Tenten took a deep breath, her small hands slowly formed the hand signs, and then she slapped them onto the pattern.
The next second, with a 'bang', a Shuriken appeared on top of the scroll.
"I, I, I succeeded!
I have talent in Space-Time Ninjutsu!"
Tenten jumped up happily, her face beaming with smiles.
The previous troubles about her low strength and confusion about the future seemed to be swept away at this moment.
It was as if she had found her direction.
Yes, perhaps she had found her direction!
Xia Mu looked at Tenten's happy appearance and was genuinely happy for her.
Although he already knew Tenten had talent in Space-Time Ninjutsu, knowing the plot beforehand was one thing, and knowing it in person was another; the smile of a cute girl is contagious.
As for the Genjutsu and Medical Ninjutsu he mentioned earlier, Tenten had no talent in these areas at all, but he still gave her suggestions and had Tenten try them one by one, otherwise, Tenten wouldn't have believed it.
Fortunately, Tenten was still young; as long as she tested her talents early, she could determine her direction early and then focus on working towards that determined direction in the future.
Since Xia Mu had decided to rely on this little rich girl, he would naturally help as much as he could; it would be better if they both became stronger together.
Tenten put the Shuriken back into the scroll, solemnly returned the scroll to Shino, and bowed deeply to both Shino and Xia Mu, her eyes full of gratitude:
"Xia Mu, Shino, thank you both so much!"
"You're welcome."
Shino's expression changed slightly; perhaps at this moment, he wasn't just working for Xia Mu's romance, but was happy because he had helped a friend.
"Shino is right, Tenten, don't be so polite."
Xia Mu helped Tenten up, naturally placing his hands on her shoulders, "Although we haven't known each other for long, we're already friends.
Isn't it natural for us to help you?
In the future, when Shino and I need your help, you'll definitely help, right?"
Tenten nodded seriously: "Right!
We're friends.
In the future, if you guys need help, don't hesitate to ask me!"
As she spoke, her smile became even more sincere.
She probably didn't realize at all that a certain guy was pressing on her shoulders, treating her like prey.
Afterward, Xia Mu gave Tenten more detailed suggestions, such as strengthening physical training to increase physical strength and Chakra reserves, and strengthening control over Chakra, like trying to use Chakra to walk on trees and water, and so on. In short, many basics were things Tenten couldn't achieve yet, but they were also things a Genin needed to possess.
Letting Tenten get exposed to and train these things early will only benefit her in the future.
The final result was that the three agreed to train together on their day off, at Tenten's place. Although the training ground here was small, it was enough for three kids to mess around.
As for spending money to post missions to collect powerful Ninja Tools, Xia Mu suggested postponing it. Tenten was too young and weak to collect them now, but they could first commission the collection of information on various Ninja Tools, and also collect information on various summoning animals along with it. She would definitely need them once she became a Ninja.
Tenten trusted Xia Mu greatly, so she naturally listened.
Seeing that it was getting late, Xia Mu and Shino didn't stay long and chose to say goodbye.
Tenten's face showed reluctance, probably because it was rare to have friends to play with, and they had given her so much help. She really wanted to stay together longer.
Ignoring her father's grumpy face, she saw the two of them out the door.
Looking at Xia Mu's somewhat handsome face and thinking about everything that had happened in the past two days since she met him, she couldn't help but blush for a moment.
"Alright, I'm leaving. When you've tried Genjutsu and Medical Ninjutsu, remember to tell me and Shino. We'll help you analyze it," Xia Mu said with a smile, waving his hand.
"Okay, be careful on your way."
Tenten also waved at Xia Mu. When she looked at Shino, she thought of something and quietly made a gesture.
Shino was startled and returned the gesture, unnoticed by Xia Mu. Then he left with Xia Mu, but after separating from Xia Mu at the intersection, he turned back.
Tenten was still waiting at the door.
"Tenten, is there something you want to tell me that you hid from Xia Mu?" Shino asked, puzzled.
"This..."
Tenten said shyly and a little awkwardly, blushing, "Shino, maybe I'm just being wishful. Let me ask you, does Xia Mu, does he like me?"
Shino was surprised, "You actually figured it out?"
Tenten pouted, "I'm not stupid, it would be strange if I didn't figure it out. Xia Mu came to my shop yesterday, seemingly to sell Ninja Tools design drafts, but as soon as he entered, he came straight towards me, asked for my name, and even praised me for being cute. It was even more obvious today; even though we only met two days ago, he was so proactive in helping me, his eyes were practically glued to me, and sometimes he even touched me..."
Saying this, Tenten's face turned even redder.
Children in the Ninja World mature early. Itachi Uchiha went to the battlefield and killed people at the age of four, and girls wanted to marry handsome boys at the age of five.
Tenten was no exception. She originally didn't think she was cute or pretty, only that she was very ordinary. She had a dream of becoming Tsunade but lacked the talent. She could be said to be as ordinary as can be, and she had never thought that any outstanding boy would like someone like her.
But today, she could feel Xia Mu's gaze constantly on her.
Moreover, Xia Mu was very capable, as if he knew many things. He spoke articulately when giving suggestions, and they were all very practical, making her feel as if the clouds had parted and she could see the path ahead.
How could she not be happy when a boy like this liked her?
Seeing Tenten like this, Shino knew that Xia Mu had this in the bag and said directly, "Although it should be Xia Mu who tells you, since you've found out, I won't hide it. Xia Mu does like you, and designing those two Ninja Tools was also deliberately to get to know you."
Tenten covered her face, almost like Hinata, with smoke coming out of her head.
But Tenten was not Hinata after all. She was much more generous and also very brave.
Just as she said in the anime, she hated weak people. So she herself was not weak, but strong and brave inside, and she would work hard for her inner pursuits.
This point was something the other three village beauties couldn't compare to at all!
Shino asked, "So Tenten, what do you think of Xia Mu, and how will you respond to him?"
Tenten said seriously, though her face was red, "Shino, I understand what you mean, and I don't want to let Xia Mu's liking go to waste. I plan to spend some more time getting along with him. We are both still young after all, and we haven't known each other for long. But don't worry, I won't hurt him, and I will sincerely respond to his genuine feelings!"
Shino was satisfied, almost shedding tears for his good brother.
It wasn't easy being this matchmaker, and his previous efforts weren't in vain. Xia Mu and Tenten now owed him a big favor.
"Thank you, Shino. You've been helping Xia Mu all along, I can tell," Tenten thanked him again.
"You're welcome. Xia Mu and I are good friends, and now I'm good friends with you too. Between friends, helping each other is what we should do. I should congratulate you and Xia Mu."
Saying this, Shino put his hands in his pockets, turned around elegantly, and completely disappeared into the deepening twilight.