In the deep courtyard of the Ninja Academy, practical combat classes were always both anticipated and challenging.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the stone walls, spilling onto the training ground and adding a touch of warmth to the tense atmosphere.
The students, dressed in their standard ninja uniforms, waited with focused attention for the lesson to begin.
As the bell rang, the practical combat class officially commenced.
"I will be teaching today's practical combat class. Iruka usually handles it, and we take turns, but since he is the head teacher and I am the subject instructor, he is the one who teaches most of your combat sessions."
Standing on the training ground, Uchiha Ruri faced the expectant and nervous students, speaking in a calm and firm voice.
Sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting her silhouette onto the ground and seemingly adding a sense of solemnity and sanctity to the scene.
Her gaze swept across each student's face, as if she were peering into their innermost thoughts and emotions.
Practical combat is one of the most important courses at the Ninja Academy; it not only tests the students' ninja techniques but also serves as a trial for their willpower and teamwork.
Today, they would be personally guided by Ruri, an experienced ninja.
"Practical combat is not just a competition of techniques; it is a test of your willpower and mindset," Uchiha Ruri continued. "You must remain vigilant at all times and accurately judge the situation to remain invincible in battle."
As her words fell, the students straightened their backs, their faces showing expressions of determination.
They knew that today's practical combat class was a rare opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a real battle firsthand and to gain a deeper understanding of the ninja world.
The atmosphere on the training ground was tense yet filled with anticipation. Uchiha Ruri stood there, holding a roster.
It contained the names of every student. Her voice resonated across the entire field.
"The roster in my hand contains your names. I will call them out one by one. When your name is called, you will spar with the person paired with you. Take note: do not cause any injuries during the matches. Furthermore, since I am here, you can feel free to go all out; this will better allow you to unleash your potential."
These words eased the mood for many; after all, they were all comrades in this sparring session, so there was no need for excessive worry.
But what followed was a mix of anticipation and nervousness regarding their opponents. Ruri opened the roster and scanned everyone present. She knew that each person had their own strengths and characteristics, and this match would be a test for all of them.
Uchiha Ruri stood before the crowd, the roster in her hand seemingly bearing the fate of everyone present.
She took a deep breath and then clearly and firmly announced, "First, Sasuke versus Naruto."
The moment these two names were spoken, an uproar erupted in the crowd.
Sasuke and Naruto—these two names were legendary in the village, and their duel would undoubtedly be a thrilling contest.
Sasuke, the genius youth with the cold gaze, possessed strength and intelligence that inspired awe.
Naruto, the passionate youth who never admitted defeat, always infected those around him with his perseverance and determination.
Ruri looked at the two of them, her heart filled with anticipation.
Good grief, witnessing the two protagonists fight in person! This is even more intense than Boruto!
She knew that this duel was not just a test of their strength, but a trial of their willpower and convictions.
"After I finish calling the names, Sasuke, Naruto, please prepare yourselves." Ruri's voice echoed across the field, setting the stage for the battle about to begin.
"Sakura Haruno versus Ino Yamanaka." As Ruri read this pair, the atmosphere on the field instantly grew tense.
Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka were both excellent female ninjas in the village, each with their own unique traits and formidable strength.
Sakura Haruno was known for her resilience and perseverance, while Ino Yamanaka was famous for her unique ninjutsu and strategy.
Upon hearing her name, Sakura Haruno took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with a determined light.
She knew that the duel between her and Ino would be a contest of willpower and technique. Ino Yamanaka, meanwhile, smiled slightly, seemingly full of anticipation for the match.
"Hinata Hyuga versus Neji Hyuga," Ruri continued. This pairing also drew everyone's attention.
Hinata Hyuga and Neji Hyuga were both outstanding representatives of the Hyuga clan; they possessed the powerful Byakugan and were the best of the best in the village.
Upon hearing her name, a strong fighting spirit surged within Hinata.
She knew the gap in strength between her and Neji was significant, but she did not fear the challenge.
She believed that as long as she worked hard, she would surely be able to narrow the distance between herself and Neji.
Neji, on the other hand, smiled indifferently, as if he were already confident in the outcome of this duel.
