At this very moment.
Araki stood in the crowd.
Suddenly, I felt that every student here had been given a buff, and everyone was sounding the battle drum in their hearts, eager to try their luck.
This is an obvious change.
Previously.
Araki sensed a deathly stillness in the ranks.
Everyone was worried about whether they would be drawn against a strong opponent, and what would happen if they lost. They needed to get more points in the upcoming written test, so the pressure was immense.
But now...
These students were like they'd been injected with adrenaline; all their worries seemed to have vanished.
In front of Karen Kaede-sensei.
Even if their opponent is Minato Namikaze, they will fight to the death and absolutely cannot lose face!
Otherwise, it would be a disservice to Karen Kaede-sensei, who personally came to watch their mock duel.
In an instant.
The students present all regarded Sarutobi Karen Kaede as the VIP audience for watching the mock match.
I've already started fantasizing about showing off my abilities in front of her.
"These children..."
Seeing the students' postures, Ibuki-sensei couldn't help but give a helpless, bitter smile. As a teacher at the Ninja Academy, she had a lot of contact with the students and naturally knew their mental state.
After all, he was a student once too.
Seeing the boys' performance reminded him of his own teenage years, filled with the same excitement.
" Karen Kaede-sensei, I'm leaving things in your care. Best of luck."
Ibuki-sensei took a step back. This place was no longer under his jurisdiction. After all, Sarutobi Karen Kaede was in charge of recording the scores. His job was just to supervise and make sure that none of the students would go too far during the competition.
Stop when you've made your point; don't hurt anyone.
This is a very important part of the simulated battle.
After stepping back a few steps, Ibuki-sensei relinquished full control of the area to Sarutobi Karen Kaede. He then glanced at the students and noticed that their eyes kept glancing at Sarutobi Karen Kaede without him noticing, which made him feel a little itchy inside.
immediately.
He also looked towards Sarutobi Karen Kaede.
Anyway, nobody was paying attention to him anymore, and his position was quite good for watching. He was standing slightly to the side, looking at Sarutobi Karen Kaede, and could just see the mole on the corner of her right cheek.
Um...
Karen Kaede-sensei is indeed beautiful!
As Ibuki-sensei watched, her cheeks flushed unnaturally, and she stared blankly, as if this person was the only person in the whole world.
Chapter 2 Araki, if we were opponents, would you go easy on me? (Seventh update)
Sarutobi Karen Kaede had a faint smile on her face, her cold beauty exuding a captivating charm. Her beautiful eyes swept over everyone present, taking in their expressions, and a slight curve appeared at the corner of her mouth, as if she was quite satisfied with everyone's reaction.
"I am very satisfied with your readiness. Next, those whose names I call, please come forward to the dueling area to engage in battle."
Sarutobi Karen Kaede said with a smile. Her sudden smile instantly boosted the students' morale, making everyone feel like they had been injected with adrenaline and their fighting spirit soared.
Araki listened to the names and sounds of the simulated duels ringing in his ears, his thoughts began to wander, no longer focused on the scene. He felt detached from the atmosphere, standing out awkwardly among the excited students.
After an unknown amount of time, Araki's attention was drawn to Sarutobi Karen Kaede's voice, not because the voice was pleasant, but because of its content.
" Kushina Uzumaki!"
Sarutobi Karen Kaede called out Kushina's name, which immediately caught Araki's attention. He slowly raised his head and looked towards the simulated duel area not far ahead.
at the same time.
Araki recalled their conversation on the way there that morning.
That's right!
Araki arrived with Kushina this morning.
Kushina has been in Konoha for half a year now. Everyone in the area knows about her. The students in her class no longer have the same excitement they had at the beginning when they treat her; they have returned to normal.
Under these circumstances, Araki following Kushina wouldn't cause Araki any trouble, so there's no need to worry about it too much.
" Araki, actually, I'm quite worried about the simulated battle. I didn't sleep well last night because of it," Kushina said, troubled.
"You'll be fine," Araki said casually. He didn't care about any of this, especially since, according to the information from the original story, there was no mention of Kushina being unable to graduate.
