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The Gamer – Naruto World
Chapter 8 – Encouraging Hinata

Chapter 8 – Encouraging Hinata

[You have slept in your own bed. HP & CP have been restored. All aliments & negative status have been cured.]

Raito woke up with little enthusiasm, knowing he was about to be transferred to 1-A, which he thought to be a group of crazy students. Shaking his head, Raito got up, stretched then walked to his new daily mission, which was to wake up the blonde loudmouth. To his surprise, the bed was empty.

Looking down the window, at the backyard, Raito saw Naruto doing the famous stretching routine. Not wanting to be outdone, Raito joined him in the backyard, where after greeting Naruto, he also started stretching but this time he did not get any status-up notification, even after an hour.

“Naruto let’s spar.” Raito checked the time and organized his thoughts.

“Sure,” Naruto, wearing a white shirt, stopped stretching and looked at Raito. “I think I have a good chance.”

“Taijutsu only.” Raito specified

Naruto nodded and moved towards Raito whereas Raito took a defensive stance. Naruto threw a straight punch, which Raito caught easily. Leaning back, Raito kicked Naruto on the chin and at the same time released his hand. Raito back flipped and observed Naruto, then he took a defensive stand and asked, “Are you giving up Naruto?”

“Damn it!” Naruto roared, ran and threw a right fist and again Raito caught the wrist but this time Naruto pulled Raito then attacked with his left, punching Raito’s face.

“Haha, nice counter. It seems you did learn something yesterday.” Raito blocked the punch and pulled Naruto forward. A knee, which was weakened due to position, landed right on the gut.

Releasing Naruto, Raito waited for a while. Naruto glared as he took a fighting stance. “Come.”

“Sure.” Raito dashed forward without holding back and delivered a rain of punches and kicks.

Naruto guarded against some and dodged some, but Raito’s attack became faster and faster after which he added grabs and throws, leaving Naruto was bruised, and covered in dirt at the end of the fight.

“You didn’t have to hit me that hard. It hurts.” Naruto complained, wiping dirt from his face.

“You recover fast.” Raito cleaned some of the dirt on his clothes.

“But even so, it hurts,” Naruto mumbled. “Say Raito, can we go to that place again? I want to practice some more.”

“Yeah, sure. We can spend some time there. But before that, why don’t you make clones to do some reading?” Naruto and Raito entered the bath and hurriedly cleaned themselves.

Both went to the kitchen, and Raito supervised while Naruto started prepared rice, eggs, and vegetables for the breakfast. The result was surprisingly good.

While eating, Raito said in a nonchalant way, “Naruto, I forgot to say but from today onwards, I am going to be in your class.”

“Really!? But why?” Naruto asked all of a sudden.

“Why?” Raito glared and replied, “You should be just happy that I am in your class. Why are you asking ‘why’?”

“Hehe, I am really happy. Now, I have someone to sit with me.” Naruto showed his teeth and hurried with food.

“What?” Raito paused and added, “I don’t come to class A regularly, but isn’t… there supposed to be an even number of students in the class.”

“Um… Aumi dropped out of the program a few months back, saying she was gonna to join a civilian school, and since then, the seat has always been empty.” Naruto and Raito finished at the same time.

“…” Raito grabbed Naruto’s dishes and started stacking them. “Well, I am gonna fill that seat today.”

“Start cleaning.”

Naruto nodded as he made two shadow clones and started cleaning the houses.

Raito silently thanked his Wisdom (WIS) stat for thinking that he should teach Naruto how to clean the house properly otherwise, he would find everything destroyed.

Raito looked at his inventory and skill list as he picked a couple of books. ‘I should do something about my stealth. Books on stealth are decreasing fast.’

“Raito, I am done cleaning.” Naruto walked into the living room with a pan then emptied the content into a bin.

“I really envy your shadow clone technique.” Raito looked at Naruto’s clones and looked in envy.

“Hehe, what can I say? I’m really good.” Naruto scratched the back of his head and gave a big smile.

Raito hurried to the library, stored all the books in the boxes in his inventory then hurried outside, where Naruto was waiting.

He locked the door and stopped then looked at Naruto and said, “Naruto, why don’t you activate the seal today?”

