Chapter 16: Date plans and Practicals
The class ended with a boring lecture on history and other topics, but I didn't bother paying attention. I already knew the Naruto world inside and out, probably better than anyone here. Instead, I focused on enjoying the company of the girls beside me. Talking in a low tone so I wouldn't disturb anyone, I leaned over and asked, "Hinata, Sakura, Ino, are you all free after class?"
They quickly responded, "We don't think we have anything important."
"Great! Let's have a party to celebrate our first class," I suggested.
Their eyes lit up with happiness as they all eagerly agreed. "Yes, Naruto!"
"Then, let's take a walk around the village after class," I added.
Immediately, I could see where their minds went. "A date! Our first date with Naruto!" They all blushed, lost in their own little daydreams. Their faces were flushed, clearly imagining more than just a walk.
"Hello? Are you all there?" I teased, nudging them back to reality.
"Yes, Naruto, let's travel together!" they said excitedly.
"Okay, after class, we'll go. I guess this is kind of like a date, huh?" I smiled, watching their reactions.
"Yes, Naruto!" they blushed even more.
"Well, then, take care of me, okay?" I joked.
"Same here, Naruto!" they giggled, clearly enjoying the moment.
As we continued to bask in our own world, the lunch bell rang. We sat together to eat, and to my surprise, all three of them eagerly tried to feed me their lunches. I wasn't going to miss out on this, so I accepted their requests and let them feed me. In return, I fed them back, creating a scene that would make anyone watching think we were already a married couple, happily enjoying our time together.
I knew that later, during our "date," I'd have to open up about my real dreams and feelings for them. I was determined to share everything—my love, my ambitions, my true self. With the class finally coming to a close, the stage was set for what would happen next.
After lunch, we had practicals—where every physical technique and training drill would be covered. This was the period where all the basics were taught and honed. Everyone was eager and excited, especially as we headed to the academy training grounds. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation. Just as we were getting ready, Aurora chimed in unexpectedly.
"Leo, you have a new quest," Aurora said.
"Quest?" I asked, intrigued.
**Ding!**
**Quest: Come first in every practical test.
Rewards: 50 Stat Points**
**Optional Quest: Defeat Sasuke Uchiha in a single move.
Reward: 1-tomoe Sharingan**
"Wait, I get a Sharingan as a reward?" I said, surprised.
"Yes, Leo, but it's optional. You can choose to complete it or not—there's no penalty either way," Aurora replied calmly.
"Can I upgrade it like an Uchiha, or are there other ways?"
"You can't upgrade it like an Uchiha. To improve, you'll need to complete more quests related to it, assigned by me."
"Oh, good, at least I won't have to go through the painful journey of the Uchiha," I said with a smile. "I'll complete both quests easily."
At that moment, Iruka-sensei called out to everyone. "Alright, everyone! We're going to conduct a test today to see how skilled you are with practical techniques."
"Yes, Sensei!" the class shouted in excitement.
Before we started, I turned to Hinata, Sakura, and Ino. "Hinata, Sakura, Ino, do your best, but don't get hurt," I said with genuine concern.
They smiled back, appreciating my words. "Okay, Naruto, we won't get hurt! You be careful too," they replied warmly.
"Alright, let's all do our best," I said, flashing a big smile.
With that, we were all ready, eager to take on the challenge ahead, both in the test and the optional quest against Sasuke. The competition was about to begin.
The tests began with basic techniques like shuriken throwing, clone techniques, and other foundational skills. As expected, I came in first in every test with ease. Now, it was time for the one-on-one face-offs.
As I waited for my turn, the others started to face each other. The excitement in the air was palpable.
"Next up, Hinata and Shikamaru, come into the arena," Iruka-sensei called.
"Hinata, do your best. You too, Shikamaru," I said with encouragement.
Hinata smiled warmly and replied, "Thank you, Naruto."
Shikamaru, being his usual self, just sighed, "What a drag."
They entered the arena, and Iruka-sensei signaled them to start. Hinata immediately took her fighting stance, while Shikamaru stood there casually, hands in his pockets, not even bothering to make a move.
"Start!" Iruka-sensei declared.
Just as Hinata was about to charge, Shikamaru spoke up lazily, "I give up."
The whole class groaned. Typical Shikamaru. He really didn't want to put in the effort.
"Hinata wins!" Iruka-sensei announced. "Both bow and make the sign."
They did as instructed and left the arena, Hinata looking pleased, Shikamaru as indifferent as ever.
Next, it was the turn of the two best friends, Sakura and Ino.
"Sakura and Ino, enter the arena," Iruka-sensei called.
"Naruto, watch me! I'm going to defeat her!" Sakura declared, her determination clear.
Ino wasn't any less competitive, "No way, Sakura! I'm the one who's going to win!"
They had already started arguing before even stepping into the ring. I intervened quickly. "Both of you, do your best, but don't get hurt, okay?"
"Yes, Naruto! Watch us!" they both replied in unison before entering the arena.
They bowed and took their stances. "Begin!" Iruka-sensei signaled.
The fight started off somewhat properly, but it quickly devolved into a quarrel, with both girls grabbing each other's hair and yelling more than fighting. It was clear they were more focused on one-upping each other than actually battling.
"Sensei…" I said with concern, looking at Iruka-sensei.
"Okay, Naruto, go separate them," he sighed.
I quickly stepped in and pulled the two of them apart, guiding them out of the arena. If I hadn't, who knows how far their fight would've gone. Their match ended in a tie.
Finally, it was my turn.
"Naruto and Sasuke, enter the arena," Iruka-sensei called.
Sasuke and I stepped into the ring, the air thick with anticipation. All eyes were on us—the two top students in the academy. The whole class was watching closely, eager to see how the fight between us would unfold.
"Today, I'm going to defeat you, Naruto," Sasuke said, his eyes full of determination.
"I don't think so. Looks like your defeat streak is about to continue," I replied with a smirk.
Everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who would come out on top. The clash between me and Sasuke was going to be the highlight of the day.
"Both do the sign," Iruka-sensei instructed.
We complied, taking our stances, ready to fight. The tension in the air was palpable as the entire class focused on us.
"Begin!" Iruka-sensei shouted.
The moment the word left his mouth, I used the **Body Flicker Technique**, a skill I had mastered under Shisui's guidance. In an instant, I appeared behind Sasuke, my hand gently resting on his neck. "Sasuke, it's my win," I whispered.
"Naruto wins!" Iruka-sensei declared.
The crowd was stunned. No one—especially Sasuke—couldn't understood what had just happened. The match ended so quickly, it was almost like time had skipped a beat. Sasuke stood in the arena, dazed and confused, trying to comprehend how I had won in an instant.
As I left the arena, Hinata, Sakura, and Ino hurried over, their faces filled with curiosity. "Naruto, how did you finish the fight in an instant?" they asked, eager to know my secret.
I smiled and said, "It's a secret."
"What's the secret? Won't you tell us, even though we're your friends?" they asked, slightly pouting.
"I will... once you're strong enough," I teased, leaving them both intrigued and motivated.
With that, our practicals for the day came to an end. The rewards for my quests were mine. "Aurora, distribute the stat points evenly and add the Sharingan tonight."
"Understood, Leo," Aurora responded.
I smiled to myself. Today had been a success, both in the academy and with my progress toward my greater goals. The path ahead was clear, and I was one step closer to achieving everything I had set out to do.