Chapter 12: Comparisons and Growth!
The central gathering area of Training Ground 7 buzzed with exhausted but animated conversation as all three teams reconvened after their individual scenarios. Students sprawled on benches and patches of grass, some nursing minor injuries, others still riding the adrenaline high of their first real combat training.
Kōzaru, Tatsuma, and Aotaka approached the group with both puppies in tow, immediately drawing curious glances from their classmates. Word of their performance had clearly spread—several students were openly staring, while others whispered among themselves.
"Well, well," Asuma called out as they joined the circle, a slight grin on his face despite the exhaustion in his eyes. "If it isn't the team that made two chunin look like academy students."
"We heard you guys absolutely demolished your scenario," Kurenai added, though her tone carried a note of friendly competition. "Forty-two minutes with complete objective success? That's... impressive."
Guy bounded to his feet with characteristic enthusiasm, though even his boundless energy seemed slightly dimmed by whatever his team had endured. "Excellent work, my youthful friends! Your flames of determination burned brightly today!"
"How did everyone else do?" Kōzaru asked, settling down with his teammates as both puppies immediately claimed spots in the grass nearby.
"Our team had the urban combat scenario," Raido explained, unconsciously rubbing his shoulder where a training kunai had obviously found its mark. "Rooftop pursuit and close-quarters building clearing. We completed the objective, but it took us nearly the full hour."
"The instructors kept changing the parameters mid-mission," Asuma added with a slight grimace. "Every time we adapted to one challenge, they threw something new at us. Kept us on our toes."
"What about Team Two?" Tatsuma asked, looking toward Guy's group.
Guy's expression grew even more determined, if that were possible. "We faced the endurance gauntlet! A test of our youthful stamina and unwavering spirit!"
"Translation," Genma said dryly, the senbon needle in his mouth bobbing as he spoke. "We ran obstacle courses for an hour straight while chunin threw training weapons at us. I think I lost three pounds in sweat alone."
"The power of youth sustained us through every challenge!" Guy declared, though even he was still breathing slightly heavily. "Though I must admit, Ebisu's strategic thinking proved invaluable when we had to navigate the trap maze."
Ebisu adjusted his sunglasses with what might have been pride. "Proper analysis and tactical planning are essential for any successful mission. Enthusiasm alone isn't always sufficient."
"Still completed it though," Genma added with grudging respect. "Guy literally carried me through the last quarter mile when my legs gave out."
"But none of us got recommended for immediate graduation," Kurenai observed, her red eyes studying the trio with curiosity rather than jealousy. "What exactly happened in your scenario?"
Kōzaru exchanged glances with his teammates. How much should they reveal about their capabilities?
"We had to retrieve a scroll while avoiding or defeating two chunin guards," Aotaka explained carefully. "It required... creative tactics."
"Creative is one word for it," came a familiar voice from behind them. Instructor Takeshi approached the group, now cleaned up and with his wounds properly bandaged. "What they accomplished was tactical coordination at a level I wouldn't expect from most genin teams."
The other students turned to listen as Takeshi continued his assessment.
"The strategic use of diversions, environmental advantages, and seamless teamwork between human and animal partners—it was textbook tactics elevated to an art form. Plus, each of them demonstrated techniques beyond their supposed skill level."
"What kind of techniques?" Asuma asked with genuine interest.
"Shadow clones. Lightning-style chakra flow. Wind-style jutsu. All executed with precision and tactical awareness." Takeshi's expression grew more serious. "These three aren't just academy students anymore. They're combat-ready ninja who happen to still be in school."
The weight of that statement settled over the group. Several students shifted uncomfortably, while others looked at the trio with new respect—and perhaps a touch of wariness.
"That's... actually kind of intimidating," Kurenai admitted honestly. "We're all working toward the same goal, but you three seem to be operating on a completely different level. When did you guys even learn such high level techniques?"
"It's not that different," Kōzaru protested, uncomfortable with being singled out. "We just—"
"Had advantages the rest of us don't," Ebisu interrupted, though his tone wasn't accusatory. "Those ninja hounds, for instance. That's a force multiplier most students will never have access to."
