CH- 92. Battles

Check out my patreon to read 100+ advance chapters.

Patreon: patreon.com/HAREMLOVER

__________

Shiki took out the bento box and asked, "Would you like to try it?"

"Yes!" Ino nodded quickly.

"I made this myself." Shiki opened the lunch box.

"What a big meatball!" Ino exclaimed in amazement.

"It's called a lion's head." Shiki explained, pushing the lunch box in front of her.

"Mmm, delicious." Ino picked up the chopsticks, opening her mouth as wide as possible but managing to bite off only half of the meatball.

Shiki moved the lunch box to the left.

Shino glanced over at him, then noticed Hinata approaching.

Got it.

It wasn't meant for him to eat.

He stood up to make space.

"Thank you," Hinata said as she sat beside Shiki.

After lunch, it was time for a nap.

Since there was a practical class in the afternoon, even Naruto, usually noisy, went to bed early to conserve his energy.

The bell rang.

Iruka stood at the door, knocked twice, and announced, "Gather at the playground."

Shiki opened his eyes. He hadn't been sleeping; he was practicing.

"Brother," Shino hesitated before asking, "Should I use the Parasite Explosion?"

"We're all classmates. There's no need. Besides, you can't fully control it yet, and things could go wrong," Shiki replied. "Plus, you won't get first place even if you use it."

That stung, but Shino couldn't refute it.

Every time they tested chakra, Shiki would withstand the explosion, though Shino didn't know he was using the white jade Gu.

"No rush, it's only the first semester," Shiki added, offering a bit of comfort.

Another reason was his suspicion that someone might be watching from the shadows, possibly noticing if anything unusual occurred.

Shino nodded. He didn't care much about rankings; he just wanted to make a mark. But, upon reflection, maybe it wasn't necessary.

The group left the classroom and headed to the playground.

"The purpose of a practical class is not just to win," Iruka announced. "The teacher will grade you based on your performance in battle."

This rule was set up to prevent students from feeling discouraged if they ended up facing someone like Shiki. Winning might not be feasible, but if they displayed skill and style, that counted.

Though, in Iruka's opinion, this was still challenging, as one could see from past encounters with students like Neji.

However, he couldn't ask Shiki to hold back, as that would render the exercise pointless.

"Next, those whose names I call will step forward," Iruka said, taking out a battle schedule.

This was a ranking he'd created based on the students' performances over the semester, matching them with similarly skilled opponents.

Naturally, Shiki ranked first, followed by Sasuke and Naruto.

Iruka called the names from the lowest-ranked upwards.

Shiki watched two matches and immediately found them dull. No wonder Genin standards were low—mastery of the Three Basic Jutsu was often enough.

After all, talent was rare.

"I wonder who my opponent is," Ino mused.

"Who would you like to spar with?" Shiki asked casually.

"Ah?" Ino was surprised he heard her. After a moment's pause, she replied, "Sakura."

Due to Shiki's influence, Ino didn't find herself competing with Sakura for Sasuke's attention. Instead, their friendship grew even stronger, and Ino often acted as Sakura's confidante.

Sasuke, however, remained focused solely on training.

"What about you, Shiki?" Ino asked in return.

Her voice was soft, but those nearby could hear it, especially Sasuke and Naruto, who looked up curiously.

"It's all the same to me," Shiki replied indifferently.

"I knew that would be your answer," Ino smiled.

"Shiki, you'll regret underestimating me!" Naruto shouted, clenching his fists.

"I am… well…" Shiki almost slipped and said, "Hokage."

Sasuke scoffed. This was not the answer he'd hoped for. "All the same" meant Shiki saw him as no different from any other classmate. He felt insulted.

Just wait and see!

Hinata clasped her hands together, silently praying not to be matched with Shiki. She wasn't sure how she'd handle it.

"Shino versus Kiba," Iruka announced.

"It's Shino?" Kiba said, surprised. Then he grinned, "I won't go easy on you."

Shino walked to the center of the playground without a word.

"Shino's in trouble," Naruto said, stroking his chin.

"Why's that?" Sakura asked, doubtful. "When did you get so analytical?"

If he'd really learned to analyze, he wouldn't be so fixated on challenging Shiki, who was practically superhuman.

"Because I can't remember Shino's strength," Naruto replied confidently.

Sakura stifled a laugh. On second thought, she realized she didn't have a clear idea of Shino's capabilities either. She knew he existed, but details about him were vague.

"He's Shiki's brother," Ino interjected supportively. "I think he'll win."

"Brothers aren't necessarily the same," Sakura countered.

"Ahem." Ino noticed Sasuke's change in expression and quickly changed the subject.

"Begin!" Iruka's voice interrupted just in time.

After forming the Seal of Opposition, Kiba immediately crouched low, extending his nails and getting on all fours like a dog.

It was the Inuzuka clan's Four-Legged Technique.

Without his dog, he would simply turn himself into one.

In this form, his grip, attack power, and agility all increased.

Shino instinctively took a step back. After creating some distance, he threw four shurikens at an angle.

Kiba quickly closed the distance, reaching Shino in no time. His fingers, curved into claws, slashed forward.

Shino raised his arms to defend.