After the food was served, everyone dug in ravenously.
Perhaps because the daytime assessment had drained too much of their stamina, everyone ate especially seriously this time. Even Sasuke, who wore an unhappy expression, was no exception.
After quite a while, everyone finally stopped and began belching.
Full and satisfied, they broke into small groups and started chatting.
The boys talked about today's assessment, while the girls discussed all sorts of everyday matters.
Neji did not join them. Instead, he turned to Shinji and asked, "Shinji, I heard you used one of the enemy's hands to form hand seals today?"
At Neji's question, the previously noisy private room immediately fell silent.
Sasuke glanced over.
Kimimaro raised his eyes.
The other students all turned their attention toward Shinji as well.
Although everyone present was still a Ninja Academy student, many of them came from influential families. They either belonged to bloodline clans or families with secret techniques, so they all possessed considerable insight.
Precisely because of that, they understood just how difficult Shinji's move today had been. It could even be called unbelievable.
"Yeah!"
Shinji nodded casually.
At the time, he had merely felt an itch to try it, so he had not been burdened by any pressure. On top of that, the opponent had not been on guard, which was why he had succeeded in one go.
If he were asked to replicate it now, even he probably would not be able to do it. So he had not taken it too seriously.
Yet his casual manner took on an entirely different meaning in everyone else's eyes.
Neji silently sighed. Shinji managed something like that without even activating his Sharingan. He really is far stronger than me! It wasn't luck that he has held first place for so long!
Sasuke's