Chapter 12
Senju Tobirama: "I never expected Uzumaki Naruto's chakra reserves to be this terrifying—almost one-sixth of big brother's level!"
Uzumaki Naruto: "Are you praising me or the First Hokage?"
Hatake Kakashi: "You little punk—Lord Second is obviously praising you. The last person compared to the First Hokage was Uchiha Madara, you know!"
In the Akatsuki internal group chat:
Deidara: "Compared to the First Hokage? Isn't that our dear Kakuzu-san?"
Kakuzu: "Deidara, do you want to die?"
Deidara: "No, but you always brag about fighting the First Hokage. I'm just asking—does he even remember you?"
Kakuzu: "..."
Pain: "All of you shut up! Where was this energy when I sent you to capture tailed beasts?"
At Pain's question, everyone went quiet. For most Akatsuki members, who wouldn't slack off if they could? Capturing tailed beasts was dangerous! The only one motivated was Kakuzu— and his goal was just money! Konan felt quite relieved about that.
Haruno Sakura: "I still don't get it—how could Naruto, who couldn't even do Clone Technique, master the forbidden Multi Shadow Clone so fast?"
Senju Tobirama: "Ahem… I can explain. As everyone knows, Multi Shadow Clone is one of the forbidden techniques I invented."
Fourth Raikage: "Okay, okay—stop showing off. We all know half the forbidden techniques in the shinobi world came from you."
Senju Tobirama: "The key point: Multi Shadow Clone is forbidden not because it's hard to learn, but because it's dangerous to use. Like Naruto just did—creating thousands of clones is normal."
Senju Tobirama: "But ordinary shinobi simply don't have that much chakra. Understand?"
Senju Tobirama: "Naruto is Uzumaki descent, and this time rage mixed in some Nine-Tails chakra, allowing success."
Senju Tobirama: "Also, when clones disappear, all damage and fatigue return to the original body. That requires an extremely tough physique—which is exactly an Uzumaki advantage!"
Orochimaru: "Simply put: our Naruto-kun has thick HP and high defense, right? According to my research, people like that usually lack brains!"
Senju Tobirama: "Though I hate to admit it, Orochimaru—this time I agree with you."
Uzumaki Kushina: "???"
Uzumaki Kushina: "Who are you two calling brainless?"
Namikaze Minato: "Kushina, show a little respect to Lord Second Hokage."
Uzumaki Kushina: "Oh? Orochimaru—who's brainless? Want to test an Uzumaki seal? Careful I seal you like a tailed beast!"
Orochimaru: "Hmph, I won't stoop to arguing with someone so hot-headed!"
Naruto watched the chat ahead. So many words—he really couldn't follow! What Uzumaki clan, what thick HP high defense… Wasn't his reason for not dying just "I have perseverance"? Somewhere, Wang Moufei gave a thumbs-up: Naruto, you're absolutely right! Though he didn't understand, he could feel they were praising him. But right when he felt happy, he saw Orochimaru's words. "Brainless"—those characters he recognized. He didn't understand— why did everyone who knew him think he had no brain?
Naruto grew confused. He desperately wanted an answer. Turning to Sasuke beside him: "Sasuke, be honest—do I really have no brain?"
Uchiha Sasuke smirked coldly, full of disdain: "At least you're far from matching the other-world you!"
Naruto could argue everything else. But this line— he thought for ages and couldn't reply. Indeed, from what he'd seen, the other-world Naruto seemed much smarter! But weren't they the same person?
Seeing Naruto frown, looking wronged, Sasuke grew even angrier. This dead-last Naruto— somehow got enlightened after becoming genin and started closing the gap straight at him! Now in the Valley of the End, he almost lost! Sasuke clenched his fist. If he couldn't even beat Naruto— how could he kill that man himself?
Above, the white screen slowly faded, replaced by the black one. The lively chat instantly quieted. Everyone wanted to see— what happened to the other-world Naruto after starting school! But with that Naruto's talent and comprehension— a mere graduation exam should be effortless, right?
Everyone agreed. Only Naruto looked disdainful. "What? Both worlds are me, aren't they?"
"Am I not a genius too?"
[On the Konoha Ninja Academy playground, a new entrance ceremony was underway.]
[This one seemed especially important—even the rarely visiting Third Hokage attended in person.]
[Iruka showed great respect toward Lord Third.]
"Standing before you is the greatest shinobi in Konoha history—or perhaps the entire shinobi world!"
"The one called 'God of Shinobi'—Lord Third Hokage!"
[Iruka's exaggerated tone made the students whisper.]
"What? This old guy with age spots is the strongest Hokage?"
"Doesn't look like it at all!"
[Iruka heard the doubts—his face darkened. The Third was his role model!]
[Just as Iruka prepared to defend him, the Third stepped forward.]
"Iruka-sensei exaggerated a bit. I'm just an ordinary shinobi skilled in various ninjutsu."
"You can treat me like your grandfather."
[The Third's approachable words instantly won over a bunch of fans.]
[Worthy of a Hokage—way more eloquent than Iruka.]
[In the crowd, only Uzumaki Naruto stood motionless—his face faintly showing disdain.]
"What? Want to be my grandpa? I'd rather call you dad!" ...
Senju Hashirama: "Hahaha! This Naruto's got some real spirit! Looks like Hiruzen—you've met your match!"
Senju Tobirama: "Big brother—our Hokage just got insulted like that, and you're laughing?"
Orochimaru: "Exactly! No matter what, even I as Naruto-kun's fan won't accept this."
Orochimaru: "After all, standing before him is the one with the shinobi world's top title—'God of Shinobi'—Sensei Hiruzen!"
Orochimaru emphasized "shinobi world's top" and "God of Shinobi" heavily. The implication was obvious!
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Orochimaru, what do you mean? If you've got something to say, say it straight—stop being sarcastic!"
Orochimaru: "Am I? I'm just repeating what everyone calls you, Sensei. Is that sarcasm now?"
Iruka: "..."