"Ino," Sakura Haruno nudged Yamanaka Ino with her elbow.
"Is Shinho-kun here?" Ino instinctively looked up, drowsy. She had asked her mother to teach her how to cook after learning more about Shinho Aburame yesterday. Because it was late, she didn't get enough sleep and had been napping since she arrived.
Seeing the doorway, Ino immediately perked up.
Shinho Aburame walked in with Hinata Hyuga.
"How did Hinata beat me again?" Ino mumbled, quickly putting on a smile and waving at Shinho.
Hinata didn't notice her; she kept her head down, her mind filled with thoughts of radishes. Only by doing this could she ease her stress.
Shinho glanced at Ino and nodded.
She immediately ran over.
"Good morning, Shinho-kun," Ino began skillfully. "Last night, my mom and I... eh?"
She suddenly widened her eyes.
"Your hair is a bit messy," Shinho reached out but stopped just before touching her face, opting instead to point it out. Her hair had left marks on her forehead—clearly from sleeping on the desk.
"Thank you... Shinho-kun," Ino took out a small mirror, her cheeks flushing with two spots of red.
Shinho nodded and returned to his seat.
Ino didn't follow as she felt embarrassed and a bit shy. Shinho had seen her less-than-perfect appearance, making her want to crawl into a hole. Plus, she needed to fix her hair.
"Shinho!"
Before the person arrived, his voice filled the room.
The classroom suddenly fell silent, staring at the doorway.
A week had passed since school started, but Naruto Uzumaki's situation hadn't changed. However, he didn't mind anymore because he had friends now.
Naruto ran up to Shinho, looking a bit hesitant.
"What's up?" Shinho looked at him and asked.
Naruto couldn't hide his emotions at all; he was so easy to read.
"Yesterday you said you'd find me a teacher," Naruto asked anxiously. "Will he dislike me?"
Shinho paused, then shook his head.
Many might dislike Naruto because of the rumors about the Nine-Tailed Fox, but Might Guy wouldn't. Normally, people seeing him would question his antics, but in reality, he lived a life many envied—unconcerned with others' opinions and focused solely on his goals.
Only with such a spirit could he become the taijutsu ninja whom even Madara Uchiha acknowledged as the strongest.
Right now, Naruto needed that kind of spirit.
"Really?" Naruto found it hard to believe.
"Really," Shinho affirmed.
"Hehe," Naruto scratched his head. "See you after school, then."
Shino Aburame couldn't help but click his tongue.
Who is your real brother here?
Not that he needed a teacher himself. As a member of the proud Aburame clan, which possessed their own secret techniques, the best teacher was his own father, Shibi Aburame. Every day after school, he would go home for special training to learn the secret insect techniques.
Because Shinho was learning medical ninjutsu, he had fallen far behind.
Sasuke Uchiha stared blankly at the blackboard, exuding an unapproachable aura. Inside, he was conflicted.
He felt a bit envious of Ino and Naruto, who could chat with Shinho anytime. But he couldn't. Even though he had decided that morning to spar more with Shinho, he didn't know how to initiate it.
Having lost twice in a row, challenging him again would seem like overconfidence. But saying "Please teach me" was impossible. He was a proud Uchiha. If word got out, how would he save face?
Sasuke glanced down at the class schedule on his desk, and his eyes suddenly lit up.
There was a practical ninja tool throwing class in the afternoon. Previously, it had been theory classes, like calculating the trajectory of a kunai.
From his two encounters with Shinho, he knew Shinho excelled in taijutsu and ninjutsu. Ninja tool throwing was an Uchiha specialty. Without a doubt, he was better in this area.
Sasuke's plan was simple. He would teach Shinho ninja tool throwing in exchange for more opportunities to spar with him.
As expected of me.
A slight smile appeared on Sasuke's face.
"Everyone, please take out your textbooks," Iruka Umino walked onto the podium. "Today we'll continue with the history of Konoha."
The classroom quieted down, filled only with the sound of pages turning.
"Last time, we discussed how, at a critical moment for Konoha Village, Hiruzen Sarutobi officially became the Hokage," Iruka narrated as if he had been there. "He mastered all of Konoha's ninjutsu and taught powerful students like the Legendary Sannin. Under his leadership, Konoha thrived, earning him the title of the strongest Hokage..."
"Grandpa Third is amazing!" Naruto couldn't help but show admiration.
Shinho adjusted his sunglasses.
You're right; that's the strongest Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi—the one who forgets the past, the present, and the future.
The morning classes ended, and a lovely figure appeared before him.
"Shinho-kun, I made this myself," Ino handed over a lunchbox with both hands, looking expectant.
"Thank you," Shinho nodded.
Ino breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ino," Shino Aburame moved to the side, leaving the seat beside Shinho empty. Although it was too early to say, considering Ino might be his future sister-in-law, he felt he should give her some respect.
"Thank you," Ino beamed with joy.
She sat next to Shinho and leaned in slightly, their shoulders touching.
Not far away, Hinata stood holding her lunchbox, hesitating. On one side was Ino; on the other was Naruto. There was no room for her.
"Hinata, come over," Shinho paused, then added, "Shino, bring a chair."
Hinata felt a surge of joy and quickly walked over.
"???"
Shino was full of question marks.
When did I ever offend you? it's not my problem; it's your problem, why don't you do it yourself?!.
Bro, you're my actual brother!
I treat you like a brother, and you treat me like a cousin?
"Hinata-san, please have a seat," Shino said expressionlessly, placing a chair in front of her.
He even used formal language.
He was quite upset.
Shinho smiled, unconcerned.
Precisely because Shino was his real brother, he could boss him around like this.
Ino smiled at Hinata and then looked at Shinho.
She said nervously, "It's my first time making a lunchbox; I don't know if it's good."
Hinata was slightly taken aback.
Making lunchboxes?
A thought suddenly occurred to her: I should learn to make lunchboxes too.
[Achievement Unlocked: Naruto Uzumaki's 'But You, My Friend, Are the Real Fox Spirit'; Reward: Moonlight Climbing Ivy.]
[Moonlight Climbing Ivy: A Rank 1 Gu insect that shines softly like moonlight at night, attracting attention.]
What does that mean?
System, are you mocking me?
Shinho opened Ino's lunchbox expressionlessly.
Fried shrimp, meatballs, cabbage, grilled fish, and rice.
A well-balanced meal, exuding the delicate touch of a young girl.