Chapter 16: Rising
Challenges
Naruto Namikaze, one of the most classic characters in this
life, stood out significantly. Although he wasn't as invincible in theoretical
knowledge as the 'Naruto' in the original book, he showed remarkable growth.
This Naruto, who grew up knowing he was the son of a hero, lived in a
supportive environment. Understanding his lineage made Naruto more eager to learn
theoretical knowledge and avoid wasting time on trivial matters.
In the initial stages of theoretical knowledge learning,
Naruto could barely keep up with the pace, placing him in the middle to lower
levels of the class. However, as the second year rolled in and he began
learning ninjutsu (忍術), taijutsu (体術), genjutsu (幻術), and other
subjects, his unparalleled talent emerged, especially after the actual combat
drills in the third year.
Under the perception of Menma's not fully developed
Kagura's Mind's Eye (神楽心眼), he could
clearly detect the enormous chakra within Naruto. Additionally, Naruto had a
natural talent for ninjutsu. In the original story, his tree-climbing (木登り) and water-walking (水上歩行)
training were completed despite the interference of the Nine-Tails chakra,
which speaks volumes about his abilities.
So, in the third year of the ninja academy , if we only
look at actual combat results, Naruto could keep pace with Sasuke and Menma.
Menma, though slightly reserved, did not intentionally hide his capabilities.
He had firmly held the top position in the class, so there was no need to
exaggerate further.
Time passed in such an environment—Konoha Year 56, Konoha
Year 57, Konoha Year 58, until the winter of Konoha Year 59.
In the Hidden Leaf Village, at the Ninja Academy's first
playground, all the students of Iruka's class gathered.
"Swish. Bang." The sounds of combat filled the
air. The two-on-two confrontation organized by Iruka had become one of the most
frequent courses for Menma and the others over the past two or three years.
However, these confrontations were always kept to a
controlled level. Iruka never let his students truly hurt each other. Of
course, there were occasional exceptions. Just like in the fights between some
students in Menma's previous life, even group fights occurred sometimes. Iruka
could only try his best to control it. The confrontations were mainly physical
collisions with occasional Substitution Jutsu (変わり身の術, Kawarimi no Jutsu). Other techniques were either impractical or
not yet learned.
Children from ninja clans were restricted from using
advanced techniques learned at home. Otherwise, these combat confrontations
would lose their meaning. Especially for students like Inuzuka Kiba and Aburame
Shino, the combat power from ninja dogs and parasitic insects was too
overwhelming for their peers. Menma was an exception. Even without the power of
the Nine-Tails, he was far superior to any peer in the class.
"Bang! Okay, stop here!" Iruka called out as he
saw one student clearly gaining the upper hand. The two children immediately
stopped and completed the seal of reconciliation, then retreated back to the
team.
For such obedient children, Iruka felt great relief in
teaching them. "Then, the next group." Iruka shifted his gaze. He was
going to call out other names, but when he saw Sasuke's intense gaze, he sighed
inwardly and said, "Uzumaki Menma, Uchiha Sasuke."
A glimmer of determination flashed in Sasuke's eyes as he
strode out. Menma, raising an eyebrow, calmly walked to the opposite side. The
other students looked on with curiosity and whispered among themselves. They
had seen these confrontations multiple times over the past years, but the
result was always the same—Menma would win.
"Do you think Sasuke can win today?" "It
should be difficult, right? Wasn't it the same in the previous duel?"
"This is the twentieth time, right?" "Almost, almost."
"Menma wins every time." "It depends on whether Sasuke has
gotten stronger during this period."
Few believed Sasuke could win. Even his most dedicated
fangirl, Sakura Haruno, didn't think Sasuke would win. As everyone discussed
quietly, Naruto loudly supported Sasuke, although his words sounded more like a
challenge.
"If you lose again, Sasuke, you'll break the record of
thirty times!"
Sasuke's forehead veins bulged in frustration. Despite his
well-intentioned remark, Naruto's comment came off as sarcasm. Yet, this showed
that Naruto's personality hadn't changed much from the original, remaining
playful and spirited.
Meanwhile, Akimichi Choji, holding a bag of potato chips,
turned to Shikamaru. "Shikamaru, do you think Sasuke can beat Menma this
time?"
"It's unlikely. Menma always seems to win with ease.
Unless Sasuke has made significant progress, the result will probably be the
same," Shikamaru replied lazily, hands behind his head. From an unnoticed
angle, a hint of curiosity appeared in Shikamaru's eyes as he looked at Menma.
As a member of the Nara clan with a high IQ, Shikamaru was more mature than his
peers. Regarding Menma, Shikamaru knew more than Choji and others, thanks to
his father, Nara Shikaku, sharing insights with him.