Iruka-sensei was well aware of Sasuke's sharp temper. "The two of you, form the seal of opposition."
Sakura's expression was a complex mix of worry and resolve. She looked at the face that filled her every waking thought and even her dreams, feeling a little lost. At that moment, Iruka-sensei's words suddenly echoed in her mind. *'If you like someone, you should make yourself better so that you are more qualified to be with him.'*
*'Iruka-sensei… you're right.'* A fire ignited within her. *'I have to give it my all! It's precisely because my goal is Sasuke that I have to earn his approval!'*
Thinking of this, she immediately formed the seal of opposition and declared in a strong voice, "Sasuke-kun, lets fight!"
Sasuke just snorted coldly, offering no reply.
Iruka-sensei gave the command. "The sparring begins!"
Sakura shouted, rushing towards Sasuke and throwing a powerful punch!
However…
*Thud—*
Sasuke didn't even seem to move. With a slight, fluid turn of his body, he evaded her punch with dismissive ease, then struck her from behind with a sharp elbow, knocking her to the ground in an instant.
The battle was over before it had even truly begun.
"Sakura…" Ino couldn't help but exclaim. Even though Sakura had been cold to her, they had been friends for many years, and she couldn't just sever that bond.
Naruto was also taken aback. "Sakura-chan…" However, at this moment, his thoughts were no longer on Sakura herself, but on Sasuke's overwhelming strength. The attack had seemed so understated, yet it was a perfect display of insight, timing, skill, and power. Even if he didn't want to admit it… Sasuke was on another level. Naruto clenched his fists.
Iruka-sensei frowned and stepped forward to help Sakura up. "Are you alright, Sakura?"
Sakura's face was a mask of shame and sadness. She shook her head and stood up again, but she didn't dare to look at Sasuke's face. "No, I'm fine… Iruka-sensei, I lost…"
Iruka-sensei sighed. "Sasuke wins. Form the Seal of Reconciliation!"
But Sakura had already run off, and Sasuke, too lazy to bother with the formality, just snorted and walked away. Iruka-sensei could only shake his head helplessly.
"The next person to draw a lot is… Shikamaru… Shikamaru! Wake up!"
"…What a drag...?"
***
In this round of ninja sparring, Naruto was still the biggest star. His battle with Hinata was a true showstopper, making everyone look at the class's former dead last with entirely new eyes. Even when he walked down the street, the way people looked at him had changed significantly.
Naruto was incredibly proud, walking like he owned the place.
Suddenly, a voice called out. "Naruto."
"Hm? Iruka-sensei!" Naruto was overjoyed. "Hey! Hey, Iruka-sensei! I was awesome today, right?!"
Iruka-sensei couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, you were very good."
Naruto laughed out loud."Dattebayo"
"But… don't get too proud. You still have a long way to go."
Naruto just shrugged. "Ah, I know, Iruka-sensei! School's over already, why are you still lecturing…"
"Huh? What did you say, Naruto?!" Iruka-sensei rubbed Naruto's head as a playful punishment. "Ah, by the way, Naruto… to celebrate your progress, how about I treat you to some Ichiraku Ramen?"
Naruto was stunned for a moment, then immediately cheered. "Really?! That's great! You are the best Iruka-sensei!"
"But…" He understood without even needing the System's warning. "I still have to do my weighted frog leaps to get there."
Iruka-sensei was speechless.
***
Behind them, Ino and Hinata watched their retreating backs.
"Iruka-sensei really gives Naruto special treatment," Ino snorted, crossing her arms. "He's never treated me to ramen!"
Hinata smiled gently, but then a look of sadness crossed her face. "Because… Naruto is all alone. Apart from Iruka-sensei, there's no one else who would treat him to meals."
Ino's heart trembled, and she sighed and nodded. "That's true. But Hinata, Naruto completely stole the show today, and you became his stepping stone. But you were actually pretty amazing too. Besides, you're also incredibly powerful, people in our class also admired your strength today."
Hinata shook her head, unconcerned. "I tried my best. Naruto-kun stronger than me. I'm very happy for him."
Ino patted her small head. "Young love. So cute."
Ino said playfully making hinata blush.
At this time, the two of them saw Sakura walking silently by herself. At this moment, she was less arrogant and aggressive, looking dejected like a defeated rooster, as if she had lost all her fighting spirit and strength.
"Sakura…" Ino reached out and called to her, but Sakura ignored her completely.
"She was defeated so miserably by Sasuke-kun in just one move. It seems she's taken a really big blow."
Hinata shook her head. "I… I don't think Sakura is depressed because she lost. Sasuke-kun is so powerful, it's normal for anyone to lose to him."
"Yeah, that's true…" Ino rubbed her chin in confusion. "Then why do you think she's so down, Hinata?"
Hinata whispered, "Sakura might be depressed because… from beginning to end, Sasuke-kun never even truly looked at her."
Ino's heart skipped a beat. So that's how it was. "But, seriously, there's no one in Sasuke-kun's eyes…"
Hinata showed a complicated smile. "That's not true… Sasuke-kun only pays attention to kne person."
Ino suddenly realized. "You… you mean… Naruto?!
Ino finally understood what Hinata was saying. She sighed, "So, in the end, Naruto is the only one Sasuke cares about?. Looks like hinata you have competition …"
Hinata chuckled to herself. "Actually, Naruto-kun also pays sasuke a lot of attention but it's not like that ino." Hinata blushed saying that and ino laughed at the implication.