Chapter 69 – A Crushing Defeat!
Word of Naruto spread quickly. After the incident at the school gates—when two children were scolded and made to apologize to him—rumors fermented among the Academy students.
Everyone now knew: Uzumaki Naruto was the son of the Fourth Hokage.
The Fourth was a hero, spoken of with reverence in every household. If Naruto was his descendant, then surely he too must be destined for greatness. Few dared mock him any longer.
Thus, when Naruto faced Inuzuka Kiba in today's combat training, most spectators expected him to win. After all, wasn't Kiba just another "dead last"? And what good was a little puppy still teething on his head?
Yet to everyone's shock, Naruto was sent crashing to the ground.
"Battle end—" the instructor began.
But Naruto sprang up, eyes blazing.
"I… I haven't lost yet!"
The teacher frowned, ready to scold his stubbornness—but remembered who this boy was, and held his tongue.
The watching crowd fell silent. Naruto felt every gaze stabbing into him like needles. His chest tightened; it was as if he had returned to those lonely days of scorn.
No… I can't lose. Shizune-neechan is watching. I want Sakura to see me in a new light.
He rushed forward, chakra flaring at his fists. But something was wrong—the chakra flickered and vanished each time his blows struck.
Kiba met him head-on, punching without hesitation. Naruto was hurled back, coughing and curling around his stomach.
The observer stepped in at once, checked him, and announced firmly:
"Battle over. Winner: Inuzuka Kiba."
Iruka, seated nearby, nodded and recorded the result.
"Can you still stand?" the instructor asked.
Naruto struggled upright, pale but determined. He forced himself to form the Reconciliation Seal.
As they passed, Kiba whispered awkwardly, "Sorry… I didn't hurt you too badly, did I? I'll be more careful next time."
Naruto clenched his fists silently, burning with humiliation.
"Eh? Wasn't that Naruto-kun? He bragged about beating Sasuke, and yet he couldn't even handle Kiba? Maybe he went easy?"
Sakura pounced on the chance to jeer.
Naruto's head sank lower. He had dreamed of winning decisively today—of showing her. But her mockery cut deeper than any punch.
Then Sasuke's voice, cold as ice:
"Stay away from me."
Sakura froze. "Eh? Sasuke-kun, you mean—me?"
"I'm talking to you," he said flatly. "I dislike you. Leave."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Sasuke, what are you saying, I—"
"Get lost."
The words hit harder than steel. Sakura's eyes filled red; she turned and fled, Ino hurrying after her.
Naruto stood hollow, like an empty shell. Sasuke hesitated, glancing at him, throat tight—but he said nothing.
---
From the sidelines, Shizune exhaled. She had never disliked a little girl so much. Even if Naruto lost, he didn't deserve such cruelty. They were only classmates, after all.
"Are you alright, Naruto?" she asked gently.
He forced a smile. "I'm fine. See?" He patted his stomach. "Doesn't hurt at all."
But Shizune saw the truth behind his strained expression. Such a kind child… why must his heart chase after that harsh little girl?
"Hold still, I'll check."
A soft green glow bloomed from her hand. Warmth spread through Naruto's body, easing his pain. His eyes widened.
"Shizune-neechan! It's so warm!"
"This is the Mystical Palm Technique," she explained with a smile. "It heals injuries. Feel better?"
"Yes! It really doesn't hurt anymore!" Naruto said, this time with genuine joy.
Shizune withdrew her hand, thoughtful. "But… during the fight, why did your chakra vanish each time you struck? Was it poor control?"
Sasuke, hearing this, frowned sharply. Chakra… disappearing? He hadn't awakened his Sharingan yet, so he couldn't see what had happened. But Shizune's words stirred his curiosity.
So that's why Naruto lost…
For now, the Academy only taught chakra refinement and its simplest applications. Aside from heirs of great clans, most students were still fumbling at this stage. Yet Naruto's condition seemed… abnormal.
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