"See you tomorrow, Shinho-kun," Ino Yamanaka waved reluctantly at Shinho Aburame.
But she was quickly dragged away by Sakura Haruno.
Sasuke Uchiha was the first to leave.
Sakura didn't want to see Ino and Shinho being all lovey-dovey; it filled her eyes with jealousy.
"Really! It's nothing special at all!" she huffed.
Seeing this, Shikamaru Nara smiled faintly and left with Choji Akimichi.
The lively grilled fish feast came to an end, leaving only Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga.
Shino Aburame didn't wait for Shinho because he knew Shinho was going to Tsunade's place.
"Naruto, aren't you leaving?" Shinho asked, a bit puzzled.
Based on his usual behavior, Naruto would have left early with Kiba Inuzuka and the others.
"I wanted to ask you some questions," Naruto said sheepishly, scratching his head.
Although he liked to boast, it was just to attract friends.
He was quite aware of his own abilities.
Today, after seeing Shinho easily defeat the so-called genius Sasuke Uchiha once again, an idea had formed in his mind.
"Sure," Shinho nodded.
"Thank you, Shinho!" Naruto's face lit up with a smile.
"Hinata," Shinho took out a storage scroll and said, "I'll walk you home."
Hinata nodded.
She held the storage scroll and silently followed behind Shinho.
Along the way, she couldn't find any opportunity to chat.
Because Naruto kept talking.
From stealing bird nests in trees to catching fish in streams, he talked about all sorts of trivial things.
When they reached the Hyuga clan's compound, Shinho stopped.
"See you tomorrow, Hinata!" Naruto waved cheerfully.
He was so happy today that he was still brimming with excitement.
"See... see you tomorrow," Hinata glanced at Shinho.
She turned and entered the courtyard.
...
Back in her room, she let out a sigh.
It was a pity she hadn't had a chance to talk much with Shinho-kun today.
Hinata looked at the storage scroll in her hands.
She infused it with chakra.
In the next second, a pile of food popped out.
Although she had anticipated it, her cheeks couldn't help but flush slightly.
...
"Naruto, what did you want to ask?" Shinho looked at a distant utility pole, feeling as if someone might suddenly appear.
"The Three Basic Techniques!" Naruto blurted out without hesitation.
Shinho nodded.
"The Three Basic Techniques are the Transformation Jutsu, the Substitution Jutsu, and the Clone Jutsu," Shinho explained his understanding as they walked.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the Hokage Rock.
"Did you understand?" Shinho asked casually.
Naruto scratched his head.
He felt as if knowledge had flowed through his brain but hadn't stuck.
"My head itches," he murmured.
"Perhaps taijutsu suits you better," Shinho suggested, a sudden inspiration striking him.
Come to think of it, Naruto had a high compatibility with taijutsu.
Not to mention that his inability to perform ninjutsu properly was due to the Nine-Tails' chakra interference.
With his terrifying physique, exceptional healing ability, and strong combat instincts, he was practically born to excel in taijutsu.
"Taijutsu?" Naruto recalled the practical class from Friday and asked, "You mean the kind of taijutsu that knocked out Sasuke with one punch? I want to learn that!"
Somewhere, Sasuke sneezed in annoyance.
"I'm not particularly skilled in taijutsu," Shinho chuckled. "But I can find you a teacher."
He had to attend the ninja academy during the day and practice medical ninjutsu at night; he didn't have time to teach Naruto himself.
As for a teacher, naturally, it would be Might Guy.
Wait!
Shinho suddenly took a sharp breath.
An image popped into his mind:
"Sasuke, this is the power of youth!"
Naruto's hair stood on end, resembling a Super Saiyan. "Grandma Lee knocks on the door—Gate open!"
Sasuke Uchiha: "Damn it, give me my money back!"
"Huh?" Naruto looked skeptical.
"What do you mean you're not good at taijutsu?"
"Wait for me after school tomorrow," Shinho said without further explanation.
After bidding farewell to Naruto, he returned to Tsunade's residence.
"Shinho," Shizune poked her head out and said, "Welcome home."
"Where's Sensei?" Shinho asked, taking off his shoes as he entered the living room.
"She's waiting for you in her room," Shizune replied.
Shinho walked to Tsunade's room and knocked on the door.
Soon, the door opened.
"You've been drinking again, Sensei," Shinho noted, catching a familiar scent—it was the flower nectar wine he had given her.
Shizune hadn't mentioned it earlier; most likely Tsunade couldn't resist and had helped herself.
"Drinking can interfere with your work," Shinho advised. "And it's not good for your health."
"Kid," Tsunade snorted softly, pointing to her forehead. "Do you know what this is?"
"What is it?" Shinho looked at the beautiful diamond-shaped mark on her forehead.
"The Yin Seal," Tsunade lifted her chin proudly. "With it, my body's functions are always at their peak."
Based on what he'd seen in the original story, that was indeed true.
A thought suddenly crossed Shinho's mind.
He shook his head, discarding such miscellaneous thoughts.
"Kid," Tsunade squatted down and asked, "When did you get back?"
"Just now," Shinho averted his gaze.
In that posture, her figure was particularly... prominent.
"Oh, getting shy, are we?" Tsunade teased, puffing out her chest with a grin.
"I'm going to practice," Shinho said, feeling a bit flustered.
Who turned on the high beams? he wondered.
She's quite something.
His reaction made Tsunade laugh as she reached out to ruffle his hair.
"..." Shinho turned and walked away.
Tsunade laughed even more heartily.
Shizune glanced at her subconsciously and was momentarily stunned.
It had been a long time since she'd seen Tsunade laugh like that.
At the Sarutobi residence.
A knock sounded at the door.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up and opened it.
A young man stood outside.
Although he wore an Anbu mask, his silver-white hair unmistakable.
"Kakashi," Hiruzen smiled. "Come in and have a seat."
Kakashi Hatake nodded.
"You can remove your mask, Kakashi," Hiruzen said, sitting down on the sofa.
"An Anbu ninja never removes his mask," Kakashi replied flatly, his half-lidded eyes revealing no emotion, as calm as still water.
Hiruzen's smile stiffened slightly. He took a deep drag from his pipe.
This child is still trapped in his past.
Indeed, life had been too harsh on him.
His father had died, his teacher had died, his teammate had died—he had lost everyone dear to him, leaving him utterly alone.
"Tell me about Naruto's situation today," Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke.
"Yes," Kakashi began his report without expression.
From the fishing competition to the sparring match between Shinho and Sasuke, and finally to Naruto's request for guidance.
Hiruzen stroked his white beard thoughtfully.
Shinho Aburame was even more outstanding than he'd anticipated; he even showed a hint of leadership qualities.
Of course, the present is present, and the future is uncertain.
"Kakashi, what do you think?" Hiruzen tapped his pipe against the ashtray.
"I have no opinion," Kakashi replied, shaking his head.
Hiruzen fell silent.
He frowned slightly and asked, "If I were to assign you as Naruto's team leader, would you be willing?"
Kakashi's heart trembled slightly; he thought of his mentor, Minato Namikaze.
And Naruto Uzumaki was Minato's own son.
"I will follow the Hokage's orders," Kakashi responded.
So he wasn't opposed?
Hiruzen saw a glimmer of hope.
Kakashi Hatake possessed extraordinary talent and came from a distinguished lineage; he didn't want to see him continue in his despondent state.
[tl/n: I don't really understand what the title and the titbit in the middle of the chapter means(￣_￣|||). I'll make sure to edit it later if it was a mistake.]