I've gotten a good amount of people following the story, so I just wanted to take the time to say thank you to everyone reading it. I know my writing is not the best, but hopefully it will improve as we go further and further into the story. Someone also mentioned me not bringing up a lot of the Gamer elements, which will change in upcoming chapters. Anyways, hopefully you all enjoy.

I do not own Naruto or the Gamer idea. They belong to their respected parties.

A month has passed, and I have been training hard and smart. I combined intense strength training followed by Taijutsu practice and speed training. The key to my workout program was simple multitasking. For example, doing anaerobic sprints while throwing shuriken at target was an excellent training method that racked up stat points in dexterity and vitality. Chakra control with the Leaf Concentration method (taught in school) while doing extra readings increased my intelligence and wisdom. A combination of hypertrophy and powerlifting boosted my strength massive. The results were absolutely incredible.

Furthermore, I also unlocked a new skill, one called Stealth. As someone training to become a Shinobi, this definitely has its uses. It gives me a boost to my stealth when I'm within a certain range of other people. I also figured out how stats and skills level up, which would be helpful in determining how much effort goes into what.

Levelling up increases all stats by 5% rounded down, excluding luck. Levelling up also gives ten extra points to use for stats.

+10 to stat for one hour of training it

+100 EXP for every stat increased or skill level up

+1,000 EXP in skill for every hour

'Status'

Name: Yagami

Age - 11

Gender – male

Lv. 17

Exp – 500/13,500

CP – 1,110

Str – 108

Dex – 107

Vit – 92

Int – 102

Wis – 61

Lck – -3

Points – 110

Ryo – 14,000

Skills

Gamers Mind lv. MAX

Observe lv. 3 – ability to analyze people's stats, levels, and your reputation with them

Stealth lv. 1 – ability to sneak around undetected. +10% chance of not being detected when within 25 meters. +20% chance undetected when 25 meters +

And while the physical results were godlike, everything else pertaining to a healthy lifestyle had become void. I still ate healthy and showered, but basic things that children should do, such as socializing and playing, were now considered unnecessary. Following this training, I could definitely catch up in terms of power. But I am not enjoying the subtleties of life. Things that people take for granted. The cool summer wind blowing during a lukewarm night. The delicacies and intricacies of nature and this beautiful, unpolluted world. Even seeing Naruto get in trouble with Iruka had me missing out on the social sides of life, a key element of humanity.

Every day, when I walked over to the training grounds, I noticed the kids playing, laughing, and enjoying life. But my previous life was a waste. I viewed my first life as an utter failure. A disappointment that I can't even begin to rationalize with fervid sorrow consuming my body and mind. It lacked drive. An ambition or dream that I could dedicate myself toward. My second life has begun to show purpose, which I've been grateful for. I don't have time for the indulges that other kids can allow themselves. I'm an orphan that needs to catch up on four years of academy work in one year.

Over the past couple of weeks, the other students were particularly fond of ignoring me in any way, shape, or form. I didn't mind. Having an enormous social life was unimportant. However, I wanted to establish a positive relationship with Naruto and Sasuke. Naruto because he needed it, and I decided that Naruto could use the friend. I got a lot out of being friends with Naruto too. I had no doubt that his personality would grow on me. That's just the type of person Naruto is - charismatic. While starting off poorly, his dedication to becoming Hokage becomes an inspirational sight. But in the meantime, he would work well as a training partner. Someone I could spar with and use to improve myself and further his own dream. That's what friends are supposed to do, right? Help each other out when needed.

Sasuke's a bit tougher. His plight with Itachi causes him to lose his way morally. I felt a need to rectify this because I believe a brighter future shines down the road with him in the Leaf Village. People are stronger together, and Sasuke's goal of revenge hinders him, Naruto, and, as a result, our chances at defeating powerful enemies such as Obito and Madara. Lastly, Sasuke doesn't know the truth about Itachi, while I do. I also felt an obligation to Itachi to help 'save' his brother. With everyone else, I was impartial, but not unwelcome, to their friendship.

While I wanted to establish a positive relationship with both Sasuke and Naruto, I didn't exactly know where to start. My lack of friends in my previous life meant that I had, and still have, limited experience. Perhaps Meno would be the best person to ask about this. She seemed to have the best relationship with me and could offer some kind of advice.

