Chapter 8 – Hinata

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

Raito rose from his bed with little enthusiasm, knowing he was about to be transferred to 1-A, a class he perceived to be filled with crazy students. Shaking his head, he got up, stretched, and made his way to his new daily mission: rousing the blonde loudmouth. To his surprise, the bed was empty.

Peering out the window into the backyard, Raito saw Naruto doing the famous stretching routine. Not one to be outdone, Raito joined him in the yard, where after greeting Naruto, he too began stretching. However, this time, no stat-up notification appeared, even after an hour had passed.

"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 advanced toward Raito, who assumed a defensive stance. Naruto launched a straight punch, which was easily caught by Raito. Dodging backward and drawing Naruto in and at the same time breaking Naruto's balance, he delivered a swift kick to Naruto's chin, simultaneously releasing his grip. Flipping backward, Raito assessed Naruto before assuming another defensive posture, "Are you giving up Naruto?"

"Damn it!" Naruto roared, charging forward and throwing a right fist. Once again, Raito caught his wrist, but this time Naruto was quick to act. With a swift twist of his ankle, he pivoted and charged, slamming his back into Raito.

"Haha, nice counter. It did learn something." Raito let out a smile then quickly dropped to the ground then let a kick upwards.

Although it was not a solid hit, it made Naruto fall messily. Seeing the chance, Raito rolled on the ground and grabbed Naruto in a lock.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

Releasing Naruto, Raito waited for a while.

Naruto glared as he took a fighting stance. "Come."

"Sure." Raito dashed forward without restraint, unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks.

Naruto parried some blows and evaded others, but Raito's attack became faster and faster after which he started incorporating 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 heal fast." remarked Raito, brushing off dirt from his clothes.

"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. But before that, why don't you make clones to do some reading?" Naruto and Raito entered the bath and hurriedly cleaned themselves.

Afterward, they headed to the kitchen where Raito oversaw while Naruto got to work preparing rice, eggs, and vegetables for breakfast. Surprisingly, the result turned out quite well.

While eating, Raito dropped a bombshell in a nonchalant way, "Naruto, I forgot to say, but starting today, I am going to be in your class."

"Really!? But why?" Naruto asked, caught off guard.

"Why?" Raito glared and retorted, "You should just be happy that I'm in your class. Why are you asking 'why'?"

"Hehe, I am really happy. Now, I have someone to sit with me." Naruto flashed a toothy grin then hurried with his food.

"What?" Raito paused, and added, "I don't come to class A regularly, but wasn't there that girl sitting with you?"

"Aumi dropped out of the program a few months ago, saying she was going 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 high Wisdom (WIS) stat for thinking of teaching Naruto proper house cleaning process, lest he return to find everything in shambles.

Glancing at his inventory and skill list, Raito selected a couple of books. 'I should do something about my stealth.'

He activated the skill by activating his chakra and sending it to his feet. The tad bit muffled steps also counted to the stealth, but it didn't increase the skill experience points by much and to keep this active would take far more concentration.

While he had gained a lot of theoretical knowledge on stealth, it didn't gave direct instructions on what to do to change to improve. "Should I go to Konoha library?"

"Raito, I've finished cleaning." Naruto announced, entering the living room with a dustpan and promptly emptying its contents into a nearby bin.

Raito eyed Naruto's shadow clones with a hint of envy. "I wish I had your shadow clone technique."

"Hehe, what can I say? I'm really good." Naruto replied with a grin, scratching the back of his head.

Raito dashed to the library, swiftly stowing away the books in his inventory boxes before hurrying outside to 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?"

Naruto's face lit up with a broad smile as he stepped forward, forming a half ram seal with his right hand and extending his left palm outward. Placing his hand on the door, a vibrant yellow-orange layer of chakra enveloped Naruto's palm, streaming through and activating the seals.

"What was that?" Raito was taken aback by the unfamiliar color of chakra.

They had gotten injured a couple hundred of times, resulting in frequent visits to the hospital where the medic-nin would use their Iryō-Ninjutsu techniques, a blend of green and blue hues.

"What?" Naruto looked at Raito in confusion.

"That orange chakra. What was that?" Raito asked.

Naruto pondered for a moment before responding with a grin, "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's curiosity piqued.

"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 explained, flashing a victory 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 pulled out a book, his expression cheerful.

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, puzzled.

"Look here, this page has lots of cool stuff about 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 pondered for a moment, realizing that Jii-chan should have known about it. "So that's why he gave me that book."

'I have my thing too… Definitely not jealous.'

Class 1-A

"Oi, did you guys hear?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I heard a student from Section B got suspended."

"Didn't you hear about the Spring Silk Company?"

"Mm, the chairman changed yesterday."

"It was that fatty's dad in another class."

