Ever since The Lustful Ninja Chronicles of Shimura became a smash hit, the generous royalties had significantly improved Naruto's quality of life.
Over the years, he had lived a regular, fulfilling life, moving between the training grounds, school, and home, with occasional get-togethers with Shikamaru, Choji, and his other friends.
Spring came and autumn went five times. Five years passed in the blink of an eye.
Before he knew it, twelve-year-old Naruto was about to take the Ninja Academy's graduation exam.
"Naruto, come up here."
Umino Iruka called Naruto's name from the front of the classroom.
The blond boy rose calmly and walked up at an unhurried pace.
Years of growth had brought him to nearly Iruka-sensei's height, and his tall, straight figure looked especially vibrant in the sunlight.
Looking at this student who was almost as tall as he was, Iruka felt a swirl of emotions.
As his teacher, he understood Naruto's struggles with ninjutsu better than anyone, but he had also witnessed the boy's remarkable growth in other areas.
"Clone Technique."
Naruto formed hand seals, his expression focused.
As chakra flowed, a rag-doll-like clone appeared beside him, then flopped limply to the floor.
A brief burst of barely suppressed laughter rippled through the classroom, only to be cut short by a loud bark.
Akamaru poked his head out of Kiba's hood, bared his teeth, and growled. The classroom instantly fell deathly silent.
Over the years, their classmates had all come to understand one thing: although Naruto's ninjutsu remained disappointing, his prowess in taijutsu was undeniable.
Even those who had mastered the Three Basic Techniques struggled to gain an advantage over him in sparring.
And every student who had mocked Naruto's failed Clone Technique had received Akamaru's "special attention," without exception.
The bitten students went home and complained to their parents, who came to the school demanding an explanation. Kiba Inuzuka's older sister, Hana Inuzuka, had been perfectly polite at first, but eventually she became so fed up that she started shouting at the school gates:
"Day after day, you come here making a fuss! Why don't you ask what your children did first? If you've got so much time on your hands, spend it teaching them to respect their classmates!"
After that tongue-lashing, no one dared come back to cause trouble.
Iruka muttered inwardly, but he had to admit that Naruto possessed a special kind of charm.
Over the years, he had watched many students gradually warm to Naruto's sincerity and enthusiasm as they spent time with him.
From Shino and Kiba at the beginning to Shikamaru and Choji later on, even Hinata, the Hyuga Clan's eldest daughter, willingly approached this classmate who performed so poorly in ninjutsu.
Sasuke, who had begun losing to Naruto a few years earlier, had slowly become part of their group as well.
What left Iruka unsure whether to laugh or cry was that, as Naruto grew into his looks, his blond hair and blue eyes drew particular attention around campus.
Quite a few girls pursued Naruto, and Ino was especially forward.
Still, Ino and Hinata seemed to be the only girls in their class who were close to him.
As Naruto stepped down from the front of the classroom, his gaze casually swept toward the door.
Through the narrow gap of the slightly open door, a pair of cold, sharp eyes was closely watching everything inside.
He immediately lowered his head and pressed his lips tightly together.
No, I can't smile yet.
Looks like Mizuki is about to take the bait.
He returned to his seat without betraying anything, wearing just the right amount of disappointment as his fingers absently toyed with the Ninja Tool Pouch on his desk.
"It's all right, Naruto! If we keep practicing, you'll definitely be able to do it."
Ino turned toward him and offered gentle reassurance, her blond ponytail swaying with the movement.
Ever since Ino had begun openly pursuing Naruto, Kiba and Shino had tactfully given up the seats beside him.
As a result, Naruto's row now consisted of Hinata, who always quietly took notes by the window; Naruto, who occasionally worked out ideas for his novels; Ino, who thought up things to chat about with him every day; and Sakura, who looked glum and occasionally conflicted.
"I'm fine, Ino."
Naruto raised his head and gave her a gentle smile.
After answering Ino, Naruto looked out the window. As he turned, his gaze happened to meet Hinata's, and he noticed the red tips of her ears as she hastily lowered her head.
Hinata still gets embarrassed so easily.
Naruto maintained his disappointed expression, but his mind was racing.
All right, time to think about how to deal with Mizuki.
Exposing him outright would be easy, but far too boring.
Besides, the Scroll of Seals was something Naruto had been scheming to obtain for a long time.
He stole a glance at the door. That prying gaze had already disappeared.
Just as in the original story, Mizuki could no longer restrain himself and wanted to use him, the "dead last," to steal the Scroll of Seals.
He would most likely persuade Naruto to steal it by claiming that it contained plenty of ninjutsu that could make him stronger.
Maybe... playing along would be better.
Naruto considered it privately.
He could play out this little drama with Mizuki, gain a legitimate chance to learn the ninjutsu in the Scroll of Seals, and preserve his image in everyone's eyes. Three birds with one stone.
Still, he needed to make the proper preparations.
He would have to tell Third beforehand and give the old man a little warning, lest the ANBU actually treat him as a traitor. Those guardians lurking in the shadows would not stop to hear his explanation, after all. If they struck too hard, he would be the one paying for it.
He recalled how the bratty Naruto in the original story had foolishly practiced ninjutsu after stealing the Scroll of Seals, completely unaware that he was being used.
Then Iruka had comforted him, and Third had never even brought the matter up.
But he could not do the same.
People were always like that. They were often especially forgiving toward bad people, treating even a small good deed as something precious, yet they were unusually harsh toward good people, ready to suspect them at the slightest misstep.
What the bratty Naruto could get away with was, ironically, something the current Naruto could not do.
Just as Naruto had expected, Mizuki was already waiting after school along the route Naruto and the others had to take to reach the training grounds.
The setting sun stretched his shadow long and cast dappled shade across his feigned gentle expression.
"Naruto!"
Hearing the call, Naruto and his group stopped. When he saw Mizuki, a flicker of understanding crossed Naruto's eyes, and he led the others over.
Mizuki swept his gaze over the companions beside Naruto and could not help raising his eyebrows.
Ino, Hinata, Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, Kiba, Sasuke, and Sakura.
This was a much larger crowd than he had expected.
"Oh, Mizuki-sensei."
Naruto smiled and nodded politely.
"Haha, hello, everyone."
Mizuki forced a smile, his fingers unconsciously clenching.
"I have something to discuss with Naruto. I'd like to speak with him alone."
To his surprise, Ino and the others stayed exactly where they were, all turning their eyes toward Naruto, clearly waiting for his decision.
A flicker of surprise passed through Mizuki's eyes at their unspoken coordination.
Seeing this, Naruto waved a hand. "Go on to the training grounds. I'll be there soon."
Only after Naruto spoke did the others nod and leave.
Before leaving, Ino made sure to turn back and remind him, "Don't take too long. You promised to practice with shuriken with me today."
Watching them walk away, Mizuki remarked meaningfully, "I never imagined you commanded so much respect among your classmates, Naruto-kun."
Naruto gave him a bashful smile. "They're all just really friendly. Haha."