I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

In just a month, Naruto had fully acclimated to the ninja academy, though his approach was anything but conventional. Unlike others who might have used shadow clones to skip class, Naruto attended daily without fail. However, he paid no attention to the lectures, as they held little value for him. His reasoning was simple: taijutsu practice required physical effort, and shadow clones could only contribute to ninjutsu experience. With most standard ninjutsu already mastered, there was little for him to gain from the current curriculum unless he came across something truly advanced and worthwhile.

This was perhaps why even the most powerful shinobi rarely relied on shadow clones for training—it required an immense reserve of chakra and offered diminishing returns once basic skills were mastered. Instead, Naruto occupied himself with extracurricular books on sealing techniques and medical ninjutsu, which he borrowed from the library. At least, he reasoned, his quiet self-study was more constructive than Choji's constant snacking or Shikamaru's habitual naps. Iruka, observing from the podium, found himself caught between frustration and helplessness. Many of his students, particularly those from prestigious clans like the Uchiha and Nara, treated the academy as a formality. Their true education came from their families, making Iruka's lessons feel secondary.

Yet Iruka remained determined. Picking up a piece of chalk, he wrote "After Reading" on the blackboard and called for the class's attention. "We've been studying Hokage and the Will of Fire for some time now," he said. "It's time for everyone to write a reflective essay. Let's see how you interpret the Will of Fire in your own words."

The class collectively groaned at the assignment, but Naruto didn't join the chorus of complaints. He calmly put away his library book, picked up his notebook, and began writing. In less than twenty minutes, he completed a thousand-word essay, set it aside, and returned to his reading. Iruka, noticing Naruto's swift work and subsequent immersion in extracurricular material, couldn't shake the feeling that something about the boy was off—though he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, it was time for outdoor physical training. While the ninja profession had expanded to include medics and researchers, its foundation remained combat. After a brief warm-up run, the students were paired for one-on-one sparring. Naruto, as usual, easily outmaneuvered his opponents, barely breaking a sweat. When his turn with Sasuke came, a smirk played across his face.

"Sasuke, let's see if you've improved since last time," Naruto teased.

Sasuke, his pride already stung from previous losses, snorted. "This time, you'll lose badly!"

Naruto raised an eyebrow, forming the seal of opposition. "Let's hope you last longer than before. Don't embarrass the Uchiha name."

The jab hit its mark, and Sasuke's expression darkened. Despite knowing Naruto's taunts were deliberate, he couldn't help but take the bait. He charged, but Naruto easily sidestepped, grabbed Sasuke's arm, and threw him to the ground. Humiliated but unyielding, Sasuke quickly stood and began forming hand seals.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" (Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!)

A burst of flames erupted from Sasuke's mouth, stunning their classmates and even the supervising Chunin. The technique was a C-rank ninjutsu, typically reserved for experienced genin. Yet before the fireball could fully form, Naruto appeared beside Sasuke and interrupted the technique with a well-placed punch, sending Sasuke sprawling. The impact left Sasuke clutching his face, his pride taking another hit.

The display left everyone—including the Chunin teacher—dumbfounded. While Sasuke's ability to perform a fire-style jutsu was shocking for a first-year student, Naruto's casual interruption of it was even more astonishing. Realizing the potential danger, the Chunin quickly stopped the sparring session and called Naruto and Sasuke aside.

"Why are you using dangerous ninjutsu in a training exercise?" the Chunin demanded.

Sasuke, unapologetic, retorted, "Isn't this supposed to simulate real combat? Using ninjutsu to win is only logical."

The Chunin hesitated, knowing Sasuke had a point, but turned to Naruto. "You shouldn't interrupt a jutsu like that! What if someone had been injured?"

Naruto's expression remained calm. "I understand. I'll be more careful next time. But honestly, if no one here can challenge me, these matches are just a waste of time. Maybe I should start forfeiting."

The Chunin was left speechless. After dismissing the pair, he watched as Sasuke soaked up the admiration of their peers, while Naruto quietly retreated to share snacks with Shikamaru and Choji in a corner.

In the academy office, Iruka reviewed the essays submitted by the class. Naruto's composition caught his attention—it was remarkably thoughtful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Will of Fire. Yet something about it unsettled him. Naruto's academic performance was excellent, and his prowess in practical lessons made him the top of the class. However, his aloof demeanor, isolating himself from most of his peers, felt unnatural. He wasn't just introverted; he carried himself with a composure far beyond his years.

Iruka decided to seek counsel. Taking Naruto's essay, he headed to the Hokage's office. After exchanging pleasantries, he handed the Third Hokage the essay. "Hokage-sama, please take a look at this."

The Third Hokage read the composition and smiled. "Naruto has written well. He understands the essence of the Will of Fire. I see no issue here."

Iruka shook his head, his tone grave. "Hokage-sama, Naruto's academic and practical performance is exemplary, but his behavior is... troubling. He's too withdrawn and too composed—like a veteran shinobi who's seen war, not a twelve-year-old boy. I fear that if this continues, he may face severe psychological issues in the future."

The Third Hokage's smile faded as he considered Iruka's words.