The chatter ceased as Naruto and Raito entered the classroom, drawing everyone's attention.

"Morning, Chōji, Shikamaru." Naruto called out enthusiastically.

"Hey," Raito added with a wave of his hand.

"Naruto!! Why are you so loud early in the morning? Some of us are trying to sleep. So, shut up." Kiba retorted sharply. His messy brown hair framed sharp black eyes with vertical slit-like pupils. Pronounced canine teeth and red fang markings adorned his face, but the most eye-catching feature was the dog snugly nestled inside his jacket, only revealing its head.

'Go, sleep at your house, if you can.' Raito rolled his eyes.

Kiba's mom was one of the most dangerous mom in Konoha, probably all of them were equally dangerous.

'[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, his stats are near mine but if he adds his ninken to fight then that would be troublesome.' Raito looked at the two and nodded.

"Naruto! Stop shouting. We can all hear you." Ino scolded, giving Naruto a withering glare. She then turned to face Raito and asked, "Raito, what are you doing here?"

Ino had fair skin, blue eyes, and long platinum blonde hair, worn in a ponytail. She was dressed in a purple outfit consisting of a high-collared blouse and a matching apron skirt, with bandages wrapped around her abdomen and legs, and white arm warmers completing her look.

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. Don't ask me why, because I have no idea either."

"M-morning R-Raito-san, Na-Naruto-kun." Hinata greeted, lifting her head shyly.

"Hinata-Chan/Hinata-san, morning." Naruto and Raito replied in unison.

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 towards his desk.

"Oh, isn't it just the best place…" Raito remarked, running his hand from the side of the table to the corner before sitting down. The back of the class, with a view of the center line, was indeed the best place.

"Sasuke-kun, a new store just opened in the west. How about we…" Sakura stood in front of Sasuke's table and asked softly.

"Are you studying that?" Raito asked, noticing the Fūinjutsu book in Naruto's hands.

Naruto nodded and began reading his small black book. Raito tried to peek, hoping to see if the words had changed, but to his eyes, they appeared the same as before.

"Oi, FOREHEAD! What do you think you are doing buzzing around 'my' Sasuke-kun!?" Ino exclaimed, pulling Sakura back forcefully.

Everyone quickly took out earplugs and put them on with such practiced ease that Raito was left dumbfounded, even Naruto did the same.

'This class is something else. No wonder Iruka-sensei shouts all the time.' Raito thought, glancing at the two girls and sending a silent prayer for Iruka-sensei.

"ENOUGH, YOU TWO!" Iruka stormed in and hit the two shouting girls with the attendance register.

"Raito, you're here on time." Iruka said with a smile, "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 suggested 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 pulls his pranks."

"You mean stealth and trap-making practice?" Raito said, twisting Iruka's words as he looked at the embarrassed Naruto.

"That's a nice way to put it, but it's still a prank," Iruka sighed.

As the earplugs were removed, the class settled down, and Iruka began calling out names to start the lesson. While many of the civilian students were paying attention, several others were distracted and doing their own 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, who was reading the book. The boy beside Hinata sat idly, while Kiba played with Akamaru. Sasuke, on the other hand, seemed thoroughly bored as he stared out the window.

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

Iruka sighed inwardly, as he often did these days. He knew that civilian children had very little hope of passing the test and would have to rely heavily on the written part of the exam. Despite his efforts to guide them, only a few were willing to put in the necessary work.

And among them, only a handful were willing to work harder to become ninja.

This saddened him somewhat, but today he was more than happy because the worst student in the class—his self-proclaimed smaller version, Naruto—had changed for the better.

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

Time passed quickly, and soon the class ended.

Iruka stood on the podium and announced, "Everyone, move to the training grounds. Today, we'll be practicing shuriken and kunai throwing."

Iruka looked at everyone's expression and sighed, "I want everyone to score at least 50%, as today will be the last day for stationary targets. We'll be using moving targets starting next week."

Some students looked excited, while others seemed less enthusiastic. The announcement caught Sasuke's attention—an 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 wanna," 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 of Naruto's attacks and even loosened her guard at times.

"Why do you have that look?" Shikamaru asked, leaning against a tree, noticing Raito's expression.

"Look at her," Raito said, signaling towards Hinata as he sat down beside Shikamaru.

"She's not even trying to attack Naruto," he continued, a hint of disdain in his voice.

Chōji, who had been idly watching the clouds, turned to Raito and replied, "She just doesn't want to hurt him, that's all."

Raito frowned and looked sideways at Chōji. "Afraid of hurting others? If she can't even bring herself to support her teammates, then why is she trying to be a ninja in the first place?"

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

Hinata is a young ninja with a heart full of kindness and compassion. She is deeply troubled by the idea of causing harm or pain to others, even in the pursuit of her ninja duties. This has made her a target of discrimination and belittlement from those around her, who see her empathy as a weakness.