I had finished my classes and was on my way home. As I approached the front door, I heard someone call out my name.

"Yagami. How are you doing this morning?"

Iruka-sensei. I can tell from Iruka's body language that this was not just a casual morning greeting but a message with some urgency. With stoic professionalism, I turn to face Iruka and give him my attention.

"I'm doing good sensei. What can I do for you?"

Iruka gave me a brief but noticeably uncomfortable look, ambushed by my bluntness, before responding in a concerned tone.

"I heard that you have been training really hard these past couple of weeks. While I understand that you're trying to get stronger, you don't have to push yourself so hard. Being a Shinobi is dangerous, but when you graduate, you'll be on a team with a high ranking Jonin."

I assumed Meno notified the academy, likely concerned about my excessive training schedule. It was understandable that she would do something like this. I have been coming home every morning for about thirty minutes only to shower and eat. My workouts have been so intense that I either pass out entirely from them, or I get so tired that I just sleep on the ground.

I noticed that Iruka said 'when' I'll graduate, not 'if', subtle but meant to inspire confidence in me. Funny how changing one word in a sentence can affect its entire delivery.

"I appreciate the words Iruka-sensei, truly. I just want to make sure that I skills are sufficient to graduate."

"I'm sure your skills are more than good enough. I've heard you've been training well into nighttime. Living a healthy childhood with many friends is important Yagami. Please make an effort, okay?"

"Sure thing, Iruka-sensei."

Iruka was definitely right about me needing to make an effort with friends. But for now, I proceed to the classroom, where I feel the eyes of everyone glancing at me. It's a foreign feeling for me. A man who lived his previous life in the shadows was now thrown into the spotlight. I feel a bit unnerved, mainly due to my inexperience in being the centre of attention.

Although I deduce it to be a subconscious desire for acceptance amongst peers, a naive thought that I crush. Ideas like these are irrelevant and unimportant.

Classes ended for the day, and after several hours of training, I was on my way home. I hear footsteps coming from behind me and, after turning around, see Meno approaching me.

"Hello Yagami, how are you doing?"

Meno stood in front of me smiling, but I could tell it was a facade, an attempt to lower my guard to have a more serious conversation. She probably knows that I know she spoke to Iruka-sensei about my training. Hence, she probably wants to talk to me about it herself and attempt some sort of damage control to ensure that I'm not mad at her. Which I'm not. I completely understand why she told Iruka and agree with her logic.

"I'm doing well, thank you."

I paused briefly but then decided to invite her in. I needed to ask her about social skills anyways, so I might as well get a head start on it now.

"Would you like to come in Meno? We haven't spoken for a while, and I wouldn't mind talking."

Meno looked at me, her sapphire eyes widening at the invitation. Clearly, she wasn't expecting me to say something like this. With my more lonely nature, she probably assumed something like this would just not happen.

"Oh, Yagami, that's wonderfully kind of you. Yes, I would love to speak with you. I actually came here because there was something I wanted to talk to you about."

She gave me a broad smile and walked into my apartment with me walking in after.

Obviously, she wanted to talk about my training. Even an eleven-year-old could figure that much out. From the tone of her voice, I could tell she wanted to be as gentle about it.

"Would you like something to drink? I can make you some tea if you would like."

She looked at me and smiled warmly.

"That's wonderfully kind, thank you. I see your kitchen is being used. I remember telling you when you were young that eating out all the time is bad for you. But you've matured Yagami. You've become more... driven."

The pause between her words was subtle, but I picked it up. Meno was choosing her words carefully. She probably didn't know if I would react aggressively to her opposing stance on my training.

I walk over to my kitchen area and prepare some tea for her. I look down at the kettle and respond in a serious tone.

"I'm a different person now."

Either Meno didn't acknowledge my tone or didn't notice it. Despite being a civilian, I felt that she detected a hint of solemnity in my tone. She frowned and mumbled out a response.

"So I've noticed."

I handed her her tea and sat opposite her, sitting in comfortable silence. Meno was enjoying her tea and playing with a gold necklace. I gazed curiously at her, analyzing her intently.

"Yagami, I just wanted to say that I'm really proud of you. You're doing well in your academics, you have a strong work ethic, you're kindhearted and polite. You're growing up into a wonderful person."

"That's kind of you to say. Although Meno, you should be proud of what you're doing here. The orphanage. It's good work."

