Chapter Summaries

Kamitachi Ayato began his first day at the Ninja Academy in Konoha, determined to become a ninja despite having no special bloodline or cheat ability. He entered the class taught by Iruka, where Naruto Uzumaki spotted him.

• Kamitachi Ayato reassured his mother, Kamitachi Sinai, and left their home for his first day at school.
• Ayato reflected on his life as a transmigrator, his father's death, and his efforts to prepare for becoming a ninja by training his fingers for faster hand seals.
• Ayato arrived at the Ninja Academy and took an empty seat in the class that included Naruto Uzumaki.
• Ayato practiced forming hand seals beneath his desk as the noisy students waited for their teacher.
• Naruto Uzumaki entered the classroom, saw Ayato, and looked delighted.

Ayato recalled how he had cautiously helped Naruto after villagers mistreated him, and how Naruto had later avoided approaching him to spare him trouble. At the Ninja Academy, Ayato sat beside Naruto as Iruka began calling roll, and Ayato resolved to apologize to Haruno Sakura.

• Naruto asked Ayato if he could sit beside him, and Ayato agreed.
• Ayato remembered buying Naruto food after villagers drove him away, then paying him more than it cost so the exchange looked like exploitation.
• Naruto later recognized Ayato in the village but passed him by after realizing that approaching him might cause trouble.
• Umino Iruka arrived, introduced himself as the students' teacher, and began calling roll.
• When Iruka called Haruno Sakura's name, Ayato's expression turned complicated and he thought that he would have to apologize to her.

Kamitachi Ayato decided that replacing Haruno Sakura on Team 7 was his best chance to join an elite team and test his limits as an ordinary shinobi. After introducing himself at the Academy, he cautiously befriended Naruto Uzumaki while planning to appear uninvolved with him in public.

• Ayato reasoned that Haruno Sakura was the only plausible classmate to replace and set his sights on earning a place on an elite team.
• Ayato introduced himself to the class and said he wanted to become the strongest shinobi.
• Ayato watched Naruto declare that he wanted to become Hokage and heard the other children mock him.
• Ayato told Naruto they should act like ordinary classmates at school, then agreed to be his friend.

Ayato returned home to find that Sinai had come back early to celebrate his first day at the Ninja Academy. When she offered to help him obtain a Ninjutsu, Ayato persuaded her to use his late father's saved opportunity to get the Shadow Clone Technique, and Sinai reluctantly agreed.

• Ayato ran home after his first day of school and found Sinai waiting with a celebratory meal.
• Sinai apologized that she could not pick him up from school regularly, and Ayato comforted her.
• Sinai asked whether Ayato wanted to become a ninja, and he said he wanted to become the strongest ninja.
• Ayato requested the Shadow Clone Technique and explained that he had wanted it ever since seeing a Jonin use it.
• Sinai worried that the difficult technique was a poor use of the opportunity Ayato's late father had left behind, but she agreed after Ayato pleaded with her.

Ayato studied Chakra extraction and considered how to grow stronger without sacrificing his human form, then tested the limits of his training alongside Rock Lee. After pushing himself too hard on consecutive days, he realized he needed to determine how long to rest between attempts.

• Ayato read about Chakra and concluded that physical fitness and bloodline affected Chakra reserves, while he rejected becoming a Jinchuriki or undergoing a transformation to gain power.
• Ayato went to a secluded training ground, where Rock Lee urged him to do extra sets for arriving late.
• Ayato pushed past his body's current endurance limit during training, and Rock Lee was moved by his effort.
• Ayato felt surprisingly recovered the next day and tried to break through his limit again.
• On the third day, Ayato was exhausted and could manage only basic training, so he realized he needed to find the right interval between intense attempts.

Ayato extracted chakra successfully on his first attempt and practiced controlling it before asking Iruka about his reserves and the Three Body Technique. Iruka agreed to assess him, leaving Ayato poised to learn how his chakra compares to the standard.

• Ayato succeeded in extracting chakra while Sinai watched, and she celebrated his talent.
• Ayato practiced shaping chakra into a sphere and managed to keep a faint connection to it after it left his body.
• Ayato depleted his chakra and planned to ask Iruka about his reserves and the Three Body Technique.
• After school, Ayato told Iruka he had learned chakra extraction from the textbook and asked about his chakra level.
• Iruka was surprised by Ayato's progress and agreed to help him.

Ayato demonstrated his chakra control to Iruka, who judged his reserves promising and agreed to teach him the Three Body Technique early. Ayato left with Iruka’s scrolls and arranged to treat him to Ichiraku Ramen that evening.

• Ayato extracted all his chakra at once, and Iruka explained that his reserves were about half those of the weakest newly graduated Genin but would grow as he matured.
• Iruka praised Ayato’s ability to extract chakra, noting that the amount he could draw at once rivaled that of some Chunin, and recognized him as a genius.
• Ayato asked to learn the Three Body Technique early, and Iruka agreed and lent him three scrolls with his notes.
• Ayato invited Iruka to Ichiraku Ramen and set a meeting for six that evening before heading home.

