Naruto saw Iruka's eager expression and had no choice but to turn to Carl for help.
"Carl, can you… maybe go easy on him later? Iruka-sensei is a really good guy…"
Carl, of course, knew the bond between Iruka and Naruto. Saying Iruka was Naruto's second father wouldn't be an exaggeration. He was a genuinely kind person, and Carl naturally wouldn't make his defeat too miserable.
Iruka stepped back, hand reaching for his waist before swiftly flicking out a handful of shuriken.
His movement was crisp and clean—classic Shurikenjutsu.
The students in the back gasped in admiration. But the very next second, their gasps abruptly cut off.
The sharp, gleaming shuriken passed through Carl's body without any resistance and embedded themselves into the wall behind him.
Iruka froze in disbelief. Frowning, he turned to Naruto.
"Naruto, didn't you say your clone has combat capabilities? Why doesn't it even have a physical body?"
Naruto didn't know how to explain. Just as he was about to ask Carl, the shadow clone suddenly flickered and appeared right in front of Iruka.
Iruka jumped in fright. Before he could react, Carl's hand was already resting on his head. The real, solid sensation made Iruka instantly understand—this clone was answering his question through action.
The moment Carl's hand touched his head, Iruka felt as if his very soul was being sucked away. A chill ran down his spine, and his instincts as a seasoned ninja screamed at him that if this clone wished, it could end his life in an instant.
In just moments, Naruto's "clone" had displayed terrifying speed and strength. Its combat power spoke for itself.
Carl withdrew his hand, crossed his arms, and strolled back to stand behind Naruto.
Iruka wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, eyes wide with astonishment.
"Naruto, the Shadow Clone Technique you developed has already far surpassed the Academy's curriculum. Honestly… even as a teacher, I can't offer you any guidance in this area. I'll have to report this technique. You're a genius!"
"I… I'm a genius?"
That single word stunned Naruto. He repeated it like he was under a spell.
Carl lightly smacked the back of Naruto's head, and his voice rang out in Naruto's mind.
"Can you be a little more dignified? Just being called a genius makes you this happy? You want to be Hokage like this?"
Naruto jerked upright, bowing repeatedly toward Carl's shadow clone.
"I'm sorry! I got carried away!"
Of course, Naruto was speaking telepathically with Carl—no one else could hear their conversation. To everyone else, it just looked like Naruto was repeatedly bowing to his own shadow.
"Alright, alright. Get used to being a genius. Stop acting so startled at everything."
"Uh… but Carl, this power is actually yours. I didn't earn it myself…"
"Don't belittle yourself. Even without me, you'd eventually stand at the peak of the shinobi world. Your talent is second to none."
Hearing Carl's firm words, Naruto's eyes welled up with hot tears. Iruka, watching Naruto bowing one second and tearing up the next, gently patted his back.
"What's wrong, Naruto? Do you have something on your mind?"
Naruto wiped his tears hard and shook his head.
"I'm fine, Iruka-sensei. It's just… finally, someone recognizes me. I'm really happy!"
Iruka's expression turned complicated. He understood Naruto's past all too well. That suffocating life of being shunned by everyone… and Naruto was just a child, an orphan.
It was never his fault…
Sasuke silently watched Naruto. Seeing his unrestrained joy, Sasuke felt a strange mix of emotions—somehow happy, but mostly frustrated.
He carried the blood of the Uchiha, training day after day, and yet the class "dead last" had surpassed him. And the gap was massive.
At this level… did he even have the strength to take revenge on Itachi?
Gritting his teeth, pain pricked at the corners of Sasuke's eyes.
Usually, that look on Sasuke's face would've drawn a flock of fangirls. But right now, everyone's attention was locked on Naruto—including Sakura, who had just been slapped by him earlier.
At this age, admiration for strength was at its peak. Naruto's display had completely crushed any sense of rivalry—they couldn't even feel jealous. The gap was simply too great.
Carl's words rang true: If you're strong enough, people will acknowledge you. True power doesn't beg for recognition.
Iruka patted Naruto's shoulder gently.
"Naruto, I believe more and more people will recognize you in the future. You're a good kid."
Naruto nodded vigorously, then turned around, clearly wanting to hug Carl's shadow clone.
Carl flickered away in an instant, his tone faintly disgusted.
"Don't come near me, snotty little brat."
Naruto's mouth twitched. He muttered weakly in his mind,
"Carl, you're a shadow right now… do you even need to care?"
"There's something called spiritual cleanliness."
Naruto scratched his head, standing there awkwardly.
Iruka finally spoke.
"Alright, Naruto, go back to your seat. And next time, don't hit a girl that hard."
Naruto quickly nodded and rushed back to his seat.
But Carl's shadow remained standing in place. Iruka knew this "Shadow Clone" had its own consciousness. He called out,
"Naruto, cancel your Shadow Clone."
Naruto awkwardly sought Carl's permission in his mind. Carl's reply was relaxed.
"No need. I finally got out, so I'm going for a walk."
"...."
Naruto gave Iruka an awkward smile and made up an excuse.
"Sorry, Iruka-sensei. My Shadow Clone Technique can't be canceled at will yet. It'll disappear on its own when my chakra runs low."
Iruka blinked.
"So… your clone is just going to stand here? It'll distract the other students."
Before he could finish, Carl's shadow casually pushed the classroom door open, sauntered out, and disappeared down the hallway under everyone's stunned gaze.
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+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg