[MC POV]
The entire vacation went by, and so did Chikako's training for Blade Steal. He was quite a good punching bag until he adapted to dodging. The main and first requirement of Blade Steal is dodging and blocking. That's what I wanted Chikako to learn first. When someone constantly beats you, your body starts to react by learning to dodge. After he adapted to dodging, he started to see patterns and quirks in my fighting style.
Tomorrow, the third year of the Academy will start.
"Chikako, should we go to the Academy?"
Chikako: "Except for theoretical knowledge, we aren't learning anything."
"Actually, there's another advantage for the village. When the whole class graduates, they make teams out of them. So, the three members know each other better. Though sometimes it can backfire. [Thinking about Naruto and Sasuke]"
Chikako: "You told me before you want to make a team with me. Why?"
"You are an exception among the Nara. Currently, because of Observation Haki and Blade Steal, you don't need to look at the battle from outside. You can participate in the battle and find quirks in mid-battle. This type of observation is best in monster hunting or protection teams. As for me, I will be good at Kenjutsu and high-speed battle. And because of Blade Steal, I can stall enemies as much as I can. It's good for monster hunting and protection specialists. After finding weaknesses, I will be the main battle force. You can be the support."
Chikako: "What about the third member?"
"Someone who can detect enemies from a long distance. A sensor or Doujutsu specialist. If they have long-range jutsu, that's best, but after detecting the enemy, they should be able to join the skirmish as a close-range specialist. Heeeh."
Chikako: "In that case, only one person in our class fits the bill."
"Yes, only she is capable of joining our team. Even if she isn't that strong now, if she learns to focus her chakra, she can be a devastating close combatant. But there are many questions about this."
Chikako: [Snickering] "Yeah, she hates you."
"Hehehe, yeah. Chikako, I don't know if you believe me or not, but wars are coming. I can guarantee you that. I need partners. No, I need monsters."
Chikako: "Sigh, what a drag. Tomorrow, we start at the Academy. I will ask Hinari if she is interested or not."
"I will ask Daikoku-sensei to exclude us from Practicals, except for exams. After theory, we will get 4 hours of extra time."
Chikako: "You mentioned war. How devastating could it be?"
"Quite high. But I am not worried about that. You have seen that cat, right?" [Chikako nods.] "What I am most worried about is the possibility of an army of monsters appearing with someone controlling it."
Chikako: [Worried] "Are you sure?"
"About a ninja war, I am sure. About a war with monsters, I am sure a high Jonin or even Kage level monster will appear. As for an army of monsters, I can't say for certain. But there's still a possibility."
Chikako: "Should I tell this to someone?"
"No, everyone will think we are just joking around. Let nature take its course. If the world causes problems, it also provides solutions."
Chikako nodded.
Next day, the New Year ceremony happened. I was able to see all the Konoha 9. Naruto looked quite cheerful. Our prank must have achieved the desired result. If they still don't get our message through their tiny brains, I will show them hell again. Actually, that prank had a good side effect on people. Everyone started to buy things more carefully in Konoha. I saw a woman asking detailed questions about what she was buying. I even heard an Uchiha police guy appreciating us for creating a good behavior among people, making them more aware of what they purchase. Because of that, a large number of scammers have gone out of business.
In class, Daikoku-sensei completed the introduction to this year's classes. Nothing new, just high-level theory. Practicals are the same as always. There are some changes, though. Electives. This year, they started introducing electives: Tracking, Fuinjutsu, Seduction, Iryo Ninjutsu, Encryption, Genjutsu, etc. Personally, I want to take Fuinjutsu, Iryo Ninjutsu, and Genjutsu. These classes will happen during the practical slots. On Monday, Tracking and Fuinjutsu; Tuesday, Seduction and Iryo Ninjutsu; Wednesday, Encryption and Genjutsu. Other days will remain normal. This schedule will continue for the remaining academy years as well.
After everyone left, I remained seated. Chikako headed to talk with Hinari. I hope she agrees. After everyone left, Daikoku-sensei somehow knew I wanted to talk with him. So he stood there.
Daikoku: "Okay, Ikki, what do you want to talk about?"
"Yeah, about that, Chikako and I won't be joining the practical sessions anymore. Except for the electives, of course."
Daikoku: "Why?"
"There's no challenge in fighting others. Chikako is somewhat good. So we are going to train ourselves. It would be good if we can find some challenging fighters. But until then, it will be good if we practice on our own. Ah, Hinari might also join us, so please take her into consideration as well."
Daikoku: "Why Hinari?"
"She is a good fighter. Only she can somewhat challenge me and beat Chikako down for now. So she is the best choice."
Daikoku: "I can't decide that. Let me ask Hokage-sama."
"Okay. Please tell Hokage-sama that Chikako will be making a team with me, and if Hinari Hyuga agrees, she will also join us. I am leaving now. Thanks for your time."
Daikoku nodded, and I left the classroom, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation for what this new year would bring.