Compared to other children, this little guy is clearly more mature in terms of mental age and has been exposed to more information, having also personally watched the Chunin Exams.
"Do you know Shikamaru?"
The little chubby boy leaned on his body and curiously asked.
"Doesn't really have anything to do with us..."
Little Shikamaru, holding the back of his head, nonchalantly said, "Anyway, according to my dad, it's supposed to be something like the future of the village or whatever!"
"I don't quite understand."
"It basically means that us guys just need to live our lives as is, and there are already people in the village who can protect it in the future..."
"Alright, let's go buy some chips later."
The little chubby boy readily agreed; after all, his grades weren't good anyway.
Little Naruto rejected the defeatist mindset offered by little Shikamaru, waving his small fist and saying, "That's not okay, we still have to study hard, because I want to become the Hokage and gain everyone's approval!"
"But aren't your grades the worst..."
Little Shikamaru began picking his ears again.
The Ninja Academy welcomed a new student, which was enough to keep this group of children excited for a day. After school, everyone went home, and by the next day, the "new" in "new student" had already vanished.
Naruto Uzumaki, as usual, went home from school all alone, only to find a red-haired little girl following him. It wasn't until they reached home that he realized they were neighbors.
"Karin, we're neighbors!"
"Yeah..."
Little Karin nodded.
"..."
Naruto Uzumaki felt a slight warmth in his heart.
However, what made Naruto Uzumaki feel even warmer was when Akihara Kagura and Kakashi Hatake, along with a woman he didn't recognize, came over and invited him and Karin to eat some dango!
What kind of day is today!
Not only did a classmate become a neighbor, but someone also invited him to eat dango!
"Thank you, Anko."
Kakashi Hatake smiled apologetically, seeming a bit embarrassed, "The Dark Department stipend hasn't been issued yet, and I just have enough money left to buy you some dango..."
This actually had nothing to do with Kakashi Hatake.
However, Akihara Kagura mentioned finding a tutor for Karin and Naruto Uzumaki, and Kakashi Hatake got involved, even planning to chip in.
Unfortunately.
The price for tutors in Konoha is extremely high.
Kakashi Hatake and Akihara Kagura lowered their requirements, hoping to find someone who could help with tutoring, since Kakashi definitely couldn't help with homework - he had already graduated from the Ninja Academy at five when other kids hadn't even started school yet...
Akihara Kagura never attended school.
No one in all of Konoha was willing to take on tasks from the poor.
At this moment, Mitarashi Anko, who had once deceived Akihara Kagura, entered their sights, almost as if delivered for free.
"It's not tiring, just unfortunate."
Mitarashi Anko took a bite of dango, muttering a phrase.
"Don't worry."
Akihara Kagura glanced at little Karin and little Naruto, "As long as these two little ones can pass their final exams, I won't hold a grudge against you anymore."
After all, Karin was brought back to Konoha by Akihara Kagura and would be an important subordinate for the future, so it's best to let this subordinate enjoy some carefree school life for a while.
"Alright."
Mitarashi Anko nodded, indifferent about her task, "What's there to tutor about first-grade courses, I'll help these two kids with all six years' worth, so they can graduate early!"
Mitarashi Anko was once an excellent graduate of the Ninja Academy, even graduating at ten. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been taken as a student by Orochimaru back then!
"Wait... tu... tutoring..."
Naruto Uzumaki held a dango as if struck by a bolt from the blue!
Why is he also forced to have tutoring? Why is he also forced to study?
"Good luck to you."
Akihara Kagura sincerely offered a blessing, casually reminding him, "This teacher is quite strict, won't be as kind as I am. I'm going on a mission; I hope you're still alive when I return."
"Huh?"
Little Naruto was almost scared silly: "Will the teacher... kill me?"
"If you don't pass, yes..."
Mitarashi Anko flashed a sweet smile, saying something that would scare little kids.
Kakashi Hatake remembered that Akihara Kagura was going on a mission to retrieve Kabuto and Yakushi Nonou and proactively offered his help: "Do you need me to accompany you?"
"This is a small matter; I can go by myself."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, not wanting Kakashi Hatake to get involved, "Bringing another person would consume a lot more Chakra. I'll use the Flying Thunder God Jutsu to bring them back quickly."
Akihara Kagura looked at Mitarashi Anko again, an odd look in his eyes, knowing that this trip would certainly involve meeting Anko's long-desired teacher, Orochimaru...
Akihara Kagura knew that Orochimaru had taken Kabuto and Yakushi Nonou, and on this occasion, he would bring back the two spy members, marking the start of a genuine Konoha undercover life for the family.