Chapter 10 – Showing Talent
Natsuri went quiet for a moment. Even Iruka, early in the original story, didn't know how to deal with Naruto. From the start, he called him "Natsuri-kun" instead of "Kamikawa-kun," while Naruto was addressed as "Uzumaki-san." That alone already said a lot.
But… it was understandable. Iruka's parents were killed by the Nine-Tailed Fox, after all.
Thinking about that, Natsuri looked at Iruka seriously. "I think Naruto's a good kid."
"Naruto, huh? Sounds like you're pretty close with him." Iruka raised an eyebrow at the mention of the name.
"I guess so. Either way, I'm glad you're saying that." Iruka didn't really know what else to say, so he let the topic drop.
"Iruka-sensei, I've known Naruto since before we entered the academy. Please don't say anything for now. Just watch—and you'll understand." Natsuri formed a hand seal. In a flash, a very familiar figure appeared right in front of Iruka.
His eyes widened.
He had only been in the academy for a short time, yet he could already use the Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique)? And not just use it—he had clearly mastered it. His transformation into Naruto was so realistic, Iruka almost couldn't tell the difference.
Even though he was shocked, Iruka remembered what Natsuri had just said, so he kept quiet.
A few moments later, some new customers walked into Ichiraku Ramen. But the moment they saw "Uzumaki Naruto," their faces twisted in disgust. Some whispered curses under their breath before turning around and walking right back out.
Iruka watched it all from the side, and his heart sank.
Maybe... he was starting to get it.
Natsuri canceled the transformation and looked at him. "Naruto deals with this kind of thing all the time. So the fact that he's still the way he is—that's amazing. If I were in his shoes, I don't think I could stay that strong."
Iruka stayed silent for a long time. Finally, he nodded and said quietly, "You're right. Uzumaki Naruto's had it rough."
"Yeah. And it's not like he did anything wrong. He didn't even get the chance to do something wrong. The villagers hate him for his 'family' or whatever, even though—far as I know—he doesn't have any family left. Blaming a kid for something he didn't do... that's just messed up."
Iruka slowly nodded again. He didn't explain that it wasn't Naruto's ancestors they hated—it was the monster sealed inside him. But Natsuri wasn't wrong. Iruka had always known it deep down, but never fully faced it. Watching it play out in front of him like this made it hit differently.
If even he, a teacher, kept turning a blind eye… then what kind of teacher was he?
Iruka took a deep breath. His shoulders felt lighter somehow. Then, smiling a little, he looked at Natsuri and said, "Alright, let's stop there for now. But Natsuri, you're already using Henge no Jutsu like it's nothing. If I didn't know better, I'd think you'd been practicing for years."
"Yeah, the Three Basic Jutsu are super easy," Natsuri said casually. He formed another hand seal, his fingers moving swiftly.
Iruka's eyes narrowed. That speed—!
His eyes went wide again as Natsuri smoothly executed both Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique) and Kawarimi no Jutsu (Substitution Technique) right in front of him.
He was stunned. Based on his current ninjutsu level alone, he could easily graduate as a genin—especially during wartime standards.
In other words, Natsuri wasn't just talented—he was a real genius.
"Your ramen's ready!" Teuchi, the shop owner, called out, placing steaming bowls in front of them.
"Iruka-sensei, let's eat first," Natsuri said, glancing at his teacher who still looked dazed.
"Ah… yeah. Right." Iruka blinked, finally snapping out of it and picking up his chopsticks.
Of course, everything Natsuri did was intentional. If he'd come from a powerful clan, he would've hidden his skills. But as someone from a civilian background, the only way to get noticed and receive proper training... was to stand out.
If someone like the Sannin were to take him in, he'd instantly shift his entire strategy. But that wasn't realistic.
Orochimaru had already gone rogue. Even if he did show up and wanted to take him in, he'd refuse on principle—for Sinai's sake.
Jiraiya? He was probably still wandering around chasing his "Child of Prophecy" and gathering intel. No way he'd return anytime soon.
And Tsunade? She was a lost cause with her trauma and hatred for the village. Natsuri doubted she'd ever come back.
So for now... he had to make do.
After they finished eating, Natsuri said goodbye to Iruka and left. He still hadn't fully recovered from the shock.
Watching him stumble off like that, Natsuri smirked a little. Mission complete.
He was almost certain Iruka would report everything to the Third Hokage. Even if the Hokage only acted as the symbolic head of the academy, he was still in charge at the end of the day.
Now, it was time to train.
He knew he had talent with ninjutsu—but that didn't mean he could slack off. The basics were still the foundation of everything. And basics meant chakra control.
He'd already burned through most of his chakra today practicing the Three Basic Jutsu. Even with natural recovery, he was nearly empty. So, more practice could wait.
Next on the list: tree climbing and walking on water.
Those exercises didn't need much chakra, but they demanded precise control. After today, he was confident he could learn them quickly.
Also, he could probably start sparring with Rock Lee soon.
Now that he had some actual techniques to work with, he could at least put up a fight. He'd probably still lose, sure—but he could fight back now. It was time to stop studying in theory and start applying it.
He also needed to plan for Kage Bunshin no Jutsu—and eventually, elemental chakra control.
So many goals... His head was spinning just thinking about it all.
Still, progress was progress.
If he kept this up, maybe he'd surprise everyone by the time graduation rolled around.
Meanwhile, Iruka had already made his way to the Hokage's office. He couldn't keep this to himself—Natsuri's talent needed to be recognized.
"Ah, Iruka. What brings you here?" Sarutobi Hiruzen—the Third Hokage—looked up, a little surprised but smiling kindly.
Iruka glanced briefly at the crystal ball nearby, still glowing faintly, then gave his full report about Natsuri's abilities.
"I see…" Hiruzen's expression turned thoughtful. "He does sound like a promising one."
After a moment of silence, he said, "No need to assign him a new teacher just yet. I think you're capable enough for now, Iruka. But feel free to teach him some jutsu outside the academy's curriculum."
"Yes, sir," Iruka replied with a nod before taking his leave.
Hiruzen puffed on his long pipe, his eyes narrowing as he stared out the window.
A genius like that... reminded him of Minato. But he didn't have the time or strength to train another student personally.
Jiraiya or Tsunade could do it—but reaching them was another story entirely.
For now, all he could do was wait and see.
If this child was truly as gifted as he seemed, then once his chakra reserves matured, maybe... just maybe, it would be worth handing him that jutsu early.
Just like he once did for Minato.
Konoha might have another Yellow Flash in the making...
"Maybe this time," Hiruzen muttered, eyes gleaming with hope, "things will be different."
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