With a big smile, Naruto stepped forward and made a half a half ram seal with his right hand and open palm with the right hand, he placed his hand on the door. A yellow-orange layer of chakra glowed around Naruto, passed through his hand, and went to the seals and activating it.

“What was that?” Raito did not know that the chakra had a different color.

“What?” Naruto looked at Raito in confusion.

“That orange chakra. What was that?” Raito asked.

Naruto thought for a while and answered with a smile on his face, “That was yang chakra. It was written in the book that this kind of chakra is better for us.”

“Wow, does it do anything else?” Raito asked curiously.

“I think it is a bloodline thing but when my yang chakra is strong enough I can do a lot of things with it.” Naruto said, making a ‘V’ sign.

“Like what?” Raito raised his brows.

“It’s related to Fūinjutsu and some other things. That book has everything about Uzumaki clan, their history, their abilities, and seals. I am just starting so I don’t know much but I’m- “Naruto took out a book and said cheerfully.

Raito frowned looking at the book and asked, “All that in such a small book?”

“What are you talking about?” Naruto opened the book and looked at Raito.

“Look here, this page has the origin of the Uzumaki clan and this page talks about their establishment of the village in the Land of the Whirlpool and.....” Naruto began explaining.

‘[Observe.]’

[Beginner Fūinjutsu Book]

Written by Uzumaki Mito

Owner – Uzumaki Naruto

- A book guide to learn basic level Fūinjutsu

- Special - Uzumaki blood seal- only people of Uzumaki bloodline can read the true content of the book.

“A bloodline seal?” Raito thought for a while and guessed that Jii-chan should have known about it. “That’s why he gave me that book.”

Class 1-A

“Oi, did you guys hear?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I heard a student from section B was suspended.”

“Didn’t you hear about the Spring Silk Company?”

“Mm, the chairman changed yesterday.”

“It was that fatty’s dad in another class.”

Naruto and Raito entered the classroom and everyone fell silent.

“Chōji, Shikamaru, morning.” Naruto yelled.

“Hey,” Raito also waved his hand

“Naruto!! Why are you so loud early in the morning? Some of us are trying to sleep. So, shut up.” Kiba shouted. He had messy brown hair, sharp black eyes with vertical slit-like pupils, pronounced canine teeth, and red fang markings on the face. And, the most eye-catching thing was the dog, snuggled inside his jacket, only showing his head.

‘Go, sleep at your house, if you can.’ Raito snorted.

‘[Observe]’

Inuzuka Kiba Lvl 9

Title: Alpha Pretender, Ninja Academy Student (+25% Exp until level 10)

Age: 12

HP: 1300

CP: 400

STR: 22

VIT: 21

DEX: 33

INT: 16

WIS: 19

LUK: 25

Description: Kiba Inuzuka is a member of Konohagakure’s Inuzuka clan. Despite his headstrong and at times egotistic attitude, Kiba is loyal to his comrades and will do anything to protect them with his trusted ninken, Akamaru, by his side.

Inuzuka Clan Member: Additional +100 HP per level, +1 VIT and +2 DEX per level. Higher affinity towards Inuzuka Clan techniques, +20% while learning Taijutsu. High affinity to ninken.

Bonded Ninken Partner: Can communicate and understand the partner.

‘Akamaru? [Observe]’

Akamaru Lvl 4 1000/2000

Title: Kiba’s Partner, Bonded Ninken (Ninja Dog)

HP: 125

CP: 125

STR: 8

VIT: 9

DEX: 18

INT: 15

WIS: 12

LUK: 15

Description: Ninja dog and Kiba’s partner. Though young and appearing like a normal puppy, Akamaru is quite intelligent and strong for his age and size.

‘Strong, he is near Sasuke but if we add his ninken to fight then that would be troublesome.’ Raito looked at the two and nodded.

“Naruto! Don’t shout. We can all hear you.” Ino said, giving Naruto a death glare. She then turned to face Raito and asked, “Raito, what are you doing here?” Ino asked. She had fair skin, blue eyes, and long platinum blonde hair, worn in a ponytail. She was wearing a purple outfit consisting of a high-collared blouse and matching apron skirt with bandages on her abdomen and legs and white arm warmers.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Yamanaka Ino Lvl 7

Title: Gossip Queen, Ninja Academy Student (+25% Exp till level 10)

Age: 12

HP: 800

CP: 850

STR: 12

VIT: 13

DEX: 21

INT: 23

WIS: 29

LUK: 28

Description: Ino Yamanaka is a member of Konohagakure’s Yamanaka clan. Though not as intelligent as her rival, Sakura, Ino is still one of the top students at the academy. Ino is talented in her clan’s teachings but due to her attitude and infatuation with Sasuke, she isn’t as far or as proficient as she should be. Ino is notorious for her gossip and fashion sense, very little happens in the academy that she doesn’t know about.

