Naruto: Snow Cold

Before I knew it, a week had passed, and it was March 3rd. To be honest, the academy was incredibly boring—dull, even. Sure, chakra theory was fascinating, and shuriken practice had its moments. The kunoichi classes were relaxing, too. But if I'm being frank? The other subjects somehow made my old high school seem exciting in comparison.

We'd also started sparring again. This time, I gave it my all, pouring everything into training. I managed to push my weight seal from 6% to 8%, which meant I was carrying 16 kilos evenly distributed across my body now. Plus, I was getting more comfortable with Chakra Enhancement—it lasted through about a third of my workout now.

I didn't slack in Taijutsu either. I practiced my katas to the point of leaving the poor log unrecognizable. Before any of you environmentalists come after me, I'll have you know it was for the greater good!

The best part? My chakra reserves were growing bigger. Yay for chakra cheats!

I also was getting familiar with the feeling of using Gale Palm, and reduced the handsigns needed by one. This meant I only needed three seals to perform the jutsu now.

Too bad I can't actually use it in spars.

"Amai, can you answer the question? How many kunais are left if you take away sixteen from forty-two?"

"O-Oh!" I was suddenly brought out of my thoughts, my face flushing as I realized the entire class was still waiting for my response. It took a moment for the words to register, and my mind scrambled to catch up with the question. Shit, hurry up, you're embarrassing yourself!

"Twenty-six."

There was a brief pause before the instructor nodded, looking satisfied. "Correct."

Thank goodness my brain didn't short-circuit. It was easy, but still took some time to calculate when your mind is distracted with so many things. It was—

"Alright, class," the instructor continued, turning to the board, "What's nine plus ten?"

...No. Don't tell me. Is it really gonna happen?

A hand shot up from the back of the room. It was Kaito, one of the three Inuzukas. He was grinning like he'd won a prize.

"Twenty-one!" he shouted proudly, a look of pure confidence on his face.

Kuroda-sensei was a little taken aback and didn't say it outright, but I could tell by his expression and the voice that resonated inside my head. "You stuupid!" I struggled with all my might to hold in a chuckle, as if I was fighting for my life. Which I was, clearly.

"...That's not exactly correct. The right answer is nineteen." He continued, his voice flat.

"Awwweee," Kaito groaned, slumping in his seat as if he'd just been hit with the weight of the world.

"Okay, my dear students. I'll write down a couple of math problems that involve sums and takeaways. You'll be having that as your homework, and you'll need it done by next Monday. After that class, we'll finally be having our first exam."

An exam, this early? I know their brains are developing faster than usual due to the magical wonder that is chakra, but that's stupid! I didn't even know how to read at the age of 6 in my world. I'm pretty sure Sora is thinking the same thing too.

We both nodded and began taking notes.

5+7=? 12-3=? 9-4=? 15-6=? 8+6=? 7+9=? 14-5=? 6+3=? 18-7=? 10+4=?

Easy stuff. I could probably do this in my sleep. Some kids like the Aburame, Hatake and Nara solved it pretty quick, and some others struggled a little, but pulled through. Of course, me and Sora finished it on the spot. Who the hell would want to touch a book specifically for school when you're home?

We spent a few minutes doing nothing—I really should start trying to cut twigs with my chakra to at least do something in class— And the bell rang. Sparring time, isn't it?

I stood up, stretching a bit as the other kids started gathering their things. The thought of throwing hands once more sent shivers down my spine. I don't want to lose like that again, ever.

I felt a familiar palm on my shoulder—it was Sora. "You can do it. No matter how stupidly overpowered they could be, you can do it," he whispered, his voice calm but filled with a quiet confidence.

I glanced at him, and my mouth curled into a small smile, "Thanks." If I get paired up against Suzume once more, I won't back down. I won't hold back like before. I'll defeat her!

As we made our way to the sparring area, I pushed aside the lingering doubts in my mind. I trained hard, way too hard for this moment.

"Now that we are here, first up are Senju Masato, versus Uchiha Takumi!"

They both walked to the center. Masato was calm and composed, a small glare in his face. Takumi, as expected of an Uchiha, was smirking at him, looking proud and confident. Cocky, not that I'm surprised, though. I'd also probably be really prideful if I was part of such a clan, with those powerful bullshit copying eyes... Actual plot device.

They did the Seal of Confrontation.

"Ready?" Kuroda-sensei's voice broke through the tension in the air.

They both got into their respective stances and nodded. "BEGIN!" Kuroda-sensei announced, and they charged toward each other.

Takumi swung his leg horizontally at his opponent, who dodged by stepping back. He quickly followed up with a side kick, but it was intercepted by a firm left palm. Wasting no time, Masato closed the gap and threw a powerful jab, which was blocked by Takumi's forearm, though it still sent him stumbling back a bit.

They're... somewhat slow, but powerful. Everyone's training hard, huh?

Masato seized the opportunity to throw a hook, but Takumi sidestepped just in time. He quickly followed up with a series of jabs, overhands, and crosses, all of which were either dodged or blocked by the Uchiha's forearm. He finished the combo with an uppercut, but Takumi avoided it by stepping back, narrowly missing the strike.

God, it's like I'm watching professional fighters, even though they're literal children. Sora, standing beside me, was just as impressed, his eyes wide in awe.

The Senju threw one more punch, but Takumi grabbed his arm, pulling him in for a knee strike to the gut that stunned him momentarily. Takumi followed up with two swift punches, barely blocked by the Senju, then loaded his leg and performed a low kick that struck Masato's thigh.

This allowed the Uchiha to step back and execute a sidekick that pushed Masato out of the ring.

Holy shit...

"Good job, the both of you. The winner is Uchiha Takumi. Do the Seal of Reconciliation, and then we'll move on." Kuroda-sensei announced.

Masato wasn't even bothered by his loss; he just looked more determined than before. He got up and shook hands with Takumi, who was smirking and looking proud of himself. Cocky little...

"Okay, the next ones are... Amai Hashimoto versus Sora Shiraishi!" He declared.

I blinked, and looked at sensei, then at Sora.

HUH?!