"I won!"
Sakura Haruno shouted, ecstatic.
"You got ahead in the end. Congratulations, Sakura,"
Ino Yamanaka said with a smile.
She was gracious in defeat, and since her victory went to her close friend Sakura, it was natural to offer sincere congratulations.
"Sasuke-kun!"
Sakura fluttered toward Sasuke Uchiha like a butterfly.
"…"
Ino shook her head, unsurprised.
No matter what, Sakura's nature was impossible to change—she was a hopeless fangirl who couldn't hide her excitement around handsome boys.
"Not bad,"
Sasuke commented casually as he looked at Sakura, who seemed to be seeking praise.
"Huh?"
Sakura's eyes widened.
Sasuke-kun actually praised me?
Stars seemed to sparkle in her eyes, and she almost wanted to pounce on him like Naruto would.
Sasuke sensed danger and quickly stepped back.
"Well done, Sakura!"
Naruto and the others crowded around.
First-year Class A was once again filled with joy.
Overcoming a one-year gap and defeating second-year Class A twice in a row felt like a dream.
Yet everyone knew who the true contributor was, their gazes inevitably turning to Kitazawa.
"How is this possible?"
Mizuki could not bear the shock and instinctively stepped back.
The invincible Neji Hyuga had lost again?
For a moment, he even resented Neji.
"You always seem so strong, but at the critical moment, you become useless?"
"Ino's chakra control has reached this level?"
Shikaku Nara marveled. "She could definitely attempt the Yamanaka clan's secret technique, Mind Body Switch Technique."
Mentioning secret techniques reminded him of Shikamaru Nara—intelligent and talented, yet lazy and underachieving.
"There's hope for the next generation,"
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in agreement.
But compared to Ino, he was more focused on Sakura.
She was the daughter of a commoner ninja.
Such exceptional chakra control at her age meant her future strength would be impressive.
As Hokage, Sarutobi favored commoner ninjas—they were loyal.
Some clan ninjas, however, placed their clan above Konoha, especially the Uchiha.
"It's because she works hard,"
Shikaku sighed. "Shikamaru was so lazy that even attending school required his mother's coercion."
"I have an idea,"
Sarutobi's gaze swept over Kitazawa. "You could invite him to be Shikamaru's private tutor."
Shikaku paused.
Initially, he thought it unnecessary—Kitazawa was already teaching his son at school daily.
But then he realized Sarutobi meant special training.
Under Kitazawa's guidance, Ino and the others had drastically improved.
Shikamaru had never undergone such training, but perhaps with Kitazawa as his tutor, things could change.
"I'll ask Kitazawa when I have the time,"
Shikaku considered briefly.
Though he respected Shikamaru's choices, every parent wanted their child to excel.
Perhaps Kitazawa could make a difference.
"The second event goes to first-year Class A!"
Sarutobi, acting as referee, announced the result.
Compared to the excitement of Class A, second-year Class A was quiet.
They had relied on a full year of experience to aim for victory in this friendly competition, expecting to dominate.
Now they had already lost two events, leaving them bewildered.
"The key to a friendly match is real combat,"
Mizuki took a deep breath. "They can only beat us in these unusual events."
He spoke both to motivate Class B and himself.
Neji Hyuga's expression brightened slightly.
He believed in the strong dominating the weak, and the weak being humiliated.
Having lost twice, he refused to make excuses, hoping to redeem himself in a real combat match.
As long as he defeated Sasuke, he wouldn't consider himself beaten.
"The third event: endurance test,"
Kitazawa announced after the break. "The rules are simple: the last one standing wins."
Normally, endurance tests included laps, which meant competing in both stamina and speed.
Kitazawa changed the rules to favor Naruto, who might struggle against Neji in speed.
Mizuki had blindly trusted Neji and made no adjustments—resulting in unexpected setbacks.
But first-year Class A still had to remain vigilant; victory was not yet certain.
"Run as you would during normal training. Don't overthink it,"
Kitazawa reminded the students.
"Don't worry, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Naruto said confidently. "I'll be first again!"
"Don't get cocky—your opponent is Neji Hyuga,"
Kiba nudged him.
Now was a time for unity; he didn't need to argue with Naruto.
"Why does everyone only care about Neji?"
