A few days later, in a small forest training ground:
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
With a determined shout, two shadow clones appeared beside Naruto. They rushed at Shikamaru and Choji, engaging them in a brief skirmish.
When the strength difference isn't vast, having the advantage in numbers makes all the difference. It didn't take long before Shikamaru and Choji were overwhelmed and had to admit defeat.
Grinning, Naruto dispelled his clones and retrieved a bento he had prepared earlier.
With Shikamaru and Choji's help—and the lack of interference from Kyuubi—Naruto had managed to master the Shadow Clone Technique in just a few days. It was proof of his remarkable talent for ninjutsu.
If I had started like this earlier in life, I wouldn't have been labeled as the class dunce, Naruto mused silently.
Shikamaru and Choji, however, stared at him as though they'd seen a ghost.
"Shikamaru," Choji muttered while munching on his bento, "are we even qualified to be Naruto's sparring partners anymore?"
Shikamaru, looking unusually serious, remained silent. He realized the gap between them and Naruto had grown significantly.
"If we add a third partner from the Yamanaka clan, we might have a chance," Shikamaru finally admitted, sighing.
Naruto laughed, breaking the tension, and began chatting casually about life in the village. Eventually, the conversation shifted to foreign shinobi.
"Have you noticed a lot of unfamiliar ninja around the village recently?" Naruto asked, feigning curiosity.
Shikamaru nodded. "They're from the Kumogakure delegation. The war's over, so they're here to negotiate a peace treaty with Konoha."
"Yeah," Choji added, "both sides suffered heavy losses, so a truce was inevitable. Otherwise, the other villages might take advantage of our weakened states."
Shikamaru interjected with a hint of optimism, "It's good for us, though. In the last Great Ninja War, even academy students were drafted to fight. At least we'll avoid that nightmare—for now."
Naruto nodded but remained thoughtful. He remembered something ominous from his past life's memories: the Kumogakure mission wasn't here just for peace. They had a hidden agenda involving the Hyuga clan's Byakugan, which would ultimately lead to tragedy.
Before Naruto could dwell on the matter, Choji broke the silence. "Naruto, Shikamaru and I probably won't have time to hang out much anymore. Our families want us to start training within the clan from now on."
Naruto smiled faintly. "I see. You two focus on your training. I've got my own ninjutsu to work on. Let's meet again when we're at the academy."
The three friends spent the rest of the afternoon playing together, enjoying what might be their last carefree day for a while.
---
As the sun set, Naruto walked the streets alone. The presence of Kumogakure shinobi had made the village unusually lively.
Naruto noticed how the villagers looked at him with disdain but showed deference to the foreign ninjas.
How fickle these people are. They fear me, the so-called "demon fox," yet they welcome the very ninjas who waged war on their home.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Naruto wandered to a quiet park. There, he noticed a familiar figure sitting on a bench, holding a small gift box in her hands.
"Hinata?" Naruto called out, surprised.
Hinata's face lit up. She stood and held the box out to him, her hands trembling slightly.
"Naruto-kun... please accept my gift," she said softly, her cheeks flushed.
Naruto blinked, then smiled. "How did you find me? Have you been waiting here for days?"
Hinata hesitated before answering, "I... I wasn't sure where you lived, so I thought... maybe you'd pass through here eventually."
Naruto's heart softened. He accepted the gift and gently admonished her. "Hinata, don't sneak out like this anymore—especially so late. What if something happened to you?"
Hinata shook her head earnestly. "I've been training hard in Gentle Fist. I won't get bullied anymore! I just... really wanted to see you, Naruto-kun."
Naruto smiled warmly. "Thank you, Hinata. But please promise me you'll be careful, okay? If anything ever happened to you..."
Hinata's blush deepened. She nodded quickly, unable to meet his gaze.
Glancing around, Naruto noticed a faint chakra signature belonging to one of Hinata's guards from the Hyuga clan. He chuckled softly. At least her family's taking her safety seriously now.
Lowering his voice, Naruto added, "Hinata, get home safely. And remember, I'll always be around if you need me."
"Yes, Naruto-kun!" Hinata replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her face a deep shade of red.
As she walked away, Naruto looked down at the gift in his hands and smiled. Some bonds are worth protecting.