After cheering for a moment, Sakura's excitement gradually sank as she recalled how they passed the test.
"Even though it's great that we passed… using that method just feels kind of… sigh."
No matter how hard Team 7 tried—plans, attacks, ambushes—none of it made Ayato move even a single step.
In the end, the one technique that actually made him move… was Naruto's ridiculous Harem Jutsu.
What did that imply?
It meant their full strength hadn't been as effective as that stupid jutsu. How depressing.
Sasuke shoved his hands into his pockets, shot Naruto a cold glance, and sneered.
"Idiot. You seriously think that lame technique is something to be proud of?"
"Naruto puffed out his chest and patted Sasuke's shoulder like a senior.
"Even the Third Hokage would fall for that move! I know you hate losing, but don't worry—next time I'll let you take the spotlight."
He was completely drunk on his own "victory."
Finally—FINALLY—he had a moment where he outshined Sasuke in front of Sakura. His soul was glowing.
"Hmph." Sasuke ignored the clown behind him and headed for Ayato.
Naruto was instantly annoyed.
"Why is that smug jerk still acting all cool?! I'm the one who cleared the test!! That attitude pisses me off!"
Sasuke stopped in front of Ayato and said coolly,
"Your acting is terrible."
He had noticed from beginning to end that Ayato had never truly fought them.
If he had even gotten slightly serious, Team 7 would've been wiped out instantly.
And that final step backward? Obviously deliberate.
Ayato smiled lazily.
"Is that so? I mean… come on. What adult would ever fight a bunch of kids seriously?"
He reached out and rubbed Sasuke's hair into a complete mess.
"Think of it like an elephant carefully petting a bunch of ants. Try appreciating my kindness."
Then he added with a smirk,
"If you ever get the chance, go see the ocean. That whole ocean? I left it there just for you."
Truth was, Ayato had been serious—serious about restraining himself.
If he accidentally put in even a little too much force, Team 7 wouldn't just be injured—someone might actually die.
Because he, Hyūga Ayato… was a man who only had big moves.
Even his "basic attacks" were disasters waiting to happen.
And all of this… with him still holding back.
Sasuke slapped his hand away, a shadow crossing his eyes as a familiar figure flashed in his mind.
"You know Uchiha Itachi?"
Before the question even finished—
PAH!
Ayato slapped Sasuke so hard the boy flew like a broken kite, rolled across the field, and ended up flat on his back, limbs up.
Ayato looked down at him, voice mild:
"You can show off in front of other people.
But showing off in front of me?
That earns you a beating."
Sasuke was apparently addicted to posturing, and Ayato especially loved beating down self-important weaklings.
"Sa–Sasuke! Are you okay?!" Sakura ran over in panic.
Naruto, meanwhile, grinned with unfiltered joy.
"Hehehe! Finally it's Sasuke's turn to get smacked around! After all the hits I took—ahhh, this is justice!"
He patted Ayato's waist like they were buddies.
"Nice one, Ayato-sensei! Make sure to straighten him out properly!"
Ayato smiled…
…and immediately slapped Naruto across the field as well.
"UWAAAH—!"
Naruto spun several times in the air before crashing into the dirt, his world full of stars.
"Y-You—!" Sakura turned on Ayato angrily, but the moment she saw his hand casually lift again, the memory of her earlier humiliation hit her like a kunai.
Her backside STILL hurt.
She swallowed her words, forced a smile that was physically painful.
"C–Ayato-sensei…"
Ayato patted her head approvingly.
"Mm. Good. Even though you've got no curves and a terrible temper, at least you still remembered your manners."
"..."
Sakura's head dropped, her face burning red with anger and shame.
No chest? No curves?!
She was still growing, damn it!
What kind of teacher comments on that?!
He hits you first, then praises you after?
Who praises people like this?!
Stupid Ayato!!
If you weren't absurdly strong, I swear I'd send you flying!!
Ayato turned to look at the dazed Sasuke and Naruto.
"In any case… you're my students now.
Show off to others if you want, I don't care.
But in front of me, you'd better behave.
Learn some manners. Watch and copy your teacher's good example."
Team 7 collectively:
"...…"
Ayato? Good example?
The man who smacks them around, mocks them, and makes Sakura cry?
Naruto finally snapped.
"GOOD EXAMPLE MY—! You've got no right to lecture us on—!"
PAH!
Another slap sent him flying.
Sakura covered her eyes.
"...Naruto is very brave."
Ayato leaned toward him with a hand cupped around his ear.
"What was that? Sensei didn't hear you."
Naruto wobbled to his feet, his face swollen like a dumpling.
"I—I said, Ayato-sensei, you're a wise, handsome, powerful, amazing teacher… sir…"
"Mm. Very good."
Ayato nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Sasuke.
Sasuke immediately stiffened.
"C–Ayato-sensei…"
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