Chapter 71 – Yamanaka Ino VS Hyuga Hinata! Emergency!
Sasuke remained silent, simply closing his eyes, while Naruto scratched his head, utterly at a loss.
Across the crowd, Sakura quietly sobbed, wiping away tears. Her emotions were a storm, like a soy sauce bottle overturned, leaving her both confused and heartbroken.
She couldn't understand it. She had been sticking up for Sasuke, yet he had told her to get lost.
Her memory flashed back. A long time ago, Sasuke had publicly said he hated Naruto. She wasn't the only one who had heard it—Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji had been there too.
"Sakura, don't cry anymore," Ino said softly, stepping forward to comfort her friend. Seeing Sakura so upset tugged painfully at Ino's heart.
Sakura sniffled, still trembling. "Ino… Sasuke said he hated Naruto, didn't he?"
"Huh?" Ino blinked, puzzled. She couldn't recall such a thing.
Sakura pressed on, frowning. "When school first started… how could you forget? You don't even remember what Sasuke said! You don't deserve to like him!"
Ino's eyes flickered as realization slowly dawned. He didn't actually say he hated Naruto… he just told him not to get so close. Ino's gaze softened with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Sakura, you always overthink…
Silently, Ino reassured herself: I'm not fawning over him like Sakura. I just admire his looks—he's like a white lotus: beautiful to admire from afar, but untouchable. She kept the thought to herself, knowing better than to speak it aloud.
Before she could offer more comfort, the teacher called her name. "Yamanaka Ino, it's your turn for practical training."
"Right… I'll go first," Ino said, casting a final glance at the still-sniffling Sakura. She'll be fine soon enough. She likes Sasuke that much.
Stepping into the open training ground, Ino focused entirely on her opponent. Winning today would not only earn her points for daily evaluation, but also strengthen her reputation in her Ninja file—an important factor for future missions.
"Yamanaka Ino versus Hyuga Hinata. Form the Confrontation Seal," announced Iruka Umino, notebook in hand.
Both girls were familiar with the ritual. They gracefully formed the Confrontation Seal, a prelude to battle. Afterward, they would extend it into a Reconciliation Seal, symbolizing mutual respect.
Ino felt a slight tension. Hinata, the young lady of the Hyuga Clan, was reputedly strong and disciplined. Ino's gaze hardened as she studied her stance.
Iruka observed eagerly. Both girls came from prestigious clans—the Yamanaka Clan, masters of mind-body techniques, and the Hyuga Clan, experts in the Gentle Fist. Though they were only seven years old, their Ninjutsu foundations were impressive. The practical training would reveal just how much they had mastered their secret techniques.
As the safety officer prepared to start the match, Hinata suddenly noticed a familiar gaze from the crowd—Naruto's eyes were on her.
Her heart raced. Thump, thump, thump. Her fair neck flushed crimson, and even her delicate ears reddened like cooked shrimp.
"Ah… Naruto-kun is looking at me…" she whispered to herself, dizzy with shyness.
Ino, focused on her stance, didn't notice Hinata's reaction.
"Battle start!" the safety officer called.
Both girls held their positions—but Hinata didn't move. Minute by minute passed, and she remained frozen. Sweat dotted Ino's forehead. Something was wrong.
"Sensei! Hinata has fainted standing up!" Ino exclaimed.
"What?!" The officer rushed over. Indeed, Hinata had collapsed upright—an impossible sight.
Iruka also hurried forward. Hinata was the young lady of the Hyuga Clan; nothing should have gone wrong.
"Quick! Female students, help take Hinata to the infirmary!"
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