"Cough, cough… Because I've already given it my all, and…"Ino's voice faltered, and a strange tremor ran through her chest. There was something about the way girls think that was entirely unpredictable—emotions shifting in ways that made no sense to anyone else. Even Naruto noticed something, though he couldn't quite put a finger on it."Ah—" Naruto's instincts kicked in. He dashed forward, concern etched across his face, and knelt by Hinata."Sorry, Hinata! I didn't mean to hit you that hard just now. Are you… are you okay?"Hinata's gaze softened as she looked at him. His concern made her heart race, and a delicate blush spread across her cheeks. She shook her head gently."I… I'm fine, Naruto-kun," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.Around them, the spectators were frozen in disbelief, struggling to process what they had just witnessed. Even Iruka-sensei, who had been observing quietly, coughed and tried to regain his composure."Cough, cough… The winner is…""Uzumaki Naruto!" the crowd erupted, their cheers echoing through the arena.Iruka-sensei raised a hand, signaling both participants forward."Both parties, make the Hand Seal of Reconciliation!"Naruto and Hinata stepped closer, returning to the center of the arena. Slowly, they extended two fingers, hooking them together like a pinky promise. The moment their fingers touched, Hinata's heart thumped wildly in her chest, and her face turned an even deeper shade of red. Naruto, on the other hand, scratched his head sheepishly, laughing softly at his own awkwardness."Co-congratulations, Naruto-kun…" Hinata whispered, her smile small but genuine."You're really strong too, Hinata!" Naruto replied, his voice brimming with admiration.Outside the arena, the crowd gradually began to react."That… that Diao Che Wei Naruto actually defeated Hyuga Hinata?" one spectator murmured in disbelief."That sparring match just now… Hinata was already incredibly strong, wasn't she?" another whispered."Yes, with the Byakugan, her perception is unparalleled, and her Gentle Fist Eight Trigrams Palm is practically unassailable. Yet… she still lost to Naruto?""Is he… possessed or something?!" someone exclaimed.Sasuke's jaw clenched tightly as he watched the scene."Naruto… that guy… he's gotten stronger," he muttered under his breath.His determination flared like wildfire. "My training… isn't enough. Not nearly enough. I have to push myself harder—ten times harder! I can't let him surpass me!"Sakura Haruno was equally stunned. Her eyes widened as she watched Hinata, then Naruto. "Is that really Naruto? How did he suddenly become this powerful?" She clenched her fists, imagining if she had faced him herself…Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, and Shino exchanged bewildered glances. The Naruto they remembered was nowhere near this formidable.Over at the sidelines, Rock Lee jumped with excitement, pumping his fists in the air."Naruto! Amazing! This is the spirit of youth!" he cheered enthusiastically.Tenten, meanwhile, gaped at Hinata's defeat. "Did he… really defeat Hyuga Hinata?" she whispered, glancing nervously at Neji.Hyuga Neji's expression was dark and twisted, almost feral. Without a word, he turned and walked away, his resentment obvious. Rock Lee clenched his own fists tightly."Naruto might become famous, Neji… but one day, I will defeat you fairly!" he whispered under his breath.Back in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow furrowed."That Naruto… has he really become this formidable?" he murmured. "It was only a sparring match at the Ninja Academy, yet his skills already surpass his age by far."Danzo Shimura, standing in the shadows, frowned deeply."What's terrifying isn't his strength… it's his style. That boy fights like someone who's seen countless battles," Danzo said coldly.Hiruzen allowed a small smile. "Perhaps this is a new kind of genius…""Diao Che Wei… a genius?" Danzo sneered, unconvinced."I'm not joking," Hiruzen replied calmly. "Naruto's current combat ability surpasses even some Chunin, or even some Genin who have already graduated. That boy might truly be a hidden genius."Danzo was silent for a moment, then snorted coldly and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Hiruzen staring into the crystal ball at Naruto, who was now celebrating loudly. A proud smile spread across Hiruzen's face.Meanwhile, Naruto was reveling in his moment of recognition. He ran across the training ground, waving at the crowd, laughing and shouting as though he had won a world championship. Iruka-sensei rubbed his forehead in exasperation."Naruto! It's class time! Stop running around and get back here!"Naruto paused for a moment, then froze as Iruka-sensei noticed something unusual—tears in Naruto's eyes. Beneath the laughter, emotion welled up, the long-suppressed feelings finally finding release. Tears of joy, tears of relief, tears of finally being recognized…Iruka-sensei's heart clenched. He understood Naruto's pain, his loneliness. He too had lost his parents and had once relied on antics to gain fleeting attention, even if it was mockery. But unlike Iruka's younger self, Naruto had found a better way—improving himself, growing stronger, earning genuine admiration.Iruka wiped his own eyes discreetly, pride swelling within him.He called Naruto back to order, though he knew it would take more than words to calm the boy's elation. Naruto returned to the training ground, hands clasped behind his head, grinning broadly.Shikamaru and Choji patted him on the shoulders."Calm down, Naruto," Shikamaru said with a small smile.Iruka cleared his throat. "Cough, cough… The next person to draw lots is…"Sakura Haruno stepped forward, her hand trembling slightly as she drew a slip from the lottery box. She opened it and froze."Sa… Sasuke-kun…" she whispered, her heart racing.Iruka-sensei sighed, rubbing his forehead. "What a fated encounter…"Uchiha Sasuke approached with his usual cold, detached expression. Aside from Naruto, no one else seemed to matter to him in that moment."Begin," Sasuke said, his voice low but sharp, signaling the start of the next match.Sakura swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest as she faced him.This was not just another sparring match—it was a turning point. The Academy, the friends, the rivals… everything seemed to hinge on this moment.And somewhere deep inside, Naruto watched, cheering silently for his friends even as he reflected on his own journey. From a lonely, laughed-at orphan to a rising ninja finally gaining recognition, Naruto's path was just beginning.The battle for strength, friendship, and respect had only just begun—and the future of the Ninja Academy would never be the same.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)