Lu Yu had just entered the crowd when he heard the names of the next opponents announced. He couldn't help glancing at Iruka, who was grinning mischievously.
Iruka suddenly felt a chill. After a moment's thought, he came over to Lu Yu and said quietly:
"I promise this will be the last fight. As for why I paired you against him, I'm guessing you've already figured it out..."
At that, Lu Yu looked at Inuzuka Kiba swaggering into the ring and seemed to understand.
"Hey, Lu Yu, quit cowering! If you've got what it takes, fight me properly. Don't think beating Hinata makes you so great."
"Woof! Woof!"
"Haha, Akamaru, you think this guy's nothing special too, don't you?"
"Woof!"
"You hear that, Lu Yu? Get over here and let me see what you're made of..."
"Woof, woof, woof..."
There was no denying the Inuzuka Clan knew how to provoke people. Kiba and his dog worked together seamlessly, and after just a few lines, even the usually even-tempered Lu Yu was getting fed up.
The two stepped into the ring, formed the Seal of Reconciliation, and moved apart.
That was when Kiba finally realized something was wrong.
Why did this guy seem completely without openings?
That was impossible!
Even that bastard Sasuke didn't make me feel this way. How could someone who skipped class every day be like this?
Kiba furrowed his brows, utterly baffled...
Looking at Kiba and Akamaru, who was baring his teeth at Lu Yu from Kiba's arms, Lu Yu couldn't help thinking:
So this is the guy who's been reporting on me every day?!
Looks like I'll have to give him a memory he won't forget today...
At the thought, Lu Yu's gaze instantly turned cold.
"Whimper..."
Akamaru suddenly sensed a deadly threat. His fur bristled, and he let out a series of terrified whimpers.
Not only that, Akamaru struggled free of Kiba's arms and leaped to the ground. His legs gave way, and he fell awkwardly.
Seeing Akamaru panic, Kiba was instantly alarmed. He completely forgot about Lu Yu and crouched down, trying to calm him.
But no matter what Kiba said, Akamaru ignored him. He just kept trying to flee, as if something utterly terrifying were nearby.
Dogs had a sixth sense many times sharper than humans'. Though Lu Yu had released only the faintest trace of cold intent, Akamaru had still keenly sensed the mortal danger.
"Bastard, what did you do to Akamaru?"
Kiba roared in Lu Yu's direction, only to realize that Lu Yu had mysteriously vanished.
"If I catch you reporting on me again, I promise that next time Akamaru might end up in a pot."
A familiar voice sounded behind Kiba. Somehow, Lu Yu had already appeared at his back.
"Lu Yu wins! Form the Seal of Reconciliation!"
Seeing Lu Yu behind Kiba, Iruka immediately called out.
The strange fight had ended before it even began, leaving the students watching from outside the ring completely bewildered.
"That's strange. When did Lu Yu get behind Kiba? I was watching Akamaru and didn't notice."
"Me neither. I looked away for a moment, and Lu Yu was gone..."
"I heard dogs have a much sharper sixth sense than humans. Do you think Akamaru sensed something scary?"
"Something scary? What could've frightened Akamaru like that?"
"Who knows..."
The other students discussed it curiously, but most of them hadn't noticed Lu Yu's movements.
Ino, Shikamaru, and Sasuke, however, had noticed his terrifying speed.
Sasuke clenched both fists, his eyes filled with shock.
He couldn't believe Lu Yu was so fast that even his eyes couldn't keep up. Just how terrifying was that?
Shikamaru stroked his chin, pondering. Strange. How could his older brother be so strong when he spent every day lazing around? Had he been secretly training lately?
Ino gazed at Lu Yu with shining eyes. She couldn't be bothered to wonder why he was so strong. In her heart, Lu Yu was practically the very definition of someone who could do anything.
After the two who'd settled their match formed the Seal of Reconciliation, they left the ring. Iruka began announcing the next pairing.
"Next match: Nara Shikamaru versus Inokuchi Daio..."
Unlike Lu Yu's instant, one-sided victory, the other students were evenly matched.
Even Nara Shikamaru and the others hadn't yet pulled far ahead of their peers.
The two fought for more than a dozen exchanges before one of them won...
As the figures clashed across the training ground, time slowly slipped by.
Dusk fell. Once the final pair had finished their match, Iruka dismissed everyone.
Before you continue