Classes at the Konoha Ninja Academy had just ended.
The ANBU directly under the Hokage continued their daily surveillance of Naruto. So far, Naruto hadn't shown any unusual activity. The only noticeable change was how close he had grown with Sasuke. Every day, he insisted on walking Sasuke home before returning himself.
Today was no different. Naruto and Sasuke chatted happily along the way, until Naruto followed him into the Uchiha compound.
The ANBU stationed outside could only stand there dumbfounded.
The Third Hokage had explicitly ordered them not to set foot inside Uchiha territory.
Luckily, Naruto never lingered long. After escorting Sasuke inside, he would emerge within just a few minutes and head home.
Once back home, Naruto diligently did his homework and carried out training, making things easy for the ANBU.
But what they didn't know was…
Inside the Uchiha compound—
"Ahhhh…!"
"Hnnngh…!"
Over a dozen Narutos were fiercely gripping balloons filled with water, trying to shape them with their chakra.
Meanwhile, Sasuke sprinted across the pond's surface, racing back and forth at full speed, coming to sharp halts before exploding forward again.
After only a few repetitions, he collapsed onto the ground, utterly spent.
From where he lay, he glanced at the cluster of Naruto's clones still struggling with water balloons. A hint of envy flashed in his eyes. But he quickly turned his gaze back toward the water's surface.
Reflected in it were his eyes—each already bearing a single tomoe, slowly rotating.
A smile tugged at Sasuke's lips, only to fade just as quickly. He caught his breath, then forced himself to stand and resume training.
High above, Fugaku watched with folded arms.
Uchiha Natsuki truly had an eye for talent. It wasn't just Sasuke's exceptional gifts—under Natsuki's tailored instruction, even Naruto was growing rapidly.
Sasuke had awakened his Sharingan at just nine years old, nearly on par with Itachi.
Of course, Fugaku didn't believe this meant Sasuke surpassed Itachi's talent. He credited it all to Natsuki.
If not for Natsuki explaining the Sharingan's traits and how best to trigger it, Sasuke never would have awakened so early.
Before leaving, Natsuki had already given Fugaku a detailed training plan for both Sasuke and Naruto, leaving supervision in his hands.
Considering the Hokage's surveillance of Naruto—and Naruto's unique disposition—Natsuki had specifically instructed Fugaku to teach Naruto the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Every day after class, Naruto accompanied Sasuke into the Uchiha compound. There, he left clones behind to train while his real body went home, ensuring the ANBU would never notice.
At first, Sasuke couldn't believe Naruto could master a B-rank ninjutsu.
But the results stunned him. While Naruto struggled with basic subjects, he had somehow picked up the Shadow Clone Jutsu instantly.
What's more, Naruto could casually produce dozens of clones, suffering none of the usual backlash when they dispersed—only minor exhaustion.
Watching Naruto grow so quickly through this technique, Sasuke found himself envious.
He begged Fugaku to teach him the jutsu as well.
But Fugaku sternly refused, warning him that it was dangerous for anyone but Naruto.
Sasuke, proud and stubborn, refused to accept it. Seeing how easily Naruto had learned, he persisted in demanding it.
In the end, it was Mikoto who relented, secretly giving Sasuke the scroll.
Confident, Sasuke spent an entire week trying to learn it.
At last, drained of chakra, he managed to create… a single clone.
The number disappointed him, but doubling his training efficiency thrilled him. That very day, he and his clone completed their full training regimen, then did extra.
Fugaku merely stood by, arms folded, saying nothing.
But when the clone vanished, Sasuke immediately collapsed unconscious.
He spent two full days bedridden before recovering.
When he awoke, his head still buzzed for a long time afterward. Only then did Sasuke understand—everyone had their own strengths, and it was foolish to force what wasn't suited to him.
He remembered what Teacher Natsuki had told him about knowing one's limits and realized just how arrogant he had been. Ashamed, he went to apologize to Fugaku.
Fugaku chuckled. "Natsuki was right. You learn a little, show a little ability, and immediately grow conceited."
"The only reason your mother gave you the Shadow Clone scroll was to test your self-awareness. And sure enough, you thoughtlessly tried to compare yourself to Naruto."
"I told you Naruto's body is special. Only he can use the jutsu this way. Why didn't you listen?"
"Natsuki predicted this too. He said the moment you saw Naruto master something, you'd rush to copy him—whether suitable or not. And look, you proved him right."
Face burning with shame, Sasuke stammered, "Teacher Natsuki… predicted even that?"
"Of course. He's far too clever. When he designed your training, he already knew how you'd react. You only learn by suffering the consequences. Now you know Shadow Clones don't suit you, don't you?"
Sasuke bowed his head, unable to reply.
Originally, Fugaku had planned to stop there. But recalling Natsuki's analysis of Sasuke's personality, he pressed harder—deliberately comparing him to Naruto again and again.
"Are you proud just because you score higher than Naruto in class?"
"You've had elite instruction since childhood. Naruto has had none. Your foundation is better, but that's nothing to boast about."
"Food, clothes, a roof—everything is provided for you. Naruto fends for himself every day. With so much more time for practice, of course you're stronger than most. That's not merit."
"Naruto has Wind Release affinity. Can you use Wind Release? Yet you still insist on competing with him…"
Like the harshest father alive, Fugaku tore Sasuke down until nothing was left.
At last, Sasuke broke into tears, admitting his mistakes. But when he lifted his head again, Fugaku noticed his son's Sharingan had evolved further.
Before he could celebrate, Sasuke suddenly fainted.
When he awoke and learned his eyes had advanced, Sasuke was happy, but not nearly as arrogant as before.
Afterward, he obediently followed the training plan Natsuki had left behind.
The explosive drills he now performed were all preparation for teaching him Chidori later.
With Sasuke's Lightning affinity, nothing was more fitting. Natsuki wanted him to master it early, to set him firmly on the path of Lightning Release.
The Uchiha clan already possessed Chidori—passed down voluntarily by Kakashi, who had given it to the clan in return for their cooperation after receiving Obito's Sharingan.
Back at the Uchiha compound—
"Clan Leader!"
Uchiha Qiming rushed in with new intelligence. "Lord Hizashi has been replaced within the Hyūga clan."
"This is the letter he sent."
Fugaku unfolded it. A letter of apology from Hizashi, warning that the Hokage had struck a deal with the Hyūga Main Family elders to remove him, and urging Fugaku to be cautious.
Fugaku frowned deeply. Was the Third Hokage preparing to make his move?
Just then, another clansman entered with urgent news.
"Lord Fugaku! All of our Police Force members stationed on Eighth Street have been replaced!"
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