The Practical Exercise Begins

Perhaps facing two jōnin had stirred up Shikamaru's fighting spirit. That evening, while eating dinner at home, he eagerly grilled his parents for information about Kakashi and Asuma.

"So Kakashi-sensei is one of the strongest in all of Konoha?"

Shikaku nodded.

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

"He's that amazing?"

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

Shikamaru frowned deeply and glanced resentfully at Lu Yu, who was calmly eating beside him.

When his older brother ignored him, Shikamaru could only abandon his gloomy thoughts and continue asking:

"Then how strong is our teacher, Sarutobi Asuma?"

"Heh. Asuma was once one of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi who protected the Land of Fire's daimyo. You can imagine how strong he is."

Shikaku watched Shikamaru's troubled expression with amusement, then asked curiously:

"Why are you asking all this? You're not thinking of beating those two head-on with just your team, are you?"

Shikamaru nodded helplessly.

"More or less. It just feels like we don't have much of a chance."

After he finished speaking, Shikamaru returned to his room to think up a strategy, much to Shikaku and Yoshino's delight.

Then, without meaning to, their eyes shifted to Lu Yu.

Nara Yoshino couldn't help saying:

"Lu Yu, look at your little brother. He's finally getting motivated. As his older brother, shouldn't you—"

Lu Yu wasn't about to let his mother finish. He immediately cut in:

"Mom, I just remembered that I still don't quite understand the Shadow Possession Jutsu Dad taught me last time. Dad, could you—"

Shikaku's mouth twitched when he heard that.

You little rascal, you'll say anything to save your own skin...

I showed you the Shadow Possession Jutsu when you were three, and you learned it right then and there. And now you're telling me you don't quite understand it?

Feeling his son's gaze, which carried a hint of pleading and threat, Shikaku nodded helplessly.

"Yeah, Lu Yu's been working hard lately. I'll take him out to practice right now..."

Father and son hurried out the door. By the time Nara Yoshino noticed, the two of them had already disappeared without a trace.

Nara Yoshino stared speechlessly at the pots and bowls on the table. Only then did she realize what had happened.

"Shikaku, you scoundrel! You've dodged the dishes again. Just you wait—I'll deal with you tonight..."

The next morning at seven, Shikamaru finished washing up and hurried out.

His sudden burst of diligence left Yoshino and Shikaku feeling a little unsettled.

Nara Yoshino looked at Shikaku with concern.

"Shikaku, do you think something's gotten into him?"

"Hey, you know your son. It's probably just a burst of enthusiasm that'll wear off by tomorrow. And instead of worrying about him, why don't you pay a little attention to me?"

As he spoke, Shikaku made himself a cup of goji berry tea and rubbed his aching lower back, unable to help sighing at how old he was getting.

Watching him, Nara Yoshino blushed. She glanced at Lu Yu's room, and when she heard no movement, she shot her husband an exasperated look.

"You shameless old flirt. Lu Yu's still here. Be careful he doesn't hear you..."

Seeing the coquettish look in his wife's eyes, Shikaku's heart stirred. He gave her a mischievous grin.

"Heh, we're off today anyway. How about I take you out for a stroll, honey..."

At eight thirty, Lu Yu finally dragged himself out of bed. After washing up, he was surprised to find that his parents were both gone.

His mother had left breakfast for him on the table.

After eating his fill, Lu Yu ambled over to the meeting place.

When he arrived at the clearing from the previous day, he was surprised to see that the other six had already arrived.

The six of them seemed to be discussing something heatedly.

When they saw Lu Yu arrive, they gave him a perfunctory "Morning," then went right back to their discussion.

Seeing how fired up the six of them were, Lu Yu felt a flicker of interest.

Would Sasuke and Naruto, whom he had put through special training, along with the talented Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, manage to cause Kakashi and Asuma some trouble?

Before long, the six of them seemed to have come up with a plan. They nodded in satisfaction, and then all seven waited quietly for the two jōnin to arrive.

"Whoosh, whoosh—"

As the minutes passed, nine o'clock arrived. Two tall figures suddenly appeared before Lu Yu and the others.

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

Asuma exhaled a ring of smoke and smiled at them.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Well then, the first lesson for Team 7 and Team 10 is about to begin."

"Jingle—"

The sound of bells jingling rang out.

Asuma took out four bells and addressed the group:

"Today's first lesson is a practical exercise. Your mission is to take seven bells from Kakashi and me."

"It doesn't matter how you do it. You can try an assassination, face us head-on, or use a strategy... As long as you take the bells from us, your teachers will treat you to barbecue afterward."

Kakashi stepped forward and added:

"I hope you'll give it your all. After all, there'll be a punishment if you fail."

"Then I declare that the practical exercise begins now!"