The field behind the Academy was scattered with training poles and balance logs. A soft wind brushed the leaves overhead as Iruka stood at the edge of the clearing, clipboard in hand.
"Remember," he called, "chakra control starts with focus and discipline. Walk the log — no falling, no rushing."
The students groaned.
Naruto already had one sandal on the beam, arms flailing before even stepping forward.
Iruka glanced at Ren beside him.
"Start where you feel needed," he said simply.
Ren nodded and moved.
Hinata – Gentle But Shaky
She stepped lightly onto the log, hands clenched tight at her sides, a faint glow of chakra beneath her feet — flickering, unstable.
She wobbled.
"Too much focus in the soles," Ren said softly beside her.
Hinata jumped.
"I-I… I'm sorry—"
"Don't apologize. Adjust."
He knelt, pointing at the spot just above her ankles.
"Let the chakra flow upward slightly. Not all of it needs to grip — just guide."
She nodded slowly.
Tried again.
Steadier now.
"Better," Ren said.
And then walked away before she could thank him.
Shikamaru – Lazy but Brilliant
Shikamaru stood near a post, watching others trip and flail.
He wasn't even trying.
Ren stopped beside him.
"You're not going to learn it by watching."
Shikamaru shrugged. "Tch. I already get it. Just not worth the effort."
Ren stared at him.
"Control isn't about worth. It's about mastery. If you want to stay below average, you're on the right path."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, then grumbled, "Man… troublesome."
But he stepped onto the post.
And stuck the landing.
"Hmph."
Ren gave a subtle nod and moved on.
Naruto – Loud, Determined, Unstable
"Come on, COME ON—" thud
Naruto hit the ground for the third time.
"Argh! I had it!"
Ren crouched beside him.
"You're pushing too hard."
"I'm TRYING!"
"That's the problem. Chakra's not a shout — it's a whisper. Calm your steps."
Naruto huffed, face buried in the grass.
Then — a muffled voice:
"You gonna help Sasuke too?"
Ren glanced toward the far beam, where Sasuke was already walking the log perfectly.
"He doesn't need help."
"Yeah well, I'm not him."
"No," Ren said quietly. "You're not. You're better at getting back up."
Naruto blinked.
Then grinned.
"Heh… yeah. Bet Sasuke never hit the ground three times in a row."
"Probably not."
"Jerk."
They both laughed — for just a second.
Then Naruto stood up, tried again…
…and this time, he made it halfway.
From a Distance – Iruka Watched
He noted how Ren spoke only what was needed.
How he adjusted posture, not pride.
How he saw more than mistakes — he saw intention.
Iruka jotted a quiet note:
"Ren is holding back. But not out of pride.
It's caution. Strategy. Maybe… protection."
Ren moved through the field like a shadow, not showing off, not correcting loudly — just making people better.
And every so often, his eyes drifted to Naruto.
"He's getting closer," Ren thought.
"Not there yet…"
"But I'll get him ready."