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The most remarkable character in this world is Naruto Uzumaki.
While he may not possess the same invincibility or recklessness as the Naruto we know from the original series, it's clear that this Naruto shares much in common with his counterpart. The key difference is that this Naruto grew up in a different environment. Knowing from a young age that he is the son of a hero, this Naruto has a greater appreciation for learning theoretical knowledge. Unlike the Naruto in the original series, who struggled with academics, this version of Naruto doesn't waste time on frivolous things.
During his early years at the academy, Naruto managed to keep up with his peers, though he was considered to be in the middle-to-lower ranks of the class. However, everything changed when he entered his second year and began learning ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. By the time the third year rolled around, when actual combat drills began, Naruto's talent became undeniable.
Through Menma's Kagura's Mind Eye, which was still imperfect but developing, he could sense the enormous chakra within Naruto. Naruto's natural talent as a ninja was always apparent. The tree climbing and water-walking exercises from the original series were accomplished despite the interference of the Nine-Tails' chakra, which only further proves Naruto's innate abilities.
By the third year at the Ninja Academy, Naruto could hold his own in combat alongside Sasuke Uchiha and Menma. Though Menma still held back a little, his place at the top of the class was secure, so there was no need for him to showcase all of his power.
Time passed in this way, moving from year to year—56, 57, 58, until the winter of the 59th year in the Hidden Leaf Village.
At the Ninja Academy, on the first training ground, all the students of Iruka-sensei's class gathered.
"Swish."
"Bang."
The sounds of combat filled the air. Iruka had organized a two-on-two sparring session. Over the past few years, this had become a regular occurrence for Menma and his classmates, though the fights rarely escalated beyond a certain point. Iruka made sure to prevent his students from getting too carried away, though there were occasional exceptions. Just like the scuffles and even group fights from Menma's previous life, it was natural for young people to have tempers.
Iruka did his best to keep things under control. The confrontations mostly involved basic taijutsu with substitution techniques at most, since other jutsu were either impractical or had not yet been learned. The clan children were forbidden from using techniques they had learned at home, as that would defeat the purpose of the exercise.
Inuzuka Kiba's nin-dog and Aburame Shino's parasitic insects, for example, would be too overwhelming for their classmates at this stage. Menma, however, was an exception. Even without tapping into the Nine-Tails' power, he was far stronger than any of his peers.
"Bang!"
"Alright, that's enough!" Iruka called out.
In the latest sparring match, one student had gained a clear advantage, prompting Iruka to stop the fight. The two combatants, both obedient students, immediately halted their attacks and, after completing the seal of reconciliation, quickly returned to their places in line.
"Now, for the next match..." Iruka began, his gaze shifting to the other side of the training ground. He was about to call out names when he noticed the intense look in Sasuke's eyes. Iruka hesitated for a moment, sighing inwardly, but he knew he had to proceed.
"Uzumaki Menma, Uchiha Sasuke."
As soon as Iruka spoke, Sasuke's eyes flashed with determination, and he strode forward. Menma raised an eyebrow but calmly moved to face Sasuke, his expression unreadable.
The rest of the class watched in anticipation, whispering among themselves. They had seen this match-up many times over the past few years, and the outcome was always the same: Menma would inevitably defeat Sasuke.
"Do you think Sasuke can win today?"
"Doubtful. The last few times turned out the same."
"Isn't this like the twentieth time?"
"Yeah, more or less."
"Menma wins every time."
"Well, unless Sasuke's made some big improvements, I think the result will be the same."
Even Sakura Haruno, Sasuke's most devoted fangirl, didn't seem confident that Sasuke would win.
"Haha, you've got this, Sasuke! If you lose again, you'll be on your way to a record thirty losses!"
Amidst the murmurs, Naruto loudly voiced his support, though his words seemed more teasing than encouraging. Sasuke's brow furrowed in frustration, and his lips moved as he muttered, "Idiot."
Despite the different environment, Naruto's personality remained much the same as in the original series.
"Shikamaru, do you think Sasuke stands a chance this time?" Choji asked, munching on a bag of chips as usual. He glanced at Shikamaru, who was lounging with his hands behind his head.
"I doubt it. Menma always seems to be holding back just a bit. Unless Sasuke's made some major progress, I expect the outcome will be the same," Shikamaru replied lazily. However, a sharp observer might notice a flicker of something in his eyes as he glanced at Menma.
As a member of the Nara clan, with his naturally high intelligence, Shikamaru was more perceptive than most. In this world, where children matured quickly, Shikamaru was already more mature than many of his peers. That's why he knew more about Menma than most of the other students. His father, Shikaku Nara, had shared some insights with him as well.
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The boys of the Nara clan must take on responsibilities earlier than others.
