NARUTO- CH-104. Don't imitate her

Her practical classes were lagging behind.

"There is a lot of room for improvement." Shiki said comfortingly, his tone carrying an air of high emotional intelligence.

"When the new semester starts, I'll definitely give you a surprise!" Ino stretched out her fist, her fair skin catching the light.

"I'm looking forward to it." Shiki replied with a small smile as he stood up, "I should go now. See you next time."

Ino hesitated for a moment, as if wanting to say something, but held back. She thought about asking him to stay, but the moment passed too quickly.

The bases of Chouji and Shikamaru clans were connected, so Shiki made his way to visit Chouji and Shikamaru. Both families received him warmly.

Chouji's father, Choza, insisted on giving him two large bags of potato chips—enough to last a week. Meanwhile, Shikamaru's father, Shikaku, gifted him a shogi set, claiming it would help develop his strategic thinking.

Shiki considered their generosity, guessing it might have something to do with his status as Tsunade's student. Being under the tutelage of one of the legendary Sannin had its perks.

Having collected quite a few gifts, Shiki's next stop was the Hyuga clan.

---

"This… this is…?"

Hinata stared wide-eyed at the pile of food and gifts in front of her. Neji stood nearby, looking equally confused.

"For you." Shiki said casually, waving his hands, "I can't finish it all myself."

"Thank you." Hinata clasped her hands together, her cheeks flushing pink as she avoided eye contact.

"How's your training coming along?" Shiki asked, turning his attention to Neji.

"It's progressing smoothly." Neji replied confidently.

Shiki nodded, unsurprised. The Hyuga clan had their traditions and rigorous training methods; Neji's growth was inevitable.

"I'll be gone for a while." Shiki said to Neji, "My sensei and I are heading out for some training."

"Wait, what?" Hinata's voice wavered, the happiness from earlier fading. She looked visibly disappointed.

"Don't worry." Shiki said softly, reaching out to pat her head, "I'll be back before you know it."

Hinata's face turned scarlet as her mind went blank. She had no idea how to respond.

---

Early the next morning, Shizune was bustling about in the living room, packing supplies for their journey.

Shiki observed her quietly. Kunai, shuriken, bandages, sleeping bags, tents—everything necessary for a long trip was being organized.

Shizune, dressed in her usual attire, lifted her skirt slightly to strap a hidden weapon—a needle launcher—securely to her thigh. The black straps bit into her pale skin, leaving faint impressions.

"Won't that affect your movement?" Shiki asked openly, his gaze unbothered.

Shizune smiled, "I'm a ninja. Enduring discomfort is part of the job. This is nothing."

She lowered her skirt and rolled up her sleeves to secure another launcher to her arm. Shiki stepped forward to help.

"Careful." Shizune warned, "Don't touch the trigger—it's loaded with poison-tipped senbon."

"Got it." Shiki said, carefully fastening the strap.

Shizune smiled at his diligence, "Do you want one? I can make you a custom version."

"No need." Shiki replied, shaking his head. Hidden weapons didn't suit his combat style; his poisonous insects were more than enough. Shizune, on the other hand, relied on them because her taijutsu wasn't as strong.

"Let me know if you change your mind." Shizune said, flashing a playful grin. She then demonstrated her weapon's unique design, placing a senbon in her mouth before retracting it into a hidden compartment.

"Don't worry—it's perfectly safe." She assured him, clearly proud of her ingenuity.

Shiki, however, looked uneasy, "Are you sure that's a good idea? What if it misfires?"

"Relax. I've trained extensively with this." Shizune said confidently, "Now, let's go over the basics for field missions. Lady Tsunade insisted I teach you."

Did Tsunade also insist on the head pats? Shiki thought dryly as he listened to her detailed explanations.

---

"This is a ration pill." Shizune said, holding up a black pellet, "It restores chakra in emergencies."

"Does it taste bad?" Shiki asked, recalling stories about soldier pills being notoriously unpleasant.

"It's… not great." Shizune admitted, "But as I said earlier, a ninja endures what ordinary people cannot. Don't be picky."

Shiki nodded absentmindedly. He had no intention of eating one unless absolutely necessary. Chakra restoration wasn't something he needed to worry about.

"Finished?" Tsunade's voice rang out as she entered the room. She stretched lazily, her movements drawing attention.

"I've covered everything, Lady Tsunade." Shizune replied, packing the supplies into sealing scrolls. Unlike ordinary ninjas, Tsunade wouldn't be caught dead carrying a backpack—it would only hinder her movements.

"Good. Let's go see the old man." Tsunade said, slipping on her shoes.

Shiki followed her to the door, "Do we really need the Hokage's approval to leave the village?" He asked.

"In theory, yes." Tsunade replied with a sly grin, "But if I want to leave, who's going to stop me?"

Her confidence was undeniable, her aura exuding authority and defiance.

Shiki glanced at her back, smirking as he thought, 'Big attitude… big and soft too.'

"Don't imitate her." Shizune scolded lightly, noticing his amused expression.

__________

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