NARUTO Muscle Legend part 1

In Konoha, Uzumaki Naruto is shunned not only for housing the Nine-Tailed Fox but also for his extraordinary, steel-like muscles that ripple with immense power. Witness how Naruto’s unique physique, both feared and revered, becomes a force that reshapes the ninja world.

Plyometrics on the path of the “ninja”

Land of Fire, Village Hidden in the Leaves.

It is a hidden village of a great power, boasting the largest size even in the ninja world.

Konoha emerged victorious in the Third Shinobi World War and enjoyed great prosperity, but its prosperity did not last long.

Twelve years ago, an incident occurred that threatened the peaceful village.

The Nine Tails attacks.

Tailed beasts are giant beasts whose bodies are formed by a huge amount of chakra. One of them, the Nine Tails, suddenly appeared in the Hidden Leaf Village. Konoha gathered all its strength to face this disaster and succeeded in sealing the Nine Tails. The village was able to escape the long night of October 10th.

However, even though they succeeded in sealing it away, the scars left by the Nine Tails were immense. The village chief at the time, the Fourth Hokage and his wife, were killed in the line of duty. They left behind their only son, Uzumaki Naruto, who was born that day.

Their son grew up just as the Fourth Hokage and his wife had wished. Well, it’s questionable whether it’s fair to say that he grew up just as they had wished. Still, there’s no denying that he grew up.

Twelve years have passed since the Nine Tails’ attack. Naruto was just a newborn baby back then, but now he’s old enough to graduate.Ninja SchoolAcademy

However, Naruto had a problem.

Seeing Naruto walking through the town with a serious look on his face, the shopkeepers of the greengrocers, fishmongers, butchers, and other shops stood tense and motionless. No, it wasn’t just the shopkeepers. The townspeople were the same. They stood tall like small animals checking out predators from their burrows.

However, either oblivious to the situation around him, or simply unaware, Uzumaki Naruto carried on his way with a serious look on his face, passing through the shopping district.

I was overwhelmed by the sound of a thud every time that person walked, and the sound of a man’s voice singing and drums coming from somewhere.

Said a man in his fifties who was in the shopping district Uzumaki Naruto was passing by.

Standing 196cm tall and weighing 115kg, he has a muscular body and an imposing presence. Not what you’d expect from a boy of 12 years old. However, regardless of appearance, inside Naruto’s heart is no different from any other student attending the ninja school.

Tomorrow is the graduation exam, and of course I’ll do my best, but if I fail, what should I do?

The young Naruto sighed deeply. A woman in the shopping district saw this and her shoulders shook in shock, but Naruto was so wrapped up in his own troubles that he didn’t notice. Normally, he would have been kind enough to say, “Miss, are you feeling unwell?” However, this ended up being a completely different situation than Naruto had anticipated, with the woman’s face turning pale as she spoke to him.

With his field of vision narrower than usual, he walked down the main street of the shopping district, his eyes on the ground.

A deep-rooted worry cast a dark shadow over his face.

+++

“So… the graduation exam will be using the clone technique. Those who are called will come one by one to the classroom next door.”

Ninja school teacher Umino Iruka stood in front of the blackboard explaining the contents of the exam to the students. As a fair and honest teacher, Iruka was highly trusted by the students’ parents, so it was no surprise that the offer of the exam had come to Iruka.

After explaining the contents of the exam to his students, Iruka unconsciously encourages them to perform better than usual, making him a true teacher. Iruka looked around the classroom and then stopped on one student.

Good luck, Naruto.

Iruka, who knows Naruto’s efforts better than anyone else, didn’t show it in his actions, but he sent glances at Naruto. It was as if he was a parent to Naruto. However, Iruka is not only someone who supports Naruto, but he is also an examiner for this exam.

Iruka is the one who knows best how hard Naruto has worked, and so he believes that relaxing the standards for passing the exam would be a disrespectful act to his efforts.

“Next! Uzumaki Naruto!”

A little while after Iruka’s voice, the door to the classroom where the exam would be held was opened and Naruto came in.

The sound of Mizuki, a fellow teacher sitting next to Iruka, clearing his throat echoed through the strangely quiet classroom.

Naruto’s steps were silent as he made his way towards the examiners, his manners perfect as a ninja. He exuded an air of dignity that made it hard to believe he had failed the previous exams twice.

Maybe this time Naruto would pass.

Without realizing it, Iruka leaned forward.

Receiving Iruka’s expectant gaze, Naruto quickly made a seal.

“Clone Technique!”

Nothing comes out. Not even smoke.

Seeing this, Iruka closed his eyes once and then declared.

“Disqualified!”

“Dr. Iruka”

After Iruka had spoken bluntly, a voice came to soothe him. It was Mizuki.

“…It’s his third time, so he has created a clone. Although it was only for a moment, I was able to see the clone, yes. So, I’ll give him a pass… No, it’s not because I’m scared of him. I don’t believe in the saying that even Buddha can only be defeated three times.”

Mizuki suddenly started talking quickly. Iruka looked at him with a suspicious expression, but quickly changed his mind and shook his head.

“No matter what Mizuki-sensei says, it’s no good! All three of them have clones. However, in Naruto’s case, there is only one… and even if I believe what Mizuki-sensei says, it’s only a momentary clone. I can’t consider him a pass.”

“However…”

“Mizuki Sensei.”

A low, heavy voice echoed throughout the classroom.

“It is unfortunate, but this result was due to a lack of effort on my part. I take this very seriously. However, I do appreciate your concern.”

“Is that so? Then I can’t say anything.”

When Naruto spoke to her, her frowned expression instantly returned to a smile. Hiding what was really in her heart. This was the secret of the ninja.

Naruto bowed to the two examiners and then left the room.

Iruka sees Naruto off with a sad look on his face. He had no choice but to give Naruto, who he had thought of as his protégé, his final words. How regretful Iruka must be. Because he was thinking of Naruto, Iruka was unable to realize it.

Mizuki was rubbing her brow with her fingers while watching Naruto’s back with a sharp look in her eyes.

+++

“Naruto-kun… My lord. I’m sorry for interrupting your training.”

What title should I use? That hesitation came out as ” “, which she doesn’t normally use. Mizuki blushed slightly.LordWhich

Upon hearing Mizuki’s call, Naruto stood up and turned towards the direction the voice came from, that is, backwards.

Having Mizuki suddenly speak to him caused Naruto to forget all about the number of push-ups he had been doing, but he concluded that he could just start counting again and spoke.

“You don’t need to call me ‘Lord’. What do you think, Mizuki-sensei?”

“Can I talk to you for a moment? There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Of course.”

Unlike Mizuki, Naruto nodded without hesitation.

–This seems like it will help things go smoothly.

Mizuki chuckled as she watched Naruto.

Mizuki led them to a balcony of a certain building. At first glance, the structure seemed to be a construction error, and there was no railing at the end of the corridor, making it a dangerous place, but this was the Hidden Leaf Village, where many ninja lived. For ninja who often moved around by jumping from roof to roof, a balcony without a railing was like a road leading directly from the house to the highway.

That being said, it’s almost never crowded here. It would be okay in the morning or evening, but it’s now past noon, which is off-peak time for people to arrive and leave work.

In other words, the place where Mizuki and Naruto were right now was a place no one would ever come to.

“Iruka-sensei is a serious person… His parents died when he was little, and he’s always had to work hard at everything on his own… Naruto-kun, what do you think?”

“nothing?”

“Do you think you’re like Iruka-sensei? At the very least, I think Iruka-sensei sees himself in you.”

Mizuki looked up at Naruto who was sitting next to her.

“So, I definitely want you to become stronger in the truest sense of the word.”

“However, I was unable to empathize with Iruka-sensei’s feelings. You have failed as a student.”ResponseAnswer

“Not at all. It’s not too late.”

“Hmm? But the graduation exams are over, right?”

“…I’ll tell you a special secret.”

“secret?”

“ah”

Mizuki’s expression changes. Her face now resembles something reptilian.

“You don’t have to give up on being a ninja just because you can’t use the clone technique. What a ninja needs is “power”. So you just need to show your strength so that everyone can see it. There is a scroll called the “Book of Sealings” that is kept by the Hokage. If you can take this from the Hokage, I have no doubt that he will recognize your talent as a ninja.”

“So… you’re telling me to steal the Book of Sealings from the Third Hokage?”

Naruto radiates a strong murderous intent towards Mizuki. Naruto, who values ??justice, strength and muscle, would never approve of theft.

“…Well, okay. I’m ready.”

Mizuki was making hand seals, hiding from Naruto’s line of sight. As expected, he was a chunin with the skills closest to a jonin. His ninja skills were on a whole different level to Naruto, who couldn’t even graduate from ninja academy.

Naruto’s eyes were glassy, ??I think. Naruto’s expression is hard to read, but I get the feeling he has been put under a genjutsu, and the corners of his eyes seem to have drooped about 1mm.

“Naruto, you are to steal the Book of Sealing from the Third Hokage. That’s an order.”

Anyway, without giving orders, it’s impossible to know if the genjutsu has a hypnotic effect that controls the target. When Mizuki gave the order, Naruto quietly nodded and disappeared from the scene.

Mizuki, watching Naruto leave, was dripping with cold sweat.

Just by running, he was faster than the maximum speed of my body-shunjutsu. Whatever, I don’t understand.

The wind brushed Mizuki’s cheek. Then he noticed that his cheek was wet with tears. Mizuki couldn’t answer whether the reason was jealousy of Naruto’s muscles or fear of them.

+++

That night, the day Mizuki put the genjutsu on Naruto, Naruto sneaked into the Hokage mansion. Naruto quietly crossed the corridor and made his way to the room he was looking for.

“What are you doing in my house in the middle of the night?”

Suddenly, a voice called out to him.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, who is allowed to occupy the position despite being 69 years old, silently appeared behind Naruto.

Although he has been retired from the front lines for a long time, it can be said that the skills that earned him the feared title of “God of Shinobi” are still alive and well.

Hiruzen sighed as he recognized Naruto.

–I thought Naruto’s mischief had stopped, but it seems his bad habit has returned.

Hiruzen was very disappointed, as he had known Naruto since he was a child and had noticed how much he had grown both physically and mentally in recent times.

That’s probably why he wasn’t paying enough attention to Naruto’s actions.

Confirming that Hiruzen was behind him, Naruto put his hand on his collar.

The strong always have a weakness.

And Hiruzen’s weakness is “women.” Having survived an age of war and eventually become the Hokage who protected the village, Hiruzen had almost no time for play. Therefore, Hiruzen has an extremely low tolerance for women. If a naked woman were to suddenly appear in front of him, he would be excited before he was confused, and would end up with a nosebleed.

And the same is true in reverse.

” Jutsu!”Muscle ShowOiroke

Naruto’s voice echoed through the hallways of the Hokage mansion.

It’s a muscle display technique. Naruto calls it a technique, but in reality it doesn’t use any chakra, the mixture of physical and mental energy that is essential for ninjutsu and genjutsu.

In other words, this is a martial art that uses only physical strength.

Naruto was conscious of his own muscles. However, he was also unconsciously manipulating the blood flow. Blood was being pumped to his muscles .HypertrophyBump Up

Naruto’s clothes dropped to the floor with a rustling sound. Hiruzen’s eyes widened.

Hiruzen, who has an extraordinary obsession with nudity, thinks that nude bodies are limited to girls with nice curvaceous bodies. That’s why there was no way he could accept the sudden appearance of Naruto’s shiny black muscles, especially with the poses he was wearing.

“Welllllll!”

Hiruzen dropped to his knees and vomited the contents of his stomach. Without even glancing at him as he vomited, Naruto entered the room where the Book of Sealing was kept and obtained it.

Then he collected the clothes he had placed on the floor and leisurely passed by Hiruzen.

+++

After that, the village of Konoha was in an uproar like a hornet’s nest. A scroll containing details of a dangerous technique was found in the hands of the nine-tailed fox demon that had caused great damage to the village 12 years ago. The fear of the villagers reached its peak.

Even 12 years ago, the Nine Tails could not be sealed away without exchanging the life of the Fourth Hokage. And now, the Nine Tails has the scroll detailing the powerful forbidden technique in its hands. So, they must neutralize and kill the Nine Tails before it can do any harm to the village.

It was inevitable that his thoughts would take a cruel turn.

Many ninjas rushed around the village searching for Naruto.

There were also dolphins among them.

–Why, Naruto?

+++

As Iruka flew through the trees, a yellow color caught his eye at the corner of his eye. He quickly gathered chakra into the soles of his feet and attached himself to a tree branch. One of the properties of chakra is the ability to stick to objects. It’s a technique used when climbing walls, but it’s also an effective technique when suddenly braking.

Peering out from the top of the tree branch, he saw for sure the person he was looking for – Naruto.

Iruka instantly appears in front of Naruto using the body-shunting technique.

“I found you, Kora! …Naruto?”

Iruka noticed Naruto’s blank gaze and ran over to him. Having a feeling for Naruto’s current state, Iruka made a seal and poured chakra into Naruto.

“Open!”

Naruto’s blank gaze became fixed.

“… Iruka Sensei.”

“Naruto! What happened? Who put a genjutsu on you?”

Iruka asked Naruto questions in rapid succession. He had a bad feeling in his chest. He intuitively felt that this was definitely not “Naruto’s prank” as the Third Hokage had explained, so he put his hand on Naruto’s shoulder and looked up at his face.

“It’s Mizuki-sensei. He’s after something called the ‘Book of Sealing.’ Before I knew it, I was under an illusion. I’m sorry, it’s due to my lack of skill. I wasn’t able to counter it.”

“Mizuki? But why…?!”

Sensing the danger, Iruka pushed Naruto away, and the kunai and shuriken pierced Iruka’s body deeply.

“Well, you found this place.”

The underling appeared at the top of a tree, looking down at Naruto and Iruka was Mizuki.

“Mizuki!”

“Naruto, don’t give the scroll to him! The scroll you have in your possession contains forbidden ninjutsu techniques. Mizuki used you to get it!”

Mizuki narrowed his eyes, thinking that this was becoming troublesome. Originally, he had planned to kill Naruto while he was under the genjutsu, steal the scroll, and then join up with the Hidden Cloud ninja who had been in cahoots with him and escape from Konoha. But his plan had gone awry because of Iruka.

Mizuki glared bitterly at Iruka, but when he saw Kiiro rushing to his side, his lip curled.

Even though he may be big, he is still a child. So, his mind can be easily shaken.

“Naruto…there’s no point in you having that scroll! I’ll tell you the truth!”

“Bah! Idiot, stop!”

“12 years ago… you know about the incident where Bakekitsune was sealed away, right?”

Despite Iruka’s attempts to stop him, Mizuki gives a malicious smile and reveals .Detailsknob

“Since that incident… the village has been thorough in its construction.”a·R·Rules·

“Rules… you say?”

“Yes. Naruto, it’s a rule that you alone will never be informed of.”

“What do you mean?”

Hehehehehe.

Only Mizuki’s laughter echoed through the quiet forest.

“It’s a rule not to mention that Naruto’s true identity is a fox monster.”

“Stop it!”

“Shut up, Iruka. If you stay quiet, I’ll kill you later.”

Iruka’s cries don’t reach Mizuki, and since he’s shielded Naruto from Mizuki’s attacks and has kunai and shuriken stuck all over his body, Iruka can’t even use force to shut Mizuki up.

Mizuki, now more talkative and cold than usual, corners Naruto.

“So basically, you’re the nine-tailed fox that killed Iruka’s parents and destroyed the village!”

Mizuki’s face was distorted hideously as he cornered his prey.

“You were sealed away by the Fourth Hokage and then…”

“Stop it!!”

“I was being deceived by everyone in the village this whole time! Didn’t you think that was strange? Why they hate me so much!”

Mizuki brandishes a giant shuriken.

“The truth is, Iruka too! I hate you! No one will ever acknowledge you! That scroll was meant to seal you away!”

“I see, I understand.”

“……teeth?”

Mizuki stops moving.

“I said that I understood why I was shunned by the people of my village. It’s inevitable that they will resent me.”

With trembling lips, Iruka forced himself to ask Naruto.

“Naruto… Weren’t you lonely? Wasn’t it painful for you?”

“Of course!”

Naruto raised his voice loudly. However, it wasn’t meant to intimidate Iruka. It was a voice full of courage that encouraged Iruka.

“I felt lonely. I felt sad. But it was all my fault. So I’ve decided to accept it.”

“That’s not true, Naruto. You’re not the Nine Tails. You’re my student! You’re a hard worker and devoted, but you’re also clumsy and no one acknowledges you for who you are. But you’ve changed! You’re no longer a fox monster. You are… you’re Uzumaki Naruto of Konoha!”

“…”

Seeing Naruto’s shocked expression, Mizuki spat out Iruka’s words as if dismissing them as truly vulgar.

“Heh! Congratulations to you, Iruka. I said I was going to leave you behind, but I’ll stop now.”

Mizuki’s eyes reflect the moon eerily.

“Just die already!”

Once again, Mizuki’s arm was swung, and the Fuuma Shuriken he was holding was in his hand. This time, it was heading straight for its target. The black Shuriken was heading towards Iruka. Instinctively, Iruka closed his eyes.

“……fart?”

“If you concentrate your strength into your muscles, not even a blade can penetrate them.”

Hearing the shocked voice of Mizuki, Iruka timidly opened his eyes. At the same time, he opened his eyes as wide as he could.

The shuriken that was flying towards him had fallen to the ground, and in pieces.

It was an impossible scene. Mizuki, who had been watching it closely, cried out loud.

“What… what did you do?! You stupid fox!”

“What? I simply smashed your shuriken with my fist.”

Naruto placed the scroll he was holding on his waist on the ground so that it stood upright. He opened the scroll slightly, looked through it, and made the sign of the cross.

“Let me try it, Mizuki… Hah!”

After a beat, Naruto quickly moved his body alternately from left to right while shouting.

Naruto, jumping side to side repeatedly, spoke in a weighty voice without taking his eyes off Mizuki.

“Mizuki. I will give you my final fate.”

Naruto side steps repeatedly.

“I see, so this is the technique that was in the Book of Sealing! I never thought it would be a technique that required a ritual. But Naruto, there’s no way you, who has no talent for ninjutsu, could use forbidden techniques. Stop bluffing!”

Naruto ignored Mizuki’s words, or rather, his ears were not picking up the sounds around him due to the dialogue with his muscles. He was concentrating to the utmost on what he had to do.

Make the range of motion of your muscles smaller!

And! Make the ground contact time shorter!

Gluteus maximus! Quadriceps! Triceps surae!

Be aware of your stretch reflex and use your whole body to bounce around!PlectrumSpring

Mizuki couldn’t believe the scene before his eyes. Naruto’s body was gradually becoming blurred as he saw it. The blur got bigger with each passing second, and eventually even the blur disappeared.

“Multiple Shadow Clone Technique”

“Is this… the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique?”

A thousand Naruto figures surrounded him. Mizuki spoke the name of the technique, but there was a question mark at the end of his words.

— Damn it! Calm down!

Mizuki scolded himself for being momentarily distracted. It was the height of foolishness to lose focus in front of the enemy. He calmly checked his surroundings and came up with a plan to break through…a plan…a plan…

Mizuki saw a thousand Naruto figures surrounding him. If they were just boys his age, how much easier would it have been? The light disappeared from Mizuki’s eyes.

Yes, the Narutos surrounding Mizuki were all bigger, more muscular men than him.

— Damn, I’m dead.

“Aaaaahhhh!”

With that thought and the scream as the last thing Mizuki felt, she lost consciousness.

He later spoke from his cell.

“I’ve never felt such fear in my muscles in my life as I did at that moment.”

+++

“Hmm! I guess I’ve gone too far.”

Naruto’s form returned to one after the Shadow Clone Technique, which Naruto called the technique, was stopped. Naruto groaned as he looked down at Mizuki, who was lying on the ground. A rag, no, a rag would be even better. Iruka called out to Naruto, who was clearly regretting hitting Mizuki too hard.

“Naruto. Come here for a second. There’s something I want to give you.”

“But what should we do about Mizuki?”

“Leave him alone. He won’t be waking up for a while, and from what I can see… he’s in a terrible state, but his life is not in any danger.”

“I see. If Iruka-sensei says so, then it must be true.”

Using the tree as support, Iruka slowly stood up. Looking up at Naruto’s face, who was taller than him, Iruka smiled.

“Bend down a little and close your eyes.”

“Understood”

Naruto did as Iruka said.

“Okay! You can open your eyes now.”

Slowly Naruto opened his eyes to find a smiling Iruka standing in front of him.

“Graduation… congratulations”

And in front of the smiling Iruka was a fine ninja wearing a Konoha forehead protector, the mark of a full-fledged ninja.

“Today, I’ll treat you to some ramen to celebrate your graduation!”

“I can only eat ramen on Golden Days. I’ll pass today.”

“picture?”

“Yes. I have set every Saturday as my Golden Day, a day when I can eat as much as I want of whatever I want. Outside of that day, I can’t eat ramen because of my muscles. I appreciate the suggestion, but would it be okay if we made it Saturday?”

“Oh, yeah. What do you usually eat?”

“I try to eat low-calorie, high-protein foods that are good for muscles. Chicken breast, for example. I also eat supplements as my staple food.”

“What about vegetables?!”

“Of course, I take it in a smoothie. Vitamins are also necessary for muscles.”

Iruka makes a decision.

Next time, I’ll make a normal meal, something like a stew, and bring it to Naruto as a gift.

The human path of striving for excellence is sometimes not understood.

Posing

In the Land of Fire, in the Hidden Leaf Village, a boy begins a new life with the goal of becoming a ninja.

Starting a new life involves a lot of paperwork, such as changing your address, submitting various documents, and visiting those who will be helping you out. It can be so busy that you could use all the help you can get.

Moreover, it will be a life that will be completely different from the environment you have been in until now. You will likely have many anxieties and expectations.

But he, Uzumaki Naruto, is not an ordinary human. He always has his mind under his control, so he never lets his emotions get the better of him. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say that he never shows his emotions. Having continued to train to the point of transforming his body, he has acquired a chiseled face and strong facial muscles that do not change expression indiscriminately. But inside his heart, he is always burning with a sense of justice and a love for muscles.TrainingStrength training

And today, he had met comrades who warmed his heart.

“Good! Then, let’s try looking this way, that’s right, that’s good!”

For a moment, the white light makes Naruto’s body shine. Naruto’s body shines brighter than usual. The man takes the picture over and over again to capture that beauty and strength and preserve it forever.

–That’s not enough. That doesn’t bring out the best in you.

The man understood without even developing the film to check it. The cameras the man uses are rarely seen on the street. These days, instant cameras are popular because they are easy to carry and inexpensive. The only people who own large-format cameras like the man use are a few enthusiasts and people who make a living from photography like the man.GainLarge Format Camera

Its size is roughly the same as three compact instant cameras arranged vertically and horizontally, making it inconvenient to handle. However, it more than makes up for this with its performance, high resolution, and photo effects that can be achieved by changing lenses, all of which are impossible to replicate with instant cameras.

However, the man at the photo shop was not convinced.

Due to my inexperienced skills and a camera that did not reflect my feelings.

The best thing in my photography life was right in front of me, so why was I in such a terrible state? Wasn’t all my experience there for this moment?materialmaterial

Not enough, not enough yet. What can I do to make him shine, to make his muscles shine? More oil? That’s out of the question. He’s already perfectly oiled. Adding more oil would destroy the perfect balance.

The man at the photo shop took the used film out of the camera to put the next film in, and stored it in a box. Then, the man noticed his own face reflected in the lid of the metal storage box.

“Smile! Please smile, big brother!”

“Understood!”

The photographer’s thumb pressed down on the shutter button. At that moment, the man was certain.

–This is it. I’ve lived my whole life to take this perfect shot.

After many twists and turns, the photograph he took, pouring his heart and soul into, ended up being placed in a titanium photo frame and displayed in Naruto’s home.

Today became a lasting memory for him of his first photography experience.

+++

“…”

The Third Hokage’s face was pale as if he was about to vomit the contents of his stomach at any moment, and he spoke up.

He focused his gaze on the ninja registration card in his hand, and in the upper left corner was a picture of Naruto.

“I’m sorry. I was talking to the owner and he told me he had taken the best photo he could… but it was my own mistake to neglect to check it. I will accept any punishment.”

“Hmm… It’s not a mistake that warrants punishment so don’t worry about it. But do you have any other photos?”

“Yes.”

The Third Hokage looked at a photo of Naruto with half-closed eyes. In the photo, Naruto was smiling and making a most muscular pose. He had both hands around his belly button, and by concentrating his strength on his whole body, he was showing off his upper arms and pectoral muscles. As he looked at the photo, the Third Hokage’s face seemed to lose emotion with each passing moment.

Also, Naruto’s muscles, which glistened and reflected light as if they were covered in oil, could truly be called art, but it seems that muscles were not included in the Third Hokage’s artistry.

“Let’s take it again.”

“Understood……”

This photo is to be used for official documents as a registered ninja. For reasons unrelated to his own feelings, even though his private parts were hidden, he was not allowed to use a nearly nude photo in an official document.

Seeing Naruto looking a little lonely, the Third Hokage sighed deeply. Then, with a clanging sound, the door slid open to the side, and a small shadow jumped into the room through the gap.

“Grandpa! This is a fight!”

–One after the other…

“Oh! What have you done again! …Ah!”

“Ouch!”

The moment the large shadow followed the small shadow into the room, the small shadow caught its own foot and fell to the floor.

“Dammit! Is this a trap?!”

“A… are you alright, Grandson? By the way, there are no traps anywhere!”

The small shadow that fell to the floor assumed that the reason he fell was because of a trap or interference from others, and searched for the culprit who had made him fall. As he looked around restlessly, the small shadow noticed that a shadow was falling on his face.

–This guy.

Although he had no basis for this, the little boy decided that the shadow casting over his face was the culprit, and he pointed his index finger at the person casting the shadow.

“Right, so you did something, this… it’s huge!”

Naruto looked at the little boy who was pointing at him. Naruto felt nostalgic and depressed, thinking that he was once as innocent as this boy, and smiled at him to show his affection.

However, contrary to Naruto’s feelings, the boy let out a cry of “Aaaaah!” and began trembling violently.

“N-Naruto! Your grandson must have been frightened! Stop making that expression! And become smaller!”

“M-my apologies, boy. But making your body smaller, in other words, losing muscle, is unacceptable!”

“What?!”

“Calm down a bit, Ebisu.”

Was it a mistake to hire Ebisu as your tutor? He used to be a much better and more polite ninja.

The Third Hokage apologized to Naruto on behalf of the two intruders.

“Sorry for the commotion, Naruto. This child is my grandson, Konohamaru. Behind Konohamaru is his tutor, Ebisu. I’ll tell him not to do it again, so please forgive me.”

“Understood”

“Naruto. From now on, you will work hard to become a ninja.”

“Of course.”

“That’s very reassuring… You may go.”

“Well then, I’ll be off then.”

“Um.”

Naruto stood up from his chair and bowed.

Watching Naruto’s back as he left the room, the little boy, Konohamaru’s eyes lit up at his dignified demeanor.

+++

After leaving the ninja registration room, Naruto left the building and was walking through Konoha Village when suddenly he stopped.

“So, do you have something to do with me?”

“Hehehe… Well done, you managed to figure it out! You really are just as the rumored man should be.”

“After all, you’re someone who’s very sensitive to the signs around you.”

When Naruto turned around, he saw the boy he had met earlier, Konohamaru.

“I’ll be your little brother, Kore. In exchange… teach me the technique that defeated the old Hokage! Please, brother!”Muscle ShowOiroke

“…What a fine day. I can now meet my second comrade.”

Naruto doesn’t notice.

Konohamaru wants to defeat the Third Hokage. Therefore, he wants to learn the technique of defeating the Third Hokage . Naruto doesn’t notice his feelings.Muscle ShowOiroke

Naruto was wrong.

Konohamaru had trained his muscles, and sincerely desired an opportunity to show them off . Even if right now he was as weak as a baby bird, Konohamaru wanted to torture and train his body, and turn it into one that was comparable to steel, Naruto had thought.ComradesMuscle

+++

Moving to the forest, Naruto and Konohamaru faced each other head on. They were like master and disciple, or like brothers.

“So, comrade, do you know what is most important in art?”Muscle ShowOiroke

“Of course! Muscles!”

“No!”

Konohamaru instinctively straightened up at the sound of Naruto’s voice.

“Muscles are necessary, of course. But no matter how much muscle you have, if you don’t have a single heart, the luster of your muscles will be lost.”

“So what is the most important thing, this?”

“Confidence”

“…confidence?”

Naruto nodded.

“Confidence that allows you to expose your entire self. Muscles tell the story of your past. Not only do they tell the type of training you’ve undergone, but also the food you’ve eaten up until that point, and even your physical condition on that day. This is why shame arises. It’s only when you can overcome that shame that you become a real man.”

Naruto stated to Konohamaru as he crossed his arms.

“Take off your clothes.”

“fart?”

“You take off your clothes and expose everything. By continuing to do this, you can overcome your feelings of shame.”

I see, Konohamaru said as he took off his clothes, but his face was dyed red.

“This is embarrassing…”

“The art can only be perfected by overcoming feelings of shame . I will teach you the secret. I just learned this myself, but one of the elements to perfecting the art is a smile. Smile.”Muscle ShowOirokeMuscle ShowOiroke

Konohamaru laughed. He laughed so hard he looked like he was about to burst into tears.

+++

“That’s enough. Let’s take a short break.”

“Got it, Kore.”

Konohamaru immediately put on his clothes.

“Comrades, it’s important to stay hydrated.”

“Thank you, brother.”

While Konohamaru was getting dressed, he must have bought a drink from a nearby vending machine. He took the drink from Naruto’s hand and sat down on a bench, taking a sip from it.

Naruto hesitates, wondering whether he should go ahead with it, but then makes up his mind.

Naruto stood in front of the bench where Konohamaru was sitting and spoke.

“There’s one thing I’d like to ask you.”

“yeah?”

“May I ask why you would want to overthrow the Third Hokage?”

Konohamaru lowered his eyes. After a while, he began to speak bit by bit while looking at the ground.

“…Grandpa gave me the name Konohamaru. It was named after this village. “PortraitAyaka

Konohamaru’s voice was tinged with loneliness.

“But even though it’s a name that’s familiar to everyone in the village, no one calls me by it!”

The loneliness turns to anger.

“When everyone sees me or calls me, they just see me as the Hokage’s grandson. No one recognizes me for who I am. I’ve had enough! That’s why I want the name Hokage right now.”

“…What you’re saying is wrong.”

“picture?”

Naruto’s calm voice felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over Konohamaru. When he raised his eyes, his own met Naruto’s, who was far above him.

“Because I’m the Hokage, I’m allowed to do it. That’s not true. The Hokage is…”

“I found it!”

An unrefined voice echoed through the forest, interrupting Naruto. It was the voice of Ebisu, a man dressed in black ninja attire.

Ebisu gave Naruto a hateful and condescending look, then used the body blink technique to appear in front of Konohamaru from the branch he had been standing on.

Ebisu approached Konohamaru with a stomp and spoke to the motionless Konohamaru.

“Come on! Grandson, let’s go home.”

“No way! I’m going to defeat the old man and get the name Hokage, right now! Don’t get in my way!”

“You can only become Hokage-sama when you understand the principles of benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, loyalty, faith, consideration, and respect for your elders, and have mastered more than a thousand techniques…”

” !”HypertrophyBump Up

“yeah?”

“Take that!”Muscle ShowOiroke

“…”

“Huh? It doesn’t work!”

Ebisu shouted at Konohamaru, who was displaying his power lump with confidence.

“What made you think it would work?”

Your grandson has started behaving strangely. The reason for this is…

Ebisu glared at Naruto, then forcefully took Konohamaru’s hand.

“Grandson! If you hang out with people like that whose brains are made of muscle, you’ll only get stupider! Doing exactly what I say is the quickest way to earn the title of Hokage! Now, let’s go home!”

“Nooooo!”

“Ebisu-sama… so, was it okay?”

Naruto’s voice stopped Ebisu in his tracks.

“What is it?”

“The boy you are leading is a weak one. However, he has the determination to become stronger. Surely you should acknowledge that?”

“You don’t need to tell me that. I acknowledge your grandson. After all, he is a descendant of the Third Hokage, who was known as the ‘God of Shinobi.'”

“…It seems you do not understand. You are not qualified to teach and guide your comrade, Konohamaru.”

“Don’t tell an elite like me, a loser!”

“There’s no point in talking to you if you don’t understand Konohamaru’s brilliance. I will use my own muscles to teach you about brilliance.”

Naruto’s figure blurred.

“Shadow Clone Technique”

“…That’s not a Shadow Clone Technique! It’s just moving faster!”

Ebisu thought. The technique Naruto used was definitely not a shadow clone technique. It was more like a martial art that moved at high speed and created afterimages. So, what kind of technique should I use?

…It’s Earth Release.

This makes Naruto’s footing unstable and takes away his mobility.

However, Ebisu’s plan was not carried out. In the moment that Ebisu had taken his consciousness away from Naruto to come up with a plan, Naruto was still working. Just using the Shadow Clone Technique would not allow Ebisu to understand the brilliance. Naruto understood that.

The one who was keeping a close eye on his opponent was not Ebisu, who called himself an elite, but Naruto, who was called a dropout.

” !”HypertrophyBump Up

Naruto and the others took on several different forms and all at once stripped off their clothes.

” Jutsu!”Muscle AestheticsBodybuilding

All expression vanished from Ebisu’s face.

All around him were bulging muscles, each creating their own afterimages in their own way – whether or not “each creating their own way” is accurate in this case is a question of debate – and there was the figure of Naruto, who had struck a variety of poses.

Naruto stripped off his clothes, and except for his black pants, he was left naked from birth, and Ebisu’s field of vision was filled with flesh color.

And because Naruto was moving at a speed too fast to be seen with the naked eye, his body temperature must have risen. Sweat gradually formed on the surface of his skin, reflecting the sunlight.

Ebisu turns to the right for now. Muscles.

Ebisu then turns to the left, where he sees muscles.

Ebisu then turns around. Muscles.

Finally, Ebisu looks up. It’s the sky.

–It’s beautiful.

That was Ebisu’s final thought. Surrounded by muscular, sweaty people, the tension in Ebisu’s body was broken the moment he saw the blue sky.HanNaruto

He studied hard as an elite, became a ninja, and completed various missions. He even faced off against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist Village, a group of murderers. He went to war, fought, and survived, and he was proud of his abilities.

However, this time, it was something that was completely outside of his expectations, something that was beyond his imagination. Who could blame Ebisu for losing consciousness after being overwhelmed?

Having that surrounding him was something he had never expected in his entire life.muscleMuscle

Ebisu’s body was sucked in and fell face-first to the ground.

“Dammit! I couldn’t even beat the glasses teacher again! This!”

Seeing Ebisu lying on the ground, Konohamaru cried out.

“I want a name that everyone will recognize as soon as possible! But why is this? Is it because I don’t have any muscles?!”

“That’s not true.”

“Brother?!”