Among the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the Nara clan has always served as the decision-making brain of the alliance.
*"There's something special about us...,"* Shikamaru thought with a quiet sigh.
At nearly 12 years old, they would officially become Genin next year. With an exceptional peer like Naruto graduating in the same class, Shikamaru naturally had a lot more on his mind.
And the thoughts of the others below were no less complicated.
Up on the training grounds, two figures stood opposite each other.
Menma gazed at Sasuke, whose calm demeanor couldn't completely mask the fighting spirit beneath. Menma frowned slightly, recalling their countless previous duels.
*"Maybe I underestimated this guy's determination,"* Menma realized.
*"It seems I'll have to teach Sasuke a real lesson this time,"* Menma thought, narrowing his eyes with determination.
At Iruka's signal, the two formed the Seal of Confrontation.
"Begin!" Iruka called out.
Sasuke knew he was at a slight disadvantage, so he had to make the first move. His previous defeats weren't due to tactical errors, but rather a lack of skill. To win, he needed to control the pace of the fight.
*"No mistakes, no openings,"* Sasuke reminded himself.
With a burst of chakra, Sasuke launched himself forward at a speed far beyond that of an ordinary Genin.
Menma remained calm.
He lowered his stance, preparing to release his power.
From a direct angle, Menma's arm shot out.
With a whip-like motion, his arm swung down, aiming straight for Sasuke's head.
*"What...?"* Sasuke's pupils dilated as he barely caught sight of the fast-moving shadow.
Forced to go on the defensive, Sasuke raised his arms to block the attack.
"Bang!"
The impact was solid. Sasuke felt the powerful blow reverberate through his arms, nearly knocking him off balance.
*"How did his strength increase so much?"* Sasuke gritted his teeth.
A month ago, Menma's strength wasn't this overwhelming. Yet now, even a light touch felt like it could shatter him.
*"He must have been holding back before!"* Sasuke realized with a bitter grimace.
The thought infuriated him. He couldn't accept that Menma had been toying with him.
The more he thought about it, the more determined Sasuke became to defeat Menma.
*"If I can't even surpass my peers, how can I avenge my clan? How can I revive the Uchiha name?"*
*"Hyaaah!"* Sasuke let out a fierce cry, the veins on his forehead bulging as he forced his arms up.
The numbness in his body spread, but he pushed through.
Menma noticed the opening.
He didn't expect Sasuke to withstand his attack. After all, Menma had used 80% of his strength in hopes of ending the fight quickly. But clearly, Sasuke had grown stronger.
*"But he's still not strong enough,"* Menma thought as a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes.
He leaned forward, rapidly closing the distance.
In a blink, Menma curved his body at an upward angle.
From Sasuke's perspective, Menma seemed to disappear.
*"Where—!"* Sasuke was startled, instinctively pulling back.
But it was too late. Menma reappeared on Sasuke's left side, just behind him.
In an instant, Menma's palm, shaped like a sword, struck Sasuke's left shoulder, sending a surge of pain through him.
Sasuke's body bent under the impact, his strength dissipating. Menma took the opportunity to extend his right hand, stopping just at Sasuke's throat.
"It's over," Menma declared.
At the same time, Iruka's voice echoed, "That's enough!"
Sasuke's face twisted in frustration, but he couldn't argue with the outcome. He took a deep breath, silently performing the Seal of Reconciliation with Menma, before retreating back into the line with a blank expression.
He appeared calm, but the way his fists were clenched tightly revealed his true feelings. Sasuke's heart was in turmoil.
*"I failed. Again."*
Counting it up, this marked the thirtieth time he had lost to Menma.
Though these were just practice matches among classmates, Sasuke, the proud Uchiha who witnessed the massacre of his clan four years ago, couldn't tolerate failure.
Yet he had failed.
But showing weakness wasn't an option.
*"I'll keep trying! Uzumaki Menma, I'll definitely defeat you!"* Sasuke vowed inwardly.
*"Wow, Sasuke-kun lost again,"* someone in the line whispered.
*"And it was decisive this time, right?"*
*"Of course, it's Menma after all."*
*"Looks like Menma's the top student in our class."*
*"He might even be the best in the entire year!"*
*"We'll see at next year's graduation exam."*
The students exchanged hushed comments, their eyes darting between Menma and Sasuke. The gap between the two was undeniable, and even though it wasn't spoken aloud, it was clear to everyone.
Iruka, watching from above, sighed inwardly.
He had been hesitant to pair Menma and Sasuke for a sparring match, knowing full well the difference in their abilities.
Iruka might have been just an Academy teacher, but he was still a Chunin and could easily discern the disparity in strength between Menma and Sasuke.
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