Objective – Help Hinata Improve.

Success – [Heal] skill book.

"What the heck?" Raito muttered aloud, catching Shikamaru's attention.

"What happened?" Shikamaru asked.

Raito stared at the quest description, disbelief etching on his face. 'What is this?' he wondered. 'It's not like it is forcing me… it's just this is a healing jutsu.'

"Oi, Raito, what happened?" Shikamaru pressed, his annoyance evident.

'I asked Mari-nee and Yūgao-nee but they didn't gave me… I have this chance, but…' His eyes locked onto Hinata coming up with plans.

"What's wrong with you-" Shikamaru began, but Raito cut him off, his expression turning serious. He placed a hand on Shikamaru's shoulder.

"What?" Shikamaru glanced uncomfortably at Raito's hand.

Gritting his teeth, he forced the words out, the image of the healing jutsu book fueling his resolve. "Didn't you want to bring Ino to our meeting?"

"It's because my old man told me." Shikamaru replied with an annoyed tilt of his head "Ino's dad also told me to bring her."

"He said we are going to be the next Ino Shika Cho-."

Raito immediately cut Shikamaru off and said, "How about Hinata? Let's bring her."

"What?" Shikamaru's brow furrowed in confusion, "Seriously? Why Hinata?"

"Think about it," Raito explained. "Ino would be the only girl, and you know how she is. Sasuke this, Sasuke that, she'd get bored and…" His voice trailed off, but Shikamaru seemed to get the drift.

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

"Alright, Shikamaru, you ask her." Raito clapped Shikamaru on the shoulder, then turned towards Hinata before awkwardly patting his shoulder.

Shikamaru brushed Raito's hand away, "No way. I've already dealt with one demanding woman, I don't need another."

Raito rolled his eyes. "I hate your lazy bum,"

His eyes then shifted to Naruto. "How about we make Naruto ask her?"

Shikamaru looked at Raito with 'are you stupid look' and said, "She'd panic, freak out, and faint, and that would make everything even more troublesome."

Raito sighed deeply. He glanced at Chōji, who was already fast asleep.

"Why don't 'you' ask her?" Shikamaru suggested, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Me?" Raito stared at himself, memories of the Hyūga clan flashing through his mind – not exactly pleasant ones.

He hesitated, his gaze flitting between Hinata and Shikamaru. "Just don't get mad at me later." he muttered with a sigh.

Raito stood up abruptly, leaving Shikamaru staring after him with wide eyes.

"Hey, Raito!"

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

"Hinata-chan's too fast. She dodged all my attacks." Naruto rubbed the back of his head and walked back to the tree.

"Raito-san," Hinata lowered her guard slightly as Raito approached.

"Hinata, do you want to get closer with Naruto?" That question was like throwing a ball to a blind man, let's say untrained civilian blind old man.

Hinata's cheeks flushed crimson. "W-what do you mean?"

A sly smile crept across Raito's face. "I have seen you around. Naruto's apartment, training grounds, even his swimming spot... you seem to follow him everywhere." Raito whispered, and looked at her reactions with an evil smile.

"I-it's not like that!" Hinata stammered. "I just... wanted to talk, but..."

"Scared? Shy?" Raito looked at her and smiled, 'I'll regret this. All for you, my lovely skill book.'

"Me and the boys are gonna do some training together. Wanna join us?" Raito asked her directly.

Hesitation flickered across Hinata's features. Sensing her doubt, Raito added, "Ino is also joining us."

Hinata visibly relaxed at that news.

Raito looked at her and sighed. 'Its not a clan thing. Maybe it's like parent thing or something like that.'

'[Chakra 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. What am I even saying?'

"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, after all."

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 whole body to negate the attack 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 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 am asking you, why are you not sparring seriously?"

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 when Inoichi-sensei was teaching about this.'

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 an average shinobi's lives just between 30s and 40s, Genins excluded?" Raito continued. "And those who live long are among the strongest, smartest, or luckiest."

"We are not born strong or smart, and we definitely cannot control luck. That's why we train; we strengthen our bodies, read books, learn Ninjutsu, study tactics, and more."

"Do you understand why we train and study?" Raito asked, lowering his gaze.

Raito inhaled deeply and declared, his chakra flaring, "It's all about survival."

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

"Think about it this way," Raito started. "We train in katas, Ninjutsu, and tactics. But do we ever use them? What happens when we face missions? We might encounter enemies with the same training, but they spar and sharpen their skills, gaining experience we lack."

He leaned in and whispered. "What if, if Naruto goes out there, never sparred, no backup?"

"… lose." Hinata answered nervously.

"Not just lose." His voice was a bit louder, chakra mixed. Then softened, "Maybe, he will die."

'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 said, raising a hand as he stood. He turned and walked towards the tree.

