Talent Revealed

Chapter 10: Talent Revealed

Ayato paused. Even Iruka had not known how to face Naruto in the beginning. From the start, Iruka had called him Ayato classmate rather than Shin Daochuan classmate, while calling Naruto Uzumaki classmate. That made it clear enough.

Then again, it made sense. After all, Iruka's parents had died at the hands of the Nine-Tails Demon Fox. Thinking of that, Ayato looked at Iruka and said seriously, "I think Naruto is a good person."

Naruto? It looks like Ayato really is close to him. Iruka could not help thinking when he heard that name.

"Is that so? That's good." Iruka did not know what else to say and wanted to let the matter pass.

"Iruka Sensei, I met Naruto before I started school. Don't make a sound. Watch for a while, and you'll understand," Ayato said seriously. After speaking, he formed a hand seal. The next moment, the familiar figure Iruka did not know how to face appeared before him.

Iruka's eyes widened as he looked at Ayato, who had used the Transformation Technique. How long had it been? He had already learned the Transformation Technique? And he was so proficient at it. Even Iruka had trouble telling that transformed Naruto apart from the real one. Though shocked, he remembered Ayato's earlier words and remained silent.

Soon, new customers entered Ichiraku Ramen. But upon seeing 'Naruto Uzumaki,' they could not help revealing disgusted expressions. Some even muttered curses under their breath before leaving outright.

Watching from the side, Iruka felt stifled, as though he had come to understand something.

At that moment, Ayato dispelled the Transformation Technique and looked at Iruka. "Naruto has always been treated like this. The fact that he can still be the way he is now is truly amazing. If it were me, I definitely wouldn't be like Naruto."

Iruka fell silent for a long while before finally saying, "You're right. Naruto classmate really hasn't had it easy."

"Yes. I don't think Naruto has done anything wrong, and he had no way to do anything wrong. The people in the village probably hate him because of his 'elder,' but as far as I know, Naruto has no family left. I think it's excessive to forcibly place his 'elder's' mistakes on him," Ayato said.

Iruka nodded but did not explain that the elder Ayato spoke of did not exist. What the villagers hated was that monster. But Ayato was right. Iruka had understood that from the beginning, yet he had never been able to get past the barrier in his own heart. But after seeing Naruto's treatment just now, he felt that if he continued like this as Naruto's teacher, then he truly did not deserve to be a teacher.

Having worked it out, Iruka let out a breath and felt his entire body relax. At last, he smiled at Ayato and said, "Enough about that. Ayato, you learned the Transformation Technique so quickly, and you're already using it so skillfully. If I didn't know you had only just received the Three Body Technique, I'd have thought you'd been studying it for a long time."

"Yes. The Three Body Technique is very basic and very simple," Ayato replied, then swiftly formed hand seals.

That hand seal speed? Iruka's pupils contracted. Then he realized something, his eyes widened, and he stared blankly as Ayato used the Clone Technique and Substitution Technique. He was completely stunned. In terms of ninjutsu alone, this level would have been enough to graduate as a Genin during wartime.

Ayato was undoubtedly a genius—and not an ordinary one at that!

"Ayato, Iruka, your ramen is ready." At that moment, Uncle Teuchi approached carrying two brimming bowls of ramen.

"Iruka Sensei, it's time to eat," Ayato said when he saw Iruka's state.

"O-Oh, okay." Iruka was still in shock as he blankly ate his ramen.

Ayato had naturally done it on purpose. If he had sufficient backing, he would certainly have chosen to hide some of his talent. But he did not. As a civilian ninja, he needed to display his talent in order to receive enough attention and training.

If he could receive the guidance of one of the Three Great Shinobi now, he would even overturn his previous plans entirely. But that was probably unlikely. Orochimaru was already a Rogue Ninja. Even if he appeared and wanted to take Ayato as a disciple, Ayato could not accept for Sinai's sake. Jiraiya was probably still wandering about because of the prophecy while gathering intelligence along the way, so he was unlikely to return. As for Tsunade, afflicted with hemophobia, she was even less likely to return to this place of sorrow.

After finishing their ramen, Ayato and Iruka parted ways. It was obvious that Iruka still had not recovered from his shock when he left.

Seeing Iruka like that, Ayato knew his goal had been achieved. His talent would soon reach the Third Hokage's ears. After all, while the Third Hokage only held the title of principal at the Ninja Academy, he still held it nonetheless.

As for now, Ayato headed toward the Training Ground. Even though he knew his talent for ninjutsu was terrifying enough, he could not neglect basic training. It concerned the amount of Chakra he possessed, so he had to keep working hard.

As for practicing the Three Body Technique, he had used it so many times today that even the Chakra naturally restored to him was nearly gone. He could set it aside for today. Later, when he practiced the Three Body Technique, it would also be time to train Tree Climbing and further improve his Water Walking.

Those two did not demand much Chakra, only a certain level of Chakra control. With his experience learning the Three Body Technique today, Ayato felt that he should be able to master them quickly.

And later, he could spar with Rock Lee. Now that he had learned the Three Body Technique, he should have some ability to fight back. Before, sparring would have been nothing but asking for a beating. It would probably still be much the same now, but at least he could retaliate. It was time to begin. Learning without fighting would not do either. There was also the later study of the Shadow Clone... and Chakra Shape Transformation and nature transformation.

The more Ayato thought about it, the more his head hurt. Things seemed to be gradually piling up. Still, that was good. Ayato could clearly feel his own progress. If he could maintain this rate of improvement, perhaps there would be a surprise waiting for him by graduation.

While Ayato continued along his path to becoming stronger, Iruka arrived at the Hokage Office. He felt it would be better to tell the Hokage about Ayato's talent. Someone with such talent ought to have a better teacher.

"Hmm, Iruka. Is something the matter?" The Third Hokage was a little surprised to see Iruka, but he still asked gently.

Iruka glanced at the Crystal Ball beside him, which seemed to bear signs of use, but did not think much of it. He told the Third Hokage about Ayato.

"Hmm? Is that so? It seems he really is a good prospect." Surprise appeared in the Third Hokage's eyes after hearing him out. After thinking for a moment, he said, "There's no need to mention changing teachers. I believe you are skilled enough to teach Ayato at his current level. But you may appropriately teach him some ninjutsu beyond the usual limits."

"Yes." Having completed his report, Iruka left.

The Third Hokage took a puff of smoke. Though it was only the beginning, the boy seemed to possess talent like Minato's. Such talent truly could not be wasted lightly. What gave him a headache was that he no longer had the time or energy to teach another student himself.

Jiraiya and Tsunade would work, but he had difficulty even contacting Tsunade. Jiraiya had left behind a means of contact, but that would probably be difficult as well. He could only wait and see.

If the boy truly had the talent, then once his Chakra reserves had built up, perhaps it would not be impossible to give him that technique early, just as Jiraiya had given it to Minato early.

If Konoha could produce another 'Yellow Flash'...

"That really is something to look forward to."