"Shikamaru versus Rock," Ruri's voice rang out again. This pairing surprised some people.
Shikamaru was known for his intelligence and strategy, while Rock was an opponent who excelled in raw power.
Their styles were completely different, and this duel would be a collision of intellect and strength.
Upon hearing his name, a confident smile tugged at the corner of Shikamaru's mouth.
He knew his specialty was strategy rather than strength, but he believed his intelligence could overcome anything.
Rock let out a roar, displaying his immense power.
"Great Strength King versus Muscle Tyrant..." Ruri finally read the last pair. As soon as these two names were spoken, a burst of laughter erupted on the field, as if someone had flipped a switch, and the entire training ground instantly turned into an ocean of joy.
Ruri stood before the students, facing this sudden outburst of laughter, her heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.
She couldn't hold it in; the corners of her mouth twitched slightly, and she wore an expression of being unable to laugh or cry.
These two names were simply hilarious to the extreme! Great Strength King sounded like a giant with infinite power, as if he could punch through a mountain; and Muscle Tyrant brought to mind a muscular, hulking brute.
Putting these two names together was like a comedy duo, making it impossible not to laugh.
Liuli couldn't help but roast them: "I have to ask, Great Strength King and Muscle Tyrant, did you two walk out of a comedy sketch? These names are just too hilarious! Great Strength King, do you eat ten pounds of beef every meal just to build up that god-like strength? Muscle Tyrant, do you sleep while holding dumbbells to sculpt those muscles?"
Liuli's roasting triggered even louder roars of laughter; the audience seemed to find resonance in her words and chimed in one after another.
Great Strength King and Muscle Tyrant stood opposite each other, looking equally awkward. Great Strength King rubbed his bald head, chuckled, and said, "Teacher, don't underestimate me. I didn't earn this name for nothing—you'll see my power soon enough!"
Muscle Tyrant patted his own pectorals and laughed smugly: "Teacher, these muscles of mine weren't built on a vegetarian diet. Great Strength King better watch out later, or he'll be crying after I beat him!"
Great Strength King and Muscle Tyrant were both ninjas in the village known for their raw power, and their duel would be a pure contest of strength.
Hearing their names, both Great Strength King and Muscle Tyrant wore excited smiles.
They knew this duel would be the best opportunity to showcase their strength. The two looked at each other, full of passion, as if striking a battle stance.
Hearing this, Liuli shook her head helplessly. She never expected the match list today to be so bizarre.
Did their parents not think twice when naming these guys? she thought to herself. But, since the names are already out there, let's just keep going.
With that, Liuli took a deep breath and continued reading the match list. She tried her best to make her voice sound serious, but every time she read a ridiculous name, she couldn't help but roast it in her mind.
"Next up is... Storm versus Lightning Gale!" Liuli announced. As soon as this name combination left her lips, another wave of laughter erupted across the field.
These two names sound like weather phenomena from a forecast, Liuli thought. How did they end up as the names of combatants?
She couldn't help but continue the roast: "Storm versus Lightning Gale, did you two coordinate to stage a battle of nature? I have to remind you, though, this is a training ground, not a weather station!"
Laughter rang out again, and Liuli felt that her roasting had become the audience's main source of entertainment.
She didn't mind; after all, this atmosphere made the fighting more interesting.
It was better to let these little ones relax a bit.
Finally, Liuli finished reading the entire match list. She stood on the platform, looking at the laughing students below, and felt a sense of relief.
Although these names were bizarre, it was this comedic atmosphere that made the fighting more interesting and memorable.
Liuli took a deep breath, smiled slightly at the audience, and said, "Alright, students, the match list has been read. Next, the contestants from the first group onwards will proceed in order."
"Now, ninja battle! Begin!"
As Liuli finished reading the match list, the atmosphere on the training ground reached its climax.
After finishing the list, Liuli immediately walked over to young Naruto and young Sasuke. Her face was filled with a gentle smile, and her eyes revealed her concern and expectations for these two young protagonists.
She said softly, "When you two spar, don't be too intense. Watch your safety and protect both yourselves and each other."