Naruto continued speaking, ignoring the confused Konohamaru.

“It doesn’t matter if you have muscles or not. The Hokage is the one who is unanimously recognized as the greatest ninja in the village.”

Naruto smiled gently. It was the same smile he had given Konohamaru in the ninja registration room. This time, Konohamaru wasn’t intimidated by Naruto’s smile.

“Very recently, I found one person who recognized me. But even achieving that was more difficult than I could have ever imagined. … You need to be prepared.”

“Ready?”

“There are absolutely no shortcuts to becoming a Hokage that everyone recognizes. I simply must continue to walk honestly towards my dream, towards becoming Hokage.”

Konohamaru’s eyes widened, then he gave a cheeky grin.

“Hmph, what a lecture. I’m done being a little brother!”

Konohamaru looked directly at Naruto.

“From now on… we’re rivals.”

The two of them laughed together. Although they were different in age and build, they shared the same goal, so it was inevitable that they would fight. However, their smiles made everyone think that these two would be able to settle things cleanly and without any regrets.

It’s exactly like the smile a bodybuilder has.

“I look forward to the day I can fight you. Comrade Konohamaru,” Naruto tried to say, but Konohamaru spoke a moment faster.

“Also, I don’t care about muscles. I think Naruto probably meant “comrades” when he said they were fellow muscle-shakers, but I’ve never really understood the appeal of muscles.”

“nothing!?”

“That’s why, Kore. See you, Big Bro.”

Konohamaru raised his hand and dashed off.

Naruto scolded himself for being a little too excited. Just because he hit it off with the photographer, Naruto’s thoughts that he might have many like-minded people were shattered. Naruto realized from Konohamaru’s words that there aren’t many people who can be passionate about muscles, and looked up to the sky just like Ebisu.

It’s hard to find people who share the same interests. That was something that was deeply engraved in Naruto’s mind.

Survival training begins!
Vitamins, minerals, and enzymes

Ninja.

It is an all-powerful profession that can complete a wide range of missions, from babysitting to assassinations. However, even though ninjas have a wide range of skills and can respond to a variety of requests, everyone was once a rookie. There was a time when their skills were still poor and they continued to fail missions. Everyone passes that period and becomes a ninja. It is important to complete many missions that are appropriate for your level, gain experience, and grow step by step.

Few people understand this, although this is true only of the boys and girls in the classroom where Naruto is currently sitting who have not yet fully become ninjas, and those who have only just become genin.

A restless murmur echoed through one of the classrooms at the ninja school. In the classroom, there was a particularly large figure. It was Naruto. With his arms crossed and his palms resting on his triceps, Naruto’s figure was as big as a rock.

Naruto’s arms were as thick as three normal boys’ arms put together. Even if you knew he was capable of loving a small bird, the muscles in his arms and his appearance would frighten anyone who saw them. Especially for a child.

For that reason, no one would approach Naruto.

However, fear can also be an object of admiration. Just like the legendary ninja Uchiha Madara who once shook the world, Naruto’s muscles were also an object of admiration for one young boy.

A boy approached Naruto, who was three times his size, with awe. The boy was in the same class as Naruto. He had also heard that Naruto had failed the ninja academy graduation exam. That was why the boy spoke to Naruto, who was attending the ninja academy graduation briefing session.

“Naruto-san. Why are you here?”

“I was also accepted. I was accepted as an alternate and was invited to attend the information session.”

As Naruto replies to the boy who had spoken to him, he points to the Konoha forehead protector he is wearing. The forehead protector is proof of the village to which he belongs, and at the same time, it shows that the owner is a ninja. However, it is only a sign of ninja occupation, not combat ability or mental preparation.

Even if one does not understand what a “ninja” is, as long as one demonstrates a certain level of ability, it is permissible for them to learn it.

“Is that so! I’m glad… and I look forward to working with you in the future.”

“Of course.”

Yes, as long as they have a certain level of skill, even young boys and girls like them can do it.

“Sorry. Can I have a seat over there?”

A girl’s voice came.

Naruto and the boy who had been talking to him turned around in response to a ringing voice that came from behind them, and there was a girl with cherry-colored hair that reached down to her rhomboid muscles on her back.

Sakura Haruno.

The girl has long cherry-colored hair and large jade-colored eyes.

“Of course.”

“Thank you, Naruto.”

“It’s beyond gratitude.”

Naruto stood up from his chair and let Sakura through, before bowing once and speaking to the boy he had his eye on.

“Sasuke-kun, is it okay if I sit next to you?”

“…”

The boy, with his fingers clasped in front of his face and looking like he didn’t care about what was going on around him, glanced at Sakura once before returning his gaze to the window. Sakura took this as a confirmation and leaned closer to the boy.

The boy Sakura has a crush on is named Uchiha Sasuke.

He is a boy with black hair and sharp eyes. He graduated from Ninja Academy at the top of his class. His ninja skills are the highest among the rookies.

In fact, the ninjutsu he uses is so outstanding that it is hard to believe he is a boy who just graduated from ninja school. He is a brilliant young man who can use chunin-level ninjutsu, one rank higher than genin. Incidentally, their teacher, Iruka, is a chunin. From this, you can guess how talented Sasuke is.

Sitting on a long chair next to him were Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke. Whether by coincidence or fate, their paths had crossed from this very moment on.

+++

“As of today, you have all happily become full-fledged ninja… but you are still just rookie genin. The real hardships are yet to come!”

Standing on the stage was Iruka. As the person in charge of the Genin briefing, he was in charge of informing the new genin of what was to come, to the best of his ability.

“Well, from now on you will be given missions by the village, but you will be divided into groups… each group will be assigned a Jonin teacher, and you will carry out your missions under their guidance.”Three people in a groupThree-man cell

Iruka held up the document in his hand, which had the names of all the genin present.

“We decided on the groups so that there would be an equal balance of power.”

“Eh!!” a voice echoed through the classroom. He had probably been hoping to pair up with someone he got along well with. While many of the other children looked disappointed, Naruto’s expression remained unchanged. He didn’t seem to have any particular thoughts about it. In stark contrast to Sakura, who was sitting next to him.

Sakura’s eyes were glaring as if she was hunting prey. She was probably praying to be placed in the same group as her target, Sasuke. However, Sakura wasn’t the only one aiming for Sasuke, who achieved top grades in everything and had a face that exuded a cool aura. Several girls in the classroom were looking at her in the same way.

And Sasuke, who was next to him, just frowned at the mention of Iruka.Three people in a groupThree-man cell

–It’ll just become more of a burden.

Sasuke’s expression spoke volumes about what was in his heart.

Whether they knew what was in Sasuke’s mind or not, each group’s presentation proceeded quietly.

“Okay then, next. Team Seven. Sakura Haruno, Naruto Uzumaki.”

Her name is read out loud and Sakura prays.

–God, I beg of you. Please, please, please…

“And Uchiha Sasuke.”

Sakura’s wish seemed to have been granted, as the name of the last squad member read out by Iruka was the same as the one she had prayed for.

Without thinking, Sakura shouted, “Shhhh!” and raised her hands high.

One by one, the groups were selected. And after all the groups had been called out, Iruka smiled at his students, who were now the new ninja of Konoha.

“Well then, everyone. We will be introducing you to the Jonin teachers in the afternoon, so dismiss you until then.”

As Iruka left the classroom, the new genin brought their lunch boxes to their groupmates in order to deepen their friendship, and began to talk with great enthusiasm about their future activities as ninja.

Seeing this, Naruto nodded silently.

I see, I’ve heard that eating a meal together deepens friendship. I’ll invite Sakura and Sasuke to eat with me too.

Naruto took out his lunch from his bag and looked to the side to call out to Sakura and Sasuke, but they were no longer there.

Naruto was the type of person who would not speak to someone, or even say simple words, unless he was forced to. While he was thinking of how to speak to the two who were now in the same group, the two had already left the classroom.

A small change in expression occurred in Naruto that the people around him could not notice. His expression would have been obvious to someone close to him, Iruka, but Iruka had already left the classroom. Therefore, with the exception of one person, no one in the classroom noticed that Naruto was feeling lonely.

And the only one who had noticed the change in Naruto was the girl, who didn’t have the courage to talk to him, so Naruto ended up eating lunch alone.

+++

“He’s not coming… Sensei.”

Sakura’s muttered voice was absorbed by the classroom wall. Naruto nodded at Sakura’s words. Although he didn’t show any major reaction, the way his fingers, clasped in front of his face, moved slightly up and down suggested that Sasuke felt the same way as Sakura and Naruto.

–It’s slow.

The feelings of Team 7 were united in an unexpected place.

All of their classmates were led out of the classroom by their assigned Jonin in groups of three or five. As they saw their classmates being led away by the Jonin, one by one, the three members of Team 7 eagerly waited for their turn to come next. However, their assigned Jonin never made it into the classroom. Meanwhile, only Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke were left in the classroom.

“I’m bored.”

Naruto nodded silently, while Sasuke didn’t move. Sakura became impatient.

It’s awkward… I mean, why aren’t either of them talking? I feel like an idiot if I’m the only one talking.

Sakura exclaimed in her mind.

Sakura’s inner screams went unheard by the silent men.

–Seriously…please come quickly!

As Sakura watched Naruto take out dumbbells from his bag and begin training, and Sasuke continue to stare out the window, she thought to herself, It’s good that the two of them don’t mind being silent.

Then we waited for a few minutes.

Sakura opened her eyes at the sound of a crash.

During the long wait, she recalled the reason why she had started to yearn for Sasuke, and further, the incident that had led her to be able to talk to Naruto without flinching, and then recalled that she would have to skip dinner tonight in order to diet, and her thoughts were so free-flowing that she felt depressed. As she thought about the dessert she would not be able to eat tonight, cursing her own fat, and instinctively closing her eyes, a man entered the classroom.

Sakura opened her eyes and turned to face the man who had just entered the classroom.

About three-quarters of the man’s face was covered by a mask and forehead protector, and all that was visible was his right eye and the surrounding area. His right eye was looking sleepily at the three people in the classroom.

“Hello. I’m your Jonin in charge. The three of you from Team 7… is that right?”

“Ah, yes.”

Seeing Sakura nod, the Jounin pointed down the hallway with his thumb.

“Well then, follow me.”

+++

The rooftop garden, bathed in dazzling sunlight, is a popular spot for lunch. Eating a bento lunch whilst basking in the warm spring sunshine is something special.

However, it was now early afternoon. Everyone had finished their meal and returned to their respective jobs. Now, only Naruto and the rest of Team 7 were in the rooftop garden.

The Jounin in charge of Naruto and the others was sitting on a fence to prevent falls and looked around at them again.

— What can I say, only one person has a different art style…

That was the Jounin’s impression when he saw Naruto. He pushed his metafictional thoughts to the back of his mind.

Regaining his composure, the Jonin spoke.

“Well, first let me introduce myself.”

“What should I say?”

The Jonin answered Sakura’s question by spreading his arms out wide.

“Well, things I like, things I dislike. My dreams for the future, my hobbies, and things like that.”

“Teacher, before that, please tell me about yourself. You look a little suspicious.”

“Kids these days aren’t afraid of anything,” the Jonin thought, and opened his mouth to explain himself.

“Oh… me? My name is Hatake Kakashi. I have no intention of telling you what I like and dislike! You can tell me my dream for the future… but I have a lot of hobbies.”

“Hey… in the end, all we knew was the name, right?”

“He must be a shy person.”

Naruto was convinced by his own opinion. The information concluded that Kakashi was a shy person. His clothes, which barely covered his face, spoke volumes without him saying a word.

“Well then, you guys are next. Starting from the right, please.”

“Understood!”

Naruto, who was on Kakashi’s far right, spoke up.

“Majestic! Indomitable! Unyielding!”

Naruto stands up.

“Hot blood flows from my well-trained body! Help the weak! Crush the strong! Defeating evil with justice is my path!”

Naruto clenched his fists.

“I slurp my ramen and my energy is at full strength! I recharge my muscles with power! I cannot forgive my own laziness! My goal is to become Hokage! The pinnacle of ninja power!”

Naruto shouted. His dream.

“The path of a man is here! I will make it known to the world someday! My name is… Naruto Uzumaki!”

When Naruto finished his speech, there was a deflated crackling sound.

“Okay then, next.”

Kakashi didn’t seem to accept Naruto’s passionate feelings. Kakashi was the opposite of a passionate person, and he excelled at making his speeches flow smoothly.

After listening to Naruto’s elegant self-introduction, he turned his attention to Sasuke.

“My name is Uchiha Sasuke. There are a lot of things I dislike, but there’s nothing I particularly like. And… I have no intention of ending it with the word “dream,” but…”

Sasuke stopped speaking for a moment and quietly took a deep breath.

“…I have an ambition! To revive my clan and to kill a certain man.”

–I thought so.

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed.

Kakashi didn’t say anything because he knew Sasuke’s situation.

Kakashi turned his attention to the last remaining person, Sakura.

“Okay. Now, last one, girl.”

“I’m Haruno Sakura. The things I like are… well, I mean… the person I like is… erm… I guess I’ll also tell you my dream for the future… Kyaaaah!”

–Girls this age…are more interested in love than ninjutsu.

Once Sakura finished her self-introduction, Kakashi nodded and moved on to the next topic.

“Ok, that’s enough introductions. We’ll start our mission tomorrow.”

“Understood”

“yes!”

“ah”

After hearing the three’s replies, Kakashi’s eyes became cloudy as if he was bored.

“Tomorrow’s mission. First, we’ll do something that will only be done by the four of us.”

“Are there… things?”

“Yes. It’s a survival exercise.”

“Why do we have to do drills as part of a mission? We did plenty of drills at Ninja Academy!”

“…Your opponent is me, but this isn’t just a training exercise.”

Sakura, who had asked Kakashi a question, was confused by the further question Kakashi raised.

“Hehehe…”

“Hey! What’s wrong, sir?”

He must have felt fooled.

Suddenly, Kakashi chuckled and Sakura gave him an irritated look.

“Well, well! But… if I said this, you guys would definitely be put off.”

“What do you mean?”

Looking coldly at the screaming Sakura, Kakashi confronted them in despair.

“Of the 27 graduates, only 9 will be recognized as genin. The remaining 18 will be sent back to ninja academy. This training is extremely difficult, with a dropout rate of over 66%!”testtest

The blood drained from the three of their faces.

“Hahaha… See, you pulled it.”

“Wait a minute! If that’s the case, then there’s no point in having a graduation exam.”

“Ah, that’s it. They just select those with the potential to become genin.”

“Anyway…” Kakashi returned to the topic.

“Tomorrow at the training grounds we will decide whether you passed or failed. Bring all your ninja tools. Also, skip breakfast. You’ll throw up.”

“This cannot be tolerated.”

Naruto had been silent up until then, but suddenly he spoke.

Kakashi was convinced by Naruto’s behavior.

Just when I thought I had finally graduated, having to take another test is like a nightmare.qualityUs

Kakashi climbed down from the railing and stood in front of Naruto, looking down at him.

“The ninja world is a harsh one.”

“I understand that. However, I am confident that I will not vomit.”

“Yes! That’s reliable.”

“So I’ll make sure to have a proper breakfast.”

“……yes?”

“The best muscles are made from the food you eat every day. I have decided to have a smoothie for breakfast every day. I cannot accept skipping breakfast.”

“Hmm. Don’t tell me… I don’t think so, but the only thing you can’t accept is that I asked you to skip breakfast?”

“Yes.”

After hearing Naruto’s words, Kakashi closed his eyes.

“…Sakura! Sasuke! Gather around!”

Kakashi opened his eyes wide and beckoned to Sakura and Sasuke. Kakashi lowered his voice and asked the two who had come near him.

“Hey, what’s a smoothie?”

“It’s a drink made by mixing vegetables and fruits in a blender. It’s sometimes used for dieting.”

“So you mean vegetable juice?”

“It’s just as you say, Sasuke-kun.”

“…Hey, do you think smoothies count for breakfast?”

“I prefer Japanese food for breakfast.”

“Is that so! Then I’ll switch from bread to Japanese food starting tomorrow.”

“By the way, what’s on the menu this morning?”

“White rice, miso soup, and a fried egg.”

“Toast and salad. And yogurt.”

“You guys have a normal breakfast, but… are there more and more young people who only have smoothies for breakfast?”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

“Me too.”

“…”

Kakashi frowned and decided that a smoothie was not breakfast.

“Naruto. If it’s a smoothie it probably won’t hurt if you throw up, so let’s just say it’s okay.”

“appreciate”

Kakashi thought as he looked at Naruto with his head bowed.

–I suddenly feel exhausted.

Kakashi took out a printout to finish his explanation.

“I’ve written the details on the handout. Don’t be late tomorrow!”

The printout Kakashi handed to the three contained details about the next day, including the location, date, and other small details.

–Finally.

Naruto had a cruel smile on his face, but Kakashi was the only one who noticed. And even Kakashi was optimistic and thought that Naruto had a good look for a genin.

I can finally see the results of all the training I’ve done.

Naruto’s face was exuding tremendous aura, like that of a bird of prey.

–Interesting.

Kakashi thought to himself. He was starting to look forward to tomorrow a little.

+++

the next day.

Kakashi’s voice echoed throughout the third training ground, the exam venue.

“Hey guys. Good morning!”

“Too slow!”

It was now nearly 10 a.m., significantly later than the time written on the printout. It was only natural that Sakura would raise her voice.

However, Kakashi, unconcerned about Sakura’s reaction, steadily continues with his preparations.

“Okay! 12 o’clock set OK!”

A log installed in the third training ground. Usually, it is used as a target for training in shuriken techniques, but this time, the scarecrow was used differently.

Kakashi placed his personal alarm clock on the log, set to ring at noon. Next, he turned towards the three and showed them a small bell. It was about 3cm in size. The bell, which looked like it could be used as a key chain, tinkled.

“Here are two bells. Your task is to take them from me before noon. If you can’t take the bells from me by noon, you’ll have to miss out on lunch!”

Kakashi points at the log.

“I’m going to tie you to that log and then eat your lunch in front of you.”

“Skip breakfast…” That’s what it was all about

Sakura’s face looked dejected as she understood Kakashi’s intentions.

“One bell per person is fine. Since there are only two, one of them will inevitably end up on the log.”

Kakashi said as he rang his bell.

“…So! Anyone who can’t grab the bell will fail the mission and will be disqualified! In other words, at least one of us will have to return to school.”

Kakashi explained calmly, his expression unchanged.

“You can use shuriken too. You won’t be able to get them unless you come at me with the intention of killing me.”

“But! It’s dangerous, Sensei!”

“It’ll be okay. I’m not weak enough to lose to newbies like you guys. I’ll say, ‘Ready, set, go,’ and that’ll be the signal to begin.”

Newbie.

Those words must have struck a chord. Sasuke shook his hair and faced Kakashi head on.

“Huh… you said it.”

“Nice murderous intent, Sasuke. Have you finally acknowledged me? Hehehe… I don’t know. It feels like I’ve finally started to like you guys.”

Kakashi instantly stopped laughing and, as always, gave them a look that made it hard to tell what he was thinking, before declaring.

“Well then, let’s get started! Ready… start!”

Leg Raises

“The basic rule for a ninja is to hide and disappear.”

Kakashi looked around and nodded.

With a signal from Kakashi, the potential subordinates he was to be put under his care each quickly left Kakashi to hide.

He was probably planning to hide and attack Kakashi the moment he showed an opening. This was the basic principle of ninja that was taught in ninja school.

“So why aren’t you hiding, Naruto?”

“I have been waiting for an opportunity like this… Now, let’s give it a fair fight!”

“You know, you’re a bit off…”

Taking on someone of a higher rank head-on .JoninScarecrowGeninNaruto

He stared at Kakashi with silent fighting spirit.

“I am proud of the training I have undergone up to this point. This battle is the perfect opportunity to test my own strength. Kakashi-sensei, let’s fight seriously.”

You’ve had quite the taste.

Kakashi looked at Naruto in shock, eyes half-closed. What’s with all that Genin-level training? His muscles were certainly impressive, hard to believe he was a child. But he was offended that he thought his true strength could be measured by his trained body alone.

For just a moment, Kakashi’s emotions wavered with irritation. However, he was one of the most skilled Jonin. He had once served as the commander of a unit made up of only the best ninja from the Anbu village, and he was able to calm his agitated heart in an instant.

As always, Kakashi’s eyes looked very difficult to interpret emotions as he reached his left hand into the pouch on his waist.

“I’ll teach you the first principle of ninja tactics: taijutsu.”

Naruto was confused when he saw what Kakashi had taken out of his pouch.

“What’s the matter? Come quickly.”

Kakashi tilted his head at Naruto, who didn’t move.

Naruto instinctively bit his lip.

“Kakashi-sensei. May I ask why you would bring out such an object when you are about to fight yourself?”

Naruto pointed to a book that was open in Kakashi’s left hand.

“Why… I was curious about the rest of the book. Don’t worry about it. It has nothing to do with me reading books with you guys.”

Saying that, Kakashi lowered his gaze to the book he had taken out, his favourite book, “Icha Icha Paradise, Volume 2.”

An attitude that completely provoked Naruto.

Kakashi had completely seen through Naruto’s abilities, and had acted accordingly. He had experience fighting ninja from other villages on numerous missions, and leading his own village’s ninja as a squad leader. His eyes, backed by that experience, were excellent at judging people. Those eyes had concluded that he could beat Naruto, even if he had read Icha Icha Paradise.

I won’t lose to a Genin.

Yes… that’s what Kakashi had been thinking deep down, up until this very moment today.

“I know this is rude, but I’ll say it anyway.”

“Huh?!”

Even as he lowered his eyes to the book, Kakashi did not let his guard down. To be precise, he was constantly checking his surroundings to a level that would be considered cautious by an ordinary person. This was the behavior of a Jonin, and a ninja whose bravery in surviving the Anbu clan was known even in other countries.

And even as he turned his attention to the book, he remained as aware of his surroundings as ever.

Even though he cannot see Naruto, he has excellent hearing and a remarkable sense of smell. Kakashi, a ninja dog user, can accurately judge the scenery around him by pouring chakra into his nose. Just like seeing.

In other words, Kakashi’s aim in taking out the book was to counter Naruto, who had attacked without thinking, by showing himself a big opening. And in preparation for the counter, he was flooding his entire body with chakra so that he could attack at any time.

“I want to fight Kakashi-sensei with all my might. Please stop reading books.”

The sunlight that had been shining on the book he was looking at dimmed. Kakashi was left speechless by the impossible event.

–Why is that?

With those words filling Kakashi’s head, he was creating a fatal gap, but instead of taking advantage of it, he reached for the book Kakashi was holding and forced it to close.

Why is Naruto in front of me?

Kakashi slowly raised his head. He told himself in his mind that it couldn’t be possible, that it must be some kind of mistake, but the reality was far beyond his imagination.

Kakashi looked up at the figure standing before him.

Naruto stood there blocking out the sunlight.

It was Naruto, who had been standing 8 meters in front of Kakashi just a moment ago. There was no sign of him using any jutsu or trickery whatsoever.

Naruto spoke as he looked down at Kakashi with wide eyes.

“I want you to accept yourself and compete.”

He didn’t take the bell, nor did he attack me, he just stood there, was that the result of following his fighting instinct?

Kakashi, who was convinced by Naruto’s impossible behavior, took a few steps back to distance himself from Naruto. Kakashi put the Icha Icha Paradise back into the pouch and made a serious expression.

“Naruto, did you learn shinobi kumite at ninja school?”

Kakashi raised the index and middle fingers of his left hand, created a seal in one hand, and showed the seal to Naruto.

“A sign of conflict.”

The mudra that Kakashi was making now was called that. By showing his opponent half of the gesture required to activate the technique with both hands, he was showing his intention to fight.

“Of course,” Naruto replied to Kakashi, and made a confrontation sign with his right hand, just like Kakashi.

We were both ready.

In an instant, the atmosphere changed.

Their fighting spirit felt like needles piercing his skin. Peering out from the bushes at the training grounds, Sasuke involuntarily swallowed his saliva.

“Uzumaki Naruto… I’m pushing forward!”

Naruto encouraged himself and took a big step forward. Then, Naruto disappeared into thin air.

–Front!

As Naruto moved, Kakashi also moved.

Kakashi pushed Naruto’s log-like right arm towards him with his chakra-strengthened left palm, changing the trajectory of Naruto’s fist and moving his own body to the left.

Naruto’s fist cut through the air in vain. However, even though his attack had missed, Naruto was still smiling, showing off his canine teeth.

Kakashi kicked the ground with a thud, putting some distance between him and Naruto and observing him carefully.

Even though I had expected it, he was so fast that I managed to catch up with him…he’s impressive.

Not only an average Jonin, but even a ninja with the same level of power as me wouldn’t be able to deal with it if he let his guard down.

After gauging Naruto’s strength again, Kakashi turned his attention to his own left eye.

–Should we use it?

Kakashi rejected the question that had crossed his mind. Using his “Left Eye” against a genin would be childish. Besides, he had said, “I’ll teach you… taijutsu.” Despite that, using a technique that wasn’t part of taijutsu would seem to go back on his previous words, and Kakashi felt reluctant to do so.

–What should we do?

Strangely enough, the words Kakashi thought and the words Naruto thought were the same.

Naruto carefully observes Kakashi, who has stopped moving. At first glance, Kakashi’s movements seem vulnerable. His arms hang loosely, and his body is relaxed.

However, Naruto realized that it was a fake designed to trick him.

The fighting spirit emanating from Kakashi was just as intense as it had been since they’d faced each other with the sign of confrontation. If he went out without a plan, the fight would be decided in an instant.

The result was his own defeat.

But, this is all I have.

Naruto clenched his fist. Attack, attack, attack, this was the supreme order. A man’s way of life, his way of fighting.

And then Naruto stopped thinking.

Naruto bends his knees and puts strength into what are commonly called the triceps surae . Feeling his quadriceps bulge, Naruto lowers his hips even further and gathers strength.CalfCalf

Of all the muscles in the human body, the most powerful is the quadriceps. And Naruto’s quadriceps are far stronger than those of an average person.

His bulging thighs were like those of ancient trees over a thousand years old. No matter how stretchy the material of the clothes Naruto was wearing was, the swelling of his quadriceps stretched them to their limits. His orange stretch pants were screaming as if they were about to burst. The sound of the fibers stretching and breaking continued intermittently.

Naruto raised his head and Kakashi stood in front of him, glaring at him sharply.

Naruto paid no attention to the noise made by the clothes on his lower body, and simply stared ahead, at the wall blocking his way, and at Kakashi, with a sharp gaze.

— Defeat him.

Right now, Naruto had no other answer than a simple one.

In an instant, the ear-splitting squeaking noise stopped.

His quadriceps contracted and Naruto’s knees straightened.

At the same time, the scenery before Naruto’s eyes began to distort. His field of vision narrowed to a single point, and the area around that point of focus became a blurry circle that stretched out backwards.

Even though his vision was distorted as he moved at high speed, Naruto could see Kakashi clearly.

Naruto took a leap towards Kakashi and swung his right fist at Kakashi, just like the last time he had done it. However, it missed. Seeing his own fist cut through the air, Naruto smiled again.

The smile he had shown last time was one of excitement at facing a formidable opponent, but the smile he showed this time was one of having a formidable opponent fall into his trap.

Without giving him even a moment’s hesitation, Naruto pulled his outstretched right arm with all his might. The energy generated by the lightning-fast pull from his right fist was transmitted through Naruto’s muscles, and eventually the force was transferred to his left arm. Surrendering to the energy flowing through his body, Naruto felt the fist he had made in his left hand move forward.

“Damn it!?”

The attack that Naruto launched at Kakashi was simply a straight punch, delivered with incredible speed.

A fist that simply pursued speed. Because it was so simple, there was no room for wisdom to intervene, and it was impossible to counter after it was unleashed.

–We won!

I caught it this time.

At the moment Naruto was sure of his victory, his left fist slammed into Kakashi’s stomach. However, the result was far beyond Naruto’s expectations.

“What!?”

–I don’t feel any response.

Naruto shudders.

The memory that came out from the memory area of ??his brain matched the memory of the thing he had just hit.

It’s wood. It feels just like the wood I keep hitting in my training.

Then Naruto noticed.

The art of transformation. A ninjutsu technique that allows you to switch bodies with animals or plants the moment an attack hits you. It is a technique that gives the opponent the illusion that they have been attacked, allowing you to take advantage of that opening.

Naruto searched for Kakashi in the white smoke that was released by the transformation technique, but he was already out of sight.

Literally enveloped in smoke, Naruto searches his surroundings for any signs of presence but can’t find Kakashi.

That’s because Kakashi, who served in the Anbu and carried out assassinations, excels at hiding. No matter how good Naruto’s intuition is, he can’t see Kakashi if he’s serious about hiding his presence.

Naruto, panicking, hastily looked around at his surroundings. There was no one in the forest. There was no one in the trees. There was no one in the river. There was no one in the shade of the rocks.

I searched as hard as I could, but I couldn’t find the scarecrow’s tail.

Now, to change the subject a little, outsiders can see things better than the people involved. From a bird’s-eye view, it’s easy to see what a scarecrow looks like.

A jade green sky peers out from the bushes at the training grounds.

Sakura’s eyes widened when she spotted Kakashi.

–That hand stance is a “tiger sign”!?

“Naruto! Get away now! You’re going to die!”

Sakura instinctively let out as loud a voice as she could, even though her figure was now exposed from behind the bushes where she had been hiding.

The reason why she spoke up, even though it was a foolish act that likely meant she would be found out herself.

What Sakura fears is the “ninjutsu” Kakashi uses. It is broadly divided into five elements: fire, wind, lightning, earth, and water. To use that ninjutsu, you need a “mud.” Ninjutsu uses several mudras as triggers and fires an appropriate amount of chakra as a bullet, and most of them are used for attack.

And its power is incomparable to attacks made with swords or spears.

Shattering rocks, splitting the earth, chopping down forests. The ninjutsu used by a skilled ninja is too powerful to be used against an individual. If not done properly, it is so powerful that it leaves no trace behind.

And now Kakashi was positioned behind Naruto, at his feet, making it difficult for him to launch a counterattack. The reason Naruto looked in front and to the side, but not behind or below, was because of his lack of combat experience. If he had experience fighting ninjas, he would have been able to predict that Kakashi, a senior ninja, would attack from his blind spot, and he might have been able to find Kakashi in the end.

But it was all too late now.

Kakashi’s fingers were in the tiger seal when he was completely prepared. It was a seal for Katon, a technique that controls fire and transforms it into an attack. Although there were exceptions, most Katon techniques ended with the tiger seal, so Sakura assumed that what Kakashi was about to unleash was a Katon.

If you get hit, you’ll most likely die. So, run away, Naruto!

Sakura’s prayers were not answered.

“nothing?”

“slow”

When Naruto finally noticed that Kakashi was behind him, Kakashi began to move to give him the final push.

Kakashi’s right eye gleamed ominously, and then there was the sound of his fingers cutting through the air.

“The Hidden Leaf Secret Taijutsu Masterpiece: The Thousand Year Kill!?”

The index and middle fingers of both hands are joined together, and the other fingers are crossed in the tiger seal. The Millennium Kill is completed by straightening the bent knees while keeping the hands in that position. It is a martial art that uses the body as a spring to forcibly insert the fingers into the opponent’s vagina, causing them to writhe in agony.Chrysanthemum GateAnal, that is, the butthole

In short, it was an amazing kancho.

Certainly, even if Naruto had trained his body, if he got hit, it would not be an easy thing. The shockwave that would run from his rectum to his internal organs would be unimaginably painful.

However, Kakashi’s movements stopped. Kakashi’s movements stopped when he had inserted the first joint of his index finger. Normally, the Millennium Kill would be completed by inserting the index finger all the way in and then catapulting the opponent into the air.

This means it’s a failure.

“You… how on earth did you do that?”

“I’ve been training all of my muscles, including my external anal sphincter!”

Even if you strengthen your anal sphincter, there’s no use in it.

Kakashi rolled his eyes at Naruto’s words. Although training the anal sphincter is certainly beneficial in many ways, it is not used in combat. Even if it is used, it is only used for a niche purpose, such as to seal the thousand-year killing spell.

Naruto’s lifestyle of training every muscle in his body without leaving any gaps sealed away the Millennium Killer.

Although this was a tragic accident, the result was that the tide of the battle turned in Naruto’s favor.

By tightening his anal sphincter, Naruto was able to prevent Kakashi’s finger from slipping out of his anus, and then he counterattacked. Victory was within reach for Naruto.

As Naruto was about to attack Kakashi, he suddenly realized something.

–I can’t move.

When I tightened my anal sphincter, the movements I had been practicing up until that point unconsciously came out.

The training involves alternating between tightly clenching the anus for two-second intervals and clenching the anus for 10 to 15 seconds.

And the problem lies in the fact that the anus is tightened for a long time. At this time, Naruto, who felt that he was not moving and could not get it stuck, took the double biceps pose in front of the mirror, repeatedly tensing and relaxing his anal sphincter as well as the muscles of his body.

Unfortunately, Naruto had now fallen into this habit.

In the double biceps pose, both arms are bent and raised up. While in this pose, Kakashi’s fingers are inserted into Naruto’s anus, who is motionless with his whole body tense.

“Two lame idiots… hmph.”

Naruto’s double biceps are motionless and Kakashi’s fingers are inserted, both of which are motionless.

Watching it from the top of a tree, Sasuke spat out in deep contempt.

Contrary to Sasuke’s assessment, Naruto and Kakashi were engaged in a fierce battle beneath the surface.

Naruto tries to prevent Kakashi’s fingers from entering by putting all his strength into his body, while Kakashi puts all his strength into his fingers and tries to insert them into Naruto’s anus.

–If you pull back, you lose.

The two of them were certain.

If Naruto let his strength go, he would be hit with the Millennium Kill, and the moment Kakashi withdrew his finger and tried to regain his balance, he would be hit with an attack from Naruto. This was a fight that he absolutely could not afford to lose.

However, neither side wants the stalemate to continue.

As might be expected, the first to move was Kakashi, who had plenty of experience as a ninja.

Kakashi pulled his fingers out of Naruto’s anus and kicked the ground backwards, seeing Naruto storming towards him. Was it an instant or an eternity? With his sense of time in disarray, Kakashi laughed.

A chill ran down Naruto’s spine. But he had no choice but to move forward. Whatever they were plotting, he would crush it with his fists.

Naruto’s unyielding determination propelled his fist forward, but the fist only managed to graze the tip of Kakashi’s nose.

Naruto’s vision shifts.

With the world turned upside down, Naruto realized what had happened to his body.

“What a shame.”

It is suspended in the tree.

Seeing that the rope was wrapped around his legs and binding him, Naruto spoke to Kakashi who was standing in front of him.

“Not yet.”

“Really? But my ninja tools are here.”

When did he remove it? Kakashi placed the pouch containing the ninja tools that Naruto always carried on his waist out of his reach.

I still can’t cut the rope with my hand. Without a blade, I would probably remain hanging in this position.

“It’s my own loss.”

Naruto honestly admitted defeat. Then he asked a question.

