"Damn it… damn it… damn it!"
Naruto glared at the villager walking away with the carrying pole, anger churning in his chest.
He'd been bullied right in front of everyone—yet not a single person spoke up for him. Instead, they were all praising Yagyu Masahiko's kindness.
That bastard…
It's all his fault!
Get stronger.
I have to get stronger!
I'll rip off that fake smile of his!
Never before had Naruto felt such an urgent hunger for power. He wanted strength now—enough to knock Masahiko down in a single blow.
Meanwhile, Masahiko ignored him completely, greeting every passerby with a warm, polite smile. Each time, the villagers praised him again for being such a responsible teacher.
From their perspective, if Masahiko could be this devoted to a so-called problem child like Naruto, he'd never mistreat anyone else.
Ten laps.
Twenty laps…
Naruto's thoughts blurred. He'd long since lost track of the count.
Masahiko cast him a sideways glance, quietly surprised.
Thirty laps.
For a first high-intensity session, Naruto was already at his limit. Pushing him much further could actually be dangerous.
Masahiko wanted attention—but injuring Naruto would only make the Third Hokage shut down any future "special training."
So he stopped.
"Break time, dead last."
"I—"
Naruto had been running on sheer stubbornness alone. The moment he stopped, his legs gave out and his vision darkened.
He steadied himself, gasping like a bellows about to tear apart.
Masahiko chuckled. "I'll take you to class. Don't forget—fifty more laps at noon."
"Fifty… laps…"
Naruto's mind went blank. "I… I'm done?"
He staggered after Masahiko, barely conscious.
Ninja Academy
The bell rang.
Iruka scanned the classroom and, as expected, his gaze landed on one familiar empty seat.
He frowned slightly but said nothing, setting down his book.
Just then, the door slid open.
"Sorry, Iruka-sensei, I—"
"Naruto! Late again!"
Iruka snapped, then sighed. "Why is it always you?"
Naruto lowered his head, wronged but speechless.
A calm voice came from behind him.
"My apologies, Iruka-sensei. I took Naruto out for extra practice this morning. That's why he's late."
A tall figure appeared behind Naruto.
Masahiko casually ruffled Naruto's blond hair. "Go on in."
Naruto didn't feel grateful—he felt furious.
Because… Masahiko was telling the truth.
Dragged out at six. Running until after seven. No time to rest, no time for pranks—his entire plan ruined.
Naturally, no one doubted it.
"Masahiko-sensei is so cool and kind—helping even Naruto!" Ino clasped her hands dreamily. "I love him!"
Choji munched on chips. "Nah. Naruto probably skipped to go graffiti something."
Shikamaru glanced at Naruto's shaking legs and said nothing.
Iruka frowned, then forced a smile. "Masahiko-sensei, you don't need to make excuses for him—"
"I'm not. I really did make him run dozens of laps around the village."
Masahiko scratched his head awkwardly. "He's still young. I'll reduce the load next time."
Iruka froze.
Then he noticed Naruto's unsteady stance—and finally believed him, a trace of guilt flickering across his face.
That guilt vanished when he caught Naruto glaring daggers.
"Did you thank Masahiko-sensei?"
Naruto's eyes nearly popped out. "I have to thank him?!"
"It's fine." Masahiko waved it off. "I'll leave you to class. I've got taijutsu prep this afternoon."
He smiled and left.
Naruto could only watch him go, burning with helpless rage.
Sasuke glanced at Naruto until he sat down, then turned back to the front.
Academy Office
Masahiko stretched and sat down, pulling out a stack of notes.
Last night's "basic training" session had been short—but the results were immediate.
Fatigue and injuries didn't carry over from the training space, yet skills and experience did.
Unfortunately, only the taijutsu section was unlocked.
Ninja taijutsu prioritizes lethal efficiency.Movements must be simple, direct—no wasted flair.
Speed is meaningless without reflexes to match…
He wrote line after line.
As he finished another note, he sensed someone nearby and jumped up instinctively—
Then froze.
"Hokage-sama! I didn't realize you were here!"
"Haha, I'm the one interrupting," Hiruzen Sarutobi said warmly.
"Please, sit!" Masahiko offered his chair.
Iruka was still teaching; the office held only the two of them.
Hiruzen glanced at the notes, his smile widening. "Did you come up with all this yourself?"
"Yes. I lack talent in other ninjutsu, so I focus on taijutsu."
Hiruzen sighed softly. "Diligent."
"You're a Chunin and an instructor—you're entitled to two jutsu."
He placed a scroll on the desk.
Masahiko opened it.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu.
Simple. Powerful. Practical.
It wasn't what he wanted most—but he understood.
"Your chakra test showed fire affinity," Hiruzen explained. "That's why I chose it."
"Thank you for your consideration," Masahiko said sincerely.
"You're valuable talent. Supporting you is my responsibility."Hiruzen smiled. "As for your second jutsu—what do you want?"
Masahiko hesitated. "May I learn Shadow Clone Jutsu?"
"Shadow Clone?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "It requires massive chakra. Without it, the technique is dangerous."
"I understand."
Masahiko knew its value.
Solid clones. Indistinguishable even to the Byakugan or Sharingan.
Most importantly—when dispelled, all memories and experience returned to the original.
His chakra wasn't huge, but maintaining one clone was manageable.
"…Very well," Hiruzen said at last. "But only one clone at a time."
"Yes!"
Masahiko hesitated again. "Hokage-sama, about Naruto—"
"I've heard." Hiruzen chuckled. "Your methods are harsh, but proceed."
He sighed. "He may not understand your intentions yet. Sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble at all," Masahiko replied calmly. "If he's exhausted, he won't have energy for pranks."
Hiruzen laughed and clapped his shoulder. "Keep it up. I have high expectations for you."
"Yes, sir."
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