(The illustration of Satsuki Uchiha can be found in the previous chapter's discussion.)
One Month Later
That morning, Iruka Umino explained several methods and techniques for throwing shuriken.
As he explained the techniques, he also used the chalk in his hand to accurately strike students who weren't paying attention.
"Did everyone see clearly? And those who were just hit by my chalk—stand up and listen to the lesson from the side."
Soon, it was lunchtime.
As usual, Hinata Hyūga took out her luxurious bento and then looked at Nagi expectantly. Over the past month, she had frequently exchanged dishes with him, and Nagi had already gotten used to it.
Seeing her expression, Nagi also took out the lunch he had made.
After he opened it, Hinata looked surprised.
"Why is it only plain rice? Nagi, did you forget to cook any dishes? Do you want me to share mine?"
Nagi shook his head with a smile.
"Relax. Just wait a moment."
Then he took out a thermos container. When he opened the lid, a rich aroma instantly filled the entire classroom.
"It's curry~"
"The color looks amazing."
"Mmm, the smell is so rich. It must taste incredible."
"..."
The other students quickly took out their own lunches. While eating their food, they breathed in the aroma filling the room—almost as if they were sharing Nagi's meal as well.
Nagi poured some of the curry over his rice and then asked Hinata and Naruko Uzumaki if they wanted some.
The two girls nodded in perfect unison.
So Nagi gave the rest of the curry to them.
Naruko gave Nagi one of her crêpes, while Hinata placed a premium steak into his lunchbox.
The crêpe was normal enough, but the steak—bigger than Nagi's face—was honestly a bit intimidating. However, Nagi was already used to things like this.
"Mmm… it's the same happy taste as always."
Hinata enjoyed Nagi's curry so much that she closed her eyes, savoring the imaginary "food fantasy" brought on by its flavor.
Naruko, sitting on Nagi's other side, didn't have such exaggerated reactions, but her face still showed a bright, satisfied smile.
Meanwhile, Nagi was silently thinking about how the steak and crêpe could be improved.
Afternoon — Training Field
Iruka brought the class to the training ground inside the Ninja Academy.
"Alright, today we're doing outdoor training. This morning I taught you shuriken-throwing techniques, so now it's time to put them into practice."
"Each of you will throw ten shuriken. You score points by hitting the targets in front of you. But the most important thing is safety—protect yourselves and make sure you don't injure anyone else. Understood?"
"Understood!" ×N
"Good. I'll demonstrate first. Watch my movements carefully."
Iruka took out a shuriken. To make sure everyone could see clearly, he threw it slowly.
His body moved slowly—but the shuriken did not.
It quickly struck the bullseye.
Then he gradually increased his speed, and every shuriken struck the center of the target.
"Wow, that's amazing!"
"Yeah, seriously!"
"..."
Some of the children from ordinary families were extremely impressed.
However, those from ninja clans or with ninja relatives thought Iruka's technique looked fairly standard—nothing extraordinary.
Though to be fair, some of them still couldn't do it themselves.
Student Turns
"Next—Shino Aburame."
Shino stepped forward and threw a shuriken.
It flew straight toward…
Not the target.
Instead, it headed for a nearby tree—toward a cicada that was chirping loudly.
"Die, bug!"
However, the cicada sensed the danger and quickly flew away.
Shino threw the remaining shuriken at it as well, but the insect dodged every one.
Iruka pointed toward the target and shouted:
"Shino! What are you doing?! The target is over there!"
Shino replied calmly,
"But sensei… that insect is the target in my heart."
"..."
"Next—Chōji Akimichi."
Chōji stepped forward and threw the shuriken using the throwing technique unique to the Akimichi Clan.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Eight shuriken hit the bullseye.
Two landed slightly off-center.
Chōji shook his head, clearly dissatisfied.
"Looks like I still need more practice with my throwing technique."
After that, the rest of the Rookie Nine took their turns.
Both Sakura Haruno and Naruko used very standard movements and landed all their shuriken on the bullseye.
Iruka nodded.
"Good. Your form is very standard. Excellent. Next—Satsuki Uchiha."
Satsuki walked forward with both hands in her pockets. She took the shuriken from the box, glanced at the target once—
Then, without even blinking, she threw all ten shuriken at once.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Some of the shuriken collided with each other midair, changing their trajectories.
Yet every single one still struck the bullseye.
"Whoa!" ×N
"So cool!"
"That was amazing!"
The entire class was shocked.
Even Iruka was briefly stunned, but he quickly recovered.
"Excellent. Full score, Satsuki. Next—Hinata Hyūga."
Hinata walked forward with her hands in her jacket pockets.
She grabbed the shuriken from the box, glanced at the target—
Then flicked her left hand and right hand.
The shuriken flew in a straight line.
Every single one hit the bullseye.
"Whoa!" ×N
Another wave of astonished cheers filled the training field.
"Very good. Full score, Hinata. Next—Nagi ."
Nagi stepped forward, grabbed the shuriken, and swung his right hand.
Three shuriken shot out simultaneously.
In midair, the three gradually separated and struck three different bullseyes.
Then another triple throw.
And another.
All ten shuriken struck their targets perfectly.
Iruka nodded.
"Excellent. Full score, Nagi."
One Week Later — Sparring Practice
That afternoon, Iruka brought the class back to the training field.
"Today we'll be conducting sparring exercises. You'll fight in pairs."
"Before the match, perform the Seal of Confrontation, and after the match, perform the Seal of Reconciliation. Remember that clearly."
"Alright, now we'll draw lots to determine the pairs."
"Next match: Sakura Haruno vs. Ino Yamanaka."
Sakura and Ino first formed the Seal of Confrontation, then attacked simultaneously.
However, it felt less like a battle and more like a lesson.
"Ino, don't go easy on me just because we're friends. And don't close your eyes when things get tense. Keep your eyes on me the whole time."
Sakura spoke while exchanging moves with her.
"Yes, I understand."
Even so, the naturally shy Ino still held back.
Facing Sakura's attacks, she kept dodging instead of counterattacking.
"Ino, this won't work. If you want to become a ninja, you need the resolve of one. Try to keep your eyes open and carefully watch every movement I make. Constantly running away won't solve anything."
"Y-Yes… I'll try…"
Toward the end, Sakura intentionally held back a little.
Gradually, Ino managed to launch some counterattacks. Although she still dodged most of the time, it was far better than before.
Finally, Sakura lightly flicked Ino's forehead, signaling the end of the match.
The two then formed the Seal of Reconciliation, concluding their spar.
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