"Plus whatever's been helping you develop so quickly," Raido added thoughtfully. "There's been something different about how you three these last few days."
An uncomfortable silence fell over the group. The trio exchanged meaningful looks—their classmates were perceptive enough to notice that something was unusual about their behaviour and sudden development, even if they couldn't identify exactly what.
"We've been training hard," Tatsuma said finally, which was true enough without revealing anything about the system.
"Haven't we all?" Genma replied with a slight edge to his voice. "But most of us aren't mastering chunin-level techniques in our spare time." He then said with a shrug of his shoulders.
The tension was building when Guy suddenly clapped his hands together with a resounding crack.
"Enough!" he declared with renewed enthusiasm. "Whether through natural talent, hard work, or special advantages, our friends have achieved something remarkable! Instead of questioning their success, we should be inspired by it!"
His eyes literally sparkled as he continued. "Their youthful flames have shown us what's possible! Now we must burn even brighter to catch up to them!"
"Guy's right," Asuma said after a moment, his diplomatic nature asserting itself. "Competition makes everyone stronger. If you three are setting a higher bar, then the rest of us need to step up our game."
"Exactly!" Kurenai agreed, though her competitive spirit was clearly ignited. "Next training session, we'll see who really comes out on top."
The mood lightened considerably as the focus shifted from suspicion to friendly rivalry. Students began comparing notes on their different scenarios, sharing techniques and discussing improvements for future training.
As the afternoon training session wound down and students began heading home, Kōzaru found himself walking alongside his two closest friends, both puppies trotting contentedly beside them before Yuki jumped up his back and sat on his shoulder. The academy grounds were peaceful in the late afternoon light, a stark contrast to the intensity of the morning's combat training.
"That got a bit tense for a minute there," Tatsuma observed as they made their way toward the main gates.
"They're not stupid," Aotaka replied thoughtfully. "They can tell something's different about us, even if they don't know what. I keep forgetting this isn't a game, its real."
"We'll need to be more careful, I mean our characters didn't even exist in this world until that God or whatever it was placed us here. And with our memories in this life we should be carful how much we let." Kōzaru then said, getting a nod of agreement from the others.
As they reached the point where their paths home would diverge, Tatsuma suddenly stopped. "Hey, before we split up—shouldn't we take a proper look at our systems? I mean, we've been using them, but I feel like we don't really understand how they work."
"Good point," Aotaka agreed. "We all levelled up, and have skill points to spend. Maybe we should figure out what these stats actually mean before we start throwing points around randomly."
They found a quiet spot in a small park near the academy, settling under a large oak tree that provided both shade and privacy. Both puppies immediately claimed spots in the grass, apparently understanding that this was thinking time rather than play time.
"Alright," Kōzaru said, focusing on his system display. "Let's see what we're working with."
The familiar translucent screen materialized in his vision, but this time he concentrated on the details he'd previously glossed over. As if responding to his focused attention, additional information began to appear.
[SYSTEM INFORMATION: STAT BREAKDOWN]
Main Stats:
Taijutsu: Physical combat proficiency. Also increases strength, speed, and physical endurance.
Ninjutsu: Chakra technique mastery. Also increases chakra control and total chakra pool.
Genjutsu: Illusion techniques. Also increases mental resistance and analytical intelligence.
Kenjutsu: Weapon combat skills. Also increases dexterity and precision with all tools.
Skill Level Breakdown:
1–10: Academy/Basic techniques.
11–20: Genin-level techniques.
21–30: Chunin-level techniques.
31–40: Jonin/ANBU-level techniques.
41–50: S-rank/Kage-level techniques.
"Whoa," Tatsuma breathed as he absorbed the same information. "So at our current levels, we're barely scratching academy-level techniques in most areas?"
"Looks like it," Aotaka confirmed. "Though some of us are already pushing into genin territory in specific areas."
Kōzaru studied his current statistics with new understanding:
[KŌZARU INUZUKA]
Level 3: EXP (50/300)
Skill Points Available: 3
Health: 115 + (7×2) = 129.