Yamanaka Clan Heir – +100 to CP every level, +50 to HP every level. +3 to WIS every level, +2 to INT every level. High affinity to Mind techniques. High affinity to yin techniques.

“Morning, Ino. I was transferred to this class, so here I am. As for the reason, don’t ask me about it. I’m as clueless as anyone interested in the reason.”

“M-morning R-Raito-san, Na-Naruto-kun.” Hinata raised her small head and greeted.

“Hinata-Chan/Hinata-san, morning.” Naruto and Raito greeted simultaneously.

Hyūga Hinata Lvl 7 1500/5000

Title: Shy Stalker, Ninja Academy Student (+25% Exp till level 10)

HP: 1100

CP: 1100

STR: 15

VIT: 18

DEX: 31

INT: 23

WIS: 37

LUK: 20

Description: Hinata is a very kind and very shy young girl who comes from one of Konoha’s four noble clans. Despite being trained in the art of the Gentle Fist at a young age, a renowned and deadly Taijutsu, Hinata’s skill is lacking for reasons currently unknown. While not one of the best students in the academy Hinata is still one of the more intelligent students. Her love for cinnamon rolls is said to rival Uzumaki Naruto’s love for ramen.

Hyūga main family member: +75 HP per level, +75 CP per level Increased affinity to Gentle Fist Style, 40% Increased Taijutsu learning speed, +2 DEX per level, and +2 WIS per level.

Byakugan: Byakugan is the Dōjutsu Kekkei Genkai of the Hyūga Clan, giving the user a near 360º diameter field of vision; penetrates through any solid objects or obstructions.

“Raito, here, come.” Naruto pulled Raito to his desk.

“Oh, isn’t it just the best place…” Raito touched from the side of the table to the corner then sat down. Back of the class with the center line was the best

“Sasuke-kun, a new park has opened at the west. How about we…” Sakura stood in front of Sasuke’s table and asked softly.

“Are you studying that?” Raito looked at Naruto, who was holding the Fūinjutsu book.

Naruto nodded and started reading his small black book. Raito tried to peak if the words had changed or anything, but found that to his eyes it was just the same as before.

“Oi, FOREHEAD! What do you think you are doing buzzing around ‘my’ Sasuke-kun!?” Ino pulled Sakura back with some force.

Everyone took out earplugs and wore them in such a practice manner that left Raito dumbfounded, even Naruto did the same.

‘This class is sick. No wonder Iruka-sensei shouts all the time.’ Raito looked at the two and sent a prayer for Iruka sensei. ‘But…’

“ENOUGH, YOU TWO!” Iruka walked in and hit the two shouting girls with the register.

“Raito, you are here on time.” Iruka smiled at Raito and added, “I’ve heard a lot about you in these past few months, some good, and some not so good.”

“Well, sensei, I could always come a little late and you can just let me off the hook.” Raito gestured with a playful grin.

“I dare you to even try that.” Iruka said in mock anger and added, “I already have my hands full with Naruto whenever he does his pranks.”

“You mean stealth and trap-making practice?” Raito looked at the embarrassed Naruto, twisting Iruka’s words.

“That’s a nice way to put it but still it is a prank.” Iruka sighed.

As the earplugs were removed, the class settled in, and Iruka began calling out names to start the lesson. Many civilians were paying attention, but several students were doing other things.

Shikamaru was napping, Chōji was ready to open a packet of chips, and Ino and Sakura were gazing at Sasuke with heart in their eyes. Hinata was captivated by Naruto reading a book. The boy beside Hinata was doing nothing, while Kiba was playing with Akamaru and Sasuke seemed thoroughly bored as he stared out of the window.

With a sigh, Raito took out a book and started reading.