I meant it. Meno running the orphanage was a very charitable thing to do. She does good work here and helps those that desperately need it. I admire that.

She giggles in response before taking another sip of her tea. She stares at her teacup, contemplating my question.

"Thank you. You know, it was originally run by my parents. They passed away while I was still young, meaning I was an orphan too. When I grew older, I knew I wanted to run it. So that kids like you and me wouldn't have to grow up alone. But Yagami, you are alone aren't you?"

My eyes widen at that comment. I wasn't expecting Meno to switch her cheery attitude off like that. The spontaneity of her attitude change caught me off guard completely.

"Meno. You were the one that told Iruka-sensei about me weren't you."

She lowered her cup of tea, stood up and walked toward me. I stand up to meet her gaze. She put her hands on my shoulders, and immediately, my training kicking in, I back off, startling her. She regains composure but looks at me, hurt. After training at the academy, the kindhearted and shy boy she knew is gone, replaced with the hollow persona of a Shinobi.

"Yagami, I know you are working so hard, and I hate to stop you from achieving your dreams, but I'm just concerned for you. You're pushing yourself so hard and I'm worried that you'll burn out. I did speak to the academy."

She looked down, guilt washing over her.

"I know I shouldn't be doing something like this. It's just that I can't stop worrying about you. You pass out every night on the training grounds and only come home for breakfast and a shower. You have no friends and I just want you to enjoy the little time you have left before becoming a Genin."

She was right, and I couldn't disagree with her logic. My lifestyle over the past couple of months has been unhealthy. I pause for a moment, allowing some time to pass before responding. Then, quietly, I answer her.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I should get more involved socially. Training with a sparring partner will be practical. And this will help me become more social."

Truthfully, I thought of making friends before either Meno or Iruka mentioned it. Naruto and Sasuke were the candidates I had in mind. I would start with Naruto as he is more eager for friendship.

"Oh Yagami. Making friends is easy. All you have to do is make the first move. The world is a large place. Don't be scared Yagami. There are so many people out there Yagami. Almost all of them will never find happiness because they're too scared to find it."

I walked up to Naruto, casting aside any feelings of restraint. This was Naruto Uzumaki he was walking up to, a man who was one of the most prominent characters in fiction. I reminded himself that Naruto was just another person. This, coupled with his willpower and Gamers Mind, meant that any doubt he had was quickly squashed.

I approached Naruto and took a seat next to him. No one had expected the least social person in the class (behind Sasuke) to approach the loudest, most boisterous.

'Meno said to just make the first move. My social standing is nonexistent, so.. here goes nothing.'

"Hey Naruto, what's up?"

My casual introduction was brief but welcoming. It encouraged discussion while also displaying elements of friendship. Needless to say that Naruto was flabbergasted by this open and warm attitude that I showed.

"Oh, uh, nothing at all. So, are the rumours true about you then?"

I was surprised by this. I shouldn't have been, but the sheer bluntness of the way Naruto had spoken to him caused him to internally grimace. Naruto truly lacked social skills, and that's saying something coming from me. It didn't bother me at all. But the rumours? I had no clue what that was about.

"I don't know what these rumours are about. No one's told me anything."

Naruto nodded a couple times, acknowledging my lack of understanding. He crossed his arms and squinted.

"Hmm. It's like this, y'see, rumours are that you've been training extremely hard. Harder than anyone, even that idiot Sasuke. And you've been training so hard that you don't really have any friends or something like that."

This is why I don't really like socializing. Gossip about something as pointless as this is just a waste of my time.

"Quite frankly, these aren't rumours. They're just facts. I have no friends, and I do train a lot, so I'm unsure why our classmates feel the need to gossip about something so mundane."

Naruto glances down to the floor, and his eyes somber up.

"Yeah, I know how you feel. The feeling of being alone, having no one like you. They're always being looked at with those eyes…."

I gaze back at Naruto, who is averting eye contact.

"I don't really mind. People love to find things to hate about each other. But hey, Naruto, why don't we help each other out, huh. You know Naruto, I've been looking for a sparring partner for some time now, and you probably have the best stamina of everyone in the class. So, do you want to train with me?

