Shocking! The Mysterious Sky Veil Brings Chaos! | Naruto

Even outside the veil, Naruto, who was training, couldn't hold back his tears.

Though he'd already experienced this moment once in his life, hearing those words of recognition again filled him with overwhelming emotion.

The feeling of being acknowledged, of being cared for, was still so new to him.

"You're such a fool," Jiraiya said softly, smiling as he gently placed a hand on Naruto's head.

Meanwhile, Sasuke, training with Kakashi, remained silent. So that's what happened that day, he thought.

Is this why you didn't fall into darkness?

Because you found someone who acknowledged you?

Sasuke's chest tightened as he realized how much strength Naruto must have had to endure twelve years of loneliness just for a single moment of recognition.

To Sasuke, such acknowledgment came easily—he had always been praised for his talent. But now, he was beginning to understand Naruto's resilience and determination.

"Kakashi-sensei…" Sasuke murmured, glancing at his teacher, who seemed equally affected.

Kakashi sighed, his voice heavy with regret. "Back then, I could have done more for Naruto… but I let my own struggles hold me back."

In the Hyūga clan, Hinata wiped her tears as she watched the scene.

"I'm so glad… so glad for you, Naruto-kun," she whispered between sobs.

[The veil showed Mizuki holding his giant shuriken.]

"You really are a fool, Iruka!" Mizuki spat.

"I planned to let you live a little longer, but now I've changed my mind," he said coldly, spinning the shuriken in his hand.

"Go to hell!"

Bang!

Before Mizuki could throw the weapon, a figure burst out from behind the trees and kicked him away.

"Ha! Naruto's here! He and Iruka should be able to beat Mizuki together!"

"Are you kidding? Iruka's badly injured. There's no way they can win without backup!"

"Come on, Naruto's just a genin! Mizuki's a chūnin. He doesn't stand a chance!"

[In the veil, Mizuki stood and dusted himself off.]

"Well, well, that was surprising," he said, his tone mocking.

Naruto stood protectively in front of Iruka, clutching the Scroll of Seals. His eyes burned with determination.

"Don't you dare hurt Iruka-sensei. If you do, I'll kill you!" Naruto growled.

Iruka's eyes widened in alarm. "Idiot! What are you doing? Run!"

Mizuki laughed mockingly. "What a joke. I can take you down with one punch, brat!"

Naruto crossed his fingers into the Shadow Clone Jutsu hand sign.

"Try me," he said fiercely. "Every injury Iruka-sensei has suffered, I'll pay back a thousandfold!"

Mizuki smirked. "Big words. Let's see you back them up!"

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

The ninja world gasped in shock.

Hundreds—no, thousands—of shadow clones suddenly filled the forest. They surrounded Mizuki, each one as solid and real as the original.

"Shadow Clones? That many?! How does he have the chakra for this?!"

"This is insane! He's just a genin!"

"This… this is incredible!"

The Twelve Young Shinobi watched with wide eyes.

"Incredible…" Ino murmured. "Is that really Naruto? I mean, during the Chūnin Exams, he could barely manage a few clones, but this…!"

"This is amazing, Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. How much chakra does he have to pull this off?

[Reactions from the Five Great Nations:]

Fourth Raikage:

"How does a kid have this much chakra? Is he even human?"

Ōnoki:

"Uzumaki Naruto… a survivor of the Uzumaki clan? But I thought they were all redheads. Where did this blond brat come from?"

Mei Terumī:

"This boy is impressive. Even I didn't have that kind of chakra when I was his age."

Hiruzen Sarutobi:

"You've grown so much, Naruto…"

Orochimaru (disguised as the Wind Shadow):

"Heh…"

[In the veil, Mizuki's confidence shattered.]

"You were all talk earlier, weren't you?" Naruto taunted.

"What happened to taking me down with one punch?"

Mizuki's eyes widened in terror as the clones advanced.

"W-wait, stop!"

Crash!

The clones didn't stop. They pummeled Mizuki relentlessly, leaving him bruised, battered, and humiliated.

"Looks like I overdid it," Naruto said with a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his head. "Iruka-sensei, are you okay?"

Iruka smiled weakly, his voice filled with pride. "Naruto… come here. I have something for you."

Naruto stepped closer, confused.

"Close your eyes," Iruka instructed.

"Okay… can I open them now?"

When Naruto opened his eyes, he found himself staring at Iruka's warm, smiling face. But what caught his attention was the weight on his forehead.

"You've graduated, Naruto," Iruka said softly.

The veil showed the sun breaking through the night sky, its rays filtering through the trees. Naruto's tear-streaked face lit up with wonder.

For the first time, he felt truly happy.

"To celebrate, I'll take you out for some ramen," Iruka added with a chuckle.

Naruto's lips quivered before he lunged forward, hugging Iruka tightly.

"Iruka-sensei…"

[The scene ended, and the veil faded to black.]

The ninja world sat in stunned silence.

"That's it? That's Naruto's savior?" someone muttered. "I didn't expect it to be so… emotional."

"This Iruka guy isn't some legendary ninja, but damn, he's the kind of teacher everyone needs."

"Leaf Village, you better thank Iruka for what he's done," someone else added.

"Yeah, maybe your village isn't completely horrible. Iruka saved you from total disgrace."

The arguments flared up again between nations.

"Shut it, Cloud ninjas. You don't get to criticize the Leaf!"

"Who are you calling 'brutes,' huh? Come say it to my face!"

"Calm down! The whole ninja world is watching this!"

"Oh, great. Now Mist ninjas are butting in. This is why you're called the 'Bloody Mist.'"