"Glad you're happy," Kitazawa said with a helpless sigh.
Naruto Uzumaki had already met Might Guy, and there was no reason to stop him.
Besides, he hadn't done anything wrong—Hokage Sarutobi wouldn't blame him either.
As for Minato Namikaze… well, good luck to him.
Hopefully, he would even recognize his son when the time came.
"I am happy!"
Naruto beamed. "Guy-sensei is awesome—he taught me so much useful stuff!"
"You can learn more about taijutsu from him," Kitazawa remarked with a sigh.
Poor kid—so few normal friends.
"Yeah!"
Naruto nodded and asked, "Kitazawa-sensei, can I start tree-climbing training now?"
Perhaps due to a subtle rivalry with Uchiha Sasuke, he felt a drive not to fall behind.
"Wait until you're first in physical training," Kitazawa replied. "You don't want to lose first place because of a slip, do you?"
"I got it!"
Naruto's competitive spirit ignited. He was determined to claim first place and impress everyone.
"I'm off for a run!"
He began sprinting around the training field.
Kitazawa's gaze fell on Yakumo Kurama, still running despite sweat soaking her hair.
He nodded slightly—children in the ninja world matured early, their resolve strong.
In his previous life, he'd still be playing in mud at six.
Kitazawa turned to Sasuke and the others, feeling the first twinge of being stretched thin.
For now, his hopes rested on Naruto's task.
With Shadow Clone Jutsu, things would be easier.
Two days flew by, and Thursday's combat class arrived.
The first-year Class A students trickled onto the playground.
"Another physical test… what a pain," Shikamaru Nara muttered, hands behind his head.
"Last time I narrowly lost to Sasuke, this time I'll reclaim everything!" Kiba Inuzuka clenched his fists.
"Hey! That's my line!"
Naruto shouted. "First place is mine!"
"You think you can beat Sasuke-kun?" Sakura Haruno teased.
"Ino, what do you think?"
"Yep," Ino said casually, distracted by her own training.
"…?"
Sakura frowned—Ino's response was too indifferent.
Sasuke nodded slightly, unsurprised.
To be blunt, besides Kitazawa, all present were destined to be his defeated opponents.
"This time is different! Kitazawa-sensei taught me running techniques!"
Naruto proudly declared.
"Sasuke, easy victory!"
"Being Kitazawa-sensei's pupil doesn't make you strong," Sasuke said calmly.
He knew Naruto had training, but a week wasn't enough—last time, they were eight places apart.
"Just wait and see!"
"I'll make you kneel!" Naruto roared.
"Hey! I'm still second!" Kiba protested.
"Line up! Fifty laps first," Kitazawa instructed from the track.
He felt a familiar gaze—Sasuke, of course.
"Ready! Go!"
Students surged forward, but Naruto didn't sprint immediately.
Sasuke glanced at him—though he doubted Naruto could surpass him, Kitazawa's presence warranted caution.
Kitazawa maintained steady pace at the front—appearing slow, yet no one could catch him.
After fifty laps, most students were exhausted.
After ten more, only Sasuke, Naruto, Kiba, Shino Aburame, and Hinata remained.
"What's happening?" Sakura sat up, confused. "Why is Naruto still running?"
Last time, he'd collapsed by now.
"Incredible, Kitazawa-sensei," Ino gasped. "His running technique really works."
Choji Akimichi added in surprise.
"The technique helps, but the key is Naruto's ability," Nara deduced.
Seventy laps passed.
Sasuke, panting and heavy-limbed, clenched his teeth, unable to catch Kitazawa.
But wait—a sound behind him.
At seventy laps, all others had given up… except Naruto.
Impossible. Nine out of ten impossible.
Sasuke's mind raced—how was he still running?
Even Kiba and Shino had quit, yet Naruto appeared effortless.
No way… impossible!
Naruto noticed Sasuke's distraction—perfect opportunity.
He surged forward, overtaking him.
Sasuke's breath faltered; steps faltered.
He watched Naruto pull ahead.
Sasuke had reached his limit—he couldn't catch up.
"Hahaha! First place!"
Naruto clenched his fists, exhilarated. "This is youth!"
"…?"
Kitazawa pressed a hand to his forehead.
Oh no, another youth hero!
[Current Task: Help Naruto achieve first place in physical training.]
[Reward: Shadow Clone Jutsu.]
[Task Complete. Reward Granted.]
Kitazawa blinked, face breaking into a smile.
Well done, Naruto!