At this moment, young Naruto and young Sasuke were both hot-blooded youths. Hearing Liuli's words, they both nodded to show they understood.
Young Naruto scratched his head and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Teacher, I'll control my strength."
Young Sasuke, on the other hand, looked calm. He glanced at Naruto and said coolly, "I will go all out, but I will be mindful of the limits."
With a whistle from Liuli, the battle between young Naruto and young Sasuke officially began.
They quickly took their stances, preparing to engage in an intense contest.
Young Naruto was agile; he rushed toward young Sasuke, attempting to use his speed advantage to gain the upper hand.
However, young Sasuke responded calmly. With a shift of his body, he easily dodged Naruto's attack.
Next, young Sasuke countered quickly. He clenched his fists, gathered a surge of powerful energy, and slammed a punch toward Naruto.
The punch was as imposing as a rainbow, as if it would knock Naruto down in an instant.
However, Naruto's reaction was extremely fast. A flash of sharpness crossed his eyes as he sidestepped, easily dodging Sasuke's attack. His figure traced a graceful arc in the air before landing steadily on the ground.
Naruto didn't give Sasuke a chance to catch his breath; he followed up with a kick toward Sasuke, his speed as fast as lightning, dazzling to behold.
Seeing this, Sasuke was startled, but he didn't panic. He quickly adjusted his stance, preparing to deal with Naruto's attack.
The scene of their fight was exceptionally intense. Their movements were as fast as lightning, leaving one unable to keep up.
Every attack and defense was filled with power and technique, making one admire their strength. The audience was also drawn in by their performance, erupting in cheers.
However, in this intense fight, young Sasuke gradually began to show his advantage.
His movements were swifter, his power greater, and every attack made Naruto feel the pressure mounting.
While Naruto was resisting as hard as he could, he gradually began to feel overwhelmed.
At this critical moment, young Sasuke suddenly unleashed his ultimate move.
Sasuke's eyes widened abruptly, and a strange red light flashed within them.
At that moment, something seemed to be triggered deep within his pupils, and the One-Tomoe Sharingan instantly activated.
However, this sudden change didn't bring the expected increase in power; instead, it made him feel a wave of weakness.
At the same time, Sasuke's aura surged instantly, as if he had become an entirely different existence.
Sharp light flickered in his eyes, and a powerful aura radiated from him, making the surrounding students feel an indescribable sense of oppression.
"This guy..." Naruto felt a jolt in his heart. He sensed the change in Sasuke and knew his opponent was ready to go all out.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm the turbulence in his heart, and quickly adjusted his state, preparing to meet the coming battle.
"Three Body Technique!" Naruto shouted in a low voice. His figure swayed violently, and he actually conjured two clones, rushing toward Sasuke from both the left and the right.
This Three Body Technique was Naruto's signature move, but at this moment, he felt a faint sense of unease.
Young Sasuke observed the three Narutos rushing toward him calmly, his eyes devoid of any ripples.
Just as the clones' fists were about to strike him, he flashed aside, dodging them with ease. Then, with a single movement, he appeared instantly before the real Naruto.
"The Three Body Technique is powerful, but if you don't understand your enemy's abilities, it's hard to unleash its true potential," Young Sasuke said coldly.
Young Naruto's heart tightened; he knew Young Sasuke was right.
He had intended to confuse Young Sasuke with the Three Body Technique and find an opening to attack, but he hadn't expected Young Sasuke to dismantle his moves so effortlessly.
Just as Young Naruto was contemplating a countermeasure, Young Sasuke launched his attack.
He moved in a blur, arriving instantly in front of Young Naruto, and delivered a heavy punch directly into his abdomen.
Young Naruto felt a massive force surge through him, as if struck by a heavy hammer, and he instantly lost control of his body.
His vision began to blur, and the gasps of the surrounding students echoed in his ears, but it all felt so distant.
He could only feel his body tracing an arc through the air, about to slam hard into a nearby tree trunk.
"I told him to hold back; this Sasuke is really something," Liuli sighed helplessly, her voice laced with anxiety and concern.
