38Hello Jie Jie, I am a teacher.AI Model: gemini-3.0-flashChapter 38: Hello, Precept, I am a Teacher
With Gekkō Hayate's command, Sakura and Inomoved at the same time.
Although neither of them were combat-type Ninjas.
Both sides still gave their all, engaging in an intense Taijutsu competition centered around the Three Basic Jutsu.
"An evenly matched battle..."
On the viewing platform.
Kurenai Yuhi watched the clash between the two, unable to judge for the moment who was more likely to win.
"Filling every corner of the body with Chakra and seizing the right moment to use it... Sakura's control over Chakra is already top-tier among the rookies."
"As for Ino, her comprehensive strength is a cut above, and as the new generation of the Yamanakafamily, she also masters 'that jutsu'."
Looking at it comprehensively, Ino's chances of winning seemed greater.
She only needed to find a tiny opening and use "that jutsu," and the battle would end immediately.
Sakura's Taijutsu was stable, but it lacked the ability to deliver a decisive blow.
However, no matter who won or lost, as long as both weren't eliminated, she would win the bet with Naruto... In the arena.
Bang— Bang—
The muffled sounds of fists and feet colliding continuously rang out.
After several rounds of confrontation, both sides' breathing had become erratic.
Their bodies, which had not yet fully recovered from previous injuries, were step by step approaching their limits.
"It's been too long..."
As the head proctor, Gekkō Hayate couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.
"They've been fighting for ten minutes, why hasn't it ended yet..."
Just then, Sakura and Ino exchanged another punch.
After separating again, both were panting heavily, with traces of blood at the corners of their mouths.
"Ino! Can you only hide and not attack?"
"What nonsense are you talking about, broad forehead! I'm not like you, only knowing how to use that useless brute force!"
"Hmph, someone like you who cares so much about appearance that you keep your hair long can never become an excellent Ninja!"
Ino's eyes narrowed, as if those words had struck a nerve.
"Don't underestimate me too much, you idiot!!!"
On the platform, Shikamaru crossed his arms, looking at his teammate with a face full of helplessness.
"This idiot actually got provoked just like that..."
He knew Ino's temper all too well.
Just as he finished speaking, Ino suddenly pulled out a Kunai.
Then she held it high and slashed down hard against the long golden ponytail behind her head!
Snip!
With a crisp sound, the long hair was instantly cut off at the roots, falling to the ground.
Everyone was stunned.
Now, just like Sakura, both girls had discarded the long hair they once cherished most.
"Oh no..."
Shikamaru helplessly covered his face, "This girl has completely lost it."
Sure enough, in the next second, Ino rushed forward in an almost savage manner.
This kind of frontal charge, in this state, was practically delivering herself into the opponent's rhythm.
A cold sneer appeared at the corner of Sakura's mouth.
"Hooked."
She suppressed her rapid breathing, shifted her steps slightly, and tilted her body, deliberately exposing a flaw that she couldn't fully dodge in time.
Just a little closer.
As long as Ino reached out.
She could seize that moment and counterattack with all her might!
But at that very moment.
Sakura's feet suddenly stopped.
It wasn't that she didn't want to move, but she suddenly couldn't.
...What?!
A strange pulling sensation suddenly came from her ankles.
She looked down, her pupils shrinking sharply.
At some point, those golden strands of hair scattered on the ground were covered with a faint layer of Chakra.
Like a rope, they tightly bound her feet.
A trap?
"Idiot, you didn't really think I'd let my emotions lead me by the nose like you, did you?"
Ino seized this fleeting opportunity and quickly formed hand seals.
Mind Transfer Jutsu!
No escape.
An invisible mental shock crashed into Sakura's body.
A second later, she slowly raised her hand.
"I... withdraw..."
It was finally over.
On the platform, Kurenai Yuhi let out a long breath, her tense body finally relaxing.
The dignity of a Jonin was finally preserved.
She was about to turn around, with a hint of victorious pride, to announce the punishment to Naruto.
The next second, Sakura's movement froze.
