Konoha: Gu master

Thursday.

After school, Naruto Uzumaki rushed over to Sasuke Uchiha.

"I won’t be able to spar with you tonight," Naruto whispered mysteriously.

With the big practical combat class against the second-year A class tomorrow, Naruto had arranged for extra training with Might Guy, determined to impress everyone.

"Sparring?" Sakura Haruno, who had been sneaking up to surprise Sasuke, froze as if struck by lightning. Instead of surprising him, she had just gotten a surprise herself.

"Shut up!" Sasuke muttered, glancing at Sakura with a twitching lip. "I never agreed to your so-called ‘sparring.’"

If Naruto keeps talking about 'body sparring,' I’m really going to hit him, Sasuke thought, annoyed. Ninja kids matured quickly, and terms like that easily led to misunderstandings.

[tl/n: 肉体切磋 word literally means, body sparring. But depending on the context, it can also have a suggestive ‘meaning’(‾◡◝)]

But while some matured early, others were a bit slower—like Naruto.

"Huh? Haven’t we been sparring for days now?" Naruto scratched his head in confusion.

"Idiot!" Sasuke could no longer hold back and dashed off without another word.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura quickly chased after him.

"Did I say something wrong?" Naruto pondered for a moment, then shrugged it off. No time to think about that—Uncle Guy’s waiting for me in the Forest of Death. He was determined to master the Leaf Whirlwind and Leaf Boulder Smash techniques tonight.

"Stop following me," Sasuke said coldly, looking back at Sakura as she trailed behind.

"I…" Sakura hesitated and stopped in her tracks. Watching him walk away, she covered her face in excitement. So cool! She loved how aloof Sasuke always was.

Uchiha Clan.

"Mom!" Sasuke called out as he kicked off his shoes and ran into the house.

"You’re home?" Mikoto Uchiha stepped out, wearing an apron, her long hair tied up, and holding a spatula. She exuded the aura of a gentle housewife.

"Mom, will Dad and Itachi be home today?" Sasuke asked eagerly.

"Your father will be home," Mikoto smiled, noticing his bright expression. "What’s got you so happy today?"

"Something good!" Sasuke grinned. "Come outside, I’ll show you."

"Alright." Mikoto ruffled his hair affectionately and followed him outside.

Sasuke took a deep breath and quickly formed a series of hand seals.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

In an instant, a massive fireball appeared, heating the air around them and warping the space with its intensity.

Mikoto instinctively covered her mouth, impressed. This is a fully-formed Fireball Jutsu, she thought. Just as she was about to say something, she noticed a familiar figure in the distance—Fugaku Uchiha.

Her lips curled into a smile as she watched the father and son.

"Mom?" Sasuke asked, confused when he didn’t hear the praise he expected.

Mikoto gently pointed across the yard. "Look, your father."

"Dad!" Sasuke exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement as he ran over.

"Well done," Fugaku said, nodding slightly at Sasuke’s expectant gaze.

Sasuke froze for a moment, then beamed. His hard work had paid off—he had finally earned his father’s approval.

"That was amazing, Sasuke," Mikoto added, walking up with a smile. "I’ll cook your favorite dish tonight to celebrate you mastering the Fireball Jutsu."

"Thanks, Mom!" Sasuke felt as if he were walking on air, radiating confidence and pride. Neji Hyuga, Shinho Aburame—be prepared to lose!

Friday.

"You didn’t sleep well last night? Or are you worried about the practical combat class this afternoon?" Shinho Aburame asked, noticing that Hinata Hyuga seemed distracted.

"I’m a little worried," Hinata admitted softly, her head lowered.

It was a half-truth. In reality, she had stayed up late making a gift for Shinho, which had cut into her sleep.

"Just do what I taught you—imagine Neji as a radish," Shinho said after a pause. "Do your best. And don’t worry, I’m here for you!"

Although he had been training Hinata intensely these past few days, he knew that defeating Neji Hyuga would still be a tall order. The gap between them wasn’t something brute strength alone could close.

"Huh?" Hinata blinked in surprise, her face filled with confusion.

"Don’t worry about it," Shinho said casually. "I’m just curious to see the so-called genius of the Hyuga Clan in action."

He was more interested in unlocking an achievement tied to Neji. If I’m going to break the so-called 'fate,' I’ll need to first defeat him and earn his respect. Then maybe one day, I can recruit him.

Shinho imagined founding his own organization, similar to the Akatsuki—maybe something like 'Heaven's Drive' or the 'FFF Brigade,' created specifically to farm achievements.

Hinata, however, was stunned by his words. He can’t be serious. She knew that Shinho’s dream was to live a peaceful life. Since entering the academy, he had never actively sought out fights, which was proven during the last practical combat session.

The only reason he’d want to challenge Neji now… must be because of me.

Hinata’s cheeks flushed pink.

Shinho blinked, noticing her reddening face. Why is she blushing again?

"I-I’ll just… go have lunch…" Hinata stammered, flustered by his gaze.

She hurried back to her seat with her lunchbox. As she rested her forehead against the cool surface of the desk, it helped calm her down a little. Taking a deep breath, she resolved, No matter what happens with Neji-nii-san, I won’t let Shinho-kun down.

After lunch, it was time for the practical combat class.

"Sasuke!" Naruto leaped up, right as the bell rang.

His classmates shot him annoyed glances.

"We’ll battle it out for the second place this afternoon!" Naruto declared, eyes locked on Sasuke.

"Who said I’m competing for second place?" Sasuke’s brow furrowed in irritation. Do you seriously think I can’t beat Shinho? Ridiculous!

The only reason he even tolerated Naruto recently was because they had bonded a little during their joint training sessions at the wooden cabin. Otherwise, Sasuke wouldn’t have even bothered responding to him.

"Sasuke-kun, I believe in you!" Sakura jumped in, pulling Naruto aside and cheering for Sasuke.

"How do they have so much energy…" Nara Shikamaru yawned lazily.

"Are you guys gonna take on Neji this time?" Kiba Inuzuka asked curiously.

During the last practical combat session, neither Sasuke nor Naruto had challenged Neji, which had surprised Kiba given their usual competitiveness.

"Of course we will!" Naruto and Sasuke said in unison, then glared at each other before turning away simultaneously.

Sakura stood between them, utterly confused. Why am I always the extra one? Wait, why did I say 'always'?

The group, laughing and chatting, made their way to the field.

"Good afternoon, class," Iruka Umino greeted them enthusiastically.

He was determined to give it his all this lesson, hoping to earn the respect of both classes.

Meanwhile, in the distance, Mizuki watched from behind a tree, a smug look on his face as he prepared to enjoy the show.

However, Mizuki wasn’t the only one watching. There was another spectator with a bird’s-eye view—Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Hokage’s interest had been piqued by Naruto’s recent dedication. He decided it was time to assess the boy’s progress.

If things don’t go well today, I’ll have to pull him away from Might Guy before it’s too late, Sarutobi mused. If Naruto becomes fully converted to Guy’s 'youthful spirit,' I won’t be able to handle it if he comes riding up on a flashy motorcycle and calls me 'old man.'

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