Kakashi stood before the Third Hokage, his tone calm but eyes thoughtful.He'd just finished recounting everything that happened with Naruto that day—from meeting the boy, to watching him master a ninjutsu in one attempt, to deciding to train him personally.
"So, in other words," the Third said, exhaling smoke from his pipe, "Naruto is a genius.Someone… who outshines even the prodigies."
Kakashi nodded. "That's what it looks like."
For once, the old man's eyes narrowed in unease. If this wasn't handled carefully, Danzo would smell opportunity—and trouble. He'd never allow Naruto to grow outside his control.Yet Hiruzen's heart was also full of pride. He still remembered that bright-eyed boy declaring:
"I'll become a ninja! The strongest one! So everyone will acknowledge me—that's my nindō!"
Ever since that day, he'd cherished Naruto like a grandson. Back then, Konohamaru hadn't even been born.
A grandson who shines this much, the Third thought, how could I not be proud?
Kakashi broke his reverie. "He's changed. Since entering the Academy, he's been standing out more and more. Yesterday, he even beat Sasuke Uchiha in sparring. Barely, but a win's a win—and Naruto only started training seriously this month."
Hiruzen smiled. "Genius is like light—it still burns through the darkest corners."
Kakashi's eye softened behind the mask. "Just like Sensei."
At the mention of the Fourth Hokage, the room fell quiet. Kakashi's thoughts drifted to Obito, to Rin, to Minato—all gone. The Third's gaze lowered.
"Don't worry," Hiruzen said gently. "If Minato could see Naruto now, he'd be proud."
"I know." Kakashi's voice dimmed. "Just wish he could've seen it himself."
After a pause, Hiruzen said, "Leave Naruto's training to me. I'll handle the rest."
Kakashi bowed his head. "Understood."
He knew the old man carried the weight of the village—and now, Naruto's future—on his shoulders.
Meanwhile, on a certain training ground, a chorus of thuds echoed.
Naruto wiped sweat from his chin and grinned. His shadow clones were still pounding away at the wooden posts.
"Heh… not bad. Shadow clones really are the best."
He split his chakra again—two more clones popped into existence. One ran laps. Another practiced Wind Release: Wind Blade Technique. The real Naruto kept hammering a wooden post with raw fists.
Naturally, he couldn't maintain the clones forever; once chakra ran dry, they'd vanish and he'd rest before repeating. His stamina was ridiculous, but even he had limits.
Still, he refused to stop.
Rikudō Shingon: Host seems rather pleased with himself. Should I prepare divine applause, or will mortal clapping suffice?
Naruto snorted. "Shut up. I'm training here."
Rikudō Shingon: Ah, my mistake. Clearly, punching wood makes you a sage.
"Can't you, like, go offline or something?"
Rikudō Shingon: I am enlightenment itself. We do not 'log off.'
Naruto rolled his eyes and kept punching.
His mind raced. My progress is slowing down. I need heavier training—weights, maybe? Two thousand punches a day isn't enough.
He thought of Lee, that madman with the bowl haircut. Speed and strength together, huh… that's the way.
Then he looked at the worn-out post. "Guess I should make a better one… maybe one that spins."
By the time his fists struck for the eight-hundredth time, his body screamed, but he still grinned. Hard work made him feel alive.
He left his clones behind and went hunting for lunch. Today's menu: grilled fish and, by some miracle, a bird's nest with eggs. "Dessert, huh? Not bad."
The next morning, Naruto slid into class, hair messy and smile ready.
"Sorry, Iruka-sensei! Helped an old lady cross the road!"
Iruka slammed his book. "You used that excuse two days ago!"
The class burst into laughter. Naruto grinned wider.
Even if Iruka yelled, it didn't bother him anymore. He used to dread it—but now, it felt almost friendly.
Iruka sighed. "You say that every time, and yet you still top the tests. What am I supposed to do with you?"
Naruto scratched his cheek. "Guess you could just praise me instead?"
"Not happening."
Rikudō Shingon: Host's survival tactic: weaponize charm against authority. Success rate: disturbing.
"Quiet," Naruto muttered under his breath.
The class was already placing silent bets on what excuse he'd use tomorrow.
Naruto's eyes drifted to Hinata. Iruka's lecture blurred into background noise.
"Hinata," he said softly, smiling, "did you miss me?"
Her face went pink instantly. "N-Naruto-kun…"
Seeing her fluster, he chuckled. "I was kidding. You look cute when you panic."
"Ah… d-don't say that…"
He leaned closer, teasing. "You'd look even better with long hair."
Hinata froze, her mind short-circuited. Steam practically rose from her head.
Rikudō Shingon: Host, you appear to have slain her with words. Shall I notify the authorities?
Naruto whispered back, "Not helping."
He patted her arm gently. "I mean it, though. You'd look really pretty."
Hinata's reply came out like a whisper in the wind. "Long… hair…"
By the time Iruka turned back, Naruto was face-down on the desk, pretending to nap.
For him, this was peace—a day of training, teasing, and dreams of tomorrow.A simple, beautiful childhood.