Bab 8: An Annoying Confrontation
After the introduction of the Leaf Sticking Exercise, things started to slow down and bore me; Taijutsu sparring is once a week, along with Shuriken practice and Chakra Control, as knowledge-focused classes took priority like Geography and Politics. Plus, there was an unfortunate part of my daily routine that I did not pick for myself: I confronted the Sasuke Fan Club as not only Sarada had taken the initiative to sit next to me but even Sasuke as well.
I think the Uchiha twins were using me as a shield or scarecrow against the Fangirls, as I was not going to deal with their squealing if I could help it. I took my usual spot this morning in the very back as I waited for class to start gods what would I do for a smartphone with working internet and wifi? I took a rock out of my pocket and balanced it on my finger while making it spin with my Chakra. It is an odd little exercise I came up with to kill time and improve my Chakra Control.
I focused more and more on increasing the speed of the spinning rock on my fingertip, and I then heard something unexpected.
" Morning, Uzumaki-san."
I lost control of the rock, and it went flying through the classroom and ricocheted off the walls. I turned to see it was Sarada that greeted me; she usually just sits next to me without a word. I blinked once, then twice before deciding to return her greeting.
" Morning, Uchiha-san."
The feeling of surprise of actually getting a pleasant greeting wore off quickly, and I took another rock out of my pocket to practice with as I waited for class to start. As I tried to increase the spinning speed of the rock without it flying off, Sarada asked me.
" What are you doing?"
I focused on my Chakra Control Exercise as I explained since she asked nicely, well, nicely compared to what I usually get, but that really does not set a high bar.
" Chakra Control practice by making a rock spin on my fingertip while making sure it does not fly off."
" Is it hard?"
At the female Uchiha's question, I curtly answered.
" Only at first."
It also served as pre-practice for the Rasengan since I can't buy a bunch of water balloons just yet since I would be overcharged for it. I hope to get to learn the Transformation Jutsu soon, as it sure as heck would make my life easier. As I made the rock spin to the point it started to admit a whistling sound, I heard the annoying screeching of the Sasuke Fan Club, the threw off my concentration, and the rock went flying again and even broke through a window.
" Fuck."
I quietly cursed as I would rather not have to pay for fixing a window, and I glared at the screeching idiot. I then growled at the fangirls.
" Are you incapable of using your indoor voices, you empty-headed wannabe Kuniochis!?"
Of course, they were not going to take that lying down; it's never that easy.
" Shut up, Naruto, we're talking to Sasuke-kun!"
" Yeah, beat it!"
" Stop interrupting us!"
I shot back my anger, quickly getting riled up.
" Huh? Are you talking to Uchiha-San? Can he even hear you? He's probably deaf from your constant screeching. I think anyone would from dealing with you lot."
This quickly agitated the group.
" What you know, Naruto!"
" Yeah, you're dumb!"
" And ugly!"
I was not about to be insulted by a bunch of future dropouts, as only Sakura and Ino were the only girls in the group with decent grades.
" If I am dumb and ugly, then the rest of you are even dumber and uglier than me."
I smirked as that got under their skin as they got even angrier.
" Why you!"
" You dare!"
" Why, I ought to!"
I continued to bicker with the fangirls if for no other reason than to annoy them like they annoy me. I then noticed something off: neither Sakura nor Ino are in the group for some reason; in fact, they haven't shown up to class yet, and there are less than five minutes on the clock. Aki-Sensei then showed up and ordered while clapping to get everyone's attention.
" Okay, everyone to your seats!"
As class started, both Sakura and Ino showed up late. I noticed that Sakura's eyes were red and puffy from crying while Ino shot me a brief glare before apologizing to the Chunin Instructor.
" Sorry, Sensei, Sakura, and I are late due to some... complications."
" Fine, just take your seats."
Aki-Sensei then noticed the broken window and demanded.
" Who broke the window!"
" NARUTO!"
Almost all the girls answered at the same time. I won't forget this if I have to pay for damages. Aki-Sensei sighed and told me.
" I will need to talk to you after class, Uzumaki-san."
I quietly nodded and made a note of every single girl giving me a smug smile. Oh, they have no idea what they started; I am spiteful, if nothing else. Classes were the usual dull affair until lunchtime. Ino marched up to me and even ignored Sasuke. SHE IGNORED SASUKE!? Did she eat something strange?
