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"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. From now on, don't push matters related to Naruto onto me.If you can handle it, then handle it directly. If you can't, go find Jiraiya or Iruka—just don't come to me."
"Fine, I'll leave it to Jiraiya to deal with from now on. The Akatsuki organization has been lying low for years without a trace. Continuing like this is just a waste of time. I'll make sure he returns as soon as possible."
"Tell him that Naruto's mindset has taken a bad turn. He needs to come back immediately, not 'as soon as possible'!"
Given Jiraiya's habit of dragging his feet whenever he leaves the village, if you weren't firm with him, he'd dawdle indefinitely without returning.
"Alright, I'll send someone to notify Jiraiya later."
After searching for the Akatsuki for years, the Leaf Village had pretty much done enough to appease the Cloud Village.
It wasn't that the Leaf wasn't helping—it was just that the Akatsuki were too well-hidden.
---
The Next Day.
Naruto stumbled into the ninja academy in a daze.
Having barely slept all night, he slumped onto his desk and dozed off almost immediately.
Not even the noisy chatter of his classmates could disturb him.
Soon, the teacher arrived.
Before long, everyone wore expressions of anticipation, knowing Naruto was about to get into trouble.
Normally, the teacher would either slap him upside the head or throw something at him.
But surprisingly, the teacher—who would usually deal with such situations immediately—merely glanced at Naruto's seat and pretended not to notice.
Instead, she clapped her hands to gather the students' attention.
"Class, let's begin today's lesson. We'll be covering the history of the Second Hokage's rise to power."
This subject had been added to the curriculum by Kazuki after he became the Hokage's advisor—a decision Lady Tsunade had wholeheartedly supported.
Under the Third Hokage's influence, the academy's courses had been heavily skewed toward promoting the so-called "Will of Fire," leaving little room for practical education.
As a result, many students—and even some graduated ninja—had no idea who the First or Second Hokage were, let alone their personalities or strengths.
So, Kazuki had cut most of the Will of Fire propaganda and replaced it with more substantial material.
At the very least, students needed to learn about the previous Hokages and other key figures in the village.
Not only did they have to learn, but they also had to memorize it—because it would be on the exams!
"Teacher, Naruto is still sleeping!!"
A student suddenly raised their hand to report Naruto.
Hearing his name, Naruto groggily woke up and instinctively straightened in his seat—though his eyelids still felt like lead.
As expected, he braced himself for a scolding or even a smack from the teacher.
He was used to it by now.
After experiencing something too many times, it just became routine.
But just as Naruto prepared for the usual reprimand, something unexpected happened.
The teacher glanced at him, then motioned for the student to lower their hand.
"Naruto's situation is… special. He's allowed to sleep in class. Now, let's continue with the lesson."
Naruto jolted awake in an instant.
The classroom erupted in chaos.
Every student was stunned.
How could Naruto just sleep in class without consequences?!
This was impossible!!!
"Teacher, why is Naruto allowed to sleep in class?!"
"Yeah, that's not fair!!"
"Quiet!!"
The teacher slammed a hand on the desk, raising her voice.
"Naruto's circumstances are different. Don't compare yourselves to him. Besides, this is an order from the Hokage's advisor. If any of you want to sleep in class too—and don't care about your grades—you can go ask Advisor Kazuki yourselves. If he agrees, I won't stop you either."
"..."
The class fell silent.
Even Hinata, the advisor's fiancée, didn't get this kind of privilege!
Who the hell did they think they were?!
But Naruto must have some serious connections to get such preferential treatment from the advisor himself.
At that age, kids dreamed of being able to sleep in class without getting scolded—let alone worrying about grades.
Sadly, none of them had that chance. Only Naruto did.
"Alright, let's continue!"
With the students quieted, the teacher resumed the lesson.
In the past, Naruto would've been overjoyed at this kind of special treatment.
But now, he felt nothing.
Because he didn't want it.
Kazuki's words from yesterday in his office had cut deep, leaving a lasting sting.
Naruto hadn't slept all night, his mind racing with those thoughts.
"I'm not useless!! I'll make you see—Uzumaki Naruto is not a worthless person!!"
Useless. That word had become his most hated, even more than being called a demon fox.
"Huh…?"
The teacher blinked in surprise.
Had this kid actually changed?
Just when she expected Naruto to go back to sleep, she noticed him staring wide-eyed at the blackboard.
Even with bloodshot eyes, he forced himself to stay awake, listening intently.
This… was unheard of.
Normally, he'd either sleep or sneak out when the teacher wasn't looking.
At worst, he'd get scolded or smacked—no big deal.
Soon, the entire class noticed something shocking:
Naruto was actually paying attention.
Even when he didn't understand, he kept listening—and even started taking notes.
What the hell?!
Uzumaki Naruto is studying?!
Am I hallucinating?!
Feeling the stares of his teacher and classmates, Naruto's face burned with embarrassment.
Clenching his teeth, he lowered his head and thought fiercely:
"Damn it… I'm not useless! I, Uzumaki Naruto, will study hard!!"
Naruto's sudden change didn't go unnoticed.
The ANBU promptly reported it to the Hokage's office.
When Tsunade heard, her mind blanked for a moment.
After a long pause, she slammed her desk and cursed:
"That little brat! Here I was worried he might've been crushed by the criticism, but instead, after getting chewed out by Kazuki, he actually starts studying properly?! That kid really does have an attitude problem, just like Kazuki said—talent aside! If I ever worry about him again, I'll write my name backward!"
Naruto finally applying himself should have been a good thing…
Yet Tsunade was fuming.
All the concern she'd shown him before now felt like a slap in the face.