With a creak, the apartment door was opened from the outside.
The dim hallway light sliced into the entranceway like a blade, elongating Naruto's shadow and casting a monstrous image on the shoe cabinet.
He lowered his head to change his shoes, and turned on the light.
Naruto stood on the balcony, feeling the breeze while a bowl of instant noodles on the small table behind him steamed. He had intended to buy some vegetables, but it was too late, and he was chased away with disgust.
If there had been more people around or if Naruto had gone earlier, perhaps the shopkeeper wouldn't have shown such a disgusted expression.
He wasn't sure if the Anbu were still monitoring him, or if his words from earlier in the day had reached Sandaime Hokage's ears.
After all, a Jinchuriki was the village's most potent weapon. If their attitude toward the village changed, it could lead to disastrous consequences.
But Naruto didn't care. He had no thoughts of revenge against the village. He didn't even harbor any dark thoughts in his mind. He just wanted to take it easy.
It's cool to take it easy, okay? With a system at his side and being the reincarnation of Asura, why not take the easy path if the system's power surpasses that of the Kyubi and possibly any other force in this world?
In order to gain everyone's recognition, the original Naruto wants to become the Hokage and protects those who discriminated against and bullied him even if it means risking his life.
This is too ridiculous. People live in this world to show their own value, not to gain value from others.
When you walked on the streets and being looked at with disdain by others, you will feel inferior and sensitive, which leads to guilt and disappointment. This is a people-pleasing personality, hoping to be recognized and accepted by others.
The current Naruto is no longer the original Naruto. He knew well that always being a nice guy would only lead to being looked down upon. There was no need to seek others' approval, and all he had to do is learn to make peace with himself.
To live as an ordinary Shinobi and lead a fulfilling life.
They are the ones who are wrong, after all, they are the people who wanted to benefit from the Kyubi, but don't want to pay the price.
What was called protection was, in reality, PUA (manipulative emotional abuse).
Becoming Hokage wasn't Naruto's dream, but the dream of the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the ambition of the higher-ups. They hoped that Naruto will serve the village like the Yondaime Hokage.
The summer night's moonlight was gentle, enveloping Konoha. The night breeze brushed past the balcony, lifting Naruto's hair from his forehead, and his gaze gradually became clear.
He doesn't want to be a Hokage, nor does he want to be recognized by others. He just wanted to live a mundane life and become stronger.
The instant noodles had gone a bit cold, but Naruto finished them without changing his expression. After washing up, he lay on his bed and slowly closed his eyes.
…
The next day.
Not long after Naruto left his house, he ran into a kid with a big white hat and a blue scarf on the way. This kid was none other than the grandson of the Sandaime Hokage, Konohamaru.
Konohamaru was hiding behind a camouflage cloth against the wall. Seeing Naruto staring at him, he arrogantly shouted.
"What are you looking at? Can't you see I'm practicing my Ninjutsu here? My grandpa is the Hokage! Get lost!"
Konohamaru glared at Naruto, who was dazed by his scolding, and felt a bit disappointed, thinking that this person was no different from others.
'As soon as he hears that I am the Hokage's grandson, he will definitely listen to me and do what I say.'
However, Naruto smiled, took out a few 100 Ryo bills from his pocket and handed them to Konohamaru.
A disappointed look appeared on Konohamaru's face and he waved his hand impatiently.
"Get lost, I don't want your money!"
"This is your medical expenses and nutrition fees. You're dead meat!" Naruto said, then proceed to give Konohamaru a beating.
While hitting him, he also cursed aloud.
"You think being the Hokage's grandson makes you special! Who doesn't have a Hokage relative?!"
…
In the Academy, Naruto sat in the back row with a tired face as he yawned.
No one bothered him today, but when he walked into the classroom, he could still feel the disgusted glances directed at him.
On the podium, Iruka folded his lesson plan, cleared his throat, and said, "Tomorrow is the Graduation Exam. This morning, there will be a mock exam on the Transformation Technique, and in the afternoon, there will be a mock exam for practical classes."
As soon as he finished speaking, the classroom became lively. Boys and girls whispered to each other, some were happy, some were nervous.
"Transformation Technique, huh? I'm good at that. Do you think I can draw the Transformation Technique in the Graduation Exam tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure. The exam content is to randomly select one of the Three Basic Techniques. The probability is... hehe, about one in three."
"The first place must be Sasuke again. He has excellent grades in all subjects."
"The dead last is definitely that person! Haha!"
"That's true. He looks like he doesn't have a brain and always does annoying things! I heard that he has failed the Graduation Exams for two years. This year, he probably won't graduate either."
"That kind of person, even if he graduates, he won't become a Shinobi, right?"
"Wherever he goes, he's a failure. It's really a sad and gloomy life. If I were him, I'd rather die. I definitely would have no face to live in this world anymore."
Iruka, who was sitting on the podium, also heard some of the gossips and looked unhappy. However, he couldn't do anything about it, so he could only knock on the desk to get the class to be quiet.
"Everyone, go outside and line up, one by one!"
While waiting in line boringly, Naruto yawned again. Shikamaru noticed this and asked in confusion, "Where did you go last night?"
"The instant noodles expired and gave me a stomachache." Naruto replied.
"Sigh… can't you cook something yourself?" Shikamaru rolled his eyes at him, "At our age, we should be able to make some simple dishes."
"Don't take the things you can easily do for granted, you idiot!" Naruto bumped his shoulder into Shikamaru lightly, "At least Teuchi-san won't give me a cold shoulder."
"Buying groceries on a daily basis is too conspicuous and troublesome, okay?"
Hearing this, Shikamaru was slightly stunned. He suddenly realized the cold stares Naruto usually received. What seemed like simple things to him might not be so simple for Naruto.
"I'm sorry, Naruto."
"Why are you apologizing so politely?" Naruto glanced at Shikamaru speechlessly, and then he shifted his gaze to the girl with long pink hair who was taking the exam.
Haruno Sakura is even cuter in reality than in the manga, and her skin looks very fair among all the girls.
The sound of crushed chips came from behind Shikamaru. Choji stood behind Shikamaru, and his small eyes swept over Shikamaru and Naruto, taking in everything that had just happened.
The blonde Ino stood one position ahead of Naruto and, while turning to look for Sasuke, happened to see Naruto's gaze on Sakura. Seeing this, her lips couldn't help but curve into a smirk.
"Naruto, what are you looking at?"
Hearing this, Naruto turned his head and saw Ino's mischievous and gossipy smile.
"Sasuke doesn't like women."
"What?" Ino's face instantly fell, her eyes wide with shock, feeling like she had been hit by a ton of bricks!
"Damn you! What did you say?"
"Hey! Ino, don't get worked up!"
"Let go, Ino! Naruto will die!" Choji didn't even have time to eat his chips before rushing forward to mediate.
"Let go! I'm going to bite this bastard to death! Damn it The furious Ino was being restrained by Choji, and she desperately tried to beat up the annoying Naruto in front of her.
Seeing this, Shikamaru hurriedly separated the two. At this moment, Iruka's angry voice was heard in the classroom.
"Quiet out there!"
"Next! Uchiha Sasuke!"