I Really Am a Genius

Back home, Naruto quickly stripped off his soaking wet clothes and took a bath.

Then, dressed in clean clothes, he hummed a tune as he walked into the kitchen and began busying himself with preparing a lavish feast.

When the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, entered Naruto's home, this was the scene he saw.

"Naruto, did something make you happy?"

After quietly watching for a while, Sarutobi Hiruzen met Naruto's slightly excited gaze as he emerged from the kitchen carrying dishes, then spoke with a smile.

Of course, he knew what had happened to Naruto today.

He was merely making conversation.

He had come to Naruto's home at a time other than his usual delivery of living expenses in order to fulfill his earlier promise and bring Naruto ninjutsu.

Naruto, as the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki, had demonstrated extraordinary ninja talent, and as Hokage, he was naturally pleased to see it.

Although this child did not possess the Will of Fire, his character was not bad. Given that he was the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, he ought to possess formidable combat power so that he had enough ability to protect himself.

Otherwise, if something went wrong with the Nine-Tails' seal, it would be detrimental to both Naruto and the village.

"Third Hokage, you're here. Let's have dinner together. I've already learned Tree Climbing and Water Walking. If you don't believe me, I'll show you later. And it's time you gave me the ninjutsu you promised, right?"

Naruto's eyes lit up when he saw the Third Hokage.

He set the plate in his hands on the table, then excitedly pulled the old man over to sit down without caring whether he agreed or not.

Then he went into the kitchen, took off his apron, and brought out two bowls of rice.

The two sat across from each other. Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the dishes on the table and said with a smile, "Braised Pork, Steamed Spare Ribs, Radish Stewed Beef Brisket, Lettuce Stir-fried Shredded Pork, Spicy Chicken, Stir-fried Green Vegetables. What a feast. You worked hard, Young Naruto."

Ever since he had tasted Naruto's Hot and Sour Shredded Pork Noodles once a year ago, Sarutobi Hiruzen had often come here to mooch meals. Thus, he was familiar with these new dishes that differed from traditional cuisine.

Of course, in return, Naruto's monthly living expenses had become more generous than before.

Naruto did not care about that. He picked up his bowl and began eating. "Third Hokage, hurry up and eat. I'm starving."

Naruto had originally made so much food partly because he intended to prepare lunch for tomorrow.

But since the Third Hokage was here now, they could eat together. At worst, he could make more tomorrow.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled as he watched Naruto rapidly sweep through the dishes with an eating manner that was quick but not unsightly. He then glanced around the clean and tidy room.

He could not help but sigh inwardly. Though this child was still young, he was growing more and more like Minato.

He was equally skilled at cooking, equally blessed with exceptional ninja talent, and even his appearance was becoming increasingly similar.

Seeing Naruto like this, Minato would surely have been comforted if he knew.

Then Sarutobi Hiruzen joined the fight for food as well.

"Hey, Young Naruto, don't be picky. Eat more vegetables."

"Stop nagging. It's none of your business. You're the old man here, so don't eat too much meat or you'll have trouble digesting it."

Although the occasional argument rang out in the room, the atmosphere was warm.

Perhaps because they had someone competing for food with them, both Naruto and Sarutobi Hiruzen, as Hokage, found this meal especially delicious. The enormous tableful of dishes was actually wiped clean by the two of them.

However, the consequences of overeating were obvious. Both of them now sat there clutching their stomachs, too lazy to move at all.

After resting for a while, Naruto finally got up and made a cup of tea for both himself and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

After taking two sips of hot tea, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally remembered the important matter. He pulled two scrolls from his God Garment Robe and handed them to Naruto.

Then he said with a smile, "Naruto, I tested your Chakra nature some time ago. Your Chakra is Wind Release.

"These are the ninjutsu scrolls for the Shadow Clone Jutsu and Wind Style: Great Breakthrough. Since you have already learned Water Walking and Tree Climbing, I will teach you these ninjutsu.

"If there is anything you do not understand, you can come to the Hokage Office and ask me."

Naruto accepted the scrolls and thanked him. "Thank you, Third Hokage." Then he immediately began reading them.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had taught him some basic knowledge about ninjutsu training. Ninjutsu had Yin and Yang, as well as the five elements of water, fire, wind, earth, and lightning. Other than non-elemental ninjutsu, one could only train in ninjutsu corresponding to one's own nature.

His nature had been tested with Chakra paper and found to be Wind Release. Aside from universal, non-elemental ninjutsu like the Shadow Clone Jutsu, he could only learn Wind Release ninjutsu.

To learn ninjutsu of other elements, he would need to develop Chakra natures he had not been born with through later training. However, that was training only involved after reaching jonin level.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled as he watched Naruto enter a state of deep concentration. With a soft chuckle, he did not disturb him and silently rose to leave.

After Naruto finished reading through both ninjutsu, he began experimenting according to the contents described in the scrolls.

First was the Shadow Clone Jutsu. He formed hand seals while controlling the flow of Chakra, and with a bang, smoke dispersed to reveal a clone beside Naruto that looked exactly like him. It was currently staring at him curiously.

The two looked at each other for a moment. Naruto dispelled the clone and received a brief memory of seeing himself from another perspective.

The Shadow Clone Jutsu really is amazing. It can help in battle, and it can also be used for intellectual learning that doesn't involve physical exertion. And I managed to learn it in one try. I really am a genius.

My slow ninjutsu training before was all Big Fox's fault.

Naruto rubbed his chin, unable to stop himself from feeling a little happy.

But the happiness did not last long. Naruto checked the time, then decisively climbed into bed and lay down. "I'll train Wind Release Ninjutsu tomorrow. There's no room to use it properly at home, and it's about time to sleep anyway."

That Big Fox who had always caused trouble had finally settled down. On his way home, Naruto had even taught a few clueless brats a lesson, met Hinata, who had not looked at him strangely even after learning his name.

The Third Hokage had also taught him ninjutsu, and he had successfully learned the Shadow Clone Jutsu in a single attempt.

Although nothing but good things had happened today, the same still held true: now was not the time to relax.

He was still far from his goal of becoming a powerful ninja whom no one dared to look down on. He needed to keep working hard.

After falling asleep, Naruto went to the Sealing Space before beginning his usual studies.