Sakura's sudden appearance momentarily diverted the attention of both combatants, but it seemed Sasuke had already made up his mind to cease the confrontation. Sensing a sharp decline in Sasuke's fighting spirit, Naruto reciprocated by adopting a defensive stance. The clash concluded with both parties retreating to a respectful distance.
Undeniably, Naruto's performance had once again shattered everyone's preconceived notions about his abilities. While his skills had been steadily improving, nobody anticipated him matching Sasuke's prowess. Yet, today's battle unequivocally demonstrated Naruto's physical superiority. The moment Sasuke found himself compelled to activate his Sharingan served as irrefutable evidence of Naruto's formidable strength, implying that victory would have been unattainable without resorting to his bloodline limit.
Despite the intensity of the exchange, Sasuke exhibited no signs of displeasure. His gaze remained fixed on Naruto, carrying an air of confidence tempered by a newfound respect.
"Naruto, your growth is undeniable," Sasuke declared. "I eagerly anticipate our next encounter on a more level playing field."
As the dust settled, a collective realization dawned upon the onlookers. While Naruto's exceptional physical attributes were undeniable, they did not necessarily translate to overall ninja supremacy. Sasuke's true forte lay in the realm of ninjutsu. Renowned for their proficiency in ninjutsu, the Uchiha clan, and Sasuke in particular, were celebrated as prodigies in this art. The question of who would prevail in a direct ninjutsu confrontation remained unanswered.
Sasuke's confidence stemmed from his mastery of techniques beyond the reach of ordinary ninja. Ninja academy students, prior to attaining Genin status, were typically restricted to E-rank ninjutsu, encompassing fundamental techniques such as the Clone Jutsu, Substitution Jutsu, Change Jutsu, Transformation Jutsu, and Rope Escape Jutsu. The pursuit of higher-level ninjutsu became attainable upon achieving Genin rank.
However, individual circumstances could accelerate a ninja's progression. Privileged tutelage from family members or renowned instructors, coupled with exceptional talent, allowed some to master advanced ninjutsu prematurely, or even develop innovative techniques of their own. Sasuke was undoubtedly one of these exceptional individuals. Through relentless training, he had achieved mastery over the Uchiha clan's foundational technique: the Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu.
To the Uchiha, this jutsu was considered rudimentary, a skill expected of any competent clan member. However, to the outside world, it was classified as a C-rank technique, typically mastered by Chunin-level ninja.
Sasuke was convinced that unleashing his full arsenal of ninjutsu would render Naruto incapable of victory, unless, of course, Naruto possessed a secret, game-changing ability. But such a possibility seemed far-fetched.
"See you at the graduation exam!" Sasuke's curt farewell echoed in the air as he turned and walked away. Sakura, without a glance at Naruto, hurriedly followed in Sasuke's footsteps.
Contrary to the expectations of many, Naruto did not engage in his usual shameless pursuit of Sakura. Instead, he seemed to have dismissed her entirely, maintaining a casual demeanor as he departed.
As twilight descended, the ninja academy students dispersed, returning to their homes to enjoy family-cooked meals and share tales of their day. However, Sasuke and Naruto were not among those who found solace in domesticity.
Sasuke stood alone on an elevated platform outside the academy, his gaze fixed on the imposing structure in the distance. The semicircular building, once a bustling hub of activity for the Uchiha clan, bore the inscription "Konoha Police Force." Tragically, the clan's emblem, which had once adorned the building's apex, had been removed.
Vivid memories flooded Sasuke's mind. He recalled the constant movement of Uchiha clan members within those walls, the occasional visits from Konoha villagers seeking assistance, and the heartwarming sight of elderly clan members diligently cleaning the hall each afternoon, their faces creased in smiles as they observed the children coming and going.
Alas, those days were irrevocably lost. The building now stood as a desolate, sealed-off relic. Sasuke, too, was adrift, a displaced soul in a once familiar home that now felt cold and alien.
"Sasuke..." Sakura's voice, a persistent irritant, broke through his reverie. He recognized her without turning around.
"It's late. You should go home," he replied coldly, his back still turned to her.
"I don't want to go home," Sakura whined. "They're always nagging me. I just want to be with Sasuke." She leaned towards him, her cheeks flushed.
As if a switch had been flipped, Sakura abruptly changed the subject. Ignoring the darkening storm clouds gathering on Sasuke's face, she launched into a tirade against Naruto.
"Don't worry about what happened today. Naruto is such a brat. He's an orphan, so he doesn't understand respect. If I acted like him, my parents would scold me to death."
