CHAPTER 24:INO VS SAKURA

Sakura's eyes narrowed slightly as she clashed with Ino, their techniques locked in intense battle.

But beneath her focused exterior, Sakura's mind was torn apart by inner turmoil –

She had a secret: a second personality, born from her deep-seated inferiority complex and longing for acknowledgement.

This alternate persona, which Sakura dubbed ""Kokoro" (Heart), emerged when her emotions overwhelmed her rational mind.

Kokoro's voice whispered in Sakura's mind as she fought Ino:

"Sakura, forget Sasuke... he doesn't even notice you. Your feelings are pointless."

Sakura's mental response was immediate resistance:

"No... Sasuke is the one I've always admired. My crush on him will never fade!"

Kokoro sneered back silently:

"Admiration turned to obsession. Sasuke sees you as just a friend – or worse, a weak kunoichi. Naruto, however..."

Sakura's mind recoiled at Kokoro's suggestion:

"Naruto?! No way – he's always getting into trouble, and his crush is on someone else probably..."

Kokoro persisted:

"Exactly – Naruto needs protection and admiration. He'd appreciate your strength and care. Sasuke doesn't deserve your heart."

Sakura's grip on her chakra faltered slightly as she clashed with Ino – her inner conflict distracting her.

Ino sensed the momentary weakness and prepared to strike

Ino seized the perfect moment – Sakura's distraction by her inner turmoil – and struck with lightning speed.

A swift kunai appeared in Ino's hand, its tip mere inches from Sakura's neck:

Iruka Sensei yelled:

"Stop! Battle's over – Ino wins!"

Sakura stood frozen, acknowledging defeat as Ino withdrew her kunai.

Naruto rushed over, excitedly rubbing Ino's head:

"YES! Ino, you were amazing! Mind Body Switch technique almost worked both ways – Sakura was totally caught off guard!"

Ino beamed with pride under Naruto's praise.

Meanwhile, Sakura's eyes locked onto Sasuke – waiting for his reaction, any sign of acknowledgement or concern:

But Sasuke stood indifferent, eyes still fixed on the ground, expression neutral

No congratulatory words for Ino, no worried glance at Sakura... nothing.

Naruto, oblivious to Sakura's gaze on Sasuke, turned to Ino and said:

"Hey Ino, help Sakura up – she's still standing there pretty stunned!"

Ino nodded and walked over to Sakura, offering her hand –

Sakura took it, her eyes never leaving Naruto as he smiled warmly at her through Ino:

A spark of realization ignited within Sakura – Naruto's kindness towards her was genuine and unconditional.

Kokoro's silent voice in her mind whispered again:

"See, Sakura... Naruto notices you, cares about you..."

Iruka Sensei's voice echoed across the training grounds, announcing the next battles:

"Next up, we have Hinata Hyuga vs. Civilian Ninja Trainee, Kenji let's see Hinata's gentle strength in action!"

Hinata faced Kenji calmly, her eyes gentle yet focused. The battle began

Hinata used her Byakugan to track Kenji's movements and landed a precise ,Gentle Fist strike, winning quickly.

Iruka Sensei nodded approvingly:

"Hinata's control and precision are impressive – Kenji didn't stand a chance!"

Next battle announced:

"Shikamaru Nara vs Choji Akimichi– intellect vs physical strength, interesting matchup!"

Shikamaru lounged lazily, eyes half-closed, while Choji cracked his knuckles eagerly. Battle started –

Shikamaru used his Shadow Possession Jutsu to manipulate Choji's shadow, restricting his movements and landing a decisive "checkmate" blow with his finger – winning without breaking sweat.

Iruka Sensei chuckled:

"Shikamaru's intellect always finds the easiest victory path – Choji didn't see that coming!"

Training grounds fell silent as only two students remained unpaired:

Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha stood facing each other, eyes locked in intense anticipation.*

Iruka Sensei's voice boomed once more:

"And finally... Naruto Uzumaki vs Sasuke Uchiha – our most anticipated battle! Let's see which exceptional genin will claim victory!"

The crowd erupted into cheers – Naruto grinned fiercely at Sasuke, while Sasuke's expression remained icy cool.

[ COMTINUE ]ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

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