Chapter Three: The Ultimate Prodigy

In the end, Naruto found himself in the academy, the room bustling with the chatter of young students. When the Chunin instructor, a stern-looking man with a scar across his cheek, asked him to introduce himself, he began—

"I am Uzumaki Naruto, and I'm going to be the greatest Hokage this village has ever seen! Believe it!"

The instructor raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

Naruto puffed out his chest. "I like ramen!"

A few giggles erupted from the class.

"And?"

"I like purple?"

"Um… okay." The instructor sighed inwardly. 'Really? A two and a half year old kid? I know Kushina was a handful… poor boy, inherited more than just her looks.' Shaking his head slightly, he said, "If you like purple, then sit beside Yugao, the girl with purple hair."

"Hai!" Naruto chirped, his enthusiasm undampened as he marched over to the seat. He plopped down next to Yugao, who was quietly doodling in her notebook, her purple hair cascading over her face.

Yugao glanced up, her large, curious eyes meeting Naruto's. "Hi, I'm Yugao."

Naruto grinned broadly. "Hi, I'm Naruto. Let's be friends!"

Yugao blinked, surprised by his forwardness, he was a cute boy but she had her own rules for making friends. A small smile crept onto her face. "No."

The boy looked sad, but she didn't bother.

"You just wait! you will be my friend and you will be the one who will be asking to be my friend! Believe this!"

"Hmm."

The Chunin instructor watched the exchange, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Perhaps there was more to this kid than met the eye. He turned back to the class, clapping his hands to regain their attention. "Alright, everyone, settle down. Let's begin with today's lesson…"

His mother had firmly warned him not to beat someone to a pulp if they called him "tomato." Sadly, the emotionally sensitive boy couldn't hold back. By midday, two older boys lay bruised and whimpering on the classroom floor, victims of Naruto's fierce temper. Detention was swiftly handed down on his very first day.

When his father, Minato, heard about the incident, he was furious. The usually composed Yellow Flash's face turned a shade reminiscent of Kushina's infamous temper. He paced the room, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Naruto, you can't go around beating up your classmates! You have to control your temper."

Naruto hung his head, kicking at an imaginary pebble on the floor. "But they called me 'tomato,' Dad."

Minato sighed, his anger mingling with a touch of sympathy. "That's no excuse for fighting. Words are just words, Naruto. You need to rise above them."

Meanwhile, Kushina was caught in a whirlwind of emotions. She listened to Minato's reprimand, her heart swelling with conflicting feelings. On one hand, she was irate—fighting on the first day? That was unacceptable. But on the other, she felt a surge of pride. Her little boy had stood up to kids four years older than him and emerged victorious.

She pulled Naruto into a tight hug, her voice a mix of sternness and affection. "Naruto, that was reckless. You have to be smarter about these things. You can't just use your fists to solve problems."

Naruto looked up at her with wide eyes. "But, Mom, they were mean."

Kushina's expression softened. "I know, sweetie. But next time, try to find another way. Use your words, okay?"

Naruto nodded reluctantly. "Okay, Mom."

Within two months, Naruto showed incredible development. His progress astonished everyone at the academy. Despite his nearly bottomless chakra reserves, he had excellent control over it. He swiftly mastered the tree and water walking exercises, demonstrating a level of skill far beyond his years. The Substitution Technique became second nature to him, and he even learned advanced jutsu like Water Style: Water Bullet Technique and Earth Style: Mud Wall.

However, Naruto had yet to unlock the Adamantine Sealing Chains, a powerful ability that his mother, Kushina, possessed. Minato suggested that Naruto might not have inherited it, though he seemed almost relieved about this possibility. He muttered under his breath, "Crazy Uzumaki genes."

Naruto, always curious, caught his father's words. "Dad, what do you mean by 'crazy Uzumaki genes'?"

Minato chuckled, ruffling his son's hair. "It's nothing to worry about, Naruto. The Uzumaki clan is known for their powerful and sometimes unpredictable abilities. Your mom's chains are a prime example. But you've got your own strengths, and that's what matters."

Naruto beamed, proud of his progress and eager to learn more. "I want to get even stronger, Dad! I want to be the best Hokage ever!"

Minato's eyes softened with pride as he looked at his son. "I have no doubt you will be, Naruto. Just remember to balance your power with wisdom and kindness. That's what makes a true leader."

