This realization made her wonder: why did Akihiko always seem to bring back other people's children and wives? Could it be that he...

She looked back at Akihiko with a quizzical expression, then cleared her throat before continuing, "Actually, it's not as dire as it seems. Despite Black Zetsu's academic struggles, he demonstrates care for his classmates and shows respect to his teachers. He often assists his peers in need and even helps teachers with their tasks."

Akihiko couldn't help but feel bewildered. Care for classmates, respect for teachers, and a helpful nature? Was Pakura really talking about the same Black Zetsu he knew?

Before Akihiko could voice his confusion, Pakura, as if anticipating his thoughts, continued calmly, "Don't let your bias cloud your judgment. Black Zetsu has been recognized repeatedly with the academy's 'Outstanding Moral Student' award."

"Don't let his current demeanor fool you. The academy has been aware of his behavior for a long time. At the start of every year, he introduces himself to new students, often in a provocative manner." She glanced towards the classroom and elaborated, "However, it's typically lighthearted teasing, and he usually ends up befriending them over time. And Whenever those classmates are in need, he's known to step up and assist. Many teachers view this as practical training for future ninjas, observing how students handle interpersonal challenges. That's why we haven't intervened directly."

Pakura also added as she also reassured them, "Rest assured, though, we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure everything remains under control."

Akihiko was left speechless. Black Zetsu had received 'Outstanding Moral Student' awards? Was this the same legendary mastermind of the ninja world? Even his mother would be left baffled by such behavior. It seemed Black Zetsu had strayed far from his original mission.

"It's alright," Mikoto reassured, turning her gaze towards Akihiko with a faint smile. "Leader Akihiko, this might actually be a positive development."

Observing Sasuke standing steadfastly beside Naruto without yielding, Mikoto felt a wave of relief. Sasuke clearly valued his friendship with Naruto.

The scene brought back memories from her own school days when she had witnessed similar interactions among classmates, leading to lasting friendships.

Gazing at Akihiko, Mikoto's expression softened. She appreciated how he had brought her along today, because he saw her concern for Sasuke's first day at school. She lowered her head slightly and murmured, "Thank you... Leader Akihiko."

But before Akihiko could respond to Mikoto's gratitude, Pakura casually stretched, her black dress hugging her graceful figure. Standing up effortlessly, she redirected the conversation. "If there's nothing else, I should go and oversee the opening ceremony." She glanced at Akihiko. "What about you? Since you're here, would you like to say a few words?"

Akihiko waved off the suggestion. "No, I'll pass. The academy is in your capable hands." Then, turning to Pakura, he continued, "Actually, I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss something with you."

"Discuss something?" Pakura raised an eyebrow, seeming to understand his implication. After a moment's thought, she responded calmly, "About the Sand Village?"