“Kakashi-sensei. May I ask when you set the trap?”

“You took your eyes off me for a second when you bent your knees, right?”

“No way…”

“That’s when I set it up.”

Kakashi shrugged his shoulders and then his face suddenly became serious as he looked at Naruto.

“A ninja must know what is really going on behind the scenes. If you act honestly, you will be taken advantage of.”

“…I’ll do my best.”

“You don’t seem to understand this very well.”

Honesty is this guy’s virtue, but it’s no good for him as a ninja.

Having come to his conclusion, Kakashi extended his left hand with fingers extended towards the hanging Naruto.

“Here, a sign of reconciliation.”

“Understood”

The left hand he extended to Naruto, who was hanging upside down from the tree, was the same as the hand seal he made before the fight began. Seeing the hand seal Kakashi made, Naruto also raised his index and middle fingers on his right hand.

When two ninjas prepare the sign of confrontation, that is, when they intertwine their index and middle fingers, they complete the sign of reconciliation. This marks the end of the fighting ritual.

The ninja kumite begins with a sign of confrontation and ends with a sign of reconciliation. This sequence shows that they are comrades and eliminates regrets. This is a tradition that has been passed down for many years in the village of Konoha.

After releasing the sign of reconciliation, Kakashi turned his back on Naruto and started walking away.

–That’s dangerous.

Confronting the enemy in a fair and open manner. This can be said to be a very honorable thing to do, but when it comes to ninjas, it is deadly. The higher you go up, the more missions you have to carry out that must not be made known to the world, such as assassinations. Where is there someone who can assassinate someone openly and openly?

Also, carelessly revealing your face will make you a target. In the ninja world, there are people who are desperate to get a strong ninja’s body as research material. Most of the time, such people are out of control and will do anything to commit acts that could be considered heretical.

If you are targeted by such people and have a bounty placed on your head, even if you have the protection of one, you may not be able to deal with them.Strong backingVillage Hidden in the Leaves

But, I don’t have the time to think about that right now.

Besides Naruto, there are two other genin I’m supposed to be in charge of – just a plan. I have to figure them out.

Kakashi turned his gaze towards the woods ahead and disappeared in an instant.

+++

“You don’t look very good, but I bet you’re hungry.”

12 o’clock.

The time limit came and the three genin who had failed to take the bell from Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, were gathered in front of a log. Naruto had a smoothie for breakfast, but Sasuke and Sakura had skipped breakfast as Kakashi had told them to.

It’s no wonder I’m hungry.

“By the way, regarding this exercise…”

Returning to the main topic, Kakashi took a breath before continuing.

“…Well! There’s no need for you guys to go back to Ninja Academy.”

“So… you passed?”

Kakashi smiled at Sakura’s question, and seeing that, Sakura also smiled.

Even though Kakashi hadn’t yet given her the answer, Sakura was completely convinced that she had passed.

“That’s right, all three of you… Quit being ninjas!”

A heartless declaration.

Those were Kakashi’s words, a complete rejection of the three.

Punching

“Quit being a ninja”

Kakashi’s voice echoed through the training grounds, a clear rejection delivered to the rookie genin.

You shouldn’t be a ninja.

The three of them received Kakashi’s will without words and were so shocked they could not say anything.

Kakashi’s spirit made me gasp.

After a while, Naruto gathered his words and spoke.

“If we can’t retrieve the bell, does that mean we don’t have the talent to be ninja?”

Naruto asked in a lower voice than usual, as if he was forcing his anger towards himself to be suppressed.

“Yeah. None of them are even qualified to be ninjas.”

Kakashi spoke coldly. His words showed no sign of acknowledging the three of them.

–Heaven helps those who help themselves.

Fortune is on the side of those who believe in their own abilities and take action.

Sasuke gritted his teeth at Kakashi’s words. If he stopped at a place like this, he would never be able to achieve his ambition…revenge.

“Ah! Sasuke-kun!”

Sasuke runs with Sakura’s voice behind him. His goal is to make Kakashi acknowledge his strength and take back what he said earlier about calling him a “brat.”

Sasuke put all his strength into his clenched right hand and ran.

–Heaven helps those who help themselves.

That said, God will not help him if his efforts are directed in a negative direction, such as eliminating those who do not recognize him.

What happened to me?

Sasuke couldn’t understand. Even if he did understand, he wouldn’t be able to accept it. Because of his pride…for him to admit that in an instant he was pinned to the ground, unable to move at all, would deeply hurt his heart.

“So that’s why he’s a brat.”

“Don’t step on Sasuke-kun!”

Just as Sakura had shouted, Kakashi’s foot was on Sasuke’s head. He fell to the ground and had his head stepped on so he couldn’t move.

In this most humiliating situation, Sasuke’s mind becomes clearer. When he is forced into a situation where he cannot see any chance of winning, even if the world is turned upside down, the blood of the “Uchiha” becomes a stimulant that helps him wake up.

Sasuke, a descendant of the Uchiha clan who can transform negative will into power, is also encouraged to awaken by his blood.

But it seems that’s still not enough.

Blood flowed through his body, and strength surged forth. Sasuke calmed down and tried to think of ways to defeat Kakashi, but he realized that the situation was already checkmate.

As a result, all Sasuke could do was twist his lip in frustration.

“You guys, do you think you can be a ninja? What do you think the point of dividing into teams for training is?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Kakashi answered Sakura’s question matter-of-factly.

“So you guys have no idea what the answers to this test are.”

“Answer… what is it?”

“That’s right. It’s the answer that will determine whether you pass or fail this test.”

“That’s why I’ve been wanting to hear about it for a while now.”

“…Geez.”

I was completely shocked.

Kakashi’s murmur made his feelings clear.

“The answer is teamwork. If three people had come together, we might have been able to get the bell.”

?How can it be teamwork when there are only two bells?! Even if three people desperately try to get the bells, one person has to endure it. That’s not teamwork at all! It’s a falling out between the group!?

I was completely shocked.

Kakashi’s gaze made his feelings clear.

“Of course. This is a test that was purposely rigged to cause conflict between the students.”

“picture!?”

“The purpose of this rigged test was to select people who could prioritize teamwork regardless of their own interests. And yet, you guys…”

The first person Kakashi looked at was Sakura.

“Sakura. You were just waiting for the opportunity while Naruto was fighting me. You didn’t back him up, and you didn’t prepare a trap like Sasuke did.”

Kakashi then turned his attention to Naruto.

“Naruto. You’re just being naive and coming at me head on. You didn’t even prioritize Suzu, you prioritized fighting me.”

Finally, Kakashi turned his attention to Sasuke below him.

“Sasuke. You have decided that the two of you are a hindrance and are playing around on your own. Even if you manage to take Suzu from me, that still doesn’t mean you will pass.”

Kakashi closed his eyes for a moment, but quickly opened them again and looked at each of the three in turn.

“Mission is carried out in teams! Certainly, outstanding individual skills are necessary for a ninja. But what is even more important is ‘teamwork’! Individual play that disrupts teamwork can put teammates in danger… or even kill them. For example.”

Kakashi took out a kunai and placed it against Sasuke’s neck.

“Sakura! Kill Naruto or Sasuke will die.”

“!!”

“And so this is what happens. After being taken hostage, you are forced to make an impossible choice and end up being killed. The missions are all life-threatening.”

Kakashi got off Sasuke and walked towards the back of the log. As Sasuke returned to Naruto and Sakura, Kakashi spoke.

“Look at this.”

Kakashi pointed to a small stone monument that was hidden by a log.

“There are countless names carved into this stone. These are all ninjas who are known as ‘heroes’ in the village.”

“hero……”

Kakashi glanced at Naruto who had spoken, then quickly returned his gaze to the stone monument.

“But they’re not just any heroes. The names engraved here… are all heroes who died in the line of duty.”

The faces of the three genin changed. They finally understood. What does it mean to be a “ninja?” You can never reach that level just by admiring it. Kakashi’s words carried a lot of weight for Naruto, who was aiming to become the pinnacle of ninja.

Now, he is the Hokage, carrying not only the lives of those who are alive, but also the names engraved on the cenotaphs. He transforms the will of the dead into power, and guides and helps the living.

Could he really do that? The question swirled around in Naruto’s head.

“This is a memorial. My best friend’s name is engraved on it.”

What is Kakashi thinking as the light disappears from his eyes?

Regretting the past, the path he has taken to get to where he is now, and the guilt of not being able to proudly meet his deceased best friends.

“…You guys. I’ll give you one last chance. However, from noon onwards, the bell-grabbing battle will be even more brutal.”

Kakashi, having shaken off the past, turned back to Naruto and the others.

Do you really aspire to be ninjas?

It was as if Kakashi was asking him that question. Remembering this, Naruto quietly prepared himself.

“Only those who wish to take on the challenge will remain. Lunch will be given to you.”

“But, Kakashi-sensei, there are only two bento boxes…”

“Who cares? That lunch was prepared to be eaten by the two who passed. Originally, I had no intention of giving it to people like you who failed.”

Kakashi turned his back to Naruto and the others.

“Don’t forget that we are giving you, those of you who failed, a chance. The test will begin again in 30 minutes.”

The scarecrow is enveloped in smoke and disappears. It’s the body-shortening technique.

The three of them fell silent as they saw Kakashi off, who disappeared in an instant.

The spring breeze blows through.

Although the breeze was refreshing, an oppressive atmosphere permeated the training ground.

As if to break through that, there was a movement. Two hands reached out. It was Naruto and Sasuke.

They were the ones who picked up the lunch boxes that were set out for them.

–That’s right.

Sakura thinks.

Sasuke and Naruto have different resolve than me. I wanted to become a ninja because I wanted to be recognized by Sasuke. So it’s inevitable that I’ll be behind the two of them.

Sakura lowers her eyes.

Then, two shadows appeared in Sakura’s field of vision.

“picture?”

After picking up their bento boxes, Naruto and Sasuke handed them over to Sakura without a moment’s hesitation.

“I have sworn to myself that I will put my children first. You should eat.”

“Naruto, you eat that. I’ll give my lunch to Sakura.”

“Sasuke, your stamina won’t be able to withstand that, right?”

“You’re a stupidly inefficient person, so if you take the test without eating, you’ll just be a burden. Next time, he’ll be serious about it. It’ll be a hassle if you can’t move then.”

Sakura opens her eyes wide.

They had no doubt that she had the same resolve as them, the same determination to become a ninja. They believed that she had the same heart as them. Something warm rose in Sakura’s chest.

–Let’s do it. Let’s do it!

What I can do for both of us now.

“Um… maybe it would be better if we shared it between the three of us?”

It would be a mediation between the two stubborn people. Both of them want to give their lunch to Sakura. So, the three of them should just share it and challenge Kakashi. That would be the first step towards teamwork.

“If that’s what you say.”

“In that case, I’ll be grateful.”

Sakura thinks.

Naruto and Sasuke never give in. They are strong and therefore never give up. So I will become the cog between them and build a better relationship.

The three of them shared two bento boxes. Kakashi, watching them from the shadows of a tree, had a gentle expression on his face.

However, he quickly tightened his expression. They had only just set foot inside the entrance. Whether they could show the teamwork Kakashi wanted would depend on what happened next.

+++

The wind rustles the leaves.

This time the wind wasn’t crushed by the oppressive atmosphere. They must have come up with a plan. The three rookie genin puffed out their chests, showing off their confidence.

As if to provoke them, Kakashi twisted his lip behind his mask.

“So… you guys are serious about becoming ninjas?”

“Of course!”

“Hmmm.”

“yes!”

Kakashi’s eyes sharpened as he saw the three of them nod in unison.

“Let me see if you can work as a team.”

“Understood!”

Kakashi clenched his jaw as if to say, “Come on.” Naruto took that as the signal to start and kicked the ground.

Naruto strikes first.

Naruto leapt into the air and raised his right arm high.

–This is bad.

Following his instincts, Kakashi kicked the ground in the same direction as Naruto, which meant that Kakashi stepped backwards.

Kakashi dodged Naruto’s fist, and with nothing to block it, Naruto’s fist slammed into the ground.

“Huh?!”

Naruto’s fist hit the ground, and after a moment there was a roaring sound. At the same time, the ground collapsed, starting from Naruto’s fist.

If he hadn’t dodged it…

Kakashi imagined it and felt something cold run down his spine.

–Wait.

Kakashi felt both relief and doubt.

Naruto’s fist had great power. So why didn’t he use it in the morning’s fight? Wasn’t there a risk involved? If so, what risk was that…?

Kakashi chuckled. The punch was powerful enough to make the ground cave in with just physical energy. Kakashi immediately pointed out that it would use up all of his available physical energy.

Simply put, he was too tired to move. That was probably Naruto’s current state.

He shifted his gaze from the cracked and crumbling ground at his feet to Naruto.

“Sasu…Keh?!”

Kakashi saw a boy in blue clothes land on Naruto’s back and then immediately come towards him.

The ground is in poor condition. It is unavoidable.

Kakashi notices.

Perhaps Naruto had anticipated this…or rather, had hit the ground with his fist to force the situation.

Even though the radius was only about 2 meters, it was difficult for the boys and girls whose bodies had not yet fully developed to move quickly on the cracked ground. So, he mustered enough strength to make the ground collapse, and used the immobile Naruto as a foothold to launch his main attack on Kakashi.

–That’s not all.

Kakashi brushed aside the small right fist that was heading towards his face and paid attention to his surroundings.

Both Naruto and Sasuke prioritized their attacks on me. If they knew the meaning of teamwork, they would have come here.

Kakashi’s right eye bypassed the sunken area and caught sight of the cherry blossom color approaching him.

Naruto and Sasuke’s attacks distracted me, and Sakura aimed directly at Suzu. It was a good combination.

A coordinated attack by three people who understand teamwork.

Now that this has been achieved, it is common to conclude the test here, as the objective has been achieved.

But Kakashi is not an ordinary Jonin, for better or worse. His success is unprecedented, even in the village of Konoha. And all of it is a legitimate recognition he has earned through his own abilities.

That’s why he thought this.

“I’d like to see more.”

Kakashi had only two tenths of a second to gather his thoughts.

There was a brief moment between when Kakashi blocked the attack from the right hand in front of him and when he clenched his left fist.

“Hmph…”

Kakashi blocked the left fist that was launched after the right one and pushed forward, hoping to make contact with the two men in front of him and send them tumbling to the ground.

And then, taking advantage of that opportunity, she caught Sakurairo who was approaching Suzu.

“Naruto!”

“Beyond…limits!”

Kakashi picked the wrong hand to catch him.

There was a loud pop and smoke rose from the hand Kakashi was holding. In the midst of the smoke, Kakashi noticed something.

A faint color could be seen from the white smoke. It wasn’t the color of cherry blossoms, but the black color of a wet crow. Kakashi had caught Sasuke, who had transformed into Sakura.

–You’ve been tricked!

He turned towards someone who had transformed into Sasuke.

There, Sakura, who had transformed into Sasuke, was seen, as if by predestination. Sakura’s foot, shrouded in smoke, was on Naruto’s fist. Sakura’s small foot was placed on Naruto’s fist, which was larger than that of an ordinary person.

Kakashi’s face changed color as he thought of one of the possibilities that could be inferred from this.

“Hmph!”

Naruto shook off his fist. Sakura’s body was knocked off by Naruto’s fist and flew straight towards Kakashi.

“Shhhh narooooo!”

His left hand was blocked by Sasuke’s hand which was trying to grab the bell, and his right hand had swung too far back when he had flicked Sakura towards Naruto earlier.

There’s no time to return it.

Kakashi realized this at the same time Sakura’s fist hit his body.

“Guh!”

The scarecrow’s body wobbles.

However, as expected of a Jonin, he used all the muscles in his body to deflect the impact that Sakura had given him and send it flying towards the ground. Kakashi didn’t fall, but he still left a fatal gap.

Taking advantage of the moment when Kakashi relaxed his left hand, Sasuke moved away from him. At the same time, a faint tinkling sound was heard, so it seemed that Sasuke had obtained the bell.

However, the other one seemed to be farther away and was still at Kakashi’s waist.

“Naruto! Please!”

“Understood!”

The one who responded to Sakura’s voice was Naruto, who was standing in front of Kakashi.

Kakashi understood why Sasuke had not pursued Naruto too far and had left after taking one bell. It was because he trusted Naruto that Sasuke had withdrawn from Naruto’s path.

Naruto looked at the bell hanging from Kakashi’s waist.

I have no physical strength.

But still, Naruto kept running. When he hit the ground, he used up all his strength in an instant, like lifting weights.

For the sake of my comrades who have come this far, I cannot allow myself to stop! Even if Sasuke and Sakura forgive me for not being able to move, I cannot forgive myself for not moving here!

Gritting his molars so hard it hurt, Naruto ran.

He had no stamina. So he could make up for it with willpower. Every muscle in his body screamed, but Naruto ran towards a single goal.

A ninja can read between the lines, right?

Kakashi ruminates on the words he had spoken to Naruto .limitBehindExceedback

–That’s not what I meant.

Kakashi laughed in an exasperated manner as he felt the bell hanging from his waist being snatched away.

+++

“The test is over.”

Hearing Kakashi’s words, the three of them stopped moving.

Naruto was breathing heavily, Sasuke was rubbing his left hand that was being held by Kakashi, while Sakura sat on the ground waiting for Kakashi’s next words.

“It was Naruto and Sasuke who took the bell from me, but…”

The ones who took the bell were Naruto and Sasuke. That remains a fact.

Kakashi also said this before the exam.

“Here are two bells. Your task is to take them from me before noon… and! Anyone who fails to take the bells will have failed the mission and will be disqualified! In other words, at least one of you here will have to return to school.”

There are two bells.

She hadn’t been able to get the bell. That fact would never be changed. Tears welled up in Sakura’s eyes.

“…Sakura, look.”

“picture?”

A silver sliver was released from Kakashi’s hand, and after tracing a parabola it landed in Sakura’s hand.

“Is this… a bell?”

“That’s right, Suzu. In other words, all three of us here passed. Aside from the one who showed me ‘here is the bell’, Sakura who took the other bell from me when I had one also passed without a doubt.”

“B-But!”

I’m happy to pass, but isn’t that against the rules?

Kakashi could see Sakura’s feelings and, although the other three couldn’t see, a smile curved the corners of his mouth behind his mask.

“A ninja must know what is really going on behind the scenes. In the ninja world, anyone who breaks the rules and regulations is called trash. But anyone who doesn’t value their comrades… is even trashier than that.”

Kakashi looked around at the three of them with kind eyes.

“I have accepted you all as comrades. Once again, I look forward to working with you all.”

The three had been listening to Kakashi in a daze, but it seemed their understanding had finally caught up with them. The realization of passing the exam filled them with excitement, and their expressions lit up.

“This concludes the exercise! Everyone passed! All right! Team 7 will begin their mission tomorrow!”

Following the three, Kakashi, exuding a bright mood, pointed his thumb up towards the sky.

From now on, the three will take on various missions as part of Team 7, with Kakashi as captain. There will be fear and sadness along the way, but more than that, a sense of accomplishment and joy await them.

The ignorant boys and girls now step into the world of the ninja.

The Hidden Mist Demon appears!
Improve blood flow

The Land of Fire, Konoha Village, is a vast and fertile territory. It is said that one of the village’s founders named the village after seeing leaves blown by the wind from the forest.

Konoha Village is literally a village where leaves fall.

The forest that surrounds the village. Through the densely vegetated forest, the seventh squad, led by Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, ran quietly.

The goal is to capture the target.

Approach carefully to avoid catching the attention of sensitive targets.

“How far is the target?”

Kakashi asked into the microphone part of the headset he was wearing.

“Five meters. If there’s a signal, I’ll catch it right away.”

“Me too.”

“me too”

“Okay!”

Hearing the powerful voices of his subordinates, Kakashi gave orders.

“Do it.”

A quiet voice.

There was no emotion to be felt there. And his subordinates acted as planned, without showing any emotion.

The first to move was a yellow person, whose skin color was visible around his navel because his clothes were not long enough. The target reacted to the sound of him moving and turned around.

The prey’s eyes were a muscular human. Its biological instincts were telling it that it couldn’t win against him. The prey understood that its life was in the hands of the human standing before it, and that it was nothing but a tiny thing that could be crushed at any time.

The human staring down from a great height doesn’t move. He just looks at me, motionless. And yet, the target of his capture doesn’t even budge. A frog in front of a snake can’t compare to the fear I feel now.

–But…I can’t get caught.

If she is caught, she will be sent back to where she came from. It would be terrible if she was sent back after having escaped from his clutches.

Even if it means losing your life, you have to run away.

The target of his capture glared at the huge, powerful man in front of him. It was his best resistance, and the best way for him to survive. He didn’t miss his enemy’s every move, and reacted at the same time as the enemy moved.

The excitement of the prey and the human trying to capture them rises. If either of them makes a move, the other will move immediately. The sense of impatience grows. There is a burning sensation on the skin. You want to run away immediately. However, if you show an opening, the outcome will be decided in an instant. Knowing this, the prey directs all its attention towards the human standing before it.

However, for the captured subject to think this way was exactly what the humans aimed for.Ta·Chi·

“Got it.”

At the same time that I felt my body being lifted up, I heard a woman’s voice from behind me.

Behind him was a human. The target of the capture then realized that the humans’ plan was to distract the big man in front so that someone else could capture him.

“There’s a ribbon on his right ear. Is that the target tiger?”

“Definitely a target.”

“Okay, mission to capture lost pet tiger complete!”

As the black-haired boy emerged from behind the tree and spoke into a headset, the captured subject, the tiger, could only accept his fate.

+++

“meow!”

“Oh, my dear Tora-chan, I was worried to death!”

–No wonder he ran away, that’s what he’s like.

Sakura, who had captured the tiger, felt sympathy for the tiger as she watched Madame Shijimi, the wife of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and the person who had requested the mission to capture the lost pet, rub her plump cheeks against the captured tiger.

Excessive love can sometimes become a burden. Just look at Tora now, crying in Madame Shijimi’s arms.

–That’s quite a skillful cat.

Watching the tiger’s facial expressions change like a human’s, Sakura felt her own face lose all expression.

“Now then…”

A quiet voice echoed through the mission reception room. The voice belonged to the most powerful ninja in the village, the Third Hokage.

The voice from the Third Generation was not directed at Tora or Madame Shijimi, but at Naruto and the rest of Team 7.

“Kakashi Unit, Team 7’s next mission is… That’s right.”

I was at a loss for words. The reason why the Third Generation had stopped speaking was because of last night.

The Third closed his eyes and thought back to last night.

///

“Hokage-sama, are you sure?”

“Oh, Kakashi. What is it?”

As the night deepened, the Third Hokage was getting ready to go home when he heard Kakashi’s voice. When the Third Hokage turned around, he saw a shadow standing in the Hokage’s office, which had been empty until a moment ago.

A ninja with spiky white hair and most of his face hidden, only his right eye visible. It was Kakashi.

Kakashi bowed his head once, straightened his posture, and spoke.

“I have one request…”

“Wish?”

“Yes. I would like to be assigned the next C-rank mission for Team 7.”

“But those kids are still novices. I think it’s too early for them to be assigned C-rank missions…”

The Third stroked his chin.

“…Hmm. You must have deep thoughts about it. Tell me why.”

He trusted Kakashi. He was unashamedly devoted to the village and always performed well in his missions. His habit of being late was a flaw, though.

The Third Generation, who trusted Kakashi as a Jonin more than he trusted his own son, decided to listen to what Kakashi had to say.

“It’s because I saw their extraordinary talent during the training exercises. And the missions over the past few days have confirmed that this is not a mistake. I want to give them more experience.”

“…I’ll think about it.”

The Third Generation put off making a decision. He, too, had something on his mind. He couldn’t judge whether the newcomers were prepared to become ninja. That was why he wanted to keep a close eye on them after Team 7 finished their mission report. It was the Third Generation’s parental instinct. The Third Generation considered everyone in the village to be family, and he had a kindness that was unusual for a ninja.

How much have my genin family members grown since graduating from ninja academy?

I wanted to see it with my own eyes.

///

The Third opened his eyes and looked at Naruto, Sasuke, and then Sakura. He pulled his umbrella over his eyes, trying to hide the smile that was forming in his eyes.

He made up his mind.

“I’ll have you take on a C-rank mission.”

“Hokage-sama?! These guys are still just rookies!”

Iruka, who was sitting next to him, stood up without thinking when he heard the declaration that went against the Third Generation’s theory. Iruka had been called to select missions that the students he was in charge of as a teacher at the ninja academy could do. Iruka, who judged the abilities of all of them, had no recollection of asking the newbies to take on C-rank missions.

Iruka, who thought that C-rank missions were too advanced for new recruits, strongly urged the Third Generation to change his mind.

“But Iruka, I’ve heard that Team 7 is an excellent team. Am I wrong?”

“You are certainly talented. However, it’s too early for you to give me a C-rank mission! Please wait until you have gained a bit more experience.”

“Iruka. You have a point.”

“Well then…”

The third one shook his head.

“But I believe in you. I’m here… in Team Seven.”

The Third Generation, who had seen many ninja as Hokage, was certain that the three men standing before him were rough around the edges, but they had the eyes of ninja.

It was Kakashi who taught, guided and raised them when they were children. The Third Generation acknowledged that the three had entered the world of ninja.

–It looks like you’ve finally found it, Kakashi.

Kakashi had never been in charge of a genin before. His standards were stricter than those of other jonin. But now genin who met his standards had finally appeared. It was no wonder he was putting so much effort into it.

The Third Generation’s gentle eyes, which had been directed at Kakashi, now turned to the genin under his care.

“An escort mission for a certain person.”

“A certain person?”

“Um… Could you please come in?”

The third generation’s voice reached the room from outside the door. A person came into the room with a clanging sound, it was the client who had requested a C-rank mission.

“What? Just some brats… and they’re huge!”

The person who came through the door spat out the drink he was drinking.

From what he had heard from outside the door, a novice genin was taking on the task of guarding him. But would he really be able to protect himself? He didn’t think he could. So he would try to stubbornly ask for a more experienced ninja to guard him.

Thinking this, he tried to put it into action, calling the “genin” who seemed an easy target a “kid.”

However, there was a man standing there, much larger than him. It was no wonder that the sake in his mouth came flying out.

“Are you really a ninja? You’re not hiding at all. You stand out like a pig.”

With that, the client changed his mind.

But with a height like this, it would be enough to serve as a guard. It would be able to intimidate the enemy.

“I am Tazuna, a master bridge builder. Until I return to my country and complete the bridge, I will have you risk your life to be my ultimate guardian!”

+++

Team 7, now fully prepared, stood in front of Konoha’s gates with their client, who introduced himself as Tazuna.

A huge gate with the letters “A” and “N” engraved on it. It was an entrance in the huge wall that separated the village from the outside world.

Naruto went outside the village and immediately looked around. Sakura, convinced by Naruto’s actions, followed him and spoke to him, moving her eyes around.

“You’re right. You’re putting up guards right from the gate.”

“Well, it’s my first time leaving the village. I was captivated by the unusual scenery.”

“Return that feeling of ‘I can’t lose either’!”

Next to the screaming Sakura, a stunned Tazuna suddenly called out to Naruto.

“You’ve never left the village… How old are you, anyway?”

“Twelve.”

“Isn’t that just a brat? I can’t see it! Hey, sensei! Are you sure it’s okay for such a brat to be there?”

“Haha… I’m a Jonin with you, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Tazuna-dono. I am prepared to protect you with all my strength.”

“Even if you say that, how strong are you? I mean, most thugs would run away just by seeing you…”

“I will one day become Hokage. Leave it to me.”

“Hokage”.

Those words struck a chord with Tazuna.

“Hokage, huh? Well, the Hokage is the village’s greatest ninja, right? I don’t think someone like you who’s just big in size could become one…”

“To make my dream come true…to become Hokage, I will do whatever it takes! One day, I will make you acknowledge me.”

Tazuna gave Naruto a cold look.

“I’ll never accept you, brat. Even if you become Hokage.”

–It must be so relaxing to be able to have dreams or whatever.

Tazuna was about to continue, but he swallowed the words he was about to say. After all, he felt there was no point in speaking to someone from a different country.

Tazuna refused, but Naruto just laughed.

“That is what makes the challenge worthwhile. No matter what adversity I face, I will overcome it and make you acknowledge me.”

“Hmmm.”

I don’t understand.

Tazuna felt that there was no point in telling Naruto that, so he swallowed his words and snorted instead.

+++

After walking for a few hours to Tazuna’s country, the Land of Waves, Naruto suddenly stopped.

“feel……”

“Hmm? What’s wrong, Naruto?”

–Do you notice?

His sensing ability was far beyond that of a genin. Kakashi narrowed his eyes at Naruto, who could sense the presence of those hiding with his beast-like instincts.

Kakashi thought to himself that Sasuke was also an excellent student, as he had made eye contact with him when they found the puddle.

Although Sakura doesn’t realize it, Sasuke’s overall strength is already at chunin level. Naruto has the ability of a jonin under certain conditions. It’s not that Sakura isn’t talented, it’s just that Sasuke and Naruto are extraordinarily talented.

Kakashi turned his whole body towards Naruto, purposely leaving himself an opening.

In the next moment, a black line appeared on Kakashi’s eye, going from top to bottom. There was a faint metallic sound and Kakashi’s body was restrained. The chains were in the shape of shurikens.

“what!?”

Kakashi cried out in surprise. One of the two ninja wearing gauntlets connected to the chains wrapped around him muttered.

“The first one.”

With the voice as a signal, they simultaneously pulled their arms as hard as they could. Their chakra-fueled strength was enough to tear apart the prey they had captured with the chains. The two ninja had killed many prey using a similar strategy up until now, so they were confident that this job would be an easy one. After killing the Konoha Jonin, all that was left were three Genin and a target that did not have the strength to fight.

Known as the Demon Brothers, they have no enemies.

Yes, even though they had not yet managed to kill Kakashi, let alone inflict a single wound on him, the ninjas who attacked him were confident of their victory.

–That’s strange.

Both demon brothers realized this at the same time.

No matter how much I pull the chain…I can’t pull it.

“!?”

At the same time, the demon brothers looked back and saw something unbelievable.

“Y-You’re kidding…”

The one muttering was one of the demon brothers, Karakuri.

The sight that met his eyes was that of a large man grabbing the chain with his bare hands. He was holding both ends of the chain that was wrapped around the Konoha Jonin as if to bind him. That was all.

Gakuto pulls with all his might on the chain extending from the gauntlet on his right arm, and at the same time his brother Meidou pulls on the chain extending from the gauntlet on his left arm.

But it doesn’t move.

They pulled hard enough to break the chains, but the chains wrapped around the scarecrow showed no signs of moving…in fact, the demon brothers were being pulled more and more.

“This isn’t a tug-of-war!”

“Moveyyy! Shit!”

Their feet scrape the ground, and the demon brothers feel fear.

If he continued to be dragged like this, he would soon be within the attack range of that giant man. And if that happened…

As the demon brothers sweated at their own imagination, they thought about what the best thing they could do to avoid being killed… by the man here and their own boss.

They arrived at the answer at the same time.

–Kill the target.

They released the locks on their hands and nearly fell, but quickly regained their balance. They released their chains and took Tazuna by surprise, heading straight for their target.

“Finally.”

As Sasuke watched the demon brothers heading towards Tazuna, he spoke with a look of no emotion on his face.

“Don’t underestimate me, you brat!”

Enraged by what Sasuke said, Gakkou raised his right arm.

–I’ll kill you!

The murderous intent was rising, but it was quickly cooled down.

Cherry blossoms danced in Sasuke’s shadow, and from the cherry blossoms black was fired. It was aimed straight at Karuma’s face.

“Damn it!”

It’s a shuriken.

Before he could comprehend this, Gakuto turned his face away and dodged the shuriken headed towards him, but he completely lost consciousness of another danger.

“Kaha!”

A strong pain ran through his stomach. The pain was so intense that Gakuto lost consciousness. The moment he lost consciousness, he saw a black-haired boy, Sasuke, kicking him in the stomach.

After throwing the shuriken, Sakura readies her kunai, and in front of her is Meidou.

Meidou glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw Gakutou, who was standing next to him, being kicked backwards, and felt anger.

But put your anger aside.

Meidou disciplines himself and remains cold-hearted in order to achieve his goals.

That is the way of the Hidden Mist Village. Even if you leave the village, the things you were taught in the village you were born and raised in never leave your body. Achieving your goal is paramount, even if it means sacrificing your comrades.

The Underworld head raised its clawed left arm towards the troublesome cherry-colored thing blocking its way.

A crackling sound reverberated inside my body.

At the same time, their bodies are blown away. Meidou rolls on the ground, in a state of confusion not knowing what has happened.

His rolling body came to a halt, and with a grimace of pain, Meidou looked in the direction he had been blown away.

There was Sasuke, who had swung off his other leg instead of the one used by Karma. After kicking Karma away, he switched legs in an instant and kicked himself away.

–What judgement and decisiveness. Hard to believe he’s a Genin.

Then, Meidou felt a shadow falling from above and turned around. When had it moved?

There was a big man there, Naruto.

“Hii!”

Seeing him, Meidou was filled with fear and reached out with his best weapon, his left hand.

Not yet. Fight still…

There was an impossible sound like a crack.

The protruding gauntlet was easily crushed by Naruto’s right fist. The gauntlet that had been his partner on the battlefield. The gauntlet made of hard steel. It had been crushed with a single blow of his fist.

…I can’t fight.

The stunned Meidou slowly raised his head. The sun was blocked by his muscles and was invisible. Meidou mocked himself, thinking that this was a fitting end for a ninja who lived in the shadows and died in the shadows.

The last thing Meidou felt was Naruto’s fist sinking into his face, and he lost consciousness.

“I still have a long way to go.”

Naruto cut his fist a little with the nails on his hand and said in a small, heartfelt voice, but no one heard him.

+++

“Well done, all three of you.”

“Well done…it would have been better if Kakashi-sensei had fought! It was scary!”

“I had an idea as well… Tazuna-san.”

A chillingly cold voice, with a hint of murderous intent in the tone.

“Wh… what is it?”

Tazuna’s voice trembled as he was exposed to Kakashi’s murderous intent. It was no wonder. Tazuna was an ordinary person far removed from violent crime, and had almost no resistance to murderous intent.

Tazuna was not strong enough to withstand even a small amount of Kakashi’s murderous intent, who had survived the war and continued to live in the smoke and blood of the dark side afterwards, and keep his mind strong.

“I need to talk to you for a moment.”

Tazuna had no choice but to nod at Kakashi’s words. Seeing Tazuna nod, Kakashi dropped his gaze from Tazuna to the assailants he had tied up.

“These are the chunin of the Hidden Mist… They are ninja known for continuing to fight no matter the cost.”

“Why… were you able to see our movements?”

“There’s no way there would be any puddles on a sunny day like today when it hasn’t rained for days, right?”

Kakashi answered Gakuto’s question succinctly.

“You knew that, so why did you let the brat do it?”

“Firstly, it’s to give them experience in fighting other ninja. The experience of fighting other ninja will be an asset. And also…”

Kakashi spoke his thoughts to Tazuna, who had joined the conversation.