Naruto's eyes go comically wide. He stares at me, his eyes wide open, and his mouth hung open like a Venus Flytrap. I assumed that Naruto was foreign to this kind of feeling. To have the second most anti-social person in the entire school come up to him and just ask him to spar with him probably took him by surprise.

"Yes! Alright!"

"Naruto, keep it down, would you?"

I thought about Naruto for a minute. He's likely weak, but he shouldn't be too far behind everyone else. If I could catch up with my training, he should be able to catch up, too, especially with his tremendous stamina. He's also probably going to drag me for some Ichiraku Ramen tonight. I can afford at least one cheat day.

'Observe'

Naruto Uzumaki

Lv. 11

CP – 10,000

Rep - 10

Naruto Uzumaki, the jinchuriki of Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox. He has lived a life of isolation and depression due to inheriting the Nine-Tailed Fox spirit from unforeseen circumstances. As the first student to make an effort with him, he holds a good opinion of you.

Naruto and I had finished classes for the day. As I expected, he was dragging me to Ichiraku Ramen to celebrate. Of course, I was familiar with Naruto's favourite restaurant. It was one of the only places that didn't discriminate against Naruto and his jinchuriki status. I never truly understood why the village hated him simply because of his status as the container for the Nine-Tailed Beast. Other villages have likely suffered at the hands of tailed beasts, yet they were not nearly as secretive as the Leaf is. I decided that the best logically explanation for the secret has more to do with the Fourth Hokage Minato over the Nine-Tailed Beast. The Third Hokage likely deduced that Shinobi from other villages would target Naruto for an assassination if they figured out he was the son of the Yellow Flash.

We arrived at Ichiraku Ramen, and I immediately took in the surrounding sight. It was a small little establishment, essentially just a vendor, and was occupied by, in my opinion, one of the most decent and caring families in the Leaf village. Teuchi and Ayame had always treated Naruto with love, and I witnessed firsthand the fondness they shared with the boy. Teuchi, Ayame, and Iruka, were three of the most important people in Naruto's life, especially until he turned into a Genin and came across Kakashi, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.

"Oh Naruto, good to see you again. The usual? Oh, who's your friend?"

Naruto and I sat down on the stool, and, with a giddy expression, he gave them a thumbs up.

"This is Yagami! He's my friend!"

Ayame's eyes widen while Teuchi gives a soft smile.

"Well Yagami, welcome to Ichiraku Ramen! In fact, first bowl for the both of you is on us, free of charge."

"That's very kind, thank you!"

While Naruto plowed through his meal like a starving tiger, I took the opportunity to check some things out.

'Observe'

Teuchi

Lv. 5

CP – 100

Rep – 10

Teuchi, commonly referred to as 'the Ramen Guy.' He's been serving ramen noodles to Naruto for years. He is one of the few restaurants in Konoha that will not discriminate against Naruto. He likes you for taking care of Naruto.

Ayame

Lv. 5

CP – 100

Rep – 10

Ayame is the daughter of Teuchi. Together, they serve ramen noodles to the Leaf village and have become good friends with Naruto and his frequent visits. She likes you for taking care of Naruto.

I look back at Naruto, who was talking to Teuchi and Ayame about some ridiculous prank he did. I looked at Naruto and decided I might as well get involved in the conversation. It's a good opportunity to forge some sort of bond with Naruto.

"Didn't Iruka put you in detention for a month after that prank?"

Naruto shot me a betrayed look but recovered with a sinister grin.

"Hmph. I managed to talk him down to two weeks."

I faceplanted.

Ayame and Teuchi laughed while Naruto started complaining to me about not 'having his back.'

A month had passed, and I had gotten Naruto to take training more seriously by bribing Naruto with extra ramen. I would give Naruto 'homework' or training exercises to perform independently. Various exercises that I personally developed were implemented into Naruto's training. These exercises trained his speed and strength were emphasized first. His Taijutsu was horrible, so we focused on that first.

When together, I would spar with Naruto. At first, I would kick the shit out of him, the only redeeming factor of the blond being his godlike stamina. But Naruto quickly got the hang of things and was able to impress me. Obviously, Naruto would still lose because I had more experience and trained harder. But he progressed quickly. I could easily tell when Naruto trained or decided to slack based on 'observe.' But now, Naruto has definitely gotten stronger. Of course, Naruto's chakra played a significant role in his growth and was off the charts.