Iruka was also sighing a lot internally, now-a-days. He knew that civilian children had very little hope of passing the test and would heavily rely on the written part of the exam. He put a lot of effort to guide the children, but only a few were willing to put in the effort. He was a little sad about that part but he was more than happy today because, the worst in the class or his self-proclaimed smaller version, Naruto had changed, for better.

Iruka had no idea what Naruto was reading but he was glad nonetheless. He suspected it had something to do with the boy sitting next to him.

Time quickly passed by and the class ended.

Iruka stood on the podium and announced, “Everyone, move to the grounds; today will be shuriken and kunai throwing.”

Iruka looked at everyone’s expression and sighed, “I want everyone to get more than 50% because we’ll be using moving targets from next week.”

Some were excited and others were less enthusiastic. The announcement had gotten Sasuke’s attention. Some upgrade in training was always welcome.

After finishing shuriken and kunai practice and eating their food, the five lay on the ground, watching the clouds.

“I’m so bored. Raito, let’s spar. I have got to repay you for this morning.” Naruto jumped and got into a fighting stance.

“No way, I don’t want to do anything right now,” Raito rolled his eyes and looked at Hinata then smiled. “You can ask Hinata if she wants to spar with you.”

“Come Hinata, let’s spar.” Naruto pulled Hinata and made a fighting stance.

Raito observed Hinata, noticing that she wasn’t even taking a proper fighting stance. She dodged all the attacks Naruto would throw and would even loosen her guard at times.

“Why do you have that look?” Shikamaru, leaning against a tree, asked seeing Raito’s expression.

“Look at her. She is not even trying to attack.” Raito looked at Hinata and sat beside Shikamaru.

“She just doesn’t want to hurt Naruto.” Chōji was watching clouds, answered Raito.

“Afraid of hurting others? If she can’t support someone, why is she even trying to be a ninja?” Raito frowned and looked sideways.

[Quest Alert – White Eye Princess (Chain Quest)]

Hinata has one of the kindest hearts, which cannot see other people getting hurt because of her actions. The people around her have always been discriminating against her, belittling her, pressuring her, pushing her to the edge. She doesn’t want to see her little sister cry because of her. She doesn’t want her to be in pain because of her. She doesn’t want people to die around her.

Objective – Help Hinata Improve.

Success – [Heal] skill book.

“What the heck?” Raito muttered aloud, which Shikamaru heard.

“What happened?” Shikamaru asked.

‘This description, just what is this?’ Raito accepted the quest and looked at Shikamaru, and asked, “Didn’t you want to bring Ino to the upcoming meet?”

“It’s because my old man told me.” Shikamaru replied with an annoyed tilt of his head “Ino’s dad also came and told me to bring her.”

“He said we are going to be the next Ino Shika Cho.”

“How about Hinata? Let’s bring her.”

“What?” Shikamaru looked at Raito in confusion and asked, “You’re serious. Why?”

“Ino would be the only girl, and you know how she is, she’ll get bored and start talking about Sasuke this and that,” Raito explained, and Shikamaru seemed to agree.

“We need to stop that. We absolutely need to stop that.” Raito raised his finger and said with all seriousness.

“So, ask her.” Raito grabbed Shikamaru’s shoulder, turned him then pushed.

Shikamaru removed Raito’s hand from his shoulder and said, “I’m not doing. I have already dealt with one woman, I am not going to deal with another here.”

“I hate your lazy bum,” Raito shook his head and asked, “How about we make Naruto ask her?”

Shikamaru looked at Raito with ‘are you stupid look’ and said, “She will panic, go haywire, and faint, and that would make everything even more troublesome.”

“Seriously.” Raito sighed then he looked towards Chōji, but he was already fast asleep.

“Why don’t ‘you’ ask her?” Shikamaru suggested, giving Raito an expectant look.

“Me?” Raito looked at himself and remember the Hyūga clan in his memory, sighing, “Don’t get angry with me later.”

Raito stood up leaving Shikamaru staring wide-eyed. “Oi, Raito.”

“Naruto, switch.” Raito walked in and looked at Naruto, “You look worse than this morning.”

“Hinata-chan is really fast. She dodged all my attacks.” Naruto rubbed the back of his head and walked back to the tree.

“Raito-san,” Hinata looked at Raito and relaxed her stance.

“Hinata, do you want to get closer with Naruto?”

“Wawawa, what are you saying?” Hinata blushed all the way to her neck.

