Even though Tenten's rice balls looked a little… unusual, Yasu didn't hesitate to pick one up and eat it.
First, he was genuinely hungry—he hadn't had a breakfast yet. Second, if he didn't eat it, he might lose affection points. After all, Tenten was one of the potential affection targets.
Despite the weird appearance, the taste was excellent. The rice was neither too tight nor too loose. It was clear she had put a lot of care into it.
Another of the systems victims.
"I see, Tenten, so this basket was prepared with rice balls? Perfect timing, I'm hungry too!"
Rock Lee walked over with a bright smile, stretching his hand toward the rice balls.
Just then, Tenten grabbed his wrist and gave a slightly threatening look. "Lee, you already ate! This IS for Yasu!"
"But I'm hungry again! Please, Tenten, just two, I beg you!"
"I see Guy-sensei already prepared plenty for you. Why don't you go get some from him?" Tenten raised her voice slightly, realizing Lee might not get the hint.
Might Guy chuckled. "Lee, enough! Take your new weights and run ten laps around the field to warm up!"
Hearing Guy's instruction, Lee didn't dare hesitate and immediately started running.
Guy walked over to Yasu's side. "Kid, youth is meant to be burned! I support you, Tenten!"
Tenten blushed furiously. "Sensei! What are you saying~?"
Yasu glanced down, only to find that Guy had already strapped heavy weights to his arms and legs.
Even though Yasu could acquire various ninja techniques by signing in, he was still physically weaker than others.
Take Gentle Fist, for example. Hiashi Hyūga could break stones without using chakra. Yasu had signed Gentle Fist three times already; his technique knowledge had surpassed Hiashi. But his strength wasn't enough to crush rocks.
Weighted training was the most direct way to strengthen the body.
…But Yasu felt like crying.
Physical training had a progression. You increase the weight step by step as your body adapts. But Guy had skipped the levels entirely.
With the weights on his arms and legs, Yasu felt as slow and clumsy as a turtle. Even lifting a hand was excruciating.
"Good. Now run from here to the waterfall up ahead, then back here. If you're not back by noon, forget lunch! Hahaha" Guy said, laughing after.
Yasu looked in the direction Guy pointed.
He couldn't see any waterfall—not even the mist.
"Don't look. It's fifty kilometers away. You won't see it."
Yasu almost coughed up blood.
Fifty kilometers one way, round trip a hundred! A full marathon was only forty kilometers! A veteran ninja might do it, but with all this extra weight? Running back before lunch was practically impossible.
"Stop daydreaming—start running!"
Under Guy's instructions, Yasu had no choice but to start. Tenten ran beside him, whispering, "Don't worry, Yasu-kun. I've got food with me."
Yasu's face lit up. At least he wouldn't starve.
The four of them ran through the forest when, suddenly, Yasu sensed an intense, almost murderous intent. He frowned, uneasy.
"Wait!" he shouted, bringing Team 3 to a halt. He turned to Neji. "Neji, activate your Byakugan!"
Neji's brows furrowed as he prepared to open his eyes.
Suddenly, a bright flash of light surrounded the four of them.
"Watch out! Exploding tags below!" Tenten yelled, pulling Yasu back several steps.
Boom!
Explosions erupted one after another. Fortunately, they weren't aimed at the center—otherwise, these three genin and Yasu would have been blown to bits instantly.
But the shockwaves still struck them hard, leaving everyone with minor injuries.
"Good reflexes… but you'll still die!"
A cold voice echoed from nearby, and four figures suddenly leaped out, each wearing a fox mask.
"This scent and the destructive power… definitely an ANBU. Who the hell are you?"
Tenten protected Yasu, eyes burning with fury as she faced the masked attackers.
The ninja sneered, emanating killing intent. Through the fox masks, their eyes locked on Tenten.
"Little girl, you know? Originally, only one of you needed to die. But because of your mouth, all of you will die here today!"
As he finished four ninjas surrounded Yasu and Team 3.
Tenten's heart sank; her eyes were wide with fear.
All of Team 3 were just genin. Even with Yasu's strength, they couldn't hope to match these four.
These were likely jonins.
Being ANBU didn't always mean Jonin or Chunin level, but those walking the dark side of the ninja village lived on the edge of death every day. Without enough strength, they would be wiped out instantly.
And their side only had three genin. How could they compete?
"ANBU… sirs, we're just genin. We haven't done anything wrong… right? Maybe you've got the wrong people?"
Tenten forced a smile. Sometimes stubbornness could be effective—but against true veterans, it only made death come faster.
The four masked ninja were far beyond Team 3's reach. Retreat was the only option.
"No mistake. The one we're after is the boy behind you! He's suspected of leaking village secrets. The Hokage has ordered his immediate execution!"
Team 3 froze.
They all turned to Yasu.
The Hokage's word was absolute—like a royal decree.
Yasu shook his head wryly."If I told you I didn't… would you believe me?"
Silence fell. Birds and beasts nearby seemed to hold their breath. You could hear every soft inhale and exhale.
Then Neji stepped forward, moving beside Yasu."I believe in Yasu-kun. He would never be a traitor."
Tenten smiled faintly, slipping her arm through Yasu's."I believe in you too, Yasu-kun."
Lee chimed in,"I'm not sure… but I trust Guy-sensei's judgment!"
The four ANBU laughed coldly. Their cover blown, Team 3 had no chance of escape.
"Then die, all of you!"