“It’s just a summon, nothing to brag too much about.”
Hearing Kuroto’s words, Neji couldn’t help but sigh, “I am afraid only you can say this Sensei, I don’t think anyone else would be so callous about having such a powerful Summon.”
“No matter what you think about it, at the end of the day, it’s just a Summon, nothing more nothing less.” Said Kuroto indifferently.
Neji shook his head and decided to not think too much about Kuroto’s words and looked at the giant boar, and as if he suddenly remembered something, he turned towards Kuroto and asked, “Sensei, does this giant boar have a name?”
Kuroto nodded, “Yes... I named it Okina Buta.” And added, “You can also call it Buta.”
“Okina Buta...” muttered Neji with a thoughtful expression.
Looking at Neji’s thoughtful expression, Kuroto said, “So, do you want to make Buta your summon?”
Neji nodded hurriedly, “I want to... but... but... Sensei will it agree? And what kind of test will I have to pass in order to get the approval?”
Kuroto thought about Neji’s question and said with a smile, “Congratulations Hyuga Neji on passing the test.”
Neji was puzzled, “This makes no sense, I haven’t even given the test yet.”
“Indeed, that’s true, however, I, the person responsible for taking your test hereby declare that you have passed the test, you may sign the summoning contract with the strongest and the most legendary Boar in the world... Okina Buta.” Said Kuroto.
“Uhhh...” Neji felt weird about this situation.
Of course, Kuroto noticed it and asked, “It feels strange right? But think about it, something similar happened at Mount Myoboku.”
Kuroto’s words widened Neji’s eyes as he muttered in realization, “Sensei... do you want to tell me that that test at Mount Myoboku had nothing to do with the arrangement of fate or whatever, it’s all up to the people who can make decisions?”
“Exactly.” Nodded Kuroto, then he patted Neji’s head and said, “Remember my words... Never listen to other people when it comes to matters related to fate... I can’t say for others, however, when it comes to you, your fate has always been in your hands and will always remain in your hands, no matter what others say, therefore, never accept others’ judgment until your last breath.”
Always being behind Kakashi and Asuma wasn’t a very pleasant experience. Two of them were above the others, and this put a lot of pressure on the others, including Kuroto.
Thinking of his childhood days, Kuroto added, “It doesn’t matter to me what you do in regards to your friends, however, as your Sensei it is my duty to make sure that you don’t lose your focus and walk the wrong path, always keep this in your mind. This time is fine, but, the next time, don’t get affected by what’s happening in your surroundings, always stay focused.”
Neji nodded, “I will keep your words in my heart and work harder than ever.”
Kuroto nodded with a smile, “That’s good then.”
With that out of the way, Kuroto decided to return back to the village. Knowing what was going on in Neji’s mind, Kuroto didn’t waste any time and said, “I know you can’t wait anymore, so let’s go back.”
Neji took a deep breath and said, “This time for sure... I will definitely not lose!”
...
Outside Konoha
Naruto and Sasuke were confronting each other on the open field, and the contemporaries who followed the two kids were watching the battle in excitement and nervousness.
On top of a tree farther away from the battle between Naruto and Sasuke, a group of Jonin including Kakashi, Shisui, Itachi, Anko, Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai were standing or sitting as they watched the battle between the two kids.
Looking at his hand that was injured not long ago, Asuma said with a smirk, “Shisui... don’t blame me for taking sides, however, I believe that Naruto will be the winner of the battle. Don’t get me wrong, I get it that the kid from the Uchiha Clan is extremely talented and strong, however, that kid Naruto is just some other level shit. Even I am not confident against him. So, you should probably be ready to save Uchiha Sasuke... there is no telling what might happen if Naruto goes all out like he did the last time.”
Itachi said from the side, “Don’t worry Asuma-san... For one, I have confidence in Sasuke; secondly, if I see Sasuke being in danger, I will save him before it’s too late. Shisui-san doesn’t have to take action for such a small matter.”
“You?” muttered Asuma in surprise. He didn’t think that Itachi was capable enough to stand up to his words.
Itachi may be a genius, but at best Itachi is on the same level as him, not as strong as Shisui and Asuma believes that Itachi should understand this perfectly. Knowing that Asuma–himself isn’t confident–Itachi still made such a claim, made Asuma think that Itachi is too arrogant to be able to understand his own strength.
Of course, Itachi guessed Asuma’s thoughts, but he didn’t care about Asuma’s thoughts and continued to observe the battle between Naruto and his little brother.