'Observe'

Naruto Uzumaki

Lv. 15

CP – 15,000

Rep - 30

Naruto Uzumaki, the jinchuriki of Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox. He has lived a life of isolation and depression due to inheriting the Nine-Tailed Fox spirit from unforeseen circumstances. As the first student to make an effort with him, he views you as a friend.

While this brought a smile, I was also interested in my own stats, which progressed nicely. Sparring, as expected, had substantially increased my own stats. I had still opted to keep my extra stat points, hoarding them for the right time. I also learned a new skill, Taijutsu, which determined his level of adequacy at hand to hand. Due to his experience in hand-to-hand combat and sparring sessions from his previous life, his skill in the area was definitely good.

However, I still continued to train even without Naruto. I continued to work hard but dialed the intensity back a little bit. This overjoyed Meno, who had been worried about my extreme workouts. I had decided to pull a Rock Lee and invest in some ankle weights. They were relatively cheap, and weight could be added on if things got too easy, so I didn't have to constantly buy new ones. He started light, allowing his body to get accustomed to the additional weight. The results were incredible. For each day of wearing them, you got an extra +10% DEX and +5% VIT for each hour you train with them, allowing you to rack up massive points.

'Status'

Name: Yagami

Age - 11

Gender – male

Lv. 20

Exp – 18,200/25,000

CP – 1,450

Str – 201

Dex – 296

Vit – 267

Int – 184

Wis – 81

Lck – -3

Points – 150

Ryo – 14,000

Skills

Gamers Mind lv. MAX

Observe lv. 3 – ability to analyze people's stats, levels, and your reputation with them

Stealth lv. 2 – ability to sneak around undetected. +20% chance of not being detected when within 25 meters. +10% chance undetected when 25 meters +

Taijutsu lv. 4 – your capabilities in hand-to-hand combat

Leaf concentration technique lv. 3 – measures chakra control

Diet - healthy

Physical conditions - none

I smiled, content with his progress. I was really worried that I would not be able to catch up, but it seems that my intense training has accelerated my progress. Based on level, I assessed myself to be one of the stronger kids in the class. But at the rate I was progressing, I would peak at number one. Even Naruto would end the year in the top three if his progress continued. This was bound to create several divergences from canon, but I wasn't too concerned. Even though some things will indubitably change, I assumed that most significant events would still occur, just with some differences. For example, the Chunin Exam arc might have other villages entering. A change to canon, but having Naruto substantially stronger was something that I felt was worth the risk.

Naruto and I had finished sparring for the day and were at Ichiraku Ramen.

"Hey Naruto, we're going to start sparring sessions in class tomorrow. Are you ready to show everyone how much you've improved?"

Naruto slurped up his noodles and then looked at me with his smirk. Naruto was definitely proud of the progress he had made. There is no feeling than knowing that you've accomplished something terrific through sheer effort, and Naruto is riding on the high. But while Naruto was still the happy, energized blonde that we've all grown up to love, something was unleashed inside of him during his training. A burning passion for working hard and accomplishing results. And while he did not train as much as Yagami, not even close, he was still cranking in a couple of hours a day on the exercises I taught him.

"Oh yeah. I'm ready to show everyone in the class just how much I've improved. Especially Sakura. She's going to be so surprised to see me kick that loser Sasuke's face in."

A bit aggressive, but the passion was evident in Naruto's exclamation. Of course, Naruto was quite public with his problem with the Uchiha. I was worried that he would become a bit too brash with his newfound skills. A little humbling would probably do Naruto a bit of good. And might even motivate him to work harder. One thing about Naruto is that he can take a loss quite well.

"Naruto, you do realize that Sasuke's been training hard too right. He's probably still the best in the class right now."

A new bowl of ramen came from the kitchen, this one on the house. Naruto gave a thumbs up to Ayame. She turned to me with an eye raised. I just shrugged, unable to really explain Naruto, and she just laughed his silly antics off. My words of advice had done absolutely nothing to deter his confidence.

"C'mon Yagami, we've done so much training that no one in the world can stop us now. Just you wait everyone, I'm going to become the greatest Hokage of all time, believe it!"

Naruto paused a bit, looking down at his, contemplating something.

"You know Yagami, we've been hanging out for about a month now. But I don't know anything about you. What's your dream?"

