"However… I think the two of them probably don't even realize it themselves…" Ino murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she stared out at the fading sunlight.She fell into a moment of quiet reflection. "When you put it that way… it's true," she added, a faint frown on her face.Sitting beside her, she continued thoughtfully. "Sasuke-kun never really starts conversations with anyone. But he always seems to enjoy mocking Naruto… And Naruto… well, Naruto loves to pick fights with Sasuke-kun, doesn't he?"Hinata, sitting quietly with a gentle blush on her cheeks, nodded slightly. "M-maybe… that's what they call… 'loving to fight'?"Ino let out a deep sigh, shaking her head in exasperation. "I just don't get it. How can they be so… complicated?"As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, bathing the village in golden light, the two girls walked side by side in contemplative silence. Their elongated shadows stretched across the dusty path, dancing in the gentle evening breeze.Meanwhile, Naruto's day was unfolding in a completely different light. Unprecedented happiness coursed through him—not just because he had proven his strength in recent training, but because Iruka had treated him to Ichiraku Ramen, his favorite meal.Slurping down the steaming bowls one after another, Naruto was practically in a frenzy of joy. Iruka watched him with a mix of concern and amusement."Slow down, Naruto. I'm sure you can finish your food without rushing," Iruka said, rubbing his forehead as if trying to stay patient."Iruka-sensei, I told you! Today, you're treating!" Naruto protested between mouthfuls."And that's why I need to eat even more!" he added gleefully, shoveling noodles into his mouth with reckless abandon. "This is rare… a real treat!"Iruka, puzzled yet accustomed to Naruto's antics, could only frown. "Have I ever denied you ramen before? Why is it such a big deal this time?"But Naruto's mind was elsewhere. A sudden memory struck him like a lightning bolt. "I… I'm not the only big eater here! A true glutton… is someone else!"Iruka raised an eyebrow. "You mean Choji?""No!" Naruto shook his head frantically, waving his hands in despair. "It's Hinata! She… she's the real big eater!""W-what?" Iruka blinked in disbelief. "Hinata? That tiny girl?"Ayame, standing quietly behind the counter, couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "Naruto is telling the truth. Last time he treated Hinata to a meal, she ate seventeen bowls… seventeen!"Iruka's jaw practically dropped. "Se-seventeen bowls?!"Naruto, swelling with pride, puffed out his chest. "How's that for impressive, huh?!""It's not you, Naruto," Iruka muttered, bewildered. "Why are you so proud?""Because…" Naruto paused, scratching his head, his voice filled with a mixture of embarrassment and glee. "Because it's Hinata, not me… but for some reason, it feels kind of… similar!"The sight of Naruto, overjoyed over Hinata's appetite rather than his own, made Ayame chuckle silently. Even Ichiraku's Uncle, Iruka, and Naruto himself seemed caught in a confusing web of amusement and bewilderment."Oh, and Iruka-sensei… why are you treating today?" Naruto asked, suddenly curious.Iruka explained patiently as he refilled Naruto's bowl. "You've been performing exceptionally well recently. This is a small reward.""Then allow me to join in!" Ayame chimed with a grin. "Consider this bowl on me, a reward for Naruto too!"Naruto laughed heartily, nodding. "Thanks, Ichiraku's Uncle! Really, thank you!"Yet even as he expressed gratitude, he couldn't help but feel a little giddy. "Wait… it's Iruka who's treating… so why am I so happy?"After finishing their meals, Iruka offered a few encouraging words, patting Naruto on the shoulder. With that, they parted ways, and Naruto returned home, still brimming with energy and excitement.Despite the lingering euphoria of ramen and praise, Naruto didn't neglect his training. With the gentle reminders from the system, even his excitement couldn't make him slack off. Tonight's focus: Clone Technique and Divided Attention.Activating the power of the [Divided Attention] entry, Naruto began practicing the Chakra Refining Technique while simultaneously improving his mastery over the Clone Technique.The beauty of this method was in the synchronicity. His body could perform multiple tasks simultaneously without one skill interfering with the other. Each technique enhanced the other, creating a harmonious cycle of improvement.For the Clone Technique, Naruto had long relied on a method of mirror visualization. By imagining a perfect clone in the mirror, he could concretely picture the formation, doubling the effectiveness of his training. But tonight was different. He chose to challenge himself, relying entirely on his own internal focus."Clone!" he shouted.Three exquisitely perfect clones materialized on either side of him. Each one mirrored Naruto's movements flawlessly, indistinguishable from the original.The fourth clone, however, appeared blurry, unstable."Damn it…" Naruto muttered. "Sasuke can make five clones with perfect precision. Why do I still struggle?"Despite the minor setback, Naruto's current level already surpassed most of his peers. Ordinary Ninja Academy students could barely form two clones by graduation. Naruto, with four, was already at an honor student level. Yet, comparing himself to Sasuke, he still felt far from complete."Alright," he said, exhaling, "let's pause Divided Attention for a moment and focus entirely on the Clone Technique."The system offered no objections, allowing Naruto to pour every ounce of thought and energy into perfecting his clones."Clone!"This time, the fourth clone solidified, clear and lifelike, earning a triumphant grin from Naruto."Even with Divided Attention, it seems there's no substitute for dedicated focus," he thought. "Concentration… full immersion… that's the key."Watching the clones move beside him, an idea sparked in Naruto's mind. "Wait… Clone Technique and Divided Attention… if these clones could think independently, if they had my consciousness… they could act on their own! I'd be unstoppable!"Excitement surged through him, quickly tempered by reality. "But… these clones are illusions. They're made from only a fraction of my Chakra. They can confuse enemies, yes—but they can't physically interact with the world."Naruto's brows furrowed. "To achieve what I want… I have to make them physical."A plan began to form in his mind. The simplest approach: allocate more Chakra to the clones.Without hesitation, Naruto started experimenting. He had always been reckless, driven by instinct rather than caution. Many would have balked at risking so much Chakra alone, but Naruto thrived on the edge of danger."Allocate more Chakra… Clone!"One clone formed—much more solid, but still not physical."Not enough… okay, one-tenth of my total Chakra!"Another clone appeared, stronger yet still intangible."One-fifth!" Naruto increased the allocation. Still… "One-third!"Panting heavily, he continued, pushing himself to the limit. His determination reflected the indomitable spirit of a young ninja who refused to accept mediocrity. Every attempt brought him closer to his goal, each failure fueling his resolve rather than discouraging him.Through trial, error, and relentless experimentation, Naruto's understanding of the Clone Technique deepened. Not just mechanically, but philosophically. He was learning the delicate balance of Chakra, consciousness, and intent."Clone Technique… Divided Attention… this isn't just training. It's evolution," he muttered, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead. "Every clone I create, every experiment I attempt, brings me closer to my dream… to becoming stronger… to surpassing everyone, including Sasuke."His eyes burned with determination. Naruto knew that tonight, with the golden sunset still lingering in his memory and the taste of Ichiraku Ramen still fresh on his tongue, he had taken another critical step forward—not just in skill, but in understanding the essence of what it meant to grow as a ninja.And in that quiet moment, amidst the shadows of his clones and the fading light of the evening, Naruto realized something fundamental: the path of a ninja is never just about power. It's about creativity, risk, persistence, and the courage to push beyond limits—even when the odds are stacked impossibly high.As he collapsed onto the floor for a brief rest, Naruto allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Tomorrow, he would push even further. There was still so much to learn, so much to master. And he would—because he was Naruto Uzumaki, and nothing could stop his boundless energy and unwavering spirit.
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