The room grew brighter and brighter.
Outside the window, cicadas chirped and sparrows sang.
Summer had arrived.
Naruto's foundation was practically nonexistent—a blank slate.
But his potential was infinite.
So even with tutoring, learning was no easy task.
Fortunately, Hinata's patience seemed endless.
Sometimes, Naruto himself thought he was too stupid, wondering why he always failed to understand. But Hinata never grew frustrated. She kept her gentle, shy smile and continued explaining diligently.
"Sorry, Hinata, am I just too stupid?"
Hinata shook her head.
"No, Naruto-kun. I've never thought that…"
"Really?"
"Mm… I—I've actually always admired Naruto-kun…"
"Admired me? For what?"
Hinata's cheeks flushed. After a pause, she whispered:
"Naruto-kun is always so optimistic, cheerful, and full of energy. No matter what others say about him, he never gets discouraged. He ignores ridicule, and he never gives up—even against a genius like Sasuke."
Naruto stared at her small face. He opened his mouth but hesitated.
"Hinata… actually, I'm not as great as you think. It's not that I don't care what people say, it's just…"
He scratched his head. "I can't explain it well, but I just want to prove myself—to show everyone who looks down on me."
Hinata smiled softly. "That's exactly why Naruto-kun is amazing."
Looking at her smile, Naruto's heart stirred.
"Hinata… this is the first time you've said so much."
Her face turned even redder. She lowered her head.
"Because… this is what I've always wanted to say to Naruto-kun."
"You might not remember, but once, when I was being bullied by a group of bad kids, it was Naruto-kun who stood up and saved me."
Naruto rubbed his chin, trying to recall.
"Hmm… did I?"
Hinata nodded. "Of course. Since then, I've always paid attention to Naruto-kun. Your strength, your optimism, your hard work, and your never-give-up spirit… they've all inspired me."
To a sensitive person, Hinata's words would have sounded like a confession.
But Naruto crossed his arms proudly instead.
"Is that so? Heh, I guess I really am amazing!"
Hinata nodded gently. "Yes… of course."
Naruto puffed up with confidence—then suddenly remembered something.
"Ah! I almost forgot!"
Yesterday, he had gained his first ability: Knowledge Absorption.
As long as he entered a state of complete concentration, he could greatly improve his learning speed and understanding.
Hinata tilted her head curiously.
"What is it?"
Naruto patted his chest. "Hinata, next, I'm going all out. Don't be surprised!"
She blinked, not understanding, but still nodded.
"Mm… okay."
Sure enough, once Naruto focused and activated Knowledge Absorption, his understanding of Hinata's explanations improved drastically.
Not only did everything make sense, but he could even apply the knowledge to similar problems.
Hinata was both surprised and delighted.
The morning passed quietly as they studied together.
Finally, Hinata glanced outside. The sun was high overhead.
"Naruto-kun… I only asked my father for half a day off. I need to go back now."
"Time off? Isn't today the weekend?"
Hinata smiled awkwardly. "Yes, but I still have a lot of training this afternoon. So I probably won't be able to continue tutoring Naruto-kun."
"If there's another chance, I'll let you know in advance."
Even Naruto, as thick-headed as he was, understood this time.
He scratched his head. "Y-you're right. I can't just think of myself—Hinata also has to train hard!"
"But… are you really leaving like this? I haven't even thanked you yet!"
Hinata stood at the door, blushing as she looked back and smiled.
"No need, Naruto-kun… I've already received the best thank-you gift."
She turned quickly, hurrying down the stairs. The sound of her steps faded as if she were a little rabbit fleeing in embarrassment.
Naruto leaned out the window, watching her run off, covering her sun hat with one hand.
"Hinata… she's a strange one. But… besides Iruka-sensei, she's the second person who's been so kind to me."
Thick-skinned though he was, Naruto knew very clearly who treated him well.
"Hmph! When I see her at school, I'll thank her properly!"
[Congratulations, Host! After a morning of tutoring, all subjects have improved to a certain extent!]
Naruto grinned. He didn't need the system to tell him—he already felt it. He understood so much more now.
Hinata's patient explanations, plus Knowledge Absorption, plus his own effort… This morning's tutoring was equal to half a year of study!
Well… half a year of his usual studying wouldn't have gotten him this far anyway.
Current Academic Skill Proficiency:
Physics: 48/100
Chemistry: 39/100
Mathematics: 40/100
Language Arts: 52/100
History: 46/100
English: 58/100
Biology: 52/100
Moral Education: 44/100
Ninja Principles: 52/100
Compared to his original scores in the twenties and thirties, this was a complete transformation! Almost every subject had jumped by 10–20 points.
At this rate, even if he took an exam right now, he might not hit the top ten, but he'd at least be in the middle of the pack.
No longer dead last!
Naruto stretched and yawned.
At least the system had been reasonable this morning. It hadn't issued Lightning Release baptisms or caused trouble during tutoring. Clearly, even it understood how important this was.
But still… for Naruto, studying academics was more torturous than doing Clone Technique three hundred times.
One was physical. The other was pure mental suffering.
The sun stood directly overhead. The system chimed in:
[Host, you studied academics this morning. This afternoon, please proceed to the Konoha training ground for Taijutsu practice!]
"Taijutsu?"
Naruto didn't argue. He nodded, cleaned up, changed into training clothes, and headed for the training ground.
Before he even arrived, he heard a terrifying sound.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"What is that? An earthquake?!"
He pushed aside the bushes and peeked out.
There stood a boy with a watermelon-shaped haircut and thick eyebrows, furiously attacking a wooden stake with punches and kicks, gritting his teeth with burning passion.
It was as if his whole body was on fire.
"Wh-what a terrifying guy… Does he really need to train like that?!"
[Host's Taijutsu training is simple. You just need to work a little harder than Rock Lee in front of you.]
Naruto: "???"
"So you want me to die?!"