She knew Young Sasuke's strength well and understood that Young Naruto was at a disadvantage in this fight. She had hoped Young Sasuke would temper his power to give Young Naruto room to grow, but she hadn't expected him to strike so hard.
Without hesitation, Liuli rushed toward Young Naruto. Her figure flashed past the crowd like a bolt of lightning. Her speed was immense, and in the blink of an eye, she was at Young Naruto's side.
She reached out both hands, catching Young Naruto steadily just before he hit the tree.
Her hands seemed to possess a magical power, completely neutralizing the impact and allowing him to land safely on the ground.
Lying in Liuli's arms, Young Naruto felt a wave of warmth. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Liuli's concerned gaze.
"Teacher..." Young Naruto whispered, his voice weak and filled with gratitude.
Liuli gently helped Young Naruto up, leaning him against the tree trunk. She carefully checked his body, confirming he hadn't sustained any serious injuries.
"Young Naruto, don't be afraid, Teacher is here," Liuli said softly, her voice like a spring breeze, providing a sense of peace and warmth.
She patted Young Naruto's shoulder gently, signaling him to relax.
Young Naruto looked up at Liuli, the fear and unease in his eyes gradually dissipating.
He felt Liuli's care and comfort, as if a warm current were flowing through his heart.
"Liuli-sensei, I..." Young Naruto started to speak, but Liuli interrupted him.
"No need to say anything, I understand," Liuli said with a smile. "Sasuke's strike was indeed a bit heavy, but that's just his style. Don't take it to heart; after all, you are both students with a long road ahead."
Young Naruto nodded, the gloom in his heart easing slightly. He knew he still had much to improve, and this battle had made him deeply aware of his own shortcomings.
"Liuli-sensei, I will train hard and improve my strength," Young Naruto said firmly, his eyes flashing with determination.
Liuli looked at Young Naruto, her heart filled with gratification. She knew Young Naruto was a student with potential; as long as he trained hard, he would surely become an outstanding ninja.
"Good, Teacher believes in you. You can come to my home on the weekend for extra training," Liuli encouraged. "Now, rest for a moment; I'm going to go talk to Sasuke."
With that, Liuli turned and walked toward Young Sasuke. She knew that although this battle had ended, there were still many things to address.
"The next match will continue. Naruto isn't seriously hurt, so everyone don't worry."
Liuli's voice echoed in the air, carrying a reassuring power. As soon as she finished speaking, the tense atmosphere eased significantly.
The crowd looked toward Young Naruto, seeing him sitting on the ground; though his face was pale, his eyes were exceptionally firm.
He felt the concerned gazes of his classmates, and a warm current surged in his heart.
"I'm really fine, Liuli-sensei already checked me over," Young Naruto said to everyone with a smile, his voice weak but full of strength.
Liuli watched Young Naruto, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes. She knew that although Young Naruto was young, he already possessed the quality of perseverance. Such a student would surely become an excellent ninja in the future.
"Alright, don't crowd around him; let Naruto rest for a while," Liuli said, waving her hand to signal everyone to disperse.
The crowd followed Liuli's instructions and stepped back, leaving a quiet space for Young Naruto.
Liuli walked to Young Naruto's side, crouched down, and asked concernedly, "Naruto, rest here. If you need anything, just let Teacher know."
Young Naruto shook his head and smiled: "I'm really fine, Liuli-sensei. Just a bit tired, I'll be better after a rest."
Liuli nodded and stood up, relieved. She knew that while Young Naruto's body was fatigued, his spirit remained full. That state was enough to face the difficulties ahead.
Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka arrived at the center of the playground. The two stood firm, their gazes resolute, as if about to engage in an intense contest. The surrounding students gathered around, discussions rising and falling; everyone was looking forward to a spectacular performance in this duel.
Liuli walked over to Sasuke, looking at him with a puzzled expression. Sasuke remained expressionless, as if the fight with Young Naruto hadn't affected him at all.
Liuli knew Sasuke's strength was great, but she didn't understand why he had struck Young Naruto so hard.
