Chapter 373 - 58

Chapter 58: Both Sides SufferOutside the Konoha Village Ninja Academy, Sasuke was in a standoff with a group of people. Even though he was alone, he still maintained a fearless and arrogant demeanor.At this moment, Shikamaru spoke up first: "Although it's a drag, I still have to say this. Don't you think the Sharingan is the most powerful?""Fine then. Neither side can use any other Ninjutsuthis time. We'll just compete in pure Taijutsu, but we'll allow you to use your Sharingan. How about it? Do you dare to agree?"It had to be said that Shikamaru was quite crafty. Currently, they only knew some Ninjutsu from their respective clans, and these weren't particularly lethal. However, he knew that Sasuke could now use large-scale offensive Ninjutsu like Fire Release. If he didn't set some restrictions, everyone there could easily be KO'd by a single technique.Sasuke wasn't afraid after hearing this. He still held his head high with pride and said, "Hmph, then it shall be as you wish! But you're just looking for trouble. If it's just Taijutsu, you won't even be able to touch me while I have the Sharingan.""Stop talking nonsense and beat him up!" The short-tempered Kiba couldn't hold back any longer. He and Akamaru took the lead and charged forward.As soon as they clashed, Sasuke, with his Sharingan, immediately gained the upper hand. Among the group, only Lee was able to land a few hits when Sasuke couldn't dodge in time. Soon, everyone had more or less sustained injuries, and even Akamaru was beaten black and blue.Overall, however, Sasuke firmly held the advantage. If things continued like this, his victory would likely be only a matter of time.This forced the group's little strategist, Shikamaru, to start thinking of a countermeasure. Although he wasn't interested in such unnecessary fighting, it would be too embarrassing if so many of them lost to just one person.He soon came up with a plan. Taking the opportunity to slip out of the fray, he signaled the sharp-witted Shino Aburame with a look. The latter immediately understood his intention and promptly released a small insect toward Sasuke.Normally, Sasuke would have definitely noticed this small insect carrying Chakra, but at this moment, he was fighting many opponents at once and had no time to worry about such things. Thus, the insect successfully landed on his neck and bit down.Just then, Lee swung a punch. Sasuke was about to raise his hand to block, but a sudden sharp pain shot from his neck. Startled by the pain, he failed to block in time and took a solid punch to the face from Lee.Using the force of the blow, Sasuke put some distance between himself and the group. He angrily questioned, "Didn't we agree not to use Ninjutsu? You guys are cheating!"Shikamaru stepped forward to argue, "Who used Ninjutsu? Shino's insect is just a pet, just like Akamaru. Did we say pets weren't allowed to join the fight? Look at what you did to Akamaru!"Sasuke retorted, "A pet? To have Akamaru attack, you just need to give a command. Don't think I don't know—Shino's insects require Chakra to control.""And normally, they need the host's Chakra to maintain their life signs. What about Akamaru? He just needs some leftovers and bones. Can you even compare the two?""Fine, since you're not playing fair, don't blame me. Take this!"With that, Sasuke began to form hand seals for a Fire Release. Just then, Akamaru let out a strange cry and suddenly charged forward like crazy, biting Sasuke's right hand."Ah!" Sasuke screamed in pain. This caused his hand seals to fail. Kiba shouted excitedly, "Good job, Akamaru!"Hearing his master's praise, Akamaru barked twice in response, but in doing so, he let go of his bite.Sasuke seized the opportunity and punched him in the face. Poor Akamaru was sent flying with a yelp, even losing two front teeth. Kiba rushed over to catch Akamaru, cradling him in his arms with heartache.Sasuke tried to form hand seals again, but just then, Shikamaru's Shadow Possession Jutsu was successfully activated, interrupting him once more. Shikamaru then said urgently, "Everyone, attack together! I can't hold this for long."The first person to react was Tong Yu. He rushed forward and tackled Sasuke to the ground. Lee and the others then swarmed him as well. However, because the distance had increased, Shikamaru's Shadow Possession Jutsu instantly failed, and the group began brawling on the ground again.Choji took the opportunity to jump high, intending to crush Sasuke with a Body Slam. However, without the restraint, Sasuke had regained the advantage. He first sent Lee and Kiba flying with two punches, then extended his leg, intending to kick Choji away.But to his surprise, Akamaru suddenly bit down on "Little Sasuke." Sasuke's "little brother" took a heavy blow, causing him to lose all ability to resist.At this moment, Choji was about to land. If he hit, Sasuke would at least end up seriously injured. In the nick of time, Naruto suddenly appeared and caught Choji with just one hand, preventing a tragedy.Naruto gently placed Choji on the ground and then crouched down to pat Akamaru's head, signaling him to let go. Because Naruto sometimes fed him, Akamaru was quite friendly with him. He obediently let go and even gagged twice, quite human-like.Naruto glanced at Little Sasuke's injury and found that, fortunately, Akamaru's two front teeth had been knocked out, so it hadn't caused any destructive damage to his "bird."But this was the lifeblood of men—except for a few like Orochimaru—and a common weakness. Sasuke still found the pain unbearable and kept clutching himself, howling."What are you all fooling around for? Fighting here... go and stand in the corner as punishment!" Iruka finally arrived, late as usual.Naruto looked at the angry Iruka, somewhat speechless. He secretly grumbled, "You only show up after the fight is over. Good grief, don't you know that if I hadn't stepped in, this could have caused a riot among Konoha's great clans today?"Seeing that everyone just lowered their heads without moving, Iruka continued, "Didn't you hear me? Go to the Playground and stand in the corner immediately! Otherwise, I'll call your parents in for a talk one by one!""We'll see if you're still as tough as you are now!"Iruka used his ultimate move, the "Parent Summoning Jutsu"—the strongest Summoning Technique. Only then did everyone slink toward the center of the Playground to serve their punishment.Seeing that Naruto hadn't reacted, Iruka continued, "Naruto, didn't you hear what I said? Why are you still standing here?"