Chapter 36: Uzumaki Naruto, Name Your Price

Mizuki stared at the explosive tags surrounding him, and an overwhelming fear surged from the depths of his heart. He had been a teacher at the ninja academy for a long time, enjoying a peaceful and stable life, far removed from danger. Now, facing this threat, Mizuki was terrified.

Naruto's calm voice only deepened Mizuki's fear. There was an icy edge to it that made it seem like Naruto could strike him down at any moment.

Sweat beaded on Mizuki's forehead as he swallowed nervously, trying to steady his breathing. He stood there, torn between choices. Should he stay loyal to Orochimaru's plan or cut ties?

"My patience is wearing thin, Mizuki-sensei," Naruto's voice echoed again, sharper this time.

Mizuki's brow twitched as he glanced around in a desperate attempt to locate Naruto. But despite his efforts, he couldn't find him anywhere.

Suddenly, Mizuki's breath caught in his throat—a flash of steel reflected in the moonlight, glinting against his neck. His instincts screamed danger, and with panic rising, he quickly blurted out, "I'll stay in Konoha! Please don't hurt me!"

As soon as those words left his mouth, the sense of imminent danger faded. Naruto's voice disappeared, and Mizuki could no longer feel his presence. He shouted for Naruto twice, tentatively at first, but received no response.

Naruto was gone.

"Phew…" Mizuki collapsed to the ground, his limbs trembling uncontrollably. His face twisted in both pain and frustration. As much as he hated to admit it, Naruto had been right. If even Naruto, a student, could see through his weak Clone Technique, it was clear Mizuki's skills and talent were mediocre at best.

And now, he couldn't help but question himself—would someone as powerful as Orochimaru really care about someone like him, someone who had nothing to offer?

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The following morning, Naruto arrived at the academy early. Inside the assessment room, Iruka and Mizuki were already waiting. Mizuki, despite last night's encounter, acted as if nothing had happened. He wore his usual kind smile, and with his white hair and handsome appearance, he still looked like the charming teacher many students admired.

Naruto gave him a casual glance, but Mizuki avoided eye contact, quickly lowering his head.

"Naruto, today's test is the Clone Technique," Iruka announced, getting right to the point.

Naruto nodded and prepared for the test. After performing the Clone Technique flawlessly, he passed the assessment without any issues.

[Ding~ System task completed, simulation opportunity +1]

Iruka smiled proudly and nodded in approval. "Excellent! You've improved a lot, Naruto. Looks like we won't have to change the class assignment plans after all."

He handed Naruto a forehead protector, symbolizing his graduation to Genin rank. However, Naruto didn't look as pleased as expected. Instead, he said, "Iruka-sensei, I don't think I want to become a ninja."

Iruka blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting this. "What? Why, Naruto?"

But after a moment of thought, he softened his gaze. "It's okay, Naruto. You can choose your own path. Being a ninja isn't the only way to live. I'll explain your decision to Lord Hokage."

Turning to Mizuki, Iruka asked, "Right, Mizuki-sensei?"

Mizuki, caught off guard, nodded quickly. "Yes, yes... It's best to inform Lord Hokage about something like this."

Throughout the exchange, Mizuki remained quiet, as if too afraid to speak up in Naruto's presence. Only when prompted by Iruka did he say anything. Naruto noticed this and couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

This was how things should be.

Naruto knew that Mizuki and Iruka's friendship might not have started on innocent terms, but as long as Mizuki continued to pretend, perhaps he'd remain a friend to Iruka—a companion in the quiet moments of Iruka's life.

After passing the test, Naruto left the room, forehead protector in hand. Even though he didn't plan on becoming a ninja, he decided to keep it as a memento. There was no need to attend the team assignment ceremony if he wasn't going to join any squad.

As Naruto walked out, Iruka joined him, clearly concerned about his decision. Though he respected Naruto's maturity, Iruka couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. Naruto had performed exceptionally well in his studies and training. If he had pursued a career as a ninja, there was no doubt he would achieve great things—perhaps even surpassing many of his peers.

But it was Naruto's choice, and Iruka knew better than to try and persuade him otherwise.

At the academy entrance, Iruka stopped walking. "Naruto…"

"Yes, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto turned to face him.

"Even if you don't become a ninja, I hope you'll still visit us at the academy from time to time. Don't forget about us," Iruka said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Naruto smiled. "Of course, Iruka-sensei. I'll be back."

At that moment, Sasuke arrived at the academy and overheard the conversation. He stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening in shock.

"What did you say, Naruto?" Sasuke demanded. "You're quitting? You're not going to become a ninja?"

Naruto nodded calmly. "That's right."

Sasuke fell silent, deep in thought. He couldn't understand why Naruto, someone with so much strength and potential, would make such a decision. After all, becoming a Genin meant gaining the guidance of experienced Jōnin—perhaps even an elite Jōnin. It was an opportunity no one in their right mind would throw away. Why would Naruto pass up such a chance?

But then it hit Sasuke.

Could it be... that Naruto didn't need a Jōnin's guidance? That he had his own training system, more effective than anything the academy or a Jōnin could offer?

The more Sasuke thought about it, the more sense it made. Naruto had always been different from the rest of them. He had defeated Sasuke before, and from that day forward, Sasuke had viewed Naruto as a rival—a rival who was always one step ahead.

Sasuke's resolve hardened. After a moment of internal struggle, he made a sudden decision.

"Teacher Iruka," Sasuke said firmly, "I don't want to participate in the class assignments either!"

Iruka, now completely bewildered, stared at Sasuke. "What?!"

This was beyond confusing. Naruto quitting was one thing, but Uchiha Sasuke, the academy's top student, also giving up his spot in the team assignments? It didn't make sense. Sasuke had a burden to carry—wasn't becoming stronger his primary goal?

Before Iruka could say anything, Sasuke added, "Naruto has his reasons, and I respect them. He must have a plan that will help him grow even more than he would under a Jōnin's guidance. That's why… I'm going to train with Naruto instead!"

Naruto could feel a headache coming on. He quickly turned to Sasuke, waving his hands dismissively. "Sasuke, no, you're mistaken. I just don't want to be a ninja anymore. It's nothing like what you're thinking."

But Sasuke wasn't convinced. He raised his head and looked directly into Naruto's eyes, as if trying to read his soul. "Are you doubting the power of my Sharingan, Naruto?"

Naruto groaned inwardly. This wasn't going well.

Then, Sasuke stepped forward and, with a completely serious expression, said, "Tell me, Uzumaki Naruto—what price do I have to pay to train with you? How much silver will it take?"

Naruto was speechless.

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