We talked about the taijutsu style I intend to make while waiting. After a few minutes, Iruka told Ino and Hinata to go to the ring so we started watching. Ino and Hinata reached the arena and with Mizuki’s signal, the fight started.

Hinata attacked Ino, who was holding a defensive stance fast, and threw a palm towards Ino’s chest, as she did to Sakura. Ino blocked the attack and counter with a short kick. Hinata dodged and turned around herself, then attacked Ino’s shoulder with extended fingers. Ino blocked that too but Hinata’s attack must have hurt if Ino’s wince is anything to go by. Ino didn’t counter but waited while slowly inching towards the edge of the ring.

While Ino tried to reach the edge, Hinata kept attacking relentlessly and since she had to keep defending, Ino couldn’t move fast. But Ino didn’t give up. She took the attacks and moved back every single chance.

Hinata must have been lost her patience because she started to actually throw punches. Not normal punches meant to be powerful but fast ones. With one of those punches, she caught Ino’s chin. Ino staggered where she stood, still holding guard. But for Hinata, that much was enough.

Hinata held one of Ino’s arms up, and with her other hand pushed Ino out of the ring and left alone inside the ring sweaty and tired.

“Win by ring-out Hinata.”

We clapped Hinata and Ino. They came towards us. Hinata ready to fall and Ino, even worse. Ino plopped down beside Kiba and opened her arms. There were lots of purple marks on them. Hinata saw them and walked beside Ino. “Ano Ino-chan. Sorry about your arms.”

Ino shook her head, tired. She looked up at Hinata and said, “It’s not important. We were fighting after all. You fought well by the way.”

Hinata nodded. “Y-you fought well too.” They smiled at each other and Hinata plopped down on the ground before Ino. Not giving any heed to where she was sitting.

I was about to congratulate Hinata when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Naruto. I raised a brow at him. He came closer and whispered, “Hinata-chan is too strong. How am I going to win against her?”

I shook my head, grinning. I stood up and whispered in Naruto’s ear. As soon as he heard what I had in mind, he went red and started stuttering much like Hinata. “B-but I… can’t. That’s wrong.”

I smiled, “If you want to win, that is the only way. If you feel bad, then take responsibility after.”

“What? What responsibility? Don’t talk with big words.” Was his answer.

“It means you should do what needs to be done and…” I whispered again.

Naruto looked at me with wide eyes but didn’t protest. He looked at resting Hinata and flushed. He then turned back to me and said, “It’s not wrong right?” I shook my head. “Okay.” He said and made his way to the taijutsu ring.

“You are evil you know that right?” I turned to the voice. Sara was smiling. I just shrugged. “What do you think will happen between them?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think anything will happen. They are still six after all, as we are.” That made me thinking. ‘Why are these kids so smart? Is it chakra?’

“I will beat you, bastard.” Came a groggy voice. We all turned to Kiba who, trying and failing to sit up. “I am not done yet.” He stood up and looked at us, then to the ring. “What happened to the fight?”

We all chuckled.

A few minutes after Hinata and Ino’s match ended, it was time for Hinata and Naruto’s match. Hinata stood meekly at one side, touching her index fingers on each other and looking at Naruto nervously.

Naruto too looked nervous. But he was looking at me, looking for approval. So I nodded at him and danced my brows. He went red again which made me chuckle. Then Mizuki gave the signal to start.

Naruto rushed forward, full speed. Hinata just stood there, intent on taking whatever Naruto throws on her way without protecting herself. She might be even thinking of forfeiting the match but she never got the chance. Naruto caught her on a hug and whispered something to her ear. Poor girl’s eyes turned back and she passed out.

“Sigh. Winner by knock-out, Naruto.”

We cheered for Naruto, who was carrying Hinata. He put Hinata to the ground gently and sat beside her. I grinned at Naruto. “So, Naruto. What did you say to her?”

Naruto went red and said, “N-none of your business. Teme! She passed out because of you. I never thought this would happen!” He stood up and walked towards me. “And she doesn’t wake up.”

I smiled at him “Don’t worry. She will wake up soon enough. In that time, maybe you should focus on your match with Kotoba.” His eyes opened wide and looked at Kotoba.

Kotoba waved at him and said, “Next is our match Naruto-san. Please don’t hug me.”

Naruto’s eye twitched. “What did you say, teme! I will show you hugging. No one gets to make fun of future Hokage, believe it!”

“Naruto, Kotoba, to the ring.” They turned to Iruka and nodded.

Naruto walked to the ring while glancing at Hinata worriedly. I sighed and yelled, “Naruto, she will be okay. Just make sure to say you won when she wakes up.” Naruto balled his fists and nodded. ‘Damn, so much motivation. I wish I could be like that. Then maybe training would be more fun.’

“Start.”

Naruto and Kotoba took their stances. Naruto’s stance leaned towards strength while Kotoba’s stance leaned toward speed. They looked at each other, then Kotoba moved in a blur and hit Naruto’s chest with a punch. Naruto grunted and held his stance. Kotoba managed to hit him two more times but Naruto didn’t seem to show any sign of faltering. Kotoba must have thought he needed more power because the next time he attacked, he was slower. Naruto got hit by the attack but this time caught Kotoba’s fist then hugged him. Which made me laugh. Naruto then started squeezing. After a few seconds, Kotoba forfeited, trying to take a breath.

Naruto raised her nose and walked towards Hinata, who was waking up.

“Winner by forfeit. Naruto.”

Naruto came beside Hinata and helped her get up. Hinata looked down and asked, “W-were you serious.” Naruto nodded seriously. Then Hinata hugged him. We all started clapping.

After a while, Iruka loudly cleared his throat. “Okay, that’s enough. Naruto, Hinata listen to me. The duo nodded and after others in the class came too, Iruka started talking, “The winner is Naruto. As I promised, he won’t be joining for taijutsu classes.” Naruto cheered at the side, Iruka continued, “Regardless of how many matches you have won, you all did well. Congratulations.”