(A/N: Hello everyone! I noticed there's only one review for this novel so far. While it's wonderful to see praise, what would really help is more genuine feedback from you all! Your thoughts, whether positive or constructive, are invaluable for me to grow as a writer. Also, there's very little support on right now, which can be discouraging, but I'm dedicated to working hard and improving. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!)
Inoiki's mother turned to her children with a reassuring smile. "You both should go to bed now. Don't worry, your father will be fine." Ino and Inoiki nodded, sharing a quick glance, and then quietly retreated to their rooms.
Inoiki wasn't particularly worried. He had a strong sense of what would happen, so with little concern, he lay down and drifted off to sleep.
The next morning came like any other. Inoiki completed his usual routine—brushing his teeth, washing his face, and getting dressed for his training. As he stepped out of his room, ready for the day, he walked down the hallway and noticed his father, Inoichi, sitting quietly in the living room with his eyes closed, seemingly deep in thought.
Sensing his son's presence, Inoichi opened his eyes. "Inoiki," he said calmly, "last night, your friend Naruto stole the 'Scroll of Seals'. That's why the entire village was on high alert."
Inoiki blinked in surprise but kept his composure. "Is he alright? What kind of punishment did he get?"
"None," Inoichi replied, a touch of amusement in his voice. "In fact, he came out of this unscathed. We've even been ordered to keep quiet about the theft."
Inoiki couldn't help but chuckle. "Yet, you're telling me about it?"
Inoichi gave a nonchalant shrug. "That's why I'm telling you and not your mother or Ino. They wouldn't be able to keep this secret for long."
Inoiki laughed. "You should try saying that to Mom."
Inoichi's face flushed with embarrassment as he shot a glare at his son.
Still grinning, Inoiki added, "You must be exhausted after all that running around last night. Why don't you go rest? I'll head out for training."
Inoichi gave a nod, his expression softening, and without another word, Inoiki left the house, ready to start his day.
Since it was a holiday, Inoiki had the entire day to train without worrying about being late for the Ninja Academy or any other duties. He relished the extra time, pushing himself harder than usual, fully immersed in his training.
The following day, Inoiki sat in the classroom with the rest of the academy graduates, waiting for Iruka-sensei to arrive. The room buzzed with energy. A group of girls were already bickering over Sasuke, trying to decide who would sit next to him and, more importantly, who would be lucky enough to be on his team. Sasuke, as always, remained aloof, seemingly oblivious to the commotion.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi used his Telescope Technique to observe the classroom. Gathered around him were several Jonin and Chunin, each of whom would soon be tasked with leading one of these students as part of a newly formed team. Hiruzen knew some of these young ninjas had great potential, and today's proceedings could shape the future of Konoha.
All eyes in the room were drawn to Sasuke, the top student—intelligent, talented, and well-known for his skills. It was clear why the girls and boys were curious about who would be placed on a team with him.
Breaking the silence, Kakashi turned to the Hokage, his expression serious. "Hokage-sama, are you certain about placing Inoiki on Izumo's team?" His voice carried a hint of concern. "We both know just how powerful Inoiki really is. What we've seen from him so far is just the tip of the iceberg."
Hiruzen gave a slow nod, his wise eyes focused. "I am aware of Inoiki's strength, Kakashi. But this decision wasn't made lightly. His abilities are exceptional, but it's important that he grows alongside his team. Izumo will guide him well. There is more to being a shinobi than raw power."
Kakashi looked contemplative for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "I understand," he said, but the weight of his words lingered.
Kakashi's knowledge of Inoiki's strength stemmed from an incident six years ago. He had been standing just outside the Hokage's office when Inoiki, only six years old at the time, had a heated argument with Hiruzen. Inoiki had fought and defeated Fu, a formidable shinobi, with skill far beyond his years. Even back then, his strength was extraordinary. Now, at twelve, Kakashi could only imagine how much stronger Inoiki had become.
While the Jonin and Chunin deliberated in the Hokage's office, things were heating up in the Academy classroom. Naruto, unable to ignore how much attention Sasuke was getting from the girls—and even some of the boys—felt a surge of jealousy rise within him. Everyone seemed obsessed with Sasuke, and Naruto's frustration boiled over.
Without thinking, Naruto jumped onto the desk, sitting squarely in front of Sasuke, his eyes locking onto Sasuke's with intense determination. For a moment, their eyes met, both sharp and challenging. But then, in a flash of chaos, Naruto's foot slipped on the smooth surface of the desk. He lost his balance and tumbled forward—right into Sasuke.
The entire room froze as the unthinkable happened: Naruto's lips accidentally touched Sasuke's in a clumsy, unintended kiss.
For a heartbeat, the classroom was deathly silent. Every student's eyes widened in pure shock, unable to process what had just occurred. Then, as though the world snapped back into motion, Sasuke and Naruto jolted apart, coughing violently and scrubbing their mouths with their sleeves, desperate to erase the moment.
The girls, stunned at first, quickly recovered—and their shock turned to fury. Naruto, wide-eyed and embarrassed, had unwittingly stolen Sasuke's first kiss, something every girl in the room had fantasized about. Their angry whispers grew louder as they glared daggers at Naruto, who was now desperately trying to avoid their wrath.
Naruto, though typically bold, suddenly felt very small under the heated glares of these girls. Sasuke, meanwhile, sat back in his chair, his expression an unreadable mix of annoyance and disgust, while the rest of the class buzzed with disbelief over the bizarre twist of events.
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