My Techniques are a bit off

The Next Day, Training Ground Seven

"Boss, why is that 'fox brat' here again?" Iris whispered, his tone neutral. He wasn't particularly prejudiced against Naruto but wasn't fond of him either.

Despite Konoha's vastness, with places like the sprawling Forest of Death alone boasting a 20-kilometer diameter, most students who made it into the academy had a distant attitude toward Naruto.

While some mocked him for being a class failure, genuine discrimination or isolation wasn't as prevalent as outsiders might think.

"Let him follow if he wants to," Link sighed, sounding like a little adult.

He had no interest in forming a connection with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but why not outright reject or drive him away? Beyond worrying that such actions might only encourage Naruto's persistence, Link found it hard to feel any genuine dislike toward him.

In his previous life, Link had read the entirety of Naruto. That story had been a part of his youth, a beacon during school days when he loved manga and novels. He remembered flipping through its pages alone, captivated by the mischievous yet resilient protagonist.

For a boy who bet his life for others' acknowledgment, who never gave up despite overwhelming odds, and who radiated unwavering determination, courage, warmth, and kindness... Naruto had genuinely moved him.

Sure, the manga had its flaws, but as a prototypical shonen protagonist, Naruto shined—especially in the early arcs.

That admiration was why Link had once loved Naruto and its titular hero so much.

Now, living in the world of Naruto, Link didn't naively believe the manga mirrored reality. Yet he still found it hard to harbor ill will toward Naruto.

This is such a good kid.

But that was exactly why Link kept his distance, wearing a cold expression whenever Naruto was around.

He feared that, one day, emotions would pull him into Naruto's orbit, forging bonds that could cost him everything—just like Neji's fate.

From the beginning, Link's goal was simple: survive. Keep his fate firmly within his own hands.

"Boss," Ami suddenly spoke up. "You—"

"You're smiling."

Link looked up at the clear blue sky. Am I? He quickly schooled his expression back into calm neutrality and looked down. "Alright, enough talk. Ami, you first. Show me everything I taught you yesterday."

"Boss~" Ami said playfully, her voice much lighter than before. She walked toward the open training area, muttering, "But I'm a girl, you know."

"Ladies first, right? Makes perfect sense," Link replied with mock seriousness. He definitely wasn't being petty.

Ami sighed and got to work.

Nearby, Iris stifled a laugh.

For the next two hours, Team Five trained under Link's supervision. When the session ended, he instructed his teammates to rest and practice on their own. Then, he walked to a nearby vending machine, bought two cans of red bean soup with mochi, and sat on a bench.

Opening one can, he took a sip before placing the other on the bench beside him.

[Fun Fact: This canned mochi drink is the same one Naruto and Konohamaru drank when chatting in the forest after Naruto's graduation. It's also a favorite of Anko Mitarashi.]

"Come out," Link called casually after another sip, soothing his dry throat.

There was a rustling noise before Naruto jumped down from a tree. "How'd you know I was there?" he asked, amazed.

"You've been following me since Ichiraku Ramen yesterday, obviously," Link deadpanned.

Naruto pouted slightly, unwilling to admit defeat. He even prepared to perform a jutsu—after all, he hadn't shown off his "ultimate move" yet!

"Your tracking skills are terrible," Link added, gesturing toward the second can. "Drink this. My treat."

Naruto blinked in surprise. After a brief hesitation, he sat down and picked up the drink, mumbling, "Thanks."

It was the first time someone his age had spoken to him so calmly, the first time someone had offered him a drink.

Wait. No, not just someone his age—someone smaller than him.

"What are you thinking about?" Link squinted at him, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

"Nothing," Naruto replied, looking down at the unopened can in his hands. It wasn't that he wasn't thirsty; he simply didn't want to waste it.

This brat...

Link clicked his tongue, slightly annoyed but mostly amused by the kid's quiet behavior. "Why are you following me?" he asked, leaning back on the bench.

Sometimes, it was better to talk things out. If Naruto wouldn't leave him alone, perhaps they could reach an understanding. Maybe they could even settle into a distant friendship like Naruto had with his classmates.

That wouldn't be too bad, would it?

If nothing else, Link thought, it'd make a good story to tell if he ever returned to his old world.

But before he could elaborate, Naruto finally spoke up, his face breaking into a bright smile. "Thanks!"

Link raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. "What the hell?" he muttered, taking another sip of his drink to calm his nerves.

This kid's so weird.

A simple drink earned such heartfelt gratitude. If Hinata gave him a few more cans, would he let her take him home?

Suddenly, Link felt a bit awkward. Could he still tell Naruto not to follow him anymore? Scratching the back of his head, he tried to think of what to say.

"Alright, listen—" he began, only to trail off.

What could he even say? His thoughts were all over the place.

"Forget it," Link said at last, sounding exasperated. "You're impossible."

Naruto, having calmed down, tilted his head curiously. "Were you teaching them earlier?"

"Yeah," Link replied, grateful for the change of topic. "It's not easy to become a proper genin."

"Then can I—" Naruto hesitated, the idea forming in his mind. This kid, smaller and younger than him, was already a genin and capable of teaching others.

Before he could finish, Link shot him a sidelong glance. He'd noticed Naruto occasionally sneaking glances at his headband.

This little punk better not be thinking what I think he's thinking.

Still, as an adult, Link took a deep breath to calm himself. Stay patient. Stay patient.