superior naruto

Naruto bowed deeply, his voice sincere. "First of all, I want to apologize. I wasn't fully awake yesterday. I thought I was dreaming… I'm really sorry."

Hinata blinked, her face turning bright red. *Did Naruto think he was dreaming? And in that dream, he confessed to me? So… was that confession real?*

Her mind spun, unsure how to respond.

Naruto continued, "I hope you can forgive me, but… I really do like you, Hinata."

Her cheeks flushed even deeper. *He confessed again! Does this count as a second confession? Or is this the real one?*

Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure Naruto could hear it. She couldn't find the words to reply.

Naruto raised his head hesitantly. "Hinata?"

When no response came, he finally looked up. Around them, students were starting to gather, whispering and staring. Hinata's face was as red as a tomato, and Naruto couldn't help but think how cute she looked.

"Uh… besides this, there's something else I need to talk to you about. Let's change locations," Naruto said, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the grove near the school.

*Naruto's holding my hand!* Hinata's heart raced. This sudden happiness left her completely unprepared.

Once they were in the woods and out of earshot, Naruto spoke quietly. "Hinata, can I ask you something?"

Hinata whispered, "Nani?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head nervously. "Well… do you know how much a copy scroll costs?"

*Copy scroll? Why is he asking about that?* Hinata tried to recall. "I think… a small one costs around ten thousand ryo."

Naruto's eyes widened. *That's expensive!*

He hesitated but decided to press on. "So… Hinata, do you think you could get a small copy scroll for me?"

He felt bad asking, but he didn't want to give up this opportunity. Still, ten thousand ryo was a huge amount for someone like him.

Hinata nodded without hesitation. "If Naruto needs a copy scroll, I'll check at home. I can bring one for you tomorrow."

Naruto let out a relieved breath. "Thank you so much. And… for special reasons, please don't tell anyone about this."

Hinata nodded again, her expression serious. "I understand."

Before they left, Naruto glanced around the grove, making sure no one was eavesdropping. *This is all I can do for now. The rest is up to fate.*

---

They returned to the classroom together.

Hinata smiled shyly. "Naruto, good luck on the exam!"

Naruto grinned. "Thanks!"

*The written test might be okay, but the Clone Technique… no way I'll pass that.* He sighed inwardly. *But as the saying goes, sometimes misfortune can turn into a blessing. If I fail, Mizuki might approach me about the scroll.*

---

The first day of exams was all written tests. Subjects included Introduction to Ninjutsu Theory, Survival Skills, Investigation and Counter-Investigation, World History, and the Functions of Various Ninja Tools.

Naruto relied on the memories in his head and estimated he could barely pass.

The day dragged on with papers, exams, and more papers.

After school, Hinata hesitated, wondering if she should walk home with Naruto. *Waiting for a boy after school… I've never done that before.* Her face burned at the thought.

She was about to leave when Naruto called out, "Hinata? Are you waiting for me?"

"Ah!" Hinata's face turned crimson. *This is so embarrassing! What do I do?*

"N-No… I was just…" she stammered.

Naruto smiled. "Oh, okay. See you tomorrow. I'm staying at Iruka-sensei's place tonight because of… well, health reasons. Bye!"

*Health reasons? Is Naruto still unwell?* Hinata's concern overrode her shyness. She looked up, her voice filled with worry. "Is Naruto's health still not good?"

Naruto waved a hand dismissively. "I'm fine, but Iruka-sensei doesn't want me staying alone in case I faint again. So I'm staying with him until the exams are over."

Hinata sighed in relief. "I see… Well, I'll go now. See you tomorrow."

She took a few steps, then suddenly turned back. "Naruto… you've changed a little. You seem more confident and… handsome."

With that, she sprinted away, her face glowing red.

This scene didn't escape Iruka, who had been single for over twenty years. He clutched his chest, feeling as if he'd taken a critical hit. *Why does Naruto get all the luck?*

---

As Naruto and Iruka left the school, they ran into Mizuki.

Iruka greeted him warmly. "Hey, Mizuki!"

Mizuki smiled brightly, his demeanor friendly and trustworthy. "Naruto, good luck on your exam tomorrow! Do your best!"

Naruto grinned. "Yeah! I will."

As they walked away, Naruto's expression turned serious. *Mizuki, whether you're a good guy or a bad guy, don't blame me if things don't go your way.*

In his previous life, Naruto had experienced hardship after hardship. He'd scavenged for food, been kidnapped, and even nearly forced into a life of crime. He knew the value of survival and was determined to live stubbornly.

*Wait… if I'm in this world now, does that mean I died in the other one?* The thought sent a chill down his spine. *No matter what, I'll fight to survive here.*

---

Iruka broke the silence. "What do you want to eat tonight?"

Naruto's eyes lit up. "You're treating me again?"

Iruka chuckled. "Don't take advantage of me too much."

Naruto grinned. "Then… three large bowls of miso ramen!"

Iruka sighed. "You're really not holding back, huh?"

Naruto laughed. "Okay, then I'll add two more bowls!"

Iruka groaned. "I regret asking."

---

Back at Iruka's house, Naruto tried once more to communicate with the Nine-Tails. But as usual, there was no response.

*Is the Nine-Tails asleep?* Naruto thought wryly. *Not a very funny joke.*

In the original timeline, Naruto first encountered the Nine-Tails during his training with Jiraiya. To force the Nine-Tails' chakra out, Jiraiya pushed Naruto off a cliff. In that life-or-death moment, Naruto's consciousness entered the seal space and met the Nine-Tails for the first time.

*Do I have to risk my life to meet it?* Naruto shuddered at the thought. *No way I'm jumping off a cliff.*

He shook his head, dismissing the idea. *Tomorrow's the practical exam… I hope everything goes well. Whether I can stand firm in this world depends on it.*