NTLHOS: Chapter 32: Embracing Change

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

NTLHOS: Chapter 32: Embracing Change

Author's Note:

Welcome back, dear readers! I apologize for the delay in posting. I've been traveling and, during this time, working on these chapters. After the trip, when I reviewed the chapters, I realized they weren't up to the standard I wanted for you all. I ended up scrapping and reworking eight chapters to ensure the story remains engaging and true to its spirit. I appreciate your patience and support. I promise not to delay the next chapter—it will be posted tomorrow night.

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Chapter 33- Monster of a Sensei IS OUT!

Chapter 34: "The Uchiha and the Tower" IS OUT!

Chapter 35: "Convergence of Fates" IS OUT!

Chapter 36: "The Metamorphosis" IS OUT!

Chapter 37: "Formation of the Outcasts" IS OUT!

Chapter 38: Web of Influence IS OUT!

Chapter 39: Power Shifts and Rising Storms IS OUT!

Chapter 40: Choices? IS OUT!

Chapter 41: Confronting the Snake Sannin IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHS Chapter 42: The Fires Of The Uzumaki IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

"Change is the end result of all true learning." – Leo Buscaglia

Happy reading!

Last time on NTLHOS:

Another clone dusting the shelves chimed in. "Look on the bright side, at least you're not out on dangerous missions for now. You can catch a break."

"Yeah, a break," Naruto replied sarcastically. "Teaching a bunch of kids sounds like such a vacation."

The clones continued cleaning as Naruto mulled over his predicament. The house gradually transformed from a neglected dwelling to a clean, welcoming home, but Naruto's mood didn't lighten. He knew he had to face it, but that didn't make it any easier.

Now:

He couldn't sleep properly that night. Naruto was used to sleeping in the wilderness or in camp, always ready to be ambushed. At every slightest movement, he woke up in panic with a kunai in his hand. At one point, the neighbor's cat crawled through his compound, and he thought it was an enemy shinobi. Despite getting up and knowing he was in the Leaf, his paranoia was on overdrive. He went out into his garden, checking for any threat, and when a bush rustled, he threw his kunai, making the cat jump out and run. He let out a relieved sigh and got back to bed.

At the first ray of sunlight, Naruto got up, did his morning ritual, and headed to his usual training spot. He was stretching and warming up when he heard a familiar shout of "YOUTH!" Before he could process this familiar shout, the green-clad man materialized himself with that tooth-glistening smile.

"YOUSH! It has been a while since we met," Guy exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.

Naruto smiled. "Hello, Guy-senpai."

They engaged in small talk, catching up on what they had been doing. Guy spoke of his intense training regimens and how he had broken several records recently. Naruto shared a bit about his mission, carefully avoiding sensitive details or anything that would give away the nature of the mission, and mentioned his new teaching assignment at the academy.

Guy's eyes sparkled with energy. "Why don't we spar, Naruto, on this fine youthful morning to stoke our youth?"

Naruto, now more aware of innuendo, sweat-dropped and thought about how he hadn't noticed Guy's weird and somewhat creepy behavior before. He smiled good-naturedly and replied, "I would love to, Guy-senpai."

The next thing Naruto knew was an airborne backspin kick heading his way, aimed right at his head. He swiftly ducked, and the to-and-fro began. Naruto, more experienced due to the war, could now appreciate Guy's skills on a deeper level. When it came to taijutsu, Guy was in a league of his own. He was one of the few who had heard firsthand accounts of the last moments of the Butcher of the Seven Swordsmen.

Naruto had heard a lot about Guy's father, Might Duy, a mere genin at the time despite his age, who single-handedly turned the fight on the Mist front during the Third Shinobi War.

As they sparred, Naruto's movements were fluid and precise, reflecting his training and battlefield experience. He could see the admiration in Guy's eyes as they exchanged blows, each testing the other's limits. Guy's punches were powerful and his kicks lightning-fast. Naruto countered with swift dodges and well-placed strikes.

"You've improved a lot, Naruto," Guy complimented, his voice steady even as he launched a series of rapid kicks. "Your strength and agility have increased significantly."

Naruto ducked under a kick and replied, "Thanks, Guy-senpai. I've learned a lot during my missions."

They continued sparring, their movements a blur to any observer. Naruto felt a sense of pride at Guy's praise. The battle was intense but friendly, each push and counter-push honing their skills further.