Ayato tested his chakra affinities and learned the Three Body Technique, then received the Shadow Clone Technique Scroll from Sinai. He told Sinai he would be eating out with Iruka Sensei that evening.

• Ayato tested chakra paper and discovered he had Wind and Lightning affinities.
• Ayato studied the Three Body Technique Scroll and successfully used the Transformation, Clone, and Substitution Techniques.
• Sinai returned with a Shadow Clone Technique Scroll, which Ayato accepted despite her warning that it was unsuitable for him.
• Ayato told Sinai he would not be home for dinner because he had arranged to eat with Iruka Sensei.

Ayato impressed Sinai by mastering the Three Body Technique and received four C-Rank ninjutsu scrolls from her. He met Iruka at Ichiraku Ramen to thank him, where Iruka asked what Ayato thought of their classmate, the Uzumaki.

• Ayato demonstrated the Transformation, Clone, and Substitution Techniques, astonishing Sinai with his speed and skill.
• Sinai gave Ayato four C-Rank ninjutsu scrolls and cautioned him not to overexert himself.
• Ayato decided to focus on the Substitution Technique and Shadow Clone rather than train the scroll techniques immediately.
• Ayato met Iruka at Ichiraku Ramen and treated him to deluxe ramen as thanks.
• Iruka asked Ayato what he thought of their Uzumaki classmate.

Ayato showed Iruka how Naruto was shunned by villagers and demonstrated his exceptional skill with the Three Body Technique. Iruka reported Ayato’s talent to the Third Hokage, who decided to let Iruka teach him more advanced ninjutsu and considered his potential.

• Ayato transformed into Naruto at Ichiraku Ramen so Iruka could witness villagers rejecting him, prompting Iruka to reconsider his feelings toward Naruto.
• Ayato demonstrated his mastery of the Transformation, Clone, and Substitution Techniques, leaving Iruka stunned by his talent.
• Ayato left to train at the Training Ground while Iruka went to the Hokage Office to report his abilities.
• The Third Hokage told Iruka to continue teaching Ayato and to introduce him to some ninjutsu beyond the usual limits.
• The Third Hokage compared Ayato’s potential to Minato’s and wondered whether he might eventually learn a powerful technique early.

Ayato tested the Shadow Clone Technique, learning how clones shared his thoughts, returned memories, and consumed Chakra and stamina. After his studying clone dispersed, he recognized the technique’s potential for him but decided to wait until his Chakra recovered before trying his next idea.

• Ayato created a Shadow Clone and found that making one left him with only a little over twenty percent of his Chakra.
• Ayato dismissed the clone after testing its independence and found that most of its remaining Chakra returned, along with his understanding of how its memories were transmitted.
• Ayato created another clone to study while he waited and did household chores; it lasted for over an hour before its Chakra ran out.
• Ayato absorbed the clone’s memories and fatigue, realizing that many clones would overwhelm most people with accumulated exhaustion.
• Ayato decided the Shadow Clone Technique suited his mental stamina, but he could not test his next idea until his Chakra recovered and he could afford Soldier Pills.

Ayato confirmed that his Shadow Clone could extend its duration by controlling its own chakra, then took a break to buy a birthday gift for his mother, Sinai. After choosing a carnation at the Yamanaka flower shop, he set off with Yamanaka Ino to find a cake shop.

• Ayato confirmed that his Shadow Clone lasted longer when it controlled its own chakra and planned to use clones to train chakra control while attending lessons.
• Ayato decided to take the day off and went shopping for a birthday gift for Sinai.
• Ayato visited the Yamanaka flower shop, where Yamanaka Ino recommended carnations and the Yamanaka Matriarch confirmed their meaning.
• Yamanaka Ino selected a carnation for Ayato, and her mother offered to have Ino show him the way to a cake shop.
• Ayato accepted Ino's company, and they left the flower shop together.

Ayato accompanied Ino to a cake shop, reflecting on the strengths of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans as she played along the way. After buying a cake, he gave Ino a pastry and carried her back when she grew tired, leaving her thinking he seemed reliable.

• Ayato told Ino she could play instead of hurrying back, and she ran off to explore while he followed.
• Ayato reflected on how the Akamichi, Yamanaka, and Nara clans’ inherited abilities and teamwork made Ino-Shika-Cho effective.
• Ino led Ayato to a nearby cake shop, where he bought a cake to take home to his mother.
• Ayato gave the tired Ino a pastry, and she accepted it before asking whether he had bought anything for himself.
• Ayato handed Ino the cake box and carried her back, while she held the box and thought he seemed reliable.

Ayato returned Ino to the Yamanaka Flower Shop, where the Yamanaka Matriarch gave him flowers for his mother’s birthday. He surprised Sinai with a cake and flowers at home, leaving her moved and promising himself he would celebrate with her every year.

