Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 20: The Survival Exercise

With the help of his Shadow Clones, Genma Shiranui made swift, rapid progress—like a long-held spring uncoiled.

Day by day, he stuck to a disciplined routine: training, studying, sparring, and saving a little time for banter with Kurenai. Finally, he had risen to his third year at the Ninja Academy.

By this point, Genma had completely mastered four C-rank jutsu. His swordsmanship and martial arts had also grown more refined.

If he were to fight the Kakashi from a year ago, Genma estimated he had about a 70% chance of winning.

Unfortunately, Kakashi had already risen to chūnin, and—following his father's ideals—he had become quite well-known among his new peers.

Kakashi still couldn't escape being labeled "Little White Fang of Konoha," but it was impressive all the same.

Genma felt much less confident about fighting the current Kakashi, who had real combat experience. After all, someone who had endured life-and-death battles differed entirely from Genma, who had so far trained in relative isolation.

Still, Genma was nearing chūnin-level ability; all he lacked was "blood and fire" experience.

Perhaps because so many students planned to graduate early in their third year, the Academy offered them an additional course—a wilderness survival exercise—to serve as a buffer before officially becoming genin.

Genma and Kurenai were lucky enough to be assigned to the same team—he wasn't sure whether to credit his shameless father for that, but he was definitely pleased.

Their assigned trio was rounded out by an apparently honest, straightforward boy named Iday Iwashi.

Maybe because Genma and Kurenai often displayed their affection, nearly everyone in the class was aware of their relationship. Now, joining their team left Iwashi feeling rather awkward.

"Hey, Iwashi, don't be so tense. You've got strong combat skills—this survival exercise will be no problem for you," Genma said, though he knew the real reason for Iwashi's nervousness. He didn't want to point it out, since Kurenai embarrassed easily. Awkwardness would only make the exercise harder for them all.

Hearing praise from the famously skilled Genma, honest Iwashi smiled sheepishly. "Guess I'll still rely on you, though. You're basically the strongest in the whole class, right?"

"Cough, let's not brag. Kakashi was also part of our class, you know, and he didn't say anything about that. Anyway, I'm two years older than you—plenty of time for you to surpass me."

"Hmph, it's just a survival exercise. Must you guys talk so seriously?" Kurenai rolled her eyes, then handed Iwashi an apple. "I heard we're allowed to bring our own food for a survival drill. We might as well snack while we wait for the teacher."

"Oh, sure. I brought some food too. Want any?"

Being straightforward, Iwashi opened his backpack to reveal an abundance of fruit and dried rations.

"Whoa, that's a lot, Iwashi. You planning a picnic or something? Isn't that heavy?" Genma reached unceremoniously into Iwashi's pack, grabbing several pieces of fruit.

"Genma, you can't just take so many—mmph~"

Before Kurenai could finish scolding him, Genma stuffed a date into her mouth.

"I'm taking them for you, silly. I was afraid you'd be too shy to help yourself," he teased, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth. Opening his own pack, Genma took out a green bamboo container. "Here, Iwashi. Since I'm mooching your fruit, try some of this good stuff my family makes."

"This bamboo…?" Iwashi lifted the container, noticing it was divided into separate compartments. Removing the top half, a mouthwatering aroma filled the air.

"Wow, is this fruit juice? It smells amazing, way stronger than anything store-bought." After a quick compliment, Iwashi pressed the container to his lips. "Mmph~ so delicious, and there's something chewy in here too."

In no time, Iwashi was thoroughly immersed in Genma's family's secret "Hundred-Fruit Delicacy." Watching this, Kurenai couldn't help swallowing a bit of saliva, her eyes fixated on Genma.

Genma, seeing Kurenai's expression, smirked knowingly and produced another bamboo container, shaking it temptingly in front of her. "Would you like me to feed you?"

"No way, I'll drink it myself!" she snapped, snatching the container from him.

Genma pouted at being rejected so harshly. Then suddenly, Kurenai shoved a big apple into his mouth. He'd given her a small date, and she returned him a large apple—was she not worried it wouldn't fit?

Before he could speak, Kurenai had seized the bamboo container for herself. A wave of disapproving looks spread from nearby classmates—initially directed at Iwashi but now fixed on Genma, too.

"U-uh," he stammered, "if you guys have time, feel free to drop by my place. My parents love guests."

In response, many students flashed him grateful looks, some even clamoring to visit that very day. After diffusing their enthusiasm, Genma turned his attention back to Kurenai.

She'd finished the drink and was now panting slightly, tongue out as though she were a puppy overheating in summertime.

"What's wrong? Too hot?"

"It's freezing, you dummy!" Kurenai retorted. "You gave me something that cold… brr. My tongue's freezing."

Genma could only laugh helplessly.

Just then, wave after wave of students were called away by a young instructor to begin their survival drills. Time passed, and eventually a kunoichi with fiery red hair, a blue forehead protector, black over-the-knee stockings, and a slender figure entered the classroom.

"Shiranui Genma, Yūhi Kurenai, and Iday Iwashi. I'm your field instructor. Come with me."

"Wow, she's so pretty," Kurenai whispered in awe, momentarily starstruck by the woman's red hair—similar in color to her own eyes. Even Genma couldn't help gawking at the new arrival, her crimson hair reminiscent of a certain legendary heroine from his recollections: Kushina Uzumaki.

"Hehe, you three give me a good vibe. Little girl, you're the second person to compliment my hair like that. I hope I understood you right." The kunoichi knelt down, smiling at Kurenai's big, curious eyes, and gently patted her hair.

"Mhm! Sensei's hair is the prettiest I've ever seen!"

"Thanks for the compliment," the teacher laughed. "Let's head outside, shall we?" She stood up and took Kurenai's hand, leading the trio out of the classroom.

---

Elsewhere in the same building, only two students remained—Rin and Obito, anxiously waiting.

"Uh… Rin, Genma and the others left. Think they forgot us? It's just the two of us here," Obito muttered.

"I doubt it," Rin said, though she wore a worried expression. "Our teacher said we were a special case. I'm sure they'll come for us, right?"

Before their concern could grow further, a warm, sunny voice spoke up behind them. They turned to see a blond man in a blue shinobi uniform, smiling radiantly.

"You must be Rin and Obito. I'm your field instructor. Let's get going."

"Wow, Rin, this teacher looks super cool!"

"I agree. But… where's our teammate?" Rin asked, scanning the room.

"Don't worry," the instructor said with a reassuring grin. "He's waiting outside. You'll see soon enough."

At his words, Obito and Rin looked at each other, eyes shining with fresh anticipation.

---

Meanwhile, in another training field, all members of a team had just gathered—though in quite an unexpected way.

"What? Why's our teammate wearing a mask? That seems even less reliable than Kakashi," Obito complained irritably, glaring at the white-haired figure whose face was half-concealed. The silver hair and general stature felt eerily familiar.

Rin's eyes shimmered with realization, a bright smile forming as she turned to Obito. "Obito… I have a feeling there's more to this than we realize."

End of Chapter 20