.Naruto's academic performance was anything but dull. He devoured every available source of knowledge with an insatiable hunger. He read and memorized every book on history available in the library, astonishing his teachers with his newfound understanding of the world and its events.

However, his thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. Naruto often sneaked into his father's study, where he discovered a hidden chamber behind the bookshelf. When he first stumbled upon it, his eyes widened in amazement at the sight of piles of scrolls, many of which were labeled as 'Kinjutsu' or 'Forbidden Techniques.'

Despite the warnings, Naruto couldn't resist the allure of these powerful jutsu. He began borrowing some of the scrolls weekly, practicing their contents in secret. His natural talent and determination allowed him to quickly grasp even the most complex sealing techniques.

One evening, Minato entered his study and noticed a few scrolls slightly out of place. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. He had a good idea of who the culprit might be. Catching Naruto in the act a few days later, Minato confronted him.

"Naruto, these techniques are forbidden for a reason," Minato said sternly, holding up a scroll labeled 'Kinjutsu.'

Naruto, unabashed, looked up at his father with determined eyes. "But Dad, I want to learn everything I can to protect the village. How can I be the best Hokage if I don't know all the techniques?"

Minato sighed, torn between pride and concern. He knelt down to Naruto's level, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I understand your desire to learn and protect the village, Naruto. But with great power comes great responsibility. These techniques can be dangerous, even to those who wield them. Promise me you'll be careful and that you'll come to me if you have any questions."

Naruto nodded earnestly. "I promise, Dad. I just want to be the best I can be."

Minato smiled, ruffling Naruto's hair. "I know you will be, son. Just remember, knowledge and power are important, but they must be used wisely. The true strength of a Hokage comes from their heart and their love for the village."

Naruto beamed, feeling more determined than ever.

Naruto's journey to master taijutsu took an unexpected turn when he encountered Maito Dai, a middle-aged Genin known for his unique and intense training methods. Dai, despite never advancing beyond the rank of Genin, was renowned for his extraordinary dedication to taijutsu and his creation of the Eight Gates technique.

One afternoon, as Naruto was training, he noticed a man in green spandex and leg warmers, mirroring the attire of Might Guy. The man's enthusiasm was infectious as he performed vigorous exercises with a youthful energy that belied his age.

"Are you training for taijutsu?" Naruto asked, approaching him with curiosity.

Dai turned to him with a wide smile. "Yes, indeed! Taijutsu is the path to unlocking the true potential of one's youth! I am Maito Dai, and I see the flames of determination in your eyes, young one!"

Naruto, inspired by Dai's passion, eagerly introduced himself. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki! I want to get better at taijutsu so I can become the greatest Hokage!"

Dai's eyes sparkled with excitement. "A noble goal! I can teach you the fundamentals and more, if you are willing to endure the springtime of youth's rigorous training!"

Under Dai's guidance, Naruto's training intensified. Dai's methods were unconventional but highly effective. He emphasized the importance of pushing beyond one's limits, a philosophy that resonated deeply with Naruto. They trained together daily, with Dai sharing the secrets of the Eight Gates and instilling in Naruto a profound respect for the discipline and control required to wield such power.

Dai's relentless spirit and boundless energy inspired Naruto. He learned to channel his chakra more efficiently, enhancing his physical strength and speed. Dai also taught him the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive outlook, no matter the challenges faced.

Through grueling exercises, intense sparring sessions, and endless drills, Naruto's taijutsu improved dramatically. He learned to blend his raw power with the precision and technique Dai emphasized, developing a unique style that incorporated his natural abilities and the teachings he absorbed from both Dai and Guy.

The bond between Naruto and Dai grew strong, grounded in mutual respect and shared determination. Dai's lessons extended beyond physical training, imparting valuable life principles that shaped Naruto's character. Naruto began to understand that true strength came from within, from an unyielding spirit and an unwavering commitment to one's goals.

By the time Naruto had mastered the basics of the Eight Gates and significantly improved his taijutsu, he had not only closed the gap in his training but also gained a mentor who profoundly impacted his growth as a ninja and as an individual..

Despite not having many friends in the academy, Naruto found himself with a rival in the form of Shisui Uchiha, a promising young shinobi with remarkable talent. Shisui possessed exceptional speed, proficiency in genjutsu, and mastery in kenjutsu, making him a formidable opponent despite his age.

