In the afternoon, all the students of the class gathered at the academy's training ground.
The field was about the size of two or three basketball courts, surrounded by trees. On one side stood a row of targets—clearly prepared for the kunai throwing assessment.
…
"Sigh… I wonder if I can pass this time…"
"I failed last week and got scolded badly at home…"
A few students whispered anxiously, clearly lacking confidence.
Then suddenly—
"Anyway, no matter how bad we do… we won't be last."
One of them smirked and glanced toward a lone figure standing apart.
That figure was Naruto Uzumaki.
"Haha, exactly! He's got last place locked in!"
The others laughed in agreement.
…
"Ugh… kunai throwing again…"
Naruto muttered miserably, unaware he had just been mocked.
His aim was terrible.
Missing the target was practically normal for him.
"Why can't Iruka-sensei test something else…"
He grumbled, looking around.
Most students looked confident.
A few glanced at him and smiled strangely.
That only made him more annoyed.
Then—
His gaze landed on someone.
Leaning casually against a tree, completely relaxed.
Naruto couldn't help but mutter:
"…Must be nice being Shin. Not worried at all…"
…
At that moment—
Kazama Shin stood with arms crossed, leaning against a tree at the edge of the crowd, eyes closed in quiet focus.
Unlike Naruto, who was isolated—
Shin wasn't disturbed, but people still glanced at him frequently.
Suddenly—
His brows twitched.
He slowly opened his eyes.
Someone was approaching.
Sasuke Uchiha.
"What do you want?" Shin asked calmly.
Sasuke stared straight at him.
"Want to compete?"
"Let's see who gets the better score in this assessment."
As a member of the Uchiha clan, Sasuke had performed exceptionally well since entering the academy.
If not for Shin—
He would have been number one.
The two were the most talked-about figures in class.
The moment Sasuke approached Shin—
Everyone's attention shifted.
When they heard the challenge—
The crowd erupted.
"Whoa! Sasuke is challenging Shin?!"
"He wants first place!"
…
Shin found it strange.
Why did Sasuke want to compete with him?
"…Not interested."
He closed his eyes again.
Kunai throwing?
What was the point?
And honestly—
At his current level, competing with Sasuke felt like bullying.
There was no sense of achievement.
"What?!"
Sasuke's expression changed.
"…Or are you scared?"
A classic provocation.
But Shin didn't even respond.
That only made Sasuke more irritated.
"Tch… that guy."
Just then, Naruto stepped in.
"Hey, you're not qualified to challenge Shin yet!"
He pointed at himself proudly.
"Shin is someone I—Naruto Uzumaki—will defeat!"
Unfortunately—
Sasuke didn't even acknowledge him.
He simply glanced once and looked away.
His focus remained entirely on Shin.
"…Hey! Did you hear me?!"
Naruto shouted angrily.
"Hey, Sasuke! Don't ignore me!"
"Teacher's here!"
Someone suddenly called out.
Iruka had arrived.
Sasuke could only snort and step away, shooting Shin one last look.
As for Naruto?
Completely ignored.
"Ahhh! Sasuke, I challenge you!"
Naruto shouted in frustration.
Shin opened his eyes slightly, watching the scene unfold, then shook his head.
…
"Next—Naruto Uzumaki!"
Iruka Umino called out while recording the previous score.
One by one, students stepped up.
Kunai throwing was a fundamental ninja skill.
In real combat, a properly thrown kunai could be deadly.
That's why it was tested frequently.
Failing meant punishment.
…
Naruto stepped forward.
He swallowed nervously, gripping a kunai tightly.
Then—
With eyes shut tight—
He threw it.
Whoosh—
Thud!
The kunai hit wood.
"I hit it! I hit it!"
Naruto jumped up excitedly.
"Wait, Naruto!"
Iruka immediately grabbed him.
"Huh? Iruka-sensei, I hit the target! Do I get a reward?!"
Naruto said eagerly.
Iruka's expression darkened.
Veins bulged on his forehead.
Then—
He roared into Naruto's ear:
"Idiot! Your target is OVER THERE!!! This is zero points!"
Naruto went dizzy and collapsed on the ground.
"Hahahaha!"
Laughter erupted around him.
Shin watched helplessly.
Same old Naruto…