“…I needed to know who this enemy’s target was.”

“What do you mean?”

“I am a famous ninja both inside and outside the village. There are many who have tried to assassinate me. If that was the case, it was highly likely that they were targeting me alone. They would not give me an opportunity to counterattack with successive attacks. However, rather than attacking me, they headed towards you with lethal force. Their target was you, Tazuna-san.”

Kakashi shifted his gaze from the two tied up men to Tazuna, giving off an impression that he would not tolerate lies or excuses.

“We have not heard anything about you being targeted by ninja. The request was supposed to be just an escort from an armed group, like a gangster or thief. However, the target was a ninja. That makes this a mission above B rank. The request was supposed to be to provide support and escort until the bridge was built.”

Seeing Tazuna gulp, Kakashi continued speaking in an attempt to get more information out of him.

“If the enemy is a ninja, they would have set this as a high-paying B-rank mission without any hesitation… It seems there is some reason behind it, but it would be troublesome if they lied about the request. This means that it is outside of our scope of responsibility.”

“This mission is too early for us. Let’s stop! Naruto was also injured when he grabbed the chain and when the enemy counterattacked. We need to go back to the village and have him taken to the doctor.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Naruto! That’s reckless!”

“More than anything else, I want to ask you, Tazuna. Why did you lie? Can you tell me, Tazuna?”

After a moment, Tazuna spoke up.

“You’re right… This is probably outside of your mission. In fact, my life is being threatened by an extremely frightening man.”workYama

“Super scary guy? Who is that?”

“You’ve probably heard of the name before. A man called Gato, a wealthy shipping company owner!”

“Eh? Gateau, you mean the Gateau Company? They’re said to be one of the richest people in the world!?”

Kakashi’s mood changed. The interrogation atmosphere collapsed at the mention of such an important name. That’s how influential the man Gato was.

“Yes, on the surface he operates as a shipping company, but behind the scenes he uses gangsters and ninjas to smuggle drugs and prohibited goods. He even goes so far as to take over companies and countries… He’s a man who makes a living from shady business.”

Tazuna bit his lip in frustration and continued speaking.

“About a year ago, that person set his sights on Wave Country. He infiltrated using his wealth and violence as a shield, and in the blink of an eye, he took control of all of the island’s maritime traffic and transportation! Gato has monopolized the transportation that is vital to the island nation, and now he has monopolized all of its wealth. The only thing Gato is afraid of is the completion of that bridge that has been under construction for a long time!”

“I see… so that means the guy building the bridge is in the way.”

“So, those ninjas are Gato’s men…”

“I understand the details. So I just need to reform this fellow called Gato?”

“There’s no way I can do that! I’ll get killed!”

“You muscle-brained bastard.”

Kakashi looked away from the genin under his care and returned his gaze to Tazuna.

“But I don’t understand. They are a dangerous opponent who even uses ninja. Why did you hide that fact and ask for our help?”

“The Land of Waves is an extremely poor country, and even the feudal lord has no money. Of course, we don’t have that kind of money either. We can’t even take on expensive requests that are above B rank.”

Naruto spoke to Tazuna from beside him.

“There’s one thing I’d like to ask you.”

“Hmm, what is it?”

“After you complete the bridge, you either take the wealth you gain from it or you don’t.”

“You mean, should I charge a toll after I complete the bridge? If you try to do something like that, the number of people coming to Wave Country will not increase. Then the hope of Wave Country that we worked so hard to build will no longer be hope.”

Tazuna looked up at the sky. He was probably thinking back to his hometown, the Land of Waves, not the Land of Waves as it is today, but the Land of Waves he had lived in long ago.

“I just want Wave Country to recover. So that the people who live there can laugh again like they used to.”

“I have received your feelings. A righteous wish. Then…”

Naruto puts strength into his right hand. The blood flow is compressed by the muscle, changing its direction.

“…with these fists…”

The redirected blood rushes toward the only exit.

Blood, from the poisoned Naruto, spurted out from the wound with great force.

“…Tazuna-sama, I will protect you. Continue the mission.”

Naruto pointed his bloody fist at Tazuna and grinned, showing his canines.

Six Pack

“It’s so foggy. I can’t see in front of me.”

As Sakura said, Wave Country is also known for its fog. Wave Country is close to the sea and has many water areas, so there are extreme temperature differences. As a result, fog often occurs.

While most people would find the fog annoying, the members of Team 7, led by Kakashi, are ninja. They see the advantage of moving through the fog to hide themselves.

“Soon, we’ll see the bridge. If we go along that bridge, we’ll reach Wave Country.”

The boatman, a friend of Tazuna’s, explained in a low voice, and just as he said, the bridge soon appeared before them.

The fog made it impossible to see the whole picture, but what they could see was more than enough. A huge bridge with a powerful construction appeared before them.

Naruto nodded as he saw the bridge in front of him.

“Excellent. However, it’s a shame the visibility isn’t that good.”

“We’re hiding in this fog to send our ship out. Without the fog, Gato would’ve found us right away.”

“…Is this man Gato really that frightening?”

“Yes, it’s several levels more frightening than the fear I felt when I first met you. Gato is… a demon.”

Hearing the words of the pale-faced boatman, Naruto’s own face darkened. He could not forgive Gato for using his power to spread misery throughout the Land of Waves.

The boatman and Tazuna continued their conversation, ignoring Naruto’s troubled expression.

“We’ll reach the country soon. Tazuna, it seems that no one has noticed us so far… but just to be sure, we’ll take a route that leads to land while hiding in the mangrove-covered town waterways.”

“Sorry.”

As they passed through the stone tunnel that runs the town’s waterworks, they came across mangrove forests and several wooden houses. The exotic scenery, something they could never see in Konoha Village, captivated them.

However, this time they weren’t here for sightseeing. They were on a mission. Before they could get a good look around, Naruto and the others had finally reached the pier, and they got off the boat and put their feet on the ground.

“Okay! Please deliver me safely home.”

“Yes, yes.”

Kakashi and the rest of Team 7 head straight for Tazuna’s house, standing guard around him and keeping an eye on the surroundings.

And with that, Naruto’s right arm swung with blinding speed. At almost the same time, there was a sound that combined the sound of the wind cutting and the distinctive sound of the kunai piercing the tree.

The four others except Naruto frantically turned to look in the direction of the sound.

The kunai was piercing deep into the tree trunk. It was Naruto who had thrown it.

Naruto’s throwing skills are not that good. Naruto is clumsy. When he throws a kunai, he puts too much force into it, which makes it hard to control. Moreover, putting too much force into it makes the kunai shake.

The kunai, with everything but the handle now stuck into the tree trunk, was trembling and making a faint noise, the only sound that could be heard was a high-pitched buzzing sound reminiscent of the buzzing of an insect.

“Maybe it’s just my imagination?”

“Wh-what’s wrong?”

“I felt like someone was emitting murderous intent.”

“Murderous intent, you say… this isn’t a manga.”

Ignoring Sakura’s exasperated shrug, Kakashi moved his hand to avoid the bushes at the base of the tree where Naruto had thrown the kunai.

Kakashi narrowed his eyes as he spotted something lying in the gap between the bushes and the tree with the kunai stuck in it.

It’s a rabbit.

The white rabbit was lying there, unconscious from the impact of the kunai that Naruto had thrown.

Naruto appeared from behind Kakashi and grabbed the rabbit.

“Perfect. Tazuna-dono, do you like rabbits?”

“Ah? Well, I don’t dislike it.”

“Well, I’ll give it to you as a souvenir. When we get to your house, can I use your kitchen?”

“Oh, okay, but… are you going to eat that?”

“Of course. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and packed with vitamins. It’s good food for muscles, isn’t it?”

“Nooooo!”

Sakura’s voice rang out.

Tazuna looked at Naruto and told him he felt the same way, but there was one thing he really wanted to ask him, so he voiced his doubts.

“By the way, can you even butcher a rabbit?”

“I can also butcher wild boars, deer, and bears. It’s a skill I learned a long time ago when I was undergoing spiritual training.”

“Yaaaah!”

Sakura shook her head as if she didn’t want to hear any more, but Sasuke continued to stare at the impossible without paying any attention to it.

Sasuke looked at the white rabbit being held by Naruto, then spoke to Kakashi with a difficult look on his face.

“Kakashi…”

“Yeah. Don’t let your guard down, Sasuke.”

The rabbit Naruto is holding is a snow rabbit.

The snow hare is a rabbit that changes its fur color depending on the length of daylight. The fur color of the snow hare that Naruto owns is “white.” In the wild, this is the color it has in winter when the hours of daylight are short.

But now it is spring. The color of the snow hares that live in the wild should be brown at this time of year, but they are white.

–So, here you go.

Kakashi looks around cautiously.

The snow hare’s coloring seemed out of season. Kakashi had seen snow hare’s coloring many times before that was not natural.

All of these situations involved ninjas. Like logs, snow rabbits are often used in transformation techniques. Attack while the enemy is distracted by the rabbit. That’s the theory.

However, they had still not been attacked. Kakashi had a feeling that this was the case.

The enemy was probably watching intently, knowing that the person he was facing was “Kakashi with the Sharingan.”

Kakashi’s alert ears picked up the faint sound of leaves rustling. The unnatural sound put Kakashi on maximum alert. A faint, ever-so-faint sound of leaves rustling that had not been caused by nature.

It is proof that the enemy “ninja” is highly skilled.

“Everybody lie down!”

A blade that cuts through the wind.

Without even checking, Sasuke and Sakura, responding to Kakashi’s voice, lowered themselves. Of course, they didn’t forget to push Tazuna to the ground either. Protecting the client was the absolute requirement of this mission. No, even if it wasn’t a mission, it would still be them. They would have no hesitation in protecting Tazuna, an ordinary person, with all their might.

And Naruto had the same heart. With a righteous heart covered in muscles and a heart fuelled by hot blood, Naruto could not forgive the weapon being pointed at the powerless Tazuna.

That was why, in order to show his enemy his determination to protect Tazuna, Naruto mustered his strength and stood tall.

The sound of cutting through the air approached Naruto. Sure enough, the black blade caught Naruto’s body.

“……teeth?”

A stunned voice rang out from in front of Naruto. It was the voice of the man who had thrown the lethal weapon, a giant sword, at Naruto and the others. The man had his mouth covered with a cloth. He had now dispersed, but the man who would normally exude a menacing aura was a ninja.

The weapon thrown by a man with the highest level of ninja skill was a beheading knife, so large that it was capable of hiding an entire adult man inside.

And what’s particularly noteworthy is its sharpness. The beheading knife is capable of cutting a human being vertically in half with one slash.

That’s why the man couldn’t believe what was happening before his eyes.

He sliced ??the giant’s body, decapitated the two children, and sadly separated his target from Kakashi Hatake’s body. He had thrown the beheading knife with the intention of ending it all in one go. If he had dodged it, he had intended to move and appear at the handle of the beheading knife that was stuck deep into the tree.

And I figured there was a good chance it could be avoided.

But what does this mean?

The scene before the man’s eyes was completely different from what he had imagined.

The man’s first prey, the big man Naruto, raised both arms towards the sky. A truly imposing figure. A pose that showed off his toned body to the heavens and the earth.

It’s definitely not a pose that should be taken during a fight. Of course, that’s for a normal person.

The moment the blade approached, Naruto instantly assumed the shape of a double biceps and concentrated all his strength into his entire body. Hard and hard. A torrent of power that no ordinary person could possibly unleash, his muscles squirming. He forcibly held it all together.DifficultshouldershapeDouble Biceps

Naruto knew that his muscles were unbeatable.

Clang.

The knife he had thrown fell to the ground with a metallic clang. The man had no idea what was going on.

How could he have managed to catch a rapidly rotating decapitation knife on his stomach, which wasn’t even covered by clothes? And in such a ridiculous pose.

The man’s eyes widened more than ever as the cloth completely covered his mouth.

“Kaha!”

After the shock, the man was hit by a painful blow. The pain from his stomach made the man instinctively fall to his knees. Then, the man realized that he had been attacked.

I, Zabuza, the man known as the Demon Man, with just one blow?!

Amid the chaos, Zabuza felt eyes on him. Kneeling on the ground, Zabuza slowly looked up.

“Was that murderous intent I sensed from earlier yours?”

The first thing that caught his eye were the fists. Zabuza’s eyes then moved upwards to the top, the extensor carpi radialis muscles reminiscent of a steel gauntlet, the biceps that seemed to bulge despite not being flexed.

Zabuza held his breath.

His statue-like, deeply chiseled face was bathed in shadow, making it impossible to discern his expression, but the aura emanating from him told Zabuza that he was angry.

His body was motionless, and before him stood a man with the physique of a Deva King, filled with rage.

“If you are targeting Lord Tazuna, then you must be one of Gato’s men. Be prepared. I will never forgive you.”

–Is that all?

Zabuza thought as he looked at Naruto with his fists clenched.

And as that thought ran through his brain like an electrical impulse, two thin pieces of wood, weapons known as Senbon, pierced his neck.

Zabuza’s body collapses, blood spilling onto the ground. By the time his body hit the ground, his heart had stopped beating.

“!?”

“Yes, you’re right. He did something that cannot be forgiven.”

A voice called out to Naruto from the top of the tree. The first thing Naruto saw was a masked figure. Naruto kept his eyes on the masked figure so as not to miss his every move.

The two of them glare at each other.

Kakashi glances at this and approaches Zabuza, who is lying on the ground. To check if Zabuza is really dead, he places his fingers on his neck, but there is no pulse.

–He’s definitely… dead.

“thank you very much”

Taking his eyes off Naruto, the masked boy bowed to Kakashi, Naruto’s superior.

“I’ve been waiting for a chance to kill Zabuza for sure.”

“So this man is Zabuza. And you… that mask is that of the Mist Opponent, right?”

“As expected… you know a lot.”

Momochi Zabuza.

He is such a powerful man that everyone in the ninja world knows about him. Although he had been exposed to a fatal gap when his beheading knife was blocked by Naruto, this was an irregularity among irregularities. He possesses such strength that ordinary ninjas are helpless.

Zabuza is a ninja who left the Hidden Mist Village, a hidden ninja village in the Land of Water, and as per the rules of the Hidden Mist Village, his life is being targeted by regular ninja, but he has eliminated many ninja who are chasing him to kill him. That’s how strong a ninja he is.

The masked man then makes a distorted statement, saying that he had not had a chance to kill Zabuza in a while, acknowledging his strength. That is how strong Zabuza is.

“Yes, I am… a member of the Hidden Mist Hunting Squad, tasked with hunting down deserters. Could you please hand over Zabuza’s body and the beheading knife?”

“Yeah. I have no intention of getting into a fight with Kirigakure.”

Kakashi readily nodded to the masked person’s request. However, there was one person who could not be as permissive as Kakashi.

“Who are you?”

“Don’t worry, Naruto. I’m not your enemy.”

“He killed someone without any murderous intent. It’s the act of a demon.”

“Well, I know it’s hard to believe, but… it’s also true. In this world, there are kids younger than you who are stronger than me.”

Naruto bites his lip.

This is a ninja. A ninja who kills people without any emotion, like a machine. It was a frustrating feeling.

“I’m sorry. I have to dispose of this body. It’s a body with many secrets…”

While Naruto was worrying, the masked person seemed to have finished all of his business. The masked person made a hand seal.

“Well then, I’ll be off then.”

The leaves flew away and nothing was left behind: not the masked figure, not Zabuza’s body, nothing.

“Huh.”

Kakashi sighed heavily.

Fortunately, things worked out somehow, but if things had gone wrong, Naruto would have been killed. I need to be more careful about this.

“Well! We have to take Tazuna home too. Let’s go with enthusiasm!”

Kakashi looked at the genin under his care.

There were two people whose actions were difficult to read, and one person who didn’t quite know what he should do.

–The road ahead is difficult.

Kakashi let out a big sigh again.

+++

In the forest, Zabuza was lying on the ground, with the masked figure looking down on him. Next to him was a black cloth containing scissors and other medical equipment for amputation.

“First, I’ll cut the cloth off his mouth… and then make him spit blood.”

The scissors approached Zabuza, and another hand grabbed his hand.

“Fine… I’ll do it myself.”

The man stared at the masked person with bloodshot eyes and let out a husky voice as he sat up, even though his body was supposed to be motionless.

The one who turns his sanpaku eyes towards the masked figure is Zabuza, who was supposed to be dead. However, the masked figure remains unfazed by the sight of the dead being brought back to life.

“What… has he come back to life already?”

“Damn it. You’re pretty rough.”

Zabuza seemed annoyed and pulled out the senbon that was stuck in his neck.

“Ah! Zabuza-san, please don’t pull it out too roughly. You’ll really die.”

“…How long are you going to keep wearing that shady mask? Take it off!”

“It was a relic from the past, and I ended up doing it… Also, it could be used for monkey business.”

The masked person slowly removes the mask he is wearing, revealing a handsome boy who could be mistaken for a woman.

Yes, it had been agreed between Zabuza and the boy beforehand. If things got dangerous, the boy would stab Zabuza in the pressure point with the senbon sword, putting him into a state of suspended animation.

“If I hadn’t helped you, you would have been killed for sure.”

“If you want to put someone in a state of suspended animation, you don’t have to go to the trouble of aiming at the pressure point on their neck…”

Zabuza spat out blood and turned a sharp eye on the boy.

“…You could have used a safer pressure point on the body. You’re still the same nasty guy.”

“I agree!”

Seeing the boy’s innocent smile, Zabuza let out a sigh as if the poison had been deflated. It was a silent signal to him to speak his mind. A signal that could only be exchanged between Zabuza and the boy.

“…I didn’t want to scratch Zabuza-san’s beautiful body.”

The boy told Zabuza the truth.

“Plus, the neck has less muscle, so you can target pressure points more accurately.”

Zabuza simply listened to the boy’s story without any particular reaction.

“You’ll be numb for about a week and won’t be able to move. But I’m sure you’ll be able to move again soon, Zabuza-san.”

“Not at all. You’re pure and clever and innocent. I like that about you.”

“Hehe… I’m still a child.”

The wind caresses them both.

“Before I knew it… the fog had cleared. Is your next move okay?”

“Next time… for sure…”

Zabuza’s eyes were bloodshot.

“……kill”

Core training (ninja style)

When the group arrived at Tazuna’s house, they all sat down wherever they wanted.

The house, which appears to be built on the sea, is made of wood in many places and has a calming, woody atmosphere.

“Sorry for the rough tea.”

“No, thank you.”

“Be careful, it’s hot.”

The black-haired woman called out, placing a cup of tea next to Sakura.

Her name is Tsunami. She is Tazuna’s daughter. She has the headstrong eyebrows that Tazuna inherited, but contrary to appearances, she is a kind woman.

Next to Sakura, who had received the teacup from Tsunami, Tazuna wiped the sweat from his forehead as if to wash away his fatigue.

“We’ve defeated many of Gato’s ninja minions. Thanks to you, we should be safe for a while longer!”

Sakura nodded to Tazuna, but put her hand to her chin as if something was bothering her.

“By the way, who was that masked kid from earlier?”

“That’s a mask worn by the Hidden Kiri Anbu, a special ops unit. They are also known as the Corpse Disposal Squad, and their job is to dispose of corpses as if they were erased, removing all traces that the ninja ever lived.”

Kakashi answered Sakura’s question.

Kakashi’s teacup was already empty without him realising.

“A ninja’s body reveals many things, such as the secrets of the ninja village, the properties of their chakra, and the ingredients of the elixir used on their body. That’s why we need pursuers. They are specialists who can prevent the village’s secrets from leaking out by eliminating deserters who have abandoned the village and erasing their bodies completely.”

Neither his facial expression nor his tone of voice were enough to read Kakashi’s mind. Kakashi spoke quietly, gazing off into the distance.

“No sound, no smell. That’s the end of a ninja.”

“So, Zabuza’s body will be torn to pieces and wiped out as well? That’s scary.”

Sakura was wrapped in her arms and hugged her tightly. Kakashi was engrossed in his own thoughts without saying a word to her.

What is this? This indescribable feeling of unease?

Kakashi felt something was off about Sakura’s words and remained silent.

“That boy’s movements were perfect as a ninja. I, too, have a lot to improve.”

Kakashi was strangely struck by Naruto’s words and his thoughts went even deeper.

— I feel like I’m missing something important… something.

Kakashi remembered the exchange between him and Naruto when they had seen the Hidden Mist pursuers.

///

“Who are you?”

“Don’t worry, Naruto. I’m not your enemy.”

“He killed someone without any murderous intent. It’s the act of a demon.”

“Well, I know it’s hard to believe, but… it’s also true. In this world, there are kids younger than you who are stronger than me.”

///

–Could it be… that you overlooked something about me?

“Hey, Naruto.”

I need to check my thoughts.

Kakashi made up his mind and asked Naruto.

“Hmm? How is it?”

“You said that when the pursuer killed Zabuza, he didn’t seem to have any murderous intent.”

“Yes. Although it was faint, I was able to sense his presence, but I couldn’t sense any murderous intent at all.”

“Um, what do you mean, Kakashi-sensei?”

Sakura, perhaps sensing something ominous about Kakashi’s behavior, joins in their conversation.

“…The corpse disposal team disposes of the bodies of those they kill right there and then.”

“What is that?”

“Don’t you know? What did the masked boy do with Zabuza’s body?”

“I brought it back, but… I thought Zabuza needed it as proof that he had killed a ninja?”

“No, the head alone is enough evidence. On top of that, the weapon used by the pursuing ninja boy smells bad. It was an attack using senbon and there was no murderous intent, so…”

Sasuke, who had been silent up until then, suddenly changed complexion.

“No way!?”

“Oh no, that’s not true.”

“What have you guys been whining about for a while now?”

Tazuna must have sensed something unusual in the air. As beads of water floated on his freshly wiped forehead, he asked.

Kakashi looked at Tazuna once, then spoke gravely.

“Zabuza is probably still alive!”

Sakura was the first to speak up.

“Kakashi-sensei, I confirmed that Zabuza was dead.”

“I did check, but it’s likely that it was just a state of suspended animation. The weapon that the pursuer used, called a Senbon, has a very low lethal potential unless it hits a vital spot, and in fact, it is also used in medical treatments such as acupressure treatments.”

“That man… is he still alive?”

“Yes. It’s not impossible to interpret that the boy didn’t come to kill Zabuza, but to help him.”

“Aren’t you overthinking it? Aren’t pursuers supposed to hunt down deserters?”

“No, if you have detected a smell, you should prepare before it’s too late. That is also an essential rule of the ninja. Besides, there is no guarantee that there are even more powerful ninja among Gato’s subordinates. So…”

Kakashi turned to Naruto and the other three.

“…I will impose training on you all!”

“Eh? Training… Isn’t it something that Naruto can just do quickly?”

“No, Sakura. That’s not true. It wasn’t until I smashed my fist into Zabuza’s stomach that I realized he was strong. If I hadn’t attacked myself, a fierce battle would have been inevitable.”

“But one punch from Naruto…I see, if it hits the stomach, it makes sense that he would definitely lose consciousness.”

Sakura looked at Naruto’s log-like arms and nodded as if she understood.

After seeing Sakura’s condition, Kakashi explained again.

This time Zabuza was taken out by Naruto’s fist without being able to do anything, but he is a ninja not to be underestimated.

Normally, he would be an opponent of a higher rank than Naruto and his friends. As things stand, there is no way he can win, even if the world turns upside down. Of course, this wouldn’t be the case if he were to take Zabuza by surprise with his muscles, as he did this time.

Moreover, it was highly unlikely that a man like Zabuza would make the same mistake again. The next time he attacked, he would be completely prepared.

Sakura and Sasuke nodded with serious looks on their faces, as if they were convinced by what Kakashi said.

It was Kakashi who had easily beaten them in the training exercise. They recognized his talent as a ninja and silently nodded to what Kakashi said. There was something to be believed about a Jonin who had been through more carnage than they had.

However, Naruto had a different look on his face.

“But… I might have another chance to fight a strong opponent.”

“That sounds interesting, Naruto.”

“I can’t deny that I’m excited.”

“It’s not funny.”

Suddenly, a voice with insight into everything rang out. Naruto and the others turned their attention to the source of the voice.

There stood a boy with a hat pulled down over his eyes. He was not even young. His eyes were dark, not the kind a child should have.

“Hey Inari! Where have you been?”

“Welcome home, grandpa.”

The boy who came briskly into the house acted as if he didn’t see Naruto and the other guests. Tsunami couldn’t ignore this and raised her voice at the boy, Inari.

“Inari, say hello properly! They’re the ninja who were guarding Grandpa!”

“…”

Inari was silent and finally turned his attention to Naruto and the others.

Inari looked at them intently and muttered to himself.

“Mom, these guys are going to die… There’s no way we can win against Gato and the others.”

“No, I’ll win.”

“…”

“I will show them that justice never loses. That there are heroes of justice who stand up against great evil.”

“Hmph… how stupid! There’s no way something like that even exists!”herohero

Inari spat out the words and turned on his heel.

“If you don’t want to die, you’d better hurry back.”

“Where are you going, Inari?”

“I’ll watch the ocean from my room.”

With that said, Inari left the room.

“Sorry…”

“No, it’s not something you should apologize for.”

Naruto shook his head at Tazuna.

Naruto’s exceptionally keen senses allowed him to sense Inari’s feelings as well.

–Sadness… huh.

Naruto didn’t say anything, he just clenched his fists.

Gato’s control tramples on the heart of a small boy like Inari, preventing him from having any hope. Naruto resolves that he must defeat him.

+++

“Well then, let’s begin our training now.”

“Osu!”

The three of them, led by Kakashi, were moving into the woods near Tazuna’s house.

“But before that, let’s talk about your abilities as ninja, your chakra. Does anyone understand?”

“yes”

“Well then, Sakura-kun.”

“It is an energy that is made up of two things: physical energy and mental energy. It serves as fuel when using ninjutsu, and is also used for strengthening the body.”

“Thanks for the concise explanation.”

Kakashi nodded to Sakura, who was puffing out her chest, then turned his attention to Naruto and Sasuke.

“You guys still haven’t mastered using your chakra, do you understand?”

“The magic is working. It’s not like I can’t use it, right?”

“Yes, as Sasuke said, it is possible to use chakra to activate ninjutsu. However, the amount of chakra required for ninjutsu, in other words the mixture, changes. You are currently using a lot of chakra and forcing yourself to activate techniques, so you cannot be said to have mastered the use of chakra.”

“I understand.”

Naruto nodded. To begin with, Naruto was not good at using ninjutsu, let alone cultivating chakra. The training Kakashi suggested was a godsend.

“And wasting energy means you can’t fight for long periods of time. Once chakra is refined, it doesn’t usually get converted back into stamina.”

“So, the training we’re going to do now is chakra control training?”

“Yes! It’s a tedious training that you have to risk your life to master.”

“What… what are you doing?”

“Hmm? Climbing trees.”

Sakura’s eyes narrowed.

“Is doing something like that considered training?”

Even if the training method was suggested by the Jonin who was guiding her, it was still too outlandish. Sakura began to distrust Kakashi before she could trust him.

“Well, listen to the whole story.”

Kakashi soothed Sakura and extended his arms towards the three of them.

“It’s not just climbing a tree. It’s climbing without using your hands.”

“Understood!”

When did she take off her sandals?

With a bold stride, Naruto placed his bare foot on a nearby tree. There was a crunching sound, and the toes of Naruto’s right foot dug into the trunk of the tree. With his body parallel to the ground, Naruto stepped forward with his left foot. Again the trunk of the tree cried out, and the toes of Naruto’s left foot were caught.

And the moment Naruto took another step, Kakashi stopped him.

“Naruto, this is chakra control training. Gripping a tree with the grip of your toes and climbing it is not chakra control but rather taijutsu training… probably.”

–First of all, what is the point of strengthening your toes?

Kakashi didn’t have an answer for that.

As this was the case, Kakashi instructed Naruto to come down so they could return to the topic.

“Come on down. I’ll show you how.”

“Understood……”

Was it just my imagination that Naruto’s taut muscles looked a little shriveled?

“Watch closely.”

Kakashi made a seal so they could understand and concentrated his chakra.

A faint sound came from beneath Kakashi’s feet. It was the sound of chakra being released.

Kakashi released chakra from the soles of his feet and stored it there. Keeping the chakra stored there, Kakashi placed his feet on the trunk of a tree. By alternating between moving his feet, which were attached to the trunk by the chakra, Kakashi climbed vertically up the tree.

The scarecrow moved sideways onto a tree branch, but its body was upside down like a bat, with its legs still attached to the branch.

“Well, that’s about it.”

Kakashi continued his explanation as he looked up at Naruto and the others from upside down on a tree branch.

“I gather chakra in the soles of my feet and allow it to stick to the tree trunk. If I use chakra properly, I can achieve things like this.”

“I understand that it will help me train in chakra control, but will it really make me stronger?”

“Sakura’s question is quite reasonable…”

Kakashi dissipated his chakra, took his feet off the branch, spun his body and landed on the ground.

“If you can control your chakra better, you can do things like this.”

Kakashi made the seal again and without any warning, his body shot up as if bounced.

“That was the opposite of climbing the tree. I jumped up by using the chakra I had gathered in the soles of my feet to bounce off the ground.”

“I see. So you will be able to change the properties of your chakra and move it around.”

“Exactly. Applying that to your skills will strengthen your body-shun technique. Sudden braking is the easiest way to take your opponent by surprise.”

Kakashi took out a kunai and handed them to the three.

“Just use that kunai to mark the position you can climb and use that as your target….But! There’s no point in me complaining. This is training that you just have to train your body to remember, so just do your best.”

With Kakashi’s cheer on their backs, the three of them each headed towards a tree.

However, except for the extremely rare few whose talents are blessed by the heavens, most people fail when they try something for the first time. Naruto and Sasuke’s attempt to climb a tree without using their hands ended in failure, probably because it was their first time.

However, among the three, there was one whose talent was loved by the heavens. His chakra control was beyond what one would expect from a genin. A cherry blossom-colored figure slowly climbing up the trunk of the tree.

“Teacher, I did it!”

“Well done, Sakura. It looks like you’re the one with the best chakra control right now.”

Kakashi glanced over at Naruto and Sasuke.

Although neither of them showed much on their faces, Kakashi, who had excellent observational skills as a ninja, could clearly see that the two of them were frustrated.

–I hope it will serve as an explosive boost.

“There’s no need to worry. Kakashi smiled as he watched Naruto and Sasuke once again refine their chakra. Sakura easily learned to control her chakra while watching the two of them refuse to give up.

Kakashi saw this as an exciting prospect and had no hesitation in helping them reach even greater heights.

“Well then, it’s time for the next training.”

Kakashi turned his gaze back to Sakura and opened his mouth to tell her about the next training method.

“Next training?”

“Right, next I’ll have you stand on water. Once you can do that, you’ll move on to training in chakra control to strengthen your body so you can lift heavy objects.”

“But what about Sasuke-kun and Naruto?”

“You can’t even climb a tree yet, so I can’t let you move on to the next step.”

“So it’s just me?”

“Yeah. Good luck, Sakura.”

Sakura has a complicated expression on her face. She’s happy to be praised, but she doesn’t want to leave Sasuke, the man she loves. She struggles with this, but Kakashi pushes her on and she leaves the place crying.

Naruto and Sasuke were left behind in the forest and continued climbing the tree in silence.

There was someone watching them from the shade of the trees. It was Inari.

As he watched with hatred as Naruto and Sasuke climbed the tree and then fell, Inari remembered the face of the person who had been beside him. The person he admired and who had saved him, and the important person who had been by his side as a father.

Inari turned his back on Naruto and Sasuke, as if trying to erase the smile of the person he had already lost from his mind.

What emotion was coming from this? He didn’t know why his fists had suddenly clenched.

Overwork

“I can’t…”

Naruto’s expression was stern as he sat cross-legged on the ground.

Naruto was worried.

The chakra control training that Kakashi had taught him was climbing trees using only his feet, without using his hands. Naruto just couldn’t do it. And he didn’t know when to give up.

Slowly he stands up.

To begin with, Naruto was not very good at normal chakra training. Training chakra and storing it in his feet was an extremely high hurdle for the current Naruto.

–This isn’t it.

When Kakashi demonstrated it, he took off his shoes and climbed the tree using only his toes, which defeats the purpose of the training, which is to gain chakra control.

What is required in this training is chakra control. Even if you can feel the minute knots on a tree trunk with your toes through your shoes, it’s meaningless.

Naruto’s feet, clad in blue sandals, were firmly planted on the tree trunk, but this was only possible by using the strength of his legs. Although he demonstrated the superhuman ability to walk vertically up the tree trunk without using chakra, Naruto rubbed his chin, saying that this was not the point.

Naruto, who had no idea what chakra was, wondered if he would be able to understand it if he did the same movement without using chakra. Naruto moved his body parallel to the ground upwards, but just as he began to think that it was a waste of time and no results, he noticed the man in blue clothes next to him gradually getting closer to the treetops.

“Sasuke.”

“What?”

“May I ask you to tell me how you cultivate your chakra?”

Under normal circumstances, he would have simply and foolishly continued doing the same thing until he was able to do it, but unfortunately, he didn’t have the time. Kakashi determined that it would take about a week for Zabuza to revive from his state of suspended animation.

In other words, Naruto would have to learn to cultivate his chakra within a week and even control it, otherwise he would not be able to compete with Zabuza.

However, without even a starting point for cultivating chakra, time would just pass and a week would pass, so Naruto asked Sasuke.

“From there?”

Sasuke stopped climbing, landed on the ground and opened his mouth to Naruto.

“You mix your physical and mental energy together inside your body. That’s it.”

“But I don’t know what energy is.”

“Don’t think, idiot. Feel.”

“Huh?!”

“You’ve always done that.”

“That’s right… that’s right.”

A flame lit up in Naruto’s eyes. Kakashi, who had been watching them from the shadows of a tree, beamed at the difference in their relationship from when they were genin.

Sasuke is encouraging the weak-hearted Naruto. It looks like he’s starting to understand teamwork.

Taking this as a good sign, the scarecrow stepped out from behind a tree and appeared before them.

“Sasuke seems to be doing well. So, what’s the problem with Naruto?”

Kakashi stares at Naruto.

What he was about to do to Naruto was a kind of gamble with no guarantee of success. If it didn’t go well, his life would be in danger. And if he was unlucky, there was a possibility that the whole area would be reduced to a wasteland.

But not doing anything is not an option. If he does nothing and Zabuza attacks again, he will target Naruto. If he is unable to intervene to help Naruto, then there is a possibility that Wave Country will be destroyed.

Either way, if he faced a bad outcome, he would be doomed. So it was only natural that Kakashi would choose the former option, which he felt he could still manage on his own.

“…I don’t have much time, so I’ll have to resort to drastic measures.”

“A drastic measure?”

“Yes! I’m going to put a genjutsu on you now so you can refine your chakra.”

“Is that even possible?”

Kakashi nodded and explained in simple terms what Naruto could learn.

“Well, you know. There is a large mass of chakra inside you. It is constantly circulating through your body, which prevents you from refining your chakra. But, that chakra does in fact greatly improve your physical abilities and healing abilities.”