I sighed, exasperated by the difficulty of responding to such a question.

"Naruto. It's…" I paused, unable to really formulate some sort of adequate response. I felt an explanation to the boy about power for the sake of protection was insufficient because I was unsure that Naruto truly grasped the dangers of being a Shinobi. No one really does until they become one. I didn't really have any sort of coherent plan for his life. It was, up to this point, just to survive.

'Fuck, but is that all I can do? Just survive while people like Naruto and Sasuke fulfill their dreams?'

"Hahaha don't worry about it, Yagami. Not everyone has their future planned out before them."

Naruto's dismissive attitude towards my lack of ambition was not fully genuine. There was an undercurrent of curiosity in the comment, a questioning tone in Naruto's typically laid-back attitude.

Naruto and I ate our meals in a comfortable silence after that conversation. It was welcome and allowed me planned ahead. I knew that Naruto's display of Taijutsu would be strong enough to at least turn some heads around. I planned that such a radical increase in power would surely lure the attention of Sasuke. Sasuke clings to power like a moth to a flame, and I speculated that Naruto's sudden increase in skill would tempt Sasuke into my grasp. Which would definitely be welcome, as I felt the three of them combined would help magnify each other's strengths massively.

'Between Naruto, Sasuke, and I, we would be practically unstoppable.'

It was the next day at the academy, and sparring sessions had started. I stuck close to Naruto as Iruka-sensei led the team outside to the sparring area. My classmates gave me looks, not expecting me to have the patience or tolerance for putting up with an outgoing personality like Naruto. However, as a wise man once said, opposites attract. For the first time in either of my lives, I felt a true comradeship growing. Of course, the rumours surrounding me died down, and things started to turn back to normal.

"All right class, today we're going to start our sparring sessions. This is your last year, so your performance and overall win loss ratio will be evaluated upon graduation. First up, we have Choji versus Teuji."

Naruto and I watched Choji make quick work of Teuji. I forced Naruto to watch the match to see if I could improve Naruto's ability to analyze strengths and weaknesses in the middle of a fight.

"Naruto. Why do you think Choji won that fight?"

Naruto contemplated the question before giving his answer. "He's bigger and stronger."

A blunt response and not quite as elaborate as I would have hoped, but I was still pleased.

"Yes Naruto, your right. Choji capitalized on his size and strength. He was able to out muscle Teuji."

"All right, next up is Naruto versus Kiba."

Kiba walked up to the sparring ring grinning, likely predicting an easy win for himself. Before Naruto could approach the arena, I held him back and whispered to him.

'Observe'

Kiba Inuzuka

Lv. 18

CP – 1,700

Rep - -5

Kiba Inuzuka of the Inuzuka clan. He works with his partner and dog, Akamaru, to become strong. He thinks you're weird.

"Naruto, Kiba is from the Inuzuka clan and has a heightened sense of smell. Go for the nose." Naruto nodded and thanked Yagami for the advice. Then, surprising everyone, he stood there with his eyes closed. No one had expected Naruto to just stand there and contemplate.

"Naruto, are you ready?"

Iruka looked at Naruto curiously, likely confused as to why the hyper kid was not immediately running toward the sparring ring.

"Hold on, Iruka-sensei, I'm just warming up a bit."

A few side glances were thrown at me. They knew of my newfound friendship with Naruto. Seeing Naruto use his brain was something no one expected, not even Iruka.

"Yosh! Alright, I'm ready to kick Dog-breath's ass."

And immediately, upon the utterance of such typical confidence, any illusion of a change in Naruto's personality was shot out the window, dissipating into thin air.

Despite Naruto's unchanged characteristics, the student body was impressed by Naruto's decision to stretch. However, they were still expecting a knockout in favour of Kiba. As for me, I knew that Naruto had been training quite hard with me. I have witnessed firsthand his remarkable stamina, and the other aspects of his Shinobi life were increasing at an impressive rate. As for whether or not he could defeat Kiba? Well, even I didn't know that. Kiba is probably stronger, faster, and has better technique in his clans Taijutsu style. However, the gap between their skills was not significant, meaning it wasn't as one-sided as people might think. Furthermore, Naruto also has substantially more stamina and a higher pain tolerance from getting beat up by me.

Naruto and Kiba bot gave the seal of reconciliation, displaying no need for hostility in their friendly spar. Then, as everyone expected, Naruto leapt toward Kiba with unrivaled energy and determination.

