Chapter 39 Attack?
"Five hundred and ninety-eight, five hundred and ninety-nine... six hundred!" Kiba finished the last push-up and glanced at the sky. It was noon—time to eat.
Kiba stood up and walked to the center of the open space where they usually gathered to eat. Since they had begun training independently in the forest, this spot had become their common meeting point.
Today was the day before the Chunin exam. Uzumaki Kushina had no training plan for them and had instructed them to rest and avoid excessive physical training.
Though Kiba had little interest in the exam itself, having already qualified and signed up, he thought it would be good to see the world. His opponents had always been elite ninjas like Kushina or super geniuses like Kakashi. Even his teammates were geniuses. His understanding of combat was skewed towards these high-ranking individuals. He needed to broaden his perspective by understanding the fighting styles of ninjas with varying talents and strengths. More accurate estimations would help him know his enemies better, increasing his chances of victory.
"In a battle between ninjas, strength is certainly an important factor, but judging by the essence of ninjutsu, it's a battle of wits. Surprises often determine the victor," Kiba reflected. "The battle between ninjas is full of possibilities!"
Reflecting on his limited battles over the past few days, Kiba's judgment deepened.
He looked around, wondering if Hirohiko and Yukina were done training. Uzumaki Kushina had given them a morning for training. Afterward, they were to rest until the Chunin exam tomorrow.
As for meals, Uzumaki Kushina didn't bring a bento, leaving them to fend for themselves. The three decided to eat ramen together. Thanks to Kushina's bento boxes, Kiba saved money on lunch, sometimes even dinner. The extra savings allowed him to buy a weight-bearing prop. And a bowl of ramen daily was well within his means, with Uncle Teuchi often adding extra noodles and char siu secretly.
Hirohiko and Yukina were not around yet; they were likely still training.
Just then, Hirohiko emerged from the dense forest, quickening his pace upon seeing Kiba. Yukina followed slowly from the other side.
They didn't seem overly tired from their training.
"Let's go, eat ramen!" Kiba announced. Hirohiko and Yukina nodded, and the three of them headed toward the village.
As they were about to leave the open space, a square object flew towards them at an alarming speed, whizzing past.
Hirohiko and Yukina, walking ahead, reacted instantly, dodging the object to the left and right.
"Boom!"
The object flew past them, hitting Kiba directly on the forehead and knocking him backward.
It hurts!
Kiba instinctively covered his forehead, snapping out of his deep thoughts.
Did I just ignore my surroundings again? I need to change this habit!
Gritting his teeth, Kiba felt the pain, realizing he had been lost in thought.
"Who!" Hirohiko shouted abruptly.
"Kiba, are you okay?" Yukina glanced back at him, already in a battle stance.
Kiba noticed Hirohiko's hand in his ninja pouch, ready to attack. They planned to use a long-range attack to disrupt the enemy and regroup.
Recognizing their intentions, Kiba signaled them to stop, holding Hirohiko's hand and gently patting Yukina's shoulder.
"It's just a wooden clog. The person who threw it meant no harm," Kiba said.
"Boom!"
Another clog hit Kiba on the head as he stepped forward to stop Hirohiko and Yukina.
These clogs are against me!
He cursed inwardly.
"Patter..."
The clog fell to the ground. Hirohiko and Yukina took a closer look—it was indeed a clog.
Unlucky! Smashed twice by a flip-flop!
Kiba cursed inwardly.
"You alright?" Hirohiko asked with a poker face.
Yukina checked his head. "No bleeding. You're fine."
Relieved, Kiba straightened, looking past Yukina.
A white-haired middle-aged man stood before them, looking astonished. As the three turned to him, he coughed lightly. "Could you please toss my clog back?"
Only then did they notice the man standing on one leg, the other foot bare. The clogs were his.
"Hmph!" Hirohiko snorted. "No good intentions!"
Yukina frowned. "Why did you attack us?"
The implication was clear: they wouldn't pick up his clogs.
But Kiba was stunned.
Jiraiya! Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, teacher to both the Fourth and Seventh Hokage, a legend of the Naruto universe!
Suppressing his excitement, Kiba picked up the clogs and tossed them to Jiraiya.
"Kiba..." Hirohiko and Yukina looked at him.
Kiba shook his head. "No malice, just testing."
Testing us? Why?
Hirohiko and Yukina were puzzled.
Jiraiya caught the clogs, waved, said "thank you," and turned to leave.
Once turned, the smile on Jiraiya's face faded.
Hirohiko Uchiha and Yukina Hinata responded well. They are indeed geniuses. Dodging my throw at age seven is impressive. They're sure to succeed in the Chunin exams.
But... that Taki Kiba didn't dodge and took a second hit? Lacking vigilance! Did he really beat Kakashi? Seems unlikely. A bit disappointing.
But Hirohiko and Yukina were astonished, looking at the clogs on Jiraiya's feet.
Kiba, did you see those clogs flying over? I... didn't see them at all!
"Wait a minute!" Kiba called as Jiraiya turned to leave.
"What's wrong?" Jiraiya turned back.
"You hit me like that and expect to leave easily?" Kiba's face darkened.
Hirohiko and Yukina glanced at Kiba, their hands ready for action.
"Oh? What do you want to do?" Jiraiya turned fully, looking at Kiba with interest.
"Of course it is..."
Kiba narrowed his eyes, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth.