The Me of Next Time, Will Definitely Not Be Today's Me

The intense, flesh-on-flesh sparring between the two was as swift and violent as a sudden storm, instantly drawing the attention of the surrounding crowd.

Those who had already made their plans and were preparing to head home were all lured by this sudden duel, finding themselves drawn toward the training ground.

It seems to be human nature to be curious about and yearn for a lively spectacle, especially for those in the prime of their youth with hot-blooded, restless spirits.

Facing the sudden influx of spectators, Hayato and Guy acted as if they were in their own world, completely unaffected as they remained immersed in their back-and-forth exchange.

Hayato felt a secret joy, knowing full well that if one had a sparring partner for taijutsu training, progress would undoubtedly be much faster.

With a shift in focus, his movements became increasingly fierce, launching a relentless assault like a driving rain that forced his opponent to retreat again and again, feeling an unprecedented level of pressure.

Yet, in this situation that seemed to have backed him into a corner, Guy's heart was filled with joy and excitement.

As expected, you are my fated rival!

He shouted in his heart, full of anticipation and enthusiasm for this duel.

Hayato's fist wind was sharp, each strike whistling through the air as he kept Guy firmly suppressed. Finally, he finished with a surprisingly powerful Two-Forms Peak, cleanly and decisively defeating Guy.

Despite the defeat, Guy was not discouraged. Instead, he brushed the dust off his body, looked at Hayato, and beamed with a bright smile, "My youth will never stop here! Hayato, next time, I will definitely defeat you!"

Hearing this, Hayato just smiled slightly and replied calmly, "I'll be ready anytime."

Sensing Hayato's sincerity and goodwill, Guy stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, laughing, "The me of next time will certainly not be the me of today. You'd better watch out."

With that, he jogged away, secretly determined to step up his training and strive to wash away his shame in their next spar.

Hayato watched Guy's retreating back, then turned his gaze to Kurenai, who was watching from the sidelines. He took her hand and led her through the crowd, the two of them walking away side by side.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows, and the bond between them seemed to grow even tighter with the connection of their clasped hands.

After running a short distance, Hayato let go of Kurenai's hand, looked back at her as she seemed a bit dazed, and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? You seem a bit distracted."

"Ah? No, it's nothing." Kurenai finally snapped back to reality, her eyes flickering. Her heart was pounding like a trapped deer, and her hands were fidgeting behind her back in confusion.

Hayato stepped forward, gently patted Kurenai on the head, and laughed, "Then see you tomorrow!"

"Mm... see you tomorrow." Kurenai's voice was as thin as a mosquito's, but a shy blush spread across her face.

After parting ways with Kurenai, Hayato arrived at Misaki's side, and the two left the school together. Misaki looked at Hayato's meaningful smile and teased him slyly, "Oh my, oh my, holding little hands today, are we?"

Being teased by his mother like this, Hayato scratched his head in embarrassment, "It was a special situation... a special situation."

Misaki seemed to have discovered a new continent; seeing her son in such a flustered state for the first time, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle. She looked back at Kurenai and nodded, her eyes full of approval and encouragement.

Kurenai hadn't left yet and happened to meet Misaki's gaze, so she quickly nodded and smiled in response.

"What's going on? Did that brat bully you?" Shinku's voice came from beside Kurenai, giving her a start.

Shinku had also been waiting at the gate and had naturally seen the scene of Hayato holding his daughter's hand.

Kurenai quickly turned around, waving her hands to explain, "Dad, it's not what you think!"

Shinku sighed helplessly and shook his head, "Forget it, let's go home." Deep down, however, he had the feeling that his precious little girl was already slipping away.

A long while later, Hayato returned home.

He dodged Misaki's gossipy inquiries and sat straight at the dining table to enjoy dinner.

Misaki was sharing the day's interesting news with her husband, "Honey, let me tell you, your son was quite the showstopper today."

Hayato kept his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, silence being his golden rule for the evening.

After a hearty meal, Hayato rose to leave the table. Shota and his wife didn't say much, remaining immersed in the joy of gossip.

"As expected of my son, it's a pity I was busy today, otherwise I would have had a treat for the eyes." Shota's voice carried a hint of regret.

Hearing this, Hayato stumbled, thinking to himself: Good grief, I'm only three years old! But then again, the family is quite open-minded.

They didn't interfere with his choice of friends, a fact that made him feel respected.

He knew very well that children in the world of Hokage were very precocious, and it seemed this had a great deal to do with their upbringing.

Recalling the puppy love that was treated like poison in his previous life, he couldn't help but feel lucky to live in this relatively open environment.

After sorting through his thoughts, Hayato returned to his room.

He began to review his sparring session with Guy, a good habit he had always maintained.

He carefully thought over today's shortcomings and the flaws in his application of Baji Quan, knowing that combat could not rely too heavily on formulaic moves and must be adapted flexibly to the actual situation.

At the same time, he also considered the allocation and application of his strength.

After recording his shortcomings for the day one by one, he wrote down the remedial measures next to them.

Afterward, he took out the scroll the Grand Elder had given him and immersed himself in study once again.

In this world where strength was paramount, he knew that only by constantly improving his own power could he stand his ground.

Study time always flew by, and soon Misaki came to call him to bed.

Lying in bed, Hayato pulled up the system interface to check again.

Unfortunately, the main interface remained as it was after he had claimed his previous rewards.

No new mission interface popped up.

He shook his head helplessly, closed the system interface, and fell into a deep sleep.

The days that followed flowed by like water. My life became a simple commute between the Ninja Academy and home, and just like that, four days passed until the first weekend finally arrived.

"Hayato, do you have any plans for the weekend?" Kurenai asked, turning to look at Hayato as she packed her schoolbag when the bell rang.

"The weekend? Training, of course." Hayato blurted out without a second thought.

Hearing this, Kurenai's little head drooped instantly.

"Ah, training again? We're still young, there's no need to push ourselves so hard."

Seeing this, Hayato tapped Kurenai lightly on her small head.

"Don't knock on my noggin, I'll get stupid!"

Hayato simply smiled faintly: "How do I remember someone saying their dream was to become a kunoichi like Lady Tsunade? Could it be that was just talk?"

Kurenai lowered her head in embarrassment at his words and retorted, "That's not true at all." Inwardly, however, she felt a sweet warmth; she hadn't expected Hayato to still remember the dream she once shared.

Watching Kurenai look as if she had more to say, Hayato understood everything.

He thought for a moment and said, "I likely won't have time tomorrow morning. But I can take a break in the afternoon. After all, one must balance work and rest."

Hearing that Hayato would be free, Kurenai's face lit up with joy, and she spoke quickly.

"That's perfect. Several classmates from our class are planning to go for an outing outside the village tomorrow, and they asked me to invite you."

Actually, it's me who wants to invite you, Kurenai added silently to herself.

After a moment of contemplation, Hayato agreed.

"Sure, I'll join."

Since he had already entered the Ninja Academy, social interaction was inevitable; they were classmates, after all.

They were bound to see each other every day.

"Aren't you going to ask who else is coming?" Kurenai tilted her head and asked curiously.

"It doesn't matter, as long as you're there." Hayato smiled and waved his hand nonchalantly.

As soon as those words left his lips, Kurenai's face turned bright red, though she felt a secret thrill in her heart.

After agreeing on a meeting place, the two went their separate ways home.