The next day, Naruto walked to school, his mind focused on the system's latest task: achieving first place in the combat exercise.
For him now, it shouldn't be too difficult.
As he made his way down the street, a voice called out to him.
"Uzumaki-san! Wait for me!"
Naruto stopped and turned to see Yamanaka Ino stepping out of her family's flower shop, schoolbag in hand.
Ino?
Wasn't yesterday enough of a scare for her?
Before he could dwell on it, Ino caught up to him, smiling brightly. "I never realized we took the same route to school before!"
In Konoha, most people avoided Naruto. So her friendly demeanor caught him off guard.
"Aren't you scared of me?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Ino shook her head, her golden hair swaying. "I thought about it yesterday, and I realized you're just… weirdly tempered. If it were Sasuke being annoyed like that, he'd just curse at us."
The two walked together, chatting lightly.
At the next intersection, a pink-haired figure suddenly jumped out—Haruno Sakura, Ino's usual school companion.
Sakura fell into step behind Ino, and the two exchanged silent glances, communicating in their secret, wordless way.
Sakura's expression: Oh? Yesterday you said Uzumaki-san was interested in you, and now you're walking with him? Smooth move.
Ino's eye twitched: Shut up! I just happened to see him passing by!
Sakura smirked: Hey, have you noticed? Uzumaki-san looks a little hotter than yesterday.
Ino blinked: Now that you mention it…
Sakura grinned: See? You totally have a crush on him! Hah! That means Sasuke is all mine!
Ino scowled: You wish! Stop making things up!
Ino then paused: But… you're right. Why has no one noticed before that Naruto's kinda handsome?
Sakura shrugged: Maybe because he's too quiet? No way a good-looking guy could've slipped past my radar.
Ino rolled her eyes: Hah! Says the girl obsessed with pretty faces.
Sakura shot back: Takes one to know one.
Naruto suddenly spoke up. "What are you two doing?"
Ino flinched, then blurted out, "We weren't talking about hot guys!"
Naruto and Sakura stared at her.
"…"
At the Academy
Time passed quickly, and soon, it was time for the afternoon combat exercises.
The most popular student in class was, without a doubt, Uchiha Sasuke—the undisputed top-ranked fighter, a title he held all year.
The rules were simple: Students could challenge each other, and by the end, those who hadn't fought would be matched by Iruka.
Sasuke was so strong that even Inuzuka Kiba had lost to him. So, unsurprisingly, no one dared to challenge him.
Naruto, meanwhile, stayed in the background, blending into the crowd alongside Aburame Shino—both masters of invisibility.
As the exercise neared its end, only four remained without a match:
Naruto, Sasuke, Shino, and Shikamaru.
Shikamaru, ever the slacker, immediately turned to Shino. "Hey… wanna spar?"
Shino nodded silently. "Fine."
The two took their positions.
The battle began.
It should've been a decent match—both were skilled.
But it was painful to watch.
Shikamaru half-heartedly went through the motions, clearly not trying.
Shino, too polite to go all out, held back.
After a few lackluster exchanges, Shikamaru deliberately left an opening, allowing Shino to push him down.
Iruka massaged his temples. "Winner: Aburame Shino."
The two lazily formed the reconciliation seal and stepped aside.
As a teacher, Iruka knew they were slacking off.
Now, only Sasuke and Naruto remained.
Since Sasuke was last year's champion, if Naruto beat him, he'd claim first place—completing his mission.
Iruka hesitated before announcing:
"Final match—Uzumaki Naruto vs. Uchiha Sasuke!"
The moment Sasuke's name was called, the fangirls erupted in cheers.
Shikamaru covered his ears, groaning.
Kiba scowled, jealous of Sasuke's popularity.
Sasuke smirked, arms crossed. "This is pointless."
Everyone knew what he meant—Naruto's past performances were nowhere near his level.
But rules were rules.
Every student had to fight.
Iruka sighed. "Uchiha-san, this is about gaining combat experience for your future as a ninja."
Sasuke didn't believe Naruto could offer him any real challenge.
But Naruto had already stepped onto the field, staring at him calmly.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed.
This loser… isn't even afraid?
He felt provoked.
"Fine. I'll make you regret this," Sasuke muttered.
Naruto said nothing, simply waiting.
Iruka raised his hand.
"Final match—begin!"
The Fight
Sasuke, irritated by Naruto's indifference, lunged forward instantly.
"This is the difference between you and the Uchiha," he declared coldly.
The fangirls screamed in excitement.
But to Naruto…
Sasuke's movements were painfully slow.
Thanks to his enhanced physical abilities and taijutsu on par with Kakashi's, Naruto saw nothing but openings.
To everyone else, Sasuke was a blur of speed.
But to Naruto?
Too easy.
Meanwhile, in the Crowd…
Sakura and Ino were cheering wildly for Sasuke.
Only Hinata, her Byakugan unconsciously activated, watched Naruto with concern.
'Please… don't get hurt.'
.....