“I see”

“I will use a genjutsu to enter your mind, then I will manipulate your chakra mass so that it will not flow to you.”

“Well then, I look forward to working with you.”

Naruto sat cross-legged, relaxing his body and showing Kakashi his relaxed state. In contrast, Kakashi’s aura was extremely stiff. Sasuke involuntarily held his breath at the aura of his Jounin, something he had never seen before. And he unconsciously opened his eyes wide, trying to figure out what on earth Kakashi was trying to do to Naruto.

With slow movements, Kakashi moved the forehead protector covering his left eye up.

“What!?”

A voice involuntarily escaped Sasuke’s lips.

–Sharingan!?

Sasuke’s eyes caught Kakashi’s. Three black Tomoe patterns were floating in his crimson-tinted irises.

Kakashi has eyes. They are unique, called Sharingan. A unique eye that only a select few of the Uchiha clan of Konoha Village have been able to awaken. Its abilities include hypnotism eyes that can draw people into an illusion by making eye contact, and insight eyes that can capture even high-speed moving objects, making it the ultimate tool for eye jutsu.

A blood-dependent special constitution known as the Kekkei Genkai has a power that is only allowed to those of “Uchiha” blood. Sasuke’s face stiffens when he sees that this power resides in Kakashi, who is not of the Uchiha clan.

“Sasuke. I’ll explain my Sharingan to you another time.”

“…Yeah. Right now I’m more concerned about Naruto than you.”

“I’m sorry, Sasuke.”

Though he was a genin, Sasuke was still a ninja. He knew exactly what he had to prioritize.

Kakashi focused his left eye on Naruto, who was having a hard time keeping up with the conversation, and cast a genjutsu on Naruto using the chakra he had been kneading into his body.

The scenery has changed.

Kakashi was certain his technique had worked, as the scenery instantly changed from a lush forest to what resembled the interior of a grey building.

–So this is Naruto’s spiritual world.

The corridor was like a maze, with water pooling at the feet and a desolate scene stretching on and on.

There was no hesitation in Kakashi’s steps as he walked through Naruto’s ruined spiritual world. Kakashi’s senses picked up on the powerful, cold chakra. Kakashi knew that it was right to move in the direction where he could sense that chakra.

The sound of water splashing around Kakashi’s feet stopped. Kakashi stood in front of a door, frozen. After a moment, he opened the door, his gaze sharp as if he had made up his mind, and there was a huge cell in front of him.

“What can I do for you? … Human?”

A huge orange body could be seen through the gap in the cell. Kakashi had seen it before.

He would never be able to forget the events of that day. The day he lost his master. And now, before Kakashi was a being he could call his sworn enemy.

Put those feelings aside for now.

He is a ninja.

Suppressing his own emotions, he would do what was best for his subordinates and his client. Kakashi knew what he had to do now, and spoke to the being in the cage.

“The Nine-Tailed Fox. I have something to tell you.”

“You want to stop the chakra coming from me so that Naruto can refine his chakra, correct?”

Kakashi stopped moving at the unexpected words of the nine-tailed fox. Before Kakashi could ask the question “Why?”, the nine-tailed fox struck first.

“I saw it from inside Naruto so I know what you want to do.”

“Then…”

“Yes, do as you like. Even I would be uncomfortable with Naruto being able to take my chakra without my permission because the seal has weakened. Kakashi, I’ll leave it to you.”

After confirming that the Nine Tailed Fox had its chin resting on its front paws and its eyes closed, Kakashi raised his hand slightly to repair the seal that was suppressing the Nine Tailed Fox’s power, and lifted the Nine Tailed Fox’s lowered eyelids.

“Oh. I forgot to tell you, it’s Kakashi.”

“yeah?”

“You’re making a big deal out of being able to ‘control’ me.”

“!?”

Kakashi couldn’t even move a muscle against the powerful chakra emanating from the Nine Tails. It was completely unforgivable for a small human to let their guard down and be disrespectful in front of a being that could be called a natural disaster.

Satisfied with seeing Kakashi frozen in fear, the Nine Tailed Fox calmed down its raging chakra.

“I will turn a blind eye this time in recognition of your achievement in stopping the chakra flowing from me to Naruto. However, there will be no next time. Remember that.”

“Yeah”

Perhaps satisfied with Kakashi’s pale face, the nine-tailed fox skillfully twisted his lips into a smile.

“I’m going to sleep.”

“…Excuse me.”

–What is that?

Violence. Power so strong that every thought is filled with fear.

–That’s…a tailed beast.

I shudder at how naive my outlook was.

He was confident that he could restrain the nine-tailed fox even if it went berserk. Even though he had considered what might happen if things didn’t go well, that was still the worst case scenario, something that wasn’t really imaginable. And yet, what about his current state? He was shaking.

Kakashi laughs self-deprecatingly.

–Sensei…was this the kind of thing you were dealing with?

Kakashi’s hands stopped shaking.

— Then I have to try my best too. I won’t be able to face you when I meet you in the afterlife.

There was no fear in Kakashi’s expression as he made the hand seal. All he had was resolve. The resolve to teach and guide his teacher’s son, Uzumaki Naruto. And Sasuke, a descendant of the tragic Uchiha clan, and Sakura, an ordinary student who didn’t stand out even at the ninja academy, all of them. His own strength wasn’t enough to protect and bring them all together.

Kakashi closed his eyes and a yellow flash appeared behind his eyelids. It was the image of a ninja that Kakashi admired from the bottom of his heart.

Kakashi opened his eyes and, smiling wryly at the shadow that still didn’t overlap with his own figure, completed the repair of the seal.

+++

“Here goes.”

With a shout, Sakura lifts the steel beam.

“I’m so sorry. I had to ask you to help me in addition to being an escort.”

“It’s part of my training.”

Tazuna smiled back at Sakura, who was laughing at that, but suddenly noticed that the other two were gone.

“By the way, I can’t see Naruto and Sasuke, what happened to them?”

“They’re training somewhere else. Once they both pass, I think they’ll come over here.”

“So that means you passed first?”

“Yes, because I’m excellent. Hey, you don’t believe me at all!”

Sensing Tazuna’s gaze, Sakura purses her lips.

“Hey, Tazuna.”

“Hmm? What’s the matter, Giichi?”

In the middle of their conversation, a man with a sour look on his face entered the room. His name was Giichi. He was a bridge builder who had worked with Tazuna for many years.

Giichi spoke in a heavy voice.

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot, but… can I help you lower the bridge?”

“Wh… why!? So suddenly… even you!”

“Tazuna, we have a long-standing connection. I would like to cooperate, but if we do anything reckless, Gato will have his eye on us as well. Besides, if you get killed, it will all be for nothing!”

Suppressing his loud voice, Giichi looked down at his feet.

“Shouldn’t we stop here and build a bridge?”

“…That’s not going to work.”

Tazuna declared, looking straight at Giichi’s face as he looked down at his feet.

“This bridge is our bridge. It’s a bridge that everyone in the town built, believing that it would bring logistics and transportation to this extremely poor country with few resources.”

“But, if it takes your life as well…”

“It’s already noon. Let’s call it a day.”

Tazuna pulled his helmet back over his eyes.

“Giichi, you don’t need to come again next time.”

Tazuna turned his back on Giichi and started to walk away. Sakura, who had been told by Kakashi to make protecting him her top priority, hurriedly chased after Tazuna, who was walking ahead alone.

Sakura’s complexion was not good as she followed Tazuna through the streets of Wave Country. The exchange between Tazuna and Giichi earlier was also a reason for Sakura’s poor complexion, but more than that, she was focusing her attention on the state of the town in front of her.

–What is this town…?

There was no life. Even though there were many people passing by, the eyes of all the passersby were lifeless, like a dead fish.

Although Sakura is saddened by the sight of a child sitting on the road, she follows Tazuna.

“Oh, here it is.”

Following Tazuna’s directions, Sakura stepped into a store.

“Come in.”

The voice of the store owner, lacking any sense of enthusiasm, greeted them. Sakura’s expression darkened as she looked around the store.

–There’s almost nothing here.

The greengrocer’s had very few products. Even though it was still early in the day, there was very little left.

This was an unthinkable situation in the Hidden Leaf Village they lived in. With her mind focused on that, Sakura didn’t notice the shadow approaching her until the very last moment.

The moment the shadow approaching Sakura waved its hand at her bag, the vibration was transmitted to her, and as if by reflex, Sakura’s foot caught the shadow’s chin.

“Ahhh! Chi-chan!”

“N-No…”

The man collapses. In reality, he is a pickpocket trying to steal Sakura’s wallet, but Sakura, who believes him to be a molester, never realizes that he has a different purpose.

That was why, without even asking him why he had committed the crime while he was unconscious, she simply muttered.

“What do you mean, this town?”

Tazuna and his friends leave the greengrocer where they bought some items after fighting off a pickpocket who Sakura believes to be a molester.

Suddenly, Sakura felt a tug on the hem of her skirt. The image of the man from before flashed through her mind, and Sakura turned around with maximum vigilance. However, what she saw there was a disappointing sight.

When Sakura felt someone tugging at her skirt, she turned around to see a boy with his arms outstretched. Sakura realized that he looked like he was waiting for something, so she handed the boy some candy.

“This is what’s happened ever since Gato came.”

Tazuna muttered to himself as he watched the child leave.

“All the adults here have become spineless. That’s why we need that bridge now. A symbol of courage, to restore the spirit of not running away to the people of this country who have decided not to resist. If only that bridge… if only that bridge is built… the town can go back to what it was like before, everyone can return.”

Tazuna muttered to himself.

Sakura thought that she must have been telling herself that, and she could only grit her teeth at the fact that she couldn’t think of anything to say to him.

+++

A few hours after Sakura and the others arrived at Tazuna’s house, a meal was prepared on the table. The dish Tsunami had prepared was simple but it was local cuisine from Wave Country, close to the sea, and something you rarely see in Konoha Village.

The four people from Konoha enjoy Tsunami’s cooking. They silently bring the food to their mouths. Although they don’t say a word, they give off the impression that it is delicious, which makes Tazuna very happy.

“Wow, this is so much fun. It’s been a while since I’ve had a meal with so many people!”

“Tazuna-dono. May I have a refill?”

“Yes! Eat, eat! By the way, Naruto, you’ve got quite the appetite!”

“… Another serving please.”

“Sasuke too! Hmm. After all, this is what a man should be like! Sensei, what about you?”

“No. I’ll pass.”

“I know I can’t compare myself to these growing kids, but still, you’re not eating very well with your chopsticks.”

“No, it’s very delicious, but I’m not a very big eater.”

“That’s a pity. Oh, Sakura, would you like some more?”

“I’m full too. Or rather, these two are so amazing that I’m troubled by being compared to them.”

Sasuke puffed out his cheeks, while Naruto silently finished off the food that had been served to him. The way the two ate was impressive. They moved their chopsticks so effortlessly that Tazuna was fascinated.

While Tazuna was smiling with satisfaction, Naruto roughly calculated the calories, though it wasn’t accurate since he hadn’t made the food himself, and he was deeply impressed when he realized that Tsunami’s cooking was good for the muscles. Fish such as horse mackerel and mackerel contain protein and calcium, as do shrimp and squid. Brown rice and vegetables contain carbohydrates and vitamins. The iron contained in hijiki seaweed is also good for the body.

The food in Wave Country, close to the sea, was healthy and also provided the nutrients necessary for muscles. Naruto was satisfied.

Contrary to Naruto’s carefree attitude, Sasuke was simply putting food into his mouth. His purpose was to recover his stamina. The physical energy used to refine chakra is sometimes called stamina. The quickest way to recover stamina is to eat and rest.

In order to get nutrition from the outside, Sasuke shoves more food into his stomach than usual.

Seeing them, Tsunami smiled just like Tazuna. Perhaps influenced by them, her smile, which had previously been somewhat gloomy, now shone with Tsunami’s natural brightness. That was the kind of smile it was.

However, as is often the case in this world, good times don’t last long.

After the meal was over and Sakura was sipping her hot tea, she asked the question she had been wondering.

“Um, why do you have a torn photo hanging up? Inari-kun, I was looking at it the whole time we were eating… it looks like someone in the photo was torn up on purpose.”

Sakura points to a photo hanging on the wall. It’s a strange looking photo with the top half torn away.

“…my husband.”

“…the man who was once known as the town hero.”

In an instant, the smiles disappeared from Tsunami and Tazuna’s faces. At the same time, Inari’s expression, which had remained gloomy throughout the meal, became even gloomier.

Suddenly, Inari stood up and quickly left the room.

“Inari! Where are you going? …Inari!”

Inari’s reply to Tsunami was the sound of a door closing.

“Dad! I always told you not to talk about him in front of Inari…”

Tsunami bit her lip and yelled at Tazuna, but then she seemed to realize that he was just taking out his anger on her and looked at him with an apologetic look in his eyes. Tazuna looked sad as if he understood and Tsunami lowered his eyes before leaving the room to follow Inari.

“Inari, what’s wrong?”

“It seems like there’s something going on.”

Kakashi looked at Tazuna.

“…Inari had a father who was not related to him by blood. They were extremely close, and were like real father and son. Inari was a child who laughed a lot back then. However…”

Tazuna quietly shed tears.

“…But Inari has changed. Ever since what happened to his father. The word ‘courage’ has been taken away from the people of this island, and from Inari, forever. That day, that incident was the trigger.”

“That incident? What exactly happened to Inari-kun?”

Tazuna’s face was contorted in frustration as he explained the details of what had happened.

It was the story of a hero named Kaixa. He saved Inari, saved the town from crisis, and then was executed by Gato, who felt that the hero was in the way, a hopeless tale. Naruto and the others listened quietly to the tragedy of the townspeople, who had lost their hero so cruelly, losing all hope and having no choice but to accept Gato’s rule.

When Tazuna finished speaking, Naruto suddenly stood up.

“Naruto, if you’re planning on training, stop for today. You’ve been using up too much chakra. For now, focus on recovering your strength.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept that.”

Naruto shook his head at Kakashi.

“I have to prove myself”

“What do you mean?”

“I will prove that I exist in this world.”herohero

Naruto’s lats spoke volumes.

That he…Naruto was a hero.

The hand gripper should be placed in the side pocket of the bag.

The morning sun shines through the gaps in the trees. It hasn’t been long since the sun rose. It’s time for the night dew to wet his feet. A boy was walking through the woods in the early morning, not paying any attention to his wet feet.

He has long black hair and wears a woman’s kimono. He is a handsome boy. His name is Shiro. They say a person’s name describes their body, and indeed, his skin is as smooth and white as fresh snow.

A boy so beautiful that he could be mistaken for a woman is picking grass. His purpose in picking grass is to gather medicinal herbs that have the effect of relieving numbness in the body.

The benefits of grasses that are not widely known to the general public are something that he learned while he was a ninja of the Hidden Mist.

It was about half the size of the basket he was carrying in his hand.

The boy who had gathered the grass listened carefully. He heard a thumping sound that was out of place on a refreshing morning. He stood up and headed in the direction of the sound.

When the boy squinted his eyes, he could see a large figure in the morning mist. The figure was climbing the tree using only its feet, without using its hands. It climbed higher and higher, but its foot slipped and it was thrown to the ground.

The figure was about 3-4m up the middle of the tree. The figure was slammed on its back from that high position to the ground, but then it stood up again as if nothing had happened. Then it put its feet on the tree again and climbed vertically. But it fell again.

It was so painful. Even if the victim didn’t feel any pain, those watching would feel it even more. The figure repeated this kind of insane torture over and over again.

I can’t stand to watch. The boy stomps his feet on the grass, making a noise. He makes a noise to let the shadow know of his presence.

Then, the large figure finally seemed to notice the boy’s presence.

“You…?”

“I’m just passing by.”

A large figure, Naruto turned his head in the direction of the sound and focused his gaze on the boy who was there. A slender human with a gentle aura.

Naruto frowned a little.

Even if he had been concentrating on his training, climbing the tree, there’s no way he wouldn’t have noticed the presence.

Previously, Naruto had retreated to the mountains to train his mind, and during that time he acquired various techniques that made him highly sensitive to the presence of his surroundings.

That was why Naruto sensed that the person in front of him, who had escaped his keen senses with his beast-like ability to sense presence, was no ordinary person.

However, I don’t sense any murderous intent at all.

Confident that this person who exuded such a pure and innocent air would not harm him or those around him, Naruto spoke.

“But what brings you here so early in the morning?”

“That goes for you too, doesn’t it?”

“Hmm? That gets me. Well then, let me explain first. I’m here to train myself.”

“To train, huh?”

“Um. And what about you?”

“I was picking these herbs. Then, I heard a noise coming from this direction.”

“Was I too noisy? Sorry.”

“No, not really.”

“I guess that was just an unnecessary worry,” Naruto said as he approached the boy.

“Let me help you.”

“Is that okay?”

“Of course. Saving children is my path.”

As Naruto nodded vigorously, the boy smiled as beautifully as a snowflake.

+++

They had moved to a place to gather medicinal herbs. An open space in the forest where light was streaming in. Naruto spoke to the boy in a scene that looked like something out of a fairy tale.onemuscle

“You must be busy early in the morning.”

“You too. By the way, what were you doing here?”

“It’s training.”

“Training…?”

“Um.”

The boy asked Naruto, who nodded.

“Why are you even training? You already look strong enough.”

“No, I am still a novice and have yet to reach my full potential, so I must continue my training. Besides, isn’t it natural to train yourself?”

“Normal people don’t build that much muscle unless they have to.”

The boy laughed softly, but then his face suddenly became serious.

“…Why are you trying to get stronger?”

“To become the best ninja in the village. And also… to teach the little ones who have given up on the world what is great.”

The boy put his hand over his mouth and laughed elegantly. With a smile on his face, the boy asked Naruto again.

“Do you have someone important to you?”

The boy’s eyes darken. His black eyes reflect no light. He begins to remember the events that had happened to him.

A past so cold that he avoided thinking about it, and so crushing that it made him despair. Yet a certain light appeared in the midst of it all. The boy saw himself following that light behind his eyelids, and then he turned his gaze straight towards Naruto, who was in reality, right in front of him.

“People… can become truly strong when they want to protect something important.”

“Indeed. What you say is a golden rule. I will take it to heart once again.”

“So you already knew.”

The smiling boy refrained from saying anything. There was no need to say it.

Suddenly, the boy stands up.

“You’re a strong person. Let’s meet again somewhere.”

The boy walked towards Naruto without looking back.

“Oh, and also…”

The boy stopped in his tracks without turning around, his long black hair shaking as he corrected Naruto.

“…I’m a man.”

“Hmm? That was insulting, I apologize.”

“Fufu… Well then, see you later.”

As he watched the boy leave, Naruto was certain that, just like the boy, they would meet again soon, somewhere.

+++

The morning of the seventh day since the start of training.

“Naruto, where did you go? You’re out every day until late at night and pushing yourself too hard.”

“Usually they would have been back by now. And so would Sasuke.”

Kakashi and Sakura, worried about Naruto and Sasuke who hadn’t returned home by breakfast time, went to the place where they were training in tree climbing.

“Kakashi, and Sakura?”

Suddenly, a voice came from above. It was Sasuke.

Kakashi and Sakura looked in the direction the voice came from, to the top of the tree Sasuke always climbed.

“No way.”

“You’re kidding…”

As of yesterday, Sasuke had perfected tree climbing without using his hands through chakra control. So, it wasn’t surprising that Sasuke had his feet on the top of the tree. However, the problem was what was next to it.

“Kakashi-sensei. I too have finally reached this point.”

At the top of the tree next to Sasuke was Naruto. With both feet on the treetop, he was parallel to the ground and looking down at Kakashi and the others.

Looking at Naruto with his arms crossed, Kakashi narrowed his eyes as if he was looking at something bright.

“Right, then, it’s time for our next training. The art of walking on water…or so I would like to say, but it has been seven days since then. If Zabuza is still alive, it wouldn’t be strange for him to make a move at any moment.”

“So, what about training?”

“That’s as far as it goes. That being said, you guys are excellent. Sakura has strengthened her body with chakra control, Sasuke can walk on water, and you can climb trees. To be honest, I thought tree climbing would be the most you three could do in a week. It’s beyond my expectations.”

Kakashi signaled, “Come down,” and Naruto and Sasuke walked to the ground, their feet clinging to the tree trunks.

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed further as he watched the two of them.

–And so far in just seven days…

It was one thing for Sasuke to be able to use techniques at a chunin level, but to think that Naruto, who had never even properly trained his chakra, could do this much.

–It’s way too far removed from what is considered human.

Kakashi was horrified.

Naruto only had about an hour of sleep a night. That was a normal ninja mission, a B-rank or higher, but it did happen occasionally. Kakashi had also done many missions where he had to keep watching over a target with almost no time for sleep.

However, the top priority for this mission was to stay hidden so as not to use up physical strength. That’s why Naruto’s training, which required almost no rest and pushed his physical strength to its limits, was unorthodox.

The only time Naruto rests from training is when he needs to eat or sleep. All other time is training. Naruto never took a break, he just kept climbing the tree. Even Kakashi, a senior ninja, couldn’t imagine how tough it must be.

The mentality of persevering through a single, simple task for seven days is similar to that of a hermit who retreats to the mountains and does not move for days on end. A boy who has only lived for a little over 10 years has reached that state of mind.

Kakashi thought as he looked up at Naruto, who was standing at the treetop.

Maybe Naruto’s dream would come true.

+++

That night, Naruto managed to climb the tree.

“Come on, eat up!”

“Thank you, Tsunami-dono.”

Although Kakashi had not told Tsunami the details of Naruto’s training, Tsunami sensed that he was undergoing extraordinary training from the way he was staying at her house. Upon hearing that the training had ended, Tsunami cooked a sumptuous meal for Naruto.

In the morning, they leave the house before I wake up, and only come back in time for meals, but at night they open the door to the house after I go to bed.

Tsunami was worried about Naruto’s health, knowing that it might be bad for him, but she was unable to stop him after hearing that it was to protect her father, Tazuna.

In the midst of all this, Tsunami is relieved to hear that Naruto has successfully completed his rigorous training. To congratulate him, she serves him a delicious meal.

The four who came from Konoha were greeted with a more luxurious meal than the first day they had escorted Tazuna, and their eyes widened at the lavish food being served in Nami Country, where prices are high, but Tsunami’s negotiating skills allowed them to get a seat. Tazuna likely felt the same way as his own daughter, Tsunami.

“Eat well,” the landlord said, and Naruto and the others picked up their chopsticks.

The food that had been placed so crampedly on the table disappeared, and as he sipped his after-meal roasted green tea, Naruto thought.

Although it’s not a cheat day where I can eat whatever I want, I can’t just turn a blind eye to Tsunami-dono’s kindness in cooking and waiting for me. Tomorrow, I’ll have to practice not only my chakra control, but also do some proper muscle training.

Naruto was making plans for tomorrow’s muscle training in his head. Whether he knew what was on his mind or not, a tear fell from the eye of Inari, a boy with a hat pulled down over his eyes.

“Why do you try so hard until you get to that point? No matter how much you train, you’re no match for Gato’s minions! No matter how cool you say and how hard you try, a weak person will get defeated in front of a truly strong person!”

Once his emotions were ignited, there was no stopping them. Inari, crying and giving in to his rage, poured his feelings out onto Naruto.

“You piss me off! You know nothing about this country, yet you’re so nosy! What do you know about me?! I’m not like you, you know nothing about hardship and always act like you don’t feel anything!”

“…As you say, I know nothing. But still, I will risk my life to protect you.”

“Don’t say such pretty things!”

“I promise. I will protect you.”

Naruto declared as he showed his power fist to Inari.

Inari gasped at Naruto’s quiet, yet powerful voice.

“Even in the face of adversity, it is the way of a man to stick to his beliefs. Even if it means losing his life in the process, he will not give up on his beliefs. And those beliefs will become the fuel that keeps him going.”

“Even if it’s hard, even if it’s sad… I’ll try my best, try my best… Even if I lose my life, I’ll protect you with these two arms.”

“Inari, you are still a young lad. Watch your own back. I will teach you what the path of a man is.”

–But it’s completely different…

The image of Naruto reflected in Inari’s eyes was that of a certain person. It was the image of a person he admired.

Unable to accept this, Inari ran off in vain.

Naruto watched as Inari left the room and then stood up.

“Naruto, where are you going?”

“…Today is a crescent moon. It’s nice to admire the moon every once in a while.”

“Really…get some rest.”

Although they had only been in the same group for a short time, Sakura must have noticed what Naruto was about to do. She called out to him with a slight smile.

“…I’ll do my best.”

“Hmmm…”

“And Sasuke-kun too?”

“…Let’s go for a walk.”

The backs of the two of them leaving.

Surely the two of them were going to practice tree climbing. In that case, I…

Sakura’s eyes landed on the dumbbells that were placed next to Naruto’s luggage.

“Naruto. Can I borrow this?”

She called out to him, but Naruto was nowhere to be seen. There was no voice. But Sakura sensed it in her soul. If it were Naruto, he would have welcomed her using the dumbbells.

Sakura picked up the dumbbell where Naruto had left it.

“Wait, it’s heavy too!?”

–Isn’t it stupid to carry around 15kg dumbbells?

Sakura swallowed her words. She realized that even if she said something, there was no one there to listen to, and even if she did say something, there probably wouldn’t be anyone who would listen.

+++

The apples are crushed.

Dripping juice is flowing from Zabuza’s palm.

“You’ve come back quite a bit.”

Standing next to Zabuza was a handsome boy. Yes, he looked just like the girl who had been picking medicinal herbs with Naruto.

“Okay, time to go.”

Zabuza called out the name of the boy standing next to him.

“white”

“yes”

The boy was holding a mask in his hand. It was the same mask worn by the man who had stabbed Zabuza in the neck with senbon. Kakashi’s guess was correct. The pursuing ninja boy was on Zabuza’s side.

Zabuza’s body no longer numb, and he picked up his prey.Cutting off the swordBeheading knife

Zabuza bared his fangs again.

Long Jump

The morning sun illuminated Sasuke’s face.

Sasuke frowned in a dazzling way, and reluctantly lifted his heavy eyelids and looked to his side. The golden cherry blossom color was fantastic.

“Ah, Sasuke-kun. Good morning.”

A somewhat sleepy voice called out to Sasuke. Sasuke raised his head and saw the source of the voice. Sakura, already dressed in ninja attire, was combing her hair.

As the morning sunlight streamed in through the window, Sakura was combing her long hair. Sasuke replied with a brief “Yes,” but then he noticed a sight that was different from usual.

“You’re here today?”

The next thing Sasuke saw after Sakura was Naruto sleeping next to him.

Usually, Naruto would head to the training grounds before he woke up, even before the sun rose in the morning, but since his training was over, he probably took the time to rest and get a good night’s sleep.

Having come to that conclusion, Sasuke quietly got up from under his futon.

“Maybe I shouldn’t wake you up today.”

“That’s right.”

Apparently, Sakura had the same idea as Sasuke.

Sasuke nodded to Sakura and placed the futon he had been covering himself with onto Naruto.

–Feet… aren’t they cold?

Sasuke placed the comforter over Naruto’s legs, which were sticking out from under the futon, then folded up the mattress and stacked it in the corner of the room just like Sakura had.

After quickly changing, the two of them went down the stairs and headed to the living room. The three members of Team 7 were assigned to a room on the second floor of Tazuna’s house. Unlike the genin who were all sleeping in one room, Kakashi, a jonin, was sleeping in the guest room on the first floor.

However, the three were not dissatisfied with it. As ninjas, they had expected to spend many days sleeping outdoors. Compared to sleeping outdoors, the room was a little cramped, but what could they be dissatisfied with?

Sasuke and Sakura had no complaints , even if they woke up in the morning to find a muscular man lying there with a thud next to him .manNaruto

When the two arrived in the living room, Tsunami and Kakashi greeted them.

“Good morning both of you.”

“Oh, good morning.”

Tsunami was preparing breakfast. While she was preparing, Kakashi raised his hand to the two of them with a carefree look on his face. After Sakura and Sasuke responded to them, Sakura asked a question.

“What about Tazuna and Inari?”

“Apparently he’s getting changed now. So, what about Naruto? From what I can see, he still needs some rest.”

“He’s sleeping soundly. I think it would be best to let him sleep a little longer.”

“I see. Tsunami-san, I’m sorry but as I said earlier, would it be okay if you let Naruto sleep?”

“of course”

Tsunami nodded vigorously.

“Uh… Good morning.”

“Good morning Tazuna. Good morning to you too, Inari.”

Tazuna and Inari came into the living room.

“…”

“Hey, Inari. How about a greeting?”

“……good morning”

“Yeah, good morning.”

I still need to get used to it.

Sakura gave a wry smile as she scratched her cheek as Inari greeted her at Tsunami’s urging. Even though they had shared a bed and meals for a week, there was still a sense of distance between them. Sakura felt a little lonely.

Tazuna sat down in front of the table, followed by Inari and Kakashi who sat down nearby.

“Tazuna, this is for you.”

“Oh, sorry.”

There was a soft thump and Sasuke placed a plate in front of Tazuna.

How many days ago was that? Perhaps inspired by Sakura helping prepare breakfast, Sasuke also started helping with the preparations. Apparently, he was good at making fried eggs, so for the past few days, Sasuke had been making the main dish for breakfast by hand.

And how ironic that Sakura, who had been so proactive in helping Tsunami, now had nothing to do.

“Oh, that looks delicious.”

As he is good at it, the fried eggs Sasuke makes are the best. The way the heat penetrates the eggs is nothing short of perfect. As you would expect from a descendant of the Uchiha clan, whose family crest is the ability to control fire.fanFan

The yolk is soft-boiled and the white is cooked through. They’ve known this for days.

Breakfast was ready, and as everyone sat around the table they silently joined hands.

“I’ll enjoy having this”

Brown rice, daikon miso soup, and a fried egg. A standard breakfast that is simple yet deeply flavorful.

When Sakura breaks the yolk with her chopsticks, the white is covered in a runny yolk. It feels a bit wasteful to break up the beautiful fried egg, but Sasuke taught her that this is the delicious way to eat it, so Sakura uses her chopsticks to lift up the white, colored by the yolk. She seasons it with salt and pepper.

Because of the simple seasoning, when Sakura put the fried egg into her mouth, her mouth was filled with the rich, natural aroma of the egg.

–Eggs.

Sakura was not unfamiliar with words to describe deliciousness, such as “good texture” and “good aroma.” However, the only word she could think of to describe the deliciousness of Sasuke’s fried egg was “egg.” Sakura knew that it was just a proper noun, and that it was impossible to convey the taste with just that word. However, the word that came to her mind above all other words was “egg.”

Next, Sakura let out an exclamation. She was moved and grateful for the ingredients she was eating first thing in the morning. Perhaps wanting to continue eating while still immersed in the emotion, Sakura picked up the bowl in her left hand. The rice was a perfect blend of brown rice. The grains stood perfectly straight.

Tazuna nodded slightly when he saw that.

–I can tell this is delicious even without putting it in my mouth.

Tazuna puts some rice into his mouth, careful not to lose the flavor of the fried egg that still lingers in his mouth, then he brings another fried egg to his mouth. The scent of the egg and the aroma of the brown rice combine together, and it’s so delicious that he can’t help but exclaim in delight.

“law……”

Tazuna was satisfied.

Breakfast is a ritual that fills your whole body with energy in the morning. You feel a surge of energy in your body. But you need one more thing to get your body going.

Tazuna changes his rice bowl and picks up the miso soup bowl. He puts his chopsticks into the soup and gently stirs it while lifting up the daikon that has sunk to the bottom, to make the soup thicker. First, he pops it into his mouth as if it were a daikon, then he puts his mouth to the miso soup bowl and sips.

Hot liquid going down from the mouth to the throat.

–This is it. I’ve been waiting for this.

Before Tazuna could react, it was Kakashi who made his move.

“Thank you for the meal.”

“You eat quickly!”

Without thinking, Tazuna and Sakura’s voices overlapped.

“Well, I eat quite quickly.”

“Teacher, what a waste.”

“Hmm. That being said, it’s just a fried egg, so I’m not that impressed.”

“Kakashi’s right. Don’t you get tired of eating fried eggs every day since I made them?”

“not at all!”

The two voices overlap again.

“Would you like another serving?”

“After you eat this!”

After returning Tsunami’s call, the two continued eating in silence. Sasuke took his eyes off the two, who seemed determined not to let him escape, and looked up.

— I hope these guys don’t eat Naruto’s share too.

+++

“Well then! Please take good care of Naruto.”

After finishing breakfast, Team 7, excluding Naruto, and Tazuna leave the house. The construction of the bridge is nearing completion, and Kakashi is convinced that those targeting Tazuna have not yet given up. Although Team 7 managed to defeat Zabuza, there is still a chance that Zabuza is still alive.

That was why Kakashi had stopped his training and decided to guard Tazuna with all the forces he had at his disposal. However, one of them was so exhausted that he could not even get up.

Kakashi bowed to Tsunami.

“I’ve used my body beyond its limits, so I don’t think I’ll be able to move anymore today.”

“Yes, leave it to me.”

Tsunami slapped his chest lightly and laughed energetically.

“Well, I’m off.”

“high”

As Tsunami sees them off, she looks at the clouds hanging in the distant sky and thinks to herself, they look like winter clouds.

+++

Fish and seaweed are abundant in Nami no Kuni, which is close to the sea. Meat from birds and wild boars can also be caught in the forests of Nami no Kuni. However, vegetable production is not so great. The majority of the population works in jobs related to the sea, such as fishing. As a result, the number of farmers is limited, and vegetable supplies are met by importing from other countries.

However, the days when we were able to import to a certain extent from other countries are long gone.

Now Gato is in charge of all imports and exports. He plans to drastically reduce vegetable imports and raise prices in order to squeeze wealth out of the people of Wave Country. This is the first step of his plan. After taking control of logistics and squeezing wealth out of the people of Wave Country, he will make them borrow money from the financial company he runs. He will then surround those whose debts have ballooned and broker jobs for Gato Company.

In other words, Gato is trying to make all the people of Wave Country his slaves.

–That’s why the guys building that bridge are a nuisance.

Gato, dressed like a mafia member in a black suit, black tie and black sunglasses, gives orders into a walkie-talkie in his hand.

“Are you ready for the attack?”

There was no response to Gato’s words, and the walkie-talkie remained silent.

“Hey, Zabuza! Are you even listening to me?”

Gato raised his voice, but it seemed the person on the other end of the line was ignoring him.

–Well, okay.

Behind his sunglasses, Gato’s eyes were cold. They were reptilian, cold-hearted and had no hesitation in devouring others.

“Kill Zabuza as planned.”

Rubbing his left hand, Gato recalled an incident that had happened a while ago.

After his battle with Naruto and the others, when Zabuza was lying down, Gato went to check on him. At that time, when Zabuza didn’t respond to what Gato was saying, he reached out to him, but the boy who was standing by grabbed his left arm with such force that he thought it might break.

