Zhou Cheng's shadow clone reached out to catch the bells, only for Kakashi to kick him away, making him vanish in a puff of white smoke.
Kakashi froze for a moment. Another shadow clone!
This kid really knows how to use shadow clones and read people!
While he was thinking that, the real Zhou Cheng had already caught the bells.
"Hehe, sensei, I won!"
Zhou Cheng opened his palm, showing Kakashi the bells.
Finally, I can become his student!
Kakashi recovered from his surprise and returned to his languid demeanor.
He straightened up listlessly and looked at Zhou Cheng, his eyes full of admiration. This boy really was exceptional.
Kakashi felt that Zhou Cheng was a genius in both talent and battle instincts. If he trained diligently, his future achievements would be no less than Kakashi's own.
"Starting today, I'll teach you!"
Zhou Cheng pumped his fist hard, his face brimming with excitement.
He was already itching to learn water- and earth-style ninjutsu. Just as he was about to ask Kakashi when they would begin training, Kakashi dampened his enthusiasm.
He stretched luxuriously, letting out a groan:
"Mmm, I'm a little tired. Let's... let's call it a day!"
"Meet me here again tomorrow at noon!"
"Don't be late!"
With that, he took out Icha Icha Paradise and headed home, reading as he walked. This boy was a diamond in the rough!
Zhou Cheng reached out, wanting to call him back, but couldn't get the words out. He could only stand there awkwardly with his hand extended until his arm grew too sore and he lowered it.
Fine, fine. Tomorrow it is. One more day won't make a difference!
He glanced at the sky. Classes at the Ninja Academy would be ending soon.
He planned to pick up Haku and the others, though his main goal was to check on Naruto.
He wanted to see how Naruto was doing. Perhaps the time for him to steal the Scroll of Seals wasn't far off!
When he reached the school gates, classes had just ended, and students were walking out in twos and threes.
Soon, he spotted the blond, blue-eyed Naruto, along with Haku and his sleek black hair.
Beside them were two beautiful girls, Hinata and Ino.
Ino spotted Zhou Cheng from afar and happily jogged over to him.
Without any hesitation, she linked her arm through his.
Zhou Cheng could only greet the others with his free hand.
"Naruto, what's wrong? You look unhappy!"
Zhou Cheng tentatively questioned Naruto. He really didn't look well.
Naruto waved with a sheepish smile, lacking his usual energy:
"Ah, I'm fine. Just a little tired. I won't be coming over to your place tonight!"
With that, he turned and left. Am I really going tonight?
Hinata watched Naruto's retreating figure with worry written all over her face. Is Naruto-kun feeling unwell?
Zhou Cheng walked over to her and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat:
"Don't worry. He's fine!"
Zhou Cheng focused on what Naruto had said.
He isn't coming over tonight?
Does that mean he's stealing the Scroll of Seals tonight?
Then what am I going to do?
My ANBU outfit isn't ready yet.
I did bring the mask back, though. Looks like I'll have to buy something black at a clothing store in a bit.
Then Zhou Cheng went to a clothing store with Haku and the others and bought several outfits, one of them solid black. Buying a few extra wouldn't arouse suspicion.
They returned to Zhou Cheng's house, ate dinner together, and exchanged some insights on ninjutsu.
Afterward, Zhou Cheng walked the two girls home as usual.
This time, he deliberately chose a route that passed Naruto's house.
He wanted to use his sensing ability to check whether Naruto was home.
Soon, they reached Naruto's front door.
There were no lights on inside, as though he had already gone to bed.
But Zhou Cheng knew Naruto wasn't home. His sensing ability confirmed that Naruto wasn't inside.
Did he really go to steal the Scroll of Seals?
Zhou Cheng began to worry that he would arrive too late and Iruka would already be there. If that happened, he wouldn't have any chance to read the Scroll of Seals!
After taking the two girls home, he rushed back to his own house as fast as he could, changed into black clothes in his room, and put on his ANBU rabbit mask.
He jumped out the window into the courtyard, then onto the courtyard wall, and finally onto the roof.
He spread his sensing ability outward, avoiding patrolling ANBU and anyone else nearby.
Soon, he reached the place where Naruto and Mizuki had agreed to meet.
"Die, brat!"
Mizuki's cold voice rang out, followed by the sound of something heavy hitting the ground.
Zhou Cheng narrowed his eyes and ran even faster!
Naruto should have been knocked down by now. Mizuki was about to insult Iruka, and Naruto was about to erupt.
Zhou Cheng didn't want Naruto to erupt. If he did, there would be nothing left for Zhou Cheng to do.
He had to get his hands on the Scroll of Seals!
Soon, he saw a figure standing with his foot planted on someone Zhou Cheng knew well.
Whew, I made it in time!
Zhou Cheng let out a long breath. Sprinting all the way here had left his breathing a little uneven.
He began regulating his breathing, trying to get back into peak condition as quickly as possible.
Mizuki struck Naruto again and again, trying to take the Scroll of Seals.
But Naruto clutched the Scroll of Seals tightly against his chest. Even battered and covered in blood, he refused to let go.
Zhou Cheng narrowed his eyes, an icy gleam flashing within them. Mizuki, you bastard! How dare you treat my brother like this!
He leaped into the air and descended on Mizuki from above.
While still airborne, he began forming hand seals.
Shadow Clone Technique!
The sound of the ninjutsu caught Mizuki's attention.
He looked up warily and saw two identically dressed figures descending toward him.
His eyes filled with frustration. It was already too late to grab the Scroll of Seals.
Mizuki could only jump back to create some distance. A kunai appeared in his hand as he assumed a fighting stance.
Zhou Cheng landed firmly, his shadow clone facing off against Mizuki.
His real body crouched down to help Naruto up.
"Another brat?"
Seeing that Zhou Cheng was about the same size as Naruto and seemed to be another kid, Mizuki relaxed his guard.
He had his pride as a Chunin. Even ten kids like this wouldn't be a match for him.
"Stay out of this, brat, unless you want to lose your life!"
Zhou Cheng didn't answer. There was no point wasting words on a dead man.
Zhou Cheng helped Naruto over to a large tree and sat him down beneath it, then patted his shoulder to reassure him.
Then Zhou Cheng walked over to his shadow clone.
This was his first time facing a real Chunin in a genuine battle, not a sparring match.
What's more, he needed to end it quickly and deal with Mizuki before Iruka arrived.
Both Zhou Chengs hurled several shuriken.
Mizuki sneered at the sight. He thinks a few shuriken can finish me off?
Mizuki was already preparing to block the shuriken with his kunai, then mock Zhou Cheng mercilessly.
But when the shuriken were only a few meters away, Zhou Cheng formed hand seals as fast as he could.
His hands blurred so completely that their movements could no longer be made out.
"Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!"
The handful of shuriken suddenly became dozens.
"What?"
The sudden change startled Mizuki.
This brat can actually use high-level ninjutsu!
But he no longer had time to dwell on it.
By then, the shuriken were only a meter away. He had no choice but to dodge.