“I have seen you around, stalking Naruto. His apartment, his training area at the back hills, and his swimming spot, and there are many other places.” Raito whispered.

“I-I-I didn’t mean it. I wanted to talk but- but”

“You were scared? Or just shy?” Raito looked at her and smiled, ‘I’ll regret this. All for you, my lovely skill book.’

“I and the boys are gonna do some training together. Wanna join us?” Raito asked her directly.

Raito saw the hesitation in her eyes and body, so, he added, “Ino is also joining us.”

Hinata relaxed hearing that. ‘It must be the clan thing. She needs permission and like.’

‘[Area Sense]’

‘I knew it.’ Raito quickly found a couple of Hyūga members and some other people a couple dozen of blocks away looking at his direction.

“It may be your only chance.” Raito formed a basic fighting stance and added, “You saw him doing a clone technique, right?”

“You also know that he moved in with me and I’m helping him pass.”

“Do you know what will happen after he graduates from the academy?” Raito looked at Hinata slowly nodding her head.

“After he starts going on missions… or we start going on mission and start our duties as a shinobi. You will probably see him less and less than one day… he will be walking with some another girl.”

Hinata pulled her head back, feeling uncomfortable.

“I just wish for Naruto to be happy and… if you can be happy too, it would be great.”

‘That was so cringy.’

“If you don’t act on it now, he will have another girl by his side in the future and you will have to live with that.” He said in extra low voice.

“I am giving you a chance now. In the future, you will wish you would have taken this chance, shown a little courage and stepped forward.”

“Hinata, you will just have to say yes.”

Naruto sat beside Shikamaru and looked at Raito and Hinata, and asked. “What is Raito doing?”

Shikamaru looked at Naruto and a small smile appeared on his face, “Probably trying to… uh, help her.”

Hinata looked at Naruto and blinked her eyes. “I-I…”

“So, what’s your choice? Are you going to join us?”

“Hinata, you can do it.” Naruto was cheering from behind, encouraging her.

Hinata pushed her palm forward and lowered the center of gravity, “Yes, please.”

Raito grinned, ‘Perfect,’

“But there is one ‘little’ problem,” Raito took a step forward and threw a straight punch. “You have to beat me.”

“Huh?” Shikamaru who had been listening with his enhanced chakra hearing let out a weird noise and glared at Raito’s back, “What are you doing, Raito?”

“What?”

The surprise attack took Hinata off guard but her body responded on its own as she moved sideways and pushed the punch inward.

“That was perfect,” Raito commented as he returned to his original position.

“Raito-san,” Hinata took a few steps back and looked at Raito with surprised eyes.

“You just have to defeat me,” Raito repeated again then added with a small voice. “It’s for your future.”

Hinata blushed and looked downwards. Raito frowned as he looked at her distracted.

He let out a breath and repeated the attack once again but she blocked it with a practice motion.

Hinata seemed extremely focused as she blocked Raito’s attack.

‘She did it again.’

“I’m coming,” Raito announced as he took hard steps forward and launched a straight punch forward. Hinata, who should have moved her body, just moved her hands and made a guard.

Raito stopped just before coming into contact.

He looked at Hinata and asked, “What are you doing?”

“I-I…”

“…” Raito sighed as he read the description again and started, “Did you know, I hate Haruno Sakura more than anyone in the village?”

‘More than anyone in the village? Please, she doesn’t even make the top 100.’

Hinata looked at Raito timidly.

Raito ignored her and continued, “She has bright pink hair. She is a black belly. Despite having so much potential, she is wasting her time fangirling Sasuke, when he has no interest in her.”

Raito sat down and continued, “But even so, I spar against her, when I don’t want to.”

“Do you want to know why?” Raito looked at Hinata and raised his brows.

Hinata shook her head before nodding.

Raito sighed inwardly but on the outside nodded his head sagely and continued, “Because we are from the same village, from the same ninja academy, and from the same grade.”

Raito slapped his thighs and said, “I give my all every time because I hope when she faces an enemy in the future, she’ll be alive, she’ll defend, she’ll go against her enemy and defeat them... and protect this village.”

“And there is Naruto, my half-brother. This morning, I punched him and kicked him. Then I put him on a hold.” Raito boasted as he gestured.