The body occupied by Ino suddenly stopped raising its hand.
"How could I possibly withdraw!!!"
Everyone present was stunned.
Even Gekkō Hayate didn't know for a moment whether he should terminate the match.
In the next second, Ino's spiritual form was expelled back to her own body by a huge impact.
"Ino!"
Sakura's eyes regained clarity, and she used all her strength to rush towards Ino's body.
Ino also struggled to stand up, using her last bit of strength to trade one final blow with Sakura!
Bang!
The two's fists collided again, for the last time!
Then, their bodies both fell backward onto the ground.
This time, no one could stand up again.
Gekkō Hayate came to their side.
Looking at the two fallen, scarred girls, he finally shook his head helplessly.
He raised his hand and announced the result.
"Fourth round, a draw! Since both sides have simultaneously lost the ability to fight! Both are eliminated!"
Boom—!
In Kurenai Yuhi's mind, it was as if a thunderclap had sounded.
A draw!
Both of them were eliminated!
Naruto's phrase "neither can win" had once again come true with precise accuracy!
The blood in her entire body froze instantly.
Once again, she had lost completely.
She lost the lap pillow, and she lost her last dignity as a Jonin!
Kurenai turned her head trembling, only to meet the Blond-haired Youth's somewhat punchable smile.
"Oh dear, how annoying, I won again..."
"Kurenai-sensei, you should go prepare first. I'm going to the bathroom, don't you dare run away."
...First floor of the tower.
Medical Unit.
Neji opened his eyes blankly and saw the pure white ceiling.
"...Am I in the hospital?"
He struggled to sit up, and the next second, the room door was pushed open.
After seeing clearly the appearance of the person who entered, Neji instantly clenched his fists.
"Uzumaki Naruto! You guy, did you come here specifically to mock..."
Before he could finish.
Naruto directly ignored him, passing by him and walking further inside.
Neji: "..."
Dammit! Dammit!! Dammit!!!
After some simple treatment by several Medical Ninjas, Sakura's injuries were no longer a serious issue.
She woke up from exhaustion and unconsciousness.
The piercing white light made Sakura instinctively squint her eyes, and the faint scent of herbs lingered around her nose.
—Medical Unit.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, she abruptly turned her head.
Across a hospital bed.
Ino lay there quietly.
Her eyes were closed, her breathing steady, and her short pale-golden hair was neatly gathered by the pillow.
At that moment, Sakura's heart felt as if it had been lightly bumped by something.
She threw back the covers, walked off the bed barefoot, and came to Ino's bedside.
Sakura lowered her head, looking at that familiar yet strange face.
Memories surged uncontrollably.
Holding her hand as a child, standing in front of others for her.
Clearly being afraid in the Forest of Death, yet still stepping forward.
For so many years.
They had actually become so distant and unyielding to each other just for a bit of childish obsession.
"...What an idiot."
Sakura said softly.
"For so many years, we actually refused to bow our heads first just for Sasuke."
Her fingertips trembled slightly as she took Ino's hand.
"I'm sorry, Ino."
"And... thank you."
"Thank you for always protecting me."
"Thank you for standing up for me time and time again when I was most helpless."
It was as if she finally said all the words that had been suppressed in her heart for years in one breath.
On the hospital bed.
Ino's eyebrows twitched slightly.
Her body curled up unconsciously, and a layer of blush slowly dyed her cheeks.
In fact, she had woken up long ago.
But she simply didn't expect to hear all this.
"W-what is this idiot saying..."
Apology? Gratitude?
Why say such things in this kind of place, at this kind of time!
Sakura took a deep breath.
"Actually... I have always..."
Just then.
Click.
The door to the ward was pushed open from the outside.
Both of their bodies froze at the same time.
Sakura whipped her head around.
Standing at the door was a Blond-haired Youth.
"Naruto?!" Sakura was both anxious and annoyed, "This is a girls' ward, who let you in!"
"Hmm?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"What did you call me?"
Sakura was instantly struck in her sore spot.
"..."
"Da... Daddy..."