My Name Is Naruto Namikaze

CHAPTER WORDS:- 1067

Chapter 9: A Year of Rapid Growth

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Chapter 9: A Year of Rapid Growth

"Now that everyone has introduced themselves, remember this—over the next six years, you must get along well with one another. You're classmates now, and in the future, you'll be comrades. Always keep in mind that a qualified ninja must value teamwork. Any mission, especially the more difficult ones, can only be completed through teamwork. I hope you'll remember this. Do you understand?"

Iruka Umino stood at the front of the class, his hands pressed firmly on the podium. His expression was solemn as he addressed the group of children seated before him in a serious tone.

"Yes Sensei!"

While Iruka's expression was serious, most of the kids couldn't grasp the full weight of his words just yet.

Or rather, they didn't need to.

In the current era of peace, especially in the Leaf Village, the children being nurtured in the Ninja Academy developed in many ways, but their qualities as shinobi were far inferior to the children raised during the warring eras.

In those times, children as young as six or seven could be found on the battlefield as full-fledged shinobi. In this world, even a small child might possess the power to kill you.

Iruka was well aware that his words might be premature for these children, but as an educator, it was his duty to lay the groundwork early. He needed to repeat these teachings often, especially during these six foundational years—the most critical period for shaping both their physical and mental growth.

As a teacher at the Ninja Academy, Iruka knew exactly what a responsible mentor should do.

"Good. Let's begin our first lesson. To become a qualified ninja, you must first understand what it means to be a ninja. What are the essential qualities of a ninja...?"

It must be said that every teacher at the academy—whether Iruka or other Chūnin instructors—had extensive theoretical knowledge. In some cases, their teaching in specific areas surpassed even that of most Jōnin. This was one of the reasons why they were appointed by the Third Hokage to teach at the academy.

Of course, some teachers were also assigned to the academy because of injuries or lack of sufficient strength to continue active duty as shinobi.

Iruka's class was particularly special within this year's cohort.

Setting aside the children from other ninja clans, the very presence of Uzumaki Naruto—holder of the Nine-Tails—made this class stand out.

Iruka had been appointed by the Third Hokage to guide this class for two main reasons:

1) Iruka was qualified for the role.

2) Most importantly, the Third trusted Iruka's loyalty.

As a native of Konoha whose parents had died during the Nine-Tails' attack six years ago, Iruka epitomized the "Will of Fire" philosophy upheld by the Third Hokage's administration.

Naruto himself was well aware of these facts.

That said, neither Iruka's background nor his current situation influenced Naruto's opinion of him.

In truth, this principle applied to everyone Naruto encountered.

After arriving in this world, Naruto quickly realized that many things were vastly different from the Naruto series he'd known in his past life.

Naruto decided early on that he would never fully rely on the original story's depiction of events.

The so-called "plot" was now nothing more than a reference. The true answers would have to be discovered through his own efforts.

This was one of the fundamental principles Naruto adhered to in order to survive in this world.

The first day at the academy marked the second step in Naruto's plan.

Unlike his counterpart in the original series—who would nap during lessons, slack off, or even skip class—this Naruto intended to diligently absorb all theoretical knowledge.

Whatever the subject, whatever the task, Naruto knew that a solid foundation was always the most important thing.

"This is the real beginning..."

As he observed Iruka, standing seriously at the podium, Naruto's gaze sharpened, and he resolved to begin anew.

From this day forward, Naruto's life became even more structured and disciplined.

A Year had passed, and Things changed a little. Naruto's daily routine revolved around three main activities:

The Ninja Academy. His home. The nearby forest.

Aside from the necessary hours of rest, every moment of Naruto's day was dedicated to intense training and study. Perhaps it was a benefit of transmigrating?

Naruto found that his memory and comprehension abilities were far superior to what they had been in his past life. Any foundational knowledge taught at the academy was quickly absorbed and internalized. Beyond the academy's curriculum, Naruto adhered to a meticulously crafted training plan that he strictly followed.

Day after day, without fail, he maintained this grueling schedule.

This disciplined lifestyle may have been monotonous, but it yielded remarkable results. 

In The Forest

Morning

The year was now Konoha Year 55.

On a day when the academy was closed for a break, Naruto could be found training as usual in the forest near his home.

In a clearing by a small lake, a young boy with bright blonde hair stood shirtless, his pants rolled up to his knees. His gaze was focused intently on the water's surface below him.

The boy was, of course, Naruto.

Suddenly, Naruto's eyes narrowed.

With a swift flick of his hands—

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Several kunai shot through the air.

A second later—

Splash!

The sound of metal piercing flesh echoed across the lake. Blood rippled across the water's surface.

Standing on the lake with unwavering balance, Naruto smirked. With a slight tug of his right hand, a few fish impaled on the kunai emerged from the water. The thin, almost invisible wires attached to the kunai glinted faintly in the sunlight.

"Hmm, looks like I'm having a feast today," Naruto mused with satisfaction as he examined the fish.

As previously mentioned, Naruto's life in Konoha was far from easy.

His allowance? Technically, he received one, but it was of little use when most villagers refused to sell him food. The only consistent food he received came from the assigned rations, often missing portions or tainted by the "extra love" of the distribution manager.

Would it keep him from starving? Sure.

But it wasn't nearly enough.

As a future ninja engaged in rigorous training and a child in his most crucial growth years, Naruto couldn't survive on such meager and subpar meals alone.

(End of Chapter)

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