Uchiha: Strongest Shura

After Inuzuka Naoki's enthusiastic self-introduction, Uchiha Renji couldn't help but shake his head internally. These people really lack ambition, he thought. A Hokage is just the leader of a village. Why not aim for something bigger—like uniting the ninja world? And Naoki's preferences are so animalistic. Can someone like that really be a competent ninja?

Despite Renji's silent criticism, Uchiha Kagami warmly encouraged Naoki, smiling brightly. "Alright, let's work hard together! I look forward to the day you become Hokage."

Naoki grinned proudly at Kagami's response, clearly taking it to heart. Renji, however, remained stoic, though inwardly, he was seething with disbelief. Don't take this guy seriously! Of course, you'll encourage him—that's what instructors do to build enthusiasm. But how can you be so easily deceived, Naoki?

Breaking the awkward silence, Inoue Marina stood up shyly. "I-I'm Inoue Marina. I like pretty flowers, dislike bugs, and… my dream is to be a bride!" Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she quickly sat back down.

Kagami smiled kindly. "That's a lovely dream," he said before turning to Renji. "And you, Renji?"

Although Renji wanted to avoid engaging, he knew he couldn't ignore the instructor. Standing up, he spoke plainly. "Uchiha Renji. I don't particularly like or dislike anything. My dream? To live a life without worries—enough food, a modest home, a kind wife, and a son and daughter who stay safe. I don't need them to be extraordinary—just alive."

Renji's realistic and specific answer caught Kagami slightly off guard, but the instructor quickly recovered. "Haha, that's a very grounded dream," he replied, though his tone hinted at mild surprise.

Renji silently observed Kagami's reaction, thinking, You're probably not used to such straightforward answers, huh?

---

After the introductions, the group enjoyed their lunch. Once finished, Kagami led them to a nearby training ground. Pulling out two small bells from his pouch, he announced, "Now that we've gotten to know each other, let's play a little game. Your goal is to take one of these bells from me before sunset. If you succeed, I'll grant you one wish—within reason, of course!"

Naoki tilted his head in confusion. "Wait, Sensei, why are there only two bells?"

Kagami smiled mysteriously. "That's what makes it interesting! I only have enough wishes for two people. The one who doesn't get a bell will handle the chores for the team in the coming days."

Renji stared at the bells and sighed inwardly. The classic Konoha bell test. Every jonin seems to love this game. The penalty might vary, but the setup is always the same.

Naoki smirked confidently. "Alright, then I'll just take both bells!" Without waiting, he charged at Kagami, his movements brimming with enthusiasm but lacking strategy.

Renji watched him sprint ahead and groaned. Great. A teammate who charges headfirst without thinking. How lucky I am.

Despite Naoki's boldness, Kagami easily dodged his attacks, his movements calm and calculated. Kagami's gentle demeanor belied his skill, and Renji knew that underestimating him would be a grave mistake.

Taking the opportunity, Renji threw several shuriken at Kagami from the side, aiming to distract him. However, Naoki suddenly stopped mid-charge, shouting, "Hey! This is a duel between men! Don't interfere!"

Renji froze in disbelief. "Are you serious?" he muttered under his breath, labeling Naoki as a liability. Kagami chuckled softly, clearly amused by the dynamic. Renji crossed his arms and stepped back, deciding to let Naoki embarrass himself.

Naoki, undeterred, activated the Four-Legged Technique, a signature move of the Inuzuka clan. His senses sharpened, and his speed increased dramatically. He lunged at Kagami, claws extended toward his instructor's midsection.

Kagami easily caught Naoki's wrist mid-strike, countering with a firm grip. But Naoki quickly adapted, using his free leg to deliver a spinning kick. Though impressed by Naoki's reflexes, Kagami was unfazed. With a well-timed kick, he sent Naoki flying.

Naoki's resilience was remarkable. He leapt back into the fray, launching a flurry of strikes. However, Kagami blocked or evaded each attack effortlessly. With every failed attempt, Naoki grew more determined, his fighting spirit undeterred by his repeated defeats.

Watching from the sidelines, Renji sighed. This is going nowhere. Kagami-sensei is clearly toying with him. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he waited for an opening. When Kagami knocked Naoki back yet again, Renji hurled a second wave of shuriken, this time faster and more precise.

Kagami's eyes narrowed as the shuriken approached. Instead of dodging, he raised his kunai to deflect them. At that moment, Renji's lips curled into a sly smile. Exactly as planned.

As Kagami blocked the first shuriken, a burst of white smoke exploded around him. "A smoke bomb?" Kagami murmured, his vision obscured. Though mildly surprised, he remained composed. This won't stop me. I can still block their attacks by listening for sound.

However, the shuriken weren't ordinary. They collided midair, altering their trajectories and accelerating toward Kagami from unexpected angles. By the time Kagami realized the trick, the shuriken were already closing in.

"Bang!" A loud impact echoed as the smoke cleared. Kagami stood in the center of the training ground, visibly bloodied but still standing.

End of the Chapter.