The moment lingered, suspended in the warm sunlight filtering through the trees of the training grounds. Naruto's chest heaved with exhilaration, sweat glistening on his forehead, his clothes torn from the exertion of battle. Around him, the echoes of his victory against Sasuke still reverberated, leaving a hushed awe in its wake.
"Incredible, Naruto-kun… congratulations," Ino said softly, her eyes wide but gleaming with admiration. Her gaze flicked toward Hinata, who stood quietly nearby, a small smile forming on her lips despite the lingering tension of the contest. Ino felt a complex mix of relief and satisfaction. Though she had hoped for Sasuke's victory, watching Naruto succeed was a kind of perfect resolution—at least for him and Hinata.
Her eyes involuntarily drifted toward Sakura. Sakura stood frozen, a mix of shock and disbelief painted across her features. She had been so caught up in the intensity of the battle that she hadn't even thought to rush to Sasuke's side. It was Iruka-sensei who stepped forward, moving to check on the fallen Uchiha.
"How is this possible?" Sakura whispered, her voice trembling. "Sasuke… actually lost?"
Her reaction mirrored that of most onlookers. For so long, Sasuke had been the prodigy of Konoha Academy, the boy who could surpass everyone with minimal effort. Seeing him fall to Naruto—a boy who had once been underestimated—was almost incomprehensible.
"See that, Naruto?!" she added, her disbelief mingled with frustration.
Iruka-sensei, calm and composed, placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "The result is official," he announced, his voice carrying over the training grounds. "The winner… Uzumaki Naruto."
The words ignited a fire within Naruto. He leaped into the air, pumping his fists with uncontained joy. He ran across the grounds, cheering at the top of his lungs. His body, though fatigued, seemed recharged with newfound energy—a surge of adrenaline that made him feel unstoppable.
Meanwhile, Sasuke lay on the ground, the depth of his loss pressing down on him like a physical weight. Even with his Sharingan now deactivated, his eyes glowed red with frustration and despair, a silent blaze that burned hotter than any flame.
"Naruto…" Sakura called, but Sasuke did not respond. Instead, he rose abruptly, rage boiling within him, and stormed away without a backward glance.
Iruka-sensei extended his arm as if to stop him but ultimately lowered it, understanding. Sasuke's pride was fragile, and the sting of defeat could not yet be tempered by consolation. Giving him space to vent was the wisest choice.
With that settled, Iruka-sensei turned to address the remaining students, ushering them toward the next round of the Ninja competition. In the light of Naruto's victory, all other contests seemed almost trivial—like children playing at war, their battles overshadowed by the monumental clash of rivals.
Soon, all evaluations were complete. Iruka-sensei's voice carried over the grounds once more.
"The final score will combine all three evaluations," he explained. "The results will be announced tomorrow. That is all for today."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the students. Tension melted into chatter as groups of three or five began to disperse, the air buzzing with anticipation and exhaustion.
But Naruto lingered, tugging gently on Iruka-sensei's sleeve. "Sensei… what about… what about me?" His voice trembled with a mix of anxiety and hope. "I… I'll make the top ten this time, right?!"
Iruka-sensei smiled, crouching slightly to meet Naruto's eager gaze. "I won't know for certain until the results are announced," he admitted. Seeing the fleeting shadow of disappointment cross Naruto's face, he added with warmth, "But I have no doubt there will be no problems."
Naruto's face lit up, a grin spreading from ear to ear. "Awesome! All our hard work… it finally paid off! I don't have to be… uh…" He faltered mid-sentence, words failing him, yet the meaning was clear.
Iruka-sensei didn't press him, instead turning his gaze toward the dispersing crowd. "Naruto, perhaps it's time you check on Sasuke," he suggested. "Your victory has left him shaken. He might retreat into himself if no one approaches him."
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly in contemplation. "I understand, sensei. But… comforting him right now might not be the best idea. He'll only get angrier if I try."
