Konohagakure Hospital Dispensary.
Yakushi Kabuto was sorting herbs when a tiny white snake slithered up his trouser leg and flicked its tongue in silence. Kabuto adjusted his glasses and, while straightening the counter, secretly read the orders Orochimaru-sama had sent.
A playful smile curved across Yakushi Kabuto's lips. As expected of Orochimaru-sama; his taste remains as unique as ever. Kabuto had assumed Orochimaru-sama would try to plant a Juuinjutsu on Naruto or abduct him to Otogakure. Instead, it was merely to observe and guide.
Was he worried about drawing the Hokage's attention? And you want to see what kind of monster this brat will grow into?
Kabuto glanced toward the Hokage Rock.
"Uzumaki Naruto… since Orochimaru-sama has spoken, I don't mind giving you a little more fertilizer."
…Training Ground Three.
"Hah!" Sasuke-kun barked.
Chakra erupted from his feet and, like a gecko, he shot twenty meters straight up into the canopy. He steadied himself on the trunk, panting, unable to hide his wild joy. At last… he did it. Five days and countless tumbles later, Sasuke-kun had finally mastered Tree Climbing.
He looked over and saw Naruto sprinting across the lake. The speed sent ripples racing outward, yet not a single drop splashed up. Thirty seconds, one minute, three minutes… a full ten minutes he ghosted over the water, weaving complex turns.
Sasuke-kun instantly swallowed the pride he'd felt a moment earlier. He was still far behind Naruto. Not far away, Naruto slowed to a halt as he watched Sasuke-kun jump down. A proud smile appeared on his face. For some reason, Sasuke-kun felt that look said, "The old ox has finally learned to plow by himself."
Must be my imagination.
"Not bad—faster than I expected." Naruto walked calmly from the center of the lake to the shore.
[Ding!]
[Long-term mission: Chakra control training (Water Walking) completed!]
[Reward: Chakra control (intermediate), Water affinity +10%]
The instant the notice landed, a cool, rounded sense of control flooded his body. The once-galloping Chakra now obeyed his every whim. With a thought, it split precisely to every limb, every point under perfect command. At the same time, his perception of water changed; the rhythm of his Breathing Technique shifted and flowed more smoothly.
After savoring the improvement, Naruto turned to Sasuke-kun.
"Since you've got Tree Climbing down, your Chakra efficiency should have improved."
Sasuke-kun clenched a fist, feeling the more obedient Chakra inside, and nodded.
"Per our deal, you teach me that Hiden technique." He stared at Naruto, eyes blazing.
"Of course."
True to his word, Naruto taught Sasuke-kun the Breathing Technique.
"Listen—breath is the bridge between body and soul. Adjust your rhythm, feel the oxygen surge through your blood…"
Sasuke-kun listened with absolute focus. Then he copied Naruto's breathing pattern. To his surprise, his exhausted body began to revive.
[Detected: Sasuke-kun acquiring Breathing Technique]
[Breathing Technique proficiency slightly increased]
Naruto rejoiced inwardly. At this rate, what should have taken years might be mastered within the year. While the two were lost in teaching and learning, Sandaime Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen watched from the shadows.
Seeing Naruto freely share a self-created technique with a comrade, he thought of the Shodaime and Nidaime Hokage. They, too, had placed the village above clan or self, giving selflessly for the Will of Fire. The thought made the Sandaime feel his old face flush. He had served the village faithfully, yet his clan had still benefited from the title.
So he stepped out, no longer hiding, puffing his pipe.
"A-hem."
"Grandpa Sandaime?" Naruto at once tucked away his shrewdness and put on a respectful face.
Sasuke-kun bowed as well. He still held awe for the strongest man in the village.
"I saw everything," the Sandaime reached to ruffle Naruto's hair, surprised the boy had grown taller. "Well done, Naruto. Your training and your help to a comrade make this old man proud."
He paused, voice turning grave:
"Naruto-kun, do you want to grow strong? To protect this village?"
"Absolutely! I'll surpass every Hokage who came before," Naruto answered without hesitation.
"Good!" The Sandaime drew on his pipe. "Then I'll give you a chance. In the coming graduation exam, if you place first in the entire class, I'll grant you a special reward."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "What reward?"
The Sandaime pointed toward the Hokage Building:
"I'll let you into my private chamber to view the Scroll of Seals once, and choose one Kinjutsu from it to learn."
"The Scroll of Seals?"
"The Scroll of Seals?!!"
Beside them, Sasuke-kun jerked his head up, shock written across his face. The Scroll of Seals—repository of Konohagakure's forbidden arts, guarded only by the Hokage. And the Sandaime was offering Naruto a look?
In that instant, Sasuke-kun clearly saw the gap between them: not just in strength, but in standing and trust.
"Really? Thank you, Grandpa Sandaime!"
Gratitude filled Naruto's face, yet his mind was crystal-clear. What he truly thanked was Aizen, far away in another world. Without Aizen's guidance, even with the system, he might still be a clueless wretch, never walking this far or earning the Hokage's favor.
When the mood felt right, the Sandaime added, "But remember, Naruto. Power itself isn't frightening; what's frightening is wielding it without justice. The jutsu within the scroll are dangerous—learn them to protect, never to destroy. Where leaves dance, the fire burns eternal…"
…Even after the Sandaime left, Sasuke-kun remained stunned. He looked at Naruto, eyes complicated.
"First in the class… the Scroll of Seals…"
Sasuke-kun clenched his fists. After these days together, envy could no longer take root. Naruto's talent far outshone his, and the boy possessed the Will of Fire he himself could not yet grasp. Naruto had shared techniques and medicines without asking for anything in return. That vast difference in outlook had doused the flames of jealousy. All Sasuke-kun felt now was an overwhelming urge to catch up.
This guy already has the Hokage's attention? If I can't even keep pace with him, how will I ever avenge my clan?
"Naruto." Sasuke-kun suddenly spoke, eyes frighteningly resolute. "Teach me that Breathing Technique again—I'll master it before sundown!"
Naruto blinked, then grinned. He didn't know what Sasuke-kun was imagining, but if the boy wanted to work overtime, why refuse?
[Ding!]
[Suggestion recorded: Valedictorian.]
[Mission: Graduate with top scores in both theory and combat, crushing all competition.]
[Reward: C-rank treasure chest x1.]
Naruto adjusted his glasses, the lenses flashing.
"First in the class? For someone like me now… isn't that only natural?"