Naruto: I Am Uchiha Sasuke!?

Sasuke was stunned.

He had merely contemplated the Clone Technique, yet he had unknowingly advanced it twice over.

No one else could possibly possess such an innate comprehension!

"Tsk, what a terrifying talent."

In an instant, countless insights about the Clone Technique filled his mind, as if he had practiced it thousands of times before. The evolution of the technique felt completely natural—an inevitable result of his extraordinary perception.

Although the Clone Technique was merely an E-rank fundamental ninjutsu, not particularly formidable in battle, the [Multiple Clone Technique] was an entirely different matter.

Being able to activate it without forming seals meant it could be unleashed in an instant—perfect for evasive maneuvers. More importantly, it consumed minimal chakra, making it an exceptionally effective survival technique.

"Alright, Sasuke, you may return to your seat."

Iruka's voice broke his thoughts.

Sasuke nodded, his hands in his pockets as he coolly walked back to his seat, earning admiration from his classmates along the way.

As he sat, he couldn't help but think, "Since I improved the Clone Technique so easily, what about the other two fundamental techniques?"

His eyes flickered with intrigue as he focused on recalling the Body Replacement Technique and Transformation Technique.

[You carefully analyzed the Transformation Technique and had an epiphany.]

[You have mastered the Perfect Transformation Technique.]

[Perfect Transformation Technique]: Requires no seals—transformation occurs instantly through sheer mental focus, making it undetectable even by advanced dojutsu.

[You deeply contemplated the Body Replacement Technique and gained enlightenment.]

[You have unlocked the God-Level Body Replacement Technique.]

[God-Level Body Replacement Technique]: Requires no seals—activates automatically upon sensing danger, allowing instant escape without conscious effort.

Sasuke smirked.

"The Three Basic Techniques are more powerful than they seem when mastered at this level."

Though his current strength was still limited, these enhancements significantly bolstered his survivability. Even a seasoned Jōnin would struggle to kill him easily now.

He could only imagine the shock on the faces of Konoha's elite if they learned that a twelve-year-old had reinvented the fundamentals of shinobi combat.

As Iruka continued his lesson, Sasuke paid close attention. The ninja academy covered a variety of topics beyond just ninjutsu, including combat strategies, history, and Konoha's ideology—the Will of Fire.

To Sasuke, this so-called Will of Fire was a double-edged sword. While it inspired devotion to the village, it also served as a tool of indoctrination, used by the higher-ups to manipulate and control. The best examples were Konoha's Anbu and Root operatives—shinobi whose very identities had been eroded, leaving them as mere tools.

Then there were figures like Uchiha Shisui, whose unwavering loyalty to the village led him to betray his own clan, ultimately resulting in his tragic demise.

Sasuke had no intention of blindly following such ideals. He would forge his own path, free from manipulation.

As class continued, he absorbed information effortlessly, committing every detail to memory and making rapid intellectual strides.

---

Before long, lunchtime arrived.

"Sasuke, do you want to try the bento I brought?"

Sakura smiled, holding out an extra lunchbox.

"Damn you, Forehead Girl! You planned this ahead of time!" Ino huffed.

"Hmph! That's called being smart." Sakura grinned smugly.

Her smugness was short-lived, however, as Ino suddenly pulled out an extra bento of her own.

"Heh, did you think you were the only one with that idea?"

As if on cue, several other girls also presented their bento, surrounding Sasuke.

"Sasuke-kun, try mine too!"

"This is my special homemade recipe~!"

---

Sasuke chuckled lightly. Since he had been refining chakra extensively, he needed substantial sustenance. He pulled out his own lunchbox, filled with simple ingredients.

Yet the moment he opened it, an irresistible aroma filled the air.

"Wow! That smells amazing!" Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Did you make this yourself, Sasuke?" Ino asked, astonished.

"I-it looks delicious…"

Even Akimichi Chōji, the academy's biggest foodie, was captivated by the scent.

"This... this is peak-level cooking! I can tell just from the aroma!" Chōji sniffed intensely, practically drooling.

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Is it really that good?"

"You don't get it, Shikamaru. This is the nose of a true gourmet speaking!"

Chōji turned to his best friend. "Come on, let's check it out."

Shikamaru sighed. "Ugh… this is turning into a hassle."

Even Kiba and Akamaru had taken notice.

"Woof! Woof!"

"Yeah, Akamaru, it smells incredible. Let's go see!"

Suddenly, Sasuke found himself at the center of attention, not just from the girls but from the boys as well.

He smirked. "It seems great food captivates everyone."

His gaze landed on Naruto, who sat alone, arms crossed stubbornly.

"Hey, Naruto," Sasuke called out, holding up an extra bento. "There's plenty. Want some?"

Naruto turned his head away. "Tch, as if I care about your stupid food."

The growling of his stomach betrayed him.

Naruto's face turned crimson.

"Come on," Sasuke said casually. "If you don't eat properly, how do you expect to have the strength to become Hokage?"

Naruto hesitated before reluctantly taking the bento.

As soon as he took a bite, his expression changed. His eyes widened, and for a moment, his face softened with emotion.

For someone who had lived off expired instant ramen and sour milk, this meal was beyond delicious.

Sasuke seemed… different today.

For once, he wasn't just his rival.

He almost felt like… a friend.

---

(A/N: Don't Forget To Add In Your Collection And Support via Powerstone)