My Name Is Naruto Namikaze

CHAPTER WORDS:- 1040

Chapter 25: A Completely Overwhelming Battle

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Before Iruka could act.

Naruto's figure had already darted forward. With a quick sidestep, he closed the distance and stood firmly in front of Iruka.

"No! I absolutely won't run away, Iruka-sensei! Leave this to me—I will defeat him!"

Run away? No! Hell No!

Even though Mizuki's appearance and demeanor were drastically different from the original events, and even though Naruto could now feel a genuine threat of death—the mysterious green liquid Mizuki had used, clearly something that amplified his strength—Naruto's resolve remained unshaken.

It wasn't part of the original plan. It was far from the storyline he knew. But Naruto would never abandon Iruka here. This village… almost everyone in it had once been a source of pain and resentment for him.

For twelve years, Naruto had lived surrounded by hatred and loneliness. And yet, in this bleak world, a few rays of light still shone through the darkness. Iruka was one of those lights.

Over the course of six years, Naruto had come to understand Iruka's sincerity, kindness, and the way he treated Naruto like a younger brother. He could feel it deeply. Iruka truly cared for him, unlike anyone else.

And Naruto would never abandon him. Even if it meant risking his life here. He didn't care.

Right now, Naruto was determined to protect Iruka. Even as his hand trembled while holding a kunai, his determination remained unshakable. he was just a normal dude from his world, even though he had trained for the past years, it doesn't matter as-

just knowing how to do things doesn't mean that someone can actually do it.

When he came to this world—when he truly understood how cruel this ninja world could be—Naruto had already made up his mind. If you wanted to kill someone, you had to be prepared to die yourself. Summoning all the courage he could muster, Naruto's blue eyes shone brilliantly, reflecting his firm resolve.

"Naruto, you…"

"Iruka-sensei! Once I defeat Mizuki, you have to admit that I've graduated! You promised to personally give me my forehead protector, didn't you?!"

Naruto's cheerful smile as he looked back at Iruka radiated a contagious energy. His words expressed his determination. even though Naruto tries not to cringe at the words coming out of his mouth, those are genuine.

The unwavering will in his tone left Iruka speechless, his words caught in his throat before he swallowed them back. At this moment, Iruka stood frozen, staring at Naruto—this boy, not yet tall or physically imposing, who had so resolutely placed himself between Iruka and Mizuki.

"Naruto… you've grown so much…" That was the only thought that flashed through Iruka's mind.

Mizuki's bloodthirsty gaze locked onto Naruto as he stood protectively in front of Iruka. Naruto's defiant words made Mizuki's expression grow even more twisted and cruel.

"Defeat me? Become a Genin? You brat! There's a limit to how foolish you can be! Watch carefully as I tear you to pieces! You want to become a ninja? Hah! Maybe in your next life!"

The mere fact that this Academy dropout—this nobody—had managed to land a sneak attack on him earlier was an intolerable insult to Mizuki. A self-proclaimed genius like Mizuki couldn't let that humiliation go. His hatred burned like fire, and he would repay it a hundredfold.

"Die, Fox!"

A bloodthirsty light gleamed in Mizuki's eyes, his expression savage. The terrifying killing intent burst out of Mizuki's body. His movement was like a thunderclap. A flash of motion— A violent explosion of force—

In the blink of an eye, Mizuki closed the distance.

"Shadow Cl—" Naruto's pupils contracted as he hurriedly tried to weave hand seals. But it was too late.

Less than half a second.

The distance vanished as Mizuki lunged in. With Iruka behind him, Naruto had no choice but to advance and meet Mizuki head-on. The kunai thrust forward. Naruto twisted his body, sidestepping the strike to reposition himself.

Clang!

A harsh, piercing sound echoed as the two kunai clashed. The sparks reflected in their eyes.

'He's strong!' Naruto could feel the force pressing down on him, the weight of Mizuki's strength completely overwhelming his own.

Before Naruto could react further, Mizuki swung his arm in a wide arc.

'Not good!' Naruto's face paled. Mizuki's sudden change in tactics forced Naruto to desperately pull back his arm in an attempt to counter and create space.

"Hmph! Such a Foolish trick!" Mizuki sneered.

Naruto's attempt to counter was futile—it fell right into Mizuki's expectations. Enhanced by the mysterious green liquid, Mizuki's explosive strength was leagues beyond what Naruto had anticipated. Combined with Mizuki's superior combat experience, the gap between them was insurmountable.

"Damn!" Before Naruto could retreat, Mizuki spun with exaggerated speed.

Clang!

Their kunai clashed again.

But Mizuki used the momentum to wrench Naruto's kunai to the side. Before Naruto could process what had happened—within less than half a second—Mizuki's kunai shot straight toward Naruto's chest.

In that instant—

Naruto could feel the killing intent in Mizuki's strike. The oppressive sensation. He could almost smell Mizuki's foul aura. Naruto's eyes widened, and he bit his lip, twisting his body desperately to dodge.

Thud!

He avoided a fatal strike. But Mizuki's kunai still pierced into Naruto's left shoulder.

The sickening sound of metal slicing through flesh. Blood splattered through the air. Naruto's brow furrowed in pain as his teeth clenched tightly. He stumbled sideways, trying to escape Mizuki's relentless assault.

Whoosh!

But Mizuki wasn't done. He lunged again, swinging his left leg with brutal force.

Bang!

The kick struck Naruto's abdomen hard.

"Ugh!"

Naruto's body curled from the pain. A mouthful of blood burst from his lips. His body was sent flying.

Thud!

Naruto crashed heavily into the ground, raising a cloud of dust. The dust hadn't even settled—

Boom!

Mizuki's eyes gleamed red with malice as he pivoted sharply, once again closing the distance between them.

"Naruto!!" Seeing Naruto's body sent flying and Mizuki advancing again, Iruka's face turned pale.

He tried to stand and move to Naruto's aid. But his body betrayed him. Pain wracked through his legs and torso, leaving him unable to even rise. Saving Naruto was out of the question.

(End of Chapter)

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