Ichiro Taraine led Naruto through the mountain gate.
Along the way, Naruto carefully observed his surroundings. The mountain path was extremely rugged and steep, making it difficult to walk. However, the scenery on both sides was quite beautiful, filled with dense forests and misty peaks. Although the road was hard to travel, the environment was still pleasing to the eye.
"Naruto, hurry up! Keep up!"
Ichiro Taraine noticed that Naruto had fallen slightly behind and shouted.
"Oh!" Naruto replied and quickened his pace.
"Brother Ichiro," Naruto asked while walking, "is this the academy already?"
Ichiro laughed softly and pointed upward.
"This is just the beginning. We've only entered the outer gate. We haven't even reached the real entrance yet."
Naruto widened his eyes.
"Then how long will it take?"
"About half an hour of walking."
"Oh my god, that long?!"
Naruto was stunned.
But when he recalled the towering mountains he had seen from the sky earlier, he felt it was reasonable. Climbing such huge peaks on foot naturally took time.
This journey was probably part of the entrance test as well.
With that thought, Naruto stopped complaining and followed Ichiro seriously.
Thanks to his recent training on the farm—chopping wood, carrying water, plowing fields, and forging iron—his physical endurance had improved greatly. Otherwise, he might have collapsed halfway.
After a long climb, Ichiro suddenly stopped.
"We're here."
Naruto wiped the sweat from his forehead. He leaned on his sword with one hand and pressed his knee with the other. After catching his breath, he raised his head.
In front of him stood another enormous mountain gate.
"Another gate…"
Naruto muttered in amazement.
This gate was carved from pure white marble. Dragons and phoenixes were engraved on its surface, vivid and lifelike. The craftsmanship was extraordinary.
Beyond the gate was a massive square. Past the square were layers of stone steps leading upward. Above them stood rows of palaces and buildings.
"It feels… very old-fashioned," Naruto said in surprise.
The architecture looked similar to ancient buildings on Earth, filled with classical elegance.
Ichiro placed his hands on his hips and looked around nostalgically.
"I haven't been here for years. If I weren't sending you today, I probably wouldn't come back."
Naruto walked over and asked curiously, "Brother Ichiro, do you have bad memories here?"
Ichiro sighed.
"I guess so. I started cultivating here step by step. It was extremely hard. I don't want to remember it."
Naruto tilted his head.
"But isn't hard training something people look back on fondly later in life?"
Ichiro rolled his eyes.
"I'm not as optimistic as you. If my grandfather hadn't forced me, I wouldn't have endured that suffering. Do you think I liked it?"
Then he sighed again.
"Sometimes I really wish I could just live peacefully as an ordinary person. But I was born into the Tsuchigen royal family. I have no choice."
His tone was filled with helplessness.
In the past, Naruto might have argued passionately.
But after rebirth and so many experiences, he understood.
If there were no Ōtsutsuki Clan, no Kaguya, no chakra…
There would be no ninja world.
Perhaps people would only fight with cold weapons.
Maybe ordinary people would live more peacefully.
But soon, Naruto shook his head internally.
No.
Even without chakra, human conflict would never disappear.
Chakra only amplified human ambition and hatred.
Back then, Sasuke wanted to become the sole ruler of hatred.
He wanted to bear all darkness alone so that others wouldn't fight.
From another perspective…
Sasuke wasn't entirely wrong.
Human desire was like loose rocks on a mountain peak.
If no one controlled them, they would fall and destroy everything.
Not everyone could be like Hashirama Senju.
Not everyone could pursue true peace.
So there had to be someone standing above all.
Watching over everyone.
Suppressing chaos.
Naruto's eyes suddenly shone.
He wanted to become that person.
The one at the top.
The one feared and respected.
Instead of hoping for kindness, he would become awe itself.
"Hey! Naruto!"
Ichiro's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"I've been calling you! Let's go!"
"Oh—sorry!"
Naruto hurried after him.
He clenched his fists secretly.
It was still a long way.
But he would walk it.
Step by step.
They passed through the marble gate, crossed the square, climbed the stairs, and entered a large hall.
Finally, they saw people.
"Young Master, you're here!"
A thin boy in academy robes stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
Behind him stood four other students.
Ichiro nodded.
"Mm."
He pointed at Naruto.
"This is the person my grandfather asked me to bring. He passed the farm trials. He's here for admission."
Naruto stepped forward.
The thin boy smiled politely.
"The Dean already knows. He sent us to receive him. You may return, Young Master."
"Oh?" Ichiro nodded.
"That's good. I'm relieved."
He stretched lazily.
"My mission is finally complete."
Then he turned to Naruto and patted his shoulder.
"Naruto, although we've only known each other for a few days, I feel like we met too late."
"Once you enter, real cultivation begins."
"Don't disappoint my grandfather."
Naruto looked into his eyes and nodded seriously.
"I won't."
"Good."
Ichiro turned and walked away.
"Brother Ichiro!"
Naruto suddenly called out.
Ichiro didn't turn back.
Naruto said loudly,
"Thank you… for everything."
Ichiro paused briefly.
Then he waved casually and continued walking.
The door creaked open.
He stepped out.
Bang.
It closed behind him.
Naruto stood there silently.
He took a deep breath.
From this moment on…
He would walk this path alone.
A new chapter of his life had officially begun.