"You're really something, Kaito. I regret sitting behind you now."
Shikamaru lazily rolled his eyes when he saw Kaito place Ino gently on the desk.
He was already fed up with watching these two flaunt their puppy love at such a young age.
"I didn't ask you to sit behind us. If you don't like it, move somewhere else," Kaito replied without even turning his head.
"Hinata, good morning! Have you eaten yet?"
"G-Good morning, Kaito-kun! I-I have!" Hinata stammered.
Shikamaru looked at the two exchanging awkward pleasantries and sighed. Three black lines appeared on his forehead. He lowered his head, closed his eyes, and pretended the three lovebirds around him didn't exist.
Before long, the classroom buzzed with noise once again.
Iruka stepped in and shouted, "Alright, everyone, we're doing a test today. Head outside!"
"There are two parts: the first is shuriken throwing. As usual, when I call your name, step forward!" Iruka's voice echoed across the field.
"Background characters A and B… Inuzuka Kiba!"
"Ready! Release!"
"40 points, 40 points, 60 points." Iruka scribbled down the results, looking bored. "Next group!"
...
"There goes my peaceful nap time," Shikamaru mumbled beside Kaito.
"Is there anything you do besides sleep? You're so lazy. Keep that up and your kids will be just like you one day," Kaito replied flatly.
"Tch. Not everyone's like you, always showing off their affection. You guys are so into it you probably forget to eat lunch."
"Exactly! Since you two left for a year, I stopped stress-eating snacks. I've lost five or six kilos!" Shikamaru added, clutching a snack pack dramatically.
Kaito smirked. "You? Thin? Don't make me laugh. You've probably bulked up instead."
"Really? I didn't notice," Ino said skeptically, eyeing Shikamaru like he was trying to fool her.
"Next group! Yamanaka Ino, Hyuga Hinata, Nara Shikamaru!"
"Oh come on, what kind of bad luck is this? Why do I have to be grouped with you two?" Shikamaru groaned as he glanced at Ino and Hinata on either side of Kaito.
It was already bad enough sitting next to this lovey-dovey trio during class. Now he had to take the test with both of Kaito's "girlfriends"? Truly, terrible luck.
"Ino! Hinata! Do your best!" Kaito called out supportively.
"Don't worry!" "Y-Yeah!" both girls replied.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Shikamaru grumbled.
"Oh, you too, huh? Good luck, Shikamaru!" Kaito added offhandedly.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Wow, what a heartfelt pep talk from someone who clearly values women over friends."
While talking, the three had already stepped into the practice area.
"Ready! Release!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three kunai struck the targets.
"80, 100, 80! Nicely done!" Iruka nodded with approval.
After the test, the trio walked back. Ino, however, looked a bit dejected.
Shikamaru gave Kaito a glance and moved over to stand beside Choji—his unspoken way of saying: "This is your mess, deal with it."
"Ino! Are you okay?" Hinata asked gently, showing concern before Kaito could speak.
"I'm fine," Ino replied with a sigh. "I've been practicing hard, but I still can't match you, Hinata."
"Don't be silly! Do you know what kind of training the Hyuga clan does? Even if the targets were ten meters away, Hinata would still hit every mark." Kaito patted her head gently.
"Oh! Right, I forgot about that!" Ino slapped her forehead. "Then I actually did pretty well, didn't I?" she asked with bright eyes.
"Yup. You were great," Kaito said, smiling as if coaxing a child.
"You really were! Don't sell yourself short, Ino," Hinata added.
Hearing their encouragement, Ino instantly perked up again.
From afar, Shikamaru watched and sighed. A rare hint of envy flickered in his lazy eyes. Hmph… might need to ask Kaito for some tips later.
"Wow! Sasuke is amazing!"
"So cool!"
A chorus of girls' cheers drew Kaito and the others' attention.
It was Sasuke, striking his usual cool pose. Nearby stood Kiba and Naruto, both glaring at Sasuke with poorly concealed jealousy.
"Why does he get all the girls?" Naruto muttered.
"Tch. What a show-off," Kiba added sourly.
"Shut it, both of you!" Iruka barked.
"Ready! Release!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three dull thuds followed.
"10 points, 100 points, 70 points!"
Iruka's eye twitched. He turned toward Naruto and roared, "It's been a whole year and you still haven't improved your throwing?! You're staying after school for an extra hour of practice!"
"Y-Yes, Iruka-sensei…" Naruto muttered.
"Next group! Ayanami Kaito, Aburame Shino, Haruno Sakura!"
"Ino! Hinata! Wish me luck!" Kaito grinned as he stood up.
"Good luck, Kaito!" they said in unison—Ino shouting enthusiastically, Hinata whispering shyly.
"Got it," Kaito smiled, rubbing their foreheads affectionately before heading toward the field.
Iruka sighed inwardly. This guy… it's like drowning in dog food every day. I've been single for over twenty years, and now I have to endure this?
When it came to winning over girls, Iruka had to admit—this kid was a pro.
"What are you dragging your feet for? Hurry up!" Iruka barked.
"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"
Kaito stepped into the center with a kunai in hand.
"Ready! Release!"
His eyes narrowed. In a flash, the kunai sailed straight toward the target.
---