"Clone Technique—X10!"
Naruto's voice rang through the classroom, punctuated by the steady rhythm of hand seals. For the entire Basic Ninjutsu lesson, he had been relentlessly practicing the Clone Technique, repeating it again and again without a moment's rest.
"Clone Technique!" he shouted, sweat dripping down his brow.
"Damn it…" he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists, then quickly shook it off and went at it again.
"Clone Technique!"
The effort was exhausting. Ninjutsu training required not only high levels of Chakra and stamina but also mental fortitude and relentless endurance. Naruto's natural reserves of Chakra and physical durability were impressive, rated as excellent even for an elite ninja student. Yet his mental resilience had always lagged behind.
At first, it had seemed impossible. He would tire quickly, his focus would waver, and frustration would gnaw at him. But now, pushed by the system's "gentle reminder" and the looming minor punishment that awaited him if he failed, Naruto threw himself into training with everything he had. Every movement, every hand seal, every thought was focused and precise.
"The host has completed fifty Clone Technique training repetitions. Mastery increased, proficiency +1!"
Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. He looked at the newly created clone, now less ridiculous than before, and threw his arms into the air. "This is amazing!" he shouted, grinning.
Sasuke, Sakura, and the other classmates watched silently, unable to hide their astonishment. Even Iruka-sensei approached, observing Naruto carefully.
"Naruto," Iruka said, a hint of exasperation in his voice, "your clone is still lying on the ground!"
Naruto pointed confidently at it. "Look closely, Iruka-sensei! It's not sticking its tongue out or rolling its eyes anymore. It's… as if it's sleeping!"
Indeed, compared to his earlier clones—those disastrous figures that looked like he had drunk fake alcohol—this one at least appeared natural, relaxed, and intact.
Iruka-sensei sighed, conflicted between annoyance and pride. "The Clone Technique is meant to distract enemies. What's the point if it just lies on the ground?"
But he couldn't deny Naruto's effort. While the rest of the class had begun to disperse, exhausted or bored, Naruto had pushed to the very end, unwavering and focused. His diligence was undeniable.
Curiosity overcame her restraint. Hinata stepped forward slightly and asked softly, "Naruto-kun… you've been working so hard lately… do you have a goal you're aiming for?"
Naruto's eyes gleamed with determination. "Iruka-sensei… I need to be in the top ten of the class on next month's evaluation!" His declaration was raw, sincere, and utterly uncompromising.
The classroom erupted in laughter.
"Hahaha! This Naruto guy… is he crazy?"
"Top ten in a month? He's a total Diao Che Wei! Impossible!"
"I'm dying of laughter!"
Even so, Sasuke watched quietly, frowning slightly. He saw the seriousness in Naruto's expression—this wasn't a joke.
"What is this Diao Che Wei thinking?" he muttered to himself. "Why has he changed so completely in the last two days?"
Hinata's face flushed slightly, a small, encouraging smile appearing. "Naruto-kun… you can do it…" she whispered, her voice full of quiet faith.
Despite the mockery, Iruka-sensei remained serious. He placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto, I can see your determination. I've noticed the effort you've put in these past two days. But… there's no need to rush. Progress is important, but it must be step by step. Setting a goal to reach the top ten in a month is ambitious, maybe even too ambitious."
He continued with measured words. "When setting goals, Naruto, don't compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday. Only then will you see real growth."
Naruto listened intently, understanding the wisdom in Iruka-sensei's words. He knew the teacher cared, but his resolve was unshakable.
"Iruka-sensei, I understand… but I must reach the top ten in a month!" he insisted, his voice filled with unwavering determination.
The class laughed again, unable to contain their disbelief, but Iruka-sensei remained calm. "Why do you insist so much, Naruto? Why is this goal so important to you?"
Naruto's face grew serious, his eyes burning with a quiet fire. "Because…" he hesitated, then shook his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I can't tell you!"
Iruka-sensei didn't laugh. Instead, he nodded and stroked Naruto's head gently. "That's fine. If you have such ambition, that's already admirable. Even if you don't achieve it fully, the effort you put in will make you stronger than you were before. Remember, Naruto—you're already improving with every attempt. Keep going. If you ever need guidance, I'm here."
Grateful beyond words, Naruto bowed his head respectfully. "Understood, Iruka-sensei! I'll keep pushing forward!"
The bell at the Ninja Academy finally rang, signaling the end of the day. Groups of students scattered across the campus, laughing and chatting as they walked home in small clusters. Naruto, exhausted yet energized, navigated through the crowd.
A subtle loneliness tugged at him as he walked—the familiar weight of being slightly apart from the others—but it didn't dampen his spirits.
"Hmph… Diao Che Wei thinks he can reach the top ten in a month? How naive," Sasuke muttered, hands in his pockets as he strode ahead, surrounded by the group of girls vying for his attention.
Naruto didn't get angry this time. Instead, he grinned mischievously, calling out to Sasuke. "Sasuke! You don't need to pay so much attention to me, right?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed instantly. "Diao Che Wei… what did you say?!"
"I mean, genius boy… you keep worrying about me. Aren't you afraid I might surpass you?" Naruto said confidently, arms crossed.
Sasuke's jaw tightened, fists clenching as a vein in his forehead throbbed. "Foolish idiot! I'll show you the difference between us!" he snapped before storming off.
But Naruto's challenge had already done its work. The invisible pressure he created pushed Sasuke to return home and train with even more intensity than before. What had been a normal evening became a turning point.
Meanwhile, Naruto continued on his way, frowning as he observed Sasuke's retreating figure. With a small shrug, he stuck his tongue out playfully. "Disgusting…"
"Uh… Naruto-kun, see you tomorrow," Hinata called shyly, her voice soft and almost trembling.
Naruto's face immediately brightened when he saw her. "Ah! Hinata! Right, our private lesson—I almost forgot!" He waved cheerfully and began making his way home, bounding along with his signature frog-like leaps.
Hinata's cheeks flushed crimson. She fiddled nervously with her fingers, her heart pounding wildly. Tomorrow… I'll get to be with Naruto-kun… she thought, covering her warm, glowing face with her hands.
"Yes… this night, I probably won't be able to sleep," she whispered to herself, her excitement overwhelming.
Back in Konoha, the village settled peacefully into night. Lights glimmered through windows, families prepared for dinner, and the village streets were quiet except for the occasional evening chatter. Naruto, exhausted but determined, hopped home with joyful energy. He cooked his dinner carefully, remembering every detail of his training from the day, and continued practicing the Clone Technique diligently, no system reminders needed.
This was the beginning of another night filled with growth, effort, and the quiet hope of a young ninja chasing his little dream—a dream that might one day change the entire ninja world.
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