Super Ninja

The shared activity allowed us to cross certain boundaries as a team, which should positively impact our future work together. However, we didn’t cross any red lines: nothing led to direct penetration or shedding blood. Everything ended with just some preludes.

 

For Shiko and Ayame, even those preludes were enough to send them to cloud nine with pleasure. I got a decent release as well, though it could have been better. The girls still need to learn a bit more for me to fully enjoy it, but no worries—when we return to the village and if they want to continue, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to deepen our relationship, seal it with blood, and learn much more. But only if they want to.

 

After releasing some tension, a thought crossed my mind: perhaps they did this to get me to carry them through the exam. That would be logical since they don’t fully understand the true abilities of shinobi from other countries. Books are one thing, but real experience is another. Either way, I would have to carry them on my back, because during the chunin exams, not only are individual abilities and knowledge evaluated, but also teamwork. Until I surpass the First Hokage, I’ll often need to work in teams or alongside other shinobi groups, and not always with comrades who excel in one shinobi art or another. There aren’t many shinobi like that, and most are at least tokubetsu jonin, if not full jonin.

 

In the end, nothing bad happened. We had a good time and resolved a few issues that could have become problematic in the near future. But once we return to Konoha, and if we achieve the chunin rank, we’ll most likely go our separate ways. They don’t show much ambition to strive for anything new, and I don’t want to force them to pursue their own development. If I did, I wouldn’t have the time or opportunities to focus on my own growth.

 

“Ohh,” Shiko moaned, lifting her head slightly. Her face was painted with white, natural colors, which had already dried and started to blend into her skin. “Suzuki... that was something.”

 

“Did you like it?” I smirked as I slowly dressed.

 

“Are you even asking?” she replied, lowering her head back onto the pillow. “I’ve never felt anything like it before.”

 

“Here,” I handed her something. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

 

“By the way, are you going somewhere?” she asked.

 

“Yeah, I’m going to see what I can grab to eat,” I replied. “Might take something with me.”

 

“Oh! Then please bring us something too!” She suddenly lifted her head, giving me a pleading look. “Please.”

 

“All right,” I chuckled. “I’ll grab you something.”

 

It wasn’t difficult for me, and if it helps improve our relationship a little, why not? All for the sake of getting the next rank.

 

I went downstairs to the first floor, where there was a small restaurant where we could grab a bite if we wanted. I saw Hatake Kakashi at one of the tables, reading his book and chewing something. I didn’t bother him and headed to one of the buffet tables, where plates and food were laid out.

 

“Genin Suzuki,” a voice called out to me.

 

I turned sharply and set the tray aside. Hatake Kakashi was looking at me, tilting his head slightly. He had addressed me.

 

“Hai, Kakashi-san, how can I help you?” I asked.

 

“What are your plans for the next few hours?” the jonin asked. His only visible eye looked at me with great curiosity.

 

“To be honest, Kakashi-san, not much,” I shrugged. “I was going to grab something to eat for myself and my teammates and then review some material.”

 

“I see,” he said. “Feel like taking a walk with me around the village for a bit?”

 

“Why not,” I shrugged. “I’m up for it. But first, I’ll take the food to the girls, as I promised.”

 

“All right,” the man nodded. “I’ll wait for you here. You’ve got five minutes.”

 

“Hai, Kakashi-san,” I quickly gathered some food. I piled up more than I knew the girls would eat. My goal was to increase my food supply a bit, just in case things didn’t go according to plan or if the exam took place in the wild. Extra rations are incredibly useful.

 

I quickly dropped off the tray to Shiko and Ayame, who were just starting to get dressed. “I’ll be out of the hotel for a while,” I told them.

 

“Why, Suzuki-kun?” Ayame asked, stretching.

 

“I’m going with Kakashi-san to explore the village,” I replied. “You can review theoretical material or read about shinobi from other countries if you feel like it.”

 

“All right,” Shiko said. “Go ahead. Tell us later about anything interesting you see, okay?”

 

“Yeah, no problem.”

 

Heading back downstairs, I spotted the jonin leaning against the wall, reading again. I approached him and said, “Genin Suzuki reporting.”

 

“Mmm,” he hummed, closing his book. “It was just getting interesting... Oh well... Genin, let’s go.”

 

We stepped outside and headed toward the center of the village. Crossing bridges and waiting for gondolas to take us to the other side was only interesting the first few times. After that, it became monotonous because there wasn’t much variety. Sure, there were beautiful and well-decorated gondolas, but only the truly wealthy or shinobi could afford them. We didn’t fall into that category, and I didn’t see the point in paying for a service that didn’t differ whether it cost one hundred ryo or one hundred thousand ryo.

