"I found the pajamas you left last time," Takuya said casually. "If you don't agree to repeat the year, then you'll have to stay at my place from now on. After all, you did promise that when we grew up, you'd marry me. You can't break your promise now."

"..."

You still remember that childhood promise? And you're actually serious about it?!

"If you walk out of this living room, I'll show up at your classroom tomorrow and tell everyone I'm here to pick up my wife."

Mikoto Uchiha, who had been trying to sneak out, froze. She was caught, and on top of that, Takuya was threatening her. If he really shows up at school saying I'm his wife, I'll never live it down!

You win this time...

She glanced at Takuya, who stood by the door with a smug grin, holding out her pajamas. Mikoto's face turned red as she snatched the pajamas and marched toward the bathroom. Fine, I'll stay. It's not like it's my first time here anyway.

My little brother's all grown up and even started threatening me. What am I going to do? Mikoto spent the whole night tossing and turning, unable to find a solution.

"Jumping a grade, huh?" Takuya mentioned to Mikoto the next morning on their way to the ninja academy.

"Mikoto!"

As soon as they stepped outside, they ran into Minato, who greeted Mikoto with his usual bright smile.

"Mikoto, you seem a bit distracted today. What's on your mind?"

"Just stressing over the idea of repeating the year," Mikoto replied, picking up her pace, trying to ignore Takuya's amused expression.

"Repeating?"

Minato's voice was full of surprise. He could hardly believe his ears. Mikoto Uchiha was known for being a top student—brilliant and beautiful, with countless admirers. If someone like her wanted to repeat a year, what hope did the other students have of graduating on time?

"But why?"

Minato scratched his head, completely at a loss. Convincing the teachers wouldn't be easy; they'd probably be furious.

"Because of me," Takuya stated plainly. "Minato, I'm planning to jump a grade so I can graduate with Mikoto. That way, we'll be assigned to the same team. I'm going to request the exam as soon as we get to school."

Minato: "..."

Are you just planning to leave me behind?

Mikoto wants to repeat the year, and Takuya wants to jump ahead—just so they can be in the same class and graduate together. And what about me? Are you just going to leave me here? No way, I'm jumping a grade too!

Minato made up his mind. He'd already learned everything he needed; jumping a grade wouldn't be a big deal. Even if he wasn't quite on Takuya's level, Minato's grades were good enough to pass the early graduation exam. Jumping a grade was totally doable—just routine.

Little did Takuya know, he'd inadvertently influenced Minato's decision.

As soon as they arrived at the academy, Takuya headed straight to the teacher's office to inform Mr. Uemura that he wanted to take the advancement exam.

"Sensei, I'd like to take the advancement exam too!" Minato quickly added.

Mr. Uemura looked at the two of them, completely baffled. Are these two just here to mess with me? Jumping grades together—really?

"Sensei, I'd like to request to repeat the year and not participate in today's graduation exam," Mikoto Uchiha said as she walked into the senior teacher's office. She hesitated for a long time, but in the end, she couldn't risk Takuya showing up at her classroom door and calling her his wife.

The ninja academy quickly became a whirlwind of confusion. Takuya and Minato wanted to jump grades, while Mikoto Uchiha wanted to repeat the year. What on earth is going on?

In the end, the three of them were brought into an empty classroom, and the other teachers, who hadn't started class yet, gathered to watch the drama unfold.

"Alright, what's going on with you three?"

Mr. Uemura and the senior class teacher, Mr. Onoyama, both rubbed their temples, feeling a headache coming on. The two teachers exchanged bewildered and frustrated looks.

"I want to jump a grade so I can be in the same class as Mikoto," Takuya declared confidently, raising his hand.

This is bad. I've got a bad feeling about this. Mikoto thought as she covered her face.

"Why do you want to jump a grade?" one of the teachers asked.

"Because too many people are after her," Takuya replied.

"???" What does that have to do with you?

Do you want to jump a grade just because other people are interested in her? Seriously?!

Minato was equally stunned. So why am I doing this? Just for fun?

"Mikoto promised me that when we grew up, she'd marry me. But she's too amazing—I'm worried she'll slip away, so I have to jump a grade to stay close to her!"

Pfft—cough, cough! The room erupted in a chorus of surprised coughs and sputters.

Mikoto's face turned beet red as she stomped on Takuya's foot, unable to look up. Kids these days, already talking about marriage? Or are we just getting old?

Several teachers looked like they were questioning their life choices. They were all still single, while their young students were already planning their futures with a spouse. This is so unfair!

"Minato, why do you want to jump a grade?"

Mr. Uemura asked, his expression stern as he turned to a nervous-looking Minato.

Minato was near tears. Can I just say I'm here for the ride?

"Sensei, I find the lower-grade classes too boring. I want to challenge myself with something harder," Minato explained, trying to sound confident.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Mr. Uemura felt like he needed some heart medication; his blood pressure was definitely rising. If two of his best students jumped grades, there went his bonus.

"And you, Mikoto? You really want to repeat the year?"

The senior teacher was hoping Mikoto would back out of this craziness.

"Sensei, I still have a lot to work on, so I'd like to request to repeat the year," Mikoto explained politely, even though she was seething inside and wanted to smack Takuya.

The news of these three decisions quickly spread throughout the school. When Kushina heard about it, she was completely stunned.

Takuya's jumping a grade? Minato too?

So the one he likes...is Uchiha Mikoto?

For some reason, that thought made Kushina feel...not so great.

As she listened to the chatter around her, she imagined what would happen next. Once Takuya and Minato jumped a grade, she'd be left all alone.

I don't want to be left behind.

Kushina bolted from her seat and ran toward the teacher's office.

There goes my bonus...

Mr. Uemura clutched his chest, his heart aching.

"Sensei, I want to take the advancement exam too!" Kushina burst into the office, determined.

"..." The teachers stared at her, speechless.