A boy not even old enough to have dared to stand up to him, the de facto king of Wave Country, and make him feel pain. Can he forgive him? No, there’s no way he can forgive him.

“And did I say white? Don’t just kill him. Make him scream, make him sob, hurt him so much that he regrets being born into this world. Treat him like a pig, like an insect, while he’s still alive… kill him.”

“Ha!”

The man in black, standing next to Gato, felt something cold run down his back. What a frightening master. If he upset him, there was a good chance he would be treated as a test subject, tortured to be turned into white, in front of this Shiro person.

We have to move quickly.

He must inflict pain on Shiro to satisfy his master. But before he can inflict pain on Shiro, Momochi Zabuza, known as a “demon”, stands in his way. It’s not a tiger in front and a wolf behind, but a demon in front and a demon behind.

The man in black had sold his soul to the devil to protect himself, and was sending instructions to his subordinates over a walkie-talkie.

“After the battle between the Konoha ninja and Zabuza, eliminate both of them.”

+++

“Hmm? Did you oversleep?”

Naruto woke up shortly after Tazuna and the others had left the house.

“We need to hurry.”

At the same time as he muttered, Naruto got up from the futon with robotic movements that required no preparatory movements beforehand. He stood up and quickly folded up the futon, taking it to the corner of the room. At that time, the futon had been covering his legs, but Naruto paid no particular attention to it as he finished tidying up everything.

Naruto then approaches his bag.

Naruto took out his usual orange clothes from his bag and first forced his legs into the trousers. The fabric was squeaking and the fabric was squeaking, but Naruto paid no attention to it and took out a black T-shirt. It was a T-shirt that the clothing store’s pop said was for 12-year-olds. It was true that Naruto was 12 years old, turning 13 this year, but there was a huge gap between that and what the manufacturer had in mind for a 12-year-old.

Let’s check Naruto’s physique again. He is 196cm tall. Naruto is easily taller than an adult male. When Naruto wears a children’s T-shirt, the stretched fabric sticks to his body perfectly, recreating the texture of his muscles. In exchange, his entire stomach is exposed, which is something that a woman in the middle of summer would only be able to do if she was extremely confident about her body, but it does become a fashion statement.

However, Naruto liked this outfit. It was the kind of outfit that made people around him avert their gazes. Of course, Tsunami also averted her gaze when she first saw Naruto, but she was used to it by now.

“Huh? Naruto-kun, are you awake already?”

Tsunami called out to Naruto as he came down the stairs.

“Sorry, Tsunami-dono. I wasn’t able to wake up until this time. It seems everyone else has already headed to the bridge.”

“That’s true, but the teacher said I should take it easy today.”

“That’s not enough. I’m in excellent health.”

Naruto creates a power lump and shows off his beautiful white teeth. Seeing Naruto’s state, Tsunami exhales.

“If you feel unwell, come back immediately. If you promise me that, you can go.”

“Understood.”

Naruto was about to open the door and catch up with Tazuna and the others, but Tsunami stopped him.

“Naruto-kun, you have to eat your breakfast properly.”

“Hmm, but…”

Even though he was there on an escort mission, Naruto couldn’t accept that he was prioritizing his own breakfast.

“Sasuke-kun went to the trouble of making it for me, so it would be no good if I didn’t eat it, right?”

“……but”

“Well, there’s no other way. A request from my client. Naruto-kun, make sure you eat a good breakfast.”

Smiling wryly at Tsunami’s cheerful words, Naruto finally nodded his head.

“If you say so, I cannot refuse. Sorry, Tsunami-dono. May I have some breakfast?”

“Um, that’s good.”

Tsunami urged Naruto to sit down, and Naruto shook his head once.

“I’ll get some protein from my bag.”

With that, Naruto made a U-turn and headed towards the room they had been assigned.

+++

Now, on top of a bridge under construction, Tazuna arrives there with his eyes wide open in disbelief.

“Wh… what is this?!”

Tazuna’s voice rang out.

What comes into his field of vision is the figure of his subordinate lying on the ground, bleeding. Tazuna rushes over to him.

“What’s wrong?! What on earth happened?!”

“You…monster.”

–That must be a fish…

Kakashi’s eyes sharpened when he heard Tazuna’s subordinate call him “monster.”

A monster. A strange being. A being with extraordinary power. Though he didn’t think it was possible, Kakashi was certain he knew who the culprit was.

And the mist enveloped them.

“Here it comes!”

–So you’re still alive after all. So you’ve come out already. …Zabuza.

“Kakashi-sensei! Could this be…?”

“Yeah, don’t let your guard down. Zabuza is a specialist. His method is to assassinate the enemy without making a sound.”Silent MurderSilent Killing

Soon after Kakashi called out to Sakura, a voice rang out from the mist.

“It’s been a while, Kakashi. What happened to that muscular daruma?”

“He’s sleeping because he’s tired from training.”

“I see. That’s good.”

Zabuza’s voice was gentle, but then it suddenly turned into a blade of fear-inspiring words.

“…so I can put all your heads next to his pillow.”

It’s not just words, it’s the color of a dull sword reflected in the mist.

He must have approached hiding in the mist. Zabuza was in front of Sasuke, no, not just in front of Sasuke. Several Zabuza were closing in, surrounding him all around. It was a Mizunami body technique.

Undaunted by the Zabuza that surrounded him, Sasuke laughed fearlessly.

“Don’t just stare at Naruto.”

“Do it, Sasuke.”

The moment Kakashi gave orders to Sasuke, Zabuza’s bodies surrounding them erupted into water. Mortally wounded, the water bodies could no longer maintain their form and turned back into water.

“Huh… so you’ve gotten rid of the water. It seems that it’s not just muscle Daruma who can do this.”

Zabuza appeared from the mist and gazed with amusement at Sasuke, who had slaughtered his monsters in an instant.

” Appearance… White.”Formidable Opponentrival

“It seems so.”

Appearing at Zabuza’s side was a white man wearing the mask of a Hidden Mist Ninja Pursuit Squad.

Kakashi sighed when he saw him.

“Apparently, my prediction came true.”

“a!”

“That masked guy. No matter how you look at it, he’s one of Zabuza’s comrades. Let’s line up together.”

“How dare you come out here so boldly, that guy?”

Sasuke took a step in front of Sakura, who was making a vulgar gesture towards Shiro.

“I’ll do that guy. What a terrible actor. I hate those arrogant kids the most.”

“So cool, Sasuke-kun?”

–Sakura never points anything out to Sasuke.

Kakashi looked at Sakura with half-closed eyes.

Although the battlefield did not feel particularly tense, this showed that neither side was yet prepared for battle.

“He’s quite the boy. Even if his water body only has about 1/10 of his original strength… I’m impressed he was able to do that.”

“But you made the first move. Go!”

“high”

Sasuke’s senses sounded an alarm.

Following instinct, I swung my kunai and a high-pitched sound echoed through the mist. It was the sound of kunai and senbon.

Sasuke’s gaze, once again recognizing the person before him as an enemy, met the gaze of the black eyes peeking from behind the mask.

Now the battle has begun.

+++

Back at Tazuna’s house. After Naruto left, only Tsunami and Inari were home.

Inari was looking out at the sea in his room, while Tsunami was preparing lunch. The main dish for today was marinated horse mackerel. All the preparations were done, and all that was left was to wait for Tazuna and the others to return while washing the utensils they had used in cooking.

Such was the scene in an ordinary family life, until an assassin came to literally destroy it, reaching for his sword.

In an instant, the wall of Tazuna’s house was sliced ??apart, making a loud noise.

“!?”

The assassins are a pair of swordsmen: one wearing a hat and the other half-naked. Both are allies of Gato.

And the two of them had excellent sword techniques. They had the strength to swing their swords multiple times in an instant, and the way they slashed with the blade was so precise and accurate that they could cut through a wall, even though it was made of wood.

Not the only one.

“Are you Tazuna’s daughter? Sorry, but I’d like you to come with me.”

Tsunami turned around and the hatted man, Zori, spoke to her in a commanding manner.

“Mom!”

Inari, sensing something unusual, peeked his head out.

“What the hell, brat!”

Tsunami noticed that the half-naked man, Waraji’s face was distorted in a nasty way and realized what he was trying to do.

–This guy is going to kill me.

“Don’t come out! Get out of here quickly!”

“Should I bring him too?”

“One hostage is enough.”

“So… hehe… should I kill you?”

“!?”

“Wait!”

“If you lay a hand on her, you will bite off your tongue and die. … You want a hostage, don’t you?”

Tsunami and Gato’s assassins glare at each other for a while.

Tsunami was the winner. Amidst all the losses, catching her was the only victory. Zouri shrugged and looked from Tsunami to Inari.

“Hmph… You should thank your mother, boy.”

“Ahh. I want to cut something.”

“Hey, get over it. I just did a test cut a little while ago. Anyway, I’m going to take you there.”

Inari was unable to look away from his mother being tied up and taken away, nor could he scream for them to stop. All he could do was cry.

–Mom, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m just a brat and weak, so I can’t protect you.

Inari spoke to himself in his mind, knowing that no one would listen. It was an excuse for his own weakness, who could only watch as his mother and grandfather were taken advantage of by Gato’s minions.

And I don’t want to die. I’m scared.

He just trembles.

“Even in the face of adversity, sticking to one’s beliefs is the way of a man. Even if one loses one’s life in the process, one should not give up on one’s beliefs. And those beliefs become the fuel that gives one life.”

He remembers the images of the Konoha ninjas, his mother, and his grandfather.

–Everyone’s amazing…

–That’s cool…

–Everyone’s so strong…

ShinobiNarutoThe back of . And the back of .fatherKaiser

–Me too…I don’t have any muscles, but I wonder if I can get strong too…Dad!

Inari stopped trembling.

+++

Tazuna’s house is built on the sea. By submerging trees in the sea and combining them to create a house, he was able to jump into the sea as soon as he left the front door. A wooden bridge also spanned from the house to the land, across which Tsunami and Gato’s minions were walking.

The assassins called out cheerfully to Tsunami as he was being led away in sandals and straw sandals with his hands tied behind his back.

“Hehe…looking at your beautiful skin makes me want to cut you.”

“Hey, walk faster.”

“Wait!”

Suddenly, Inari’s voice rang out.

“bean paste?”

Waraji looked at Inari with his eyes wide open. He had such an imposing presence that even an adult would instinctively step back.

“Inari!”

“What is it? Isn’t that the kid from earlier?”

In addition to those sandals, the zori were also holding him back. If Inari were to challenge them, the outcome would be obvious. That was why Tsunami had called out to Inari.

But Inari doesn’t run away.

“K-Get away from Mom!”

Inari clenched his fists, mustering his courage.

“Woohooooo!”

What inspires me is myself. What sticks to me is my conviction. My determination to protect my mother.

“Geez. What can I do? He’s just a brat.”

“I’ll cut you down.”

“Yarri!”

“Inari!”

There was a clang as the sword was sheathed. A sword clash with blinding speed. It was Iai.

–There’s not even a scratch on it…

Waraji and Zouri turned around and backstepped to distance themselves from him.

Both Zori and Waraji had heard about it in the report. The Konoha ninja who had killed the feared “demon” Momochi Zabuza with one punch. Zori stood there with a dignified presence, gazing at him, knowing that he could not let his guard down.personMuscle

“Sorry for the delay.”

“Hey, Naruto’s big brother.”

“Naruto-kun… why?”

Uzumaki Naruto was smiling as if to say that everything was fine. He was seen heading towards Tazuna.

Naruto answered Tsunami’s question without hesitation.

“To fulfill my promise to Inari.”

Inari’s eyes widened.

“I promise. I will protect you.”

Naruto had certainly said that. He had thought it was just a nice thing to say. He had thought it was nonsense. But Naruto had kept his promise. No matter how dangerous the enemy was, he stood before them to protect them, without fear.

The extent to which this had touched Inari’s heart was clear from the tears streaming down his cheeks.

“What is it? I was wondering who it was, it’s the useless ninja Tazuna hired.”

“Waraji, pull yourself together. This is the one we couldn’t cut down with our Iaijutsu.”

“Hah… Then just keep slashing until you can.”

The situation hadn’t changed that much. It’s true that Naruto had saved Inari from the two deadly blades, but the enemy hadn’t lost any energy and was ready to move on to the next attack at any time.

Inari cleared his throat when he noticed this, but Naruto didn’t even bat an eyebrow, even when he was faced with a situation that would frighten a normal person.

“Don’t move.”

“bean paste?”

The moment Naruto called out to Waraji, who looked like he was about to pounce on him, the eyepatch that Waraji was wearing fell to the ground.

–What… does that mean?

Waraji, who had been closely observing, knew that Naruto was not using a projectile. Thinking it was a trap, he looked down and saw a silver blade stuck into the wooden bridge. It was a drawn blade.

And it bore a striking resemblance to the sword he had been carrying, a sword he could call his companion, although it was a blade without a handle.

Waraji cautiously draws his sword from its sheath.

“…That’s a lie.”

As he muttered, Waraji looked towards nothing. The blade of his sword, which should have been there, was completely gone.

Zori, like Waraji, also showed an expression of disbelief. In his right hand was the other half of himself that had run through the battlefield with Waraji. However, the function that had been there to kill the enemy was completely gone.

“I broke your swords with my own hands.”

“You’re kidding me!”

It was a cry from the heart. Why should a sword made of steel be broken by a hand made of bone, blood, and flesh? According to common sense, this was an impossible situation. There was no way it could be accepted.

Then, anger and sadness flowed through their hearts. Their swords, which they could almost say were their pride and joy, had been broken. There was no way they could forgive the person who had broken them, so Waraji and Zori let their emotions get the better of them and ran off to take the life of their enemy.

“Just as you all have things that are important to you, I also have things that are important to me. …That is the Ninja way. Sticking to your beliefs. That is my Ninja way.”

Sensing that the anger of the two men heading towards him was due to his precious sword being broken, Naruto quietly lectures them on the ways of the ninja.

But that’s not what they have in mind.

“Ouch, ouch, ouch!”

“Let go, let go, let go!”

Waraji and Zouri threw away their pride and shame and grabbed Naruto’s hand with both hands. However, the pain that hit them didn’t change. Naruto’s hand didn’t move from their head.

His head was being grabbed with the whole palm of his hand. Zouri had heard that this technique, called the Iron Claw or Brain Strike, was the specialty of the Raikage, the head of the Hidden Cloud Village. And at that time, he had jokingly said, “If someone uses an Iron Claw on me, I’ll cut off their arm.”

However, in reality, he was being strangled not by the Raikage but by a Konoha genin, and with his sword broken, he would have dropped the sword in fear and pain even if his sword had been in perfect condition.

There was nothing else they could do.

Their cries of anguish did not reach Naruto’s ears as he explained to them in detail what the ninja way was. Eventually, they lost the strength to resist and relaxed their whole bodies.

“Big brother.”

Inari called out to Naruto, who had fallen silent and put down his sandals and clogs.

“How did you know these people would be here?”

“There was a boar in the forest that had been killed with a sword. I was carrying it here when I saw Inari heading towards these guys, so I rushed over. These guys are probably Gato’s minions, just like Zabuza.”

“Yeah. These people are…”

Inari recalled the scene of his father, Kaixa’s execution. Though Gato had given the order, it was the two men who carried it out, unconscious at his feet.

Then, Inari compared his past self with his current self and found his answer.

“Big Bro Naruto, I understand now. The path of a man is to stand up and face it.”

“That’s right. A man’s path to success is courage.”

“courage……”

“You have shown your courage, Inari. You are no longer a fledgling. You have spread your wings. From now on, you…”

Naruto showed his lats to Inari.

“… shoulder the weight of this country, brave young man.”

“…Osu!”

Inari wiped away the tears that had unexpectedly fallen and flashed a beaming smile at Naruto.

“Well, if this place was attacked, it seems assassins are heading towards Tazuna-dono. Inari, may I leave this place to you?”

“Yeah… of course!”

Inari wiped away the tears that continued to flow with his sleeve and laughed again.

“Let’s have a victory celebration tonight. Tsunami-dono, on the way here we found a boar that had been hunted by these men and brought it over nearby. How about some peony hotpot?”

“Yes, leave it to me… Naruto-kun. Please take care of Dad.”

“Of course!”

Naruto grabbed Waraji and Zori, who were lying on the ground, by the collar and ran towards the bridge with great force.

“Peony hotpot… how do you prepare a wild boar?”

It is said that when the events occurring before one’s eyes become too much for one to handle, one acts to escape from reality. Tsunami, who still does not understand what has happened, will likely be a while before he realizes the reality.

+++

A high-pitched sound struck the air repeatedly from the fog-shrouded bridge.

The mist is not created naturally, but is created by the ninja using their supernatural skills. In other words, the bridge is a battlefield where the ninja can fully utilize their powers.

On the bridge, blue and light blue were fighting each other at lightning speed.

–I see… you can see through that speed.

Staring at the two is the “Demon” Zabuza. And Kakashi with his “Sharingan”. Both of them are not just ninja. They are strong men who have survived the bloody battlefield. There is no way that their disciples would be weak.

Kakashi had judged that his apprentice, the boy in blue, Sasuke, would be able to withstand the attacks of the boy in light blue, Shiro, for a while, so he gave orders to his subordinates without taking his eyes off Zabuza.

“Sasuke, I’ll leave that to you. Sakura, please administer first aid to the craftsmen!”

“Sorry, sensei! Please help those guys!”

“Of course.”

Even though he said that, Kakashi was unable to move. Although Zabuza had been caught off guard by Naruto and suffered a crushing defeat in the past, his strength was well-known.

Kakashi knew that if he acted carelessly, he would lose his life, so he had no choice but to watch. Especially with Tazuna on his back, who had no way of defending himself. Protecting Tazuna was something he had to prioritize above all else.

Like Kakashi, Zabuza is unable to move. His only goal is to kill Tazuna. Fulfilling his client’s wish and receiving his reward is Zabuza’s number one priority.

His second priority was Naruto’s life. Wanting to conserve his strength until fighting Naruto if possible, Zabuza used Haku to prolong the battle as much as possible.

–It was Muscle Daruma who noticed me while I was trying to hide my presence. There was no way he wouldn’t notice the battle that was happening here.

That’s why Kakashi and Zabuza don’t move. Kakashi doesn’t want to fight Zabuza, and Zabuza doesn’t want to fight Kakashi.

As Kakashi and Zabuza looked on, Sasuke and Haku stopped moving. They clashed the kunai and senbon they were holding in their hands, refusing to back down. Haku opened his mouth as he pushed the senbon in his right hand towards Sasuke.

“I don’t want to kill you, but… I don’t think you’ll back down.”

“Say that stupid thing.”

Perhaps anticipating Sasuke’s reply, Shiro muttered “I thought so” and continued speaking.

“But next time, you won’t be able to keep up with my speed. Besides, I’ve already taken two moves ahead of you.”

“Two first moves?”

“The first one is the water scattered around.”

Earlier, Sasuke’s attack had broken Zabuza’s water body, and the water that made up Zabuza’s water body, no longer able to maintain its shape, was splattering at their feet.

“And secondly, I blocked one of your hands.”

Sasuke’s kunai and white senbon made a clicking noise.

“So all you have to do is block my attacks.”

In an instant, Sasuke’s face was dyed in shock.

–What?! This guy, with just one hand?!

Secret technique: Thousand Kills Water Flying.

Usually, ninjutsu is activated by making hand gestures. The combinations of hand gestures are infinite. Ninjutsu is activated by combining 12 hand gestures like a password and then properly kneading the chakra that corresponds to the technique.

However, there is one thing that is almost always common to the activation of ninjutsu. That is, making a mudra with “both hands.” Making a mudra with one hand was something that not only Sasuke, but even Kakashi, who had been active deep in the ninja world for many years, had never seen or heard of. Sasuke was shocked at how easily Haku managed to do it, and for a moment he was frozen in place.

A momentary gap.

That would be fatal. The white technique was complete, and the water solidified into the shape of 1,000 strands of water, surrounding Sasuke without a single gap. There were so many strands made of water floating around Sasuke that it was too much to even count them. Seeing this, Sakura screamed at the top of her lungs.

“Sasuke-kun!”

However, Sasuke was so focused on himself that he couldn’t hear Sakura’s voice. He remembered the “basic” chakra usage he had done many times over the past week. He was training to refine his chakra and gather it in the soles of his feet.

Applying that. His natural instincts whispered the answer to Sasuke.

And then, the thin streams of water all began to move at once. With ferocious force, a thousand water blades approached Sasuke. The solidified water converged into a single point and exploded.

–It’s disappeared?!

It was no wonder that Shiro had this illusion. Far from seeing Sasuke, whose body should have been bleeding from his own technique, there was nothing in front of Shiro’s gaze, not even a single piece of cloth.

“!”

Shiro noticed the sound of cutting through the wind. It was coming from above him.

Realizing that the source of the sound was a shuriken, Shiro instantly calculated where the shuriken would land based on the direction of the sound, and gave commands to his body to take the optimal action.

By repeatedly taking small steps back, Shiro dodged the five shuriken and then looked up. However, Sasuke was nowhere to be seen.

“It’s surprisingly slow.”

“!?”

Sasuke’s voice came from behind him. This time it was his turn to show shock on the white face hidden by the mask.

“From now on, all you have to do is block my attacks.”

His right hand flashed dully. It was a kunai. To stop it from piercing his own body, Shiro placed his left arm against Sasuke’s right arm, blocking Sasuke’s slash.

“!”

However, that level of damage was within Sasuke’s expectations. Sasuke chuckled thinly and shifted the kunai slash that had been blocked by Shiro into a throw.

However, the enemy was no match for him. Shiro ducked to avoid the kunai that Sasuke fired from his right hand.

But, that was also within Sasuke’s expectations.

Sasuke’s left leg was approaching before his eyes. It was Shiro who was being manipulated. By the time he realized it, it was already too late.

“Guh!”

Sasuke’s left foot caught Haku’s face and kicked him to the ground at Zabuza’s feet.

“Apparently, I’m faster than you.”

Sasuke’s words sounded like a declaration of victory.

“Hehehe…”

The response wasn’t from Haku, who had kicked him away, but a chuckle from Zabuza.

“What’s wrong?”

Without answering Sasuke’s question, Zabuza spoke to Haku, who had stood up.

“Shiro… do you understand? If you keep going like this, you’ll get killed.”

“Yes, that’s unfortunate.”

Sasuke felt cold when he saw Shiro kneeling on the ground. It wasn’t that his body was reacting to Shiro’s murderous intent.

–Is this cold air?

Shiro slowly stands up, making hand gestures.

From there it all happened in an instant.

A slab of ice suddenly appeared, trapping Sasuke inside.

Secret technique: Magic Mirror Ice Crystal.

A deadly ninjutsu technique using a mirror made of ice that only reflects white. No one has ever escaped this technique in the past.

And even without knowing this information, Kakashi had judged from his past experiences that the ice mirror surrounding Sasuke was dangerous, too dangerous.

“Sakura! I’m counting on you here!”

“Oops……”

Just as Kakashi was about to step forward, Zabuza appeared in front of him.

“I thought that brat was going to be with Shiro?”

“If you move from here, I’ll kill you old man.”

Zabuza’s eyes were telling him that. All Kakashi could do now was to glare at Zabuza.

–Sasuke.

Kakashi can only pray that he is safe.

Shiro, convinced that Kakashi would not move, stepped towards the ice mirror. Then, as if being sucked in, Shiro sank into the ice mirror. Then, Shiro’s reflection was reflected in all the mirrors.

A white figure reflected in all the ice mirrors surrounding Sasuke. His instincts were ringing out a warning at maximum volume, but Sasuke had no way to strike back.

“Well, it’s time to go. Let me show you my true speed.”

His shoulder was cut.

Sasuke realized this, but the next moment, a wave of pain from being scratched all over his body assaulted his brain all at once.

“Guaaaah!”

Sakura’s face stiffened when she heard Sasuke’s voice.

Sasuke had no idea what Shiro was doing to him in the space blocked by the mist and the ice mirror. But it was easy to tell from his voice that he was hurt.

“Tazuna-san, I’m sorry. I’ll be away for a little while.”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

To save Sasuke, Sakura headed towards the ice mirror that Shiro had created and threw a kunai with all her might. She used her running start to increase the power of the throw, and furthermore, used her chakra control to improve her physical ability as she threw the kunai.

However, it was easily grasped by Shiro.

“It’s useless.”

Shiro stopped the kunai and pointed the tip of the blade at Sakura, intending to return the kunai to her, but it never happened.

Suddenly, a thud-thud-thud resounded, a noise unbecoming of a ninja battle. It seemed to be coming from far away, gradually approaching the bridge.

Shiro stopped throwing kunai and turned his head towards the direction the sound had come from.

An orange light was approaching the bridge in a straight line, raising a cloud of dust. For some reason, the color was clearly visible even in the thick fog. He could also see that the person it was holding was being violently shaken up and down with both hands. However, the line of dust was located far away from the entrance to the bridge.

You have to make a detour before you reach the bridge.

It would take time for him to reach the bridge. Even at his speed, calculated from his previous movements, it would take him at least two minutes to reach the entrance to the bridge. Even if he had acquired chakra control and was now able to walk on water, it would take at least twenty seconds to reach the bridge.

That’s what Shiro thought.

–I must finish everything before he arrives. For Zabuza-san’s sake.

Behind the mask, Shiro creates the face of a ninja. He shows his true self as a ninja, mercilessly, meaninglessly, in order to become invincible.

But White doesn’t notice. White has misjudged his quads.

In an instant, the air exploded.

It was so huge and powerful. A jet black shadow suddenly appeared from the white mist, blocking out the light as if to dye the white mask black.

He must have recognized the kunai in Shiro’s hand. The kunai was aimed at his comrades.

His second priority was his “comrades.” He couldn’t ignore the fact that a weapon was being pointed at Sakura, a member of his squad. So, he headed straight for the bridge from Tazuna’s house, passing through the forest, and as soon as he saw the bridge shrouded in mist, he knelt down. The only thing blocking his way was the sea. There were no obstacles in front of him.

–Then…let’s go!

Gathering his strength in his thighs, he moved from one end of the V to the other, leaping the distance of perhaps 200 meters to the bridge.

And then, as Shiro approached in one leap, he headbutted him through his mask.

Shiro tumbled onto the bridge, and Zabuza instinctively turned around. There he saw the figure of a large man, most of which was obscured by the mist. There were two sounds of something dropping to the ground as it left his hand.

Then there was a boom, and the fog and smoke further obscured the big man’s figure.

Who could it be?

A strangely loud gulp echoed across the bridge.

“Children cry, mothers cry, people cry. Evil that tramples on dignity runs rampant, and blood is shed.”

With visibility reduced by the smoke bombs, a booming voice rang out, sending shivers down everyone who heard it.

“But evil will surely be defeated. The heroic tales of those who defeated evil will be passed down from here on out.”

His voice is stirring to the heart, inspiring the hearts of the righteous and overwhelming the minds of the wicked.

“Burn that name and that figure into your memory! Now, proclaim your name aloud!”

The wind caresses his cheek.

“Uzumaki Naruto… I’m here now!”

At the center of the swirling smoke appeared a hero, a hero who vanquished evil with his fist.

The proud figure of a hero. The moment Shiro saw Naruto, he realized something.

–I can’t beat this guy.

That’s why the answer he chose was so cruel.

“Naruto-kun.”

“Hmm? You are…”

Without caring about his mask cracking, Shiro turned his dark eyes towards Naruto.

“Please… kill me.”

Shiro comes to the conclusion that he does not want to surrender but rather wishes to be executed.

“That’s impossible.”

Shiro laughed sadly and shook his head at Naruto.

“Zabuza-san has no need for weak ninja. You have taken away my reason for existence.”

“Is being strong the only reason you should be alive in this world?”

“Yes. The day I met you in the forest, I thought we were alike. I’m sure you can tell that too. I can’t live if I’m not needed by you, Zabuza-san.”

“That is absolutely not the case!”

Naruto shouted.

“A person you can trust with your life. That’s a bond not just of strength, but of trust. Isn’t that right? …Zabuza!”

Naruto put strength into his left arm and stopped Zabuza’s blade as it was raised to the top and swung down to cut him. Pushing Zabuza’s blade back, Naruto turned his attention to the boy who was standing there frozen.

“…I haven’t heard your name yet. What is your name?”

“Is it… me?”

“Of course.”

“It’s white.”

“Shiro, I can assure you that Zabuza truly loves you!”

“…Shut up, brat.”

“I will not be silent! You too! Why do you not speak to White? Why do you have such power and do not use it properly?”

?What do you know?!?

?I don’t understand! I don’t know anything about you guys! But there is one thing I do know. Your actions hurt people… they are evil!?

Naruto’s muscles deflected Zabuza’s blade, widening the distance between him and Naruto.

Two people facing each other. A demon and an Asura.

Naruto slowly pointed his fist at Zabuza.

“…I only know one way to talk to those who support evil.”

“what?”

“We will only communicate with our fists. Are you prepared, Zabuza?”

“…Hmph.”

Seeing Zabuza snorting from a distance, Naruto quietly took off his jacket and dropped it to the ground.

“Ha!”

The moment Naruto put force into his pectoral muscles, the black T-shirt he was wearing flew off.

The two of them, preparing for battle, exchanged glances.

“Come on, you little brat. I’ll show you your place.”

“I am no brat. Konoha-style ninja Uzumaki Naruto…”

Naruto takes a deep breath.

“…I’ll push forward!”

The aura blew the mist away.

blood

My spirits are rising. Murderous intent, fighting spirit, courage.

Neither of them intends to back down even a single step. This leads to only one answer.

It’s a struggle.

“Hurraaah!”

“Hmph!”

Naruto blocked Zabuza’s slash with his well-trained brachioradialis and triceps. Zabuza’s beheading knife tried to slash at Naruto’s body from the right, but the blade was repelled by his muscles, like two magnets repelling each other.

After seeing this, Zabuza becomes convinced that Haku’s guess was correct.

Naruto’s extraordinary defense. Haku had two guesses about it.

Naruto was able to withstand attacks by tenseing the muscles in the right places, and then unconsciously, almost as a conditioned reflex, released chakra to repel the enemy’s attacks. Shiro speculated that he combined muscle tension and the release of chakra to defend himself.

It’s hard to believe. Naruto’s defense method has a serious flaw in that if he releases chakra even slightly in a place other than the attacking point, he will be hit by the enemy’s attack without being able to take any countermeasures. However, even though it is something that cannot be used in a real fight where you don’t know where the attack will come from, Naruto makes full use of it.

What was frightening was that, despite being a Genin with little combat experience, he had the ability to accurately predict where the attack would land. No, if anything, it was more like an animal-like sixth sense.

However, beasts specialized for combat can sometimes be fragile.

–You really made a great find.

Zabuza moved as if driving a beast into a cage.

When Shiro conveyed his speculation to Zabuza, he also told him how to break through Naruto’s steel muscles, which could be said to be his absolute defense. Zabuza moved his body just as Shiro had predicted.

“nothing!?”

Zabuza used the momentum of Naruto deflecting the beheading knife and attempted a leg sweep on Naruto. However, Naruto was no match for him. He stopped Zabuza’s leg sweep just by moving his leg to the side. However, that was exactly what Zabuza was aiming for.

“Oww!”

Using Naruto’s stopped foot as a fulcrum, Zabuza spun sideways. Using that momentum, Zabuza slashed at Naruto again with the beheading knife.

This time Zabuza’s beheading knife attacked from the opposite direction. Unlike before, Naruto put all his strength into his right arm to block Zabuza’s deadly blade.

“Hmm!?”

However, this time he was unable to deflect the blow, and the beheading knife dug into Naruto’s flesh. Taking advantage of the momentum created by Naruto’s deflection, he further spun his body, increasing the power of the blade with centrifugal force, and pierced Naruto’s defenses. However, all he managed to cut was a layer of skin. Zabuza was not satisfied with that.

“Rrrrrr!”

Using the chakra he gathered in his feet, Zabuza attached himself to the bridge and secured his body in place. With his body now stable, he used the strength boosted by his chakra to raise the beheading knife, successfully blowing away Naruto’s body, which weighed over 100kg. Normally, the blow would have been strong enough to cut the target in half, but it was only Naruto’s muscles that managed to stop it with just a layer of skin.

Blown away, Naruto leapt over the fence at the edge of the bridge and disappeared below. When Zabuza heard the sound of Naruto falling into the sea from below, his face twisted in delight.

Zabuza recalled Haku’s words.

“That person has no chakra control.”

Shiro said this one morning after picking some herbs to ease the numbness in his body. When asked for more details, he said that he had been practicing tree climbing, which is the first step in chakra control training.

Besides, he had been training in tree climbing, it had been said yesterday morning, so it was hard to imagine that he had mastered the chakra control required to stand on water.

And unlike Naruto, who can’t even stand on water, water can be Zabuza’s weapon. For a Water Release user, this is the perfect field. Convinced that there’s no way he can lose, Zabuza tries to climb down from the bridge into the sea.

“Huh?!”

However, Zabuza suddenly senses murderous intent and turns away. He realizes that the shuriken has only caused a shallow wound around his elbow, and glares with bloodshot eyes at the assailant who got in his way.

“I won’t let you go.”

“Kakashi…”

Without caring about the sliver of blood running down his arm, Zabuza once again grasped the hilt of the beheading knife he had put back on his back in preparation for the pursuit.

Zabuza tried to take a step towards Kakashi, but his move never came to fruition.

Two shadows leapt in front of Zabuza.

“Sorry, but I won’t let you through.”

“Just be obedient and get killed.”

“You guys…”

It was Kakashi, not Zabuza, who spoke.

Zori and Waraji stepped between Kakashi and Zabuza.

–If I recall correctly, these are the duo that Naruto brought with him.

Kakashi had been focusing his attention on Zabuza and had not anticipated that two unconscious, insignificant people would be standing before him; his miscalculation held him back.

“Sensei! Those are Gato’s minions!”

Kakashi narrowed his eyes in response to Tazuna’s voice. Zouri ignored Kakashi’s look as if to say this was going to be troublesome and turned to Zabuza.

“Go. Your enemy is that guy.”

“…Hmph.”

Zouri watched as Zabuza disappeared using the body flash technique, then turned to Kakashi again and took out a scroll from his pocket.

“Just like the old man said, we’re teaming up with Gato. We have the same goal as Zabuza. Kakashi with the Sharingan, we’ll stop you.”

The zori and waraji duo and the scarecrow glared at each other on the bridge.

And below the bridge there were people glaring at each other. Naruto and Zabuza. However, it was clear at a glance from their positions that Naruto was at a disadvantage. Zabuza was standing on the water, while Naruto was completely submerged in it.

Having turned the tide of the battle in his favor, Zabuza called out to Naruto, who continued treading water.

“When you put force into your whole body, you need to stop moving your body. And if you keep force on your body in the water and don’t move, you’ll sink. In other words, there’s no way you can win.”

If he blocked Zabuza’s attack underwater like before, the force of his body would cause him to sink to the bottom. If he continued treading water to avoid sinking, he would be cut down by Zabuza’s beheading knife. Zabuza was confident of his victory.

But still, he misjudged Naruto’s potential.

“Hmph!”

