Introductions

"Honestly, how dare he spout nonsense here?" someone sneered.

"Yeah, exactly. Does he think this is some children's game?" someone else chimed in.

Hearing their doubts, Naruto wasn't upset.

But just then, a very different voice rang out.

"Naruto, I believe in you."

At that, everyone turned to look at the speaker.

It was Nanfeng, his expression resolute.

After all, Nanfeng knew that in the future, this guy would be practically overpowered: a pinnacle of strength in the shinobi world, the Seventh Hokage, and a hero of Konoha. Those titles weren't handed out for nothing.

"Thanks for believing in me," Naruto said with a smile.

"Naruto, don't you want to become Hokage? Then show us what you can actually do. Let everyone see how far your dream can take you," Iruka said.

"That's right. I'll prove I have enough potential and perseverance," Naruto said.

Then Iruka looked toward Sasuke, who had remained silent on the other side.

"Why don't you introduce yourself?" Iruka asked.

Sasuke stepped forward. "My name is Uchiha Sasuke. My dream is to surpass my older brother."

"Sasuke! I love you!"

"Wow, Sasuke is so handsome!"

"Sasuke is my type. You might as well give up now."

At the sight of Sasuke's cool face, the girls all swooned.

Sasuke, however, paid them no attention.

Next up was Nanfeng.

Nanfeng took a few deep breaths, then slowly walked over to Iruka. "My name is Nanfeng. My dream is to become a powerful shinobi."

"Heh, Nanfeng, I hope you achieve that dream soon," Iruka said with a faint smile.

"Mm!" Nanfeng replied simply.

Then Iruka turned to Hinata. "Hinata, what do you think of this boy?"

Iruka's sudden change of subject left everyone baffled.

But Hinata's face immediately turned bright red.

"Teacher Iruka, what are you talking about? I've only known him for a little while," Hinata protested shyly.

"Hahaha." Seeing how embarrassed Hinata was, Iruka burst out laughing. "All right, I won't tease you. Why don't you introduce yourself?"

"Yes, Teacher Iruka!" Hinata answered obediently. Then she cleared her throat a few times. "My name is Hinata... My dream is..."

Hinata hadn't even finished speaking when her whole face turned red. "Okay, I'm done introducing myself."

Nanfeng could only roll his eyes at the sky.

Honestly, this girl always ran off after saying half a sentence. But it made sense—Hinata was naturally timid and introverted, and she tended to get flustered easily.

One after another, the students went up to introduce themselves. Soon, it was the Ino-Shika-Cho Trio's turn: Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi.

The three stood beside Iruka, and Ino spoke first. "My name is Ino. My ambition is to become an excellent shinobi."

Then came Shikamaru. "My name is Shikamaru. My dream is also to become an excellent shinobi."

As for Choji, he was a chubby little boy. He scratched his head and gave an honest grin. "My dream is to eat, sleep, beat tofu, and pick up girls... Uh... Anyway, my dream is to eat, sleep, and beat tofu."

When Choji finished, everyone burst out laughing.

"Hey, what are you laughing at? Is there something wrong with my dream?" Choji asked awkwardly.

"No, no, your dream's great."

"Haha, I'm dying! Choji, you'd better hurry up and find yourself a wife. Otherwise, no one will want you, no matter how fat you get."

Hearing the jeers around him, Choji snapped, "You jerks! You're the ones who'll get rejected! Just wait until I turn into a delicious meal, then we'll see if anyone likes me."

"Haha, you'd better not turn into a delicious meal, or we won't be able to eat you!" a boy teased.

Next up was Naruto's goddess and Sasuke's lovesick admirer.

"My name is Sakura Haruno."

Although Sakura Haruno was only a six-year-old girl, she had already begun to show remarkable charm.

She wore a short red dress, and her black hair was cut to just above her ears. Her delicate, pretty face and fair, rosy skin were complemented by her curvy figure.

Most striking of all was the youthful, lively energy she radiated, along with the confidence and pride in her eyes. It was enough to make anyone's heart skip a beat.

Naruto stared at Sakura without blinking, even drooling from the corners of his mouth.

But Sakura kept her eyes on Sasuke, never looking away from him.

Soon, everyone had introduced themselves, and class was over.

"That's the end of today's lesson, everyone. I hope you make even more progress during your upcoming training," Iruka encouraged them.

Then Naruto eagerly grabbed Nanfeng's hand.

"Thanks for supporting me. I'll treat you to Ichiraku Ramen today."

Seeing Naruto holding Nanfeng's hand, Hinata couldn't help feeling envious and jealous. She murmured, "Hmph, he's holding Nanfeng-kun's hand."

Nanfeng pulled free of Naruto's grasp and gave a light cough. "Ahem. Hinata, why don't you come with us for Ichiraku Ramen?"

As soon as she heard Nanfeng's voice, Hinata came to her senses. Her cheeks flushed, and she ran out, leaving Nanfeng, Naruto, and the stunned students staring after her.

What was that about? She'd been fine just a moment ago.

Why had she stopped paying attention to him in the blink of an eye?

Seeing this, Nanfeng could only shake his head with a wry smile. "Sigh... Hinata, honestly..."

Naruto looked just as speechless, but he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he excitedly headed for the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.

At the entrance to the Ichiraku Ramen Shop, Naruto was already ready to go.

"Hey, Naruto, back for ramen again today? You don't need to bring money. It's on me," the owner said with a smile.

"Haha, thanks, Uncle! But I'm not here to eat ramen today. I'm treating Nanfeng to some," Naruto said.

"Oh? Little Nanfeng, you're here too," the man said with a smile.

Nanfeng could only rub his forehead at the way the man addressed him.

What a dope Naruto was. Wasn't he worried about embarrassing himself?

"Mm." Nanfeng nodded.

Meanwhile, Naruto sat down, crossed one leg over the other, and said, "All right, Uncle, hurry up and cook me a bowl of ramen."

"Hahahaha, you're still the same as ever. Remember, no matter how much you eat, don't leave any behind," the man said, laughing as he chided him.

As he spoke, the man brought out the cooking utensils.

Naruto had already pushed Nanfeng into the seat beside him.

Then Naruto looked at the steaming bowl of ramen in front of him. "That smells great. Nanfeng, come on, try some."

"Mm." Nanfeng took the noodles, chewed them slowly, and then drank a big mouthful of broth.

"Delicious. It really does taste amazing," Nanfeng said with heartfelt praise.

Naruto didn't hold back either. He picked up the bowl of ramen on the table and shoved it into his mouth.

"Hiss~"

Naruto frowned in pain.