"Sasuke, your strike just now was a bit too heavy," Liuli said softly, her tone carrying a hint of reproach. She stood beside Sasuke, looking into his deep black eyes, hoping to read his thoughts.
Sasuke turned to look at Liuli, his brows slightly raised, as if pondering why she would say that. He responded indifferently: "Too heavy? I was just following my sister's instructions to give it my all."
Liuli frowned slightly; she knew Sasuke's strength far exceeded his peers, but he seemed to have misunderstood her meaning.
She took a deep breath and explained patiently: "Sasuke, I know you are very strong, but giving it your all doesn't mean you have to hurt your opponent. Although Young Naruto has improved a lot, he is still a child, and your power might be too much for him to handle."
Sasuke was silent for a moment, seemingly reflecting on Liuli's words. A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but in the end, he stuck to his point: "I held back. I hit his abdomen, it wasn't that heavy."
Liuli looked at Sasuke's firm gaze and knew she wouldn't change his mind in the short term.
But she didn't give up; she believed that as time passed, Sasuke would understand her intentions.
She gently patted Sasuke on the head, her tone softening as she said, "Alright, perhaps you're right. But remember, this is school. We are conducting a practice session, not a battle to the death against an enemy. Giving it your all is fine, but it is more important to learn how to control your power, to respect your opponent, and to respect yourself. Only through such battles can you truly grow."
Sasuke felt the warmth of Liuli's palm and lowered his head slightly, a flash of complex emotion crossing his eyes. It wasn't that he didn't understand her words; it was just that deep down, a fierce competitive drive made it difficult for him to ever fully lower his guard during a fight.
Liuli watched Sasuke's silence, knowing he needed time to digest what she had said.
She didn't rush him, choosing instead to stay quietly by his side, waiting for him to come to his own realization.
After a while, Sasuke looked up, a hint of resolve in his eyes.
He took a deep breath and said to Liuli, "I understand, sister. I will remember your words and learn to control my power during combat. Thank you."
Hearing Sasuke's response, Liuli felt a sense of relief.
She knew Sasuke was a smart child with a strong sense of pride; as long as he could understand and accept her advice, he would surely be able to change the personality he had in the original story.
Nearby, Shikamaru Nara, Kiba Inuzuka, and Rock Lee were gathered together, their gazes all involuntarily fixed on Sasuke and Liuli.
Seeing Sasuke being gently patted on the head by Liuli and even showing a rare, shy expression, the three of them were stunned.
"Hey, hey, did you guys see that? Sasuke... he's actually blushing!" Rock Lee widened his eyes, pointing toward Sasuke with an expression of disbelief.
Shikamaru Nara rubbed his eyes to confirm he wasn't seeing things, then couldn't help but chuckle, "Haha, that really is a rare sight. Sasuke, that guy, is usually so cool and aloof; I never expected him to have such a shy side."
Kiba Inuzuka looked at Sasuke and Liuli with envy, "I'm so jealous. Teacher Liuli is so gentle with Sasuke. I want to be patted on the head by Teacher Liuli too..."
Before he could finish, he was mocked by Rock Lee, "Haha, Kiba, don't even think about it. Teacher Liuli is Sasuke's sister; she's only that gentle with him."
Shikamaru Nara also laughed and patted Kiba Inuzuka on the shoulder, "Kiba, you should just give up. But then again, Sasuke and the teacher really do have a great relationship. Every time I see them together, it feels so heartwarming."
Shikamaru Nara shook his head slightly, as if trying to shake off the surprise in his mind, and said half-jokingly, "It seems Sasuke has his soft spots too. Who would have thought that this guy, who usually looks too cool to have any friends, could actually be shy?"
Kiba Inuzuka touched his chin thoughtfully, as if he had discovered a great secret, "Don't you guys think Teacher Liuli's attitude toward Sasuke is really different from how she treats the rest of us?"
Rock Lee widened his eyes, as if realizing something, "You mean... Sister Liuli favors Sasuke more?"
"It's not favoritism, it's special care," Shikamaru Nara corrected. "She treats Sasuke like her own younger brother. That kind of gentleness and patience is something none of us have ever enjoyed."
