Live-Fire Exercise Begins

Perhaps facing two Jonin opponents had ignited Shikamaru's fighting spirit. That evening, when he returned home for dinner, Shikamaru frantically questioned his parents about Kakashi and Asuma.

"So, does that mean Teacher Kakashi's strength is among the very top in Konoha?"

Shikaku nodded.

"That's right. Kakashi was already a Jonin when he was your age. He's a renowned genius."

"He's that strong?"

"Not only that, but he also possesses the Sharingan and has copied over a thousand jutsu. He's known as the 'Copy Ninja,' and his strength is terrifying."

Shikamaru's brow furrowed tightly, and he cast a somewhat resentful glance at Lu Yu, who was calmly eating beside him.

Seeing his older brother ignoring him, Shikamaru abandoned his dejected thoughts and continued to ask, "Then how strong is our teacher, Sarutobi Asuma?"

"Heh, Asuma was once one of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi who protected the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. You can imagine his strength."

Shikaku watched Shikamaru's troubled expression with amusement and asked curiously, "Why are you asking all this? Don't tell me you're planning to defeat those two head-on with just a few of you."

Shikamaru nodded helplessly. "Something like that. I just feel like our chances of winning aren't very high."

After Shikamaru finished speaking, he returned to his room to ponder strategy, much to the relief of Shikaku and Yoshino.

Then, their gazes uncontrollably shifted to Lu Yu.

Nara Yoshino couldn't help but say, "Lu Yu, look at your brother, he's so motivated. As his older brother, shouldn't you—"

Lu Yu wouldn't let his mother finish. He immediately said, "Mom, I just remembered, there are some parts of the Shadow Possession Jutsu that Dad taught me last time that I don't quite understand. Dad, look..."

Shikaku's mouth twitched upon hearing this. Good kid, you're really willing to say anything to save your own skin... I showed you the Shadow Possession Jutsu when you were three, and you learned it right away. Now you're telling me you don't understand it?

Sensing the plea and threat in his son's eyes, Shikaku nodded helplessly. "Yes, Lu Yu has been very diligent lately. I'll take him out to practice now..."

Then, father and son quickly walked out the door. By the time Nara Yoshino noticed, they had already disappeared somewhere.

Nara Yoshino looked speechlessly at the pots and pans on the table and only then realized. "You good-for-nothing Shikaku, running away from washing dishes again. You'll pay for this tonight..."

The next morning at seven o'clock, Shikamaru left in a hurry after washing up.

Shikamaru's determined appearance made Yoshino and Shikaku a little unaccustomed to it.

Nara Yoshino looked at Shikaku with some concern. "Shikaku, has this child been stimulated by something?"

"Hmph, don't you know your own son? He's probably just got a burst of enthusiasm that will last three minutes. Tomorrow he'll be back to normal. Instead of worrying about him, why don't you worry about me?"

As Shikaku spoke, he brewed himself a cup of goji berry tea and rubbed his sore lower back, sighing inwardly about getting old.

Nara Yoshino looked at Shikaku's actions, her face instantly flushed. She subconsciously glanced at Lu Yu's room. Seeing no movement, she glared at her husband hatefully and chided, "You old pervert, Lu Yu is still here. Be careful he doesn't hear you..."

Looking at his wife's coquettish gaze, Shikaku felt a surge of desire. He looked at her with a mischievous grin. "Heh heh, since today is a day off, my dear, why don't I take you out for a stroll..."

At half-past eight, Lu Yu lazily woke up. After washing up, he was surprised to find that neither his father nor his mother were home.

On the table was the breakfast his mother had prepared for him.

After Lu Yu ate his fill, he leisurely made his way to the meeting point.

Upon arriving at the clearing from yesterday, Lu Yu was surprised to find that the other six people were already there.

At this moment, the six of them seemed to be engaged in a heated discussion.

Seeing Lu Yu arrive, the six of them perfunctorily said "Good morning" and continued their discussion.

Lu Yu looked at the six spirited individuals, and a flicker of interest arose in his eyes. After their special training, can Sasuke and Naruto, along with the exceptionally talented Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, cause some trouble for Kakashi and Asuma?

Soon, the six seemed to have devised a plan. They nodded with satisfaction, and then the seven of them quietly waited for the arrival of the two Jonin.

"Whoosh—"

Time ticked by. By nine o'clock, two tall figures appeared out of thin air before Lu Yu and the other six.

Kakashi and Asuma looked at the spirited group with interest and nodded with satisfaction.

Asuma exhaled a ring of smoke, watching the group with a smile.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Now, Team 7 and Team 10, your first lesson begins."

Cling-clang.

The sound of bells chiming rang out.

Asuma produced four bells and looked at the group, saying, "Your first practical training lesson today is simple: your mission is to successfully snatch seven bells from Kakashi and me."

"It doesn't matter what method you use—assassination, a direct confrontation, or even trickery... as long as you manage to take the bells from our hands, your teachers will treat you to barbecue once we're finished."

Kakashi stepped forward and added, "I hope you'll give it your all. After all, there will be consequences if you fail."

"Now, I declare the practical exercise officially started!"