Shin Uchiha looked at Shikamaru and slowly clapped his hands in approval.
He had long known how intelligent Shikamaru was, and of the three students, Shikamaru was the one he paid the most attention to.
Today's test proved that his reputation was well deserved. He truly was someone who would one day become Konoha's strategist.
Shin Uchiha clapped his hands, drawing his students' attention, then announced:
"You all heard Shikamaru's explanation, so don't get too nervous about tomorrow's test.
"You're dismissed for now. Meet at Training Ground 52 at nine tomorrow. Although I won't fail any of you, I still want to see what you're made of and get to know you better. So head home early and rest. Come ready for tomorrow's test."
Before Shikamaru could speak, Ino, who had only just breathed a sigh of relief, cried out again:
"Aw, come on, sensei! Saying that only makes me more nervous!"
Shin Uchiha ignored that remark and waved a hand casually.
"You're dismissed, dismissed. Don't be late tomorrow. If you do well, I'll even have a little surprise for you."
Without waiting for their reactions, Shin Uchiha vanished before their eyes, leaving Ino and the others exchanging bewildered looks.
For the first time, shock appeared on Shikamaru's face as he watched Sensei Shin disappear so abruptly before them.
Once he recovered, however, Shikamaru scratched his head in frustration and spoke listlessly to Ino and Choji:
"Let's go, let's go. I'm tired. I need to head home and get some proper rest."
With that, Shikamaru walked away without bothering to look at his friends' expressions.
But he knew perfectly well that he was rushing home not to rest, but to discuss what had happened today with his dad. His teacher had defied his expectations so completely that he now felt