My Name Is Naruto Namikaze

CHAPTER WORDS:- 1025

Chapter 10: The Method of Training

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Why was Naruto in the original series portrayed as short, thin, and weak? Anyone with basic reasoning can figure out the answer to that.

Malnutrition.

Or perhaps intentional sabotage of his health. Expecting him to grow up strong and healthy in those circumstances?That would've been the real miracle!

Since Konoha couldn't be relied on, Naruto had to take matters into his own hands to ensure he could eat properly. The forest surrounding the village became his first target. At first, when he lacked the ability to protect himself, Naruto simply collected wild vegetables and berries from the outskirts. Later, after he successfully used chakra for the first time—especially after starting at the Academy and growing progressively stronger—his range of foraging (the act of acquiring food by gathering plant matter, hunting, or fishing) expanded significantly.

This now included catching fish, crabs, and other creatures from rivers, and even hunting some of the forest's wildlife. Even the more aggressive beasts in the forest were now targets for Naruto's practice hunts. In the beginning, he used them as training dummies to sharpen his skills.

And in the worst-case scenario—if he ever faced a threat he couldn't handle—there were always ANBU lurking nearby who were assigned to keep an eye on him. If things really went south, those ANBU would step in, ensuring Naruto could act without fear of failure.

This dual purpose—obtaining food while also training—became a staple of Naruto's survival strategy.

This method ensured that Naruto never worried about food during this period. He could simultaneously strengthen his body and practice his skills. Why not?

Would he face restrictions? Naruto didn't think so.

Those ANBU were reporting every single one of his actions to the Third Hokage. The old man even had that crystal ball capable of surveilling the entire village. If they didn't stop him initially, it clearly meant this behavior was allowed.

Catching fresh fish, for example, Naruto would often turn it into fish soup. This was the most nutritious and straightforward way to retain the fish's freshness and flavor.

As for taste?

Naruto wasn't picky. He cared only about maximizing the nutrients and calories needed for his intense training. Anything that supplemented his efforts to grow stronger became his priority.

After entering the Academy, some training equipment was provided to him directly.

Anything he couldn't buy himself, he could acquire through Iruka. Though Iruka still held mixed feelings toward Naruto—thirty percent pity, thirty percent worry, thrity percent resentment, and ten percent confusion—his duties as a teacher and the Third Hokage's instructions compelled him to look after Naruto.

For instance, Iruka would often treat Naruto to better meals.

When Naruto expressed the need for training tools, Iruka didn't hesitate to buy them himself. Even when Naruto insisted on paying for them, Iruka would refuse with a smile.

Although Naruto had not yet gained access to the Nine-Tails' chakra and its ability to sense malice, the warmth of Iruka's actions was unmistakable. When their gazes met, Naruto felt an emotion long absent in his life—comfort.

It became one of the few rays of light that pierced through the shadowy reality of his existence.

Thanks to this dynamic, Naruto's life had smoothed out significantly over the past year. His training progressed steadily, and his time at the Academy was better than he had anticipated.

At the Academy, the other children didn't look at him with fear or disgust. Of course, they didn't yet know the truth of his identity. Coupled with Naruto's markedly different behavior in this life—quiet, composed, and diligent—he was nothing like the mischievous troublemaker from the original timeline.

This, paired with his golden hair and improved academic performance, even earned him some attention from the girls.

Of course, the most popular figure in class was still Uchiha Sasuke.

It wasn't just because of his looks. Sasuke consistently ranked first in every test, both theoretical and practical, and as the son of the Uchiha clan's head, his popularity was unsurprising.

Naruto, however, wasn't concerned about any of this superficial attention. The only reason he intentionally held back slightly was to avoid standing out too much.

It wasn't because of fear.

As long as the Third Hokage was alive, no one—including Danzo—would dare to make a move against him. The Third Hokage's surveillance ensured that Naruto's actions, as long as they weren't out of line, wouldn't raise suspicion.

Naruto couldn't deny he was grateful for the old man's protection, at least to some extent. Though it was a fleeting thought, it made his current life a little easier.

Naruto maintained a respectable performance in his studies to align with his diligent and hardworking persona. Occasionally, the Third Hokage would personally check in on his training through his crystal ball. Any inconsistencies would raise questions.

Naruto reasoned that as long as he didn't attract undue attention, he could remain comfortably in the shadows. After all, in most people's eyes, there's little difference between second and tenth place—only the first place truly matters.

Thus, Naruto's days at the Academy were unexpectedly peaceful and productive. After finishing a good lunch, Naruto rested briefly before starting his afternoon training.

His progression from basic tree-climbing exercises to walking on water was steady. The time he spent mastering these techniques was neither fast nor slow. According to typical ninja standards, his progress was average.

In the original timeline, Naruto seemed to pick up these skills quickly, but that was because he already had a foundation. His chaotic antics during his time at the Academy—running up walls and jumping across rooftops—demonstrated a basic, albeit clumsy, chakra control.

When Kakashi taught him tree climbing and Ebisu/Jiraiya taught him water walking later, he adapted quickly because his body already had muscle memory for chakra usage, albeit in a crude form.

In this life, Naruto didn't rely on his body's instincts.

He relied on his mind.

While instinct was still present, his more thoughtful approach—honed from memories of a previous life—ensured his progress was more deliberate and precise.

Without any direct guidance, his training naturally took a bit longer than the original Naruto's.

(End of Chapter)

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