Senju Tobirama frowned slightly. "But I didn't expect Uzumaki Naruto's chakra reserves to be this terrifying—almost catching up to big brother's... well, about one-sixth!"
Naruto grinned, scratching his head. "Wait, are you praising me or the First Hokage-sama?"
Kakashi chuckled. "You little brat, of course, the Second Hokage-sama is praising you. After all, being comparable to the First Hokage is no small feat! And don't forget—the last person to rival him was Uchiha Madara."
Meanwhile, in the private group chat of the Akatsuki organization...
Deidara laughed mockingly. "On par with the First Hokage? Isn't that Kakuzu's claim to fame?"
Kakuzu's voice turned cold. "Deidara, are you looking to die today?"
Deidara snorted. "Didn't you always brag about fighting the First Hokage? I just wanted to ask... does he even remember you?"
Kakuzu: "..."
Pein suddenly cut in. "Shut up, all of you. Why weren't you this energetic when I asked you to capture the tailed beasts?"
Silence fell across the chat.
Honestly, most members of Akatsuki would rather laze around than fight tailed beasts. It was just too dangerous. The only one who was always eager was Kakuzu—but that was just because he loved collecting bounties and making money.
Konan, watching this unfold, quietly felt relieved that someone was at least passionate about something.
---
Meanwhile, back in the main chat...
Sakura scratched her head in confusion. "But I still don't get it. Naruto couldn't even master the Clone Technique, so how did he suddenly learn the Forbidden Technique: Multiple Shadow Clone so quickly?"
Senju Tobirama coughed lightly. "Ahem. Let me explain. As everyone knows, Multiple Shadow Clone is one of the forbidden jutsu I created."
Fourth Raikage interrupted, "Yeah, yeah. Half the forbidden jutsu in the ninja world are yours. We know already."
Tobirama continued, undeterred. "The point is, this jutsu isn't forbidden because it's difficult to learn—it's because it's difficult to use. Creating thousands of clones like Naruto did is technically simple, but most ninjas just don't have that much chakra to sustain them."
He added, "Naruto is different. He's a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, and this time, he also subconsciously tapped into a portion of the Nine Tails' chakra due to his anger. That gave him the chakra capacity to pull it off."
"And when the clones disappear, all the damage and fatigue they experience gets transferred back to the original. To survive that, you need a very strong body—something the Uzumaki clan naturally has."
Orochimaru interjected with a sly smirk. "So basically, our dear Naruto-kun has high HP and defense. Based on my scientific observations, people like that are usually... brainless."
Tobirama sighed. "As much as I hate to admit it... I agree with Orochimaru this time."
Uzumaki Kushina: "???"
Kushina's voice rose. "Which one of you is calling my son brainless?!"
Minato tried to calm her down. "Kushina, please, show some respect to the Second Hokage."
Kushina wasn't having it. "Orochimaru, you really want to test the sealing power of the Uzumaki clan? I'll treat you like a tailed beast and seal you up for eternity!"
Orochimaru scoffed. "Hmph. I won't argue with someone so thick-skinned."
Naruto, watching this chaotic conversation unfold, scratched his head in confusion.
There were too many words...
And he understood almost none of them.
"Uzumaki clan? High defense? What are they talking about? Isn't the reason I'm still alive just because I don't give up?"
Next door, Wang Moufei gave him a thumbs up.
"That's right, Naruto! Never give up!"
Even though Naruto didn't understand what Wang was saying, he could feel the praise.
He smiled proudly—until he read Orochimaru's comment again.
Brainless.
He knew that word.
And he knew Orochimaru was referring to him.
"Why does everyone think I don't have a brain?" Naruto muttered, deeply confused.
He turned to Sasuke, who stood nearby, and asked seriously:
"Sasuke, tell me the truth. Do I really not have a brain?"
Sasuke smirked coldly, his eyes sharp with disdain. "At the very least... you're nothing compared to your counterpart from the other world."
Naruto was speechless.
Usually, he could come up with some kind of argument, but this time...
He fell silent.
Because it was true.
Right now, the other-world Naruto did seem a lot smarter.
But they were both the same person, weren't they?
Why the huge gap?
Naruto frowned, looking dejected. His expression was full of grievance.
Sasuke's smirk vanished, replaced by irritation.
Ever since becoming Genin, Naruto had been chasing after him relentlessly.
And now, at the Valley of the End, he had almost lost to Naruto.
Sasuke clenched his fists tightly.
If I can't even defeat Naruto... how can I defeat that man?
---
Above the sky, the white screen slowly faded.
A black screen replaced it.
The group, which had been lively just moments ago, fell into silence.
Everyone was focused.
They all wanted to see...
What would happen to the Uzumaki Naruto of another world after entering school?
Given his talent and comprehension in that world, passing the graduation exam should be a breeze.
Everyone silently agreed on this point.
Everyone—except Naruto.
He crossed his arms and snorted.
"Hmph! What's the big deal? We're the same person, right?"
"I'm a genius too!"
---
[Scene: The entrance ceremony is being held at the Konoha Ninja Academy.]
It was a big day.
Even the Third Hokage, who rarely appeared in person, attended the ceremony.
Iruka, who was in charge of welcoming the students, showed great respect for him.
"Everyone," Iruka said with excitement, "standing before you now is the most powerful ninja in Konoha's history—perhaps in the entire ninja world!"
He raised his hand proudly. "The Third Hokage, also known as the God of Ninja!"
The students began whispering among themselves.
"Huh? That old guy with wrinkled tattoos on his face?"
"He's the most powerful Hokage?"
"Doesn't look like much to me..."
Iruka's face darkened. As someone who admired the Third Hokage deeply, their skepticism annoyed him.
He opened his mouth to defend him, but—
The Third Hokage stepped forward with a kind smile.
"What Iruka-sensei said just now... may have been a little exaggerated," he said humbly. "I'm just an ordinary ninja. I've merely learned many types of ninjutsu."
He continued with a warm smile, "You can think of me as your grandfather."
His humble tone and gentle demeanor instantly won over many students.
"As expected of a Hokage," someone whispered. "Way smoother than Iruka."
But among the crowd, one boy stood motionless.
Naruto.
There was a clear look of disdain on his face.
"Be my grandfather? I'm still waiting for someone to call me their father!"
---
Back in the group chat...
Senju Hashirama burst into laughter. "Hahaha! This Naruto is hilarious! Looks like you've met your match, Hiruzen!"
Tobirama frowned. "Brother, that's your Hokage being disrespected. How can you laugh?"
Orochimaru added, "Indeed. No matter what, I can't agree with what Naruto-kun said."
He smirked and continued, "After all, the person standing before him is the first to ever bear the title 'God of Ninja'—none other than our dear Sarutobi Hiruzen."
Orochimaru deliberately emphasized the title.
His meaning was clear.
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. "Orochimaru... Just say what you want to say. Stop being so sarcastic."
Orochimaru gave a sly smile. "Did I say anything wrong, Sensei? I'm just quoting what others have said about you. Is that sarcasm?"
Iruka: "..."
---
To be continued...