The morning sun peeked through the windows of Naruto's small apartment, casting soft golden rays over his messy bed. A gentle breeze rustled the curtains as the warmth of the sunlight stirred the sleeping boy.
With a loud yawn, Naruto stretched his arms before lazily opening his eyes. His first sight, as always, was the massive Hokage Monument carved into the mountainside. The four stone faces stood proudly, watching over the village.
Naruto grinned. One day… My face will be up there too!
That thought was enough to shake off his sleepiness. He jumped out of bed, quickly freshened up, and threw on his signature orange jumpsuit before heading out the door.
The streets of Konoha were already bustling with villagers opening shops and children playing. But as Naruto walked through the village, he felt them—those same hateful gazes he had known all his life.
Cold, disdainful, filled with malice.
Some people whispered as he passed. Others just glared.
Naruto clenched his fists but forced himself to keep walking. He had long since learned to ignore them, but the pain never truly went away.
Whatever... he thought, shaking his head. Once I become a ninja, they'll have to respect me!
That thought lifted his spirits again.
As he reached the Academy, he could already hear the familiar chatter of his classmates inside. He stepped into the classroom and saw most of them already seated, talking excitedly.
He scanned the room and sighed.
Though he was friendly with Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba, Naruto had grown used to sitting alone. It had just become a habit at this point.
He walked over to an empty corner seat and dropped into it, stretching his legs.
As his eyes wandered, they landed on a certain someone.
Sasuke Uchiha.
Sitting near the window, arms crossed, with his usual stoic expression. His very existence irritated Naruto. That smug face, that cool attitude, and worst of all—the way every girl in class, including Sakura, fawned over him.
Sakura had taken a seat beside Sasuke, sneaking shy glances at him with a dreamy expression and red cheeks.
Naruto felt his blood boil.
"Tch. What does she even see in that guy?! He just sits there, acting all cool like he's better than everyone!"
He had half a mind to go over there and mess with Sasuke, but before he could act, the classroom door slid open.
Iruka entered with his usual warm smile, carrying a few books under his arm.
"Good morning, everyone."
The students quieted down, turning their attention toward him.
Iruka continued, "It's been six years since you all started your training at the Academy. And now, in just one month, you'll be taking your final examination. You should all train seriously to prepare for it."
The class immediately erupted into mixed reactions.
"Whoa! So soon?!" Kiba blurted out, Akamaru barking in agreement from his head.
"Tch. Big deal," said a confident boy from the back. "I could pass with my eyes closed!"
"Troublesome…" Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his temples. "Can't they just let us pass without the exam?"
Some students seemed excited, while others looked downright terrified.
"I hope I don't mess up…" one nervous girl mumbled, fidgeting with her fingers.
Naruto, however, grinned widely. "Finally! I can become a ninja!"
Iruka clapped his hands, getting everyone's attention again. "Alright, alright, settle down! Now, let's start today's lesson."
The students groaned but reluctantly pulled out their notebooks as Iruka began his lecture.
While Iruka talked, Naruto's mind kept drifting back to the exam.
One month… That's all I have left. If I fail, I'll be stuck here for another year… No way am I letting that happen!
Before he knew it, the school day ended. The students filed out of the classroom, eager to go home or hang out with friends.
But Naruto had no time for that.
As soon as he got home, he started training.
Naruto stood in his small apartment, determined. He knew the exam would test the three basic jutsu—Substitution Jutsu, Transformation Jutsu, and Clone Jutsu.
His substitution and transformation techniques were fine. But Clone Jutsu?
That was a different story.
"Alright, let's do this!" Naruto formed the hand signs and focused his chakra.
Poof!
A single clone appeared beside him… except it was slumped on the ground, half-transparent and deformed.
Naruto groaned. "Not again!"
He wiped the sweat from his forehead and tried again. And again. And again.
Each time, the result was the same.
But he refused to give up. He kept pushing himself, over and over, until his legs trembled from exhaustion.
Finally, when the moon was high in the sky, Naruto collapsed onto his bed. His eyelids felt heavy, his limbs sore.
"I'll get it right… I have to…"
And with that thought, he drifted into sleep.
For the next twenty days, Naruto trained harder than ever.
Day after day, night after night. He refused to stop until he got it right.
And then—finally.
Poof!
A passable clone stood beside him.
Not perfect, but good enough.
Naruto stared at it in disbelief before breaking into a wide grin. "I DID IT!"
He laughed, pumping his fists in the air. After all this time, he finally created a proper clone!
This calls for a celebration!
Without wasting a second, he ran straight to his favorite place—Ichiraku Ramen.
The moment Naruto entered, the familiar warm scent of ramen filled his nose. His stomach rumbled in excitement.
Behind the counter, Teuchi looked up and smiled. "Ah, Naruto! You look happy today."
Naruto beamed. "Uncle Teuchi, one large bowl, please!"
Teuchi chuckled. "Coming right up."
In just a few moments, a steaming bowl of ramen was placed in front of him.
"Here you go."
Naruto wasted no time digging in. "Mmm! This is the best!"
Teuchi watched the boy fondly. "You must've had a good day."
Naruto grinned between bites. "You bet! I finally managed to make a real clone!"
Teuchi chuckled. "That's great news. Keep working hard, Naruto."
After finishing his meal, Naruto handed over the money and stretched. "Ahh… I'm so full."
But as he walked home, his mood dimmed once again.
The moment he stepped onto the streets, he could feel them—those hateful gazes.
He walked faster, his cheerful mood dampened.
By the time he reached home, he let out a deep sigh.
"Why does it always have to be like this?"
Shaking his head, he forced himself to smile and slapped his cheeks. "No! I won't let this get me down!"
Then, as if remembering something, his eyes widened.
"Oh crap! I need to study, too!"
Hurriedly, he opened one of his books… only to find himself asleep at the table five minutes later.