Since *the romantic ninjutsu tales of shimura* became a massive hit, Naruto's quality of life significantly improved after receiving substantial royalties.
Over the years, he led a regular and fulfilling life, moving between the training ground, school, and home, occasionally gathering with close friends like Shikamaru and Choji.
Spring passed and autumn arrived five times; five years flew by in a flash.
In the blink of an eye, twelve-year-old Naruto was about to face the Ninja Academy graduation exam.
"Naruto, come here."
Iruka Umino called out Naruto's name from the podium.
The blonde youth calmly stood up and walked steadily toward the podium.
The growth over these years had made him nearly as tall as Iruka-sensei, his straight posture looking particularly energetic in the sunlight.
Looking at this student who was similar in height to himself, Iruka was filled with mixed emotions.
As a teacher, he knew better than anyone the difficulties Naruto faced in learning Ninjutsu, but he had also witnessed the child's astonishing growth in other areas.
"Clone Jutsu."
Naruto formed the hand seals, his expression focused.
As the Chakra flowed, a clone, like a rag doll, appeared beside him, then immediately flopped onto the ground.
A short burst of uncontrollable laughter first echoed in the classroom, but it was immediately interrupted by a loud dog bark.
Akamaru poked his head out from Kiba's hood, baring his teeth and letting out a low growl, plunging the classroom into dead silence.
Over the years, the students were well aware: although Naruto's performance in Ninjutsu was consistently unsatisfactory, his Taijutsu skills were visibly strong.
Even students who had mastered the Three Body Jutsu found it difficult to gain an advantage against him in sparring practice.
Moreover, every student who had mocked Naruto's failed Clone Jutsu had, without exception, been "specially cared for" by Akamaru.
The bitten students went home and told their parents. Their parents came to the school seeking an explanation, and Inuzuka Kiba's older sister, Inuzuka Hana, was initially polite, but later became so annoyed that she started shouting directly at the school gate:
"Always complaining! Why don't you ask your own children what they did first? If you have this much free time, you should be teaching your kids how to respect their peers!"
After receiving this scolding, no one dared to cause trouble again.
Iruka murmured internally, but he had to admit that Naruto possessed a unique charm.
Over the years, he personally witnessed many students gradually being influenced by Naruto's sincerity and enthusiasm while interacting with him.
From Shino and Kiba at first, to Shikamaru and Choji later, and even the Hyuga Clan's young lady, Hinata, all were willing to approach this classmate who performed poorly in Ninjutsu.
Even Sasuke, who had started losing to Naruto a few years ago, slowly integrated with them.
What made Iruka unable to decide whether to laugh or cry was that as Naruto matured, his blonde hair and blue eyes made him particularly noticeable on campus.
Quite a few girls pursued Naruto, with Ino being particularly active.
However, the only girls in the class who got along well with Naruto seemed to be Ino and Hinata.
As Naruto walked down from the podium, his gaze inadvertently swept toward the classroom door.
Through the slightly open gap in the door, a pair of cold, sharp eyes was closely observing everything inside the classroom.
He immediately lowered his head and pursed his lips tightly.
No, I can't laugh yet.
It seems Mizuki is about to take the bait.
He returned to his seat without changing his expression, wearing a perfectly timed look of disappointment, his fingers unconsciously fiddling with the ninja tool pouch on his desk.
"It's okay, Naruto! If we practice harder, you'll definitely be able to perform it."
Ino turned sideways and comforted him softly, her blonde ponytail swaying gently with her movement.
Since Ino started openly pursuing Naruto, Kiba and Shino wisely gave up the seats next to Naruto.
So Naruto's row became: Hinata by the window, always quietly taking notes; Naruto in the middle, occasionally conceptualizing novels; Ino, who thought of topics to chat with Naruto every day; and the moody, occasionally conflicted Sakura.
"I'm fine, Ino."
Naruto raised his head and showed a gentle smile.
After responding to Ino, Naruto looked out the window, and as he turned back, his gaze inadvertently met Hinata's, noticing the tips of her ears turning red as she quickly lowered her head.
Hinata is still so easily embarrassed.
Naruto maintained a look of disappointment on the surface, but his mind was racing.
Alright, now I need to figure out how to handle Mizuki.
Exposing him directly would be simple, but far too boring.
Moreover, the scroll of seals was something Naruto had been planning for a long time.
He secretly glanced at the doorway; the peering gaze had already vanished.
Mizuki, as expected, couldn't hold back like in the original story, wanting to use him, the "Dead-Last," to steal the scroll of seals.
He would most likely use the excuse that the scroll of seals contained many Ninjutsu that could make him stronger to get him to steal it.
"Perhaps... playing along is better."
Naruto pondered internally.
Not only could he play out the scene with Mizuki, but he could also legitimately learn the Ninjutsu in the scroll of seals, and maintain his image in everyone's eyes—truly killing three birds with one stone.
However, the necessary preparations still had to be made.
He needed to inform the Sandaime about this beforehand, so the old man would be mentally prepared, lest the Anbu genuinely treat him as a traitor. After all, those guardians hidden in the shadows wouldn't listen to his explanations, and if they struck too hard, he would be the one to suffer.
He recalled the brat Naruto from the original story, who foolishly practiced Ninjutsu after stealing the scroll of seals, completely unaware he was being used.
Then Iruka would comfort him, and the Sandaime wouldn't mention the incident either.
But he couldn't afford that.
People are always like this: they are often exceptionally lenient towards villains, thinking that any good deed they do is commendable; but they are extremely strict towards good people, and the slightest mistake invites suspicion.
What the brat Naruto could do, the current Naruto cannot.
Just as Naruto expected, after school, Mizuki was already waiting on the inevitable path Naruto and the others took to the training ground.
The setting sun stretched his shadow long, casting dappled shadows across his deliberately gentle face.
"Naruto!"
Hearing the call, Naruto and his group stopped. Seeing Mizuki, a flash of understanding crossed Naruto's eyes, and he then led the group forward.
Mizuki's gaze swept over Naruto's companions, and he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Ino, Hinata, Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, Kiba, Sasuke, Sakura.
This lineup was much larger than he had anticipated.
"It's Mizuki-sensei."
Naruto smiled and nodded politely.
"Haha, hello students."
Mizuki forced a smile, his fingers unconsciously clenching.
"I have something to discuss with Naruto; I'd like to talk to him alone."
Unexpectedly, Ino and the others stood rooted to the spot, their eyes uniformly fixed on Naruto, clearly waiting for his instruction.
This coordinated action caused a flicker of surprise in Mizuki's eyes.
Seeing this, Naruto waved his hand, "You guys go to the training ground first. I'll be right there."
Only after Naruto spoke did the group nod and depart.
Before leaving, Ino didn't forget to turn back and instruct him, "Don't take too long. You promised to practice Shuriken with me today."
Watching the figures disappear into the distance, Mizuki sighed meaningfully, "I didn't expect Naruto-kun to have such prestige among his classmates."
Naruto showed an embarrassed smile, "It's just that my classmates are too enthusiastic. Haha."