• Ayato carried Ino back to the Yamanaka Flower Shop, and the Yamanaka Matriarch gave him a bouquet as a birthday gift for his mother.
• Yamanaka Inoichi recognized Ayato as the son of his former classmates and said his family should be looked after.
• Ayato prepared a birthday cake at home and used a Shadow Clone Technique to watch for Sinai’s return.
• Sinai came home and found Ayato waiting with a lit cake and flowers, then embraced him and cried.
• Ayato decided to celebrate Sinai’s birthday with her every year, and Sinai made a wish for his safety and future happiness.

Ayato used his Shadow Clone to attend lessons while his original body trained, then reunited with the clone’s memories after dismissing it at school. He encouraged Naruto to approach Shikamaru and other classmates as a way to make friends.

• Ayato greeted Ino and Naruto at school, then studied the day’s lessons and noted useful insights from Iruka’s teaching.
• When extracurricular activities began, Ayato went to the bathroom and dispelled his Shadow Clone so his original body could take over.
• Ayato’s original body returned after training and absorbed the clone’s memories, confirming that the Shadow Clone experiment had succeeded.
• Ino checked on Ayato, and Naruto showed envy over their friendly interaction.
• Ayato advised Naruto to try befriending Shikamaru, explaining that several classmates might be open to him if he approached them.

Ayato planned his training around Chakra control, Chakra Shape Transformation, and preparing to learn Sage Mode, though he still could not achieve the mental stillness it required. His routine made him look lazy to others, and Iruka confronted him for wasting his talent.

• Ayato set aside fine Chakra control because he did not know how to advance it, and continued practicing control of Chakra outside his body.
• Ayato tried to achieve the stillness needed to sense Natural Energy, using exhausting training to quiet his thoughts, but he still could not fully empty his mind.
• Ayato used his remaining Chakra to practice Chakra Shape Transformation, then went home before planning to spar with Rock Lee after dinner.
• After seeing Ayato appear to sit asleep during training for several days, Iruka urged him to work harder and stop wasting his talent.
• Ayato wondered how Iruka could think he was slacking off when he believed he was already more hardworking than nearly everyone his age.

Ayato revealed to Iruka that he used a Shadow Clone to attend school while his real body trained, and he asked for access to more advanced books. After Ayato passed Iruka’s test, Iruka promised him a Library Card, while Ayato kept his remaining training plans to himself.

• Ayato showed Iruka that the student attending school was his Shadow Clone while his real body trained elsewhere.
• Ayato explained that the school’s training was insufficient for his goals and that he used the clone to avoid drawing attention.
• Ayato asked Iruka for higher-grade textbooks and elective ninja-related books, and Iruka offered a Library Card if he passed a test.
• Ayato answered Iruka’s questions almost perfectly, so Iruka told him to collect his Library Card the next day.
• Ayato left to wash up but planned to continue training and send only a Shadow Clone back to school.

Iruka secured Ayato a high-level Library Card after explaining his talent and Shadow Clone studies to the Third Hokage. Ayato used the access to borrow B-rank knowledge and resolved to pursue the Flying Thunder God, while the Third Hokage took a growing interest in him and his bond with Naruto.

• Iruka asked the Third Hokage to grant Ayato a Library Card and explained that Ayato used Shadow Clones to attend class.
• The Third Hokage approved broad access to the library and sent another letter to Jiraiya seeking guidance for Ayato.
• The Third Hokage watched Ayato through the Crystal Ball and noticed his friendly relationship with Naruto.
• Ayato received the Library Card and discovered he could borrow B-rank knowledge, though not ninjutsu.
• Ayato considered the Flying Thunder God's demands and resolved to learn it, continuing to train and study.

Ayato pushed his body past its limits and briefly entered a state where his body and spirit merged, giving him a first glimpse of Sage Mode. After Might Guy warned him about overtraining and left to check on Rock Lee, Ayato wondered what had happened to his friend.

• Ayato intensified his training, broke through his physical limits, and tried to calm his exhausted mind.
• Ayato briefly entered a state of complete stillness, glimpsed scenery atop a mountain, and realized he had succeeded at the first step toward Sage Mode.
• Ayato noticed that Rock Lee had left the Training Ground earlier than usual and worried about him.
• Might Guy emerged from behind a tree and warned Ayato that excessive training could damage his body.
• Ayato assured Might Guy that the intense session had been unusual, and Might Guy left to check on Rock Lee.

Ayato discovered that Rock Lee was discouraged because he could not use the Three Body Technique, and encouraged him to pursue taijutsu instead. After Rock Lee regained his confidence, Ayato asked Might Guy to advise them on physical training, and Might Guy agreed.

• Ayato noticed that Rock Lee had grown more despondent and asked what was wrong.
• Rock Lee told Ayato he could not sense changes in his chakra or learn the Three Body Technique, and feared he could not become a ninja.
• Ayato reassured Rock Lee that a ninja could succeed through taijutsu, citing the Eternal Genin and a taijutsu jonin as examples.
• Rock Lee regained his determination and resumed training with renewed enthusiasm.
• Might Guy secretly observed Ayato comfort Rock Lee and reflected on the hardships of a taijutsu-focused path.
• Ayato asked Might Guy to assess their training methods, and Might Guy agreed to guide them.