Shino said it as if it were a matter of course, but it touched Xia Mu's heart.
Look, this is a truly trustworthy partner!
No one had asked him to do this, and Xia Mu had never asked him for help, but he remembered it and felt that it was unsafe for Xia Mu to sleep defenselessly on the desk, so he specifically came early in the morning to wait.
He really is, I'm so touched!
Xia Mu reached out and patted Shino's shoulder, his tone solemn: "Shino, I really wasn't mistaken about you.
You are truly a powerful and trustworthy partner, and it is my honor to be friends with you!"
Shino's expression hidden behind his sunglasses changed slightly, but his tone was still the same as always: "Xia Mu, you are also powerful and trustworthy.
I am truly happy to be your deskmate, friend, and even partner.
Thank you for trusting me, and I will trust you as well!"
Xia Mu said no more, just nodded, and then fell asleep under Shino's protection.
After school in the afternoon, at Tenten's small training ground.
Tenten looked at Xia Mu and Shino suspiciously and couldn't help but ask: "You two don't have some special feelings, do you?"
It's over!
Tenten's Complaints has possessed her!
Shino rarely retorted: "Tenten, how can you think that?
Xia Mu and I are friends and partners who trust each other, it's only natural to be close.
Besides, Xia Mu clearly likes..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but Tenten understood and her face turned red for a moment.
Xia Mu was also startled.
Fortunately, Shino didn't finish speaking, otherwise there would be no surprise when he confessed to Tenten later.
He quickly changed the subject: "Cough cough!
Today I want to show you another one of my research results: Four Illusionary Appendage Technique!
After this, I will teach it to Shino.
Tenten, you can also learn it if you want."
As he spoke, he began to form hand signs slowly. The next second, with a 'bang', a pair of hands appeared on his shoulder blades.
"Ah! Xia Mu became a spider!"
Tenten curiously leaned closer and even poked the extra arms with her finger, seeming curious about their structure.
Xia Mu simply grabbed Tenten's hand with one hand, while the other hand nimbly danced a finger dance, indicating that these hands were not illusions and could be controlled flexibly.
Shino nodded repeatedly: "It seems your idea was successful!"
Xia Mu's face was full of confidence: "Of course! If I had failed, wouldn't I be letting down your trust, Shino?"
As he spoke, the hands on his shoulder blades began to form hand signs, and then with a 'bang', a pair of small, exquisite hands grew on the back of his neck, smaller than a kitten's paws, but these small hands could still flexibly form hand signs.
Tenten and Shino's eyes lit up.
Anyone not foolish would understand the purpose of this move.
Perhaps the hands that appeared didn't have much attack power, but they could form hand signs quietly in inconspicuous positions, thus eliminating the need for the user's main hands to form hand signs. This allows the user to perform Taijutsu attacks while simultaneously casting Ninjutsu up close, leaving the enemy wondering what to do!
Tenten immediately said: "Xia Mu, Xia Mu, I want to learn this move!"
Shino also said: "Let's start teaching now."
Facing two enthusiastic students, Xia Mu naturally couldn't refuse: "Alright, alright, I'll teach you now."
Next was a one-on-two teaching session. Xia Mu also took the opportunity to teach Tenten the Shadow Clone Technique, because if she learned the Shadow Clone Technique first, learning the Four Illusionary Appendage Technique would be easier.
However, Xia Mu wasn't entirely honest. Citing Tenten's unrefined hand signs as a reason, he taught her hand-in-hand, openly taking advantage.
Fortunately, Tenten just glared at him but didn't refuse.
Shino had already memorized the hand signs and quietly went to the side to practice, leaving the space to the future young couple. He didn't need to be there to witness their affection.
However, the three of them didn't notice that the Ninjutsu Shop Owner's head was quietly peeking out from the front door at this moment.
Seeing his daughter being openly flirted with by Xia Mu, he was so angry he bit his handkerchief, yet he didn't come out to stop them.
As a doting father, he naturally saw his daughter's situation. His good daughter was not only dedicated to training but also had a strong liking for Xia Mu, so much so that Xia Mu was practically ready to call him Father-in-law.
But he couldn't stop it. Even if he didn't like Xia Mu, he would respect Tenten's choice.
Furthermore, after observing for these past few days, he understood that Xia Mu's talent was extraordinary. Even the son of the Aburame Clan head had great respect for Xia Mu. With such a prodigy liking his daughter, Tenten would also receive much care. When Tenten becomes a Ninja, her safety will have more guarantees, and only then can he truly feel at ease.
Alright, alright, even though this guy is annoying, I'll just pretend I didn't see it.
Thinking this, the Ninjutsu Shop Owner bit through his handkerchief but still had to go back to tend to the shop.
At mealtime, the Ninjutsu Shop Owner also prepared food to entertain them, claiming it was to not neglect the son of the Aburame Clan head, but in reality, Xia Mu wasn't shortchanged on food at all, and he even 'accidentally' gave Xia Mu a few extra pieces of meat.
Tenten saw this, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh, but in reality, she was happy.
Since her father didn't object, she had even less reason to hesitate. She couldn't miss out on a good prospect like Xia Mu!
So she proactively said: "Xia Mu, the Shadow Clone Technique is a bit difficult, I haven't mastered it yet, and the Four Illusionary Appendage Technique hasn't even taken shape. Can you come to my house to teach me after school from now on? My family provides meals."
Xia Mu naturally agreed: "Of course you can, as long as you and Shopkeeper Uncle don't find me bothersome."
The Ninjutsu Shop Owner snorted but didn't object in the end.
Shino was perceptive: "Xia Mu, then I won't wait for you after school from now on. I'll practice on my own first, and once I've mastered it, I'll come find you for a spar."
Good brother, truly reliable!
Xia Mu cast a grateful look, making Shino look smug.
Tenten saw this and almost couldn't help but laugh, but she had to hold it in because a certain someone didn't know that she already knew his thoughts.
Over the next half a month, Xia Mu went to Tenten's house every day after school, almost treating it as his own home. He also got along much better with Shopkeeper Uncle. The reason was that Xia Mu cooked once, which directly impressed Shopkeeper Uncle. The only downside was that the uncle often asked Xia Mu to cook.
What could Xia Mu do? His future Father-in-law wanted to taste his cooking, how could he refuse?
Fortunately, Tenten was somewhat biased, often using training as an excuse to prevent Xia Mu from cooking, but in reality, she was just spending time with Xia Mu.
However, Tenten was truly dedicated to training. Under Xia Mu's one-on-one guidance, she had successfully mastered the Shadow Clone Technique and the Four Illusionary Appendage Technique. Coupled with her already proficient tree climbing and water walking, her Chakra control had reached a very refined level. Her current strength was now roughly that of a Genin.
Although being a Genin at seven or eight years old wasn't particularly impressive, even a genius like Sasuke probably hadn't reached Genin strength yet at this age.
Tenten herself didn't have particularly high talent. Reaching this point at this age was already quite remarkable.
Besides Xia Mu's careful guidance, the biggest reason was Tenten's own effort. Hardworking girls are truly beautiful. In any case, Xia Mu was becoming more and more fond of Tenten.