The blonde fangirl slammed her hand on my desk and demanded furiously.
" WHAT THE IN WORLD IS YOUR PROBLEM!? YOU MADE SAKURA CRY FOR NO REASON!"
You know what? I am honestly done talking, and I was not going to waste my breath on her. I got up and ignored her as I walked away. She grabbed my shoulder and screeched.
" HOLD RIGHT THERE YOU DEMON!"
I grabbed her wrist and started to apply pressure on it until she began to show that she was in pain and on her knees. I let her go and went to find a quiet place to eat my lunch. I really am getting tired of dealing with this village, but I can't escape from here until I am stronger, much stronger than I am now. Unfortunately, that is a long path ahead of me.
The roof was unlocked this time around, so I enjoyed the late spring weather as I opened my bento to reveal it full of seasoned rice. I quietly ate my lunch as I took out a scroll I borrowed from the Shinobi Library.
" The Effect of Chakra on the Body through the Generations."
It was's title, and it explained how the cumulative effect on generations of Non-Clan Shinobi can wax and wane through different factors. I am simply just expanding my know-how on Chakra as much as I can before diving into practical aspects of it. The biggest barrier that separates the Clans and Civilian Shinobi in this world is not simply knowledge but how to effectively utilize it to reach an individual's maximum potential.
I am a Civilian Shinobi in most aspects except my heritage, which is what drew me to this scroll outside its title. I really wish I had some notes from Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze to help me out. Still, I will have to make due because I am damn certain that the Third Hokage will withhold such things for my so-called protection or whatever excuse he would use to tell me no. I heard the bell ring for lunch to be over, and I went back to class.
I really do enjoy a nice, quiet lunch as it's so much easier to study, but now it's back to class. I felt the glares of most of the girls in class, but I ignored them and sat down at my seat. Classes were a slow slog until Taijutsu sparring rolled around.
" Alright, for our first match, it's..."
I was watching the fights with mild interest as they were not impressive but not boring either. Everyone was using the same Hidden Leaf Kata still as the Clan Kids had yet to learn their Clan's Taijutsu for some reason. Maybe it's to teach their kids to appreciate their ancestors' effort in creating and refining their inherited Taijutsu.
I yawned as watching kids try to beat each other up gets old pretty quickly. Aki-Sensei then called me out for my match, as everyone gets to fight at least once.
" For our next, Naruto Uzumaki and-."
" Aki-Sensei, wait a moment!"
I turned to see it was Ino who stopped Aki-Sensei, and the Chunin Instructor asked.
" Yes, Yamanaka-san?"
" I want to fight, Naruto!"
Oh? Is she trying to get payback? I had to stop myself from laughing at her as all the girls except Sarada did not take Taijutsu sparring seriously, or at least not as seriously as the boys. Aki-Sensei looked confused at Ino's request or rather demanded as she asked.
" What brought this on, Yamanaka-san?"
" I just want to beat up Naruto for being a jerk!"
What world does this girl live in if she actually thinks she can beat me in a fight? I may not be the best fighter in class, but I am in the top five at least where, as she, on the other hand, often ties with Sakura at the middle of the pack. Plus, Taijutsu sparring is done with the same gender for a reason. With everyone with about the same foundation starting at roughly the same time, the boys have the advantage for now with weight class and strength on their side.
Aki-Sensei looked awkward as she tried to deter Ino from fighting me.
" Um, Yamanaka-san, sparring is done with the same gender in the first few years at the Academy because the differences in boys and girls make sparring too uneven and detrimental to the development of everyone. So I can't agree to your request."
" It's just Naruto!"
I want whatever she is smoking because it might make for a nice pastime to unwind. Jokes aside, I seriously wonder where her confidence comes from in thinking she can beat me as Aki-Sensei is right. Ino kept on pestering the Chunin Instructor to let her fight me, and I didn't care as I was just waiting for class to be over.
I heard Aki-Sensei sigh and then direct a question at me.
" Uzumaki-san, your opinion on the matter would be appreciated. Are you willing to face Yamanaka-san?"
" Sure."
