Uzumaki Naruto Fights Seven

Outside the Hokage's Office in the afternoon.

Shikamaru, Choji, and Naruto, standing there as punishment, looked at each other and instantly burst into giggles, snot bubbles forming.

When Choji laughed, his single remaining front tooth showed. Seeing this, Naruto laughed even harder.

Besides that, both of them were bruised and swollen.

Choji was worse, with large lumps already forming around his eyes and mouth. Shikamaru was slightly better off, with a bit of bruising on his face, looking like he'd taken fewer hits.

As for Naruto, his clothes were slightly dirty.

"Naruto, why?" Choji mumbled, his mouth swollen.

"Why what?"

"Why are we both like this, and you look like you're completely fine?" Shikamaru asked weakly, picking up where Choji left off.

"Hahaha. I have a special trick for group fights. Otherwise, do you think I've survived all these years on my own?"

Actually, there was no trick, just pure strength.

Wasn't it easy for him to deal with a few kids with his power?

Seeing them like this, Naruto was actually quite touched. He held up two fingers and promised, "Twice."

"Hooray!" x2.

"We didn't do it just for the grilled fish," Choji emphasized.

"Of course, because we're friends."

"Hokage-sama, he's a Nine-Tails Fox! He..." For some reason, a sharp voice suddenly came from inside.

Thump thump thump~

Before the words were finished, they were drowned out by a loud noise, making it impossible for the three standing at the door to hear what was being said inside.

Nine-Tails Fox?

That title pricked at the nerves of the three.

"Naruto."

Naruto looked up and saw them staring at him with concern. He grinned and said generously, "It's fine, ignore it, just ignore it."

They must think he was three or four years old. After all these years, he was already used to it.

"Iruka, take them back first," the old Hokage's voice came from inside again.

As the voice fell, Iruka walked out from within.

"You three..."

Iruka scanned them one by one, his gaze finally resting on Naruto.

The discrimination from those inside towards Naruto made him, an outsider to the incident, feel very uncomfortable.

Had Naruto faced this kind of treatment his whole life?

Yesterday's conversation with Kakashi-senpai had reignited Iruka's original intention for becoming a Konoha teacher.

Therefore, even when facing Naruto, facing the Nine-Tails within Naruto, which had killed his parents, the inherently kind Iruka was still prepared to open his heart and try to face and accept Naruto.

Because Naruto was his student, and the first major test he faced in his teaching career.

"Naruto, I apologize."

"Huh?" Naruto looked up, meeting Iruka's gaze.

In his senses, the coldness and indifference had vanished, replaced by a hint of warmth.

"Why do you apologize to me?" Naruto was quite puzzled; he didn't think Iruka had done anything wrong.

Choji and Shikamaru pricked up their ears, listening. They were equally curious.

"Because I've neglected you before. From now on, I will definitely pay more attention to you," Iruka said sincerely. The teacher who had taught him to treat Naruto coldly before was the famous teacher who had taught Itachi. But Uchiha Itachi had already destroyed his clan and defected. Iruka certainly didn't want Naruto to do something like that in the future.

So Iruka decisively changed his strategy, choosing to educate Naruto in his own way – by exchanging sincerity for sincerity.

Pay more attention? That, perhaps not.

Although it was nice to have one more person care about him, Naruto felt about the extra attention from his homeroom teacher: Maybe it's better not to.

"To show my sincerity, I've decided to take you all out for ramen."

"Hooray!"

Before Naruto could react, Choji jumped up first.

"Not now!" Iruka suddenly shifted from friend to homeroom teacher, emphasizing, "Now! Immediately! Right away! Go back to class."

"Eh!?"

Hearing that they still had to go back to class, the three drooped in unison.

School, Class One.

Class One had already been abuzz for a long time, or rather, the entire school was in an uproar.

Uzumaki Naruto's record of fighting seven opponents at once was quite brilliant, shocking a significant portion of the elementary schoolers and making him incredibly popular for a time.

Unfortunately, Uzumaki Naruto didn't actually win any of the fights; he was merely holding his own against those seven individuals. If he had won, it would have been even more sensational.

However, just holding his own against seven fourth-year students while being a first-year was impressive enough.

After this battle, Naruto was instantly given many honorary titles.

Things like "Uzumaki Fights Seven" and "Uzumaki Holds His Own."

But Naruto himself was unaware of any of this.

Before the afternoon classes began, Naruto returned to his loyal Class 1.

As soon as he sat down, Naruto noticed something different; everyone was looking at him with newfound respect.

As soon as class ended, many boys surrounded him, all eager to ask about the battle.

Naruto looked around. Shikamaru and Choji were both in the hospital getting bandaged and resting. He was the only one left of the "informed trio."

"I can tell you, but those sitting close have to buy a bag of chips and a bottle of cola," Naruto said, collecting his "admission fee" before starting his story.

During his retelling, he glanced at Sasuke and saw him sneaking glances his way. It seemed even Uchiha Sasuke, this protagonist, was looking at him differently.

Naruto thought this little incident would be over soon. The elementary schoolers' excitement would last a day or two at most, and then some new gossip would emerge to steal the Ninja Academy's headlines.

To his surprise, someone else actually challenged him.

"What did you say your name was?"

Naruto was completely bewildered, looking at the thick-browed guy in front of him whose every move seemed to mimic Bruce Lee.

"Are you the first-year Class 1's 'Uzumaki Fights Seven'? I am Rock Lee from the second year, and I challenge a genius like you!" Rock Lee struck a fighting stance, his gaze firm and his eyes resolute.

"Okay, you win."

With that, Naruto walked right past him.

He was already planning to go eat Teacher Iruka's ramen and didn't have time for another fight. Besides, it went against his policy of keeping a low profile at school.

"Huh?"

Watching Uzumaki Naruto walk away, Rock Lee scratched his head in confusion.

Did I do something wrong?

Next time, next time I'll definitely attack first. That way, the opponent won't have any excuse to run away.

The next day, during breakfast, Shikamaru asked his father about Naruto.

"Dad, I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Why does everyone seem to be avoiding Naruto like the plague? Did he do something?"

"How do you see Naruto?"

Shikamaru was stumped by his father's question and thought for a moment before answering, "How... how do I see him? I haven't really thought about it, but that guy is quite interesting. His fishing skills are great, and the grilled fish he makes is delicious, really, really delicious. Originally, I wouldn't have ostracized him, but I wasn't particularly eager to be good friends with him. But after tasting the grilled fish he made, I wanted to become good friends with him."

"I see. Just do what you want to do."

His father didn't say much more, but Shikamaru understood the meaning behind his words.

"Is that so?" Shikamaru nodded, firming his resolve.

There are too many big shots in the groups. New books entering the library can get hundreds of daily views, which is terrifying. How can a little newbie like me, with only dozens of daily views, even compare?

So, I've decided: I'll add more chapters to ask for support.

From now on, any extra chapters will be released at this time. This newcomer is asking for support: recommendation tickets, monthly tickets, and investments are all welcome.