My Name Is Namikaze Naruto

Putting aside the ongoing covert struggles between the Third Hokage and Danzo Shimura, two Leaf Village elders with a long history of enmity, the scene shifts elsewhere.

After Naruto and Iruka returned to the village and handed over the Scroll of Seals, the matter was quickly settled, much to Naruto’s expectations. Iruka, however, was surprised, thinking they would need to explain themselves or even face special interrogation. Until the Chunin responsible for retrieving the Scroll told him he could leave, Iruka remained bewildered. After all, the Scroll of Seals had been stolen, involving the betrayal of a Chunin, and the main character in this event—Naruto Uzumaki—was the village’s Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. It shouldn’t have been so easily brushed off.

Iruka thought they would be summoned by the Third Hokage for questioning.

At worst, they might even face interrogation by the village’s torture unit.

But it seemed like it was just a drill.

Even as they left the Hokage’s office, Iruka remained puzzled.

However, Naruto, who had followed Iruka quietly and obediently with a “I’m good” and “I know I was wrong” expression, knew very well that this whole thing was a joke. If it hadn’t involved Naruto, the Third Hokage would have used it to give Naruto some benefit. If it had been any other Academy student, the matter would have been nipped in the bud long before it happened. Mizuki trying to stir trouble in the world’s strongest village, the Leaf, was laughable. Even at its weakest, the Leaf wasn’t something Mizuki, a nobody, could shake.

So Naruto wasn’t surprised by the outcome.

Afterward.

Iruka took Naruto to the hospital.

Although the injuries seemed to have healed well and would self-heal over time, Iruka had Naruto undergo a thorough check-up at the hospital to be safe.

As expected, Naruto had no issues, and with a little rest, he would fully recover.

In fact, Iruka’s injuries were slightly more severe than Naruto’s.

This highlighted Naruto’s strong vitality and healing ability.

“Naruto, although there’s no major issue, you need to rest at home for the next two days, understand? The graduation ceremony is in three days, and the team assignments will be announced then. So, no training during these days.”

As they left the hospital.

Knowing his student’s personality well, Iruka sternly reminded Naruto. Even though he seemed fine and would recover soon, Iruka wanted Naruto to take better care of himself. Hard work and diligence were commendable, but balancing rest and effort, especially after an intense battle, was crucial.

“Yes, Iruka-sensei, I understand. Don’t worry.”

Meeting Iruka’s serious and caring gaze, Naruto looked up at him, nodding earnestly.

Seeing Naruto being so obedient this time, Iruka was initially taken aback, looking at him suspiciously.

Years of experience told Iruka that Naruto was always passionate about training, which went beyond mere diligence.

Under Iruka’s skeptical gaze.

Naruto began to sweat.

It seemed he really had no credibility in this area.

“Don’t worry, Iruka-sensei, I really won’t deceive you this time. I’ll rest well.”

After Naruto’s repeated assurances.

Iruka finally nodded slowly.

“Good.”

After reminding Naruto about the graduation ceremony and team assignments, Iruka turned and headed home.

Watching Iruka leave.

Naruto let out a sigh of relief. Although he appreciated the concern, sometimes Iruka’s nagging was hard to bear.

But honestly, Naruto didn’t intend to play any tricks this time.

Even if Iruka hadn’t said anything.

Naruto planned to rest for two days.

He had originally intended to change his training plan two days before graduation. Now, he decided to take it easy. After all, his body was his greatest asset. Besides, staying home didn’t mean he couldn’t train.

In these two days, Naruto planned to work on his hand seal speed and chakra control.

Ultimately, ninjutsu and genjutsu were not just about fast hand seals.

Hand seals were a means.

Chakra control and manipulation were the core of jutsu execution.

Look at the Sage of the Six Paths; did he need hand seals to perform jutsu?

Not at all.

That’s because his chakra control was as easy as moving his limbs, making hand seals unnecessary.

Even without mentioning the Sage of the Six Paths.

The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, could summon jutsu with just a clap of his hands.

Though not on the same level as the Sage of the Six Paths.

It was still a display of extreme chakra control and usage.

So, hand seals were a medium, and chakra was the core.

Even for the simplest Shadow Clone Jutsu, which seemed to require only a single hand seal, proper chakra control and flow were necessary. Without chakra coordination, hand seals alone were useless.

Naruto couldn’t yet reach the level of performing jutsu with just a clap.

Therefore, improving chakra control, manipulation, and hand seal speed were his training focuses.

Especially hand seal speed.

It was the quickest way to improve.

Uchiha Itachi’s hand seal speed in the original series was Naruto’s current goal.

“Alright! I’ll get a good sleep first, then start training!”

Naruto lightly patted his cheeks, then turned and headed home.

Over the next two days.

As promised to Iruka, Naruto stayed home and rested, not going to the forest for training. During this time, he further mastered the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu he learned from the Scroll of Seals. Additionally, he improved the hand seal speed of a C-rank Wind Release jutsu—Great Breakthrough—he learned from Iruka earlier. The real battle with Mizuki had made Naruto realize that to win battles, a ninja must possess multiple skills, reminding himself never to be complacent or careless in any future fight.

Become a Patron to read chapters ahead of public release and support me 😉

Read up to 40 chapters ahead on p atreon.