Chapter 4: Would I, Kiba Inuzuka, Be Afraid?

On the streets of Konoha.

The bustling streets were the complete opposite of the peaceful mountain where Ryo lived. Shops lined both sides of the road, with people coming and going in a lively atmosphere.

Every now and then, a few ninjas wearing green vests passed by, adding to the vibrant scene.

However, today was different from usual. The pedestrians on the street kept glancing in the same direction.

There, walking down the road, was a little blond boy that everyone in the village knew—Naruto Uzumaki—accompanied by a strange green creature walking beside him.

"Bulbasaur, we'll work hard together from now on! My dream is to become Hokage, and when that happens, you'll be Hokage's partner!"

"Bulba~"

Bulbasaur, however, showed no interest in Naruto's words. It didn't even glance at him. Its eyes were fixed on the surrounding buildings and passersby, full of curiosity.

"Naruto, what are you doing?"

At that moment, a boy about the same age as Naruto walked up to him with a puzzled expression. Beside him was a small white dog perched on his head.

"Oh, it's Kiba and Akamaru!"

Hearing the voice, Naruto looked over and greeted them with a wave.

Kiba walked closer, his eyes fixed on Bulbasaur. "Naruto, what's with this green turtle? Is it your summoning beast?"

"Bulba!!"

Before Naruto could answer, Bulbasaur couldn't hold back anymore. It stomped forward angrily, ready to charge at Kiba.

Green turtle? This silly-looking kid just called it a green turtle?

Noticing Bulbasaur's movements, Naruto quickly scooped it up. "Bulbasaur, calm down! Stay calm!"

"Bulba~ Bulba!"

Bulbasaur ignored him, struggling in Naruto's arms with all its might.

"Run, Kiba! Bulbasaur is angry!" Naruto warned. He really didn't want anything bad to happen between Bulbasaur and Kiba.

Kiba's expression changed when he heard that. "Naruto, put it down. I won't hurt it. I just want Akamaru to play with it."

Naruto's earlier warning clearly offended Kiba. Was he, a Genin, being asked to leave because of a little creature?

Did he look that weak? If he walked away now, how could he call himself a ninja?

"Woof! Woof!"

Akamaru barked twice in agreement, staring at the struggling Bulbasaur. This little green thing didn't have any chakra aura at all—it should be an easy win.

Naruto hesitated. "Bulbasaur is really strong, Kiba. Maybe it's better not to."

"Put it down! Hurry up and put it down!"

Hearing that only made Kiba angrier. Was Naruto looking down on him?

"Fine."

Naruto nodded reluctantly, then patted Bulbasaur on the head. "Bulbasaur, go easy on them. Don't beat Akamaru too badly."

"Bulba~"

Landing on the ground, Bulbasaur nodded and looked at Akamaru. Even if it tried, it might feel bad about hitting something that small.

Kiba and Akamaru almost exploded on the spot.

What did he just say? Don't beat Akamaru too badly?!

Akamaru had been training with Kiba for years! Even in solo battles, it wasn't weak—it was at least Genin level!

Akamaru bared its teeth, eyes filled with anger, and charged at Bulbasaur.

"Go, Akamaru! Show them how strong you are!"

"Woof! Woof!"

Akamaru barked in response, leaping off Kiba's head and rushing toward Bulbasaur.

"Bulba~"

Bulbasaur tilted its head slightly as if saying, You go first.

Angered by its arrogance, Akamaru lunged at Bulbasaur, aiming to tackle it mid-air.

But before it could strike, two vines shot out from the bud on Bulbasaur's back and wrapped around Akamaru in mid-air.

Then, with lightning speed, Bulbasaur charged forward and slammed its head into Akamaru's body.

Bang!

Akamaru was flung backward, flying much faster than when it had rushed forward.

Kiba, who had been grinning a moment ago, froze, his eye twitching uncontrollably.

"Bulba~"

With Akamaru lying on the ground, unable to move, Bulbasaur shook its head and let out a soft cry. It glanced at Kiba with disdain before returning to Naruto's side.

If not for its appearance, the move would have looked like that of a seasoned martial arts master.

"Wh-what… just happened?!"

Kiba finally snapped out of his shock, staring at Bulbasaur, then at the defeated Akamaru. His eyes were filled with disbelief.

Akamaru had trained with him for years. While most of their training focused on teamwork, Akamaru's solo combat skills weren't bad—at least on par with a Genin.

But it had just been taken out in one hit by this seemingly fragile green creature?

"Wait… those vines… Was that… Wood Release?"

The battle had happened so quickly that Kiba hadn't processed it. But now, thinking back, his pupils widened as he stared at Bulbasaur in shock.

Unlike Naruto, Kiba had paid attention in class. He knew how powerful Wood Release was, even if he didn't fully understand its extent.

"Huh?"

Naruto tilted his head. "Wood Release? What's that? Is it stronger than Sasuke's Fire Release?"

"Also, what's a summoning beast? Why do you know all this stuff, and I don't?"

Kiba's jaw almost dropped. "You… don't know?"

Naruto nodded. "Nope! What is it? Is it cool? Did the school teach it?"

Kiba's mouth twitched. Teach it? Do you not remember how you behaved in school?

He couldn't understand it. How did someone as clueless as Naruto end up with a partner that could use Wood Release?

Out of curiosity, Kiba asked directly, "Naruto, where did you get this… Bulbasaur?"

Naruto grinned proudly and looked at Bulbasaur. "Bulbasaur is my partner! Ryo-nii gave it to me. Awesome, right?"

Kiba's eyes filled with envy, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, very awesome. Hey, Naruto, can you introduce me to this Ryo-nii?"

"You want to meet Ryo-nii?"

"Yes! Yes!"

"Sure!"

Kiba's heart raced with excitement. If Ryo could give Naruto a partner with Wood Release, maybe he could get one too!

Overwhelmed with anticipation, Kiba grabbed Naruto's hand. "Let's go right now!"

Naruto blinked in surprise. "Now?"

"Of course!" Kiba nodded.

"Nope." Naruto shook his head.

"Why not?"

Kiba froze.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "It's almost dark, and I'm hungry. I'm going to eat dinner."

Kiba looked at the sky and then at the thinning crowd before nodding. "Right… Tomorrow then! Come on, Naruto, dinner's on me today!"

"Really? I want Ichiraku Ramen!"

"Deal! Let's go! But… I feel like we're forgetting something."

"Are we? Doesn't seem like it."

"Wait… Akamaru!!!"

Both yelled in unison.

Bulbasaur: [Gazes at them with the look of a wise sage.jpg]

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