My Techniques are a bit off

"I challenge you!"

Naruto jumped out and shouted boldly.

Here comes trouble.

Link felt a headache brewing. What is this about? I already tolerated you following me around, and now you're jumping out to challenge me? Can't you just keep stalking quietly?

People always compromise, don't they?

"I won't accept your challenge," he said calmly. As an adult at heart, Link fully understood Naruto's need for recognition. He resolved to handle the situation rationally and maturely, without letting this child's antics get to him.

This wasn't about being a superior transmigrator; it was an adult dealing with a child.

Without responding further, Link walked away, confident that the "Child of Destiny" wouldn't stoop to attacking someone without the intent to fight.

"What's the matter? Are you scared, little kid?" Naruto taunted loudly, hands on his hips.

Little kid?!

Link froze for a moment, took a deep breath, and kept walking. It's just a word, just a word. Don't let it bother you. I'm an adult. I won't argue with a child.

Naruto ran ahead to block his path. "Hey, I'm talking to you, little kid. Don't you think you're being rude?"

"First of all," Link said, stopping and taking another deep breath, "I am not a little kid."

"Second, I won't fight you."

Good job, Link. You're proving how mature and composed you are. You'll be a chunin in no time.

Straightening his back and maintaining an air of nonchalance, Link imagined that the Third Hokage or an Anbu operative might be watching.

Time for an impromptu performance. Showtime!

"Oh?" Naruto raised his hand, leveling it to where Link's head barely reached.

Naruto stood at 145 cm, while Link was just over 120 cm tall—even with shoes on. The 20 cm difference was glaring.

Snap!

Something inside Link's mind broke. His body moved on its own—a textbook low kick.

Thwack!

Naruto hit the ground hard.

Raising his hand to Naruto's head level, Link declared loftily, "Listen closely. The term little kid applies to you."

This is such a headache.

Link sighed inwardly. He knew Naruto wouldn't let this go. Unless he moved house and avoided Ichiraku Ramen entirely, there'd be no peace.

Ugh. I'm just still growing!

Muttering silently, Link resolved himself: I'll grow taller soon enough—no, I'll reach 180 cm… No, 200 cm!

And if that doesn't work, I'll find a jutsu to make myself taller.

He stormed off, leaving Naruto behind.

"Darn it… that guy's really strong." Naruto rubbed his sore arm, a determined gleam in his eye. He wasn't afraid of coldness or indifference—it was scornful rejection that stung the most.

Predictably, Link had indeed stumbled into trouble.

All kinds of trouble.

…

Hokage's Office

"A genin with chunin-level talent."

"Ensui, you've got a high opinion of this kid," the Third Hokage remarked, closing Nara Ensui's report on Team Five. Normally, a genin team wouldn't warrant this level of attention.

But Team Five wasn't ordinary. Link's unique abilities and resourcefulness had garnered increasing recognition. While his chakra reserves were modest and his casting speed wasn't exceptional, his capabilities—demonstrated during that training ground battle—were enough to shift the tide of any conflict involving genin or even chunin.

Against an elite jonin, Link wasn't a threat yet. But in a real-world skirmish or localized conflict? His presence alone could dominate the battlefield.

In times of war, Link might already have been promoted to chunin—or even a provisional special jonin or jonin—and sent straight to the front lines.

But in this era of peace…

"Ensui," the Hokage said with a warm smile, "it looks like I'll be counting on you a bit longer."

As the inheritor of the Will of Fire, the Third Hokage viewed children as the village's future. While his aging body still held out, he saw no need to prematurely expose these children to the harsh realities of the shinobi world.

Nara Ensui scratched the back of his head and smiled. "Honestly, they've made my job easier."

Though Iris and Ami's talents weren't extraordinary, Link's leadership and personal excellence compensated greatly. He not only performed exceptionally himself but also managed his teammates well.

Ensui particularly admired how, during the tree-climbing and water-walking training, Link had generously shared his insights and tips with his teammates, demonstrating a selflessness that endeared him to his instructor.

Apart from being slightly too mature and aloof for his age, Link was one of the most promising kids Ensui had ever encountered.

"These kids nowadays… they're something else—especially Shikamaru. That lazy brother of mine…"

Ensui's thoughts wandered momentarily, comparing the two exceptional boys he'd mentored.

Suddenly, an Anbu operative appeared beside the Hokage, whispering a quick report before disappearing into the shadows.

The Hokage's smile deepened as he retrieved his crystal ball. With a flick of his fingers, he cast the Telescope Jutsu, the orb revealing Naruto lurking in the bushes, spying on Team Five.

The boy's sneaky antics were both amusing and endearing.

Ensui, standing nearby, saw the scene too and chuckled, immediately understanding why he'd been allowed to observe.

Their attention soon shifted to Team Five. With their keen eyes, both men could easily deduce the team's exercises and the lessons Link was imparting.

"What a remarkably mature child," the Hokage mused, his tone wistful.

Even during the war, children forced to grow up quickly lacked this kind of poise and foresight.

Having witnessed enough, the Hokage began contemplating promoting Link to chunin in the near future. With more resources and tailored guidance, this boy could achieve even greater heights.

He returned his gaze to the crystal ball just in time to see Naruto leap out and challenge Link—only to be swiftly knocked down.

"Listen closely. The term little kid applies to you."

The Hokage stifled a laugh as Ensui smirked, both of them oddly comforted by the scene.

Overly mature children… always a little heartbreaking to watch.

~~~

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