章 18: Chp-18: A Failed First Impression
A swarm of black insects descended upon Hyuga Satoru and his teammates like a dark cloud, filling the air with a menacing buzz.
Is this how we're starting? No warning or anything?
Satoru felt a chill run down his spine as he tried to leap out of the encroaching swarm. Suddenly, a mass of parasitic insects began gnawing at his back.
"If these parasitic insects bite you, they'll drain your chakra dry," came a voice from behind the swarm.
Shibi pushed his dark sunglasses up his nose from behind the mass of insects. Let's see what you've got, you double-bloodline user.
However, before he could finish his thought, a burst of electrical arcs shot out from Satoru's back, causing the insects to go rigid and fall to the ground, emitting the smell of burning chitin.
"Lightning release? This guy knows lightning release, too?" Shibi's expression showed his surprise.
While Satoru dealt with the insects calmly, his teammates were not having such an easy time. Uchiha Rin gripped her kunai tightly, slicing through the insects that came at her. Sharp flashes of light marked the path of her attacks, leaving insect limbs scattered on the ground. But it wasn't long before bite marks from the parasitic insects started appearing on her arms.
"Insects... they're disgusting!" Rin spat in disdain.
Giving up on fighting the insects directly, she leapt backwards into the air, escaping the swarm. Her hands moved rapidly, forming hand seals.
At the same time, the swarm of insects surged towards her, resembling a black fog.
With a deep breath, Rin gathered the chakra in her throat and exhaled forcefully at the black mass.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive, orange-red fireball burst forth, engulfing the pursuing insects. Charred ashes rained down, filling the air with a smell reminiscent of roasted meat.
Landing softly, Rin surveyed the charred remains of the insects with a cold gaze.
"Even though Satoru always mocks the Great Fireball for not being lethal, I have to admit, it's pretty effective against these tiny insects."
Shibi, observing from behind the swarm, nodded slightly.
"Taijutsu: A, Ninjutsu: A+, and solid combat instincts. Not bad at all."
He then turned his attention to Anko. Amid the swarm, she desperately slashed at the insects with her kunai. Her arms were covered in red marks from countless bites, and the drain on her chakra made her movements sluggish.
"A ninja squad is a team. No matter how strong an individual is, they won't get far if they don't consider their teammates."
Shibi shook his head internally.
Even a Jonin would struggle to escape once surrounded by my insects. The fact that they've held out this long is impressive, but their teamwork could use some work.
As Shibi assessed the situation and formulated a training plan, his insects suddenly issued a warning.
Before he could react, his vision went black.
A kunai swiftly slit his throat.
His pupils dilated in shock.
How? I had defences in place. When did this happen?
The questions arose only to dissipate as his body suddenly swelled and exploded into countless black insects that scattered in all directions.
"We're saved," Anko said, collapsing to the ground and panting heavily.
"You okay?" Satoru asked, pulling her up.
"I'm fine, just a few bites. I know healing techniques, so it's not a big deal. But where did the teacher go?"
Anko glanced around in confusion at the immobilized swarm of insects, noticing Shibi was nowhere to be seen.
"He was never really here," Satoru shrugged.
---
Several hundred meters away, perched in a tree, Shibi scratched his head in embarrassment.
"This is so humiliating. I meant to give them a taste of what they're up against, but my bug clone got taken out!"
These kids are geniuses, especially Rin. Without showing some prowess, it's hard to command their respect.
His plan was to use a bug clone to subdue them, demoralize them a bit, and then make a grand entrance. But the clone was destroyed...
Remembering the Third Hokage's request, Shibi's face darkened.
"I've let you down, Lord Hokage."
---
"Shibi, I have a mission for you."
"Yes, Lord Hokage?"
"There are three students at the Ninja Academy who are graduating early. They're very promising. I want you to be their instructor."
"Well... Lord Hokage, I'm better suited for assassination than teaching students."
"Sigh... Shibi, I know you and your clan prefer solitude, and you especially so. You've always worked alone on missions. But a ninja must learn teamwork, and teaching students will be a valuable experience for you."
"Shibi, don't disappoint me."
"Alright..."
---
Shibi ruffled his hair in frustration. Teaching students was never his forte, and his attempt to make a strong first impression had failed miserably.
How did my bug clone get taken out so quickly?
Still perplexed, Shibi recalled the last image from his bugs' perspective: a kunai.
Magnet Release?
Even the strongest clone is still a clone. It's inherently fragile. Shadow clones burst with a single hit, and bug clones are no different.
But to control a kunai with such precision from that distance, piercing through the swarm's defences and taking out the clone in one strike, it seems Hyuga Satoru's Magnet Release is more powerful than I anticipated.
It's such a stealthy and deadly technique.
Now, the question is how to handle these three.
---
"Where is Shibi-sensei?" Anko wondered aloud, looking around at the now-docile swarm of insects.
"Don't you get it?" Rin sneered. "He's playing us. That was just a bug clone. Who knows where the real him is hiding?"
"Then, are we still in the test?"
"Is the test over?"
"Did we pass?"
Anko's questions came in rapid succession.
Just then, a man dressed in an oversized robe jumped down from a nearby tree, walked towards them, and waved his hand to recall the insects.
"You all did well," he said, his voice still carrying that same gloomy tone, though less composed than before.
"Defeating my bug clone is quite impressive. You've passed the test."
Anko's eyes widened. "It was just a bug clone? I thought the teacher was weak!"
Shibi took a mental hit.
"Um... it was just a test. You all passed brilliantly."
Desperate to salvage the situation, Shibi continued. If he lost face now, how could he continue as their teacher?
"Next time, make the test harder. I'm just getting warmed up," Rin said nonchalantly, rotating her shoulders.
Shibi took another mental hit.
Kids... don't get too cocky!
Gritting his teeth slightly, Shibi felt his frustration rise. This is why I hate dealing with kids. Training them is such a hassle. Bugs are so much easier to handle.
Both Rin and Anko turned to Satoru. After thinking for a moment, Satoru added, "Yeah, it was pretty weak."
Shibi took yet another mental hit.
His fists clenched involuntarily, and his hair seemed to quiver with rage, but just as he was about to explode, his anger deflated like a balloon.
"Fine..."
His tone became listless, like a wilted cucumber.
"This test was my mistake. To make up for it, I'll treat you all to some barbecue. Let's celebrate the formation of Team Three."
"Yay! Barbecue!" Anko cheered, tears of joy streaming down her face at the thought of food.
Barbecue?
Rin glanced at Satoru, memories of past experiences surfacing. She then looked at the oblivious Shibi and couldn't help but think he might regret this decision.
Yes.
He'll regret it.
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