Chapter 24: Chapter 24
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Naruto agreed to become a sensei, but on one condition: he would choose his own students. His selections were Sasuke, Hinata, and Sakura.
Naruto had three reasons for choosing them. First, they were girls. Second, he knew exactly what to teach them. Third, he found their presence pleasant, particularly because they smelled nice.
Hiruzen accepted Naruto's condition. Although intrigued, he allowed it, as he wanted Naruto to take a break. The boy had been on non-stop missions, and Hiruzen feared the killing and assassinations might eventually change him. Naruto was only 12 years old yet already possessed strength surpassing the Hokage himself.
With his condition approved, Naruto wasn't about to waste this opportunity. He was determined to teach them properly.
The day of the academy graduation arrived. Naruto hadn't seen Sasuke in a while because he had been so busy.
As Naruto entered the academy, he noticed the awed looks from everyone around him. He had become a legend in the Land of Fire, having graduated at six and achieved the rank of Jonin within months. His talent was said to rival that of the God of Shinobi.
As he walked, a group of girls surrounded him, their eyes sparkling with admiration, some even practically drooling.
They bombarded him with questions about his interests, and a few grew bold enough to touch him.
"Girls, I don't have time to chat. Maybe another time," Naruto said kindly, offering them a warm smile. "I'm here to pick up my students."
"Students? Are you going to be a sensei? Oh my gosh, please let me be your student!" one girl exclaimed as she lunged toward him.
"Maybe in another life," Naruto said smoothly, sidestepping her as she fell face-first to the ground.
Effortlessly, he weaved through the group and disappeared into the shadows.
Naruto moved through the academy, scanning the rooms until he found the one where his future students waited. Standing outside the door, he took a deep breath before confidently stepping inside. The room was empty except for three people.
"Hello?" Naruto said, drawing their attention.
"Naruto?" Sasuke asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked him up and down.
"Hello, Sasuke," Naruto replied, his tone calm as he ignored the other two—Sakura and Hinata.
"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked, suspicion lacing her voice.
"I'm here to pick up Team 7," Naruto said, watching as Sasuke's eyes widened in shock.
"What?!" Sasuke exclaimed, visibly startled. The person she had always seen as a rival was now going to be her sensei.
"Meet me at Training Ground 199 for your test," Naruto instructed before vanishing without another word.
"What the hell is going on here?" Sasuke muttered, rubbing her temples in frustration.
"Was that Naruto Uzumaki? The son of the Third Hokage?" Sakura asked. She vaguely remembered him from years ago when he graduated at the age of six.
"Yes. And apparently, we're Team 7, and he's our sensei now," Sasuke replied, getting up and heading toward the training ground. The other two girls quickly followed.
"You're here," Naruto said, watching the three approach the center of the training ground as he lounged on a tree branch. With a casual leap, he landed gracefully in front of them.
"What's the test?" Sakura asked, her gaze lingering on his face and hair.
'He's handsome... but my heart belongs to Sasuke-kun. He's the one I love,' Sakura thought, shaking her head to refocus.
"The test is simple," Naruto said, his voice calm. "Land a single blow on me, and you pass. If you can't, you fail. You have five minutes."
"Five minutes?! That's way too short!" Sakura protested.
"Your time starts now," Naruto said without acknowledging her complaint.
Sasuke was the first to attack, rushing at him with ferocity. Naruto sidestepped her strikes effortlessly, moving like water, evading every attempt.
"Where have you been all this time?" Sasuke demanded between punches, her movements precise but futile against his skill.
"I've been busy with missions," Naruto replied casually, still avoiding her blows without breaking a sweat.
Naruto continued to move effortlessly, his body flowing like water as Sasuke attacked with unrelenting ferocity. Every punch, kick, and feint she threw was either sidestepped, blocked, or completely evaded with minimal effort. His calm, unyielding expression only fueled her frustration.
"Damn it, Naruto! Stop dodging and fight me seriously!" Sasuke yelled, her Sharingan flaring to life as she attempted to read his movements.
Naruto smirked, vanishing before reappearing behind her. "You're fast, but you're not thinking far enough ahead. Relying only on your instincts won't work against someone stronger."
Before Sasuke could respond, Hinata stepped in, her Byakugan activated. She dashed forward with precision, aiming for Naruto's chakra points with her Gentle Fist. Each strike seemed calculated, but Naruto moved as though he could see her intent before she even acted.
"Your movements are clean, Hinata," Naruto remarked as he dodged her strikes with ease. "But your hesitation shows. You're holding back—afraid to hurt me. That lack of conviction will be your downfall."
Hinata froze mid-strike, her face flushed. Before she could recover, Naruto stepped past her gracefully, leaving her breathless and stunned.
"Don't overthink it. Focus on what you must do, not on what you fear," Naruto added calmly before his attention shifted to Sakura.
Sakura hesitated, her fists trembling as she stared at Naruto. She knew she wasn't on the same level as Sasuke or Hinata. Still, she couldn't just stand by. Summoning her courage, she charged forward with a loud cry, aiming a straight punch at him. Naruto caught her wrist mid-strike with ease.
"Good effort, Sakura," he said, his tone softer now. "But power without control is wasted. You need to train your body and mind to work together."
Sakura's face burned with frustration and shame, but she nodded, stepping back.
"Is that all?" Naruto asked, standing at the center of the training ground as the three girls regrouped. "You still have one minute."
Despite their exhaustion, Sasuke, Hinata, and Sakura exchanged determined glances. Together, they attacked in unison, coordinating their movements to corner Naruto. Sasuke struck high, Hinata aimed low, and Sakura came from the side with all her strength.
But Naruto still moved as though he were a shadow, weaving through their attacks with grace. The timer rang just as he flipped over their final assault, landing lightly on the ground a few feet away.
"Time's up," Naruto announced, his voice calm but firm.
Sasuke clenched her fists, visibly frustrated. "We failed, didn't we?"
Naruto shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. "No, you pass."
"Pass? But we didn't even touch you!" Hinata said, her voice soft but surprised.
Naruto crossed his arms and looked at them seriously. "The test wasn't about landing a blow on me—it was about your spirit, your willingness to push past your limits. Each of you showed something valuable today."
He turned to Sasuke. "Sasuke, your aggression is a strength, but it blinds you. You need to channel your emotions into clarity, not chaos."
To Hinata, he said, "Hinata, your technique is exceptional, but your lack of confidence holds you back. Strength doesn't come from perfection—it comes from persistence."
Finally, he faced Sakura. "Sakura, you lack raw power compared to your teammates, but you have heart. Build on that. Develop your skills, and you'll surprise yourself."
Naruto paused, his gaze sweeping over all three of them. "Remember this: The will of fire burns brightest in those who refuse to give up, even when the odds are against them. Strength isn't about winning every fight; it's about standing back up every time you fall."
The three girls stood in silence, absorbing his words. Despite their failures, they felt a spark of inspiration light within them.
Naruto smirked. "Training starts tomorrow. Don't be late. Dismissed."
With that, he vanished, leaving the three of them standing in the clearing, determined to grow stronger under their new sensei but Sasuke had conflicts whether to be Naruto's Rival or be his student.
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'Old man, never stops to spy on me.'
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