Becoming One of Konoha's Pillars!

"Gentle?!"

Kawaki Aoba muttered under his breath, the corner of his mouth twitching.

He recalled Teacher Shinku's idea of "gentle" during their last training session.

The punishment had been making them carry backpacks stuffed with rocks and run laps outside Konoha for an entire day, until their legs ached so badly they nearly gave out.

He gritted his teeth and sped up again, trying to shake off that terrifying memory.

"Aoba, what's with that expression? Scared?"

Asuma glanced back, raising an eyebrow, his tone clearly provocative.

"Scared? Give me a break!"

Kawaki Aoba snorted, his gaze sharpening. Chakra stirred faintly within him, and his steps became even swifter, bringing him almost shoulder to shoulder with Asuma.

Though his movements still carried a trace of awkwardness, every step was full of strength, as if he were refuting Asuma's provocation through action.

Watching the two bicker, Yuhi Kurenai could not help shaking her head, though there was a warm smile in her eyes.

"You two, honestly... Forget it, focus on running! We only have half a lap left before the finish line!"

The outline of Hokage Rock looked increasingly majestic beneath the sunlight. The faces of the past Hokage carved into its cliffside seemed to be watching them, carrying an unspoken authority.

Kawaki Aoba looked up at the towering stone statues, and an inexplicable surge of strength suddenly rose within him.

This was not merely a simple training session—it was a test of their willpower and determination.

"Final lap! Sprint!"

Asuma suddenly shouted and explosively accelerated, shooting forward like a gust of wind. The dust he kicked up formed a long trail behind him.

"Think you can shake me off? No way!"

Kawaki Aoba clenched his teeth as chakra surged rapidly through his body. The muscles in his legs tightened to their