"That's what I like most about you, Naruto."
"Great ninjas never compromise or give up. You have six years at the Ninja Academy."
"That's plenty of time to grow and become an outstanding ninja."
Mizuki smiled, patting Naruto Uzumaki's head.
He paid for the ramen, and since they lived in different parts of the village, Mizuki bid Naruto farewell, reminding him to stay safe on his way home.
"Mizuki-sensei, I won't let you down."
"I'll become the greatest ninja—the Hokage!"
Bolstered by his mentor's recognition and guidance, Naruto brimmed with confidence.
The disappointment from being outshone by Sasuke Uchiha had vanished in Mizuki's company.
Now, he felt pure joy from being acknowledged by someone important to him.
"What a simple kid."
"It's just not time yet. When the time comes, it'll be perfect."
Mizuki watched Naruto's retreating figure, a cold glint in his eyes.
…
Three months passed quickly.
Tensions between the Hidden Leaf Village and the Uchiha clan grew increasingly volatile.
Many ninjas and prominent families in the village began subtly distancing themselves from the Uchiha.
This left the already isolated Uchiha clan grounds even quieter.
Yet Naruto still occasionally visited to see Izumi Uchiha.
Over these three months, their bond had deepened, becoming almost like that of siblings.
Recently, however, the Uchiha clan grounds had changed.
Naruto was stopped at the perimeter by a member of the Leaf's Police Force, their expression cold and unyielding.
After several failed attempts, Naruto was at a loss.
He was no longer the reckless boy he once was.
Three months at the Ninja Academy had taught him about the village's various departments and structures.
He understood there was a reason for the Police Force's actions and tried entering the Uchiha grounds from other routes.
But all attempts failed. Once, he was even forcibly ejected by an Uchiha clan member.
Disheartened, Naruto headed to the library.
For the past three months, he had visited the library weekly to expand his knowledge of the ninja world.
Given Naruto's natural personality, such patience would have been unthinkable.
But Chu Ran's persistent psychological nudging had instilled this habit in him.
With occasional one-on-one training from Izumi and Mizuki, Naruto's grades ranked among the top in his class.
If not for the "monster" and "demon fox" labels, he might have rivaled Sasuke Uchiha's standing.
Naruto was aware of this, and under Chu Ran's influence, he trained even harder.
Though not from a prominent clan, his immense chakra reserves set him apart from his peers.
Today was the last day before the Ninja Academy's holiday break.
As was customary, the academy held an exam before the vacation.
The first-year taijutsu exam paired students for sparring matches.
As homeroom teacher, Iruka Umino had been diligent over the past three months.
But he couldn't overcome his prejudice against the gifted Naruto.
He couldn't treat Naruto with the same warmth and fairness he showed other students.
If Naruto had been like his original Naruto self—unfocused and talentless—Iruka might have treated him more neutrally.
But Naruto's exceptional talent, so dazzling it surprised and even sparked jealousy in Iruka, was the problem.
Naruto's standout performances and brilliant potential reminded Iruka of his parents' deaths and the lonely five years he'd endured.
This fueled an unconscious resentment toward Naruto.
"First match: Sasuke Uchiha versus Naruto Uzumaki!"
Iruka exhaled, his expression turning stern.
The first sparring match pitted the class's two most outstanding students against each other.
But Iruka's intent wasn't a fair competition—he wanted Sasuke to crush Naruto, to dim his relentless drive.
Mizuki, observing Iruka's demeanor, smirked.
He gave Naruto an encouraging look.
"This'll be interesting. If Naruto wins…"
"Iruka's face will be a sight to see."
Mizuki's smile widened. While Iruka despised Naruto, Mizuki equally despised Iruka.
Though they appeared as friends, Mizuki seized any chance to undermine Iruka.
"The first match is Sasuke-kun?"
"Against that monster? Wonder who'll win."
"Are you an idiot? Of course Sasuke will win."
"Yeah, he's an Uchiha genius!"
The other students began discussing the match's outcome.
To them, Naruto had no chance against Sasuke.
Sasuke's female fanbase was already cheering loudly.
"Sasuke Uchiha!"
Naruto faced Sasuke, noting the calm indifference in his eyes—Sasuke didn't take him seriously.
Naruto clenched his fists. The last time he'd been in the spotlight was during the shuriken test.
Back then, the recognition he'd nearly earned was overshadowed by Sasuke's brilliance.
Sasuke's light had shone brighter than his.
But this time was different. Naruto wouldn't allow another failure.
"Both sides, prepare! Begin!"
Iruka stood between them, signaling the start.
Naruto and Sasuke vanished instantly, both using the Body Flicker Technique to charge at each other.
Bang!
Their wrists collided, producing a muffled thud.
Since this was a taijutsu test, ninja tools were forbidden—only hand-to-hand combat was allowed.
For a moment, the two traded blows evenly.
But Naruto's movements lacked Sasuke's agility.
(End of the Chapter)