Naruto threw a jab-cross at Kiba, who barely slipped by each strike. His eyes widened at the speed Naruto, demonstrated, but he responded with a roundhouse kick, which Naruto ducked under, combined with a sweeping kick. Kiba responded by performing a whirlwind kick, hopping over Naruto's sweep and kicking him in the face. Naruto went flying back but was able to recover. He threw a glance over to me, looking for a hint. I scratched his nose in response, which caused Naruto to smirk.

This time, Kiba approached forward, the skills taught to him by his clan, kicking into effect. He crouched down, and his nails grew longer, more animal-like. He attempted to claw Naruto in the leg, who retaliated by jumping over the strike and kneeing Kiba in the face. Kiba went flying backwards, blood sputtering from his nose. He got up slowly but was still eager to fight. Naruto, on the other hand, didn't make it out of that attack uninjured. His left leg was torn open. The class gave a collective moan, cringing at the injury Kiba and Naruto had sustained. While not particularly bad, the class was definitely not expecting combat at this level of intensity. Iruka-sensei was beginning to worry that something even more physical might come of this.

"All right, we'll give this too -"

"Iruka-sensei, please don't stop the match."

Everyone in the classroom looked at me. The injuries, while not life-threatening, looked severe enough to warrant a draw. I, however, wanted to see a bit more from Naruto. I knew that Naruto wouldn't want the match to end, and he was definitely not done after an injury like that. He's trained through worse with me and would still be able to fight. Furthermore, I also thought that we should be pushing the student body harder.

My motivations for wanting to continue the match were not entirely selfless. I also wanted to see if Naruto could defeat Kiba. If he could, that would mean that I could beat Kiba. I was confident that I could, even without the fight's result, but I wanted the reassurance.

I approached Iruka and spoke solely to him, ignoring the murmurs and whispers around me.

"Iruka-sensei, many students here are going to graduate and become Genin by the end of the year. Everyone here needs to be ready for this level of combat. Because when we're facing enemy Shinobi, they aren't going to stop after scratching your leg or kneeing you in the face. They'll stop only when they've put a kunai into your throat. I also think that training the students in their stamina and endurance is a smart thing to do. During missions, many Shinobi have to go days, sometimes even weeks, without any sort of treatment on their injuries. The students here should be prepared for that as early as possible."

Iruka looked at Yagami, contemplating his viewpoint. Then, he rubbed his eyes.

"That's true. But these are things that you will only encounter on C-rank missions at the absolute earliest and your first C-rank mission is over one year out. And even then, you'll be accompanied by a Jonin. You're right, everything you said is true, but that doesn't mean you need to push yourself this hard during sparring sessions. I'm calling this match a draw."

Everyone was stunned at the revelation, including the Uchiha avenger himself. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Sasuke looking at me curiously. Instead, I gave Iruka a short nod.

"Pft, whatever. You got one cheap shot in."

For a man with a nose squished so hard it looked more like a tomato, Kiba was remarkably cocky. I mentally waved off his remark as nothing more than misguided bravado. Naruto, on the other hand, took the liberty of addressing Kiba directly.

"Next time. Next time I'll beat you Kiba, believe it! Yagami and I are training extra hard. Just you wait."

And just like that, Naruto hopped off back toward me without a care in the world.

Things calmed down after Naruro and Kiba's match, but the intensity of the spar coupled with my words ignited an unrealized horror in the student's eyes. The potential of death in their field of work is expectedly high. And while all graduating students will become Genin on a three-man squad, mentored by a Jonin no less, there was still a very high chance of death. Especially when they grew up and began to indulge in more dangerous missions, such as B-ranks and potentially even C-ranks.

There was also the Genin Corps, which very few academy students knew about. The academy wanted to encourage their Genin to work harder and aspire for grander ambitions than being a permanent Genin. However, that was still an option for students.

While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, I took the liberty of analyzing his current situation.

*Ding!*

Side quest detected.

Forge a training team.

Reward

1,000 EXP

+1 all stats

+5% chakra

Increased rep with ?

Bonus

?

Bonus reward

2,000 EXP

+2 all stats

+10% chakra

?

Increased rep with ?

Accept?

(Yes/No)

To me, the choice was obvious.