Chakra: 115 + (2×3) = 121.
Current Stats:
Taijutsu: 5.
Ninjutsu: 2.
Genjutsu: 2.
Kenjutsu: 2.
Abilities:
Wind Style: Gale Palm (Cost: 20 chakra)
Body Flicker Technique (Cost: 10 chakra)
Special:
Heightened Senses (Inuzuka heritage)
Yuki & Riku (Ninja hounds) Basic Pack Coordination.
"So if I understand this right," he said slowly, "my Taijutsu is already at five, which puts me in the middle of the academy range. But everything else is barely started."
"Makes sense with our clan choices," Tatsuma agreed, examining his own display. "Look at mine:"
[TATSUMA UZUMAKI]
Level 3: EXP (0/300)
Skill Points Available: 3
Health: 115 + (4×2) = 123.
Chakra: 130 + (4×2) + Uzumaki Bonus = 164
Current Stats:
Taijutsu: 4.
Ninjutsu: 4.
Genjutsu: 4.
Kenjutsu: 4.
Abilities:
Shadow Clone Jutsu (Cost: 25 chakra per clone) Shadow Clone Shuriken (Cost: 20 chakra)
Special:
Enhanced Endurance (+20 chakra points)
"I'm more balanced, but that Uzumaki chakra bonus is incredible. I've got way more chakra than either of you."
"And I'm the opposite extreme," Aotaka said, sharing his display:
[AOTAKA SENJU]
Level 3: EXP (0/300)
Skill Points Available: 3.
Health: 130 + (4×2) + Senju Bonus = 158.
Chakra: 115 + (4×2) = 123
Current Stats:
Taijutsu: 4.
Ninjutsu: 4.
Genjutsu: 4.
Kenjutsu: 4.
Abilities:
Lightning Style: Static Force (Cost: 20 chakra) Chakra Flow Enhancement (Cost: 20 chakra)
Special:
Enhanced Strength and Endurance (+20 health points)
"Balanced stats like Tatsuma, but my Senju heritage gives me way more health instead of chakra."
"Then how is it we are able to use Jutsu like shadow clones or Lightning style?" Tatsuma suddenly asked.
"Aren't they like high level Jutsu?"
"It must be because we used our starting skill points to buy them, giving us instant access to these skills from the get go. Pretty powerful if you ask me... Makes me wonder if I should have chosen another element." Aotaka said, remembering all of the options they had been given.
"That makes sense." Tatsuma then said as he turned his attention back to his display.
The three of them sat in contemplative silence for several minutes, each considering how to spend their skill points. The decision felt significant—these weren't just numbers, but choices that would shape their development as ninja.
"I know what I want to do," Tatsuma said finally. "That shadow clone jutsu is incredible, but I can feel that there's more to unlock. If I put all three points into Ninjutsu, I might reach the threshold for more advanced techniques."
"All three points in one stat?" Aotaka asked. "That seems... focused."
"Sometimes focus is better than spreading yourself thin," Tatsuma replied with conviction. "My clan specialty is chakra techniques. I should lean into that strength."
He concentrated on his system, and they watched as his display updated:
[TATSUMA UZUMAKI - UPDATED]
Skill Points Available: 0 Chakra: 130 + (7×2) + Uzumaki Bonus = 164
Updated Stats:
Ninjutsu: 7 (Previously 4)
"Seven points in Ninjutsu," he said with satisfaction. "Still academy level, but I can feel the increase in chakra already!"
Aotaka nodded thoughtfully. "That actually makes sense for me too, but in a different direction." He paused, organizing his thoughts. "That chakra flow technique I learned—I think it's just the beginning. If I'm going to channel lightning through weapons, I should get an actual sword and learn to use it properly."
"Kenjutsu focus?" Kōzaru asked.
"Exactly. My Senju strength combined with lightning-enhanced weapons... I think that's my path forward."
