In the morning, Akuma made his way toward the Ninja Academy. As soon as class began, their teacher assigned a team-based project. To his irritation, Akuma was paired with Hanabi Hyuga.
When he asked why she was chosen as his partner, the teacher replied plainly, "Because you two were involved in a fight recently. I want you both to work together and put aside your differences—maybe even become friends."
Akuma's eyes narrowed. He responded immediately, his voice flat and firm. "I won't work with her."
The teacher didn't flinch. "If you refuse, your grade will suffer."
To that, Akuma smirked, genuinely delighted. "Perfect," he said, clearly unbothered. After all, failing the class suited him just fine.
Across the room, Hanabi's face turned red with frustration. She clenched her fists but held her tongue. Finally, she spoke up. "I don't want to work with him either."
But the teacher wasn't having it. He crossed his arms and said firmly, "Then you'll both fail."
Hanabi's eyes widened. Failing this class wasn't an option—not with all the expectations placed on her as a future clan head. If she failed, others in the Hyuga clan would question her abilities. That couldn't happen.
She had no choice.
Reluctantly, she looked at Akuma. "I'll work with you," she said through gritted teeth.
But Akuma didn't budge. "I still won't," he replied without hesitation.
Hanabi glared at him but bit back her anger. She didn't want to escalate things, so she quietly sat down, thinking she'd convince him later.
When the school day ended, Akuma went to his usual training spot. But as he walked, he noticed someone trailing behind him.
It was Hanabi Hyuga.
He came to a stop and turned his head slightly. "Why are you following me?"
Hanabi met his gaze, frustration on her face. "I'm sorry for what happened yesterday," she said stiffly. "Now can we work on our school project?"
Akuma stared at her. He could see how hard it was for her to say those words. But his answer remained the same.
"No."
He turned and started walking again.
Hanabi quickly rushed forward, grabbing his hand. "Hey! Can't you see? If we don't work together, we'll both fail. It doesn't benefit either of us."
Akuma looked at her silently. Realizing she was still holding his hand, Hanabi let go in embarrassment. "Sorry," she mumbled.
Still, Akuma said, "I don't want to work with you."
He turned again to leave, but Hanabi grabbed his hand once more.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Why won't you work with me? I said I'm sorry—what more do you want from me?"
Her voice cracked with anger and helplessness. Akuma looked at her face, full of frustration and pride swallowed for the sake of something important.
He sighed. "Why do you care so much about passing one class? Even if you fail, you'll still graduate. So what's the point?"
Hanabi's expression softened. This time, she spoke quietly. "Because I have a dream… and passing this class is a step toward making it real."
Akuma looked at her for a long moment.
"Fine," he said at last. "I'll work with you."
He told himself there would be more chances to fail later. He didn't like the idea of dragging someone else down just because of his own self-interest. That wouldn't sit right with him.
Hanabi smiled, the tension easing slightly. "Thank you. After school tomorrow… could you come to my house? We can work on the project there."
Akuma hesitated. He didn't want to get involved with any clan members. He already had enough problems. But he had given his word, and backing out now would only cause more trouble.
"…Alright," he said quietly.
And with that, he turned and walked toward his training spot.
When Akuma reached his usual place, he stopped in his tracks.
There, sitting calmly on a fallen log, was Might Guy.
The jōnin's posture was relaxed, arms resting on his knees, eyes closed as if he'd been waiting for him.
Guy opened his eyes and smiled brightly when he saw him. "Akuma! Come, sit with me."
Without a word, Akuma walked over and sat beside him. The two were silent for a moment, the wind rustling the leaves around them.
"Akuma," Guy began gently, "how are you feeling today?"
"I'm fine, Guy-sensei," Akuma replied, his voice quiet but steady.
Guy's smile grew a little softer. "I heard from Kakashi… that you and his student had a fight. Is that true?"
Akuma sighed internally, silently cursing his luck. He had hoped the matter wouldn't reach Guy sensei so soon.
"…Yeah," he admitted. "We did."
Guy didn't scold him. Instead, he placed a hand on Akuma's shoulder, his tone still calm and kind. "Akuma, I understand. You were defending yourself, and I'm proud of how far you've come. Beating someone like Sasuke… that's no small feat. Your hard work is clearly paying off."
Akuma turned his eyes toward the clouds in the sky, listening.
"But…" Guy's voice lowered slightly. "There's something more important than winning a fight."
He paused.
"It's okay to break an enemy's bones—even kill them if the situation calls for it. That's part of being a shinobi. But Akuma… don't break a person's will to live. That kind of pain lingers far longer than any injury."
There was weight in his words—a teacher speaking not just as a warrior, but as someone who had seen too many lives spiral into darkness.
"What you did to Sasuke… it went too far. Do you understand?"
Akuma met his sensei's gaze. He saw no anger there—just concern. A quiet lesson, passed with warmth instead of harshness.
"…Yeah," Akuma said at last, nodding.
Guy smiled and gave him a hearty pat on the back. "That's good to hear."
Then, suddenly, with his usual explosion of energy, Guy stood up and pointed to the sky. "Now! Do you want to train with me, Akuma?! Let's make our youth burn brighter than ever!"
A rare, light smile tugged at the corners of Akuma's lips. "Yes, Guy-sensei!"
With that, the two began their training, sweat pouring and fists flying as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden light over the field where they pushed their limits together—student and master, both chasing strength in their own way.
As the sky darkened and the last traces of sunlight faded behind the trees, Akuma wiped the sweat from his brow and turned to Might Guy.
"I'll be going now, Guy-sensei," he said.
Guy gave him a thumbs-up and a grin full of energy. "Rest well, Akuma! Tomorrow, we burn even brighter!"
With a nod, Akuma dashed off, the cool evening breeze brushing against his skin as he ran toward the orphanage.
But just as the familiar outline of the building came into view, Akuma skidded to a halt.
Standing in the middle of the path was a tall man draped in a long, black cloak.