NARUTO: Starting with Hinata

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Shinnosuke picked up on the hidden meaning behind the words.

"It's normal to get hurt during a practical class." Luke said with a knowing smile, "As long as no one dies, the teacher will deal with it."

"That's exactly what I wanted to hear!" Shinnosuke exclaimed, suddenly excited.

Mizuki nodded in approval, 'Iruka, something's about to go down in your class. Let's see how you handle it.'

In fact, a better candidate would have been Neji, but he had always ignored Luke, which made Mizuki's disdain for him even deeper.

'Genius or not, he's just another pawn of the main family.' Luke thought bitterly.

The school bell rang, signaling the end of class. Hinata hesitated for a moment, then hurried over to Shiki.

Seeing her approach, Shino quietly stepped aside to give them space. After all, he had benefited greatly from Shiki's advice last week. The only regret was that there seemed to be a limit to what he could gain, but even so, he had increased his strength noticeably—comparable to that of a wild boar, a formidable creature in its own right.

"Thanks." Hinata muttered shyly as she sat down in Shino's seat. Her nerves showed, especially with Ino and others watching curiously. But what made her more anxious was the decision she was about to voice.

"Shiki..." She took a deep breath, "I want to challenge Neji in the practical class. Is that okay?"

Shiki looked at her in surprise. This wasn't like Hinata's usual timid self. It seemed the girl was finally stepping up.

"If you think it's okay, then go ahead. You don't need my permission." Shiki said, looking down at her.

Hinata blinked in confusion. It wasn't the answer she expected. Was he really leaving the decision up to her? It felt strange. Her entire life had been dictated by others, and now this sudden freedom was unsettling.

"After school, come train with me." Shiki added after a moment of thought. He had realized while sparring with Green Kui that his combat experience was lacking. Although he was a master of insects, in the early stages, it was hand-to-hand skills that truly mattered.

"And you too, Shino." Shiki said, remembering Shino's mutated parasites.

Shino was taken aback, 'Wait, I'm included in this?' It was a rare moment when he felt like part of something bigger.

---

The bell rang again, signaling the end of the day. Iruka quickly finished his lecture and left with his textbook, showing no hesitation.

"Shi..." Yamanaka Ino started to speak but paused as she watched Shiki stand up and walk towards Hinata. They didn't say a word to each other but left the classroom together, moving in sync.

Ino bit her lip. Even Shino, following behind them, didn't seem to notice her. She felt a pang of frustration—Hinata had taken another step forward, widening the gap between them.

'Maybe I've been going about this all wrong...' Ino thought, just as a scream from Sakura broke her train of thought.

She looked up to see Sakura, frozen in place, her hand outstretched toward Sasuke, who walked away without even glancing at her.

"See you tomorrow, Sakura." Naruto said as He caught up to Sasuke, the two walking out side by side.

Sakura was left stunned, 'Sasuke... walking with Naruto? Since when?' She stood there, baffled, 'Is Naruto closer to Sasuke than I am? What's happening?'

Now, thinking back, Naruto's words—"see you tomorrow"—almost felt like a taunt, as if to say, "This is how it's done."

Sakura was crushed. Ino stifled a laugh but managed to hold it in, not wanting to get into trouble.

---

Later, in the Forest of Death, Shino caught sight of Naruto and Sasuke from afar and couldn't help but feel confused, "Why are they here?"

When they reached the cabin, Shino finally understood the reason, "When did the old man set up such a weird facility?"

"Sasuke!" Naruto said, full of energy, "Let's spar!"

Shiki glanced at Naruto, "A sparring match...? Hmm, not bad."

"Idiot." Sasuke muttered, understanding Naruto's intent but unable to resist mocking him. He stepped up to the horizontal bar, quickly getting into position, while Naruto, as usual, clowned around with handstands and wild running.

After a while, the only sound left was their labored breathing.

"Shino, come in." Shiki called as he opened the door to the cabin. Shino snapped out of his thoughts and followed him inside, curious about the place. It was his first time here, and the sight of so many beautiful flowers surprised him.

'When did you start liking flowers?' Shino wondered, casting a glance at Hinata, who obediently followed Shiki, 'Could it be because of Ino?'

Shino couldn't help but stifle a gasp, 'Brother, you're really playing with fire here. If you keep this up, you'll have trouble with the sisters-in-law later...' He took a small step back, deciding he wouldn't get involved in that mess.

Or... maybe he would side with the sisters-in-law, he mused.

"Call out your parasites." Shiki said suddenly, "The three strongest ones."

Shino blinked, unsure of why but complied, extending his hand as three parasitic insects crawled out from his sleeve.

"Now show me their attack power." Shiki ordered, pointing toward a tree just outside the yard.

The insects darted toward the tree, striking its bark with force, though not enough to cause significant damage. They began to gnaw away at it as Shiki watched thoughtfully.