AN: since there wasn't any reviews I'll just add it so here you go gang!

Chapter 5

The early morning sun peeked through the trees as Naruto stood at the edge of the Academy training field, his heart racing with excitement. Today's challenge was the perfect opportunity for him to show everyone how much stronger he had become, especially after all the extra training he'd been doing.

"This exercise is about teamwork and strategy," Iruka announced as he stood in front of the class. His voice was firm but encouraging. "You'll be divided into groups. The goal is to capture the opposing team's flag. Speed, coordination, and timing will be just as important as strength. Work together, or you'll fail."

Naruto grinned, glancing over at Sasuke. He felt the familiar competitive fire spark in his chest. This was it. This was his chance to show Sasuke—and everyone else—that he wasn't going to be left behind.

As Iruka began dividing the class into teams, Naruto was placed with Shikamaru, Kiba, and Choji. Not exactly the team he'd imagined, but it would have to do.

"Let's make this quick," Kiba said confidently, Akamaru yapping excitedly from his shoulder. "We can take them."

Shikamaru yawned, already looking bored. "Just don't make it too troublesome."

Choji nodded as he munched on a bag of chips, seemingly unfazed by the challenge ahead.

Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes flicking toward Sasuke's team. They were lined up on the other side of the field, ready for the signal to start.

Focus, Naruto. This is your chance.

Iruka raised his hand, signalling the start of the exercise. "Go!"

The moment Iruka's hand dropped, Naruto's team sprang into action. Kiba led the way, darting forward with Akamaru barking excitedly at his heels. Shikamaru, as expected, hung back, his lazy demeanour masking the fact that he was already planning out their strategy in his head.

"Alright, Naruto," Shikamaru called out as they ran. "You're fast, so you'll be the one to get the flag. Kiba and I will distract them, and Choji can hold the line in case things get messy."

Naruto nodded, his heart pounding. He liked the plan—quick and straightforward. But as they closed in on the centre of the field, his eyes locked onto Sasuke, who was already moving with the kind of grace that made everything look effortless. He was always one step ahead, and the thought gnawed at Naruto.

Not this time, Naruto thought, determination surging through him. I'm catching up.

As they neared the opposing flag, Kiba rushed forward, engaging with the other team and drawing their attention. Choji stayed back, ready to block anyone who tried to get past.

Shikamaru moved into position, using his shadow technique to trap one of their opponents.

Naruto spotted an opening—Sasuke was a few steps away, but his back was turned. This was his chance. Without a second thought, Naruto dashed forward, his hand outstretched to grab the flag.

But just as his fingers brushed the fabric, a blur of movement caught his eye.

Sasuke.

He spun around at the last second, his reflexes sharp and quick, and knocked Naruto's hand away before he could even blink. In an instant, Sasuke had the flag in his own grasp, smirking down at Naruto.

"You're too slow," Sasuke said, his voice calm, almost dismissive.

Naruto's jaw clenched, frustration boiling inside him. Too slow? He couldn't stand it. He was trying so hard, pushing himself every day, but Sasuke always seemed to be a step ahead, no matter what.

Before he could react, Sasuke darted back toward his team, leaving Naruto standing there, empty-handed.

"Damn it!" Naruto muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. He wasn't giving up—not yet.

with both teams scrambling to protect their flags and make their way toward victory. Naruto, still fuming from his encounter with Sasuke, pushed himself harder than ever. But his body was already feeling the strain.

As the exercise dragged on, Naruto's muscles began to burn, and his breath came in ragged gasps. He could feel himself reaching his limit.

No... I can't stop now... Naruto thought, his vision blurring slightly as exhaustion set in. I have to keep going.

That's when he felt it—a faint pulse of energy deep inside him, stirring just beneath the surface. It was the same power he had tapped into during his training sessions, the power of the Nine-Tails. But this time, it felt stronger, more potent, like it was waiting for him to reach out and take it.

Naruto hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. He knew the risks. The Nine-Tails' power was dangerous, uncontrollable. But he didn't have a choice—not if he wanted to keep up.

Just a little, he thought, gritting his teeth. I'll just use a little.

With that, Naruto allowed a small portion of the fox's chakra to flow through him. The effect was immediate. His exhaustion faded, replaced by a surge of strength that coursed through his muscles, making his body feel lighter and faster.

Naruto's eyes snapped open, and without thinking, he rushed forward, moving faster than before. His body felt more alive, more powerful, as if he could keep going for hours without tiring.

But the moment passed quickly, and as the Nine-Tails' chakra ebbed away, Naruto was left panting, his body still burning with effort. He had only tapped into it for a brief moment, but it was enough to give him the edge he needed.

The flag was within reach again, and this time, Naruto wasn't going to let it slip through his fingers.

With a final burst of energy, Naruto grabbed the flag, pulling it free just as his teammates covered him. They had done it. Their team had won.

"Nice work, Naruto!" Kiba shouted, slapping him on the back as they gathered after the challenge. Akamaru barked happily, running in circles around them.

"Not bad," Shikamaru said, though his tone was as lazy as ever. "You almost made it more trouble than it was, but I guess it worked out."

Choji nodded, still munching on his chips. "Yeah, that was pretty cool."

Naruto smiled, his chest swelling with pride. For the first time in a while, he felt like he belonged. His teammates were cheering him on, and though the victory hadn't been easy, they had worked together to pull it off.

As they walked back toward the Academy, Naruto couldn't help but glance over at Sasuke. The rivalry between them was as sharp as ever, but for the first time, Naruto felt like he was finally catching up—if only by a little.

That evening, Naruto found himself sitting alone on the swing outside the Academy, the sky darkening as the sun began to set. His body ached from the day's training, but there was a quiet satisfaction in his chest. They had won the challenge, and he had felt the power of the Nine-Tails, even if it was just for a moment.

But as the excitement faded, Naruto was left with a sense of unease. The power he had tapped into... it had felt good, almost too good. It had given him the strength he needed, but he knew it wasn't something he could rely on. Not yet. Not fully.

Still, he couldn't deny that the taste of that power had left him wanting more. He was getting stronger—slowly, but surely.

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the horizon, Naruto clenched his fists, his resolve hardening once again.

I'll get stronger,