*Chapter 64: Genius Descends!*

"Hahahahaha!"

Naruto leaned back with his hands behind his head, laughing arrogantly. His gaze flickered toward the girls who had gathered around him earlier, his eyes gleaming with pride.

Suddenly.

Naruto brought his hands together, forming a series of hand seals, catching everyone off guard.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

With a loud declaration, two identical copies of Naruto appeared beside him.

This...

The entire class was stunned.

Naruto's struggles with the Clone Jutsu were practically common knowledge. For him to suddenly summon two clones so effortlessly was nothing short of astonishing.

As soon as the clones materialized, they darted out of the classroom without a word.

???

Everyone's minds filled with question marks.

What was he doing?

What was going on?

Even Sasuke, ever composed, found himself baffled by Naruto's unconventional antics. This was peak unpredictability—truly befitting the title of the No. 1 Unpredictable Ninja!

"Naruto, what are you up to?" Sasuke finally gave in to his curiosity, his expression one of genuine confusion.

"Hehehe, it's a secret! You'll find out soon enough!" Naruto scratched his head, grinning mischievously, leaving Sasuke hanging.

"Alright... fine," Sasuke muttered, his brow twitching. He wasn't sure whether to look forward to this "surprise" or brace himself for chaos.

"Let's go!" Naruto suddenly grabbed Sasuke's arm, pulling him along as if afraid he might change his mind.

Under the stunned gaze of their classmates, the duo walked out, leaving behind a classroom brimming with unanswered questions.

---

*Outside the Ninja Academy*

"Ahem." Sasuke cleared his throat as they walked. "Naruto, you can let go of me now. I already said I’d come with you."

"Oh, right." Naruto quickly released Sasuke's arm, looking slightly sheepish.

For a moment, Naruto seemed like he had a lot to say but didn’t know where to begin.

"Your Shadow Clone Jutsu has really improved," Sasuke remarked, breaking the silence.

He knew well that the ninja world lacked kindness, and recognition was a rare treasure. Many sought acknowledgment their entire lives, often willing to risk everything for it. Orochimaru was proof enough of that.

Praise, when earned, should never be withheld—especially for someone like Naruto, who had endured years of cold stares and harsh treatment.

"Sasuke, you noticed!" Naruto's face lit up with unrestrained joy at the compliment.

"Actually..." he hesitated, rubbing the back of his head. "I don’t really know how it happened either! Lately, when I practiced the Shadow Clone Jutsu at home, it felt like the technique was made just for me. I can control each clone perfectly—totally different from how it was when I tried the regular Clone Jutsu before!"

Naruto gestured excitedly, his voice filled with joy. It was a level of happiness he had seldom known—a far cry from the attention-seeking pranks of his past.

"This jutsu is tailor-made for you," Sasuke replied thoughtfully. His words weren’t empty flattery. Perhaps even the Second Hokage, who invented the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, hadn’t envisioned the perfect wielder for it.

...Wait.

Could it be?

Sasuke paused, shaking his head to dismiss the thought. Maybe... the Second Hokage had developed the jutsu with his older brother in mind.

---

Naruto interrupted Sasuke’s musing with a serious expression.

"Sasuke, thank you. If you hadn’t shared this jutsu with me, I never would’ve realized how amazing I could be."

Naruto's sincerity caught Sasuke off guard. He wasn’t used to seeing this side of him—except perhaps when the topic involved becoming Hokage or defending someone precious to him, like Hinata.

"We’re friends," Sasuke replied, letting his cold facade slip for a moment. He offered a warm smile.

---

As they chatted, the two arrived at Ichiraku Ramen. Through the half-drawn curtain, they saw a line of feet beneath the counter.

"Looks like it’s full," Sasuke noted. Ichiraku wasn’t a large shop, and during dinner hours, it wasn’t uncommon to find it packed.

"You don’t get it!" Naruto grinned knowingly as he strode forward. Pulling aside the curtain, he revealed two familiar figures waiting inside.

The two shadow clones waved cheerfully at Sasuke.

"No way..." Sasuke’s lips twitched. "You used clones to reserve seats?"

"Exactly!" Naruto puffed out his chest with pride. His confident smile radiated a happiness that felt infectious.

"I’m impressed," Sasuke admitted with a sigh. Naruto’s creativity was something else entirely.

---

Inside, the shadow clones popped out of existence, leaving behind two steaming bowls of ramen.

"Not only did I save us seats," Naruto declared, his grin widening, "but I also ordered ahead! We can start eating right away!" His eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Naruto," Sasuke said, chuckling as he gave a thumbs-up. "You’re the most creative person I’ve ever met. Bar none."

Naruto didn’t need to hear more. His joyful expression said it all.

The two sat down, and Naruto clapped his hands together.

"Itadakimasu!"

With that, he eagerly dug into his ramen, savoring each bite.

---

(End of Chapter)