“But look at him now. He doesn’t look sad, he doesn’t look defeated, and he doesn’t look in pain. To boast about myself, he is even happy because I beat him.”

That caught attention of everyone around. That was some odd remark.

“… Because he is learning, he’s improving and hopes one day he can beat me.”

The smiling and boasting Raito turned serious all of a sudden and glared, “And there is you…”

“I-I...” Hinata’s eyes darted around evasively.

Raito jumped and appeared in front of Hinata then said in a low voice, “The one who can help others but doesn’t.”

“I ask you of only one thing, why are you not serious when sparring?”

Hinata remained silent.

“Why!?” Raito shouted, his chakra resonating with his emotions.

“Others get hurt when I spar. They always get hurt,” Hinata shouted, her voice quivering. It seemed like she had finally let out everything she had been holding inside. She was breathing heavily, her knees trembling.

“… That’s your excuse? Because others suffer? Get hurt?” Raito blinked his eyes and asked, “Do people die when you spar with them?”

“I-t di-didn’t mean tha-that.” Hinata shuttered.

“I know you don’t mean that, but even so…” Raito looked back and looked at Naruto and the gang. Naruto was doing pouty mouth thing, clearly upset.

‘Trauma, fear, and anxiety. It’s along those lines. I should have listened better.’

Raito sighed inwardly and looked at Hinata, “Do you really think that when you spar against your friends, they will suffer?”

“…”

‘What’s her problem? Step-wise colony breakdown.’

“Don’t you think, when you spar against your friends, it will motivate them to be stronger?”

Hinata, who had been averting her gaze, finally looked up and glanced at Naruto. He quickly gave her a thumbs-up with a sunny smile.

‘Finally a positive reaction.’

“Did you know shinobi’s average life expectancy is just between 30s and 40s, Genins excluded?” Raito continued. “And those who live long are amongst the strongest, smartest, or luckiest.”

“We are not born strong or smart. That’s why we train; we strengthen our bodies, read books, learn Ninjutsu, study tactics, and more.”

“Do you know, why we are reading and training?” Raito looked down and asked.

Raito took a deep breath and said with chakra activated, “It’s just to survive.”

‘Quest, questy, where are you?’ Raito gritted his teeth and continued persuading Hinata.

“It’s like this: Let’s take Naruto and me as examples,” Raito began. “We learn katas, Ninjutsu, and strategies. But we never put them to the test. What do you think will happen when we go on missions? What if we encounter enemies of the same rank and training, but they spar, hone their skills, and gain more experience, while we don’t?”

“… lose.” Hinata answered nervously.

“Yeah, we will lose.”

‘It’s taking too long. Her mind is wearing down and diluting my words.’ Raito looked at the quest tab and sighed.

‘Maybe I can try it later. I don’t think I have any effect on her.’

“Think about it.” Raito raised his hand and stood up. He turned around and walked towards the tree.

Naruto gave him an eye and asked, “What did you say to her?”

“Me?” Raito pointed to himself and answered, “I asked her if she wanted to come train with us?”

“Hinata is coming? Really.” Naruto looked at Raito and asked.

“If she can beat me she can come.” Raito looked sideways guiltily and said quickly.

“About that, why?” Shikamaru narrowed his eyes and asked.

“She didn’t even fight properly against-”

“Don’t give me that.” Shikamaru glared and said, “The truth.”

Raito turned back to look at Hinata, who was sitting on her knees, hands on her thigh, and staring at the ground.

“Baka,” Naruto stood up and walked towards Hinata.

“Demonizing, step one, complete.” Raito rolled and lay on the ground and yawned.

“I gave her general details of being a ninja that her family had already given but with examples.” ‘of people, she cares about without being too direct, I think.’

“She probably didn’t have anyone helping her, encouraging her and comforting her in her clan. But now she has…”

Raito and Shikamaru looked at Naruto, who was comforting Hinata, and smiled.

“My old man gave me a similar talk in shogi words, but yours is a bit stupid,” Naruto said.

“Sorry for being amateurish.” Raito rolled his eyes and rolled towards Chōji. “Chōji is a better friend.”

“I am not Hokage-Jiji. If he was here-”

“Maybe, maybe not. But you did it.” Shikamaru laid back and said, “He can’t do everything in the village.”

“Hinata, are you sure?” Naruto looked at Hinata, who had moist eyes, and asked.