Naruto shot him a curious look, "What'd you tell her?"

Raito pointed to himself and answered, "I simply asked if she'd like to join us for training."

"Hinata is coming? Really." Naruto glanced at Raito, seeking confirmation.

"If she can beat me, she can come." Raito replied, casting a guilty sideways glance and speaking hastily.

"About that, why?" Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, pressing for an explanation.

"She didn't even fight properly against-"

"Don't give me that." Shikamaru interrupted with a glare, "The truth."

Raito turned his gaze back to Hinata, who sat on her knees, hands resting on her thigh, her gaze fixed on the ground. Then his gaze turned to Naruto.

"Baka," Naruto stood up and walked towards Hinata.

"Demonizing, step one, complete." Raito remarked as he rolled onto the ground and yawned.

"I gave her general details of being a ninja that her family and clan 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 exchanged a smile as they watched Naruto's comforting gesture towards Hinata.

"My old man gave me a similar lecture using shogi terms, but yours is a bit stupid," Shikamaru remarked.

"Sorry for being amateurish." Raito retorted, rolling his eyes, and rolled towards Chōji. "Chōji is a better friend."

"I can't do like Jii-chan. If he was here-"

"Perhaps, perhaps not. But you did it." Shikamaru reclined, emphasizing, "He can't do everything in the village."

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

Her smile trembled, but she nodded. "I am."

"Iruka-sensei is calling." Chōji stood up, glancing at the academy door.

Raito grinned mischievously, pointing a finger at himself. "Wanna skip with me?"

Both Shikamaru and Chōji shook their heads. "No,"

Inside the training hall, Iruka, Mari, and other teachers stood at the front, each holding a clipboard.

Mari surveyed the students and sighed. She slammed the clipboard down and bellowed, "How many times do I have to repeat the same thing to you idiots?"

The students scrambled, dividing into two groups. One consisted of those who had sparred the previous day, while the other comprised those who hadn't sparred or were absent.

"Good," Mari nodded, glancing at the other teachers, who managed forced smiles and nods.

Iruka looked at the students and announced.

"Hyūga Hinata and Inuzuka Kiba"

"Against Kiba? Poor Hinata," someone muttered.

"That pairing is the worst."

"Hinata's going to lose again."

Hinata stood with her legs apart, palms forward.

"Don't worry, it will be over soon," Kiba instructed Akamaru to stand aside and stepped forward.

Iruka noticed a change in Hinata but couldn't pinpoint. 'Did something change?'

Mari tapped Iruka with the clipboard, her gaze fixed on Hinata, "Hyūga, palms only."

Hinata glanced at Mari and nodded, "Hai, sensei."

"Mari-senpai?" Iruka's confusion was evident.

"Just watch," Mari replied, returning to her group.

Kiba studied Mari briefly, then shifted his focus to his opponent, 'A quick blow to end this.'

Tapping the ground, Kiba lunged toward Hinata. 'Not the face—aim for the stomach.'

He halted in front of her, fist poised to deliver a powerful blow to her midsection.

But in that critical moment, Hinata stepped into Kiba's space, leaving him stunned. Her posture remained impeccable, controlling the force of her palm. As Kiba began to fall sideways, she executed a decisive strike: a palm to his jaw, sending him tumbling backward and downward.

1 second

2 second

3 second

"Winner, Hyūga Hinata," Iruka announced, then walked over to Kiba, accompanied by Akamaru, to check on him.

Raito glanced at the quest notification before him, sighing 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 for now, it's fine." Raito gave himself some praise.

Shikamaru discreetly peeked at Iruka's clipboard and said, "High improvement. T and S direction."

"Technique and speed," Raito explained, closing the tabs, "It's all in the teacher's handbook."

"There is a teacher's handbook?" Naruto looked at Raito in confusion.

"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, scanning the other groups.

Most matches didn't pique his interest, but one had ended swiftly: Renji's match. He'd given up after stepping onto the stage.

"Renji? A pure sword practitioner," Raito clarified, glancing at Shikamaru. "His clan has bladeless techniques too, but they say he lacks the strength to learn them, or 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 the importance of hand seals." Iruka said, looking at the soon-to-be shinobis. "Although it has been a month, I hope everyone has been practicing their hand seals."

Most of the students chuckled awkwardly, knowing full well whether they had practiced or not.

Iruka sighed and continued, "I will again remind you of some benefits, in the hope that it will encourage you all."

'Man, these kids are just the worst.' Iruka thought to himself.

"Everyone should be able to make hand seals, but not everyone may know that a high Jōnin level shinobi can easily make ten to twenty hand seals in just a few seconds. The faster the seals, the faster you can cast your jutsu. In simpler words," Iruka explained.

"Everyone dismissed," Iruka finally said, ending the class.