 

“Suzuki-kun,” Kakashi addressed me as we exited the first gondola. “How do you see your future?”

 

“As a strong shinobi,” I answered almost without hesitation. “I see myself as a great protector of the village, its beloved hero. But most importantly—alive.”

 

“Hmmm,” Kakashi muttered, somewhat dissatisfied with my last remark. “And what do you mean by ‘protector’? Who are protectors, in your opinion?”

 

“Protectors are those who are willing to make sure the future is better than the present,” I replied. Philosophical questions no longer bothered or interested me, as I had already asked myself many of them and considered the answers from different angles.

 

“And for that, in our world of endless wars, you need strength to protect it all,” the shinobi mused, gazing into the distance. For a moment, his eyes seemed unfocused, as if looking far into the past... Then he refocused on me. “Do you think you’ll have enough strength?”

 

“I think so,” I nodded. “And if I don’t, my team will help, just as I will help them if they lack strength. Together, we can do more than we can alone.”

 

“Hmmm, not a bad answer,” he exhaled. We stopped, allowing a villager carrying a strange device on his head to pass. “And do you think you’re worthy of being called a chunin? Think carefully and try to answer honestly.”

 

I did as he asked and began a brief self-assessment. The key factors are my strength and skills, as all my potential stems from them. I’m proficient in Earth Style, Water Style, Fire Style, and some Genjutsu. My academic techniques are also at a high level. In addition, I have Sage Mode, which significantly enhances my abilities. I can perform Shadow Clone Jutsu and am skilled in Taijutsu and weapon combat.

 

“While you’re thinking,” Kakashi’s voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts, “consider what you’re not proficient in as well.”

 

“Oh, that’s simple,” I answered. “I think I have no talent for medical techniques. None at all.”

 

“Hmmm,” Kakashi mused. “Fair enough. Now, what about your strength? Do you think it’s enough to make you a chunin?”

 

“Of course,” I replied, confidence evident in my voice. “Based on my combat skills, I believe I’ve already reached that rank.”

 

“I like your confidence,” he said, casting a sideways glance at me. “Don’t think I consider you weak…”

 

“Oh no, Kakashi-san,” I responded quickly, not wanting to steer the conversation in an uncomfortable direction. It was better to keep things as they were. “I completely understand.”

 

“That’s good,” he smiled slightly. “Now, take a look at that house.”

 

Kakashi nodded toward a house that appeared ordinary and simple, almost indistinguishable from the others around it. Yet for some reason, this particular house had caught his attention.

 

“What can you say about it?”

 

I studied the house carefully, trying to pick up on anything unusual. But at first glance, there was nothing special—just stone walls and windows. However, using a pinch of natural energy, I sensed something more. There were definitely more than one person inside, and they were watching us. I wasn’t sure who they were, but I had a good guess.

 

“Are those watchers?” I asked. “I think some local shinobi are hiding in that house, observing us closely, hoping to gain some advantage for their village’s exam participants.”

 

It wasn’t a bad strategy, but in matters like this, caution was key. In an instant, the hunter can become the prey.

 

“Correct,” Kakashi smirked. “If you were in my place, how would you stop their attempts to gather information on us?”

 

“It depends on the strength of the observer,” I said after a few moments of thought. “If they’re not particularly strong, I’d send them a small warning, perhaps a message suggesting they hide better. But if they’re more powerful, stopping their surveillance would be much more challenging.”

 

“Why do you think that?” the jonin inquired.

 

“We’re guests, not at home,” I shrugged. “Any aggressive move could impact the political stability of the region.”

 

“Hmmm,” Kakashi mused. “Good point.”

 

We continued walking, and the jonin kept asking me different questions. I also asked him about his life and work, though his responses were plain and monotonous. He wasn’t inclined to share his life story, as it included not only happy moments but also sad ones. I understood that well. He likely had secrets he didn’t want to reveal to anyone.

 

Eventually, we returned to the hotel.

 

“Thank you for walking with me through the village, Suzuki,” said our team leader.

 

“Thank you, Kakashi-san, for the great conversation,” I replied. “If you ever feel like continuing, I’m always ready.”

 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” the gray-haired jonin nodded. He turned and headed back to the restaurant, pulling out his book.

 

I stood there for a moment before returning to my room, where I found Shiko and Ayame sitting on the bed with my book and a bottle of something.

 

“What’s this?” I asked.

 

“A bottle of wine,” Ayame replied.

 

“A bottle for two?” I raised an eyebrow. “That’s barely enough to tickle your throat.”

 

“Huh?” Shiko looked at me with a slightly confused expression.

