A Year of Rapid Growth

"Everyone has introduced themselves. In the next six years, you will have to get along with each other. Right now, you're classmates, but after graduation, you'll be comrades. Remember, a qualified ninja should prioritize teamwork. Any mission, especially the more challenging ones, can only be accomplished through teamwork. I hope you understand this," spoke Iruka Umino, his hands resting on the podium in front of him. He looked at the group of children below him with a serious expression.

"Yes!" the children responded in unison.

Although Iruka's expression appeared serious, in this moment, most of the children couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind his words. It could be said that peace had reigned for too long, especially in Konoha. The children trained at the ninja academy were maturing in other aspects, but when it came to the qualities a ninja should possess, they were falling far behind the children of the wartime generation. In those days, even six or seven-year-old children could step onto the battlefield as real ninjas. In this world, one should never underestimate any child because they might possess the power to defeat you.

Iruka was aware that his words might be too early for these children to understand fully, but as an educator, there were things he had to teach them in advance. Moreover, he needed to reiterate these lessons. These six years were crucial for them to lay a solid foundation, not only physically but also in their way of thinking.

As a ninja academy instructor, Iruka had a wealth of theoretical knowledge. In certain aspects of guidance, he might even surpass most higher-ranked ninjas. This was one of the reasons why the Third Hokage had appointed him as the instructor for this particular class. Another reason was his unwavering loyalty to Konoha.

As a Konoha native born to ninja parents, both of whom had sacrificed their lives for the village during the Nine-Tails attack six years ago, Iruka Umino embodied what was known as the purest "Will of Fire" under the Third Hokage's rule. Naruto himself was aware of this fact, but it didn't affect his view of Iruka. In fact, Naruto had made a personal commitment upon arriving in this world: he would no longer blindly believe everything that happened in the original storyline. Those so-called plotlines would serve as references, but the real answers could only be found by himself.

The first day at the ninja academy marked the beginning of Naruto's second phase of planning. Unlike in his previous life, where he slept through classes, skipped them, or goofed off, this time, Naruto was determined to diligently study all the theoretical knowledge taught at the academy. Regardless of the subject or profession, a solid foundation was always essential.

"This is where it all begins," Naruto thought as he watched Iruka, who was seriously conducting the class.

From that day forward, Naruto's life became more structured and rhythmic. There were three main aspects: the ninja academy, home, and the forest. Aside from the necessary rest periods, the rest of his time was dedicated to high-intensity training and learning.

Perhaps this was one of the perks of being an isekai traveler. Regardless, Naruto discovered that his memory and understanding abilities in this world were significantly better than in his previous life. He could quickly memorize and absorb any basic knowledge taught at the academy. His training and studies extended beyond the academy into his daily life. Naruto had established a strict training schedule for himself, and he adhered to it diligently, day after day.

One year passed swiftly in this monotonous yet somewhat dull routine. In the 55th year of Konoha, in the northwest corner of Konoha Village, in a relatively open area within the forest, a shirtless figure with rolled-up pants stood on the surface of a lake. He was intently focused on the lake beneath him.

This person was none other than Naruto, who frequently came here to practice.

Suddenly, Naruto's gaze sharpened, and he quickly flicked his hands. Several shurikens were launched with tremendous speed, piercing through the surface of the lake. In the next moment, a "splutch" sound followed by the spreading crimson bloodstains on the lake surface could be seen.

Standing on the water's surface, Naruto lightly smiled. He reached out with his right hand and pulled back the shurikens he had thrown into the water. Each shuriken had pierced a struggling fish. The thin wires connected to the shurikens were still faintly visible in the bright sunlight.

"Well, this can be an additional meal for today," Naruto mused. He picked up the fish he had caught, estimated their weight, and nodded in satisfaction.

As mentioned earlier, Naruto's life in Konoha was quite challenging. Essential living expenses? Well, that depended on whether he could buy anything in Konoha. The only food available was either insufficient or came with the special "generous" addition by the kind-hearted shopkeeper. Starving was out of the question, of course. The Third Hokage would never allow such a situation to occur. However, this kind of food couldn't meet Naruto's nutritional needs.

Naruto was in a period of rapid physical growth, and as a prospective ninja, his daily training required a substantial amount of nutrition. The meager rations provided weren't sufficient.

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