Chapter 4: Iruka's Guidance
"Once the chakra within the body reaches a certain level, a ninja's perception, speed, strength, and endurance will all experience a significant boost," Iruka explained, his tone serious.
"In times of war, someone possessing such power could be considered a full-fledged ninja and would be eligible to graduate from the Academy." He then looked at Tsuruma Nobuyuki. "And right now, Nobuyuki has already reached that level."
The students gasped in shock, their eyes wide with admiration.
"So, Sasuke," Iruka continued, turning to the defeated Uchiha, "even if you are a member of the Uchiha clan, you cannot defeat Nobuyuki right now."
Iruka moved swiftly, appearing in front of Sasuke and restraining him with ease before he could charge forward again. The reality of his words sank in, and Sasuke clenched his fists in frustration, lowering his head.
Meanwhile, the rest of the class erupted in whispers.
"So amazing!"
"Wait… does this mean Nobuyuki won't have to do those boring assignments anymore?" one boy muttered enviously.
A tic mark appeared on Iruka's forehead.
Nobuyuki, on the other hand, took in his words carefully. Though Iruka had referred to his level as "Chūnin chakra," Nobuyuki had already discovered this threshold himself through repeated chakra refinement.
When his chakra had gone from 91 to 92 points, he had distinctly felt a shift—his chakra flowed more smoothly through his meridians, enhancing his muscles and reflexes in a way he hadn't experienced before.
He had originally thought of calling this "Chakra Mode Lv1," but now it seemed like "Chūnin Mode" might be a more appropriate name.
Still, names weren't his priority right now. What mattered was using this opportunity to learn new skills from Iruka, which would allow him to gain experience points more efficiently.
With that in mind, he raised his hand.
"Iruka-sensei, you know so much," Nobuyuki said with a respectful nod. "I had only felt that refining a large amount of chakra made me stronger, but now I understand that this is the standard for a Chūnin. If that's the case, could you teach me something new?"
Iruka blinked in surprise.
"Otherwise," Nobuyuki continued, "if even Sasuke can't keep up, I won't have much of a challenge anymore. I don't want to waste my time just sitting around."
Iruka hesitated.
"You… want to learn new ninjutsu?" he asked cautiously.
Nobuyuki shook his head.
"Iruka-sensei, my father passed away early, so I never had much guidance on what I should be learning as a ninja. I don't know the proper steps to take next, so I wanted to ask for your advice."
Hearing that, Iruka's expression softened.
Nobuyuki knew from experience that asking teachers for help often yielded better results than relying on personal study. Teachers—especially good ones—were more than willing to guide students who showed genuine enthusiasm.
And Iruka was one of the best.
"If you're not asking for ninjutsu, then that makes things easier," Iruka said with relief.
Nobuyuki smiled.
"Sensei, I understand that ninjutsu is a ninja's most valuable skill," he said. "Asking you to teach me jutsu so easily would be no different than asking for money."
Iruka quickly shook his head.
"That's not it at all! Teaching ninjutsu to an outstanding student like you would only make me feel proud," Iruka said earnestly. "But ninjutsu training can be dangerous, and as your teacher, I can't allow you to get hurt because of my lessons."
His words were simple, but the sincerity behind them was unmistakable.
For a moment, Nobuyuki felt guilty for trying to manipulate the situation.
"I really misjudged him," he thought. "I was being too calculating when he genuinely cares about his students."
Iruka seemed to have made up his mind.
"If you can wake up early," Iruka said, "then every morning, before classes start, you can come to the Academy thirty minutes early. I will personally teach you some commonly used Chūnin-level taijutsu techniques."
Nobuyuki's eyes lit up.
"In addition," Iruka continued, "I can recommend you for the second-year practical combat class and the third-year ninjutsu training sessions. Would that be acceptable?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Iruka hesitated.
Why was he asking for approval from a student?
He was an adult, a Chūnin, and a teacher. He shouldn't need a student's permission to set their curriculum.
But when he saw Nobuyuki's grateful expression, he realized why he had done it.
"Nobuyuki really acts like an adult," Iruka thought. "He isn't just strong—he's mature. Is this what it means to be a genius?"
His emotions were complicated. He had always dreamed of nurturing a student who would grow into one of Konoha's pillars. But now, it felt like he hadn't even done anything—Nobuyuki was already far ahead.
Just as Iruka was lost in thought, a voice interrupted.
"Iruka-sensei, that's not fair!"
Iruka sighed before even turning around. He already knew who it was.
Uzumaki Naruto.
"It's not fair that you're giving Nobuyuki private lessons!" Naruto huffed.
Iruka crossed his arms.
"Nobuyuki has already surpassed his classmates in strength," he said firmly. "If any other student reaches the same level, I will give them additional lessons as well."
Some students laughed.
"Come on, Naruto, did you even hear what sensei said?" one of them teased. "Nobuyuki already beat Sasuke and has Chūnin-level chakra. He's the top of the class now!"
Naruto scowled.
"That doesn't mean I won't fight him!" he declared. "I, Naruto Uzumaki, will prove that I'm the strongest!"
The class burst into laughter.
"Enough, Naruto," a boy snickered. "You're the dead last. At least have some self-awareness before challenging him!"
Naruto's face turned red.
It was true—he was smaller than most of the boys in class, and his malnutrition left him physically weaker. He was also impulsive and struggled with learning. Though the Academy had only been in session for half a month, he had already been labeled the dead last.
But Nobuyuki knew better.
He had read the manga, seen the anime—Naruto wasn't just some weakling. He was the hidden heir of the Fourth Hokage, the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, and the future Seventh Hokage.
He wasn't interested in clinging to Naruto for protection or power.
But…
Naruto was durable. Tough. An ideal training dummy.
So Nobuyuki grinned.
"Well, since no one else can keep up with me, why not?" he said. "I'll take you on, Naruto. Just don't cry when I go easy on you!"
Naruto grinned right back.
"Bring it on!"
The class erupted into excitement once again as the two prepared to fight.