Sasuke's expression grew increasingly grim as Sakura continued. "I envy him, actually. He's alone, free to do whatever he wants without parental restrictions."
Finally, Sasuke reached his breaking point. His teeth clenched, he retorted, "You're the one who lacks manners!"
The icy tone in his voice sent a shiver down Sakura's spine.
"S-Sasuke, what are you talking about?" she stammered.
"You have no idea how difficult it is to live alone compared to enduring constant nagging and criticism," Sasuke explained, his voice low and controlled. His upbringing had instilled in him a strong sense of restraint, preventing him from lashing out physically. Instead, he turned away from her, his final words cutting like a knife: "You're so damn annoying. Go and get lost."
Sakura felt as if she had tumbled into an icy cavern. Sasuke's words had chilled her to the bone. His evident dislike for her was both frightening and perplexing. She couldn't comprehend the intensity of his reaction.
After Sasuke's departure, he embarked on the solitary journey home. Once, this familiar path had seemed incredibly short, traversed in animated conversation with his brother. Now, every step was an arduous trek through an endless expanse.
The reality of his newfound solitude sank in as Sasuke learned the art of self-preservation. He cooked his own meals, enduring the agony of burned hands without the comfort of sympathy. The once-familiar world had transformed into a harsh, indifferent landscape.
As he wandered the streets of Konoha, an enticing aroma wafted through the air. Intrigued, Sasuke searched for the source of the delectable scent. To his astonishment, the culinary magic emanated from Naruto's residence.
"No way, he's graduated from instant noodles?" Sasuke was stunned, not courageous to believe in his eyes. Driven by an inexplicable urge, he sprinted up the building's exterior like a nimble cat, his body propelled by an unseen force. Crouching outside Naruto's window, he peered inside, his curiosity piqued.
---
Unlike Sasuke, Naruto did possess a place to call home, although "home" was a generous term for the solitary abode. It was more of a survival capsule than a place of comfort.
Just a few days prior, the apartment had been a chaotic mess, a mirror to Naruto's carefree lifestyle. Empty instant noodle cups littered the surfaces, expired milk languished in the refrigerator, and the cupboards were a stockpile of instant ramen. His financial situation was equally dire, with his frog-shaped wallet perpetually empty.
A transformation had taken place. The apartment was now clean and organized, and the expired milk was replaced with fresh supplies. With the living allowance provided by the village, Naruto had invested in essential household items – pots, pans, and fresh groceries. A modest sum remained in his wallet.
"Man, I was such a waste of money," Naruto muttered to himself, a wry smile tugging at his lips. The monthly allowance was substantial, yet his past self had squandered it on instant ramen and impulsive graffiti sprees on the Hokage Rock and other prominent landmarks.
He then became curious. Why was his allowance so generous compared to other orphans? The question lingered in his mind.
As he surveyed his newly improved living space, a wave of emotion surfaced over him. Approximately a week ago, he had experienced an extraordinary event – a journey to another world. There, he encountered a strange energy called "Ki," embarked on thrilling adventures, formed bonds with companions, and cultivated immense power.
In this alternate realm, a mystical artifact known as the Dragon Ball held immense power. Said to be crafted by the gods, there were seven of these orbs in existence. Upon gathering all seven, one could summon the omnipotent dragon Shenron, who would grant a single wish, capable of resurrecting the dead, curing incurable diseases, or bestowing unimaginable wealth.
Naruto had spent a considerable portion of his life in this extraordinary world, ultimately achieving adulthood. Through the collective efforts of his companions, the legendary Super Dragon Balls were unearthed, granting Naruto his heart's desire: a return to his original world.
While he had not brought back the combat prowess honed in that realm, he had mastered a vast array of martial arts and skills. With diligent practice, he was confident in surpassing his former self.
A nostalgic smile crept across his face as he retrieved the seven orange orbs from his pocket. Each sphere was adorned with a small red star, sequentially numbered from one to seven.
This was a parting gift from his friends, a meticulously crafted replica of the Earth's Dragon Balls, created through the combined efforts of the world's gods and transmitted to him via the power of the Super Dragon Balls. It was the sole physical memento from his alternate life.
The Dragon Balls could fulfill a single wish per year, with a subsequent cooldown period. While the wish-granting capabilities were limited, they were still considered divine in Naruto's world.
Stowing the Dragon Balls away, Naruto turned his attention to the ingredients he had retrieved from the refrigerator. He was about to embark on a culinary adventure. His time as an apprentice to Master Roshi had not only refined his cooking skills but also instilled in him an incredible speed of preparation.
To put it simply, he can make food so fast that could fill two iconic saiyans in mere minutes.
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