However, that evening, Lee left earlier than usual.
Shiki understood. Perhaps, just as in the story, Lee had come yesterday to let off steam after being mocked.
After all, unlike me—who could nap all day and train at night—Lee couldn't do the same.
But Shiki never doubted that Lee trained just as hard as he did. Because that kid, at any time, was always working diligently on his training.
Indeed, that child truly was a genius of perseverance.
Thinking thus, Shiki began striking the wooden post with renewed vigor.
"If that's the case, then I must work even harder too. Otherwise, by the end of it all, if we're left far behind Konoha's Twelve Guardians, it would be a huge embarrassment for us transmigrators!"
"Three hundred and fifty-seven!"
"Three hundred and fifty-eight!"
With every punch landing solidly on the post, Shiki felt his life grow more meaningful. For the sake of fulfilling his dreams without regrets,
Shiki could only walk further down this path with greater determination!
Chapter 10: Strength or Not?
Seemingly mundane days passed unusually quickly.
In the blink of an eye, Shiki had already spent several months at the Ninja Academy and gradually become accustomed to everything here.
Because the Ninja Academy existed in peacetime, students generally weren't allowed to graduate early unless their abilities were exceptionally outstanding and they had special reasons to do so.
Shiki finally understood why Itachi and Kakashi could graduate so early, while Konoha's Twelve Guardians—an extraordinarily talented generation—had not a single one graduating ahead of schedule.
Even someone like Gaara almost graduated around the same time as Naruto.
As days passed, many young girls eventually lost interest in Shiki because he spent every day napping, lacking any vitality, nothing like Sasuke.
Shiki happily enjoyed his tranquility. With fewer interruptions, he had more time to rest properly for even more rigorous training at night.
Shiki even secretly speculated that he probably already possessed the capabilities of a qualified Genin.
Naruto still quarreled with Sasuke daily, and Sasuke continued calling Naruto a dead-last.
Everything seemed incredibly peaceful. Even after countless failed attempts to change things, Iruka eventually accepted the fact that the class now had another Shikamaru-like student.
However, that child seemed just as intelligent as Shikamaru.
Each time Iruka thought about how both Shikamaru and Shiki scored either full marks or zero on every exam, he felt a headache coming on.
Sometimes, these two kids would even fall asleep during tests.
Shiki had thoroughly mastered elementary-level fundamental knowledge. However, he found some Ninjutsu-related exams slightly challenging.
Still, determined to become stronger, Shiki earnestly self-studied this material.
Don't underestimate the power of a scholar. Just consider the experiments Orochimaru conducted—you'll realize one truth: knowledge is power.
Although Shiki had no intention of performing such numerous evil experiments like Orochimaru, acquiring solid Ninjutsu knowledge would at least ensure correctness in his future path.
Moreover, it often came in handy when developing new techniques.
Given that these books were intended for elementary school students, it was incredibly easy for Shiki to fully grasp their content.
As a result, people came to believe that he was as intelligent as Shikamaru—an illusion he didn't bother to dispel.
During class, Iruka suddenly raised his hand and then pressed it down, signaling everyone to quiet down.
All the children in the class immediately stopped talking, listening intently to what Iruka was about to say.
"Good job, everyone. After such a long time, I believe you all have developed a basic understanding of ninjas. Today, Mizuki-sensei from the adjacent class will be bringing his students over for a sparring match with us. I hope everyone gives their best effort."
A sparring match? This was the first time Shiki had heard of something like that being held at the Ninja Academy.
But this time, Shiki decided to take it seriously.
He'd been practicing Taijutsu for a while now, yet had never actually gone up against another fighter—until today! "Looks like I'll finally get to test my progress!"
What Shiki didn't know was that this impromptu match wasn't just a game—it was specifically set up with him in mind.
After all, who would make students who've only been at the Ninja Academy for a year actually fight?
Moreover, Shiki hadn't even studied there for a full year yet—he had only been enrolled for three months.
Behind the Ninja Academy lay a desolate scene, a place rarely visited by children.
A figure completely wrapped in bandages stood there, disguised as a frail invalid, while Mizuki knelt respectfully on one knee before him.
Danzo began speaking, "This time, we must test that child's potential. And let him know that those without influential backgrounds cannot learn powerful ninjutsu."
Mizuki naturally replied anxiously, "Please rest assured, I will definitely complete this task well!"
Danzo nodded slightly and said, "You may go now."
Upon hearing this, Mizuki obediently left the area.
Only Danzo remained, watching the golden leaves drift down as he murmured calmly, "It's only when you're pushed around and beaten down that you'll finally understand—only through me, Danzo, can your strength grow far beyond what you imagined."
At noon, Shiki, Naruto, Sakura, Ino, and Hinata ate lunch together. Yet Shiki's mind was already racing with plans for his afternoon training session.
"Hey, Shiki, the competition's this afternoon—do you feel okay?" Sakura lifted her head to ask Shiki while eating lunch.
Hearing this, Ino also spoke up, "Yeah, Shiki, you usually just sleep through class. You haven't participated in any Taijutsu lessons. If you get defeated by Mizuki-sensei's students, that won't look good."
So in their eyes, did they really think so little of him?
Shiki momentarily spaced out.
Even Naruto hadn't personally tried to persuade him like this. The others, however, were already fired up, preparing intensely for their own matches.
Shiki seriously looked at both Sakura and Ino and said, "Although I wasn't interested before, I truly enjoy actual combat. Just wait and see."
"T-That is… Shiki-kun, p-please don't force yourself," Hinata, sitting at a nearby table, overheard their conversation and came over to advise him timidly. "Maybe it's better if you just surrender right away. I've heard that Mizuki-sensei's students are really ruthless."
Then Hinata turned to Naruto. "Wait! Naruto-kun, you absolutely have to, have to..."
Before she could finish speaking, Hinata's face flushed red and she quickly ran off.
Only someone as dense as Naruto would be completely baffled by Hinata's behavior, asking, "Hey Shiki, what was that? Hinata was acting so confusing."
Even Sakura and Ino couldn't help but mutter something like "What an idiot" under their breath.
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