"Amazing."
Boom!!!
Smoke and dust billowed, and a fierce wind swept across the training ground.
"These two kids are quite something, possessing such powerful summoning animals."
"Kiba's Akamaru is from the Inuzuka clan's breeding program; that's understandable. But Natsuki's summoning animal is a bit mysterious."
"He goes on one mission and picks up a powerful summoning beast? We've been on so many missions, and we've never found one."
"That brat has too many secrets. I say, Lord Danzo should just grab him and interrogate him thoroughly."
"Well, the joint Chunin Exams are coming up. The Hokage is watching closely; there can't be any mishaps."
"After the Chunin Exams, he ehe..." The two Root members hiding in the shadows stared intently at Natsuki and the small, dinosaur-like Agumon on the training ground.
Akamaru and Agumon had already exchanged several blows.
Agumon had the stronger offensive power, but Akamaru, aided by his wind abilities, was more agile.
For a time, they seemed locked in a fierce battle, but neither had actually landed a solid hit.
"Akamaru, go for it!
"Remember his scent! Use Passing Fang and finish Agumon in one blow!" Kiba shouted towards the smoke-filled area.
"Useless! Agumon, use Baby Flame–continuous bombardment! Flush him out!" Natsuki commanded in response.
Intense flames erupted once more within the smoke and dust.
After several explosions, Akamaru was sent flying.
Kiba caught him before he hit the ground.
"Alright, warm-up's over. I'll give you another chance to learn.
"Watch carefully. The timing for Akamaru's evolution....
"Is when his own fighting spirit is soaring, and you, as his partner, convey to him the unwavering belief in victory, a belief that resonates with his own qualities." Natsuki walked towards Agumon as he spoke.
"And what my Agumon uses is Courage!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he slammed his right palm onto Agumon's head: "Agumon, Digivolve!"
A moment of silence passed.
Grumble, grumble...
A familiar sound came from Agumon's stomach.
"Uh? Ahahaha, Agumon's hungry. Let's do this again next time, Kiba. We'll be going now." Natsuki gave an exaggerated laugh, reattaching the leash to Agumon.
He grabbed Hinata's hand, pulled on the leash, and vanished from sight in a flash.
"O-Okay..." Kiba's jaw dropped.
He wanted to call Natsuki back, but stopped himself. The others might not understand, and would've though of it as a boys childish enthusiasm, but Kiba understood.
Natsuki had shown him the method; whether they could succeed depended on them.
"Right, Akamaru?
"You don't want to lose to that Agumon again, do you? He can Digivolve using courage. We can too!"
"Woof! Woof!!!"
"Then let's do it! Let's work hard together!" Kiba clenched his right fist, pumping his partner up. Then, he slammed his right palm down: "Akamaru, evolve!!!"
"Again, Akamaru, evolve!!!"
"Is...is that how you make a summoning animal stronger?" The two Root members in the forest exchanged bewildered glances.
"Say, should we report this to Lord Danzo?"
"I... I don't know. Do you think Lord Danzo would believe us?"
"Well, Lord Danzo would probably think we're idiots."
"We should still report it. What if something does happen? If we withhold information and they find out later, we'll be the ones in trouble."
"You're right. But only three people need to report. Who's going?"
"You go. Your Body Flicker Technique is faster."
"But I'm low on chakra. Your taijutsu is stronger; you're more suited for it."
"Fine, let's do it the old way."
"Duel it is!!!"
A quiet, unnoticed battle unfolded in the forest.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage, observing through his Telescope Technique, dispelled the image in his crystal ball.
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples with a weary sigh.
"A method to strengthen summoning beasts? That's it...?"
'Forget it, I'll have the ANBU try it.'
"Someone come in."
The Third Hokage raised his head and called towards the door.
Instantly, a figure wearing an animal mask appeared.
"Gather all ANBU members with summoning beasts at the Hokage Tower. I have a mission for them."
...
By a small reservoir upstream from the forest, a simple barbecue was set up.
Skewers of plump fish were grilled to a golden brown, dripping flavorful oil onto the sizzling flames.
"Natsuki, will this really make Akamaru evolve?" Hinata asked, blinking her large eyes curiously as she devoured the grilled fish, a pile of empty skewers beside her.
"Of course. When have I ever lied to a teammate?" Natsuki replied, tearing off a piece of fish with his left hand while tossing a ten-pound grilled fish to Agumon with his right.
The eager Agumon leaped up, eyes fixed on the treat.
He gobbled it down excitedly, practically wagging his nonexistent tail. The small dinosaur, evolved from a lizard, still seemed a bit simpleminded.
Natsuki shook his head and turned his attention back to the lovely girl across from him.
Suddenly, his expression turned serious.
"Hinata, you have some fish on your cheek."
"Ah? Really?" Hinata quickly put down her food, flustered.
'Oh no, the fish was so delicious; I forgot my manners! I must look terrible.' Panicked, she became even clumsier, her small hand swiped at her left cheek.
"No... not there."
"It's on your right."
"It's... not there..."
"Silly, let me help you." Natsuki leaned closer. His warm breath brushed against Hinata's cheek.
"There, right here."
Hinata's eyes widened, a blush creeping up her neck and ears.
Visible steam practically rose from her as she overheated.
'Natsuki... k-kissed me...'
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