Guy landed a solid punch on Naruto's guard, pushing him back. "You've truly embraced the spirit of youth, Naruto! Your resolve and dedication are inspiring."

Naruto grinned, launching himself forward with renewed vigor. "I've had good teachers."

The sparring session continued for a while, both shinobi pushing each other to their limits. Finally, they stopped, breathing heavily but smiling.

"You've come a long way with YOUTH!, Naruto," Guy said, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Your growth is evident. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll achieve great things."

Naruto nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thanks, Guy-senpai. I will."

The sparring session with Guy had reminded him of his strengths and the importance of continuous improvement. As they parted ways, Naruto walked through the village, eventually finding himself standing in front of his old orphanage. He looked at the building with a sense of melancholy and whispered to himself, "Everything started from here."

When he had first left the orphanage, his greatest concern was where his next meal would come from or if it would come at all. Now, his worries had expanded to politics, ambushes, and countless other complexities. When his primary needs weren't met, the struggle for survival had been his entire world. Now, even though he no longer had to worry about food or shelter, the weight of the world seemed to rest on his shoulders.

Seeing the children in the orphanage humbled and saddened him. These kids, like him, had dark and uncertain futures in a cruel world. What did they know about what they were signing up for? The promise of a meal and the allure of being a shinobi seemed so appealing. The Will of Fire—despite what Kosuke had taught him about awareness and detachment, he still grappled with many questions. He honestly considered the Mist shinobi his comrades, yet because he was born in the Leaf, he chose the Leaf over Mist. How was that fair? Was it justified to abandon people who trusted him with their lives?

He had assured many bloodline wielders and civilians that everything would be okay, that he and the rebel forces would protect them. At night, when the forces of the Mizukage came for them, he would stand against them with his comrades covering his back. But now he had abandoned all his promises and bonds for what? He observed the orphanage and the children, both older and younger. He saw the same mean and harmless caretakers still there—it had been six years since he left this place. Finally, he saw the old matron who had always been kind to him and had tried to dissuade him from the path of a shinobi.

Naruto walked towards her, his heart heavy with memories. "Hello, Matron," he said softly.

The old woman looked up, her eyes widening in surprise before softening with recognition. "Naruto, my dear boy! It's been so long. Look at you, all grown up."

Naruto smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Yes, it's been a while. How have you been?"

"I manage," she replied, her voice gentle. "The children keep me busy. And you? How have you been, Naruto? I hear stories, you know."

Naruto nodded. "I've been through a lot, but I'm managing too. I wanted to come by and see how the place is doing."

The matron patted his hand. "We do what we can with what we have. It's not easy, but these children are worth it."

Naruto reached into his pouch and pulled out a check, writing a hefty sum of money, and placed it in the matron's hands. The matron's eyes widened at the amount. "I want to help. Use this for whatever you need—for the children, for the orphanage."

The matron's eyes filled with tears as she looked at the money, then back at Naruto. "Thank you, Naruto. This means more than you can imagine."

Naruto smiled, a genuine warmth filling his heart. "It's the least I can do. These kids deserve a chance, just like I did from Kosuke all those years ago when I didn't know how I would earn enough for the next meal."

As Naruto left the orphanage, he thought to himself that while he couldn't change the past, he could make a difference now—or could he?

Over the next two days, he met many familiar faces like Iwashi, Hayate, and Hayate's girlfriend, Yugao. But the person he really wanted to see, Kosuke, was nowhere to be found. He checked all the usual spots but found no sign of the man. It was only when Mizuki informed him that Kosuke had gone on a mission that he stopped his search.

Finally, the day arrived when he had to begin his probation at the academy. Despite being on probation, Naruto's rank as a Tokubetsu Jonin placed him high in the hierarchy. Most of the academy instructors were Chunin, and the principal and other high-ranking staff were retired or older desk-bound Jonin who could no longer go out into the field.

On the morning of his first day, Naruto woke early and reported to the principal of the academy, a veteran Jonin of the Third Shinobi War. When Naruto asked about his assignment, the principal replied, "Since you are a special Jonin and quite young at that, you will be assigned to the 2nd-year students, Section A."

"Okay, sir," Naruto responded.

Before Naruto could leave to review the curriculum and prepare, the principal motioned for him to wait. Naruto complied, curious about what more there could be.

"This section has a unique composition," the principal continued. "It includes the clan heirs and heiresses, as well as the children of the civilian council members."

