However, Natsuki did believe in him.
Naruto wasn't actually that dumb—especially when it came to training. What made him special was his perseverance, and in that regard, he did exceptionally well.
Once Naruto learned tree-climbing and water-walking, the Three Basic Techniques wouldn't be a problem. He'd definitely graduate with ease. But that also meant the original plot where Mizuki manipulated Naruto into stealing the Scroll of Seals might not happen. Without that event, Naruto might not learn the Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.
And that technique? It stuck with him all the way until the battle against Kaguya.
If Naruto didn't have it... he'd be in serious trouble, wouldn't he?
Still, Natsuki remained calm. Since Hiruzen wanted to manipulate Naruto—to make him loyal to the village—he'd definitely find some way to bind Iruka and Naruto together.
Even without the stolen scroll incident, there would be other plans in place, and someone would definitely make sure Naruto learned a few important techniques.
And if Hiruzen didn't make arrangements? Then they'd just wait until Tsunade took over, and Natsuki could suggest she teach Naruto herself.
There were always more solutions than problems. It didn't have to follow the original timeline exactly. And right now, Naruto being addicted to a card game and neglecting his future was a much bigger issue than him not knowing the Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. That needed to be fixed first.
In that regard, Natsuki felt some responsibility. So it was only right for him to intervene early and correct Naruto's path.
Plus, things were about to get really fun.
Once Team 7 was formed, Sasuke would find out he was the only one who hadn't learned tree-walking or water-walking yet. That would absolutely crush his ego. The "Second Pillar" wouldn't be able to stay cocky for long.
But, as always, things rarely go as expected.
It was getting late, and the group dispersed. But Naruto stayed behind, still training his tree-walking.
He'd already asked Natsuki for advice. Now it was just about grinding it out. He wasn't thinking about anything else—not even card games. All he wanted was to master climbing trees.
Problem solved—his game addiction was gone!
Then, out of nowhere, Sasuke showed up at the same spot and saw Naruto working hard. The entangled fate of Indra and Asura made the scene hard to define.
Meanwhile, Natsuki had just arrived at the ninja tools store—only to be suddenly hugged by a girl with twin buns.
"Natsuki, you're back! I've got great news for you!" Tenten beamed with joy, her breath still carrying the smell of grilled meat.
"Had a good day?" Natsuki ignored his future father-in-law's side-eye and pulled Tenten straight into his arms.
"Mm-hmm! Super happy! My teammates are awesome, and our sensei is even better. And I did something for my most favorite boyfriend ever—guess what it is!"
"Oh? Then what did my absolute favorite girlfriend do for me today?"
"Guess! You have to guess first!"
Tenten was clearly delighted, and her girlish side was on full display. She wanted to be pampered, and Natsuki knew better than to guess correctly—wouldn't want to ruin her sense of accomplishment.
"Hmm, I really have no clue. Are you cooking dinner tonight?"
"Ehehe! Wrong!" Tenten showed off her gleaming teeth. "Guess what? My team leader is Might Guy-sensei! The one you said is the strongest! His fashion sense is kinda weird, but I think he's really powerful! And he's agreed to teach me the Hachimon Tonkō! He even said he'd check your body condition too—if you're suitable, he'll teach you as well!"
Natsuki froze, then lit up with joy. "Really?! Tenten, you seriously brought me an incredible surprise!"
He'd been worried Tenten wouldn't end up on Guy's team—yet now she'd returned with this amazing news.
The Eight Gates! Natsuki had waited so long for this!
He couldn't wait to learn it!
Once he mastered the Eight Gates, with his current physical strength, opening the Seventh Gate would be enough to fight Kage-level opponents. When he graduated at twelve, he could increase the weight in the gravity chamber, and his physical power would skyrocket. By then, opening the Fifth Gate would be enough to fight a Kage, and the Seventh? He could kick an Ootsutsuki across the moon—easy.
"So, what kind of reward is my most most most beloved boyfriend going to give his girlfriend?" Tenten asked, blushing.
Natsuki glanced at his future father-in-law, then scooped Tenten up and carried her into the backyard.
Although they'd been dating for years, they were still young—hand-holding, hugging, and cheek kisses were the most they'd done. Their first kiss? Still untouched. Now that they were older, it felt like the right time.
Ah... Tenten's first kiss tasted like grilled meat...
The shopkeeper uncle pretended he didn't see anything.
He'd long grown used to watching his darling daughter glued to Natsuki. Since Tenten had already chosen her man, he had no objections. He was just waiting for them to grow up so he could have grandkids.
A long while later, the two came out red-faced, lips a bit swollen.
The shopkeeper scolded jokingly, "What are you two standing there for? Go make dinner already! Your old man's starving!"
Days passed, and the ninja academy resumed. Natsuki entered his final year before graduation, while Tenten officially started her ninja career.
In the beginning, the missions were all D-rank—finding cats, chasing dogs, pulling weeds, farming... low pay and very annoying.
Luckily, Tenten knew the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. She just sent clones to do the chores while she trained nearby. Seeing this, Neji followed suit, leaving poor Lee to weep with envy.
Guy didn't stop them. D-rank missions weren't important—just needed to get done.
How they got done didn't matter.
Besides, D-rank missions had another purpose: to build trust and teamwork between squad members. That kind of bond took time and couldn't be rushed.
One day, Neji approached Tenten. "Tenten, fight me."
Tenten looked at the cold, aloof "prince" of their class, and even after comparing, still felt her boyfriend was the best.
She didn't refuse. "Okay. Let's have Guy-sensei referee."
Guy was more than excited. "Yosh! I shall be the judge of this youthful and passionate duel! Remember, it's just a spar—no injuring your comrades! I'll step in if necessary. Now, begin!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Neji dashed forward with a ninja sprint.
Tenten was unfazed. She pulled out two scrolls and used her self-created Twin Rising Dragons. A dense barrage of ninja tools filled the air and rained down on Neji.
His expression turned serious. He activated his Byakugan, took a stance, and as chakra began to swirl around him, an eight-trigram diagram seemed to appear beneath his feet. Then he spun in place, forming a half-spherical defense, deflecting all incoming weapons.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
The storm of ninja tools was rendered useless, scattered to the ground.
But Tenten wasn't surprised. She quickly formed hand signs and charged forward with a kunai. Neji, just finishing his spin, also drew a kunai to counter.
Yet through his Byakugan, he saw something strange—
Tenten's chakra pathways were unusual.
It was as if... she had an extra pair of arms growing out of her back!
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