The morning sun stretched across the Academy training yard, warming the stone tiles and casting long shadows behind the rows of students standing in loose formation.
Iruka-sensei stood at the front with a scroll under one arm and a firm voice that carried across the yard.
"Today, we're learning the basics of chakra control."
A wave of excitement — and confusion — passed through the group.
"Your task is simple," Iruka continued, holding up a small leaf between his fingers. "Channel chakra to your hand, just enough to hold the leaf in place — not too much, not too little. Precision is the goal."
He walked between the students, passing out leaves from a small pouch. "If you can't control it, it'll fall. If you force too much, it'll crumple."
Naruto took his leaf with both hands like it was some sacred relic.
Ren stood beside him, silent as always.
Soon, students were focused, faces twisted in concentration.
Hinata's leaf trembled, but stayed in place.
Ino's kept flying off.
Kiba growled and blamed Akamaru.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, trying hard.
Shikamaru tried once, succeeded, then laid back under a tree.
Naruto?
He stared at his palm like it had betrayed him.
"C'mon… focus… focus…!" he muttered. The leaf wobbled, then flopped to the ground. "Gah!"
Ren glanced sideways.
Then quietly reached out, placing his hand over Naruto's wrist, steadying it.
"You're pushing too hard," Ren said, voice low. "You don't need to blast it. Just... guide it. Like water finding a stream."
Naruto frowned, then nodded, trying again with more care.
Iruka, watching from nearby, raised an eyebrow.
"He's helping him… Interesting."
Then he turned toward Ren.
"Let's see you try, Ren."
Some students looked up.
Sasuke paused.
Even Shikamaru cracked an eye open.
Ren held the leaf between his fingers.
Calm. No hesitation.
He lifted his hand.
And the leaf stayed.
Flat. Still. Unmoving — as if the wind itself respected him.
Iruka blinked.
"...On your first try?"
Ren didn't respond. He simply nodded and handed the leaf back like it was nothing.
A hush moved through the class.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
Shikamaru let out a low whistle. "Tch… what a drag…"
Naruto grinned from beside him, proudly shouting:
"THAT'S MY BROTHER!"
Iruka stared at Ren, then smiled — not just surprised, but genuinely impressed.
"So… not just book smart, huh?"
He made a mental note:
Ren Uzumaki – learns fast. Executes faster. Dangerous potential.
And as the other students went back to struggling, Ren quietly nudged Naruto again.
"Try again. Focus. Steady this time."
"Right!"
And somewhere between chakra and silence, the Uzumaki twins stood side by side — one already rising, the other learning how to follow without falling behind.