Naruto Uzumaki: "Protecting Konoha from the Shadows!"

Chapter 2: One Can Become Smart Through Hardwork!

(7 Month Times Skip/Naruto is now 5 years old)

I can't believe that I am still stuck on all of this stuff. How hard is it to learn. All I've managed to do in a year is to write better, learn what certain words mean, learn to cook a bit, activate my Chakra, and start treating people better through the guide for manners and politeness. Ugh, why is it all so difficult. I mean I have begun to look over some math and a bit of Konoha's history, but it's so boring. But then again, I have to keep going. To show Jiji what's what. I find myself studying some more about the creation of Konoha and the Clans that reside in it. But then I see Mrs. Mikasa comes over to me.

Mikasa: "Hello Naruto, having any fun over here. I saw from over there that you were a bit frustrated."

Naruto: "I am, I've barely learned anything in the past seven months."

Mikasa: *sits down next to him* "That's not true. You can read a whole lot better, most words don't stump you as they did before. You don't need to look up as many words as you did before. Your writing ability is now legible. On top of all of that, you have unlocked your Chakra and can say that you know how to cook for yourself."

Naruto: 'Yeah, but that's only when I manage to have food to cook with.' "I know... I just don't get why it's so hard. Why can't I just be smart."

Mikasa: "You don't realize it yet Naruto, but you are smart. Maybe not a Genius, but you are Hardworking. Most genius's learn things naturally, or often already can understand everything within the first time of hearing or seeing information. easily being able to problem solve. You are a hard worker. Someone who will take all the time in the world to become a strong and smart individual who can change the world around them. Just like those genius's do."

Naruto: *eyes a bit teary, but not crying* "You really think so?"

Mikasa: *hugs him* "Of course. So how about this. We can write out a list of everything you want to learn for the next year. That way we aim to finish the list before this time next year. Oh, and don't forget to add trapping to the list of things from earlier. I know that you've been learning new knots and looking through the other sections for words like pulley and leverage. Plus, i know more of your little pranks have been sprung throughout Konoha."

Naruto: *rubs the back of his head* "Hehe, yeah." 

Mikasa: "So, how about this. You can learn and research. Hunting, Gathering, Medicine, Wildlife, and the Geography and Landmarks of Fire Country?!"

Naruto: *looks over the list she just wrote* "Hmmm, okay sounds good. Will you help me with next year's list when the time comes?"

Mikasa: "Of course, now how about we go and find all the book that can possibly help you with the list and put them at your table."

Naruto: *hops off the chair excited* "Sweet, let's go search."

Mikasa: *chuckles and puts out her hand* "Let's go then."

Over the next year, I manage to learn everything that's on the list. At least to a comparable level of where I am looked at with pride from the old generations. At least that's what Mrs. Mikasa has tells me. I manage to learn everything about traps. Now I even use wire that Shinobi use for my traps. Which has given a boost to my traps. It's so fun to watch people not even see the trigger point anymore. Just like the on the list. I can now gather food and water when out in the woods. Mrs. Mikasa and I made a small notepad which has a description and picture of what plants are edible. I can do the same thing with berries as well. I have learned about tracking. Like knowing to look for; moved dirt, broken sticks, tracks, deformed bushes, markings on trees, and scat. I know that within the grounds of hunting without Shinobi tools. That traps and or a bow and arrow are the best one can take down animals. I of course know how to fish better as well. Like how to spear fish and to set up a capture net underwater. The courses within these certain books taught me a lot. I now know how to bandage, disinfect wounds. Which is sometimes handy when I get hurt. But my favorite thing I learned so far is all about Fire Country. Speaking of which, it's now time for my test. One that Mikasa has bestowed upon me. See, another word I now know. for some reason Mikasa says I shouldn't use big words just yet. She says that they sound a bit sarcastic when I say them. I disagree.