Chapter 4: Rapid GrowthAfter successfully learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu, Naruto also memorized the training methods for the Rasengan and the Flying Thunder God Technique from the Scroll of Seals. Though he couldn't master those advanced jutsu overnight, it was undeniable that he had gained a huge advantage. The reason Naruto prioritized learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu) was because he knew from the manga that using clones allowed him to multiply his training speed exponentially by sharing experiences upon dispelling the clones.
Without Yamato's Wood Release to help control the Nine-Tails' chakra, Naruto could only safely maintain around one hundred shadow clones. Training and fighting were two different things: combat demanded bursts of explosive power, but training required continuous, stable chakra control. Naruto could sustain this number because of his better-than-average chakra control, boosted spiritual energy, and the enormous reserves of chakra he inherited from both the Uzumaki bloodline and the Kyūbi sealed inside him. Even so, maintaining one hundred clones daily was already astonishing for a child of his age.
From then on, in a secluded corner of Konohagakure, hundreds of Narutos could be seen climbing trees, walking on water, throwing shuriken, and performing taijutsu drills every night. Luckily, Naruto chose a remote training area near the woods, so he avoided attracting attention.
One day, since there were no classes, Naruto went to the forest for extra practice. There, he spotted several boys surrounding and taunting a timid young girl. As he got closer, he immediately recognized her as Hyuga Hinata, the gentle but introverted heiress of the Hyuga clan—who in the manga would later grow into one of Konoha's most beautiful kunoichi.
Without hesitation, Naruto jumped between them. "What do you think you're doing? Ganging up on one girl? Get lost!" The boys laughed at first, but Naruto smirked and said, "Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Instantly, twenty identical Narutos appeared, surrounding the bullies. Terrified by the sight of the clones, the kids screamed and ran away without a fight.
Naruto turned to the stunned Hinata. "If anyone bullies you again, come find me," he said casually. Hinata's face turned beet red, and she stammered, "T-thank you, Naruto-kun…" barely audible as usual. Naruto, thinking he had just saved the damsel in distress, waved coolly and said, "Seriously, don't hesitate next time," before walking off. What he didn't realize was that this simple act left a lasting impression in Hinata's heart—one that would only grow stronger with time.
This made Naruto reflect: appearances mattered too. He decided to change his hairstyle to a neater, more handsome style. Thanks to his top performance in class, he was soon compared to Uchiha Sasuke, the acknowledged genius. But unlike Sasuke, who was aloof and distant, Naruto's friendly nature made him more approachable. As a result, Naruto gradually became more popular among both boys and girls in his class.
The days passed peacefully. Naruto's use of Shadow Clones allowed him to master tree climbing, water walking, and fine chakra control far faster than in the original timeline. With his foundation solid, it was time to begin practicing the Rasengan and Flying Thunder God Technique (Hiraishin no Jutsu)—though he knew both were extremely difficult, even with multiple clones. Unlike ordinary ninjutsu, these techniques required not just repetition, but high-level precision and theoretical understanding.
Naruto also maintained his taijutsu training, knowing that without a strong body, his chakra techniques would be meaningless. He discovered a key drawback of the Shadow Clone method: accumulated mental fatigue. The memories of hundreds of clones could be overwhelming, causing Naruto to constantly doze off in class. However, since he was already a top student, Iruka-sensei overlooked his occasional naps. Naruto's enormous appetite also grew to astonishing levels due to the chakra consumption, but the Third Hokage, who cared deeply for Naruto, made sure he never went hungry.
Thanks to years of this unrelenting pace, Naruto's mastery of ninjutsu grew at terrifying speed. Several years of the Ninja Academy flashed by, and the Graduation Exam finally arrived. The test was simple: basic taijutsu, the Three Basic Techniques (Henge no Jutsu, Kawarimi no Jutsu, Bunshin no Jutsu), and written ninja knowledge. For both Naruto and Sasuke, who were now acknowledged as class geniuses, it was laughably easy. Both were admired by many girls in the class, though Sasuke remained cold while Naruto was far more sociable.
By this time, Naruto's Three Basic Techniques had reached near-Chūnin level—his Transformation Jutsu and Substitution Jutsu were as seamless as Kakashi's. His taijutsu, enhanced through years of sparring and clone-assisted drills, was only slightly inferior to Rock Lee's, and Lee was forced to admit defeat whenever Naruto used clones in battle. Naruto had even completed his training with the Rasengan, though imperfectly, and had unlocked the fundamentals of the Flying Thunder God Technique. However, he wisely chose to keep these abilities hidden, knowing they were trump cards for life-and-death battles.
Naruto's combination of good looks, outstanding grades, and his warm personality made him more popular than Sasuke in the eyes of many girls. Even Haruno Sakura, who originally liked Sasuke exclusively, now found herself admiring Naruto. Although she still held feelings for Sasuke, she was clearly torn between them.
Soon after the exam, the time came to form the Genin teams. Both Sakura and Yamanaka Ino hoped to be placed with Sasuke or Naruto. However, as in the original story, team assignments were based on balance, not personal wishes. In the end, the original Team 7—Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura—was formed again. Sakura was overjoyed, while Naruto no longer questioned the arrangement, understanding that the Third Hokage likely had deeper reasons.
After team assignment, they were told to wait for their Jōnin-sensei. Naruto, exhausted from clone training, dozed off on the table. Sasuke sat quietly with his usual aloof demeanor, while Sakura, brimming with anticipation, grew increasingly impatient. Hours later, when most other teams had already met their instructors, a silver-haired ninja in a mask finally appeared with an eye-smile. "Yo. Sorry I'm late."
Naruto wasn't surprised. Knowing from the manga that Kakashi Hatake was chronically late, he calmly opened one eye. Sasuke frowned slightly in irritation, and Sakura looked ready to explode. Despite the late arrival, Naruto had a good feeling about Kakashi. In his heart, he already knew: this was the teacher who would change the course of his destiny.