Ino vs. Hinata
As the days passed by everything gradually cooled down.
News of the Hokage taking Naruto to live with him as well as Kakashi's regulation to the rank of a normal Jonin was the only noteworthy things that happened publicly, as no one knew the meeting between the Hokage and his advisers.
Though behind the scenes many different things had occurred.
One was the promotion of another anbu shinobi to the rank of anbu captain.
The person promoted was someone who was under Kakashi for years and the ex-anbu himself even nominated her of the position. A kenjutsu specialist, Uzuki Yugao.
Another thing was the sudden increased surveillance of one red haired boy, though not just by the anbu but by root as well.
…
…
…
Naruto sat by his seat as he listened to the instructor's lecture.
Next to him was Ino who was also listening eagerly as she took notes.
Naruto however was only acting. He pretended to listen while he was actually using his ability to sense others, as he noticed that apart from when he was in the old man's house, he was practically being watched at all times.
'This is getting ridiculous' Naruto thought.
He hasn't been getting any time to train his hidden abilities like his chakra chains.
Other than his taijutsu which he was training with the old man, as well as his kunai and shuriken training, he was getting stagnated in everything else. He didn't completely trust the old man yet, so he had not revealed all his cards.
"This concludes today's lecture, next we'll be going outside for sparring practice" His instructor, scar face said.
During the past few days, Naruto revealed bits and pieces of his taijutsu ability as per requested by the old man. Stating that since he already beat Inuzuka Kiba, he should at the very least show at least that much, to which Naruto complied.
After all, it was already revealed, it would be even more suspicious if he still kept it hidden.
So the past week, he made his way to the bottom ranked to somewhere above average. He made it so he beat semi competent students but made sure to lose when against students who were actually praised as taijutsu specialists or clan heirs who he knew as somewhat competent in taijutsu like the Uchiha heir, Aburame heir, Hyuuga heir, and Akamichi heir.
Though despite Inuzuka being able to defeat two out of the four he previously mentioned, he still made sure to beat Kiba every time. Totally not out of spite...
...
...
...
Making their way outside, they all formed a circle as their instructor stood in the middle.
"Alright, first match is Yamanaka Ino vs. Hyuuga Hinata"
Getting out of his musings, Naruto looked surprised and turned his head to his blonde companion. He saw that the girl had a frown along with furrowed eyebrows.
Why?
Because Ino was somewhat ranked at the bottom of the class regarding taijutsu. Despite being a clan heir, her clan themselves didn't delve much into taijutsu. In fact, they were more of a clan that specialized in long ranged and support.
Which was a stark contrast to her opponent. Hyuuga Hinata, who was a kunoichi who was ranked near the top despite her shy personality. Her clan was respected and revered for their taijutsu style to the point that it was practically a given not to engage a Hyuuga in close quarters combat.
"Just do your best... and try not to lose" Naruto said. He wanted to try to sound encouraging but he really didn't know how to.
"...thanks..." She muttered as she made her way towards where their sensei and her opponent stood.
...
...
...
As Ino made her way to the center where her sensei and opponent stood, she started to grow nervous. She was never a good fighter and as much as she wanted to deny it, her body was not in the greatest shape physically.
Mostly because of many diets and lack of exercise. She turned back to look at her companion and saw that he gave her a stiff nod which somewhat boosted her.
"Okay, the match between Yamanaka Ino and Hyuuga Hinata. Begin!" Their sensei said as he waved down his hand.
She and Hinata both performed the seal of confrontation before they began.
Hinata got into her gentle fist stance as, Ino got into her own taijutsu stance. Ino grew serious as she watched her opponent. She already knew the outcome but she wanted to at least try to put up a decent fight.
'He's watching me' Ino thought as she dashed forward to make the first move.
'As much as I hate to take advantage of you, I'm sorry Hinata' Ino thought as she dashed toward the Hyuuga and began to throw a flurry of attacks. She knew that her attacks were all flawed and probably looked awkward since she doesn't go out of her way to practice.
'The best way to win is to take advantage of Hinata's shy personality and try to get her flustered or surprised and maybe, just maybe, I can use that as a chance to win' Ino thought.
And it was working, Hinata was somewhat flustered and taken aback by Ino's aggressiveness and how she took initiative to make the first move.
Though unfortunately for her, Hinata quickly calmed herself as she easily dodged and blocked her attacks.
...
...
...
Naruto frowned as he looked at the exchange between the two girls. Ino took initiative, probably to take the Hyuuga by surprise but her moves were sloppy. In a glance you could tell that she would probably lose the exchange.
But he had a burning hope that she might win.
'You're doing great... just keep calm' He inwardly told himself as he looked at the Yamanaka heiress.
Though he already knew the outcome just a few seconds after the match started. The Hyuuga heiress already regained her bearings as with ease, she completely negated Ino's flurry of attacks.
What happened next, Naruto closed his eyes.
...
...
...
"Winner, Hyuuga Hinata! Now both of you, come and perform the seal of reconciliation" Iruka said as he stopped the fight.
Just after Hinata regained her bearings, she dodged, blocked, and negated each of Ino's moves. After doing that, all she did was take a step forward before throwing a palm at Ino's stomach that sent the Yamanaka heiress flying back and left her unable to fight.
"Yes, Sensei"
"Y-yes, Sensei"
The two said with Ino wincing a bit. She stood up and made her way to Hinata and performed the seal. The Hyuuga's face was red the whole time as she nervously bowed her head afterwards.
"Y-yamanaka-san, I-I'm sorry" She said causing Ino to smile lightly.
How could she stay mad at something as adorable as Hinata. "It's okay Hinata-chan, it was a spar after all" She said with a smile.
Though despite saying that she felt bitter. She was really weak... It all but taken a few seconds before her inevitable defeat.
---
Chapter End
---