"Knowledge Absorption!""Activate Ability…""Dual-tasking!"Naruto's voice rang out as he activated two abilities simultaneously. In an instant, it seemed as if his body split into two clones, each half of his mind working in perfect unison. His left and right brains operated with extraordinary clarity. Not only did he fully comprehend the textbook before him, but his Chakra Refining Technique also remained nearly unaffected, progressing as smoothly as ever."This… this is incredible!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.With this newfound efficiency, he effectively had double the time compared to his classmates. Every task, every lesson, even the physical training, seemed far easier than before. For the first time, Naruto felt a thrilling sense of certainty about his future.My future… it's not just a dream anymore.With a bright smile, Naruto closed the textbook and prepared to head home. Today's training requirements were weighted frog jumps combined with academic lessons—a combination that would have been grueling before—but now it felt manageable.However, just as Naruto started toward the village gate, a familiar voice called out his name."Naruto!"Startled, he nearly tripped on his own feet. He turned around and froze. Standing there was a face both familiar and strangely intense."S-Sakura-chan?!"Sakura Haruno approached, her expression filled with warmth and curiosity. Naruto's mind raced. Earlier, in a moment of frustration, he had punched her. His old self would have been terrified, likely begging for forgiveness, but now… that incident barely registered in his mind.Yet seeing her now, he recalled that fleeting memory."What… what do you want? Didn't I already apologize, Sakura-chan?" he asked, trying to sound casual.Sakura's smile didn't falter, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity, almost as if she could peer right through him."I'm not here for that," she said simply."Then… what is it?" Naruto asked, a knot of apprehension forming in his chest."I want to know what happened to you.""Huh?!" Naruto blinked, caught off guard.Chapter 39 had ended with a slap that shook their dynamics—but now, Sakura's curiosity had only intensified. She had noticed something extraordinary. The boy who used to stumble and fail now commanded attention—not just from Hinata, but also from Ino and even Sasuke. There had to be a reason for this sudden change.Sakura leaned closer, eyes narrowing as if trying to uncover a secret buried deep within Naruto's soul.Naruto's stomach churned. I… I can't possibly tell her what happened. The system… it won't allow me.He waved his hands nervously, forcing a smile. "Sakura-chan, nothing happened to me. Really!"But Sakura wasn't convinced. Her hands went to her hips as she closed the distance between them, scrutinizing him from head to toe."Don't try to fool me," she said firmly. "Naruto, I know what you used to be like. A person doesn't change this suddenly, not this drastically! Tell me—what did you do? Why are Hinata, Ino, and even Sasuke-kun paying so much attention to you?"Naruto's heart raced. He glanced around, the voices of his friends echoing faintly in the distance."Are… are they all really paying attention to me?" he stammered, confusion written all over his face."Yes!" Sakura snapped, pointing a finger at him. "Stop talking nonsense! What secret are you hiding? Tell me right now!"In the past, Naruto would have been ecstatic at her interest. But now, his secret was untouchable. More importantly, a warning pinged in his mind:[Detection: Host has finished school. Please immediately continue your training on the way home, otherwise you will be subjected to the system's Lightning Release purification!][Warning, countdown 5… 4…]Fear coursed through him. The Lightning Release purification was no joke. Even if he wanted to explain a few things to Sakura, survival had to come first."Wait—Sakura-chan, can we talk later?" Naruto said hurriedly. "I… I have something urgent to do!"But Sakura wouldn't relent. She reached out, trying to grab his collar.[Countdown 3…]Naruto's panic surged. He had no choice. With a loud shout, he slapped her hand away. The crisp sound of contact echoed as Sakura's arm flew back, and her cheek stung painfully from the impact."Ah—!" Sakura cried, holding her face, tears brimming in her eyes. Naruto, however, didn't stop. He immediately squatted down and began frog-jumping away at lightning speed, heading toward home.[0.]He barely managed to escape, panting heavily. Glancing back, Naruto realized the pain in his fingers.I think I… I hit something just now…His eyes widened as he saw Sakura standing there, her fair cheek marked by five fingers' imprints, tears streaming down her face.No… I didn't just hit her again, did I?!Naruto's expression twisted with guilt. He wanted to turn back, but the system's warnings were merciless. Survival first. Apologies could wait.Next time, I'll apologize properly… he muttered, retreating further.Meanwhile, Sakura's own world seemed to spin. She felt a hand gently pat her shoulder. Turning sharply, she expected to see Sasuke or even Iruka—but instead, Iruka-sensei stood before her, wearing a stern expression."Sakura, come with me," he said, guiding her gently but firmly.Wiping her tears, she nodded, still wincing from the slap. Her thoughts swirled in confusion and irritation."Damn Naruto…" she muttered under her breath.Iruka led her to his office and gestured for her to sit."What's wrong, Sakura?" he asked, studying her carefully."I… I've been distracted," she admitted quietly. "Yesterday, I even skipped class, and my grades have dropped…"Iruka's gaze softened slightly, but he maintained his calm."Did something happen?" he asked again, sensing the turbulence in her mind.Sakura shook her head, closing her mouth tightly. Something had changed within her, and she didn't know how to express it.Naruto, far away and still training, didn't know that the ripples of his actions that day were already spreading, affecting not only his progress but also the emotions of those around him. One thing was certain—he had stepped onto a new path, and nothing would ever be the same again.
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