Reincarnation into the world of Naruto with the system

After we were brought back to our senses, a debriefing followed. In essence, we didn't make too many mistakes and performed at a decent level. Our instructor pointed this out while explaining our errors and what we should focus on to correct them. Her soft voice unexpectedly conveyed the message well, even to an eager Kiba. Hopefully, he wouldn't rush off to start "working on his mistakes" immediately!

"However, your main blunder was something else," she added gently.

"What was it?" we all asked almost in unison, even Akamaru barked something.

"You shouldn't rely solely on your strengths. It's far more effective to exploit the weaknesses of your opponent, especially when you've identified one right before the fight. After all, we are shinobi, and that approach would have been much more effective than what you demonstrated."

We froze. What weakness? What had we noticed?

Sasuke was the first to stop furrowing his brows, nodding slightly and smirking at Kiba, who still didn't get it—which seemed to irritate him.

Before the fight? What happened before the fight? We started almost immediately after... after I revealed myself!

"Damn it, I don't get it!" Kiba groaned.

"She meant that I should have stayed hidden and out of sight, while you two drew all of her attention. That way, I could have gotten close and finished the training match efficiently," I voiced my guess.

+1% affinity with Yūhi Kurenai.

Either she was genuinely kind and happy that I figured it out, or someone thought I was an absolute idiot and was now cheering for me because I got the right answer.

"Exactly! So what now?" Kiba even clapped his fist into his palm.

"I've seen everything I needed to. And I believe you've seen and understood it too. Tomorrow, we meet at seven near the Hokage Residence, and from then on, we'll begin our missions as shinobi. You're all dismissed for today."

She released us.

Waving at Kiba and Sasuke, signaling that they could leave, I decided to stay and test a few of my theories. Fortunately, Kurenai noticed my gesture and stayed behind as well.

"What is it, Naruto-kun? Is something wrong?"

Overprotective much? Hmm, could that be one of the reasons she was assigned to us? Strengthening Sasuke's bonds outside his clan, deepening my connection as an orphan with the village... and Kiba? No idea. Maybe only she could handle his temperament.

"This test wasn't primarily about evaluating our skills, right? I assume you already studied our academy profiles, so just seeing us in action a couple of times would've been enough. No, skill assessment was more of a secondary goal, wasn't it?"

"That wasn't exactly hidden," she replied, spreading her arms. For a brief moment, I felt like an idiot.

"That's not what I meant. I consider correcting mistakes to be part of evaluating skills. The primary goal was for us to start working as a team, to begin adapting to each other. Am I right?"

Now I actually surprised her.

+2% affinity with Yūhi Kurenai.

Should I try raising our relationship level to at least 25%? That way, she wouldn't remain impartial, and I could count on her as a true acquaintance.

"Let's say you are. Learning to work in a team is crucial for a shinobi, as is the ability to quickly adapt to new comrades in case of team reshuffling. But that won't concern you for now. At the chunin level, however, it becomes possible, even to the point of overseeing a squad of genin—if someone is deemed ready for it."

Damn, this is heaven. Thinking back to canon, where getting a word out of Kakashi was a challenge, I immediately feel the difference.

Although, this Hatake seems to be more competent. I'll ask Shino later how different he is from his canon counterpart.

"Hmm, but one sparring match isn't enough. Even a month of training wouldn't be enough... Hmm, final question—will our upcoming missions be connected to strengthening our teamwork?"

+8% affinity with Yūhi Kurenai.

Whoa, now I really surprised her. And I was just making an educated guess based on canon.

"Not bad. Something like that."

"That's all, Naruto-kun?"

Heading off to report to the Hokage again? Am I nitpicking her too much?

"Yeah. I won't ask about the missions themselves—I already understand that we won't get anything serious right after the academy. As long as it's not weeding gardens, I won't complain."

I purposely observed her subtle reaction to my remark.

"Oh, come on... I guessed right, didn't I?" I feigned surprise.

+1% affinity with Yūhi Kurenai.

If she tells me I look cute right now or that she wants to ruffle my hair, I swear I'll break the seal and let Kurama loose! Why does everyone, despite my Cold Gaze skill, still want to treat me like a plush toy the moment I pout—even if it's just an act like now?

"Naruto-kun?"

I continued pretending to be in shock.

"Naruto-kun!" she repeated, louder this time.

"Don't mind me, I was just processing the information. Well, better this than starting my career with someone's corpse. And I suppose there is some benefit to these kinds of tasks, otherwise, they wouldn't be assigned… And no, I don't need an explanation of their effectiveness, so I don't want to hear an answer!"

"Thanks for the insightful conversation, Kurenai-sensei! See you tomorrow!"

And with that, I took my leave.