Aotaka made his selection, and his display shifted:
[AOTAKA SENJU - UPDATED]
Skill Points Available: 0 Health: 130 + (4×2) + Senju Bonus = 158
Updated Stats:
Kenjutsu: 7 (Previously 4)
"I can already feel the difference," he said, flexing his hands experimentally. "Better weapon handling, improved precision, not only in swords but in shurkienjutsu too. I definitely need to get a proper sword now." He roared as he pumped his small bicep.
Both friends looked expectantly at Kōzaru, who was still staring at his system display with a thoughtful frown.
"Having trouble deciding?" Tatsuma asked.
"Sort of," Kōzaru admitted. "You two have clear specialization paths, but I'm not sure what mine should be. The Inuzuka clan is known for Taijutsu and working with ninja hounds, but I've also been effective with Wind Style techniques."
He studied his options carefully. His current Taijutsu of 5 was already his highest stat, putting him ahead of his friends in physical combat. But advancing his Ninjutsu would give him more chakra control and potentially unlock more Wind Style techniques.
"Maybe a mixed approach?" Aotaka suggested. "You don't have to specialize as narrowly as we did."
After several more minutes of consideration, Kōzaru made his decision. "Two points in Taijutsu, one in Ninjutsu. I want to build on my physical combat strength—that's my natural advantage—but I don't want to neglect my chakra techniques entirely."
His display updated:
[KŌZARU INUZUKA - UPDATED]
Skill Points Available: 0 Health: 115 + (7×2) = 129 Chakra: 115 + (3×3) = 124
Updated Stats:
Taijutsu: 7 (Previously 5) Ninjutsu: 3 (Previously 2)
As the changes took effect, Kōzaru felt a subtle but noticeable shift in his body. His muscles felt more responsive, his balance more natural. The single point in Ninjutsu wasn't dramatic, but he could sense improved chakra flow.
"Seven in Taijutsu," he said with satisfaction. "Same as your Ninjutsu and Kenjutsu scores. We're all developing our strengths."
"And look at our health and chakra increases," Tatsuma pointed out excitedly. "Your chakra went up, my chakra increased even more, and Aotaka..." He trailed off as he looked at his friend's updated display.
"My health is ridiculous now," Aotaka said with wonder. "158 points? That's more than some chunin probably have."
"While I've got 164 chakra points," Tatsuma added. "Between the Uzumaki bonus and the Ninjutsu increases, I can probably maintain multiple shadow clones for extended periods now!"
"We're really getting stronger," Kōzaru observed, feeling both excitement and a slight sense of vertigo at their rapid development. "This system... it's changing us fundamentally."
Both puppies had been watching the conversation with alert interest, and now Yuki approached Kōzaru with what seemed like curiosity. Through their empathic link, he could sense her awareness that something significant had happened, even if she couldn't understand the specifics.
"I wonder if they'll develop too," he mused, scratching behind her ears. "As we get stronger, do our bonds get deeper?"
"Only one way to find out," Aotaka said, stretching as he prepared to head home. "But for now, I think we've done enough development for one day. My brain feels like it's been through a training course."
"Agreed," Tatsuma said, stifling a yawn. "All this combat training and system exploration is exhausting. I need food and sleep, probably in that order."
As they gathered their belongings and prepared to part ways, Kōzaru felt a deep sense of satisfaction. They had proven themselves in combat, gained recognition from their instructors, and taken significant steps forward in their development, all in a very short space of time.
More importantly, they had done it together as a team. Whatever challenges tomorrow would bring, they would face them as stronger, more capable ninja than they had been that morning.
"Same time tomorrow?" Tatsuma asked as they reached the intersection where their paths home diverged.
"Wouldn't miss it," Aotaka replied with a grin.
"We'll be ready," Kōzaru added, with both puppies flanking him as they headed toward the Inuzuka compound.
As he walked home through the peaceful village streets, Kōzaru reflected on how much had changed in just a few short days. From normal humans living their normal lives, to being reborn into the world of Naruto as academy students, to suddenly becoming combat-ready ninja being considered for early graduation—the transformation had been remarkable.
All that was left was to take one day at a time. For who knows what the next day could bring.