However, Naruto's abilities set him apart in a league of his own. His relentless determination, vast chakra reserves, and mastery of various jutsu made him a force to be reckoned with.

Recognizing Naruto's skill and potential, Shisui decided to mark him as a milestone to surpass. He saw Naruto not just as a rival, but as a benchmark for his own growth and development as a shinobi.

The rivalry between Naruto and Shisui fueled both of their ambitions, driving them to push themselves to greater heights in their training and missions. Each encounter between them became a test of skill and determination, with both shinobi striving to outdo the other.

Despite their rivalry, there was a mutual respect between Naruto and Shisui. They admired each other's strengths and learned from their battles, each pushing the other to improve.

In the end, Naruto graduated from the Academy at the age of three with distinction, shattering all records that had ever existed before—surpassing legends like Tobirama, Hiruzen, Orochimaru, Minato, and Kakashi. In a meeting of the clan heads, Shikaku Nara dubbed the boy as "The Ultimate Prodigy."

However, neither his mother nor his father was pleased with his brilliance.

"You cannot promote him as a Shinobi!" Kushina said threateningly, her eyes slitted, Kyuubi's chakra leaking from her form.

"I understand your concern," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, unfazed by the killing intent radiating from Kushina. "The war is not in our favor, and we need as many capable soldiers as we can gather."

"But that is not a good choice," Minato said calmly, not supporting Kushina's rough behavior but not exactly stopping her either.

"Trust me, it is a good choice," Hiruzen insisted, taking a puff from his pipe.

Kushina's fury intensified. "Where was your 'right choice' when our village was being destroyed and the Konoha Shinobi never arrived to aid us?! Are you suggesting that letting my village be destroyed was a good choice?"

"You are crossing the line, Jinchuuriki of Konoha," Hiruzen said authoritatively. He pulled a piece of paper from the table and held it up. "Naruto Uzumaki is now a Shinobi under my command."

Kushina was on the verge of attacking the man when Minato interjected, "If that's final, then how about I suggest something?"

"What is it?" Kushina asked impatiently.

"Do tell," Hiruzen said, curious.

"How would you like to be a Jounin sensei, Kushi-chan?" Minato proposed.

Kushina's fiery aura subsided slightly as she considered the idea. "You want me to train him?" she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and contemplation.

"Yes," Minato said, meeting her gaze steadily. "Who better to guide him than you? You know his strengths and weaknesses better than anyone. You can ensure he's not only trained to the highest standards but also protected."

Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "That could work. Kushina, your skills and experience would be invaluable in shaping Naruto's development. You could ensure he remains grounded and safe."

Kushina's eyes softened as she looked at her son, who stood nearby, listening intently. She sighed deeply, the anger in her eyes replaced by determination. "Alright, but on one condition."

"Name it," Hiruzen said.

"You must promise that he will not be sent on dangerous missions until he's older and more prepared," Kushina demanded.

Hiruzen nodded. "Agreed. He will receive the best training under your guidance, and his missions will be carefully selected."

Kushina finally relented, her fierce protectiveness giving way to a sense of resolve. "Then it's settled. I'll be Naruto's Jounin sensei."

"Team Ten will consist of Naruto Uzumaki, Yugao Uzui, and Cholo Akimichi under Jounin—"

"Team Ten!" A red blur appeared as sensei said 'Kushina Uzumaki'. "Ichiraku Ramen in a minute!"

"Mom?!"

Kushina Uzumaki grinned broadly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yep, Naruto! And we're gonna make Team Ten the best team ever, dattebane!"

Naruto blinked, unable to process the whirlwind of emotions. Excitement, confusion, and a hint of embarrassment all mixed together. "But, Mom—"

Before he could finish, Yugao Uzui, a quiet, stoic kunoichi, raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, interesting," she murmured, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected turn of events.

Cholo Akimichi, munching on a bag of chips, didn't seem to mind the chaos. "Munch, munch."

Kushina clapped her hands, her energy contagious. "Alright, team, let's meet at Ichiraku Ramen in one minute. We've got a lot to discuss!"

As they began to leave, a shadowy figure watched from the rooftops, their eyes narrowing. "So, she's leading Team Ten... This changes everything."

Naruto caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye but dismissed it, too wrapped up in his thoughts.

TBC