A few days later, at noon, the Ninja Academy classroom buzzed with noise. Naruto was squatting in an open area of the classroom, playing with the class's newest "special member."
"Come on, Akamaru, sit!"
Naruto gave the command as he looked at Akamaru, the little dog before him. Its fur was snow-white, except for the backs of its ears, which were black.
This was Kiba's new partner, whom he had only recently brought in. The ninja hound that would grow as large as a person in the future was currently just a palm-sized puppy.
"Woof!"
Akamaru obediently sat down at once. He raised his little head and stared unblinkingly at Naruto with his bright black eyes.
"Good boy. Next, shake hands!"
Naruto held out his palm, and Akamaru immediately raised his right front paw, smoothly placing his soft paw pad in Naruto's hand to shake with him.
"As expected of a ninja hound. You're so smart."
Naruto could not help praising him as he reached out with his other hand to pet Akamaru's little head. The puppy's fur felt even better than he had imagined. Feeling the praise, Akamaru instantly narrowed his eyes and let out satisfied little whimpers from his throat. His tail wagged rapidly like a tiny motor, tapping out a cheerful rhythm against the floor.
Some time ago, Kiba had walked into the classroom carrying a fluffy white creature and proudly announced his new partner.
"This is Akamaru, my new partner!" Kiba held the palm-sized white puppy in both hands. The little guy seemed a little shy around strangers and kept sniffing the air with his wet black nose.
Naruto's eyes immediately lit up. He properly raised his hand and asked whether he could pet Akamaru.
At the same time, he grumbled inwardly, *As expected of the