"My practical combat skills aren't strong. To be precise, our Uzumaki Clan's fighting style leans towards support, and I'm more proficient in Sealing Jutsu. I don't have much of an advantage in direct combat." Kushina shook her head and continued, "The theoretical knowledge is an even bigger hurdle. I've never learned so much before. If I lose a simulated duel, it's like losing ten points instead of gaining them, which means I'll be twenty points short. I feel like I might have to repeat a grade."
"It's not that exaggerated." Araki was stunned for a moment. How could they even come up with a theory that they were short twenty points? And he didn't know how to refute it.
"I'm really worried. I hope I can encounter a less formidable opponent so I can secure these ten points with peace of mind." Kushina clasped her hands together in a prayerful gesture.
"Actually, you're quite strong, don't underestimate yourself." Araki casually comforted him. He already knew the outcome, so he wasn't worried about the process at all. Besides, in the original story, Kushina used her fists to turn her " Tomato " nickname into " Red Hot-Blooded Habanero," so her strength shouldn't be underestimated. Maybe she just hadn't activated that emotion yet.
" Araki, if we were rivals, would you go easy on me?"
Just then, Kushina suddenly stared at Araki, her beautiful eyes filled with anticipation and doubt.
In the ninja world, men generally hold a higher status than women, especially among ninjas, where female ninjas are few in number and generally weaker.
Especially in ninja simulation battles, it's acceptable to lose to a stronger boy, but it's unacceptable to lose to a girl.
This is not a problem with the students in the class.
This is true for the entire Konoha and even the entire ninja world.
Unless a female ninja is extremely powerful, like Tsunade, she will not only not be discriminated against, but will actually receive more respect.
This is a complete reversal of fortune in terms of treatment.
When Kushina asked this question, she was also nervous. She knew that the probability of encountering a situation like fighting Araki was extremely low, almost impossible.
But she couldn't help but ask; she wanted to know Araki's answer, something that was very important to her.
This is an attitude.
This is a sense of security.
Girls often really like to hear these kinds of verbal promises.
Just like how many girls feel the need to hear expressions of love every day when they're dating, this is a way of conveying emotions. It may seem sentimental, but it's very important.
"Sure."
Araki nodded casually. He felt no pressure at all about this. Losing to anyone was losing, and losing to Kushina wasn't shameful.
The main problem is that he himself doesn't see anything wrong with it.
To some extent...
Araki was transported to the ninja world.
He attends Ninja Academy.
I will graduate and become a ninja in the future.
However, his worldview is still based on the core socialist values from before he time-traveled!
He wasn't brainwashed by books about the ninja world, he didn't have that self-sacrificing spirit of the Will of Fire, and he certainly wouldn't really see himself as a tool for higher-ups to achieve their goals.
"Really?" Kushina's eyes widened, filled with barely suppressed joy, and she asked again, "Is it really possible?"
"Okay, if you meet me, I'll let you win." Araki nodded again, completely unconcerned about the matter, and giving Kushina was a good thing.
"But what about you?" Kushina asked, showing concern for Araki.
"I can pass even if I lose ten points," Araki replied calmly.
In an instant.
Kushina stood still, her head bowed slightly.
Her cheeks were obscured by her red hair.
You can't see their expression.
The only thing that could be felt was the intense turmoil in her heart from her slightly trembling body.
If she lost to herself, she would need to get even higher scores. She believed Araki had the ability to do so, but she knew that Araki had always been very low-key.
Is he doing this for his own benefit?
Kushina's emotions grew even stronger!
" Araki, you're so kind, thank you!"
Suddenly, Kushina moved closer to Araki, instantly eliminating the distance between them, and gently touched his cheek with a warm, soft touch, like a dragonfly.
With a gentle touch, they separated in an instant.
Kushina didn't say anything more, and shyly ran away, leaving Araki standing there alone.
"Oh, this..."
Araki was still replaying the feeling in his mind. It wasn't really a surprise attack; he had sensed it when Kushina leaned in.
You could avoid it, but there's no need.
Who could resist a girl who takes the initiative?
After being called by name, Kushina walked out, her oval face full of tension, her hands clenched tightly and her palms sweaty.
She was acutely aware of the importance of this simulated match.
She was praying silently in her heart.
I hope to assign her an opponent who isn't too strong.
This will allow her to pass her final exams smoothly.