Chapter 20

After lunch, Hinata returned to the classroom for her afternoon nap. Meanwhile, the rest of the students sat sprawled across the training field, utterly exhausted and far too tired to care about their image. Kitazawa gazed at them, momentarily recalling the physical fitness tests from his own university days in his previous life. Back then, running a thousand meters had felt like being smashed by Tsunade’s monstrous strength—he’d practically died on the spot each time. Yet these kids, barely six or seven years old, treated a thousand-meter run like it was a game. Truly, chakra was a miraculous thing. Current Mission: Obtain first place in physical training. Reward: Konoha Strong Whirlwind. Mission Complete. Reward issued. Kitazawa blinked as the new information slotted itself into his mind. ’So, I’ve learned the Konoha Strong Whirlwind...’ It was an advanced technique derived from Might Guy’s Leaf Whirlwind series. If this progression continued, Kitazawa suspected the legendary Eight Gates might eventually be within his grasp. Though the Eight Gates technique severely damaged the body, its explosive power was undeniable. And in life-or-death battles, who cared about side effects? "Alright, listen up! I’ll announce the rankings now." Kitazawa clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention. "First place—Uchiha Sasuke." "Sasuke-kun!" Sakura and several other girls squealed in delight. But Sasuke himself looked anything but happy. Logically, taking first place and earning a snack pack should have been a moment of triumph. Yet he could only sigh. ’First place... but I still couldn’t surpass Kitazawa-sensei...’ The cheering belonged to everyone else. He felt nothing but frustration. "Second place, Inuzuka Kiba. Third place, Shino Aburame... Ninth place, Uzumaki Naruto..." Kitazawa paused after announcing the top ten. As expected, most of the upper ranks were claimed by children from ninja clans. Shikamaru and Choji were conspicuously absent, having stopped halfway through the run. "Damn it!" Naruto slammed his hands over his head, his face twisted in frustration. ’I’m supposed to become the fastest ninja in the whole world... and I only got ninth?!’ Kitazawa gave him a thoughtful look. Naruto’s stamina was actually quite impressive—but his running was pure chaos, all wild energy and no technique. Your lifelong rival, Uzumaki Naruto, placing ninth in physical training is a disgrace to you. Current Mission: Help Uzumaki Naruto achieve second place in physical training. Mission Reward: Shadow Clone Jutsu. Do you accept? Kitazawa froze for a moment, then his eyes widened. The Shadow Clone Jutsu?! That was a game-changer. Unlike basic clones, a shadow clone had substance and could fight, train, or spy. Best of all, when it dispersed, it transferred all its memories and experiences back to the original. In the original timeline, the advanced version—the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu—had practically been Naruto’s cheat code. His massive chakra reserves let him create hundreds, even thousands of clones, multiplying his training speed exponentially. Kitazawa wasn’t so lucky. His chakra pool wasn’t even a fraction of that. Multiple Shadow Clones were out of his league. But the standard Shadow Clone? That was definitely within reach—and an incredible asset. ’Wait... why only second place for Naruto?’ Kitazawa rubbed his chin, pondering. ’Ah... so the system expects me to keep first place.’ Helping Naruto come in second still meant Kitazawa had to be number one. After the students caught their breath, Kitazawa addressed the group again. "Once you’re rested, we’ll continue practicing kunai throws on moving targets. If you’ve already mastered that, you’re free to train as you wish." At once, Sasuke got up without a word and stalked off toward the familiar tree for his chakra control training. He’d fallen short in physical training—and he couldn’t afford another failure. Hinata and Ino exchanged a look, then quietly followed him. "Naruto, come with me for a sec." Kitazawa beckoned him over. "Huh? What’s up, Kitazawa-sensei?" Naruto asked, tilting his head curiously. "I’ve been thinking about your performance in physical training today. You shouldn’t have finished in ninth place." "Really?!" Naruto’s eyes sparkled. "I thought so too!" Kitazawa chuckled. When it came to stubbornness and refusing to admit defeat, Naruto and Sasuke truly were brothers in spirit—brothers born to different parents, perhaps, but kindred souls all the same. "In my opinion, you could definitely make the top three," Kitazawa said. Then he shifted the topic. "But do you know why you only finished ninth?" Naruto blinked and shook his head. "It’s because all you do is rush forward without thinking," Kitazawa explained. "You don’t really understand how to run properly." "Then teach me, Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes shining rather than discouraged. "Of course," Kitazawa replied with a grin. "That’s exactly why I called you over." "Thanks, Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto beamed. "Next time, I’m gonna get first place for sure!" "That might be tough." Kitazawa shook his head lightly. "Sasuke is just as talented as you. But you have one big advantage—a strong body." The Uzumaki clan naturally possessed hardy physiques and vast chakra reserves. And besides, Naruto was also the Nine-Tails’ jinchūriki. Even though he and the fox didn’t get along yet, the small leaks of the tailed beast’s chakra already gave him rapid recovery from fatigue and injuries. They arrived at a secluded training ground inside the academy grounds—the same one where Sasuke, Hinata, and Ino were practicing tree-climbing. "Sasuke!" Naruto shouted the moment he spotted him clinging to the tree. BANG! Startled, Sasuke slipped and fell to the ground. ’Why the hell are you yelling so loud?!’ Sasuke gave Naruto a withering look, then silently dusted himself off and went right back to climbing. "What are they doing?" Naruto asked, scratching his head in confusion. "That’s chakra control training," Kitazawa explained. He paused, then added, "But that’s not for you just yet. For now, let’s focus on your running technique." "Okay!" Naruto instantly brightened, snapping to attention. "The most important things in running are posture and pacing," Kitazawa began. "It’s all about rhythm and control." "I get it!" Naruto said eagerly. "Totally makes sense!" Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "We’ll see if you really understand once you try it." Frankly, he was skeptical. In the original timeline, Naruto’s knowledge of theory—outside of ninjutsu—was practically nonexistent. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been dead last in the academy so often. "Alright. Run a few laps around the training ground," Kitazawa instructed. "I’ll watch your form and correct any mistakes." "Okay!" Naruto yelled, already taking off at a sprint. Kitazawa couldn’t help twitching at the sight. ’This kid’s a monster...’ Naruto had just finished brutal physical training, yet after only a few minutes of rest, he was bouncing with energy again. Kitazawa felt a twinge of envy. Fortunately, he now had the system on his side. With its help, he was confident his body and chakra reserves would eventually rival Naruto’s. He glanced over to where Sasuke, Hinata, and Ino were still practicing their tree-climbing. ’I really do feel like a teacher now...’ — Soon, Saturday arrived. Kitazawa raised his hand and knocked on the door in front of him. A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing a beautiful, sleepy-eyed face. "So early?" Kurenai mumbled, stifling a yawn. Kitazawa’s eyes widened in surprise—and immediate appreciation. She was wearing a kimono-style sleep robe—a simple yukata. The thin fabric clung gently to her curves, accentuating the lines of her body. Her chest, while nowhere near Tsunade’s legendary proportions, was still quite impressive in its own right. -------------------------------- AN : To keep the Chapters coming - Support with POWER STONES. For Every 100 power stones - 1 BONUS Chapter. For Every 10 5-star reviews - 2 BONUS Chapters. For getting to Top Power - 3 Extra Chapters. AN: Check out my P@treon For extra Chapters. Thank You For your Support!! [email protected]/noviceauthor777