Iruka walked up to Naruto, his expression complicated.
He looked at this student who had once given him the worst headaches—the guy who was always pulling pranks and ranking dead last. Yet now, he stood at the pinnacle of everyone his age.
"Naruto."
Iruka's voice trembled slightly.
"You... did well."
He reached out and gave Naruto's shoulder a firm pat.
"Exceptionally well."
"Whether it was the Substitution Technique earlier or that final Wind Release attack, both showed the judgment and timing an outstanding ninja should possess."
"But don't get cocky."
Iruka's expression turned serious.
"Being top student is only a new beginning."
"Even harsher challenges await you in the future. Keep working hard, and don't let Lord Yao's expectations down."
"Hehe, got it, Iruka-sensei!"
Naruto flashed a wide grin, his teeth gleaming brightly.
It felt great to be recognized.
Especially to be recognized by Iruka-sensei.
He had won. He was finally no longer the dead last who needed everyone else's pity.
A crowd had gathered before the Ninja Academy's bulletin board.
The practical test results for every grade had already been posted.
At the very top, in the most eye-catching spot, a name had been written in bold black letters.
First-Year Top Student: Naruto Uzumaki
Second Pillar stood in the shadows, his face incomparably grim.
"Oh my god, Naruto Uzumaki!"
"Who would've thought that former dead last... would actually defeat Sasuke?"
"Didn't you see the end? That Multiple Shadow Clone Technique was insane! There were dozens of Narutos!"
"And that final Wind Release attack—if the jonin instructor hadn't stepped in, Sasuke would've been in danger!"
"The Fifth Hokage's disciple really is different..."
Sasuke stared fixedly at the name on the bulletin board. The Sharingan emerged uncontrollably in his eyes and spun wildly.
Why?
Why had this happened?
"Damn it..."