Kiba Inuzuka nodded in agreement, "True, Teacher Liuli really cares about Sasuke. It seems that kid Naruto also got a head pat... damn... I didn't get a head pat."
Rock Lee sighed, saying with some envy, "Sigh, I wish I had a sister like that too."
The three of them chatted while occasionally casting envious glances toward Sasuke and Liuli.
They all knew that although Sasuke didn't talk much, deep down, he was actually very hungry for family affection.
Especially since the news of his clan's annihilation had spread throughout the village.
And Liuli, as his sister, undoubtedly gave him great support and love.
By now, Sasuke had regained his usual calm demeanor, but the faint blush on his cheeks lingered.
He tried to cover his embarrassment with a cough, but Liuli didn't seem ready to let him off the hook.
"Oh, Sasuke, are you blushing? You seemed to be blushing in my room this morning, too, didn't you?"
Liuli looked at Sasuke with a playful smile, as if she were enjoying a rare and interesting scene.
Sasuke felt his cheeks growing hotter; he knew he was definitely blushing, but he refused to admit it in front of Liuli.
He turned his face away, trying to hide his discomfort with a cold expression, his voice becoming somewhat stiff, "How could that be? I'm not blushing at all."
Liuli didn't seem to care about Sasuke's coldness; she leaned in closer, her bright eyes fixed on his face as if she wanted to see right through him.
She scrutinized Sasuke's face, a playful curve touching her lips, "Really? But I see your cheeks are clearly red, just like a ripe apple."
Liuli's voice was soft and sweet, like a spring breeze brushing over a lake, refreshing and pleasant.
Her words made Sasuke's heart race uncontrollably, and he felt his cheeks grow even hotter.
Sasuke tried hard to remain calm, attempting to respond to Liuli's teasing with a cold gaze.
However, Liuli didn't seem ready to let him go, continuing in that sweet voice, "Sasuke, you know? Actually, blushing is a very cute trait."
Her words carried a hint of mischief and teasing, making Sasuke feel somewhat helpless.
He knew he couldn't escape Liuli's teasing and could only try his best to stay calm, avoiding an even more awkward situation.
"If you're blushing, then you're blushing. Sister knows anyway," Liuli said with a laugh, her tone revealing a playfulness that suggested she was enjoying seeing Sasuke like this.
Listening to Liuli, Sasuke's embarrassment and shyness grew even more intense.
He tried hard to remain calm, but the heat on his cheeks was as difficult to hide as a flame.
He glared at Liuli, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction, "Sister, stop making fun of me."
Liuli didn't seem to mind Sasuke's annoyance, continuing to smile, "Oh my, Sasuke, you really are cute like this. You know, blushing is also a sign of charm."
Listening to Liuli, Sasuke's embarrassment deepened. He knew he was being teased into a flustered state, but he didn't want to lose his composure in front of everyone.
He took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound calm, "Sister, please stop teasing me. I... I just feel a bit uncomfortable, that's all."
Watching Sasuke, the playfulness in Liuli's heart gradually faded, replaced by a sense of tenderness and concern.
She gently patted Sasuke on the shoulder, her tone softening, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Actually, I just think you're cute like this; I didn't mean any harm."
Listening to Liuli, Sasuke's embarrassment eased slightly.
He looked up at Liuli, a flash of gratitude in his eyes, "Thank you, sister."
Liuli smiled and said nothing more.
She knew Sasuke was an introverted and sensitive person who needed more understanding and tolerance. She was willing to be the one who could understand and accept him.
The conversation between the two gradually died down, but their emotions continued to communicate in silence.
Sasuke felt the awkwardness and shyness in his heart slowly dissipating, replaced by a sense of normalcy.
"So, don't go so hard on Naruto next time. You two are classmates, and you are friends."
Liuli's words echoed in Sasuke's ears like a gentle spring breeze, brushing softly against his heart.
Sasuke froze; he hadn't expected Liuli to bring this up at such a moment.
His gaze dropped slightly, avoiding Liuli's direct stare, as a complex surge of emotions welled up within him.
Sasuke had always been an independent and proud person. He rarely listened to others' advice, let alone suggestions regarding his conduct.
