Time flew by like a white Colt passing through a crack. More than twenty days passed.
During this time, Shikamaru seemed to have figured out a lot of things. For some reason, he became friends with Naruto, perhaps because they were punished together for skipping class.
As a result, Choji also became friends with Naruto.
Even though Inuzuka Kiba didn't have Akamaru yet, he often went for walks outside of class time and formed a group of four with Naruto, Shikamaru, and Choji who skipped class.
Even Xia Mu and Shino, due to their relationship with Shikamaru and Choji, would occasionally team up with Naruto to play by the river or go shopping together. Even if they weren't close friends, they were familiar with each other.
For Naruto, his school life was already very happy now.
Not only did he have a teacher who cared about him, but he also had friends who didn't discriminate against or dislike him. Plus, he had a girl he liked. He was immersed in happiness every day, having fun and messing around.
Xia Mu, on the other hand, maintained his usual attitude, not getting close to Naruto, but still showing friendliness.
Moreover, his familiarity with Naruto was only because of Shikamaru and Choji. Presumably, Sarutobi Hiruzen and even Danzo Shimura wouldn't be crazy enough to suspect him of deliberately approaching the Jinchuriki.
However, Xia Mu didn't have time to think that much.
He was currently training according to his plan. Although he couldn't become strong quickly in a short period of time, his progress was very significant every day.
For example, his physical strength increased, his Chakra volume gradually increased, and he actively absorbed knowledge in school and the library, which greatly contributed to his physical and mental growth.
Today was the first again, and it was time for the second special laboratory state to open tonight.
This was very important to Xia Mu, and he had already prepared his research projects. He was currently reviewing his research to find and fill any gaps, aiming for everything to be successful tonight.
Suddenly, a commotion came, causing Xia Mu to frown.
"What happened?" Xia Mu asked in displeasure.
"It's on the school training ground."
A bug that had flown back was perched on Shino's fingertip. He read the information transmitted by the bug: "Seven second-year students are planning to bully Naruto. Naruto is arguing with them now. Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba have already rushed over, planning to mediate."
"We'll go too!"
Xia Mu felt uneasy, not only because his thinking was interrupted, but also because he felt that a fight might break out.
If it was just Naruto fighting, Xia Mu could ignore it, but Shikamaru and Choji went, so they would definitely be dragged into it. As a friend, he couldn't just ignore it.
Shino probably also thought of that, so he didn't object.
The two of them quickly left the classroom and ran directly to the training ground.
At this time, the training ground was already surrounded by many people, and they could hear Naruto's dissatisfied shouting, as well as some people cursing, which were nothing more than things like "Damn fox demon," "Why don't you go die," and so on.
Logically speaking, the Third Hokage had already issued an order not to casually mention the word "fox demon" in front of Naruto, and even more so not to casually bully Naruto, not even students in the school. But these guys, perhaps driven mad by anger, dared to publicly and loudly curse him out. They really had some nerve.
Naruto was most sensitive about his identity as a "fox demon." He didn't know how to retort when he was cursed, and even felt the mockery and disgust in the eyes of the onlookers. For a moment, he felt as if he was isolated again.
At this moment, Choji quickly intervened: "Well, well, well, everyone is classmates, there's no need to be like this..."
The leader, however, immediately glared at Choji: "Fat pig! Don't meddle in other people's business, or I'll curse you too!"
"Fat...fat pig? You dare to call me a fat pig?"
Choji's bottom line was stepped on, and he was instantly enraged. He rushed forward and punched the person's nose, causing it to bleed. This stirred up a hornet's nest. The seven opponents were furious and all pounced on Choji.
Shikamaru's tone was filled with annoyance: "How troublesome. Do these guys have nothing better to do?"
He said it was troublesome, but he immediately rushed towards Choji. Anyway, he would definitely fight for his friends. The opponents who dared to curse Choji were looking for death.
Inuzuka Kiba was excited, and he decisively rushed forward, shouting: "Naruto, you're really a coward! You still need us to help! These guys, watch me send them flying with one move. You just watch from the side!"
"Hmph! I won't just stand by and watch!"
Naruto reacted, moved by his friends' help, and rushed forward with red eyes, planning to give these guys who cursed him a good beating.
However, someone was faster than them.
Just as a big kid was about to reach out and hit Choji, a dark figure suddenly flashed forward and grabbed the big kid's wrist.
"Bullying the younger ones? I won't be polite!"
Xia Mu snorted coldly. He squeezed the big kid's hand with force, making him scream in pain. With his other hand, he slapped the big kid's face, sending him staggering to the ground on the spot.
Another big kid pounced on Xia Mu, but was kicked down from behind. Shino had also arrived at some point.
Shikamaru saw his two friends arrive and his confidence greatly increased. He decisively started fighting with the opponents.
However, the seven opponents were second-years after all. Not only did they have some advantage in height and strength, but their punches and kicks were also better than Shikamaru's side. Plus, they weren't allowed to use Chakra, so for a time, Shikamaru's side was at a disadvantage.
However, Xia Mu and Shino were not flustered at all when facing opponents one year older than them because of their usual active training. Instead, they were suppressing their opponents.
Of course, Xia Mu could clearly defeat all seven opponents by himself, but he couldn't do that. Instead, he would occasionally take a couple of punches and kicks. Otherwise, if he performed too well, he would easily be targeted by the rats in the dark.
Better safe than sorry. Who knows what those rats are thinking.
Caution makes for a long voyage.
Fortunately, due to the commotion, the teachers were quickly drawn over.
"What are you doing! How dare you fight in school! Are you all capable? I will definitely tell Lord Hokage about this matter, and you all wait to be punished!"
Iruka-sensei brought up the Hokage, and both sides immediately stopped.
Although the Hokage was just a village head, he was undoubtedly the highest authority in the entire village and an idol for many Ninjas and students. If the matter of the group fight was known to the Hokage, it would not only reduce their impression but also might lead to public criticism, which would be very embarrassing.
In less than ten minutes, the onlookers who were watching the show left one after another, leaving only the two groups who had fought.
Iruka was furious and questioned loudly: "Speak! Why did you fight!"
Xia Mu took the initiative and decisively raised his hand: "Reporting, sensei, Shino and I heard that the second-years were bullying Shikamaru and Choji, so we ran over to help. As soon as we arrived, we saw the opponents about to hit Choji, so Shino and I rushed up to stop them, but the opponents were aggressive and refused to give up, so we had no choice but to fight."
Shino nodded repeatedly: "That's right. Sensei, you know me. I'm usually very well-behaved and don't fight."
Shikamaru took the opportunity to speak: "Sensei, you know me. I'm usually just lazy and like to skip class, but I've never argued with classmates, let alone fought. This time, the opponents were looking for trouble, and we were forced to fight back."
Choji: "Sensei, you know me. I only like to eat and don't like to fight."