The sound of splashing water, the thunderous sounds of hammering.

…When was that, I wonder?

Zabuza’s thoughts drifted back to the past. It must have been some time after he entered ninja academy. He was still a small boy, but his face was frightening, to say the least. He had sharp eyes and thin eyebrows. His appearance made it difficult for the young Zabuza to make friends. So after classes at ninja academy were over, he would spend his time holed up in the library.

It’s hard to believe given his current words and actions, but Zabuza loves animals. Even people close to him, like Bai, don’t know this, but it’s a fact. He hides his kind heart through his appearance and actions, but he does love animals.

While hanging out in the library, the young Zabuza once came across a book that caught his eye. Now an adult, Zabuza can’t remember the title, but he remembers the contents clearly. The book was a detailed description of the ecology of lizards. Within the book was a description of a lizard of the “Basilisk genus.” As the young Zabuza read the description, his eyes widened.

“This lizard can run on water.”

The young Zabuza’s eyes lit up at this simple yet moving sentence. A lizard that crawls on the ground walks on water. The innocent young Zabuza was touched by the potential of the lizard that had spent so many years achieving the impossible.

So how can the basilisk walk on water?

To understand this, we need to know something about water.

Water is a surprisingly “hard” substance. You probably don’t feel that water is hard in your daily life. But have you ever had an experience like this? It could be the sea, a lake, or a river. When you slam your open palm into the water, it hurts, just like hitting a hard object.

The force of inertia that tries to return the water to its original shape and the viscosity of water come into play. When a certain amount of force is applied to the water in an instant, it becomes as hard as concrete. And the larger the surface area that is hit against the water, the harder it becomes.

This is the reason why divers, a type of swimming competition, try to minimize the surface area of ??their body that comes into contact with the water when they land. It hurts to be thrown flat-footed into the water. It hurts so much that even a grown man would cry. That’s why they try to minimize the surface area of ??their body that comes into contact with the water when they land.

“…”

The water hardens. Naruto stomps his feet so fast that it is impossible to stop him, and he stands his body on the water. The soles of Naruto’s feet do not have a very large surface area. But he makes up for that with his speed. With his soles slamming quickly against the water, the water hardens enough to support Naruto’s weight, and he supports his body by alternately stomping before the water’s inertial force disappears.

The sound of splashing water, the thunderous sounds of hammering.

“Use your chakra!”

Zabuza instinctively shouted at the top of his lungs, he was forced to shout. Zabuza didn’t know where his anger came from – was it because he couldn’t forgive Naruto’s actions, which were far too down-to-earth for a ninja, or because his childhood memories had been tarnished?

“I’m not good at using chakra!”

–Ah, I get it. This guy is an idiot.

Zabuza took the beheading knife he had been holding off his shoulder, freeing both his hands.

Tools that cannot be usedjunkThe only solution is to crush it.

Zabuza’s forehead veins bulged as he made hand gestures with invisible speed.

“Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!”

The water swelled up behind Zabuza, towering high as if raising its head towards the heavens. The water dragon that appeared in front of Naruto opened its jaws, closing in to crush him.

It takes bravery for a small person to face a dragon. But Naruto doesn’t back down. On the contrary, he kicks the sea and leaps into the air. Naruto gathers strength in his right arm.

“Haaaaaah, raaa!”

He slams his fist into the nose of the approaching water dragon from above.

If it’s hard, you can hit it. It’s a simple theory. Zabuza cracked his neck as he was hit with water from the Water Dragon Bullet, which had lost its shape. Perhaps because he had been splashed with water, Zabuza’s head had cooled and he looked at Naruto with calm eyes.

–I’ll admit it.

Though he didn’t say it out loud, it was at this moment that Zabuza first understood Naruto’s power.

+++

Shiro stares blankly at Zabuza as he fights Naruto. The two of them look very large and far away from the bridge.

“Hey. How long do you intend to keep doing that?”

A voice called out to Shiro from the side.

“you……”

“You haven’t introduced yourself yet… Uchiha Sasuke.”

It was Sasuke who called out to Shiro.

“I’m not going to lose. Bring it on.”

“But I have no reason to fight you.”

“Tell me your true feelings”

“…”

Sasuke jerked his chin. His direction was towards the ocean where a large splash had just risen.

“When you see those guys fighting, do you really feel nothing?”

“…”

“I want to fight, don’t you?”

“…”

“I say it again. Bring it on!”

“You’re… stupid.”

“Enough with the excuses. Just make the mirror we were talking about.”

“What do you mean?”

“There was an interruption, so I’ll try again. That’s all.”

White laughs slightly.

“You are truly foolish. But, I wonder why. I feel like fighting you…. Secret technique: Magic Mirror Ice Crystal!”

While watching the battle between Zabuza and Naruto, he must have realized it at some point. The mirror that Haku had created broke and scattered on the ground.

Sasuke poured chakra into the shards of mirror, and as Shiro re-created the mirror, he held a kunai in both hands. The impatience he had felt earlier when he had been cornered was gone. Opening his eyes to the Shiro reflected in the ice mirrors that surrounded him, Sasuke began to speak.

“come”

The ice mirror sparkled. Staring at it were red eyes. Two Tomoe patterns appeared in Sasuke’s eyes, a power engraved into them.bloodFamily

–You are… strong.

Though he didn’t say it out loud, it was at this moment that Haku first understood Sasuke’s power.

+++

Kakashi was getting impatient.

Naruto was fighting Zabuza, and Sasuke was fighting Haku. Kakashi knew that neither Naruto nor Sasuke could win. In the world of ninja, defeat often means death. He couldn’t accept the young talent he was in charge of being snatched away.

However, it seemed the people in front of him wouldn’t let him through so easily.

“You guys aren’t just bodyguards, are you? Are you ninja?”

“Yes. Hidden Kiri Chunin, Zouri.”

“Same here.”

Smoke rises from the scroll they took out. Zouri and Waraji hold in their hands the spare swords they had sealed inside the scroll, a type of summoning technique.

“For our group, it would be more convenient for us to keep an eye on Gateau.”

“Do you understand? That means sacrificing the people of Wave Country.”

“Our will has no meaning. We follow the orders of our superiors. That is what it means to be a Hidden Mist ninja.”

“It’s not like Konoha. Sacrificing so many people… is not what a ninja should do.”

“Don’t lump us all together with the soft-spoken Konoha. Even if we are called trash, we have a mission. A mission to continue living, in order not to forget the past.”

“…They’re incompatible.”

Hesitation.

Kakashi understood what Zouri was saying. He had lost something important in the past. He had the same experience as Zouri.

However, what Zouri and his men are doing is stealing the future of this country. Kakashi cannot accept that. That is why he fights.

“Sorry, but I’ll have this finished in an instant!”

Kakashi responded by putting his hand on his forehead rest.

“Waraji! Let’s go according to plan!”

“ah!”

The two stand side by side.

–You closed your eyes?

“If you’re going to hate someone, hate your reputation.”

“Ever since I found out you were Kakashi with the Sharingan, I’ve had a solid plan in place for you.”

Waraji and Zori’s proud voices echoed over the bridge. It was true that closing one’s eyes was the right way to counter Kakashi’s Sharingan. The Sharingan can cast a genjutsu that renders someone unconscious just by making eye contact, so the most important thing is to fight without making eye contact.

However, if a person closes their eyes, which are the most important part of their senses, they will not be able to sense the scarecrow’s attack. That is, normally.

Kakashi could clearly see color surrounding the bodies of the straw sandals and zori with their eyes closed.

The Sharingan can see through chakra, which cannot normally be visualized, by its color, and their strategy is to surround themselves with chakra and sense anything that comes into contact with it.

— I’m sorry. Naruto, Sasuke. It doesn’t look like it’ll be over in an instant.

Although he didn’t say it out loud, it was at this moment that Kakashi first understood the power of the sandals and straw sandals.

+++

“Water Release: Water Fang Bullet”

Zabuza activated his ninjutsu.

Naruto spread his arms and spun his body. Water drills attacked Naruto’s body from six directions from the water at his feet, but they were all smashed away by Naruto’s spinning fist.

–Where?

The moment he took his eyes off Zabuza, he had vanished from before Naruto. Naruto stayed in place, wiggling his feet, as he observed his surroundings. Zabuza was nowhere to be seen, not in front of him, to his left or right, or behind him.

Suddenly, Naruto’s senses suddenly picked up on the murderous intent.

“above!”

A shadow fell on Naruto’s face. Zabuza was falling from above, aiming the tip of the beheading knife downwards, that is, towards Naruto, to slice him up. After gracefully dodging the beheading knife, he thrust his right arm up towards the sky, that is, towards Zabuza, and Naruto felt a soft sensation on his fist.

–That’s not true.

When Naruto realized he hadn’t made any progress, water splashed on his face. After he’d been hit by his fist, Zabuza’s body had turned back into liquid, soaking Naruto’s body.

–Somewhere there.

Naruto’s intuition told him that Zabuza was on the bridge.

Naruto took both feet off the water, then slammed his raised foot into the water with all his might. Using the water that had hardened from the impact as a foothold, Naruto leapt up onto the bridge in one leap.

Just as Naruto had expected, Zabuza was waiting for Naruto on the bridge. Zabuza and Naruto faced each other on either side of the bridge, but that only lasted for a moment. While Zabuza was using his water body to hold Naruto back, he had already finished all of his preparations.

Zabuza’s chakra swells up.

“Water Release: Water God Demon Blade”

After completing the hand gesture, Zabuza slung the beheading knife over his shoulder and took a stance. The sea below the bridge rose up like a tsunami, and all the water gathered around the beheading knife at once. The large amount of water with the beheading knife as its core was given shape by chakra, and it constructed its shape, long, thick, and strong.

“That’s a lie…”

Tazuna couldn’t help but cry out at the sheer power of Zabuza’s weapon.

Zabuza was carrying a blade of water as large as the bridges that the bridge builders had spent days, months, years building. Carrying the 100m long weapon, Zabuza focused his gaze on Naruto.

“Don’t run away…”

Zabuza’s lips twisted behind the bandage wrapped around his mouth.

–Are you planning to cut down the whole bridge?

Kakashi’s eyes widened. If Naruto dodged, the bridge would be cut. If everything they had built up could be destroyed in an instant, it was inevitable that the morale of those involved in the construction would drop. The longer it took to complete, the more people would fall victim to Gato’s poisonous clutches.

And standing before Kakashi, who is able to prevent this, are two ninja from the Hidden Mist. Unlike when they were defeated by Naruto, they have mastered the techniques of the samurai and have let their guard down, so they are not going to be easy to deal with. However, there is no other way than to defeat them.

Hoping to make it in time, Kakashi ran towards his sandals and straw sandals.

About 20 meters ahead of Kakashi, Naruto stood facing Zabuza with a blank expression. Even after seeing Zabuza’s technique and hearing what he said, Naruto’s expression didn’t change.

Despair that threatened to destroy all hope. Naruto glared at the Water Spear, clenched his fists, and lowered his waist.

“I carry the weight of this country on my shoulders. I have no intention of running away!”

Naruto puts strength into his right hand. He concentrates all the power that is overflowing from his whole body into just one point, his right fist. He grits his teeth. His eyes widen. And then, Naruto smiles.

In order not to succumb to despair, his heart was excited, his blood was burning hot, and he clenched his fists, shouldering the hopes of the Land of Waves.

“It’s finished! Uzumaki Naruto!”

Zabuza called out Naruto’s name without thinking, recognizing Naruto as an “enemy” and resolved to destroy him with his greatest technique.

Zabuza swung a huge blade of water the size of a bridge down on Naruto.

“Rrrrrrrr!”

“Ooooooh!”

Power clashed with power.

Let me tell you the results.

The bridge was saved: Naruto’s fist had succeeded in breaking the blade of water, and the chakra-solidified water had turned back into liquid before it reached the floor of the bridge, only wetting it.

However, even Naruto’s muscles have their limits. The harsh training he pushed himself to undergo, and the strategy Zabuza and Haku had devised for Naruto. The fatigue that had built up in Naruto’s muscles was eating away at him. The countermeasures they had analysed and devised to defeat him had erased Naruto’s strengths.

No, even if he hadn’t been tired, even if they hadn’t taken any countermeasures, the outcome may not have been different. That’s how far apart Zabuza’s skills as a ninja were and Naruto’s skills when he put everything on the line.

Water flows from the bridge into the drain. The color of the seawater flowing into the drain is different from usual.

Next to the water, there was blood on the bridge.

The wounds extended from his right fist and right arm down to his left chest and left hip. They must have reached his lungs. A large amount of blood was coming out of his mouth.

“It’s over….White.”

“yes”

There was a faint clang, and the ice mirrors all shattered and disappeared, as if returning to the heavens. Haku approached Zabuza and came face to face with Kakashi, who was watching them warily.

Zabuza passed between the fallen sandals and straw sandals that lay on the bridge, blue lightning scattering from their bodies in places, and watched as the scarecrow walked towards them. He gave instructions to Shiro.

“Shiro, let’s do it together.”

“Understood”

Kakashi bites his lip.

“Naruto…. Sasuke….”

Naruto was covered in blood. He was still alive, but his injuries were so severe that he didn’t have much time left.

Sasuke collapsed to the ground. Multiple senbon were pierced into his body, and two more senbon had pierced his neck. Sasuke’s heart and lungs had completely stopped functioning. Naruto, who was unable to move, caught sight of Sasuke’s motionless body.

“Oooooohhh…”

I hear a cry.

“Damn it!?”

“!?”

Zabuza and Shiro have a vision of a three-faced, six-armed, fox-faced Ashura statue crushing them with its gigantic hands.

I blink, and the image of death escapes me.

However, it does not reach the impact of the image.

— Your hands are shaking…?

Was I, the one they call a demon, frightened?

“Unforgivable.”

“Huh?!”

Before Zabuza could turn around, an asura-like voice stopped him in his tracks.

As if rage was rising, red chakra erupted like a volcano.

“Zabuza, please run! I’ll buy you some time!”

Restoring his movement at the sound of Shiro’s voice, Zabuza turned around and faced the imposing form of the enemy he had supposedly defeated.

Without a word, Zabuza grabbed Shiro’s shoulders and pulled him to his chest.

“This is my fight. Stay quiet.”

“Zabuza-san…”

–Take my body.

“Water Release: Water God Demon Blade!”

Zabuza gathers all the chakra in his body and activates the technique in order to bring Naruto down again, having risen to his feet using his greatest technique.

But Zabuza’s body was already at its limit, and as he was about to collapse to his knees, a white hand supported him.

“I am your tool.”

“…Do as you please.”

–This time for sure.

Putting their determination to cut through into the blades of water, the two swung their swords.

We have to believe in our future and that it can’t end here.

Liberate Submission

Zabuza’s most powerful technique approaches Naruto once again. Haku supports Zabuza, who uses his willpower to move his motionless body. They have one goal: to eliminate the threat before them.

The man in question paid no attention to the deadly blade approaching him and simply looked at his fallen friend.

///

When was that?

I think it was when my abs were completely ripped. At that time, I was still small, only a head taller than the other kids.

It’s still not enough.

He spent his days working out from morning till night, thinking that he still needed more muscle training to be accepted by the villagers. But no one tried to get in touch with him. In fact, the number of people who accepted him as himself could be counted on the fingers of both hands. The other people looked at him with a mixture of fear and hatred. He felt like they were looking at him as someone he wasn’t, and hated him.

Back then, I did push-ups, believing that muscle training was the first step to growing myself and being accepted by the villagers. There were days when I was too tired to move. When the Ninja School holiday overlapped with a national holiday, resulting in a three-day weekend, I pushed my muscles to the limits, testing how much I could endure. The result was pathetic, I was unable to move by the second day. At that time, when I had run out of strength and energy, I lay on the ground, looked up at the stars in the night sky, closed my eyes, and met him.

“You’ll catch a cold if you sleep in a place like that, you idiot.”

A towel was placed on my face. I felt the cold, wet towel cool my flushed face, so I moved the towel a little. There in front of me was the man I had decided to be.Worthy Opponentrival

He too must have been in training, as his clothes were stained with mud in places.

Seeing this made me happy. The sight of his goal devoted to training, and the kindness he showed when he saw him unable to move.

I wanted to walk and live together with Uchiha Sasuke.

///

The red chakra surges forth with even more force.

Naruto’s face changed.

His expression went from sadness to rage. With even stronger emotion, Naruto shouted.

“Wooooooooooow!”

Filled with chakra, his tightly clenched fist became a weapon with the power of a cannon. Unlike the previous attack, this resulted in him defeating Zabuza and Haku’s most powerful techniques head-on.

The thunderous voice turned into sonic pressure, which, unlike before, had the effect of stopping Zabuza and Shiro in their tracks.

A large amount of water rose into the sky. It fell like raindrops and soaked Shiro’s body.

Naruto’s spirit was so strong that Niou ran away barefoot. Shiro couldn’t help but tremble.

Naruto’s body remained motionless in the seawater that was pouring down from above like a torrential rain, in stark contrast to Shiro, who was shivering like a puppy.

Naruto took one step, then two, then three, and without stopping he came towards Zabuza and Haku.

–Move…move!

He knows that he has used up all his chakra and cannot move. But Zabuza repeatedly sends commands from his brain to his body. He focuses his eyes on his feet and tries to concentrate, but the water on the bridge only allows his legs to slip, as they have lost all strength.

Zabuza looked up as if he had given up.

–Is that all?

Zabuza looked at Naruto with his fists clenched and thought, “It’s exactly the same thing I thought the first time I fought Naruto.” Last time, he’d been able to fight in one piece thanks to his discussion with Haku, but this time he wouldn’t have any help from Haku. Zabuza realized that his ambitions had been dashed.

As he watches Naruto’s right arm being wrung, Zabuza thinks that at the very least, he must accept his fate without running away. Zabuza’s act of opening his eyes, which he would have closed in fear, comes from his own pride.

However, a shadow passes before Zabuza, as if refusing to accept him for giving up on life.

“!?”

In front of Zabuza, in front of Naruto’s fist, leapt Shiro.

“You are…”

Naruto turned his angry eyes towards Shiro.

“Why are you protecting this man?”

“Because Zabuza-san is someone important to me.”

Although his body was trembling, Bai’s words were not trembling.

“You know that he is evil, yet you still side with Zabuza?”

“yes”

“That morning, I thought you were someone who understood justice…and love, but was I wrong?”

“My justice is… to be Zabuza-san’s tool, and to protect him.”

Shiro makes a suggestion to Naruto.

“Please let Zabuza go.”

It was the same as sacrificing himself to appease Naruto’s anger.

“Besides, I was the one who killed Sasuke-kun.”

Naruto’s right arm punched Shiro and sent him flying.

“white!”

Zabuza tried to scream, but with his consciousness hanging on by a thin thread, it was difficult for him to make a sound.

So Zabuza glared at Naruto. For Zabuza, who was unable to move, this was the utmost defiance he could muster. A defiance against fate.

And just like Zabuza, Naruto doesn’t move. He seems unsure of what he should do. Having punched Shiro out of curiosity, Naruto ended up accepting Shiro’s sacrifice, and so he is unable to lay a hand on Zabuza. If he did lay a hand on Zabuza, it would be an act against the sacrifice of Shiro, who offered himself up. Naruto could not ignore that and punch Zabuza in his anger.

“Whoa, what a spectacular defeat. I’m disappointed…”

Then, there was the sound of a stick tapping. On the bridge, which was as quiet as splashing water, the sound carried far away.

“…Zabuza.”

A proud, sarcastic voice rang out from the bridge.

Gato, a small figure in a black suit, stood on the bridge, with a group of thugs behind him too numerous to count.

— Damn it.

Zabuza understood Gato’s thoughts, but felt he had to ask. It was out of courtesy to Naruto and to Shiro. It was out of courtesy to those who had been enemies, and to those he had dragged into his affairs.

Summoning what little strength he had, and then mustering it even more, Zabuza spoke.

“Gato… why did you come here? And what about those subordinates?”

“Kukuku, the plan has changed a bit. Or rather, I had intended to do it this way from the beginning…”

With a vulgar smile on his face, Gato declared to Zabuza.

“Zabuza. You will die here.”

“What?”

“I have no intention of paying you.”

“Hehehe,” Gato chuckled softly as he began to relay all of his thoughts to Zabuza.

“Hiring regular ninja from the village would cost a lot of money, and it would be troublesome if they betrayed us. That’s why I deliberately hired deserters like you, who will be easier to deal with later. When they are weakened by a battle between ninja from other schools, we can attack and kill them all with our numbers. It’s a good plan that doesn’t cost money, right?”

Zabuza does not answer Gato’s question.

Gato had come to Cockscomb having been ignored over the walkie-talkie, but he didn’t mind making the other person understand that he was superior and unable to reply.

“Well, if there’s one tactical mistake it’s you, Zabuza. The Hidden Mist demon is amazed to hear that. To think you’d be defeated by someone who’s nothing more than a uselessly muscled guy. If you ask me, well… hehe, he’s just a cute little demon.”

“I could kill you right now!”

Following Gato, his entourage laughed.

Leaning his body against the railing, Zabuza stood up with unsteady steps. Gato’s unnecessarily long explanation had seemingly restored his strength, though only to a small extent.

“Kakashi, I’m sorry. This is the end of the battle. Now that I no longer have a reason to target Tazuna, there is no longer any reason for me to fight you guys from Konoha.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Naruto bit his lip, unable to ignore what Kakashi had said.

“Kakashi sensei.”

“Naruto, don’t throw a tantrum. If you’re a ninja, you need to understand the situation. Our enemy is not Zabuza and his men.”

“Ugh…”

Kakashi understood what Naruto was trying to say and stopped him.

Anger towards Zabuza. Kakashi fully understood those feelings, but the situation did not allow them to prioritize emotions. Even though Zabuza was no longer their enemy, there were still many roughnecks before them.

Even in front of highly skilled ninjas, Gato remains calm. This is due to his overwhelming confidence. It is a confidence that comes from the image of his many subordinates crushing a small number of ninjas.

One of the people who emerged from the circle, Gato, was knocked flying by Naruto and landed close to Shiro, who had lost consciousness.

“You held my arm until it broke…”

Gato placed his foot on Shiro’s head, which had fallen and was still motionless.

“That was painful.”

Gato stomped on Shiro’s head with his foot, pushing the unconscious Shiro towards the bridge.

The flames in Naruto’s eyes flared up again. He turned his body towards Gato, and just as he was about to pounce on him, Kakashi grabbed him by the upper arm.

“Look at the number of enemies there. Don’t move rashly.”

“But!”

“Boy. Listen to Kakashi.”

“What he’s doing is degrading those who can no longer fight. There’s no way I can forgive that….Do you have no thoughts about this? Shiro is your comrade, right?”

“Just like Gato used me, I used Shiro. In the ninja world, there are only two types of people: those who use and those who are used. I don’t have any feelings for him.”

Zabuza’s cold words made Naruto’s anger reach a critical point. With an angry expression he usually never shows, Naruto yelled at Zabuza.

“Bar your heart! Shiro certainly loved you! You certainly love Shiro too! If so, why didn’t you say a word?! Why aren’t you angry when your partner, who you lived with, was hurt like that?! That person was prepared to sacrifice his life for you, yet you don’t feel anything?! Really… do you really feel nothing?!”

“Kid.”

Shimizu ran down Zabuza’s cheek.

“No more than that…”

“Then tell me. What do you want to do?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then live.”

I had reached my limit.

“There are things that become clear as you live. That is how I have lived my life.”

Gato’s actions cannot be tolerated. Gato’s rule, which tramples on the dignity of the Land of Waves, Tazuna, Inari, and the White people, must be ended.

Naruto’s first step was huge. He kicked his leg back and used that momentum to approach Gato in one go, grabbed Gato’s leg and forced it away from Shiro’s face.

–It doesn’t move?

Gato tried to shake off Naruto’s hand, but when he noticed that his legs wouldn’t move, and tried to call out to his subordinates, Naruto, who had been holding onto his leg, and Shiro, who had been at his feet, were gone.

“Sorry, Kakashi-sensei. I’m still inexperienced and don’t seem to be a ninja yet.”

“Well, that’s typical of you. …Is it okay for you to be the main character?”

Moving with speed too fast for Gato to see, Naruto was once again in front of Zabuza.

Naruto handed Haku to Zabuza and nodded vigorously to Kakashi, who understood his feelings. Kakashi shrugged, then shifted his forehead protector and pointed his Sharingan at Gato’s group. That was Kakashi’s signal to start the battle.

Seeing this, Naruto stood up.

A flake of snow touches Shiro’s cheek. The snow melts immediately. Shiro slowly opens his eyes. The first thing he notices is that he is in Zabuza’s warm arms. Next, he notices that a shadow is casting towards them both. For some reason, Shiro doesn’t feel that this shadow is cold.

White looks forward.

Standing before them was a large back.

“To hand over is to guide the way. To embrace those who tarnish the match is to give impulse.”

A ray of light shines on him through a gap in the thick clouds.

“I swear to the waves and snow that I will not let them be sullied. I will stand between the sea and the sky!”

It is a beautiful sight that has been called various names, such as crepuscular rays, beams of light, angel’s ladder, and pipe organ of light.

“My heart is filled with excitement as I face the evil spirits that corrode this country and its people! My rising justice cannot be crushed! Bring on the sword, spear, hatchet, axe, long sword, sagami, naginata, whatever. I will crush them all and advance!”

The figure of a man appears in the clear scenery.

“I will show you my way of life! Even if I stray from the path of the ninja, I will not bend my will! Even if it means shedding blood, I will build a bridge to my dreams! To the future! To hope!”

It is like the appearance of a savior.

“I will fight to bring back the land of waves that shines in the sun! I will keep fighting! Prepare yourself!”

Gato was shaking. Without any shame or dignity, he called out in a pathetic voice to the bodyguards behind him for help.

“You guys! What are you doing! Kill him! Kill him!”

Naruto took a deep breath.

“Uzumaki Narutooooo! I’m pushing forward!”

One of Gato’s men, driven by fear, let out a strange cry. Perhaps caught off guard by Naruto’s spirit, one of the men fell into confusion and raised his sword. However, that sword, no, it wasn’t just a sword. His entire body was lifted into the air, and after rising high into the air, gravity caused it to fall onto the bridge.

The man standing next to the man who was thrown up and fell felt as if he was watching the whole event in slow motion. Then, the man finally noticed the flesh-colored thing that was obscuring most of his field of vision. He probably had noticed it but pretended not to notice it in order to escape from the fear. And then, the terrifying object slowly, slowly approached his face.

Come to think of it, the man remembered.

The man had heard that when one is on the verge of death, for some reason it feels as if the events around them are happening in slow motion.

–Am I going to die?

In a state of mind so frightened that it was driving him crazy, the man lost consciousness as he fully enjoyed the feeling of Naruto’s fist slowly sinking into his face.

Naruto, who had instantly rendered the two men unable to fight, turned his attention to Gato’s group.

At that moment, as if time had stopped and started moving again, the people standing behind Gato started to make a commotion.

“Gato! We can’t win! Let’s run!”

“It’s no good… it’s over.”

“Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu”

“You’ve got to be kidding me! I can’t stay in a place like this! I’m going home!”

“Don’t mess with me, you idiot! You idiot! You idiot!”

“Waaaah! Mommy!”

“If you let me go, I’ll give you 100,000 ryo! So, please let me go!”

“If you join me, I’ll give you half the world!”

“O-O-O-My family that I left behind in the country!”

“Honestly, that’s unbelievable! It hurts!”

“Hidebu!”

“At least let me say something!”

The men, slammed against the bridge and twitching, looked like fish up for auction. If we liken the men to fish, then perhaps Naruto, who was putting them through this, was a fisherman. There was an absolute difference in status between the hunter and the hunted.

However, even the small fry have their pride. Someone tried to strike back at Naruto, swinging a hatchet at him from behind.

“I will never let you kill any of my friends again.”

Kakashi must have gotten close before he knew it. He kicked the man with the hatchet sideways, sending him flying. The man was kicked all the way to the bridge railing, and the force of the kick sent his head crashing into the railing, his eyes rolling back, before he stopped moving.

Zouri and Waraji shed tears as they watched Gato’s subordinates, that is, their allies, fall one by one unable to fight. However, these tears were not for Gato’s subordinates, who were in the same position as them, even if only for a moment. To Zouri and Waraji, the thugs were merely friends who happened to belong to the same camp. For Zouri, who had killed his own heart for the greater good, and Waraji, whose heart was broken after losing a friend on the battlefield, the state of Gato’s subordinates was unacceptable. Seeing those who approved of plundering, they were frustrated that they could not do anything.

But what happened?

Right before their eyes, Gato’s vile subordinates were being punished by God. And they were just like the heroes they had looked up to as children. Helping the weak and defeating the strong. A true hero.

They were manifesting who they wanted to be.

Though their vision of their sandals and straw sandals was blurred with tears, the flesh-colored flash of light racing across the battlefield was etched deeply in their minds.

Seeing Zouri and Waraji still crying on the ground, Gato realized that his thoughts that if they could buy some time, the two of them could attack the muscleman and the Konoha Jonin from behind, or take the cherry-colored girl and Tazuna hostage, were pointless.

Naruto and Kakashi had destroyed the morale of Gato’s men.

–That’s so stupid. How, how could my perfect plan fall apart?!

Gato couldn’t believe the sight before his eyes.

It’s a lie, it’s impossible, it shouldn’t be happening, it’s a dream, a nightmare.

Words denying this reality spun around in Gato’s head. However, as one would expect from a capable businessman who had made his fortune in one generation, even though his mind was not working properly, his body was automatically taking the optimal action.

That meant running away. Confronting an opponent you cannot defeat head-on would be foolhardy, and could not be considered a wise choice. That was why Gato ran off without looking back.

“Damn it!?”

However, wholesalers are not willing to sell it that way.

There were many figures in front of the bridge. They were holding weapons such as sickles and fruit knives, but were also carrying helmets and woks used in construction, which were not used on the battlefield.

The people of Wave Country had built a barricade at the entrance to the bridge. At the head of the barricade was a small boy named Inari who seemed out of place in the fight.

Gato had no idea that this little child had inspired the people of Wave Country, encouraged them to stand in his way.A courageous boyMuscle Candidates

And that the boy was now hostile towards him, but that he was trying to protect him.A powerful presenceMuscle

Gato’s ignorance reached its peak here.

“Get out of the way!”

Gato, planning to take the boy hostage, shouted a threat to the adults around him. Without slowing down, Gato set his sights on Inari.

However, Gato’s attempt does not go well, as his face hits a hard yet soft object and he falls to the ground.Flexing musclesStumble

When did it move?

Gato looked up, still face down, to find Naruto standing in front of him.

“Hiiii!”

Gato struggles to escape, but his trembling limbs slip on the wet bridge and he can’t stand up properly.

And that gap was a very big one.

“Hii?!”

Gato felt something thick and hard wrap around his leg.

Next came the sensation of my internal organs moving from top to bottom all at once, followed by an unimaginable pain.

“Ouch, ouch …

He no longer had any idea what he was saying. Words that expressed the screams of his muscles, bones, and joints came out of Gato’s mouth one after another. They were not fully formed words, but they had an impact on everyone who heard them.

–That must really hurt.

Romero Special.

The move involves wrapping one’s legs around the opponent’s and grabbing their arms, then the performer lies down in one go. This forces the performer to face the sky with all four limbs facing the ground. The performer is forced to open their legs, and is then lifted up by the performer’s legs, leaving them dangling in mid-air and exposed to the public. It is a humiliating position.

It was said to be one of the least painful moves in professional wrestling, but as an ordinary person, he didn’t often experience physical pain, let alone joint locks. Therefore, he didn’t have much tolerance for pain, and felt the creaking of his body all the more.

Humiliation and pain.

In order to escape from that situation, Gato started thinking at top speed. His brilliant mind quickly came up with the answer.

Once they surrender, we’ll kill them when they let their guard down.

Just as Gato was about to say “I give up,” another sentence pierced his mind.

“No sign of remorse, huh?”

“Fungyuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhahahaaaaaaaaah!”

I will never forgive you. I will use all my strength to…

“Hagaraaaaah!”

Kill him!

“Nooooo, no more!”

Remember that!

“Matchaaaaa!”

First, I’ll run away and get myself ready. Then I’ll gather 50 more stragglers…

“Unleash ittttttttttt!”

No, gather 100 people…

“Nitchaaaaangggghhh!”

“Ah, everyone. If it comes to this, it’s okay. There’s no escaping it.”

Kakashi continues to explain to the people of Wave Country who have gathered, ignoring Gato’s screams. Kakashi has already pulled out ropes from nowhere and tied up Gato’s minions, throwing them onto the bridge.

“We won, huh?”

“yes”

Shouts of joy echoed throughout the room, along with Gato’s screams.

“You don’t have to be scared of Gato and the others anymore!”

“Peace in this country! Thank you!”

“It’s a party! I’ll bring all the food I can get!”

“Oh, there’s a wild boar close to my house, so can you butcher it?”

“Yeah! … Huh, a boar?”

“Think about it later! Anyway, let’s celebrate!”

“Gyuuuohhooooooooooooooooooo Bababagaraoucchaaaa!”

It hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts!

“Yohorooooooooo!”

Help, help, help, help, help, help!

“Enough already!”

While the people of Wave Country rejoiced, Gato, who had terrorized them, could only shed tears of pain.

–I won’t forgive you guys. Why won’t you help me? I’m the president of Gateau Company. I… I…

“Yeeeeessss!”

In the midst of the pain, Gato was asking himself questions. In a sort of trance-like state, he was thinking back on his life.

It reminds me of his childhood, when he was poor.

The country he lived in was exhausted in the aftermath of a great battle that would later be known as the First Shinobi World War. The young Gato was unable to eat a proper meal that day and hated the world.

There, he learned that power is everything in this world. Look at these powerful ninjas acting all high and mighty. They take food from us, saying it will help them fight.

The boy had learned that power was everything.

But the boy had no strength. With no food and malnutrition, Gato’s body never grew larger, so he was physically inferior to the others. He also had no talent for cultivating chakra. In other words, as a soldier and ninja, he was unable to steal from others and enrich himself.

There, he learned to use his head. Distribution is the blood vessel of a country. If he could get it to flow the way he wanted, he would attract wealth.

The young man learned that distribution is power.

As a young man, Gato sometimes used schemes and sometimes violence to drive away those who were in higher positions than him, and rose to the top of a small shipping company. The company went his way. But the world did not go his way.

–My stomach is not full.

Gato’s company eats up other companies, and before he knows it, his Gato Company has become one of the world’s leading shipping companies.

–My stomach is not full.

Gato’s next target was a country. So he set his sights on the Land of Waves, where he could easily control distribution. The Gato Company was originally in charge of the shipping industry in the Land of Waves. It didn’t take long for him to effectively control the country. And all that was left was to stop the construction of a bridge that would get in the way of his ambitions. And that was all.

“Raaaaammeeeee!”

Why am I feeling pain?

With his face wet with tears and snot, Gato thought about the sharp look he had when he was looking at him . It reminded him of how he had looked as a boy.boyInari

–Unknowingly, I had created the world that I had long ago hated.

