If instructors were assigned purely based on academic performance, he figured his instructor might just be a chunin.
It wasn't that he didn't want to do well—he just knew that spending six years at the bottom of the class and suddenly acing everything would definitely raise more than a few eyebrows. How would the Third react? And what about Danzo?
Therefore, to avoid unwanted suspicion from the elders, Uchiha Aozora only displayed his natural talent for ninjutsu while maintaining his usual level of skill. It was perfectly understandable since he had never previously produced chakra or shown any ninjutsu potential.
Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, another figure walked in from outside.
The newcomer wore a pale gray high-collared coat with green-tinted goggles and carried a large cylindrical container on his back.
"Uchiha Aozora, Hayate Gekko, Inuzuka Aya—you're all assigned to Training Ground Six!"
With that, he vanished in a blur—"puff!"—scattering into a swarm of insects that dissolved into the trees.
Aozora immediately recognized their jonin instructor. Although many members of the Aburame clan dressed similarly, that distinctive container gave him away instantly.
There was no doubt—it was none other than Shibi Aburame, the strongest among the Aburame clan and the most versatile ninja in Konoha's history. Whether scouting, defense, assault, or assassination, he could do it all. His presence alone could elevate an entire Konoha military unit several tiers in combat effectiveness.
Realizing that this legendary ninja would be his mentor, Aozora felt excitement rising inside him.
The only downside was that Shibi's abilities revolved around insects—a fact that left Aozora wondering what kind of techniques he'd actually get to learn.
Inuzuka Aya and Hayate Gekko also clearly recognized one another, sharing a knowing look with Aozora. The trio exchanged smiles before quickly exiting the classroom together.
Unfortunately, this warm moment didn't last more than a few seconds.
Hardly had they taken a few steps when Aozora caught snippets of complaints from his new teammate.
"Why'd they have to add a class clown to our team?"
"Even if it was just me and Hayate, we would've been fine. Now we've got to protect Uchiha Aozora too. So unlucky!"
As she muttered, her little white dog yapped loudly in agreement, completely oblivious to how loud they both were.
Slightly embarrassed at her blunt criticism, Hayate offered Aozora a reassuring smile.
As for Aozora, he couldn't care less.
He was just curious—how would Inuzuka Aya react when she finally realized he was actually the strongest of the three?
Training Ground Six was far from the academy, almost on the opposite side of Konoha. Despite running nonstop, the trio still took nearly twenty minutes before reaching the training field. At its center stood a massive tree where they found Shibi perched silently on a branch.
"You're a bit slow."
Shibi gave that brief assessment before adding, "...but understandable under the circumstances."
"You're still students at the Ninja Academy today, but I expect your future movements to be faster. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to disband Team Three."
The three responded hurriedly in agreement—even Inuzuka Aya held her tongue this time.
Nodding slightly, Shibi resumed his emotionless tone. "I am Team Three's jonin instructor, Shibi Aburame."
"Now, why don't we go around and introduce ourselves?"
Inuzuka Aya excitedly stepped forward, but before anyone reacted, Shibi disappeared in a sudden burst—"puff!"—scattering into a swarm of insects that dissolved into the trees.
"Find me," his monotone voice echoed from all directions, "then attack me with the intent to kill!"
Training Ground Six was the smallest among Konoha's training fields—no bigger than a football field, with sparse trees offering little to no cover.
Yet the three of them listened hard, straining to pinpoint Shibi Aburame's location—but found nothing.
"Familiar already? Guess I'll have to show you some real skill before I even bother giving my name!"
Uchiha gave a slight smirk, already gripping a handful of kunai, ready for battle.
Inuzuka Aya crouched halfway down and patted Pakkira's head, her eyes blazing with eager fighting spirit.
Hayate Gekko pulled the katana from its sheath on his back, stepping lightly forward while scanning the surroundings.
Suddenly, Aya's eyes lit up, her delicate nose twitching. "Found you!"
She quickly formed hand seals — precise finger movements that shaped chakra into powerful techniques.
The next moment, her nails stretched long and sharp as chakra surged through her hands and feet.
Using both hands and feet, Aya moved with feline agility, leaping effortlessly from tree to tree.
Hayate and Uchiha Aozora didn't doubt the Inuzuka clan's tracking skills for a second.
They rushed after Aya immediately, one on each side.
But Aya, using the Beast Human Transformation, was too fast for Hayate and Aozora to keep up.
She darted swiftly between the trees, then suddenly sprang into the air. Channeling chakra to her nails, she slashed fiercely at the tree ahead, tearing it apart.
Unfortunately, what appeared behind the tree wasn't Shibi Aburame, but rather a pale gray high-collared coat—a signature look of the Aburame clan. Attached to the coat was an explosive tag.
Boom!
Aya shot backward the instant she saw the coat, yet still caught the explosion's blast, flying debris slicing several wounds across her skin.
Before Aya could steady herself, a kunai zipped through the air from a distant tree.
The whooshing sound sent chills running down her spine, fear surging in her heart.
Clang!
The next second rang the clashing sound of metal striking metal.
Deflected mid-air, the kunai grazed across her face-painted cheek—but Aya gave no thought to disfigurement, only feeling immense relief at narrowly escaping death.
Seeing his thrown kunai knocked away, even Shibi couldn't hide his surprise behind his dark glasses, lingering a second longer on the branch.
That single second hesitation was seized by Hayate instantly.
Chakra exploded beneath his feet as he reappeared directly in front of Shibi.
Swish!
Hayate's katana unsheathed in a flash.
Precisely angled and lightning-fast, the Jonin didn't dare underestimate this strike.
Bang!
Blade met kunai with a sharp clang.
Knowing he was at a physical disadvantage, Hayate didn't stick around for a strength contest—he pulled back instantly and launched another strike.
The katana danced under his control, slashing and stabbing from every angle, locking Shibi in relentless combat.
Hayate Gekko's sword technique was extraordinary. When he wielded the Konoha-style swordsmanship, it was like a swift gust of wind—sharp, fast, and relentless. An average chunin facing such rapid close-range swordplay wouldn't last long before showing signs of weakness. But Shibi Aburame remained calm and deflected Hayate Gekko's attacks with ease. Although Hayate's sword technique was impressive, his body was too frail. It was powerful at first, but he couldn't keep it up for long.
Uchiha Aozora also noticed Hayate's declining condition, but instead of joining the fight, he pulled out a kunai and continuously adjusted his footing, eyes locked tightly on Shibi Aburame. The moment he picked up the kunai, a chill ran down Shibi Aburame's spine. He instantly sensed danger and glanced sideways, spotting Uchiha Aozora standing in the distance, holding the weapon.
The kunai itself was plain, but the eyes behind it burned with intensity. Though it was just a standard-issue kunai, Aburame could feel an unsettling sense of danger emanating from it.
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