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Chapter 9: Connections
A month after chakra training began, Tsume started teaching Kiba the *Inuzuka Clan Taijutsu*. It wasn't the strongest or most refined style, but it was a solid foundation.
"First you'll learn the *Beast Form*," Tsume said in the yard, arms crossed. "It's the foundation for everything that comes after."
Kiba trained with dedication. Within a few weeks he could already enter the *Beast Form* with impressive speed. However, he *never showed his true level* to Tsume. He kept his visible progress always one step behind what he was actually capable of. He didn't want to draw unnecessary attention — especially from people like *Danzo*.
Tsume, meanwhile, was personally training *Akamaru* and *Yun*. She ran with the two of them, taught commands, drilled attack patterns, and corrected their posture firmly. Akamaru barked excitedly at every new move learned, while Yun followed the instructions with seriousness and precision.
"You two are going to have to get strong too," Tsume said while training the dogs. "I won't accept you falling behind."
Kiba watched it all closely, memorizing every detail.
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At the Academy
During the break, Kiba chose to stay close to *Shikamaru Nara* and *Choji Akimichi*. Even though they weren't part of his future squad, Kiba found it useful to keep a good relationship with them.
Shikamaru lay in the grass, watching the clouds.
"So boring…"
Choji ate potato chips beside him.
Kiba approached casually, carrying some snacks Tsume had given him.
"Want some?" he offered, holding out the bag.
Choji looked up immediately. He took the snack without a second thought and took a big bite.
"…Thanks," he said with his mouth full. "You're a good guy."
From that day on, Choji started seeing Kiba as a friend.
Shikamaru, on the other hand, watched Kiba with quiet attentiveness.
'He's different from the Inuzuka I've heard about. Most of them are described as wild, loud, and covered in fur. This one… he's clean, speaks politely, and even shares snacks. Strange.'
While they chatted about light things, Naruto ran past the group. Shikamaru and Choji looked over at him. Kiba, however, discreetly took a step back, pretending to be interested in something else.
'Better keep my distance for now. The forces watching Naruto can't notice me yet.'
Inwardly, Kiba thought coldly:
'Connections are a kind of power too. The sooner I build ties with the right people, the easier things will be later. I don't need to be friends with everyone… but I need the right people to trust me.'
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A few minutes later…
Kiba was walking through the Academy courtyard when he saw Shino Aburame alone, crouched near a flower bed. The boy was watching intently as a group of ants moved up and down a branch.
Most kids avoided Shino. They said he was "weird" and that the insects around him were "gross." Kiba, though, walked over without hesitation.
He stopped behind Shino and asked with curiosity:
"What are you doing?"
Shino startled. He turned his head slowly, with a wary expression.
"…Watching the ants," Shino answered quietly.
Kiba crouched down beside him, not caring about the dirt.
"That's cool. They work together, huh? Each one has a role."
Shino stayed silent for a few seconds, surprised. No one had ever said what he did was "cool."
"…Yeah," he answered after a moment. "They have a very efficient organization."
Kiba smiled.
"Can I watch too?"
Shino nodded slowly.
From that day on, the two started talking more. Kiba never showed disgust or discomfort. He just treated Shino like any other kid.
Inwardly, Kiba thought:
'The sooner I build bonds with everyone on my future squad… the better. Shino, Hinata… I want them to see me as the natural leader. Someone they can really trust.'
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Later, during a group activity, Hinata was nearby, trying to hide behind her hair. Kiba walked over with a light, playful smile.
"Hinata, your eyes are really pretty," he said suddenly.
The girl froze. Her face turned red in seconds.
"W-What…?"
"They're so light and pretty. They look like jewels," he continued, in an innocent tone that was clearly teasing. "Don't you think?"
Hinata lowered her head, cheeks burning.
"I-I… I don't…!"
Kiba chuckled softly.
"Sorry, I just thought it was cool. Don't be shy."
Hinata got even more embarrassed, but a small smile appeared on her face.
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End of Chapter 9