Iruka-sensei's heart stirred. Indeed, Naruto was right. Sasuke's pride would resist consolation, and any attempt at kindness could backfire spectacularly.
"Then go. Face him, but be careful," Iruka advised, a hint of a smile in his voice.
Naruto's attention snapped back to the present. "Sensei… how do you think I feel, though? I beat Sasuke! That's… amazing!" His voice was loud, brimming with uncontainable excitement.
Iruka-sensei chuckled softly. "It's natural to feel pride, Naruto. But remember, Sasuke is likely already planning his counter. Don't let your guard down. Even in victory, vigilance is key."
Naruto nodded with determination. "I know! That bastard Sasuke and I—we'll never give up! Now that he's lost, he'll fight with everything he has… and I have to train even harder! And it's not just Sasuke anymore. Hyuga Neji has become my next target as well!"
Iruka-sensei's expression shifted, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "Neji, huh? He's certainly one of the top students in your class. His abilities… they might even surpass Sasuke's at this point."
Naruto's eyes shone with unwavering resolve. "Exactly! And since he's a fellow comrade from Konoha, I'll make sure to bring out his best with my own hands!"
Iruka-sensei smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "That spirit is admirable. Just remember—don't let rivalry turn into enmity. You are comrades first."
"I know, sensei!" Naruto exclaimed, clenching his fists. "But I won't let them get away without a challenge! They'll have to face me fully prepared!"
As Naruto turned to leave, ready to continue his training at home, the other students regarded him with newfound respect. The boy who had once been overlooked and underestimated had risen to prominence. He had not only defeated Sasuke Uchiha but had also cemented his place among Konoha's most promising young ninja.
"Naruto!" A voice called out, brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Naruto turned to see Rock Lee bounding toward him, his expression radiant.
"Lee! How did your exams go?" Naruto asked, a grin spreading across his face.
Rock Lee scratched his head, laughter spilling from him. "Hahaha! It didn't go so well, unfortunately! Academics? A disaster. Ninjutsu? Even worse. But I did manage to perform in the Ninja competition. Only… I never got a chance to face Neji, sadly. My overall ranking will likely remain at the bottom."
Naruto chuckled. "Well, at least you gave it your all! As for me… I'm no longer Diao Che Wei! I think I can finally aim for the top ten steadily."
Rock Lee's eyes widened with admiration. "Naruto… truly remarkable! You've progressed so quickly in such a short time! Is this… the pinnacle of youth?"
Naruto laughed, not fully understanding what "the pinnacle of youth" meant, but it sounded impressive nonetheless. "I think so!"
Before they could continue, a familiar and intimidating figure appeared: Hyuga Neji. His cold, calculating gaze swept over them, a thin veil of disdain in his expression.
"How much talent do those who speak of youth truly have?" he asked quietly. "Do names alone grant power?"
Naruto's fists clenched. His eyes burned with fury. "Bastard Hyuga Neji… what did you just say? You want to fight?!"
A soft, timid voice broke through the tension. "Na-Naruto-kun…" Hinata stepped forward, her concern evident.
Naruto's gaze softened slightly as he looked at her. "Hinata… he always provokes us! And not just me—he even targeted you…"
A storm was brewing between them, a clash of pride, talent, and youthful determination. Naruto's heart raced, fueled by the thrill of competition and the promise of growth. Around him, the training grounds seemed to hold its breath, the air thick with anticipation.
This was only the beginning. Friendships, rivalries, and the pursuit of strength intertwined, setting the stage for battles that would test not just skill, but spirit. Naruto knew, without doubt, that the road ahead would be grueling, but he was ready. He would not falter.
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the academy grounds. And in those shadows, the seeds of rivalry, perseverance, and destiny were quietly, irrevocably sown.
Naruto clenched his fists once more, eyes blazing with determination. "I'll get stronger. I'll surpass them all… and protect the people I care about. Starting with you, Neji!"
And with that, the air around them seemed to shimmer with anticipation. A new chapter of challenges, growth, and relentless rivalry had begun.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)