Chapter 30
Ever since stepping into the Ninja Academy, time seemed to accelerate.
For Uzumaki Naruto, these were not just two years of physical growth—they were two years of expanding awareness.
As Naruto's constitution grew stronger, the fox sage Xuanming in the seal space could now appear in his projected form far more frequently in the outside world.
Like an invisible guardian spirit, he silently watched every step the boy took.
...
Cultural Studies
Iruka led the students through basic knowledge education.
"Open your textbooks, everyone. Today we begin the course on culture and ideological education."
Naruto sat upright at his desk. While the "Will of Fire" theory in the textbook felt less profound to him than the Dao De Jing, he still listened attentively.
"A ninja must endure what ordinary people cannot…"
...
One afternoon during a foundational lesson
Iruka held a pointer and pointed to a diagram of the human chakra pathways on the blackboard.
"Today we discuss the source of a ninja's power—chakra."
"Chakra is formed by the mixture of two types of energy."
Iruka indicated the yin-yang-like symbol on the diagram: "One part is physical energy produced by the 130 trillion cells in our body. The other is spiritual energy improved through training and accumulated experience…"
"Remember this!"
Iruka warned gravely: "Never extract all your chakra at once. You cannot yet convert chakra back into physical stamina. If your chakra runs dry and your stamina is insufficient, it can endanger your life."
Below, Naruto listened with exceptional focus.
Xuanming offered timely commentary: "The body is the furnace, the spirit is the fire—refining essence into qi. The essence of a ninja releasing ninjutsu through chakra is exactly this."
For Naruto—blessed with immense vitality and years of heart cultivation control—extracting chakra from his body was as simple as drawing water from a river, as long as Xuanming didn't interfere.
...
Half a year later—practical training
"Ninja guide chakra flow through hand seals to release ninjutsu."
On the training field, Iruka stood at the front, demonstrating seals with his hands: "Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit… each gesture corresponds to a specific chakra manipulation."
"At the academy, we teach you the foundational 'Three Basic Techniques'—Transformation Technique, Body Replacement Technique, Clone Technique—as well as essential escape and concealment techniques."
"Though they are only the simplest E-rank ninjutsu and won't make you stronger, they are perfect for beginners to train chakra control."
Naruto had already mastered Transformation Technique at age three. Later, with Xuanming's guidance, he had obtained a great deal of basic cultivation material from the Third Hokage. He had consistently practiced these foundational exercises ever since.
"Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar…"
Every movement of his hands was precise and flawless.
...
Second year—newly added throwing class
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Several crisp impacts rang out.
Uchiha Sasuke leaped into the air, hands flashing. Multiple shuriken cut swift straight lines through the air and struck the bullseye in an instant.
"Wow! Sasuke-kun is so amazing!" The girls' squeals rose one after another.
Long accustomed to the attention, Sasuke stood beside Naruto with arms crossed, a smug curve on his lips.
"In throwing, you're still far behind, idiot Naruto."
Though he said it aloud, deep down Sasuke knew: if he ever slowed his pace of improvement even slightly, Uzumaki Naruto would catch up.
...
Post-field combat training area.
Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke stood facing each other.
"Though it may seem ceremonial, this is exactly the foundation the Ninja Academy wants to teach you."
Iruka stood between them and spoke solemnly: "Before sparring, both parties raise one hand to chest level, extend the index and middle fingers, and perform the Opposition Seal toward each other—meaning 'I am ready for battle.'"
"After the outcome is decided, both sides overlap their Opposition Seals to form the Reconciliation Seal."
Iruka explained to the students: "The Reconciliation Seal means that no matter how fierce the fight was, afterward you remain comrades who can trust one another."
Naruto and Sasuke raised their hands simultaneously. Their gazes clashed in midair, sparking with intensity.
A fierce taijutsu exchange unfolded on the field.
When it ended, two sweat-drenched small hands—though somewhat awkwardly—still clasped tightly together.
...
Time fast-forwards to the present. Half of second-year classes have already concluded.
Midday sunlight pours into the Ninja Academy faculty office.
Umino Iruka is still diligently preparing lesson plans for the coming days.
His desk is buried under students' regular performance records and test papers.
"Yo, Iruka-sensei still working hard?"
Across from him, a plump chūnin teacher stretches lazily and leans back in his chair.
Funano Daikoku sees Iruka's serious expression and turns to tease him.
"Looks like this year's top two spots in second grade are going to be dominated by your class. Congratulations in advance."
Iruka sets down his pen, rubs his slightly aching temples, and smiles modestly. "No such thing. It's all the children's own hard work."
"Iruka-sensei's teaching ability plays a huge part too."
Daikoku sighs with admiration: "We've talked about it privately—your class has a special learning atmosphere. Two genius students constantly pushing each other have raised the entire class's motivation."
"I've heard even truancy is lower than other classes. The overall average level has been pulled way up. Most teachers wouldn't get this kind of result even if given the chance."
Hearing praise for his students, a trace of pride appears in Iruka's eyes. "Yes… teaching such a hardworking group is my honor."
"That Uchiha Sasuke goes without saying."
Daikoku strokes his chin. "I once taught his older brother, Uchiha Itachi. He was the most talented student I've ever had—a born ninja."
"As Itachi's little brother, it's only natural he's excellent too."
He pauses, then shifts tone: "But that Uzumaki Naruto… he really is surprising."
At the mention of "Uzumaki Naruto," Iruka's relaxed expression stiffens slightly.
Daikoku doesn't notice and continues: "He has the evil Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed inside him. No parents at home to supervise him. By all rights, a child his age shouldn't be able to control himself—yet he does."
"Yeah… it really is surprising."
Iruka lowers his head and looks at one of the regular test score sheets bearing Uzumaki Naruto's name. His voice drops.
Over these two years of interaction, Iruka has had to admit: Naruto is a good kid.
He has no parents watching over him, yet he persists in daily training.
He carries the village's cold stares, yet he always maintains those clear eyes—sometimes carrying an almost transcendent calm.
This child's emotions are exceptionally stable—more so than many adults.
Aside from the love-hate rivalry with Uchiha Sasuke and occasional emotional shifts around familiar people,
he almost never causes any worry. His maturity is heartbreaking.
Apart from being slightly weaker in cultural studies, he is nearly flawless.
Daikoku sums up: "He's just as outstanding as Uchiha Sasuke—and both ended up in your class. You're incredibly lucky."
Iruka's fingers unconsciously trace the edge of the paper.
"…Yeah. A perfect student."
"If you ignore that one identity."
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