Mizuki looked at the explosive tags surrounding him, a deep, uncontrollable fear rising from the bottom of his heart.
He had been at the Ninja Academy for a long time and had grown used to a stable life.
Facing danger now, Mizuki felt extremely nervous. Naruto's calm tone only made him shiver—it was as if Naruto could strike and kill him at any moment.
Mizuki swallowed hard, standing frozen as he tried to make a decision.
"My patience is limited, Mizuki-sensei," Naruto's voice came again.
Mizuki's eyebrows twitched wildly as he looked around, searching for Naruto's hiding place.
But… he couldn't find him at all.
Suddenly, a cold glint caught his eye in the moonlight.
Mizuki noticed the faint shimmer near his neck and his heart jumped.
"I—I'll stay in Konoha! Don't do anything!" he stammered.
As soon as the words left his mouth, the tension lifted. Naruto's voice vanished, never to be heard again.
Mizuki cautiously called out twice, but Naruto didn't appear. He must have already left…
Shuimu slumped to the ground, his expression twisted in pain and disbelief.
Though he hated to admit it, Naruto was right.
Even a ninja-in-training couldn't see through the Clone Technique. Mizuki's strength and talent had clear limits.
If he really went to Orochimaru, would someone like Orochimaru even value him?
…
The next morning, Naruto arrived at the Ninja Academy early.
Iruka and Mizuki were already waiting in the assessment classroom.
Mizuki appeared as usual, calm and gentle, with his familiar smile. His white hair and handsome features made him a well-known figure among the students. It was as if yesterday had never happened.
Naruto didn't mention anything, merely giving Mizuki a passing glance. Mizuki caught his gaze briefly before lowering his head silently.
"Naruto, the content of today's test is the Clone Technique. Let's begin," Iruka instructed, explaining the rules of the assessment.
Naruto demonstrated the Clone Technique flawlessly, passing the assessment with ease.
[Ding~ System task completed, simulation opportunity +1]
Iruka nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. No need to change the class placement plan."
He handed Naruto a ninja forehead protector with a bright smile. Naruto accepted it, officially becoming a Genin.
But then Naruto spoke calmly,
"Iruka-sensei, I actually don't want to be a ninja that much."
"Huh?" Iruka was stunned, clearly not expecting that. He looked away for a moment and said gently,
"It's alright, Naruto. You can choose your own path. Living a stable life as a ninja isn't the only way."
"But this is rather important, so I'll need to explain it to the Hokage," Iruka added.
Then he glanced at Mizuki.
"Right, Mizuki-sensei?"
Mizuki hesitated, then nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, yes… it's best to report this to the Hokage…"
Naruto shrugged casually, pleased with Mizuki's compliance. That was good.
Iruka didn't have many friends, and Mizuki's willingness to cooperate meant that, at least superficially, he could become part of Iruka's life. As long as Mizuki continued to act properly, he could be a harmless presence—one of the few 'spices' in Iruka's life.
After passing the test, Naruto planned to go home. Since he didn't want to be a ninja, he had no reason to attend the separate classes. He also kept the forehead protector as a memento.
Iruka walked beside him, though a hint of disappointment lingered. Naruto's grades were excellent, and he could have achieved great things as a ninja—achievements few others could match. But it was Naruto's choice. Iruka knew he was mature enough to make his own decisions, so he did not argue.
At the school gate, Iruka spoke softly,
"Naruto… even if you're not going to be a ninja, I hope you'll still come to school and visit us teachers sometimes."
"I will, Iruka-sensei," Naruto replied.
Other students, carrying their ninja tool bags, began arriving. Today was their last day of school, the day of class placement.
Sasuke, rushing to school, overheard Iruka's words.
"What?!" He stopped, staring at Naruto in surprise. "You're not going to be a ninja?"
Naruto nodded.
"That's right."
Sasuke paused, trying to understand why Naruto had made this choice. He knew Naruto was powerful. This was a rare opportunity—to join the separate classes and learn directly from experienced Jōnin, even Elite Jōnin.
Why would such a powerful student give that up? Could it be… he doesn't need Jōnin guidance?
Ever since Naruto had defeated him, Sasuke had seen him as a rival. And now, as a competitor, Naruto was refusing Jōnin-level guidance—clearly, he had developed a mature training system of his own.
Sasuke hesitated, then turned to Iruka.
"Teacher Iruka, I don't want to attend the separate classes either."
Iruka frowned in confusion.
"Huh?"
This wasn't what he expected. Naruto was giving up his chance, and now Sasuke, of all people, was following suit?
But then Sasuke reasoned: "Naruto must have his own plan. His plan is probably more valuable than the strength gained from Jōnin guidance. So… I'll train with Naruto."
Naruto felt a sudden sense of danger—trouble was coming. He quickly said,
"Sasuke, don't think that. I really just don't want to be a ninja anymore."
Sasuke raised his head, looking down at Naruto despite being of similar height.
"Are you doubting my Sharingan's judgment? Uzumaki Naruto, tell me—how much silver do I need to pay to train with you?"
Naruto: "…"
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