900 POWA STONES!!! C'mon guys we're close to 1000 POWA STONES!!!!!!
Chapter 63: Plan Successful
Soon, Naruto and Satsuki launched into what could only be described as a ninja-level taijutsu exchange. Their figures moved rapidly across the open ground, the dull sounds of fists and feet colliding echoing periodically. Their movements were so fast they dazzled the eye, yet they maintained a delicate balance throughout—trading blows in an evenly matched contest.
The spectacular match drew wave after wave of cheers and encouragement from the watching classmates.
Of course, among the cheering voices rising and falling from the sidelines, eight or nine out of ten were directed at Satsuki. The little boys in class flushed red as they shouted "Go Satsuki-chan!" at the top of their lungs, trying to attract her attention through such straightforward methods—though Satsuki completely ignored them.
In truth, this seemingly evenly matched taijutsu bout had been deliberately controlled by Naruto from the very beginning. With the system's taijutsu enhancements, his positioning was less "hardworking genius" and more "hardworking cheat character."
Though Naruto had obtained the Hiraishin no Jutsu through the system lottery, he was gradually discovering that he'd apparently inherited some of his father Namikaze Minato's reaction speed talent. Otherwise, he never could have suppressed the Raikage in that fight.
During their first sparring session, when Satsuki used Kawarimi no Jutsu, he'd clearly had the opportunity to interrupt directly and nullify her technique, but he'd deliberately slowed his movements, choosing to hold back.
Why deliberately control the rhythm to make this match appear evenly contested? The answer was actually simple—to consider Satsuki's feelings.
Though the Uchiha clan was warlike with an inherent pride that refused defeat, they disliked battles where they were overwhelmingly crushed. If the power gap became too large, making her feel an insurmountable chasm, with her proud nature, she might be devastated by the blow.
What if? What if Satsuki developed self-doubt from such a massive difference, feeling there was no room for growth staying in Konoha, and Orochimaru exploited that vulnerability to lure her away?
But logic told Naruto this scenario was unlikely. Satsuki valued relationships and had strong attachments to those around her. Moreover, he'd already resolved to prevent the Uchiha massacre tragedy—as long as that didn't happen, Satsuki had no reason to defect.
Even so, Naruto wanted to cover all his bases. Why? He couldn't quite explain it himself. Perhaps subconsciously, he didn't want any accidents to occur—he just wanted to add layer upon layer of insurance to ensure Satsuki stayed by his side, guaranteeing nothing could go wrong.
The exchange on the field continued until Iruka finally called a halt. "Alright, this sparring session ends here!" If it dragged on any longer, the other students wouldn't be able to train at all.
Ultimately, the match ended in a draw. Hearing this result, both Naruto and Satsuki showed obvious dissatisfaction—though Naruto's expression was mostly an act.
The two formed the seal of reconciliation as instructed, then returned to the spectator area together, leaving behind the training ground that had burst back into activity.
---
By the time all sparring sessions ended, the sun had begun to set. Iruka clapped his hands and announced dismissal. The children immediately cheered as they gathered their things, the noise flowing like a tide toward the school gates.
Most of the children were quickly picked up by waiting parents at the school entrance—some threw themselves into their parents' arms to act spoiled, others excitedly shared interesting school stories. Laughter and chatter drifted through the air with the gradually departing figures.
Iruka stood in place watching this scene, suddenly feeling a faint loneliness rise in his heart, carrying an indefinable emptiness.
Just then, his peripheral vision caught sight of figures by the school gate—Naruto still stood there with his back turned, seemingly talking with Uchiha Satsuki beside him. Satsuki tilted her head slightly as the two stood close together, clearly engaged in animated conversation.
Was he chatting with friends because no one came to pick him up? Iruka's heart stirred slightly. This child, like himself, would return to an empty home.
With this thought, he stepped toward the school gate, having already made his decision—he'd invite Naruto for a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen, just like last time. At least he could let this child feel a bit more warmth before going home alone.
As he gradually approached the pair with their backs to him, Iruka could faintly hear their conversation.
"Seriously, Iruka-sensei worries way too much. Without being able to use ninjutsu, we can't fight seriously at all."
"Exactly! He won't even let us use ninja tools—doesn't he know that projectile techniques are the Uchiha specialty? Otherwise, you'd never be my match."
"Hah? Pretty big talk there. You should know I've already learned most of the jutsu scrolls the Third Hokage gave me. Even Suiton: Suiryudan no Jutsu, which usually only jonin can use, I can already perform skillfully."
"With that turtle-slow hand seal speed of yours?"
"What's that supposed to mean, second tomato? You're pretty dissatisfied, aren't you? How about we find somewhere to fight at full strength? Let's see who's really stronger."
"Hmph, I was thinking the same thing. Then let's find a place..."
Listening to their conversation, Iruka felt like something was blocking his chest—he could barely catch his breath. These two brats hadn't listened to a word he'd said!
"Hey, you two!"
Iruka's voice exploded beside them, carrying suppressed anger. Both Naruto and Satsuki jumped in surprise, spinning around with lingering shock on their faces to meet Iruka's furious glare.
"I... Iruka-sensei?" Naruto shrank his neck while Satsuki rarely restrained her pride, her gaze somewhat evasive.
"You two absolute blockheads! You didn't listen to a single word I said, did you?!"
Iruka's voice suddenly rose. "I told you those jutsu are too dangerous for kids your age! And you want to use real ninja tools too? Do you want to become ninja while dragging around permanent injuries? The meaning of being a ninja isn't about who has more powerful techniques or sharper tools! It's about understanding how to control your strength, protecting important people—not showing off for momentary satisfaction! If something goes wrong during sparring, how will you carry out missions later? Do you think ninja grow strong through this kind of reckless competition? This is absolutely ridiculous!"
Iruka's lecture continued endlessly. Perhaps he really was suited to be a teacher—his patience was beyond what ordinary people could match.
However, Naruto suddenly interrupted Iruka's words. "Agh, how annoying. I get it already... but still."
He flashed Iruka a brilliant smile. "You can't become a strong ninja by playing house forever. See you later, sensei!"
With that, Naruto grabbed Satsuki's wrist and ran. Satsuki went along obediently without struggling. The two rushed toward the school exit.
"Hey! You two stop right there!"
"No way! See you tomorrow, sensei!" Naruto shouted back without turning his head or slowing his pace. Iruka couldn't see the "mission accomplished" expression on Naruto's face.
"Damn brat! You're going to get what's coming to you!"
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