CHAPTER 9

"Everyone has introduced themselves. Over the next six years, you must learn to get along. Now you are classmates, but after graduation, you'll be comrades on the battlefield. Remember, a qualified ninja must value teamwork. Any mission—especially those ranked highly difficult—can only be accomplished through collaboration. I hope you'll never forget this. Understood?"

Umino Iruka placed both hands firmly on the podium before him. His expression grew serious as he looked down at the young students beneath him, his voice steady and commanding.

"Yes~~"

Though Iruka's tone was solemn, it was clear that most of the students could not yet fully grasp the weight of his words.

Or rather—it might be more accurate to say—they couldn't be expected to understand.

Peace had lasted too long.

Especially in Konoha.

The children raised at the Ninja Academy were developing well in many ways, but in terms of the essence a true shinobi required, they still lagged far behind the children born during wartime.

After all, during the war, even six or seven-year-olds could find themselves thrust onto the battlefield as full-fledged shinobi. In this world, one should never underestimate any child—he may already possess the strength to take a life.

Iruka, of course, was fully aware that what he had just said would be difficult for these children to understand. But as an educator, he knew these truths must be taught early and repeated often. Especially for ninja, these six years would be crucial in laying a foundation—not just physically, but mentally and philosophically.

As a Ninja Academy instructor, Iruka knew exactly what was expected of someone in his position.

"Very well. Let's begin our first lesson. To become a true ninja, you must first understand what a ninja is—what it means, and what qualities are required..."

Becoming an Academy instructor was no small feat.

Whether it was Iruka or any other Chūnin assigned to the position, they were selected for their deep theoretical knowledge, and in many technical areas, their understanding surpassed even that of many Jōnin. This was one reason why the Third Hokage assigned such shinobi to the Academy: to ensure future generations received the best instruction possible (and, in some cases, because the instructors were injured or otherwise unable to serve on active duty).

Naruto's class, in particular, was unlike any other among the incoming students.

Even setting aside the children of other prestigious clans, the presence of Naruto Uzumaki—the host of the Nine-Tailed Fox—was enough to set this group apart.

For the Third Hokage to appoint Iruka as the instructor of this class, only two reasons were needed.

First: Iruka had the ability.

Second, and most importantly: the Hokage trusted in Iruka's unwavering loyalty.

As a Konoha-born ninja who had lost his parents during the Nine-Tails' attack twelve years earlier, Umino Iruka represented the embodiment of the "Will of Fire" that the Third valued so deeply.

Naruto understood this.

Of course, neither Iruka's background nor his current position influenced Naruto's opinion of him—not in this life.

In fact, this applied not only to Iruka.

Since Naruto arrived in this world, and especially after realizing that things diverged significantly from the original manga he once knew, he made up his mind:

He would never place blind faith in the narrative of the original series.

Those so-called "plot points" could serve as reference—but the truth? The truth had to be found through personal experience.

To Naruto, this was a core survival rule.

The first day at the Ninja Academy marked the second phase of Naruto's long-term plan.

He wasn't the same Naruto who slacked off in class, slept through lessons, or skipped school entirely.

This time, Naruto vowed to master all the foundational knowledge.

Whether it's ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, or any profession—building a solid base was key.

"This is where it truly begins..."

Naruto thought silently, eyes focused, watching Iruka lecture with genuine earnestness from behind the podium.

From that day on, Naruto's life followed a strict rhythm.

Three points formed his world: Ninja Academy — Home — Forest Training Grounds.

Aside from essential rest, every other moment was dedicated to high-intensity study and training.

Perhaps it was a benefit of transmigration?

Whatever the case, Naruto realized his memory and comprehension had improved drastically compared to his previous life.

Every basic theory and piece of knowledge taught at the Academy?

Naruto could commit it to memory swiftly—and, more importantly, put it to practical use.

Academy curriculum aside, Naruto imposed upon himself an intense training schedule outside of class.

Every single day.

Without exception.

He never allowed himself to break from this self-imposed regimen.

And so, in this simple, methodical—even monotonous—lifestyle, a year passed in the blink of an eye.

Konoha Year 55.

In the northwest outskirts of the village, in the familiar forest closest to Naruto's home—

On a school holiday morning—

In an open area by the lake, a golden-haired figure stood barefoot on the water's surface, shirtless and pants rolled to the knees. His gaze was sharp, focused beneath the tranquil ripples.

It was Naruto.

Training again.

Suddenly—

His eyes narrowed.

Hands moved swiftly—

"Shu!" "Shu!" "Shu!"

A few sharp glints of metal sliced through the air—

The surface of the lake barely stirred.

And then—

"Puchi—"

The sound of metal piercing flesh rang out.

Moments later, streaks of crimson bloomed on the water's surface.

Naruto, still calmly standing atop the lake, allowed a slight smile to form.

With a small flick of his right hand—

The kunai he had hurled into the depths returned, pulled by almost invisible chakra threads.

Each kunai held a twitching fish, their scales glinting in the early morning sun. The lines shimmered like strands of silver in the light.

"Hmph, looks like I'll be eating well today."

Holding up the still-flopping fish, Naruto estimated their weight and nodded in satisfaction.

It had to be said—

Naruto's life in Konoha was far from easy.

"Basic welfare?"

Sure, if you could manage to actually buy food with it in