"Damn it, damn it, damn it!"
Naruto glared at the villager who had walked off with the carrying pole, rage boiling inside him.
He'd clearly been bullied, yet no one spoke up for him—everyone was praising Yagyū Masahiko's kindness!
That bastard…
It's all his fault!
Get stronger!
I have to get stronger!
I'll tear off his fake mask!
Never had Naruto felt such urgency to grow powerful; he wanted strength now so he could crush Masahiko in a single blow.
Masahiko, however, ignored him, greeting every passing villager with a gentle, polite smile—and every time they praised him for being so responsible.
To the villagers, if Masahiko could be this dedicated to a problem student like Naruto, he'd never discriminate against anyone else.
Ten laps.
Twenty laps… Later, Naruto's mind blurred; he'd lost count of how long he'd been running.
Masahiko glanced sideways, unable to stop marveling.
Thirty laps.
For a first high-intensity session Naruto was already near his limit; another round might be dangerous.
Masahiko wanted the spotlight, but injuring Naruto would make the Third refuse any future "special training."
He stopped.
"Take a break, dead-last."
"I—"
Naruto had been running on willpower alone; now he swayed, vision blackening.
He steadied himself, gasping like a broken bellows.
Yagyū Masahiko chuckled. "I'll take you to class now. Remember: fifty more laps at noon."
"Fifty laps…"
Naruto's mind went blank. "I… finished?"
He staggered after Masahiko, dazed… Ninja Academy.
The bell rang.
In the classroom Iruka's eyes swept the room and quickly landed on the familiar, predictably empty seat.
He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, set down his book and prepared to start the lesson.
Just then the door opened.
Naruto panted, "Sorry, Iruka-sensei, I—"
"Naruto! Late again!"
Iruka roared, then sighed in disappointment. "Why is it always you?"
Naruto hung his head, silent and aggrieved.
A voice came from behind.
"Ah, sorry, Iruka-sensei. I dragged Naruto off for extra practice this morning, so he's late."
A handsome face appeared above Naruto's.
Yagyū Masahiko ruffled Naruto's blond hair. "Go on in."
Naruto didn't feel grateful—he glared.
Because… Masahiko was telling the truth!
Dragged out at six, running until after seven, barely a breather before class—his bucket-paint prank was ruined.
Obviously, nobody believed it.
"Masahiko-sensei is so hot and kind—helping even Naruto selflessly! Ahhh, I love him!"
Ino cupped her cheeks, eyes sparkling.
Choji munched chips. "No way. Naruto must've been off graffiti-tagging."
Shikamaru watched Naruto's trembling legs and said nothing.
Iruka grew angrier but forced a smile. "Masahiko-sensei, you don't need to make excuses for him—"
"No, I really did make him run dozens of laps around Konoha."
Masahiko scratched his head awkwardly. "Naruto's still small; next time I'll cut the load."
Iruka stared, noticed Naruto's unsteady feet, and finally believed—secretly regretting his haste.
Then he caught Naruto's fierce glare and grew annoyed again.
"Did you thank Masahiko-sensei?"
Naruto's eyes bulged. "I have to thank him?!"
"It's fine. I'll leave you to class—gotta prep for afternoon taijutsu."
Masahiko waved it off and left with a smile.
Fuming yet helpless, Naruto could only watch Masahiko go, wishing he could pound him.
Unlike usual, Sasuke kept his eyes on Naruto until he sat down, then turned to the front. Back in the office Masahiko stretched.
He sat, took out paper, and jotted last night's insights.
Last night's "basic training" session had been short, but the results were immediate.
And… injuries and fatigue in the training space didn't carry over, yet the skills did.
Sadly, only the taijutsu chapter of basic training was unlocked.
"Ninja taijutsu aims to kill or cripple—moves must be simple, direct, no flashy flair."
"Speed matters, but reflexes must keep up…"
He wrote line after line.
Finishing another note, he glanced sideways and noticed someone standing; he sprang up warily.
The next instant he froze, then bowed. "Hokage-sama, I didn't know you'd come!"
"Haha, I'm the one interrupting."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved cheerfully.
"Please, sit!"
Masahiko offered his chair.
He shared the office with Iruka, who was teaching; only the two of them were present.
Hiruzen sat, glanced at the notes, and smiled wider.
"Good thinking—did you come up with this yourself?"
"Yes, I'm dull and can't use other Ninjutsu, so I focus on taijutsu."
Masahiko replied.
Hiruzen sighed softly. "You're diligent."
"You're a Chunin and a teacher—entitled to two jutsu."
He produced a scroll.
Masahiko opened it. Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique—simple, powerful, practical.
But he wanted the other jutsu… sadly, Shadow Clone Jutsu was B-rank, normally Jonin-level.
Before he could thank him, Hiruzen said, "Your Chakra-test showed fire affinity, so I chose Great Fireball."
"Thank you for your consideration."
Masahiko answered gratefully.
Hiruzen waved. "You're vital talent; nurturing you is duty. For the second jutsu, tell me your wish."
"Hokage-sama…"
Masahiko hesitated. "May I learn Shadow Clone Jutsu now?"
"Shadow Clone?"
Hiruzen blinked, then pondered. "It demands large Chakra, else it's near useless and risky."
"I understand."
Masahiko knew the details.
It created a solid double indistinguishable even to Byakugan or Sharingan.
Most important—when the clone dispelled, its memories and combat experience returned to the original.
His Chakra wasn't huge, but one clone for training or chores was feasible.
"Very well, but limit yourself to one clone at a time."
Hiruzen nodded, stressing the point.
Masahiko agreed eagerly.
Then he hesitated, looking as though he wanted to say more.
"Hokage-sama, about Naruto—"
"Haha, I heard. The method's rough, but feel free to try."
Hiruzen answered.
He sighed. "Pity Naruto may not see your good intent yet—sorry for the grief."
"No grief. I want him to excel, and burning his energy keeps him from pranking daily."
Masahiko exhaled in relief.
Hiruzen clapped his shoulder. "Work hard—I have high hopes."
"Yes, sir!"