I said curtly as I got up from my spot, and Ino proclaimed.
" Prepare to lose, Naruto! You are going to pay for hurting Sakura!"
I kept quiet as it was a waste of time explaining that Sakura ran her mouth on things she shouldn't have in the first place. Now, does she have an actual reason to be confident, or is she full of hot air? Aki-Sensei called out.
" Seal of Confrontation, you two."
I complied, but Ino did so reluctantly, and after we let go of each other, I got into my stance to brace myself for whatever surprise she had in store for me. I waited patiently until... this girl... tried to seduce me... what the fuck!?
"Naruto-Kun, have I ever tell you your good looking-ish."
Seriously, What? The. Fuck. Ino gently ran her fingers through her hair as she tried to look seductive, with emphasis on try. She's six\seven-ish, right? Where in the world did she get the idea this would work? As this girl tries to sneakily approach me continuing her seduction attempt.
" Your eyes are so blue, Naruto-kun."
In all honestly, I felt dumb for even expecting she might have a means of actually defeating me. My disappointment is immeasurable. Sighing, I give this girl who clearly has a few screws loose a deadpan look and just punched her while aiming for her nose. I smirked as I heard a satisfying crunch, and Ino fell to ground as she covered her face and wreath in pain.
I sighed as I started to hear the girl cry, and I just turned to leave. Seriously, what a disappointment.
________________________________________
Inoichi Yamanaka was sitting at his dining room table with his head being supported by his arm as he admired her with a slight smile his wife as she cooked supper. He counted his lucky stars for being married to the elegant Civilian woman that was willing to marry a Ninja. From their union came his pride and joy, his darling little princess, Ino.
Although Inoichi was worried about his daughter becoming a Shinobi for several reasons, but traditions of the clan need to be honored to a degree at least. He sincerely hoped that his daughter would never have to experience war firsthand, even if that was a vain hope. The Yamanaka Clan Head decided to put his worries out of his mind and focus on admiring his wife as he waited for dinner to be ready.
Inoichi heard the door open and his smile grew as he knew his daughter made it home, but something was off. Ordinarily he would hear his daughter call out.
" I'm home!"
But he was met with silence instead. The Yamanaka Clan Head shook his head to clear his mind and thought he was being paranoid for no good reason. He then heard Ino walked to the dining room and just when he was about to greet his daughter he saw her injury. A broken nose coupled with red puffy eyes from crying. Injuries were not that unusual considering that Ino was training at the Shinobi Academy but this was a first.
" Ino, dear, what happened!?"
Inoichi asked with growing concern and his wife then turned from her pot to see what the fuss was about. Ino's mother was shocked as her eyes widen and she covered her mouth as she gasped.
" Ino, sweetheart, what happened to your nose!?"
The mother rushed over forgetting the dinner that was still cooking and closely examined her daughter to see how serious her injury was. Inoichi went to turn off the stovetop to prevent dinner from burning before going over to his daughter to findout what happened.
" Ino, what's going on? You have never come home with anything worse than a few scrapes and bruises."
Ino looked down and softly muttered. Inoichi nor his wife heard her clearly and asked gently as he could tell that things were a bit more complicated than a Taijutsu spar going too far.
" Ino, dear, please speak up so I and your mother can hear you."
Ino tool a deep breath and spoke more clearly.
" I asked to spar against Naruto and lost."
Inoichi furrowed his brows as he knew the Academy had yet to allow mixed sparring yet in his daughter's year. The younger blonde continued her explanation.
" I thought I could win after studying the Clan's Kuniochi Tactics guide in my spare time."
The Yamanaka Clan Head stopped himself from facepalming himself as that particular guide is more suited to older Kuniochi and not a seven year old who has yet to go through puberty. Ino's mother then asked in confusion.
" Why did you want to spar with that boy, Ino?"
" He hurt Sakura."
Ino answered with a look of anger and Inoichi stopped himself from sighing out of exasperation as he knew what Naruto was and his heritage but could not say anything due to it being top secret. What confused the Clan Head was Naruto's recent display of violence and brutality as his expertise made him analyze the Fourth Hokage's Legacy's state of mind as it was concerning. He decided a visit to the Hokage was in order but later as he needs to care for his daughter first.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone