Chapter 11: Orochimaru: Naruto-Kun, Help Me Win This Round

Iruka's sentiments toward Naruto Uzumaki had always been conflicted. On one hand, Naruto was a mischievous troublemaker who seemed incapable of respecting the rules. On the other hand, Iruka recognized glimpses of himself in the boy—someone struggling to find his place in a world that rejected him. Unlike others who outright ignored or scorned Naruto, Iruka occasionally extended small gestures of kindness, like treating him to a bowl of ramen, perhaps out of pity or unresolved guilt.

However, Naruto's actions during the night of the sealed scroll incident shattered all preconceived notions about him.

The Extraordinary Shadow Clone Jutsu

When the screen revealed Naruto's incredible feat of creating over a thousand Shadow Clones, the audience was left in stunned silence.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, watching the spectacle unfold, couldn't suppress a proud smile.

"Look at him. A student who couldn't perform a simple Clone Technique during the day now surpasses all expectations at night. The results speak for themselves," he said with satisfaction.

Senju Tobirama, the creator of the Shadow Clone Jutsu, was equally impressed.

"As expected from the Uzumaki clan. Such vast reserves of chakra at this young age are astounding."

Senju Hashirama, always more expressive, exclaimed, "At twelve years old, Naruto's chakra already rivals mine. It's incredible!"

The current Kages were no less astounded.

Onoki, stroking his beard thoughtfully, muttered, "The old monkey played this perfectly. By pushing Naruto into a corner, he managed to unlock such potential. Truly a masterful move."

Terumi Mei shook her head in disbelief. "Outrageous. This boy was failing in class hours ago, and now he can conjure thousands of clones. What kind of monster is he?"

Naruto's peers, on the other hand, were torn between awe and envy. Seeing their mischievous classmate perform an advanced jutsu with such ease was both humbling and inspiring.

Orochimaru's Bitter Observations

In a dimly lit chamber, Orochimaru watched the events with a venomous smirk.

"You really are something, Sarutobi-sensei. Even in your old age, you know how to manipulate people to achieve the results you desire," he hissed.

His mocking tone carried a hint of admiration. "Using Iruka's bond with Naruto, you orchestrated everything perfectly. Even if Iruka had fallen, you had Anbu ready to intervene, didn't you? A masterful display of your so-called 'Will of Fire.'"

Sarutobi Hiruzen, sitting calmly in the Hokage's office, did not rise to the bait. "Orochimaru, the ends justify the means. What matters is that Naruto now believes in himself. He has taken his first step toward becoming a great ninja."

Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed. "Perhaps. But I wonder, sensei, how long your carefully constructed illusion will hold. Naruto-kun's heart burns brightly now, but will it remain untarnished by the truths of this world?"

Turning his gaze back to the screen, Orochimaru whispered, "Naruto-kun, I hope you don't disappoint me. Help me show this village its hypocrisy."

Naruto's New Resolve

Naruto's transformation was evident not just in his mastery of the Shadow Clone Jutsu but in his demeanor. He no longer seemed preoccupied with seeking attention through pranks. Instead, his focus shifted entirely toward honing his skills and proving his worth.

While the villagers continued to regard him with suspicion and disdain, Naruto's heart was no longer burdened by their judgment. He channeled his energy into rigorous training, particularly in shuriken throwing and other basic ninja techniques.

As he entered the academy, Naruto's interactions with his classmates also took a surprising turn.

Bonds Begin to Form

At the academy, Naruto was pleasantly surprised to find that not all his peers shunned him.

Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Chōji, two students who shared a laid-back attitude, were among the first to greet him casually. Their lack of prejudice toward Naruto was a small but significant step toward breaking the walls of isolation he had lived behind for so long.

However, Naruto's presence also stirred a mix of reactions from the other students.

"Sasuke! Sasuke!"

A chorus of fangirls, led by Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino, constantly clamored around Uchiha Sasuke, much to Naruto's annoyance.

Sakura, glancing at the screen, frowned. "I wasn't that loud, was I?"

Ino, crossing her arms, smirked. "Oh, forehead, you definitely were. But let's not forget, Hinata was always quiet."

Hinata, blushing furiously, mumbled, "I...I wasn't as noisy as everyone else..."

Naruto, observing the exchange, scratched the back of his head. "Why's everyone blaming me? I didn't write this!"

Naruto's Individuality

Despite the budding friendships, Naruto remained distinct from his peers. The boy on the screen seemed to carry a quiet determination, a resolve to carve his own path rather than conform to the expectations of those around him.

The Genin watching the broadcast couldn't help but respect him. Uzumaki Naruto in this alternate reality was not just a prankster or an underdog; he was a force to be reckoned with.

As the screen faded to black, anticipation hung in the air. What challenges awaited Naruto next? Would he continue to rise above the stigma attached to his name, or would the weight of the world's expectations crush him?

One thing was certain: Naruto Uzumaki was no ordinary ninja.

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