Second Chance | COTE x Naruto

Chapter 16

...Second round of the selection continued. The fourth battle, a duel between Aburame Shino and Nara Shikamaru, was finally over. Although Shikamaru was impressive, in the end he was forced to admit defeat.

The arena didn't help. Shikamaru couldn't make use of the arena to help him overcome his opponent. But judging from his intellect, it was not impossible for him to win in the right environtment. And even if he lost, it was likely he would be promoted as a chuunin.

If 5 years old Shikamaru, Sakayanagi Arisu, and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka were tested for their IQ, Shikamaru would definitely get the first rank. If he became Whiteroom's student, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would have a wall he couldn't overcome when it came to brain.

Unfortunately, unlike Naruto and Hinata who possessed much more knowledge and experience due to their previous life, Shikamaru was just a brat no older than thirteen. The only thing he had over them was superiority in raw IQ.

But it didn't mean the heir of Nara Clan could be underestimated. He would naturally grow and become more stronger.

However, whether he could reach his full potential or not strictly depended on his attitude. As of now, his laziness ensured that he would never reach his full potential. But then again, a motivated Nara was as bad as an Uchiha---according to Senju Tobirama💀.

"Next battle, please come down Inuzuka Kiba and Sarutobi Hirata!"

Kiba screamed in excitement as he heard the announcement. "It's finally my time to shine," he boasted as he climbed downstair. Kiba was confident.

"Good luck, Hirata-kun," encouraged Kushida.

Hirata nodded his head, he followed after the Inuzuka's Clan Heir. He didn't think he would lose. Encouragement wasn't necessary. Nevertheless, he appreciated it. People's good will must be appreciated. This was an unwritten rule.

If this year's academy rookie of the year was Uchiha Sasuke alone, rookie of the year of the last year were two: Hyuuga Neji and Sarutobi Hirata. Although the only connection Hirata had with the third hokage was his aunt as the Third's son's wife, many people compared him to the hokage.

They claimed he had potential to be as great as him. Hirata was happy to hear that, as every one in his position would, but at the same time he felt burdened by the expectation. He knew he was not a genius. He also knew that killing was difficult for him even after knowing the cruelty of this world.

"Hey, just because you're from the Third's clan, it doesn't mean I'll go easy on you!"

Hirata narrowed his eyes at the opponent. Kiba wasn't so different in attitude with Ike. What differenciated them was only one: Ike was pervert, Kiba was not. At least, that was what he could conclude at this point.

"I don't expect you to go easy on me," said Hirata. "On contrary, I urge you to give your best. I am not a genius, but you will regret it if you don't go all out."

Kiba scoffed at the older genin. And as soon as Anko declared the fight to begin, he threw a special pill into Akamaru's mouth. Similar to what happened with Yamauchi, Akamaru transformed into Kiba. They dashed forward with sharp and strong claws.

Hirata narrowed his eyes and pulled out two kunai out of his ninja bag, holding it with each of his hands. The pride of Sarutobi Clan felt no nervous as he engaged in a close range combat against the heir of Inuzuka Clan and his dog.

Metal met sharp claws. Neither was losing. Even though it was two against one, Hirata was not pushed back. Rather, Kiba and his dog were struggling. Slowly but surely, their speed became slower before they finally got pushed back by the older genin.