Makoto's actions left Naruto feeling touched.
Iruka also smiled warmly, believing it was a sign that Makoto truly valued his friends.
"Alright, that concludes the practical training! Everyone performed well this time."
"I encourage the winners to keep up the hard work, and those who didn't succeed should not feel discouraged. You'll do better next time!"
"Now, that's all for today's class... You're all dismissed!"
As everyone was preparing to head home, a sudden voice interrupted.
"Teacher Iruka, wait!"
The students were puzzled. Who would interrupt their chance to leave?
Iruka was also confused, looking back, and saw that it was none other than Makoto calling out to him.
Iruka was surprised. Normally, Makoto was a quiet and introverted student who never initiated conversations.
Over the years, Makoto had never really spoken much to Iruka. What was going on today?
...…
Iruka smiled kindly and asked, "Makoto, what's the matter? Is something wrong?"
Makoto scratched his head awkwardly. "Actually, you mentioned before that winners can continue to challenge the top students and rank up."
Iruka looked at him with a stunned face after hearing his words. 'Why is he suddenly bringing it up? Is he planning to fight others?'
"Yes, there is such a rule, but why bring it up now? Are you planning to challenge someone?"
"Yes, Teacher Iruka!" Makoto nodded firmly.
"That's great! I'm happy to see your enthusiasm!" Iruka gently replied. Then, he turned to address the class. "Classmates, it seems that Makoto wants to challenge high ranking students!"
Nara Shikamaru sighed in exasperation. "What's going on with Makoto today? Now he wants to continue with the challenges? How troublesome!"
Another student rolled his eyes and said with a smile. "I hope he chooses me. Just because he defeated a weakling doesn't make him strong!"
"No matter how strong he thinks he is, he's still a weakling! If he picks me, I'll teach him a lesson!"
The rest of the class seemed to share the same thought, eager to accept Makoto's challenge so they could put him in his place. After all, this was the guy who was keeping everyone from going home.
Chōji looked a little distressed while pulling out his last pack of potato chips from his bag. "Ah... This is the last one. I was planning to eat it at home, but I guess I'll have to eat it here now!"
Just then, Naruto's stomach growled loudly.
Chōji looked at him and asked, "Naruto, are you hungry? Come eat with me!"
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Thanks, Chōji! I'm not going to pass up on this!"
Ino and the others were taken aback. "Oh my god, Chōji actually shared his snacks!"
"The most surprising thing is... This was his last pack of chips!"
...…
[Senju Tobirama: Hey, Makoto! What's going on? Don't you know you should keep a low profile? You only have a little strength, so don't act too high-profile!]
[Makoto Ito: Low-key? Why should I keep a low profile? You've got all these big names behind me. If I keep a low profile, it'd just embarrass you all!]
[Senju Tobirama: Well... You've got a point there...]
[Uchiha Madara: That's right! You should be more high-profile. Only those with no strength are constantly worried about others. Once you're powerful, make sure the entire ninja world knows your name!]
...…
Iruka instructed the students to stand up again.
He then turned back to Makoto and asked a question. "So, who have you decided to challenge?"
"I recommend you to not pick someone too high ranked!"
Makoto nodded in agreement. "I understand, Iruka-sensei!"
Iruka smiled, pleased to see Makoto being so obedient. He thought to himself, 'What a good kid!'
Makoto looked at his classmates as if he was carefully considering whom he should challenge.
Iruka asked again, "So, have you made up your mind?"
Just then, Kiba spoke up. "Tch, Makoto, do you dare pick me? I'll definitely teach you a lesson. Don't think you're any better just because you beat a weakling! You'll always be a weakling in my eyes!"
Naruto who was standing beside, was having none of it. "Shut up, Kiba! If Makoto picks you, he'll easily defeat you!"
Kiba rolled his eyes dismissively. "Weaklings sure love to talk big!"
Seeing this scene, Makoto made his decision. "Iruka-sensei, I've made up my mind!"
Iruka frowned slightly as he heard his words.
Could it be that Makoto was planning to challenge Kiba?
He had always ranked high in the class. If Makoto chose him and lost, it might damage his confidence. Thinking this over, Iruka spoke again, "Makoto, while you're free to challenge anyone, I hope you take it step by step. Maybe start with someone lower-ranked."
[Senju Hashirama: This teacher seems like a really good person!]
[Makoto Ito: Yes, Iruka-sensei is indeed a good teacher!]
__________________________
Update Schedule: 7 Chapter/week.
Every 300 Power Stones = 1 Chapter
By voting with [power stones], you can easily get double the number of chapters