Naruto scratched his head. "I think Lee isn't bad either."
He knew Lee well from training together—their effort and youthful spirit were comparable.
"Lee who?"
Kiba asked.
"Rock Lee,"
Naruto pointed at him.
"…Ah!"
Kiba immediately understood, recognizing Lee's familiar green jumpsuit.
"Naruto!"
Lee noticed him and stood to greet him.
His sudden movement caught second-year Class A's attention, breaking the otherwise dull atmosphere.
"Lee!"
Naruto gave him a thumbs-up. "For youth!"
"For youth!"
Lee said seriously. "This endurance test, I won't lose to you again!"
"These two are hopeless,"
Tenten winced.
Neji wanted to comment but chose to remain silent—after all, they were insignificant rivals.
Lee often challenged him but never won, and Naruto was unlikely to be stronger.
Neji's focus had always been Sasuke—the true first-place contender of first-year Class A.
"Ready!"
Kitazawa shouted.
Everyone assumed their starting positions.
At the signal, they sprinted forward.
Neji led, followed by Sasuke, Naruto, and Lee.
"Kitazawa,"
Mizuki walked over. "Why isn't one of your students participating?"
He meant Yakumo Kurama, who had been observing from the sidelines.
"She's unwell, so she's not participating,"
Kitazawa explained.
In chakra form or genjutsu, this wouldn't matter, but for chakra control and endurance, her health was the reason.
"Is that so?"
Mizuki glanced at Yakumo, then ignored her.
She wasn't among the top ten in first-year Class A, so she posed no threat.
Time slowly passed.
After fifty laps, most students were eliminated—fewer than ten remained.
Neji still led.
"This is solid!"
Mizuki exhaled in relief.
"It's not over yet; anything can happen,"
Kurenai suddenly spoke.
"…?"
Mizuki looked puzzled.
Why are you interfering? You're not even a teacher for first-year Class A—why are you backing Kitazawa?
"Kurenai is right,"
Kitazawa smiled.
Of course, he had to support his girlfriend.
Kurenai smiled brightly at him.
"…?"
Mizuki suddenly realized something.
Kitazawa, you bastard—did you really win over Kurenai?
Even with a girlfriend, he felt jealous.
Kurenai was a renowned beauty in Konoha and a top-tier genjutsu user.
Why would she choose Kitazawa?
"Neji will win!"
Mizuki gritted his teeth.
If Sarutobi hadn't been present, he might have unleashed his anger on Kitazawa.
This guy had stolen all his glory—unbearable.
Kurenai furrowed her brows slightly, sensing Mizuki's emotions.
Then she thought: those who are not envied are mediocre. Kitazawa's success proved his excellence.
She had indeed chosen the right boyfriend.
By the eightieth lap, only five students remained: Neji, Sasuke, Naruto, Kiba, and Lee.
"What went wrong?"
Mizuki felt his vision darken.
This was just like the previous event: Class B had two, Class A had three.
It was unbelievable!
Mizuki had envisioned Class B sweeping the top ten.
A full year of experience should have ensured that.
Yet Class A surpassed them in both quantity and quality.
Was this a subtle indictment of his teaching?
Mizuki regretted holding the friendly match.
"I… I can't go on. You guys, keep going,"
Kiba stepped out, sitting down exhausted.
Neji wiped sweat from his face, looking serious.
Especially with Naruto and Lee applying immense pressure.
"Lee!"
Naruto gasped, shouting, "What a battle filled with youth!"
"Youth… youth must be like this!"
Lee, though more exhausted than Naruto, responded vigorously.
"…"
Sasuke felt like he was being tormented.
How many maniacs are there?
After one more lap, he reached his limit and had to stop.
Neji panted heavily, sensing his stamina waning.
"Burning youth! Hyaaah!"
Naruto suddenly accelerated.
"What a youthful moment!"
Lee stopped, tears and snot streaming down his face.
He had no energy left.
Neji sensed trouble.
How did this guy have so much stamina?
He gritted his teeth and chased after him.
But Naruto turned to give a thumbs-up, then surged ahead again.
"…"
Neji struggled to catch his breath.
He knew he had no chance—he had to concede.
As he stopped, the entire arena fell silent.