In this world, children mature early, and most of them quickly understood the deeper meaning behind Shinho Aburame's words. Instantly, their gazes toward him changed.
Shinho remained unfazed, but his younger brother, Shino Aburame, felt as though he was sitting on pins and needles, his back prickling, his throat tight with anxiety. His belief was confirmed—his older brother was bound to get himself in trouble one day. It seemed inevitable.
Shino resolved to grow stronger so that when that day came, he could at least keep his brother's corpse intact.
Nara Shikamaru smirked, thinking to himself, You definitely have the wrong idea about a peaceful life.
"From now on, you're my friend!" declared Kiba Inuzuka, clenching his fists, full of enthusiasm.
Sasuke Uchiha's eyes narrowed as he sensed the presence of a strong rival. For someone like him, who sought to emulate his brother Itachi's dominance over the Ninja Academy, Shino's presence was a silent challenge.
"So cool!" Ino Yamanaka clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling with hearts, while Hinata Hyuga felt her heart racing, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Shino's bold demeanour was everything she admired.
"Quiet down!" Iruka Umino quickly intervened, stopping things from escalating any further. But in his mind, he had already made note of Shino—this student was someone worth remembering.
"Alright, you can go back to your seat now," Iruka said, glancing at Naruto Uzumaki, his tone neutral. He neither liked nor disliked the boy.
However, the events of the Nine-Tails attack, which had claimed the lives of his parents, had left him cold toward Naruto.
"Thanks!" Naruto beamed, deeply touched. He instinctively knew Shinho had spoken up to help him, and this simple act of kindness moved him. Aside from the Third Hokage and Teuchi, the ramen shop owner, no one had ever reached out to be his friend like this.
"Yeah, there were definitely flies buzzing," Shinho added calmly.
Shino Aburame and Nara Shikamaru both turned their heads toward him simultaneously, their reactions perfectly in sync. The former knew his brother too well, while the latter's sharp intelligence instantly picked up on Shino's hidden sarcasm.
Both thought the same thing: Yeah right, I don't believe you for a second.
[Achievement unlocked: "Dripping with Sweat, Little Brother" — Reward: Bookworm Gu.]
[Bookworm Gu: A first-rank Gu that allows the Gu Master to instantly memorize any book it consumes.]
The Bookworm Gu granted Shinho photographic memory. He raised an eyebrow in surprise. It had taken so many years, but his little brother had finally provided him with some useful loot.
After the introductions, the real lessons began. Ninja Academy had a surprisingly broad curriculum. Aside from basic ninja techniques like the Transformation Jutsu, lessons included weapon throwing, the Will of Fire philosophy, astronomy, and even math.
Shinho listened absentmindedly, his mind preoccupied with more important matters—Which achievement should I tackle next?
He ultimately decided to prioritize Hinata Hyuga and Sasuke Uchiha. In his understanding, the former needed to earn her father's approval, while the latter likely required a few beatdowns to set him straight.
As the bell rang for lunch, signaling the end of the morning classes, Ino Yamanaka eagerly approached Shinho, holding her lunchbox.
Leaning forward across the desk, she asked, "Wanna eat together?"
Shinho glanced at her. She wasn't wearing her signature midriff-baring outfit yet. The thing he remembered most about Ino was her waist and legs.
"Sure," Shinho nodded.
Yes! Ino's face lit up with a smile. She and Sakura Haruno had come to an agreement: Sasuke Uchiha would be hers to pursue, but in return, she wouldn't go after Shinho.
Shino Aburame quietly scooted over to give them space.
"Try this," Ino said, offering Shino a rice ball. "It's my family's special rose-flavored rice ball."
Shinho took a bite, immediately tasting the delicate floral fragrance of roses.
"My mom's a master at this recipe," Ino said proudly, brushing her golden hair behind her ear. "I'm learning from her. When I get good at it, I hope you'll try more of my cooking."
Wow, do girls this age really know so much? Shinho thought, realizing this wasn't some romantic gesture. It was just simple attraction, as her achievement name had already hinted.
Before he could respond, a hand suddenly appeared in front of him.
"I'm Kiba Inuzuka!" Kiba grinned, giving Shinho a thumbs-up. "You were awesome earlier!"
"Shinho Aburame," Shinho said, shaking Kiba's hand.
Kiba was enthusiastic—typical of children, who tended to stick around people they liked without overthinking it.
[Achievement unlocked: "Friends Like Dogs and Foxes" — Reward: Small Light Gu.]
[Small Light Gu: A first-rank Gu that enhances the Moonlight Gu's power, making its attacks even stronger.]
Wait a minute, was that an insult? Shinho couldn't help but internally retort. Then he paused—did this achievement unlock because he had just met Kiba?
So, did "Friends Like Dogs" refer to Kiba, and "Foxes" to Naruto Uzumaki? Maybe Naruto really was some sort of genius...
Meanwhile, Hinata quietly ate her lunch, a conflicted look on her face. She watched the lively group from a distance, feeling like an outsider.
Their world is so vibrant, while I have nothing.
She wanted to join in, but by the time school ended, she still hadn't mustered the courage.
"Shinho, want to walk home together?" Ino stood in front of him, her school bag in hand, her expression hopeful.
"Maybe next time," Shinho replied, shaking his head. "I have something else to take care of."
"Oh, I see." Ino didn't press further. Despite being attracted to him, she wasn't the obsessive type and knew her limits.
"See you tomorrow," she said, her steps light as she left the classroom.
"Sasuke!" Sakura Haruno dashed out the door, chasing after Sasuke Uchiha.
"Shino, you can walk home with Naruto and Kiba," Shinho instructed before heading out.
"He's going to the hospital," Shino Aburame explained to a curious Naruto.
"Yeah, I know," Kiba chimed in. "My sister said he's got terrifying talent as a medical ninja."
Kiba's sister, Hana, was a vet in the medical division.
Meanwhile, Hinata Hyuga walked slowly through the school, her head hanging low. She had missed so many chances to speak to Shinho, and aside from learning his name, she hadn't said a single word to him.
Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks and looked up, only to see Shinho standing not far away.
"Huh?" Hinata froze, a small spark of excitement blooming inside her.
"Want to grab some food?" Shinho asked, casting a glance her way.
Food? Hinata's heart raced, her cheeks growing hot. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Today wasn't like that other day when circumstances were out of the ordinary. The Hyuga clan had strict rules, and she had to be home for dinner. If not, she would at least need her father's permission.
"Then tomorrow," Shinho said, walking away, leaving her staring at his back. "Don't let anyone else know."
Shyness didn't equal weakness. In the original story, Hinata proved to be incredibly resilient. Her current timidness was more due to the oppressive rules of the Hyuga clan and her fear of her father, Hiashi.
Shinho's plan was simple—break the rules and confront her fears. It was just like when Shinho had sneaked out of school for the first time in his past life. Once you do it the first time, it becomes much easier after that.