“Fuh… fugh…”

It was a sob. A sob of regret and remorse.

Gato’s body was slowly lowered onto the bridge. The people of Wave Country fell silent as they saw Gato freed from Naruto’s restraints, and exchanged nervous glances.

“sorry”

That was Gato’s first words. Gato knew that he had committed a crime so great that he could never apologize enough. But he couldn’t help but apologize. He rubbed his head against the ground and apologized over and over again.

“I am…”

A young voice came from above Gato, who was kneeling on the ground. Gato raised his head.

“…My father was killed. I can never forgive you.”

There was Inari with a grim expression. He bit his lip once, but then he laughed a little and continued speaking with a relaxed look on his face.

“But I think my father would say, ‘A man should forgive even those who have done wrong if they apologize.’ So I forgive you.”

“Oh, ohhh…”

What a noble boy he is!

The tears that flowed from Gato’s eyes were the result of pain. This time it wasn’t physical pain, but mental pain. He couldn’t forgive the one who had made him so unhappy . But the boy in front of him had forgiven the one who had made him so unhappy .worldmonoGateaumono

“Inari…”

“I can’t help it if the littlest Inari says that. But even so, your grandson is amazing, Tazuna, he’s managed to change not only me but Gato as well!”

“Gichi…”

“…Hey, can I build a bridge again?”

Tazuna wiped away the tears that had spilled from his eyes and laughed cheerfully.

“Of course! Be prepared to be pushed to the limits!”

“Ou!”

Sakura’s voice rang out from behind Tazuna and Giichi, who were crying and putting their arms around each other’s shoulders.

“Naruto!”

“Hmm? Sakura?”

“Sasuke-kun…Sasuke-kun is safe!”

“…Sasuke!”

“Shut up! Don’t hug me, you lazy idiot!”

Taking his eyes off them as they embraced, Kakashi returned his forehead protector to its original position and walked towards Shiro.

“You didn’t kill him.”

“I couldn’t kill him.”

“I see,” Kakashi muttered, turning his attention to Zabuza, who was holding Shiro.

“It seems this child isn’t cut out to be a ninja, what will you do?”

“…It seems that I’m not cut out to be a ninja either.”

“So, what should we do?”

“I’ll live. Just like he told me to.”

Zabuza removed the bandage from his mouth, his face looking refreshed and relieved of all evil.

From then on, the people of Wave Country took center stage. They ate, drank, sang, danced, laughed, and untied Gato’s minions who had been harming them, and they talked with them and became friends. Zabuza, Shiro, Zori and Waraji, and even Gato, the root of all evil, were no exception. The people of Wave Country forgave all and placed their hopes in the future.

Seeing everyone’s smiles, Naruto crossed his arms, nodded, and muttered a word.

“With this, the matter is closed.”

+++

A week later, Gato had a change of heart and began construction on the bridge, which was completed sooner than expected.

Today was the day that Naruto and his friends were leaving for the Hidden Leaf Village. They had come to a quiet forest near a bridge.

“The Demon Man Zabuza is Dead”

Zabuza thrusts the beheading knife, a symbol of his power, into the ground behind the crossed logs. Shiro also drapes his own obi over the cross next to him.

“Thank you for your help.”

“Exactly.”

It was Tazuna who said that flippantly. He stopped Shiro, who was about to apologize, and asked Zabuza.

“So, what are you guys planning to do?”

“We are being chased by the Hidden Mist Village. Zouri and Waraji will tell the Hidden Mist Village that we are dead, but even so, if the Hidden Mist Village finds out we are still alive, they will come after us.”

“So we’ve decided to go on a trip. We don’t want to cause any more trouble in Wave Country.”

Zabuza and Shiro make a hand gesture.

“Naruto Uzumaki”

“What do you want?”

“…See you later.”

“Yes. I look forward to meeting you all again.”

Zabuza and Shiro smiled one last time before disappearing using the body-shunting technique.

+++

“Thanks to you, the bridge was completed safely, but… I feel so lonely.”

Kakashi, the captain of the escort mission, bids farewell to Tazuna at the entrance to the completed bridge.

“Thank you for your help.”

Seeing Kakashi with his head bowed, Inari probably thought this was his last chance, so he called out to Naruto.

“Big Brother Naruto.”

“nothing?”

“Will you come again?”

Inari shook his head before Naruto could speak.

“Sorry. Next time I’ll come and see you.”

Naruto stroked the head of Inari, who was crying tears of loneliness, without saying a word. Then he turned on his heel.

That large back will remain in Inari’s memory for a long time. And not only in his memory, but in Tazuna’s too.

“He changed Inari’s heart, Inari changed the hearts of the townspeople, and the two of them changed Gato’s heart. He gave us a bridge to ‘hope’ called ‘courage’!”

Tazuna talks to Giichi as he watches the Konoha ninja retreat, their backs shrinking.

“A bridge? Speaking of bridges, we need to give this one a name.”

“I see… Then I have a name that would be perfect for this bridge.”

“Oh, how’s it going?”

Tazuna spoke his final thought to Giichi.

“Naruto Bridge… how about that?”

“Fufu, that’s a nice name.”

“Right? I named this bridge with the hope that it will never collapse, and that one day its name will resonate throughout the world and become a very famous bridge… yes, that’s what I’m saying.”

The wind caressed Tazuna’s cheek.

He continued to watch the powerful figure move away, no longer visible.

Chunin Selection Exam Begins!
One for All All for One

The sun rises again today. The sun shines upon the village of Konoha, giving light to its inhabitants.

An elderly man took a deep breath of the cool, refreshing morning air. The small man, wearing a hat with a fire design on it, was looking out over the sunlit Hidden Leaf Village from the Hokage’s mansion.

The man’s name was Sarutobi Hiruzen. He was the head of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Hiruzen, who watched over the village as the third village leader and third Hokage, took a breath of the pure morning air into his lungs and slowly exhaled it.

–The Chunin Exams…huh?

All he can think about is the upcoming Chunin Selection Exam, a test to determine whether a genin is fit to lead a squad as a captain.

Normally, this was not something the Hokage would have even considered. Although the person in charge of operations was certainly Hiruzen, the Hokage, the ones who actually ran it were his subordinates, the Jonin, Chunin, and Special Jonin, the ones who were directly involved in the operations. And Hiruzen knew that the ninja who ran it were excellent.

Despite this, Hiruzen was troubled. What was really bothering him was the presence of the genin Uzumaki Naruto.

–If Naruto applied for the Chunin Exams and then took part in the main tournament…

Hiruzen closed his eyes and ran a simulation of what would happen if that were to happen. The image of a muscular, powerful Naruto came to his mind.

–I’d rather you not use that technique …Muscle ShowOiroke

Many guests would be coming to Konoha for the finals of the Chunin Exams. Hiruzen let out a deep sigh again as he pictured Naruto posing in front of the daimyo of each country.

Hiruzen’s expression was indescribably gloomy, not suited to the crisp morning air.

+++

There are training grounds all over the Hidden Leaf Village. The Second Hokage’s idea to make training grounds accessible with simple procedures like a sports gym has contributed to increasing the power of the ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village. It can be said that the Second Hokage had the foresight to simplify the procedures for the growth of future generations of ninja, rather than focusing on immediate profits.

In one of the training grounds, a boy was panting heavily.

“How is it, Kurenai-sensei?”

“Yeah, I’m doing great.”

A young kunoichi called out to her subordinate. She nodded to the wild-looking boy wearing a grey hoodie, feeling the growth of her subordinate.

“Sensei, next time I’d like you to spar with me.”

“Shino, you should get some rest. Pushing yourself too hard can be bad for you.”

“I see.”

“You should rest too, Hinata.”

“Y-Yes.”

The kunoichi looked up at the sky as she handed water bottles to the quiet boy wearing sunglasses, the shy-looking girl, and then to the boy from before.

— Something like that…

The Jonin, Yuhi Kurenai, stared at the birds singing in the sky.

+++

“Mmm, the chestnuts here are the best.”

“Yup. These chestnuts are sweet and soft, and very delicious. You’re great, Chouji.”

“Right? Leave the delicious things in Konoha to me.”

The long-haired girl, looking at the large boy grinning confidently, must have had some thoughts about his attitude. She grumbled, resting her chin on her folded hands.

“Hmm, but still, why is it Chouji and Shikamaru next to me and not Sasuke-kun?”

“Hey hey, sorry.”

“Choji and Shikamaru, once you’ve given up a bit more, you’ll start to have the sexiness of an adult like me. Just wait a little longer.”

“Asuma-sensei has an adult sexiness to him, but he does have an old man vibe to him. With his stubble and all.”

“What!?”

“Too bad for you, Asuma. You’re in the same boat as us.”

The boy who sipped his tea with a somewhat philosophical look on his face was the same age as Sasuke, but he didn’t look young. The aura he exuded was more mature than the Jonin he was in charge of. If you asked the girl in his squad, she would probably say he smelled like an old man.

The boy was shoveling chestnuts into his mouth one after the other, seemingly unconcerned with the commotion next to him. The Jounin in charge was about to call out to him, “Can’t you stop now?”, but he looked up in response to a sound he heard.

–Tch…right now?

The Jonin, Sarutobi Asuma, stared at the birds singing in the sky.

+++

With their mission in Wave Country finished, Naruto and the rest of Team 7 returned to the village and were on another mission today.

Having completed the missions assigned to them that day, the four members of Team 7 head to Konoha Village.

Among them, Sasuke was the only one with a gloomy expression and cursed in his mind.

–Damn it.

Sasuke bites his nails.

It’s annoying. There are so many people out there who are stronger than me, yet I just keep dragging my feet on missions like this…

He remembers Haku’s figure, and Naruto fighting Zabuza. Sasuke had been trying to improve himself, but now he knows his own limits, and is confronted with the reality that he’s not that great after all. His emotions are troubled.

“Well then! It’s time to disband. I have to submit my report on this mission now.”

“Then let’s go home.”

Team 7 arrived at the center of the village and with a single word from Kakashi, they were dismissed. Sasuke didn’t even look at Kakashi and started walking quickly.

“Ah! Hey, Sasuke-kun, wait up!”

“…”

“Hey, you see, from now on? we’ll be working together as a team…”

“If you have time to bother me, practice some magic instead.”

Sasuke flatly refuses Sakura’s proposal. Sasuke has no time to be distracted by love and romance. He turns his back on Sakura and quickly leaves.

“Hmm…”

Kakashi had also disappeared without a trace, leaving only Sakura and Naruto. Feeling pity for her, Naruto tried to call out to Sakura. However, in the middle of doing so, he noticed a strange gaze wrapping around his back.

Naruto turned around and saw a rectangular box decorated with an elaborate stone wall pattern. It was large enough for about three children to fit inside.

Naruto, who had an idea of ??what it was, called out to the box.

“What do you want?”

The box shifted.

Naruto turned his gaze to three familiar children who came rushing out of the crowd.

“As expected of the man I had high hopes for! He’s my rival!”

“It’s been a while. Konohamaru, Moegi, Udon.”

These are the three ninja students he looks after when he’s not on a mission. Naruto often teaches them the basics of ninja training. However, what’s sad for Naruto is that they’re not interested in muscle training.

“So, what do you want?”

“Um, are you free now, big brother?”

“Well, I was thinking of doing some training, but…”

“What?! I was planning to play ninja today, but this happened!”

“Hmph… What’s the point of a ninja playing ninja?”

Sakura, who was depressed after being flatly rejected by Sasuke, gave in to her emotions and criticized Konohamaru for his “ninja thing” remark.

Sakura’s eyes fell on Naruto’s muscles.

–I think I’ll start doing some weight training too.

Sakura thought that if she trained and gained a certain level of ability, perhaps even the same level of ability as Sasuke, he would turn his attention to her. However, if she ended up with a body like Naruto’s, she would not be recognized as a maiden.

Konohamaru looked at Sakura, who was staring at Naruto with a conflicted feeling, and then, as if he had just noticed something, he clapped his hands together.

“Could this be…Naruto’s brother’s?”

Saying that, Konohamaru held up his pinky finger.

“No!”

Sakura instantly switched to attack mode and lifted Konohamaru by the collar with both hands. Her appearance was so intense it reminded one of a lioness.

“Sakura, this is just childish play. Isn’t that a bit childish?”

“Shut up! We’re still kids! But you don’t look like a kid!”

“But isn’t that something you should do with someone younger than you?”

It seemed that Sakura had enough sense to listen to Naruto’s words, and reluctantly, calming her anger, Sakura lowered Konohamaru to the ground.

“…Huh. You guys, I’ll stop here for today to save Naruto’s life, so be grateful.”

However, Konohamaru was filled with thoughts of why he should feel grateful when he was experiencing fear.

He had no idea what was wrong with what he said.

“This booth! This booth!”

And so, that’s why he decided to say some nasty things to Sakura.

A loud thud rang out. It was the sound of Sakura’s fist landing on Konohamaru’s head.

However, Konohamaru does not give up here. Perhaps it is to be expected of the tenacity he has developed from attacking the Third Hokage countless times.

“Geez, that ugly shiny penis. Is he really a woman? Seriously… Right, Oniichan?”

“It’s not something to say bad things about women.”

By the time Naruto tried to continue, “It’s not what a man should do,” it was already too late.

“Ahhhhhh!”

Sakura was in pursuit and Konohamaru was being chased. By the time Naruto tried to stop them, it was already too late.

“Ouch!”

“…that hurts.”

Konohamaru collided face-first into a boy passing by, clad from head to toe in black clothing. The boy reached out his hand to Konohamaru, who was lying at his feet.

However, the boy, clad entirely in black clothing, grabbed Konohamaru by the collar and lifted him up with one hand.

“Konohamaru-chan!”

“I’m sorry. I was just messing around…”

Moegi and Sakura called out to the boy, but the boy in black clothes didn’t even glance their way and instead raised Konohamaru’s body up to his eye level.

“Stop it! You’ll get told off later!”

“I want to play a bit before that annoying guy gets here.”

The girl next to the boy called out to him, but the boy’s sadistic smile remained unchanged.

“Sorry, you there. Could you please let go of this child? I have to tell you.”

Then, the boy in black finally turned his gaze in the direction of the voice, that is, towards Naruto, the person who had called out to him.

–The forehead protector is from Konoha. If I remember correctly, all Konoha chunin and above were supposed to wear a vest.

For a genin, it’s no big deal. His muscles are impressive though.

The boy, having guessed Naruto’s true identity, realized that Naruto was no threat. And he thought to himself, “I’ll play around with this guy a bit,” and smiled belligerently.

Seeing Naruto walking towards him, the boy in black set the “mechanism” in motion.

It was the boy’s specialty technique that had knocked down many opponents and created openings for them to escape. However, it didn’t work on Naruto.

A loud thud echoes throughout the area.

“…What did you do?”

A crack appeared in the cobblestones. Naruto felt his right foot being pulled, and at the same time slammed his right foot down onto the cobblestones with all his might.

–This guy is strong.

The boy in black’s fighting spirit is inspiring. I want to fight Naruto.

The moment the boy thought this and turned his attention to Naruto, a pain ran through his right arm, the arm that was holding Konohamaru.

“Ugh…”

“What the hell are you doing in another village?”

“Sasuke-kun!”

The boy turned his eyes in the direction of the flying stone. There, in front of his eyes, stood Sasuke on top of a tree.

“Ugh… you piss me off.”

“beat it”

“Ahhh, that’s cool!” cries the boy as his anger grows.

“Hey, brat. Come down. I hate clever little brats like you the most.”

The boy in black put down what he was carrying.

“Hey, are you planning on using crows as well?”

The girl next to the boy called out to him, but the boy’s murderous intent did not subside.

“Kankuro, stop it.”

However, a quiet voice rang out in place of the girl.

“A disgrace to the village.”

“Ga…Gaara.”

The boy’s excited heart calmed down in an instant. He called out the name of the voice that had spoken to him in a frightened voice and turned his eyes in that direction.

A red-haired boy carrying a gigantic gourd the size of a child was hanging upside down from a tree branch like a bat.

–This guy, when did he end up next to me? …He’s as sneaky as a scarecrow.

Sasuke was inwardly horrified and turned a shocked look towards the boy around his age called Gaara.

“I’m shocked that you lost sight of yourself in a fight. What do you think you came all the way to Konoha for?”

“Listen up, Gaara. They were the ones that attacked us first.”

“Shut up or I’ll kill you”

A sharp murderous intent.

The boy called Kankuro had no choice but to apologize.

“I, I understand. It was my fault.”

“I’m so sorry. Really, I’m so sorry.”

The two below hurriedly apologized. No, it felt like they had no choice but to apologize.

Watching this, the boy named Gaara didn’t even bat an eyebrow, and turned his motionless face, like a Noh mask, towards Konohamaru.

“Sorry, you guys.”

— To think he could hit Kankuro with a rock so easily… He’s got it covered.

Without even expressing his thoughts, Gaara used his body-shunting technique to move between the boy known as Kankuro and his sister, the girl, Temari.

“It seems we arrived too early, but we’re not here to play.”

“I know.”

Kankuro gave Gaara a smile as if to appease him, but Gaara’s expression conveyed no emotion as he turned his back on the ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village.

“Let’s go.”

“wait a minute!”

“What?”

It was Sakura who called out to him.

“I can see from your forehead protectors that you are all ninja from the Hidden Sand Village, right? Although you are certainly allies of Konoha, the treaty prohibits ninja from both countries from coming and going as they please. Tell us your purpose. In some cases, we may not be able to let you go as you are.”

“Humph! This is what they mean when they say you always see things from the other side of the fence. Don’t you know anything?”

Temari took out a pass from her pocket. It was an official document that proved her affiliation and allowed her to walk proudly within the Hidden Leaf Village.

“Just as you said, we are genin from Sunagakure. We came to this village to take the Chunin Selection Exams.”

“The Chunin Selection Exam?”

“You really don’t know anything. The Chunin Selection Exam is an exam that gathers and holds outstanding genin who wish to become Chunin from the Hidden Villages of Suna and Konoha, as well as the neighboring small countries.”

“Why are we doing this together?”

“Yes. The main purpose of the joint venture is said to be to deepen friendship between allied nations and raise the level of ninja, but in reality, maintaining the power balance with neighboring countries is causing tensions between the nations…”

“Naruto’s big brother. Why don’t you try out for the Chunin exams?”

“You! Ask me a question you bastard! Listen to the end!”

Temari yelled at Konohamaru, who instantly lost interest in her explanation and turned to Naruto.

Sasuke then took a step forward as if that didn’t matter to him.

“Hey! You there… what’s your name?”

“Huh? I-it’s me?”

“No. It’s the gourd next to it.”

“…Gaara of the Sand Waterfall.”

Gaara stares at Sasuke.

“I’m interested in you too. What’s your name?”

“This is Uchiha Sasuke.”

Sasuke and Gaara exchanged glances for a moment, but then Gaara turned on his heel, seemingly satisfied with this for the time being.

“Let’s go.”

“Can you wait a moment?”

As Gaara and the others were about to leave, Naruto, who had been remaining silent, called out to them.

“…What is it?”

“Did you say Kankuro?”

“Kankuro is me… what is it?”

“Konohamaru.”

“Eh? Me?”

“You still haven’t apologized to that gentleman.”

“But, I…”

“Even if you didn’t mean any harm, you should apologize for accidentally bumping into me. Am I wrong?”

“Uh! … I’m sorry.”

“ah”

“Kankuro, you should apologize too.”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry about that, kid.”

Gaara gave Naruto an intrigued look.

“I forgot to ask. What’s your… name?”

“Naruto Uzumaki”

“Naruto…huh?”

Gaara muttered that and then disappeared once and for all.

Three shadows watch the scene from the shadow of a tree.

“What do you think?”

“Well, nothing major. Konoha’s brunet and Suna’s gourd. Those two are worth keeping an eye on.”

“What about muscular guys?”

“As you can see, it’s no good to reach out from the front. That person probably notices us.”

“Tsk… So it’s not going to be that easy.”

“But we can win.”

“Fufu… that’s true.”

The three shadows disappeared without a sound, their movements so excellent it was hard to believe they were genin.

+++

“Did you hear?”

A boy runs into the training grounds. With bob hair and wearing green bodysuit, he casually approaches a boy and girl who look familiar to him and starts talking to them.

“It seems that for the first time in five years, a rookie will be appearing in the upcoming Chunin Exams.”

“No way! It’s just a contest of wills between Jonin or something, isn’t it?”

The girl, skillfully spinning a kunai in her palm, replied to the boy with the bob haircut.

“Yes, it’s that. It seems that three of the rookies are from that “Hatake Kakashi”‘s unit.”

“That’s interesting. Well, in any case…”

The girl threw the kunai, which hit the target marker right in the middle.

“…It’s a pitiful story though.”

The boy with long black hair laughed fearlessly. Confident in his own strength, and trusting in the strength of his fellow squad members, he continued his meditation without paying any attention to the kunai that had cut through the air just above his head.

Entry

At the same time that Naruto and his friends encountered Gaara and his group, Kakashi, who had parted ways with Naruto and his friends, was gathered in a certain conference room along with many other ninja.

“Now then…”

The one who had gathered Kakashi and the others was the head of the village, the Third Hokage. He spoke gravely and slowly looked around at the chunin and jonin lined up in front of him.

“…The person in charge of the new Genin should come forward first.”

Today, the Third Hokage gathered all the chunin and above to explain the chunin selection exam. The chunin selection exam is entered by recommendation of the jonin in charge and the individual’s own application. This is a meeting where the jonin in charge of the genin can confirm their intentions regarding the recommendation of their subordinates.

Following the Third Hokage’s orders, the three Jonin stepped forward.

“Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma. What do you think? Are there any genin among your ranks that you would like to recommend for this year’s Chunin Selection Exam?”

Captain of squad 7, Hatake Kakashi.

Captain of Squad 8, Yuhi Kurenai.

Captain of Squad 10, Sarutobi Asuma.

Needless to say, Kakashi, Kurenai and Asuma are all highly skilled ninja. However, that is only in terms of their individual fighting abilities. Their ability to educate genin and help them improve their abilities is unknown.

The Third Hokage didn’t know whether the three would recommend him or not. Normally, he wouldn’t recommend him. But there was always the possibility. To confirm their intentions, the Third Hokage spoke.

“Needless to say, as long as a genin has technically completed at least eight missions, you can recommend them for the exam at your discretion. Generally, though, it’s appropriate for them to have completed twice that number of missions.”

Standing at the back away from the three who had come forward, Iruka thought about the faces of the students he was in charge of.

–There’s no need to ask. It’s too early for those guys.

They are still just young genin. The Chunin Exams are tests that can even put your life on the line. No matter how talented they are, in this peaceful time, it was unthinkable to push someone who hadn’t even been active as a ninja for a year to take the Chunin Exams.

“Okay, let’s start with Kakashi.”

“Team 7, led by Kakashi, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Sakura, the three members in total. In the name of Hatake Kakashi, I recommend you to take the Chunin Selection Exam.”

“what……?”

Iruka, who had been overconfident that the Jonin would not recommend a new ninja, now had a look of shock on his face.

“Team 8, led by Kurenai, includes Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino. The three members are all under the name of Yuhi Kurenai, same as on the left.”

“Asuma, Team Ten, Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chouji, the three in all. Same as on the left, under the name of Sarutobi Asuma.”

“…Hmm. It’s rare to see everyone here.”

It had been five years since new Genin had taken the Chunin Selection Exam. However, this year all the new recruits were going to take it. However, the Third Hokage, who had anticipated this, even if only slightly, only frowned a little and nodded his head. It was a sign of his intention to accept the recommendations of the Jonin.

I cannot accept that.

Iruka exclaimed, pushing past the shinobi in front of him.

“Wait…wait a moment!”

“What is it, Iruka?”

“Hokage-sama! Let me say something! I know it may seem presumptuous of me, but of the nine people you’ve just mentioned, most of them were under my care at school. They were all certainly talented students, but it’s too early for them to be taking the exams. I’d like to give them more experience first…”

Iruka gave the three Jonin a sharp look.

“…I don’t understand why the Jonin recommended them.”

“I became a chunin when I was six years younger than Naruto.”

“Times have changed since then! Are you planning to crush those kids? The Chunin Exams are also known as…”

“Dr. Iruka”

Kakashi’s sleepy eyes, unchanged from usual, irritated Iruka even more. Iruka was prepared to denounce Kakashi in front of the Third Hokage if he said anything stupid.

“I understand what you’re trying to say. However…”

“Kakashi, it’s time to stop.”

Kakashi ignored Kurenai’s opinion and confronted Iruka with reality.

“You don’t need to interfere! They’re no longer your students. They’re now my subordinates, ninja.”

“Ugh…”

Kakashi’s words implied that Iruka was exceeding his authority, leaving Iruka with no choice but to keep quiet.

“And I believe it.”

“believe?”

“The genin I’ve taken care of are a cut above the rest. They say they can smash through obstacles on the scale of the Chunin Exams and move forward.”

Iruka sighed when he saw Kakashi’s right eye, which had narrowed.

He had been watching over the “ninja” he had been in charge of in his own way. The students who had left the nest had already left his hands and spread their wings. And the ones who had been watching them spread their wings the most were the Jonin in charge.

“Kakashi-san, I’m sorry. Kurenai-san, Asuma-san. I’m sorry.”

Iruka bowed his head.

Having concluded that the story was over, the Third Hokage took his eyes off Iruka and returned his gaze to the front.

“So, those of you in charge of the non-rookies genin, are there any you would like to recommend for this Chunin Selection Exam?”

The recommendation process is carried out quietly in the conference room.

Kakashi made eye contact with his rival, who looked like he wanted to say something, indicating “later,” then turned on his heel and stepped back.

+++

Kakashi’s mind was suddenly brought back to reality as he thought back on yesterday.

Kakashi kicked the ground and jumped up, landing at a torii gate surrounding a small bridge over a stream.

“Hey! Good morning, everyone! I’m a little lost on the road called life today.”

“Yes! That’s a lie! Please reflect on your actions a bit!”

“It’s sad that you don’t believe me, Sensei…” Kakashi muttered as he moved from the torii gate to in front of the three of them.

“Well! I know this is sudden, but I’ve recommended you all to take part in the Chunin Selection Exams. Here, your application forms.”

As the conversation progresses smoothly, the expressions of the three people change.

“Even though I recommend you, this is not an order. You are free to decide whether or not to take the exam. Those who wish to take the exam should sign the application and come to classroom 301 by 4pm tomorrow. That’s all!”

Sasuke’s face twisted as he watched Kakashi disappear using the body-swift technique, having said just what he wanted to say.

–Maybe I can fight him.

Sasuke’s body trembled. It was from excitement. Remembering Gaara’s face, Sasuke wanted to fight. The Chunin Selection Exam was a golden opportunity to prove his strength. Sasuke’s eyes lit up like a carnivorous beast stalking its prey, as if he was not going to let it slip away.

Naruto’s face was shrouded in shadow as always, and although it was impossible to see his expression, his steps were light.

Sakura guesses that Naruto is also looking forward to the Chunin Exams.

–I don’t want to. Just the other day…

Far from following the two of them, all I could do was watch them fight from behind. And yet, here I was, taking the Chunin Selection Exam.

Her thoughts were going round and round. Anxiety and feelings of inferiority were creating a marbled pattern in Sakura’s thoughts.

+++

The next day, the three members of Squad 7 meet at the restaurant where they had agreed to meet.

“Good morning, both of you.”

“Yeah, good morning Naruto.”

“ah”

Naruto then noticed the expression on Sakura’s face.

“Hmm? Sakura, you look a little pale. Have you had breakfast?”

“Huh? Yeah, perfect.”

“…”

Unlike Naruto, Sasuke was a man of few words. Though he never said it out loud, he had noticed Sakura’s condition. He had also guessed the cause, and his guess was spot on.

–So it’s more anxiety than feeling unwell.

But Sasuke was not good at expressing himself. He could see through Sakura’s feelings accurately, but he never said anything. Even though he was worried about Sakura, who was a member of the same squad, he didn’t know what to say to her. Besides, Sasuke didn’t think Sakura would be crushed by such anxiety.

But if there’s an opportunity, I’ll give you a shout out.

With this in mind, Sasuke stood in front of Sakura and Naruto and led the way towards the ninja academy.

+++

When Naruto and the others arrived at the ninja school, they narrowed their eyes at the unusually tense atmosphere. For Naruto and Sasuke, the tension was just right. Fighting spirits were clashing and checking each other everywhere.

Without any hesitation, Naruto stepped inside.

“Hey, that…”

“A genin, perhaps? Or more importantly, a shinobi?”

“Amazing body.”

“It’s…Naruto.”

“Why is he here? He just became a ninja, right?”

?Calm down. Even if you face him in the main tournament, if you give up, you won’t die. Right??

“I’m not lucky… Why did that guy keep appearing?”

Without paying any attention to the commotion around them, Naruto and the others walked down the hallway of the ninja school. Then, halfway down the hallway, they noticed a crowd of people.

“Hmm. So that’s why you’re going to take the Chunin Exams?”

“Maybe we should stop then?”

A man sniffs.

There were two people stationed in front of the classroom door. They were a man with spiky black hair and a dandy wearing a hood.

The two men stood in front of the door, not wanting to let anyone through.

“You’re just a shy brat…”

“oh yeah!”

The girl with the bun hair takes a step forward.

“Please, let me through there.”

The left hand of the spiky-haired man who had been sniffing earlier shook.

The girl who approaches is blown away.

–That’s strange.

Naruto narrowed his eyes as he watched the scene.

After closely observing the girl, Naruto came to one conclusion. It was because the girl showed no signs of avoiding him.

The girl’s skill was high as she purposely moved to receive the man’s back fist. Normally, she would be able to easily avoid the man’s fist by predicting its trajectory and turning her back just a little. That’s how well trained the girl was.muscleInner Muscles

Naruto saw through this, realised the girls’ interaction was an act and didn’t move.

“That’s terrible…”

However, there were some who could not see through this. Even among ninja, there were not many who could judge someone’s strength from the way their muscles were built.

The man keenly heard a voice expressing sympathy for the girl who had been hit and glared at the person who had made the noise.

“What?”

The spiky-haired man then looks around menacingly.

“Listen, this is our kindness. The Chunin exams are difficult. Even we have failed to pass three times in a row. We have seen so many times that people give up being a ninja after taking this exam, or are unable to recover. Besides, a Chunin is at the level of a unit captain. Mission failure, the death of subordinates…it’s all the captain’s fault. And yet, a brat like this…”

Sniffling, the man exclaimed in an attempt to justify his actions.

“… Either way, what’s wrong with putting someone who won’t pass on the test here?”Sievesieve

“That’s a fair point.”

A cool voice echoed through the school corridors, stopping the spiky-haired man from speaking.

“But I’ll let you through.”

The voice was full of confidence. It was Sasuke.

“Now, can you please quickly remove the barrier created by this genjutsu? I have business on the third floor.”

“What is he talking about?”

“here we go?”

Without paying any attention to the genin who tilted their heads, the dandy stared at Sasuke with an expression of having found something interesting.

“Huh… did you notice, sir?”

“Sakura, what do you think? You should have noticed first.”

“picture?”

“Your analytical skills and genjutsu know-how are the most improved in our group.”

Those words helped Sakura regain her confidence.

Sakura, who had tended to look down, brightened up.

“Of course, I already knew that. I mean, this isn’t the second floor.”

Shaking her hair, Sakura made this declaration and had no more doubts.

“Hmm. Not bad. But just because you saw through it doesn’t mean… right!”

Suddenly, the spiky-haired man used his entire body weight to launch a right spin kick at Sasuke. But Sasuke maintained a composed expression. To begin with, the kick coming at them now seemed to stop at nothing for Sasuke and Sakura, who were accustomed to Naruto’s superhuman movements.

To intercept, Sasuke’s right foot was sent towards the head of the man in front of him. It had the undoubted result of cutting off the man’s consciousness.

Yes, if there are no interruptions.

Between them appeared green. The two kicks were stopped by a boy who had been lying on the floor of the hallway, each with a different arm. Sakura had guessed that the boy had been knocked down by the spiky-haired man before Naruto and the others had arrived, but her eyes widened at the boy’s movements, which seemed to show no pain.

–This guy is no ordinary guy. To think he could see through Sasuke’s kick. Maybe the fact he was getting hit was just an act?

Following Naruto, Sakura also seemed to notice and was staring vigilantly at the boy who had slipped his body between Sasuke and the spiky-haired man’s kick.

“Huh.”

“Hey, that’s not what we promised. You’re the one who said you didn’t want to attract attention and make people wary of you.”

“…However”

The long black haired boy called out in a friendly manner to the boy in green tights who had blocked Sasuke and the others’ kicks with one hand.

The boy with bob hair and wearing green clothes didn’t reply to what the boy with long black hair said, but instead looked at Sakura and blushed.

“This is it.”

The girl with the bun hair who had been punched by the man earlier shook her head in exasperation. She was in perfect health, as if it had been a lie that she had been punched earlier. There was no bruise on her cheek, let alone a red mark.

“that……”

A boy in green tights approached Sakura.

“…My name is Rock Lee. Your name is Sakura.”

The boy who called himself Lee flashed his beautiful white teeth.

“Let’s go out together! I’ll protect you until I die.”

“Absolutely not. You’re too strong.”

The moment he confessed, the long black haired boy took his eyes off Lee who had rejected him and turned his gaze to Sasuke. The expression on his face was that of a boy who had found enjoyment.

“Hey, you there.”

The boy with long black hair called out to Sasuke.

“Introduce yourself.”

“When you ask someone your name, you should tell them yourself.”

“You’re a rookie. How old are you?”

“I’m under no obligation to answer.”

–Oh dear, we’re all monsters. Hurry up with the Chunin Exams.

Sasuke turned his back on the long-haired boy and felt himself break out into a cold sweat.

Two pairs of eyes were coldly watching Sasuke.

“Hehehe. So those are the kids Kakashi and Guy are looking to get. Anyway, I guess their application was approved.”

“ah”

Two ninjas peek out from the warehouse. They are the same ones who were standing in front of the door earlier. With a loud bang, the two are enveloped in smoke and reveal their true identities.

“This year’s students are going to have fun.”

“Even for us examiners.”

The two who remained after the smoke cleared were wearing green vests, which are permitted to be worn by Chunin and above in the Hidden Leaf School.

+++

“Lee, let’s go. What are you doing?”

Lee stares at Sakura and the others as they leave.

“Tenten, Neji. Please go ahead. I have something I want to confirm.”

“Yeah…let’s finish this quickly.”

“Don’t be too harsh”

The girl with the bun, Tenten, the boy with long black hair, and Neji, the boy in green tights, probably understood what Lee was trying to do. Their year together had been so close that they could at least understand what each other was trying to do.

After parting ways with Tenten and Neji, Lee watched from the top of the landing as Sasuke headed toward his destination, the classroom.

“You ugly guy, wait a minute.”

“…What is it?”

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Perhaps he was annoyed by Lee looking down at him.

Sasuke replied to Lee with an irritated look on his face.

“Would you like to challenge me here and now?”

Sasuke’s lips curved when he heard Lee’s words.