Naruto Uzumaki, the ever-energetic and determined young ninja, was deep in training under the watchful — if not perverted — eye of Jiraiya, the legendary Sannin known more fondly (or infamously) as the “Pervy Sage.” With a new Hokage having recently taken office back in the Leaf Village, Naruto’s training had become even more intense. He knew he had a long road ahead if he ever hoped to protect those he cared about — and maybe, one day, claim the Hokage title for himself.

The sun filtered gently through the canopy of the thick forest as Naruto and Jiraiya made their way down a narrow dirt path, the occasional rustle of wildlife and chirping of birds the only sounds that accompanied them.

That was, until Naruto’s eyes caught something unusual through the trees.

A short distance off the path, in a small clearing, stood another boy — perhaps Naruto’s age — with a forehead protector tied loosely around his waist like a sash. But what truly stood out was the blindfold tightly wrapped across the boy’s eyes. He stood in a defensive stance, facing an older man clad in black, who looked like a hardened shinobi himself.

“What’s going on over there?” Naruto asked, slowing his pace. Jiraiya followed his gaze, frowning.

The blindfolded boy was being drilled relentlessly — the older man barked commands, and when the boy faltered or reacted too slowly, a sharp crack echoed through the forest as a whip lashed across his back. The boy flinched, but didn’t cry out. His posture remained firm, unwavering.