“I am sure,” Hinata gave a weak smile and answered.

“Iruka-sensei is coming out.” Chōji stood up and looked at the academy door.

“Wanna skip with me?” Raito smiled and pointed a finger at himself.

“No,” Shikamaru and Chōji refused.

Inside the training hall, Iruka, Mari, and other teachers stood in front with a clipboard in their hands.

Mari looked at the students and sighed. She banged the clipboard and shouted, “How many times do I have to say the same thing to you idiots?”

The students hurriedly divided into two groups. One group was the students who had sparred yesterday and the other was the students who didn’t spar yesterday and those who were absent.

“Good,” Mari nodded and looked at other teachers, who could only force a smile and nod.

Iruka looked at the students and announced.

“Hyūga Hinata and Inuzuka Kiba”

“Against Kiba? Poor Hinata.”

“That pairing is the worst.”

“Hinata’s going to lose again.”

Hinata stood in front with her legs apart and palms forward.

“Don’t worry, it will be over soon,” Kiba asked Akamaru to stand at the side then walked forward.

Iruka noticed something different in their stances. ‘Did something change?’

Mari tapped Iruka with the clipboard while observing Hinata then commanded, “Hyūga, palms only.”

Hinata looked at Mari and nodded, “Hai, sensei.”

“Mari-senpai?” Iruka looked at Mari in confusion.

“Just watch,” Mari said and went back to her group.

Kiba looked at Mari then ignored them, focusing on his prey forward, ‘A quick blow to end this.’

Kiba tapped on the ground and the next second rushed towards Hinata. ‘Not face, stomach then.’

He stopped in front of Hinata and swung his fist, ready to deliver a strong blow to the midsection.

At that moment, Hinata stepped into Kiba’s space, stunning Kiba.

Her back was straight, controlling the force of her palm and when Kiba was falling towards sideways, she dealt a decisive strike: a palm to his jaw, sending Kiba tumbling backward and downward.

1 second

2 second

3 second

“Winner, Hyūga Hinata,” Iruka announced then walked towards Kiba with Akamaru to check on him.

Raito looked at the quest notification in front of him and sighed in relief.

‘All of that cringy stuff wasn’t for nothing.’

[Quest Alert – White Eye Princess (Chain Quest)] – Success

Reward – [Heal] skill book.

“Looks like my advice went well. She needs to learn to hold back but it seems fine for now.” Raito gave himself some praise.

Shikamaru sneaked a peek at Iruka’s clipboard and said, “High improvement. T and S direction.”

“Technique and speed,” Raito closed the tabs and said, “It’s in the teacher’s handbook.”

“There is a teacher’s handbook?”

“Of course, there is.” Raito took out a handbook and said, “I borrowed it from Mari-sensei.”

“… Of course you did.” Shikamaru rolled his eyes and looked at the other groups.

Most of the matches didn’t pique his interest, but one had ended rather quickly. It was Renji’s match. He had given up after stepping onto the stage.

“Renji? He is pure sword practitioner.” Raito looked in Shikamaru’s direction and explained, “There are some bladeless techniques in his clans, but he isn’t strong or something to use it, something like that.”

*Ding

[Your actions have resulted in an increase in relationship with Sarutobi Hiruzen. You are now ‘Honored’]

*Ding

[Your actions have resulted in an increase in relationship with Hyūga Hiashi. You are now ‘Friendly’]

[Reputation]

Reputation plays an important factor in the world. The higher the reputation you have with a faction the more benefits and the easier time you will have with them. But at the same time the lower the reputation you have with a faction the opposite effect will take place.

From best to worst:

Exalted/Revered/Honored/Friendly/Neutral/Unfriendly/Hostile/Hated

“Great! More things to worry about.” Raito closed the notification tab and the relationship tab then waited for the entire thing to end.

“Class, you need to remember about hand seals. Although it has been a month, I hope everyone has been practicing the hand seals.”

Most of the students chuckled awkwardly.

Iruka sighed and continued, “I will again tell you some benefits hoping that it could encourage you.”

“Everyone should be able to make hand seals but everyone may not know that a high Jōnin level can easily make ten to twenty hand seals in just a second. The faster the seals are faster you can cast your jutsu.” ‘In simple words’

“Everyone dismissed.”