This Naruto is too easily persuaded.

The third training ground, by the lake.

"Slap, slap, slap."

Applause rang out in the empty training ground.

Naruto turned around, not showing much surprise.

He simply adjusted his glasses and gave a slight bow to the old man who emerged from the shadows of the woods:

"Grandpa, you've arrived."

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, surveyed his surroundings.

Several giant trees shattered by the wind-escape technique, deep trenches in the ground, and ripples on the lake surface that have not yet subsided.

The muscles at the corner of his eye twitched slightly.

Even a Chunin wouldn't be able to unleash a C-rank ninjutsu with that kind of power, right?

The third generation of secret passages.

This child's chakra is simply monstrous.

But he didn't show any surprise; instead, he stepped forward and encouraged them:

"Well done, Naruto."

The third generation stepped forward, their tone revealing not only a hint of shock but also undisguised admiration.

"It seems you've not only learned to climb trees, but you've also gotten the hang of chakra nature transformation."

"This level of ninjutsu is extremely rare, even among genin."

As he spoke, he took a deep drag on his pipe.

"It's all thanks to the excellent teaching of my three generations of grandfathers."

Naruto gave a humble smile.

The third generation was even more satisfied.

He was neither arrogant nor impatient, possessed extraordinary talent, and had a family... His burning fire consciousness was so intense that even the third generation had to be moved.

The third generation was satisfied, but his expression turned serious:

"However, Naruto, have you noticed that although your chakra release is very powerful, a significant amount of it is still wasted?"

Naruto nodded; he had also noticed the problem.

The effect that could be achieved with just one part of chakra actually requires five parts of chakra in his hands.

The reason is simple: insufficient control over chakra.

"Therefore, I'm going to teach you an advanced training method for mastering chakra."

The third generation pointed to the lake next to them, "Treading water."

"Stepping on water?" Naruto was taken aback.

"That's right."

The Third Hokage walked step by step toward the lake with his hands behind his back.

His feet touched the water as if they were on land.

The lake surface rippled slightly, but did not sink.

"Climbing a tree only requires attaching to the bark, but water is flowing, and you must constantly sense the changes in the water flow and continuously adjust the output of chakra from the bottom of your feet."

"If climbing a tree is about holding on, then wading through water is about releasing and finding balance."

The Third Hokage stood on the water and waved to Naruto:

"Come on, give it a try."

"When you master this skill, your control over chakra will be elevated to a whole new level."

Naruto looked at the shimmering lake surface and took a deep breath.

【Ding! 】

[Advanced tutorial detected]

[Suggested training included: Chakra control training (treading water)]

[Task Requirements: Complete the water-treading training and stand/run in the water for 30 minutes without falling in.]

[Mission Rewards: Chakra Control (Intermediate), Water Affinity +10%]

"They've arrived!"

Naruto's eyes ignited with fighting spirit.

He walked to the lakeside, channeled his chakra to the soles of his feet, and then carefully tried to walk on the lake surface.

However, the feedback was completely different from that of a solid tree trunk.

The water flow constantly disrupted the concentration of chakra, making it impossible for him to find a foothold.

puff.

Naruto felt his feet suddenly give way and he fell straight into the lake.

"Cough cough cough..."

Naruto scrambled out of the water, soaking wet.

"Hehe, Naruto, treading water is much more difficult than climbing a tree."

The Third Hokage looked at Naruto, who was soaked to the bone, and shook his head with a smile.

"I estimate you'll need some time to train, so I'll be leaving now."

Goodbye, third-generation grandfather.

Naruto waved to the departing Third Hokage until he could no longer see his back.

"Again!"

Naruto turned back to continue his training.

Once, twice, ten times, twenty times...

The sun sets and the moon rises.

Time passed slowly, and an ordinary person would have been exhausted long ago.

But Naruto has a breathing technique that constantly pumps in oxygen, the superhuman physique of the Uzumaki Body, and the blue energy-restoring pills as a backup.

Finally, when the moon reached its highest point.

For the first time, Naruto stood unsteadily on the water's surface.

"Yay!"

Then a gust of wind blew by, creating ripples, and Naruto accidentally sank to the bottom of the lake again.

"call……"

Naruto, having climbed ashore, let out a long breath and shook his soaking wet blond hair.

Looking at the shimmering lake, there was no discouragement in his eyes, but rather a greater determination.

"It seems that training to tread water won't be easy; it will require a lot of hard work."

He glanced at the system's task progress bar.

[Water treading proficiency: 5%]

……

Over the next two weeks, Naruto began rigorous training.

Every morning, he would carry a 40-pound weight and run around the village to practice breathing techniques.

During my time at the Ninja Academy, I devoted almost every minute to reading.

After school, they would go to the lake to continue exercising and wading.

As time went on and his proficiency in treading water improved, Naruto could clearly feel the changes.

His chakra consumption decreases when releasing ninjutsu, and his control over ninjutsu increases.

No longer as powerful as before, bricks fly everywhere; only by consuming a large amount of chakra can one barely unleash ninjutsu with uncontrollable power.

Now, not only is his speed when releasing ninjutsu incredibly fast, but its power is also completely under control.

More importantly, under the subtle influence of indigo dyeing.

Naruto's demeanor has completely changed since the beginning of the school year.

He was no longer the reserved person he used to be, merely pretending to be one.

Since taking Aizen's advice, life has been getting better and better, and the positive feedback from those around him has been increasing.

Naruto has undergone a complete change in his thinking and has largely accepted Aizen's ideas.

The night before the monthly exam.

Naruto unusually didn't continue his water-walking training today.

He sat at his desk, quietly reading the last book Iruka had given him.

The system notification sounded when he finished reading the last page.

【Ding! 】

[Phase Two: Long-Term Reading, Completed] [Received 2 D-Rank Treasure Chests (Accumulating)]

【Ding! 】

[Phase Three: Monthly Exams, Now Underway]

[Task requirement: Achieve a passing grade in the monthly theory exam]

[Mission Reward: D-Rank Treasure Chest, can be accumulated]

Naruto looked at the third stage of the mission and felt somewhat speechless.

How much does Teacher Iruka think of himself?

"I've decided, I'll at least get into the top fifteen of my class... no, the top ten!"

Naruto made up his mind.

He then checked the other two core skills: breathing techniques and proficiency in treading water.

[Breathing Technique Proficiency (371/1000)]

[Water treading proficiency: 83%]

"It's a pity we're still a little short of completing the water-treading task. It would be much safer if we could get the reward for the water-treading task."

Naruto thought to himself, "What a pity."

"However, it's enough to handle the current exams."

He stood up and walked to the mirror.

Looking at the tall, steady-looking young man in the mirror.

"I'm a completely different person now compared to when I first started school!"

He recalled that a month ago, he was ignored and disliked as always.

But now, their view of themselves has become more complex.

There was doubt, disdain, and apprehension, but there was no ignoring it.

"From now on, I will make sure they only have eyes for me!"

Naruto clenched his fist and made a silent resolution.

Turn off the lights and go to sleep.

Tomorrow will be the day when everyone shuts up.