Chapter 154: Punishment
The crowd was utterly dumbfounded. Gojo had smacked Sasuke around like a rag doll, and now he had the audacity to demand medical expenses from him?
This wasn't just shameless—it was on another level.
"Alright, this circus act is over," Gojo announced, clapping his hands like a showman wrapping up his performance. "Since you're all so desperate to win, let's settle this with a compromise."
His signature smug grin spread across his face. "I win."
The silence that followed was deafening.
"What kind of compromise is that?!"
Naruto shot up like a firecracker, pointing an accusatory finger at Gojo. "You can't just declare yourself the winner, you jerk!"
"Watch your tone, Naruto," Sakura scolded, folding her arms. "Listen to Gojo-sensei."
"But—!" Naruto's protest was cut short as he glanced at Sasuke and Sakura. The realization sank in. Somehow, their friendly competition had turned into this absurd spectacle where their sensei crowned himself the victor.
Even Sasuke, usually composed, couldn't stay quiet. "This is ridiculous," he said coldly, his voice laced with disdain. "You really think I'd accept this farce of a result?"
Gojo's grin evaporated, replaced by a steely expression. The air grew thick with tension as an oppressive aura emanated from him.
"Are you done whining?" he said, his voice eerily calm.
The change in atmosphere was immediate. Sasuke's eyes widened as a chill crept up his spine. It felt like the weight of the world was pressing down on him.
"I—" Sasuke hesitated, swallowing his pride. "...Sorry."
Class 7 froze in place, heads hanging low like children caught misbehaving. Even Naruto, ever brash and defiant, didn't dare utter a word.
"You're all embarrassing," Gojo said, folding his arms. "This is the worst team I've ever taught."
Tsunade, standing nearby, tugged at Gojo's sleeve. Rising on her tiptoes, she whispered, "Gojo, they're the only team you've ever taught."
Gojo glanced at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Doesn't make it any less true."
Tsunade sighed, muttering, "You're just having fun messing with them, aren't you?"
"Guilty as charged," Gojo admitted with a grin. "Been dying to use that 'worst team' line for ages. Sounds cool, right?"
Tsunade smirked, covering her mouth. "You're terrible."
"Learned from the best," Gojo shot back, earning an eye roll.
Straightening up, he turned back to his hapless students. "Alright, here's the deal. Since I won, it's only fair that you losers pay up."
"Pay up?" Naruto blinked in confusion.
"Yup," Gojo said, holding up a finger. "You're treating me to ramen."
Naruto's jaw dropped. He wasn't sure whether to cry or cheer. "R-really? That's it?"
Sakura sighed, pulling out her wallet. "Fine. I'll treat everyone. But next time, sensei, you're paying."
"Attagirl," Gojo said, ruffling her hair, much to her annoyance.
Just as things seemed to calm down, Tsunade's commanding voice cut through the air. "Hold it right there!"
Class 7 froze.
"Listen up," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. "The entire team is confined to one month of punishment."
Naruto's face twisted in disbelief. "What?! Why?! We were just sparring!"
Tsunade's glare was sharp enough to cut steel. "Sasuke's behavior crossed the line, and you're all responsible as a team. No arguments!"
Sasuke, his hands stuffed in his pockets, looked unbothered. "Fine. I'll take the punishment."
Naruto groaned, flopping onto the ground in exaggerated defeat. "Why do you always have to act so cool, Sasuke?! If you're taking the punishment, we're all taking it!"
Sakura nodded. "We're a team. If one of us is punished, we all are."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Good. That's the spirit." Then her gaze shifted to Gojo. "As for you..."
Gojo tilted his head innocently. "Me? I didn't do anything."
"You're not off the hook," Tsunade said, crossing her arms. "I expect a 10,000-word apology on my desk by morning."
Gojo gaped at her. "10,000 words? That's cruel and unusual punishment!"
"You want cruel? Keep talking," Tsunade said, her tone icy.
Gojo glanced at his students, then at the assembled crowd of Jonin and Anbu. "Speaking of responsibility," he began, pointing dramatically at the onlookers, "you guys are just as guilty! Why didn't any of you stop this madness?"
The Jonin shifted uncomfortably, exchanging awkward glances.
"You're supposed to be the responsible adults here!" Gojo continued, clearly enjoying himself. "Five days' confinement for all of you!"
Kakashi scratched his head sheepishly. "Uh... sure, no problem."
Tsunade's fist slammed into the ground, creating a small crater. "Enough!" she snapped. "Everyone present is confined for five days. Next time, don't just stand there gawking!"
The crowd nodded meekly, not daring to argue.
As Tsunade turned to leave, her eyes narrowed at Gojo. "You and I are having a long conversation tonight."
Gojo waved her off, feigning nonchalance. "Looking forward to it, Tsuna."
Once she was gone, an Anbu officer hesitantly spoke up. "Uh... the money. It's still with Gojo-sensei."
A collective groan rose from the crowd.
"Got scammed again," someone muttered.
Gojo grinned, his trademark sunglasses glinting. "Thanks for the donation, everyone. Ramen's on me next time... or not!"
And with that, he teleported away with Class 7 in tow, leaving behind a thoroughly exasperated audience.