17 Training

Upon seeing Team 8, Naruto Uzumaki immediately grabbed a fish and ran over, while Sasuke Uchiha continued practicing chakra control on the lake.

"Hey, how come you're here!" Inuzuka Kiba exclaimed.

"After meeting the teacher today and receiving some training, we were given free time. But why are you swimming here?" Kiba asked with a grin.

Hinata Hyuga blushed when she saw Naruto running towards them bare-chested and hid behind a wooden post.

"Our teacher is stricter; we have another assessment this afternoon," Naruto explained. Despite being scolded by Kakashi Hatake, it wasn't a proud moment.

Inuzuka Kiba's curiosity turned to focus on Kakashi's substitute, Izumi.

"Who's this? I've never seen him before," Kiba wondered.

Naruto quickly whispered to Kiba, "He's a demon; he defeated all three of us alone!"

Although Naruto lowered his voice, being ninja, everyone heard it, except for Hinata, who was still shyly observing Naruto from behind the post.

Inuzuka Kiba and Aburame Shino became interested in Izumi.

Ignoring Naruto's absence, both Sasuke and Sakura excelled in the ninja academy.

The fact that the three of them couldn't defeat Izumi surprised Kiba and Shino.

"Is he really that strong, or is he a senior from previous classes?" Kiba speculated.

Hearing their discussion, Izumi took the opportunity to approach.

"I'm Izumi, overseeing them in Kakashi-sensei's absence," he introduced himself.

Being able to defeat Team 7 alone made Kiba cautious.

"Hello, I'm Kiba Inuzuka, the one with sunglasses is Shino Aburame, and the girl with the red apple is Hinata Hyuga."

"Kiba, how can you introduce me like that!" Hinata whispered, though she stayed behind the post.

Izumi chuckled. "Nice to meet you all. Want to join Team 7 for fishing?"

Kiba hesitated, but Shino, who had been silent, approached and said, "This seems more like a training method than just fishing!"

While the village appeared harmonious, ninja training methods were often secretive.

Izumi's invitation to train together was unusual.

* Ding dong! Kiba's affinity +1! Current affinity: 56! *

*Ding dong! Shino's affinity +1! Current affinity: 56!*

"Not to impose, but since you invited us, we'll join," Shino accepted.

Kiba quickly stripped and dove into the lake, seemingly more like playing than training.

Just as Sasuke regained balance, ripples appeared, and he submerged again.

Hinata, standing behind the post, seemed unsure of what to do.

Izumi walked over to her.

"Hi, I'm Izumi. Want to give it a try?"

Hinata, surprised by the offer, replied, "I'll just rest here; it's fine."

"Try attacking me with Gentle Fist," Izumi suggested.

Hesitant at first, Hinata agreed, assuming a fighting stance.

"Don't worry, just try," Izumi encouraged.

Hinata rushed toward Izumi, attempting a Gentle Fist strike, but he reciprocated with the same move.

Surprised, Hinata pulled back, and Izumi swept her feet, causing her to sit on the ground.

Izumi shook his head in disappointment.

"If you don't pull back, it would've been a draw. You have talent; don't let it go to waste."

Hinata, not used to such directness, blushed.

*Ding dong! Hinata's affinity +2! Current affinity: 57!*

Feeling a bit annoyed, Izumi whispered to Hinata, "If you want your father's approval, come here tonight."

Hinata blushed even more, stammering, "What?"

*Ding dong! Hinata's affinity +2! Current affinity: 57!*