Provocation

Sasuke's words were provocative, but Kuro didn't care much about them.

Since formal training began at the academy two months ago, students have participated in monthly strength tests and general evaluations every three months.

Kuro, who spent most of his days with a book in hand and seemed disinterested in training, always ranked first alongside Sasuke in the strength tests and outperformed everyone in the general evaluations.

The reason Kuro dominated the tests was simple: the evaluations couldn't measure his true limit.

For example, in the shuriken-throwing test, while his accuracy was flawless, the maximum score was only awarded for hitting the bullseye, regardless of skill or speed.

Despite these limitations, the difference between Kuro and the others was evident.

Every time Kuro participated in an evaluation, he did so with an overwhelming calm, as if he didn't need to try. Meanwhile, Sasuke, always beside him, had to focus intensely to aim.

Although the time difference was minimal—perhaps a second or less—the disparity in their performances was obvious. Kuro never showed nervousness, while Sasuke had to exert himself to achieve similar results.

Naturally competitive, Sasuke rarely provoked in public. But this time, he couldn't help it.

Over the past two years, Sasuke had trained intensely, receiving teachings from his father and other clan members. Thanks to this, he had learned things not taught at the academy.

Despite everything, he had yet to surpass Kuro, who only trained at the practice field near the school. With no mentors or special guidance, Kuro limited himself to the basics taught at the academy.

And yet…

Was it really just a matter of talent?

Sasuke was frustrated.

In the past, he had lived under the shadow of his older brother, Itachi, someone who seemed almost perfect. Sasuke was proud of him, admired him, and wanted to reach his level someday.

But Itachi became a traitor, a renegade who disgraced the clan.

Since then, his father had placed all his expectations on Sasuke, intensifying his training. However, the results weren't what he had hoped for.

Instead of praise, all Sasuke received were sighs and discouraging comments: "Can't you compare to Itachi?"

Sasuke couldn't accept it.

That traitor, Itachi… How could someone who dishonored the clan be a role model? He couldn't accept it!

He wanted to surpass Itachi, but before that, he had to defeat Kuro.

He knew Itachi graduated from the academy at five years old. If Sasuke couldn't even match Kuro, how would he surpass his brother?

That's why he ignored his mother's suggestion to get along with Kuro. Instead of getting closer, he chose to keep his distance.

And now, he opted to provoke him publicly.

Privately, a provocation would've meant nothing—just a competitive act. But doing so in front of everyone, especially when the difference in skill was so clear, only made him look foolish.

As expected, after his words, the other students' gazes changed.

Some, sitting at their desks, watched the scene with amusement. Others chuckled quietly, and some openly mocked him.

Especially Ino.

A girl in love can be completely irrational, and while her affection for Kuro was obvious, she wasn't about to miss this opportunity.

She stood with her hands on her hips and her head slightly raised, glaring at Sasuke with disdain.

"Oh, isn't this our class's second place?"

Her tone was mocking, making it clear she wouldn't miss a chance to defend Kuro.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, ignored Ino, and fixed his gaze on Kuro, who stood behind her.

His eyes were sharp, sending a clear message: Hiding behind a girl?

Kuro adjusted the frame of his glasses, smiled calmly, and without saying anything, turned on his heels and walked to his seat.

What a boring provocation.

What would he gain if he accepted? And if he lost? Listening to a group of kids boast about it?

There was no benefit, only unnecessary trouble. Why bother?

If it weren't for the Konoha Council requiring him to demonstrate his potential, he wouldn't even take the grading evaluations seriously.

On his way back, Kuro crossed paths with Chōji and Shikamaru.

Chōji stood with a bag of chips in hand, popping one into his mouth after another. The ground around him was littered with crumbs.

Shikamaru, as usual, seemed lost in thought, holding his face with one hand and staring into space.

"Chōji, Shikamaru! It's been a while," Kuro greeted with a smile.

Both reacted differently.

Chōji grinned cheerfully and extended the bag of chips toward Kuro.

"It's been a while, Kuro! Want some?"

Kuro noticed the saliva marks on the bag and shook his head. "I'll pass. I already had breakfast."

"Too bad…" Chōji said, shoving another handful of chips into his mouth.

Kuro shook his head and turned his attention to Shikamaru, who glanced at him before retreating into his own world.

"What are you thinking about?"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Nothing important, just didn't expect you to come back to school so soon."

"Why do you think that?"

"I don't know… I always thought you were the type who only cared about power."

To most students, Kuro was a bookworm, someone who always read and seemed disinterested in power or physical training. His natural talent was evident, but few understood that all his effort was focused on more efficient growth.

However, Shikamaru could see from many details that Kuro invested this way precisely for efficient growth.

Kuro nodded with a smile at Shikamaru's comment.

"So that's what you thought…"

He turned and sat at his desk. Just then, a commotion caught his attention.

Ino was arguing with a group of girls in the hallway, led by Sakura.

Some people turned to the noise and saw that Ino was standing her ground against the girls, while little Sakura led the opposing side.

"What's happening now?" he asked tiredly.

Chōji, his mouth full, responded vaguely, "Ino mocked Sasuke for you. Sakura couldn't stand it and started a fight."

"…"

Kuro was speechless.

In the original story, Ino and Sakura were both infatuated with Sasuke, leading to a rift in their friendship until they reconciled during the Chūnin Exams.

But now, with Ino clearly disinterested in Sasuke, Kuro assumed the two would get along. Clearly, he was wrong.

Women are so troublesome…

Kuro sighed internally, while Shikamaru, as if reading his mind, voiced his thoughts aloud:

"Tch, women are so troublesome."

The two looked at each other, understanding each other's thoughts, and began to laugh.

"Anyway, they're fighting now, but they'll probably make up soon."

"Yeah…" Shikamaru glanced toward the hallway and sighed. "Though we have a boring cultural class this morning. Why did you even come back?"

"It's a culture class…"

Kuro suddenly felt sad.

In the past, those classes would've interested him, but now he had already completed all the material.

"Why don't we skip class?" Chōji suggested, peeking over.

"Sure, if you're skipping, let me know."

A familiar voice interrupted the conversation. When they turned, they saw a familiar puffy face.

Wearing his usual outfit and with a noticeably swollen face, everyone fell silent, staring at him.

"Naruto, don't you look a bit… swollen?"

________

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