 

“Oh, right, right,” I sighed. “You just don’t understand. And where’s the snack?”

 

“Wine is drunk without a snack,” she answered with a laugh.

 

“Right,” I waved my hand dismissively and headed back to the restaurant. Kakashi was no longer there, so I decided to grab something to eat and relax.

 

There wasn’t a buffet this time, but the sounds from the kitchen were tempting. The sizzle of fat, the clatter of kitchenware, and the voices of the chefs suggested something delicious was being prepared for dinner. Just what I needed before resting.

 

I sat at a table in the corner of the cozy, dimly lit room, peacefully observing the large aquarium that immediately caught my attention. At first, it seemed like just part of the decor, but soon I realized I was gazing into an entire underwater world. In the clear depths, a variety of colorful fish swam gracefully, creating a captivating scene. From majestic koi shimmering gold to vibrant, brightly colored ones, each fish added unique charm to the display.

 

The aquarium itself was beautifully decorated. Delicate underwater plants swayed with the gentle current, resembling undersea forests. Between them, intricate figurines and caves peeked through, providing shelter for the fish. The soft lighting filtered through the water, casting shadows and creating the illusion of endless space. Every element of the aquarium had clearly been chosen and arranged with great care and attention to detail, forming a harmonious underwater world. Not everyone could work on such a project with such precision, I thought as I admired the scene. Overall... an excellent job!

 

I heard approaching footsteps and looked up. It was Kabuto, his expression calm as always.

 

“Suzuki,” he nodded. “Why are you here alone?”

 

“Yeah, Shiko and Ayame are resting in the room, chatting about their girly things,” I shrugged. “I decided to spend some time here, just sitting and thinking.”

 

“Then, do you mind if I join you?” Kabuto asked.

 

“No, not at all,” I nodded toward the chair next to me. “Take a seat.”

 

Kabuto sat down and ran his hands over the table a few times, as if smoothing it out. After a few seconds, a waitress approached us with a somewhat forced smile. Her movements were precise and fluid, almost like a shinobi, which made me think she might be a kunoichi from some village. I hoped she was just here to keep an eye on us, not to eliminate potential competitors. That would be a bad political decision, as I’d mentioned to Kakashi earlier. But on the other hand… why not? Especially if there’s a desire to stir up trouble.

 

“Gentlemen,” she addressed us. “My name is Kiko, and I’ll be taking care of you today. Would you like to order something, or would you prefer to look at the menu first?”

 

“Let’s see the menu first, Kiko,” I replied with a calm smile.

 

“Of course, gentlemen,” she answered and flitted away, returning within seconds with two menus. “When you’re ready to order, just call me.”

 

“Thank you,” Kabuto nodded.

 

She quickly left, leaving us alone again.

 

“Kabuto, do you think she’s a shinobi?” I asked the young irenin. “What’s your take?”

 

“Hmmm,” he muttered, casting a quick glance at the waitress, disguising it by adjusting his glasses, which had slipped slightly. “I think so, but she’s probably no stronger than a chunin. I’d guess Taijutsu is her specialty.”

 

“And how did you figure that out?” I asked.

 

“Her movements are too smooth,” Kabuto replied. “I bet she has a few kunai and maybe needles hidden in her sleeves.”

 

“Hmmm,” I mused. “Quite possible. I think you’re right.”

 

Kabuto nodded, then focused on the menu. I did the same. The restaurant offered a wide variety of dishes, from light and simple options to full course meals that would cost a lot.

 

“There’s a lot to choose from,” Kabuto said. “I’m not sure what to get. Have you decided, Suzuki?”

 

“I’ll go with the yoshoku dinner,” I said. “The one with noodles, meat, and cheese. But I’ll start with some simple miso soup.”

 

“Got it,” Kabuto replied. “I’ll order the same.”

 

“All right, we’re settled,” I nodded. “Will you call her, or should I?”

 

“You go ahead,” Kabuto replied.

 

I raised my hand, and the waitress, who had been watching our table, quickly approached. Her movements were indeed smooth, confirming Kabuto’s observation. Even if he was off, it wouldn’t be by much.

 

“Gentlemen, are you ready to order?” she asked.

 

“Yes,” I nodded. “I’ll have miso soup and the yoshoku dinner.”

 

“I’ll have the same,” Kabuto said.

 

She wrote down our order in a small notebook.

 

“Would you like something to drink?” she asked.

 

“Do you have cold tea?” Kabuto inquired.

 

“Of course,” she replied. “Would you like to order that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“I’ll have the same,” I added.

 

“Great,” the waitress smiled. “Your order will be ready in about twenty minutes.”