However, Liuli's words were like a needle, piercing precisely into his heart.
He knew his sister was concerned for him, reminding him not to walk down the wrong path.
He frowned and said with some helplessness, "I know. I'll stop at the right time next time." Although his tone carried a hint of reluctance, Sasuke still chose to heed Liuli's words.
He understood that while his sister's words were simple, they contained deep concern and expectation. He didn't want to disappoint her, nor did he want to regret his actions later.
Liuli looked at Sasuke, a flash of relief in her eyes. She knew Sasuke was a smart and sensible child, just sometimes too stubborn and impulsive.
With that, Liuli said nothing more, simply patting Sasuke on the head before turning to leave.
She knew her words had taken effect; Sasuke would reflect on his behavior and strive to improve.
Liuli walked slowly toward the group of students, her steps steady and powerful, each one seemingly carrying a unique rhythm.
Her gaze inadvertently fell upon Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno, who were arguing, and a look of confusion appeared on her face.
Liuli had expected to see an intense sparring match; after all, according to the reports she received, a battle was supposed to take place here. However, the scene before her left her speechless.
A battle? This wasn't a battle at all—it was clearly just two girls bickering!
She stopped and watched them quietly. Ino stood with her hands on her hips, her face full of anger, her voice trembling slightly as she was clearly stung by Sakura Haruno's words.
Sakura Haruno, meanwhile, looked stubborn, responding to Ino Yamanaka's accusations without backing down, her eyes flashing with determination.
Their voices intertwined, creating a tense and heated atmosphere.
The surrounding students cast curious glances, some even whispering and discussing this sudden quarrel.
Liuli couldn't help but sigh; arguments between girls were truly unfathomable.
She knew deep down that there must be deeper conflicts and misunderstandings hidden behind this spat.
She decided to intervene and help them resolve the dispute, especially since other students were waiting to spar and she was the teacher.
She walked up to Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno and said softly, "Ino Yamanaka, Sakura Haruno, stop arguing."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable firmness.
Hearing Liuli's voice, both Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno froze and turned to look at her.
Ino Yamanaka's face still held a flush of anger, while Sakura Haruno frowned, looking unconvinced.
Liuli looked at them and continued, "This is a combat class, not a place for you to act unreasonably. Which one of you actually won?"
Her tone carried a hint of severity, making both of them realize the gravity of the situation.
Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno exchanged a glance and fell silent. They seemed reminded by Liuli's words that this was a combat class and they shouldn't waste time arguing.
After a moment, Ino Yamanaka spoke first: "We... we haven't actually started the spar yet."
Her voice trembled, clearly not yet fully recovered from her anger. Sakura Haruno also spoke up: "I just wanted to tell her some facts, but she misunderstood what I meant." Her tone carried a hint of grievance.
Liuli understood the situation after hearing them out. She patted their shoulders gently and said, "I know there are some misunderstandings between you, but now is not the time to resolve them." She paused, then continued, "This is a combat class, and other students are waiting in line. If you have issues, you can find a suitable time and place after class to talk it out. For now, let's get back to the combat training."
Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno nodded in agreement.
They knew Liuli was right; they couldn't let a momentary argument delay the lesson.
Watching the faces of Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno gradually calm down, Liuli finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She couldn't help but think to herself: these two girls arguing in a combat class is even more absurd than a ninja war!
Recalling the scene, she found it both funny and helpless. These two girls, usually seemingly sharp and capable, saw their intelligence plummet the moment they started arguing, tossing basic logic and reason to the winds.
Liuli muttered inwardly: A combat class—this is a place to hone our strength and skills, and you two turned it into a "spit-fire war." If this got out, the entire Ninja Academy would laugh their heads off.
As she thought this, she couldn't help but chuckle.
Hearing Liuli's laughter, Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno turned to look at her, their faces showing a hint of embarrassment.
Liuli quickly suppressed her smile, coughed twice, and said sternly, "Alright, alright, don't look at me like that. I wasn't laughing at you."
In her heart, however, she thought: I don't even believe that myself.
Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno looked at each other, both knowing exactly what was going on.