Chapter 1: The Comic Book That Fell From the SkyNaruto Uzumaki, having just enjoyed a hearty meal at Ichiraku Ramen, was walking home with a satisfied smile. He certainly didn't have enough money to indulge in such a lavish meal, but thankfully, his performance in his exams had earned him Iruka-sensei's approval.
It seemed even someone as upright as Iruka-sensei couldn't resist the temptation of something vulgar.
Thinking of the pained look on Naruto's face when he paid, the usually strict Iruka-sensei didn't seem so bad after all.
Naruto secretly resolved to pass tomorrow's graduation exam flawlessly, strive to become strong, and become the strongest Hokage in history. That way, he could gain people's recognition, right? Imagining the incredulous look Iruka-sensei would give him after he became Hokage, Naruto couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, ugh..."
Just as Naruto was feeling smug, a manga book fell from the sky, as if guided by advanced technology, and landed squarely on Naruto's head.
Caught off guard, Naruto was hit so hard his eyes watered. He yelled angrily, "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Baga! Who's throwing things around like this in the middle of the night?"
Seeing no response, Naruto hesitated for a moment, then crouched down and picked up the manga. The instant he saw the cover, his eyes widened, his gaze instantly captivated, unable to look away.
Clearly written on the cover were four large characters: *Naruto*, and the character on the cover was none other than Uzumaki Naruto!
This…could someone be playing a prank?
But everyone in the village disliked him; it seemed no one would have the time or inclination to play such a joke on him.
Could it be…that someone heard his dream and wanted to encourage him?
Yes, that must be it.
"Hey, thank you for your encouragement! I know! I'll definitely become Hokage!"
Naruto cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted into the quiet, deserted street.
This shout had an effect; the lights in the previously darkened houses all came on.
"Who is it? Why aren't you sleeping at this hour?"
"Who's making such a racket? I'm going to complain! I'm complaining!"
"I just got to bed after a long day of work, can't a person live in peace?"
Seeing he'd angered everyone, Naruto quickly grabbed his comic book and ran off on his short legs.
As soon as he got home, Naruto eagerly opened the comic book.
Note: All content seen in this book must not be revealed to anyone else, otherwise the leaker and the person in the know will be eliminated.
"What is this? It's like a ghost story."
The story opens with a blond-haired boy running with a bucket of paint, several ninjas frantically chasing after him, and an enraged Iruka with veins bulging. Then, the boy fails his exams, successfully "beating" Iruka's nose until it bleeds without even using a sexy jutsu.
"Hey, isn't that me? It really looks like me! Haha, that idiot Iruka-sensei, his angry face is so funny!"
Then, Naruto flipped to the graduation exam page. The exam question was, unsurprisingly, the Shadow Clone Jutsu again, and Naruto failed without a doubt.
"Uh... really? The Shadow Clone Jutsu is my worst skill!"
Just as Naruto was about to leave, Mizuki-sensei spoke up, saying that Naruto's Shadow Clone Jutsu, though barely passable, was still a success and suggested that Naruto pass. However, Iruka refused. Defeated, Naruto sat alone on the swing like a defeated rooster, enviously watching his parents share their joy at becoming a new genin, while enduring the villagers' malicious accusations. Then, Mizuki-sensei appeared again, comforting Naruto like a kind elder.
"Damn it, what did I do wrong? Why does everyone dislike me? But Mizuki-sensei is such a good person."
However, the plot takes a sudden turn. Mizuki-sensei proposes that the only way for Naruto to truly become stronger is to steal the Scroll of Seals. If Naruto succeeds, he will not only gain Iruka's approval but also graduate successfully. However, after Naruto obtains the Scroll of Seals and arrives at the agreed-upon location, he discovers that it's all a trap meticulously designed by Mizuki...
"No, no way! How could there be such an evil person among the teachers of Konoha? This is utter nonsense!"
Naruto suddenly throws the manga away in disgust. He doesn't believe there could be such a person in the village, especially not Mizuki-sensei, who has always been so kind to him.
Suddenly, a bizarre scene unfolds. The thrown manga, as if possessed by a spirit, spins and flies back into Naruto's hand. When Naruto tries to throw it again, the manga vanishes from his palm.
---
The next day, Naruto arrived at the Ninja Academy with heavy dark circles under his eyes. The events of the previous night had left him deeply disturbed, and he hadn't slept a wink. If it weren't for their different hair colors, and if Gaara hadn't been absent, people would probably have mistaken them for brothers.
"Naruto, you don't look too good today. The exam is soon, you need to be on your best."
Iruka looked at Naruto with some concern. Although he knew Naruto had a 99% chance of failing today, as a ninja, one should always give it their all—what if a miracle happens?
"Yes, sir Iruka!"
Naruto quickly responded, but his voice lacked its usual passion.
"Alright, those called, go to the next classroom. The test today is on the Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Naruto's heart skipped a beat, not simply because he lacked confidence in the test, but because he feared that everything in reality might happen just like in the manga.
Ever since reading that bizarre manga, he'd been constantly filled with fear. What would he do if it really happened? Should he stop it? But how?
Report it? But who would believe a kid like him, especially when it hadn't even happened yet?
"Naruto Uzumaki!"
Just as Naruto was lost in thought, the teacher called his name.
Entering the other classroom, he saw Iruka and Mizuki sitting there.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto tried to calm himself, then began rapidly forming hand seals.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
Naruto's chakra reserves were astonishing, but his chakra control was far from perfect. So, although he created a clone, it was a failed experiment, lying sprawled on the ground.
"Fail!"
Iruka bluntly gave the result; he wouldn't lower his standards for Naruto out of pity. Only a ninja who could accept defeat could continuously grow stronger.
Naruto, however, ignored Iruka's words and instead turned his gaze to Mizuki.
"Iruka-sensei, this child has excellent physical abilities and chakra, and he's even mastered the Shadow Clone Technique. Why not let him pass?"
Sure enough, Mizuki spoke. His tone was gentle, easily winning people's favor, but Naruto's heart was filled with fear.
It had come true; what happened in the manga had actually happened.
"Mitsuki-sensei, other genin can create three clones, but he can only create one, and it's useless. So I can't let him pass."
After leaving the classroom, Naruto chose to go home immediately. In the manga, Mizuki approached him while he was on the swings. If he could prevent Mizuki from finding him, would everything be avoided?
Opening the door, Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to go inside, a familiar voice sounded from behind him.
"Naruto, why are you in such a hurry to go home? I know how you feel, but things aren't always as you think."
Naruto turned around and saw Mizuki carrying a large bag of snacks, looking at him with a bright, sunny smile.