Konoha: Gu master

The flower arrangement class concluded.
Haruna Yamanaka generously gave all the students their works to take home.
Due to this unexpected gift, Shinho Aburame had to make a trip home.

After walking for a few minutes, he stopped.
In the reflection of a shop window by the roadside, he saw the silhouette of Ino Yamanaka.
Shinho turned around and looked at her.

"Shinho-kun."
Caught in the act, Ino approached him openly, holding up a cosmos flower. "Look, isn't it beautiful?" she asked.

"It's beautiful," Shinho replied, looking at her.
Compared to the fully bloomed cosmos, she was like a budding flower needing time and care to blossom.

"How about we exchange our works?" Ino suggested, revealing her intention.
Shinho nodded.
He didn't mind whether it was a sunflower or a cosmos.

A joyful smile immediately appeared on Ino's face.
Hugging the sunflower, her eyes filled with sincerity, she said, "I will make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible."
Though in Shinho's view, it was a futile effort.
Because fresh flowers always eventually wither.

He believed in the saying: "Pick the flowers when they bloom; don't wait until there are no flowers left."

"Shinho-kun," Ino looked up at him and said, "If you have time someday, come to my house to see it."
After speaking, she didn't wait for Shinho's response and turned to jog away.
Her golden ponytail swayed behind her, swinging back and forth until her figure disappeared completely.

So that was her plan?
Shinho couldn't help but smile.

The afternoon class was on the Three Basic Techniques.
As in the original story, Naruto Uzumaki was the worst in the class.
But unlike before, he wasn't discouraged.
His mind was now entirely focused on taijutsu.

"Before class ends, I have an announcement," Iruka Umino said, closing his textbook. "Due to Mizuki-sensei taking leave, I'll be substituting for Class 2-A next week."

Shinho raised an eyebrow.
In Class 2-A, there were three familiar faces: Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Tenten.
They were the last three of the Konoha Twelve.

As for Mizuki, Shinho didn't have much of an impression.
He only remembered that Mizuki had tricked Naruto into stealing the Scroll of Seals.
But Shinho believed it was Hiruzen Sarutobi's indulgence and design.
A mere Genin stealing the Scroll of Seals filled with forbidden techniques so easily seemed too far-fetched.

"For convenience, we'll be combining practical classes," Iruka continued with a smile. "Class 2-A has Neji Hyuga, the top student in the entire school."

Sasuke Uchiha immediately looked up.
An expression of interest appeared on his face.
The Hyuga clan was as renowned as the Uchiha clan, so naturally, he paid attention.
The genius Neji Hyuga was well-known in the academy.
But he didn't know his exact strength.
Now, he had a chance to find out exactly.

Before enrolling, Sasuke had set a goal: to graduate as the top student, just like his brother Itachi Uchiha.
At that time, he had already marked Neji Hyuga as someone he must defeat, eventually.
But unexpectedly, he first faced setbacks, losing twice in a row to Shinho Aburame, his own classmate.

"Brother Neji..." Hinata Hyuga felt a tightening in her chest.
Since Neji had been branded with the Caged Bird seal, their relationship had deteriorated rapidly.
She didn't know how to face him anymore.

"Class dismissed," Iruka said, leaving the classroom with his textbook.
The students went their separate ways, and eventually, only Sasuke and a few others remained.

"Fishing time!" Naruto exclaimed enthusiastically, raising his hands, high up in the air. "This time, I'll definitely catch the most!"

"It'll be me," Sasuke said, walking past him.

"No way!" Naruto chased after him, protesting defiantly.

"Idiot," Sasuke scoffed.
If it weren't for Shinho Aburame, he wouldn't have considered competing with Naruto—even in fishing.
In his eyes, Naruto was at the bottom of the class.
"What level is he? Thinking of becoming friends with me?" Sasuke only acknowledged Shinho because he was strong enough.

"That Naruto!" Sakura Haruno grumbled angrily, jogging to catch up.

Shinho stood up and walked out leisurely.
"Shinho-kun," Ino chatted with him cheerfully. "My mom says you have a real talent for flower arrangement."

Hinata remained quiet, unsure of what to say.

"As expected of Shinho-kun," Kiba Inuzuka remarked, glancing around.

"Do you want to be like that too?" Shikamaru Nara asked, hands resting behind his head.

"No," Kiba shook his head earnestly. "Compared to girls, I prefer dogs."

"You haven't chosen your dog yet?" Shikamaru asked, somewhat surprised.
The Inuzuka clan possessed a secret technique that allowed them to merge with their canine partners.
Each member had a dog, their lifelong companion, serving multiple purposes.

"Not yet," Kiba said gloomily. "I don't really like any of them."

"No rush, take your time," Shino Aburame interjected. "It's not too late to decide when you graduate."

"Shino, when did you get here?" Kiba asked, looking to the side in surprise.

"..." Shino replied expressionlessly, "I've been behind you the whole time."

"Oh, sorry," Kiba quickly apologized.

"It's fine," Shino didn't mind.
He was used to being overlooked.

At the riverside, just like last time, they spread out and began fishing.
Having already won once, Shinho no longer felt competitive.
Only Sasuke seemed to be more focused than ever, his determination blazing.

An hour later, the fishing competition concluded.

"How many?" Sasuke immediately turned to Naruto.
He was incredibly nervous inside, but his face remained stoic and aloof as always.

"You're asking me?" Naruto looked surprised.

"Yes, you," Sasuke replied.

"You used to look down on me, and now look who's asking..." Naruto began to gloat after realizing Sasuke's interest.

"Shut up," Sasuke said impatiently. "Just tell me—how many did you catch?"

"Seven," Naruto lifted his chin proudly. "So? Admit defeat?"

"I caught nine," Sasuke said, not even glancing at him. He walked over to Shinho and declared, "I won."

Naruto stood there, stunned.

"When shall we spar?" Shinho asked casually.

"Tomorrow," Sasuke paused, then added, "I have a question."

"What is it?" Shinho looked up at him.

"In our last match, how much of your strength did you use?" Sasuke took a deep breath and asked.

"Do you want the truth or a lie?" Shinho countered.

"Of course, the truth," Sasuke snorted.

"Thirty percent," Shinho replied calmly.
He had so many Gu insects but had only used the Jade Skin Gu, White Boar Gu, and Black Boar Gu.
And he had held back with the last two.
He hadn't used the Moonlight Gu, Little Light Gu, Bone Spear Gu, and others.

Sasuke's expression froze, disbelief written all over his face.
"Only thirty percent?"
In both battles, he had felt that Shinho wasn't using his full strength.
He had estimated perhaps seventy percent but never expected only thirty.

"You're lying!" Sasuke stared intensely at Shinho.

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