Chapter 13: Little Boy's Provocation
Standing beside Haiye Da, Chiba's arrogant declaration caused the instructor's expression to stiffen slightly. He hadn't expected Chiba to speak with such boldness on the very first day dismissing all his peers with a single sweeping remark. It was clear he had no intention of making friends.
In Class 6, Chiba was both the youngest and the shortest. Yet he acted like the Hokage himself, speaking with a level of disdain that naturally irked the other students.
"Alright, Chiba, return to your seat," Haiye Da said calmly, trying to ease the tension in the room.
The rest of the student introductions continued, but it was obvious that Chiba had made himself the target of resentment. Several students made subtle or overt remarks, all implying that they were eager to challenge him.
Thus, in the very first class, Chiba had become public enemy number one.
Chiba, however, remained completely indifferent to their reactions. In his eyes, these were merely children green, untested, and still far behind him in strength and experience. If they were foolish enough to pick a fight, he wouldn't hesitate to humble them.
Following introductions, the class shifted to basic lectures on the shinobi lifestyle topics like chakra theory, the shinobi code, and the Will of Fire.
To Chiba, it was all mind-numbingly dull.
He slumped on his desk, arms folded, and closed his eyes. With his intelligence and prior knowledge, these fundamentals were child's play. He could absorb them in minutes, even while half-asleep.
The first day dragged on like a tedious dream, but finally the dismissal bell rang. Chiba practically bolted from the classroom, eager to escape what he saw as a glorified daycare.
Yet before he could reach the academy gates, a small group of students from various classes blocked his path in the school courtyard.
They had heard his proclamation and weren't pleased. Clearly, they intended to teach him a lesson.
Chiba smirked.
"Oh? What's this? You kids looking for a spanking so early in the school year?" he said, arms crossed, his tone mocking.
At the Ninja Academy, sparring and physical competition were not just allowed they were encouraged. Real-world conflict was part of shinobi training, after all.
One of the boys stepped forward, chewing on a toothpick, his eyes narrowed. It was Iwashi Tatami nicknamed for his quiet demeanor but strong body.
"Chiba, you're too cocky for your own good. Just because your father is Sakumo Hatake the White Fang and your brother is Kakashi, doesn't make you anything special. It's time someone knocked you down a peg."
"If you're that confident," Chiba said without hesitation, "then step up. I'll show you just how big the gap is between us."
"Gladly," Iwashi growled, rushing forward, fist raised.
Chiba didn't flinch. He waited until Iwashi was close, then ducked under the punch and spun with lightning speed his foot slamming into Iwashi's abdomen.
Whump!
Iwashi's eyes widened in shock as he flew backward, landing with a heavy thud several meters away. He groaned, clutching his stomach, unable to get up.
"Rookie," Chiba said coolly. "That's the difference between you and me. You're not even qualified to be my opponent."
The children around them gasped in shock. They had expected talk, not actual power. No one had thought Chiba could take down Iwashi with a single move.
"Anyone else think they're up to the task?" Chiba asked, eyes sweeping across the small crowd, his tone filled with mocking confidence.
"I'll take you on," said a calm voice from the side. It was Hyūga Yaohui, a tall boy in a traditional white gi with long sleeves and the Hyūga clan crest on his back.
Despite being only a student, Yaohui was already known as a top-tier prospect in the class. As a branch member of the Hyūga clan, he had trained in the Gentle Fist and was considered one of the most promising young shinobi in the academy.
He walked forward with measured steps, eyes fixed on Chiba.
"I'm not going to let some loudmouth with a famous brother act like he's the only one who matters. You're just a child playing grown-up."
"And yet, here you are challenging a child," Chiba replied with a smirk. "You say I'm arrogant, but the only way to shut me up is to beat me. Think you can do that?"
Yaohui didn't respond. He launched forward, using swift taijutsu footwork reminiscent of the Hyūga clan's teachings. Though he hadn't yet awakened the Byakugan, his stance and movement were sharp and efficient.
But Chiba wasn't impressed.
Even though Yaohui's form was cleaner than Iwashi's, his body still moved like a child's limited in power, speed, and instinct.
He charged at Chiba, aiming to strike at pressure points with precise hits, trying to simulate Gentle Fist strikes without chakra flow.
Chiba, bored of the exchange before it even began, didn't wait. He intercepted Yaohui mid-step, his hand snapping forward like a viper, catching his wrist and pulling him off balance.
With a twist and a shoulder-check, Chiba sent Yaohui sprawling to the ground breathless and stunned.
"You Hyūga boys really think you're untouchable," Chiba muttered. "But it turns out you're just as easy to put down."
Yaohui lay on the ground, frustrated and panting, his pride visibly bruised.
"You're not ready to challenge me," Chiba said flatly, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve. "Come back when you grow up."
The students surrounding them were left speechless.
Chiba wasn't just all talk he was legitimately strong. Even the Hyūga prodigy hadn't lasted.
Some students glared, some looked in awe, and a few of the girls even whispered excitedly. But none of them dared to step forward.
Chiba had made his point.
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