Naruto stiffened. In theory, all classes were to be treated equally, but reality was different. The clans were the lifeblood of Konoha, providing its strongest shinobi and safeguarding its traditions. The civilian merchants, on the other hand, formed the backbone of Konoha's economic might. If the children from these influential backgrounds performed poorly, it would reflect badly on their clans, and indirectly, on the village itself. Beyond that, Naruto knew there would be a lot of politics at play in the classroom. Unlike children like him, who were given the bare minimum resources and were often overlooked, these students were groomed for greatness from a young age.

The principal's eyes were serious as he continued, "You're aware of the implications, I trust? The performance of these students is closely watched. There is a great deal of prestige at stake, not to mention the future leadership of the village."

Naruto nodded, understanding the weight of the responsibility he was being given. "Yes, I understand. I'll make sure to handle it with the utmost care."

"Good," the principal said, his tone softening slightly. "I trust in your abilities. Just remember, while you're teaching them the skills to become shinobi, you're also shaping the future leaders of Konoha. It's a delicate balance."

Naruto left the principal's office, feeling the hypocrisy and the scrutiny of his new role. He spent the morning going through the curriculum and preparing for his first class. He knew he had to be ready for anything—not just for the lessons themselves, but for the subtle currents of influence and expectation that would undoubtedly flow through his classroom.

Later that day, Naruto arrived in front of the classroom with a good dose of nervousness and apprehension, determined to make a good impression. The classroom was already bustling with activity. He entered the room, and the chatter ceased immediately as all eyes turned to him. Naruto could see the curiosity and skepticism in their young faces.

"Good morning, class," Naruto began, using the commanding and confident voice he had used in camps. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki, and you will address me as Uzumaki-sensei. I will be your instructor for the foreseeable future. Let's make this a productive learning experience."

The room was silent for a moment, then the students began to murmur among themselves. Naruto caught snippets of their conversations—whispers about his rank, his age, and his reputation. He knew winning them over would take time, but he was ready for the challenge.

As he observed the students, Naruto couldn't help but think,What the hell is this? Are they really training to be assassin killers or just doddering children?He sweat-dropped at their lack of discipline and focus, thinking back to his own harsh the Mist, they would have been beaten within an inch of their lives for this disrespect. These kids are the future of their clans, and by extension, the entire village—the next crop of leaders. The village is doomed if this is the future.

Naruto watched in disbelief as one kid threw a paper airplane across the room, another whispered secrets while giggling, and yet another doodled on his notebook. His eye twitched in am I supposed to whip these kids into shape? This place looks more like a daycare than a training ground for shinobi.

He scanned the room, noting the varied expressions and attitudes. Among them, he saw familiar faces like Uchiha Sasuke with his quiet intensity, Nara Shikamaru who looked perpetually bored, and Haruno Sakura, eager to prove herself. His gaze landed on Konohamaru, the young boy who was also the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, something Naruto had learned when he became a Special Jonin and later an ANBU member. It was an open secret within certain circles.

Naruto's thoughts turned critical as he compared these students to their , despite his quiet demeanor, lacked the fierce determination of his father, Lord Fugaku, nor the look of his brother. Shikamaru, with his lazy attitude, seemed a far cry from the lazy yet strategically brilliant and dangerous shinobi his father, Shikaku, is. Even Sakura, despite her eagerness, only wanted to impress Sasuke, which was unacceptable. Fangirls should be removed from the program, not let insult true kunoichi like Lady Tsunade. And Konohamaru...Naruto had to remind himself what the boy was carrying. He really disliked the boy. He had all the resources in the world with the strongest Biju sealed within him and his grandfather being one of the strongest shinobi who could teach him anything he fancied. But the boy was busy playing was no fire in their eyes, no ember of ambition or drive that would make them truly formidable.

These children need to understand their potential; they needed to understand the gravity of their would have to take the class in the good old bloody Mist these kids were to become the leaders and protectors of Konoha, they needed a serious wake-up call.

Naruto sighed internally, feeling a mix of disappointment and determination. He knew he had to find a way to ignite the fire within them, to turn them into the future leaders Konoha needed.

Next: Naruto faces the challenges of teaching his first class, dealing with the unique dynamics of his students, and finding his footing in this new role. How will he handle these unmotivated children and instill in them the discipline they so desperately need? Will he show them what it really means to be a shinobi? Stay tuned for more in "Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm"!

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