NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 2: 1
Chapter 1
Naruto's reputation in the Academy was nothing short of legendary. From the moment he enrolled, it was clear he was leagues above his peers. His mastery of taijutsu, coupled with his Byakugan and an uncanny sense of strategy, made him the standard to which others aspired. Even the Academy instructors, many of whom harbored lingering prejudices due to his jinchūriki status, could not deny his brilliance.
"Another perfect score," Iruka muttered as he reviewed Naruto's test results. He glanced at Mizuki, who scowled at the name at the top of the leaderboard.
"He's too perfect," Mizuki sneered. "There's something unnatural about it."
Iruka frowned but chose not to respond. Whatever lingering fears Mizuki held, Naruto had earned his accolades fair and square.
---
Naruto's excellence did not go unnoticed by his peers. Girls in the Academy were enamored with his calm demeanor and noble presence. His striking blue eyes and refined appearance, so different from the usual roughness of young shinobi-in-training, made him an object of admiration.
"I heard Naruto-kun scored the highest again!" squealed a classmate, her eyes shining with admiration.
"Of course he did," another girl sighed. "He's practically perfect."
Their attention, however, was divided between Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha, who had his own share of admirers. Unlike Naruto, Sasuke basked in the attention, but it was the perceived competition that irked him the most.
Naruto, for his part, was indifferent to Sasuke's attempts to surpass him. Whenever Sasuke tried to engage him in a contest, Naruto would dismiss him with a cold, disinterested glance.
"You think you're better than me, don't you?" Sasuke spat one day after class, his fists clenched.
Naruto's gaze was steady and impassive. "I don't think I am better. It's simply a fact," he replied, turning to leave.
Kiba, too, saw Naruto as a rival, though his rivalry was more out of a need to prove himself. "You may be good, Naruto, but you're not that good," Kiba declared one day during taijutsu practice.
Naruto's response was a calm, "Prove it."
Despite Kiba's best efforts, he could never land a solid hit on Naruto.
---
Though Naruto's skills were advanced enough for early graduation, he chose to remain in the Academy, much to Hiashi's dismay.
"You have nothing left to learn there," Hiashi said one evening during dinner at the Hyūga estate.
"I disagree, Father," Naruto replied formally. "There is value in remaining. A strong shinobi is more than just skill; it's about understanding one's comrades."
Hiashi narrowed his eyes but did not press further. Unbeknownst to him, Naruto's decision was rooted in something more personal. His memories of another life had been surfacing more frequently, and with them came a growing sense of protectiveness for Hinata and Hanabi. Though his interactions with them remained cold and formal, Naruto secretly ensured their safety and well-being.
---
During kunai-throwing practice, Naruto consistently hit the bullseye with every throw. His precision was unmatched, drawing awed whispers from his classmates. Even Sasuke, who prided himself on his skill, couldn't help but feel overshadowed.
During one sparring match, Naruto was paired with a fellow student who charged at him recklessly. With a single fluid movement, Naruto sidestepped and tapped the boy's shoulder lightly, disabling him with perfect Gentle Fist technique.
"That was incredible, Naruto-kun!" a girl exclaimed.
Naruto offered no response, walking back to his spot with his usual composed demeanor.
---
Scenes at the Hyūga Estate
At the Hyūga compound, Naruto's life was a mix of rigid tradition and quiet introspection. He often spent hours practicing the Gentle Fist style, perfecting every movement until it was flawless.
One evening, as he trained in the courtyard, Hinata approached timidly, clutching a small tray with tea.
"Nii-san," she said softly. "I thought you might be thirsty."
Naruto glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Thank you Lady Hinata," he said curtly, taking the tea without further comment.
As Hinata walked away, Naruto's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than usual. Though he outwardly maintained his cold demeanor, his thoughts were conflicted. "She's trying so hard… just like someone else I once knew."
Later that night, Naruto quietly visited the training hall where Hinata was practicing alone. Hidden in the shadows, he watched as she struggled to perfect her technique. Though he made no move to reveal himself, he silently resolved to ensure her progress, even if from a distance.
---
The more Naruto trained and interacted with others, the more vivid his memories of another life became. One night, as he meditated under a cherry tree in the Hyūga garden, a vision came to him. He saw himself standing amidst a field of falling petals, wielding a blade that shimmered like scattered sakura blossoms.
"This feeling…" he murmured, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of a sword that wasn't there.
Though the memories were fragmented, they carried with them a sense of purpose and duty, qualities that had always guided him. Yet, they also left him with questions about who he truly was and what role he was meant to play in this life.
For now, Naruto focused on his duties as a Hyūga and a shinobi-in-training, but he couldn't shake the feeling that his past and present were on a path to convergence.
Tbc