Ito Hirofumi followed Iruka back to the classroom.
The rest of the Konoha 12, seeing that Hirofumi was unharmed, let out a collective sigh of relief…
At lunch, everyone was buzzing with curiosity about what happened when Danzo summoned Hirofumi, but he didn't spill much. After all, there were other students around, and you know how it is—too many ears, too many rumors!
Some things are better discussed in private.
So, the Konoha 12 made a plan to gather at Uchiha Sasuke's place for dinner that evening!
This time, Naruto Uzumaki boldly whipped out the million-ryo banknote Sasuke had given him, declaring, "Tonight's on me, Naruto Uzumaki!"
When school finally let out, the Konoha 12 split up to handle preparations. Besides grabbing supplies for the dinner, Hinata Hyuga took Ino Yamanaka to track down her brother's team—Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Tenten.
No random drama popped up this time, and since Neji, Lee, and Tenten didn't have any missions, they happily agreed to join.
In the end, the Konoha 12, plus Ito Hirofumi, making a total of thirteen, gathered at Sasuke's house once again.
With everything set and the table ready, Naruto couldn't hold back any longer. He locked eyes with Hirofumi.
"Hirofumi, what the heck happened today?! Why did that Dan-Dan Elder guy want to see you?! And that ninja who came for you… I don't know, he just gave off bad vibes!"
At Naruto's question, everyone's attention snapped to Hirofumi.
WHAM!
Sasuke slammed a fist onto Naruto's head.
"Ow! Sasuke, what was that for?! Don't you wanna know what happened to Hirofumi?!"
"You idiot, it's not Dan-Dan Elder, it's Danzo Elder!" Sasuke snapped.
"Who cares what kind of elder he is?! Danzo, Dumpling, whatever! If that guy tries to mess with my friend, he's gonna regret it, dattebayo!!!" Naruto shouted.
Everyone was used to Naruto's big mouth by now, and Sasuke just shook his head in exasperation. First, it's "Dan-Dan Elder," now it's "Dumpling Elder"? Was it that hard to get the guy's name right?!
But the group brushed it off. A wrong name was no big deal—what mattered was finding out what went down with Hirofumi!
Neji, Lee, and Tenten were a bit out of the loop since they'd already graduated and weren't around for the drama at the Ninja Academy. Hinata quietly filled them in, and the trio was shocked to learn Hirofumi had nearly been in serious trouble!
And it even got big enough to involve the Hokage!
If the Third Hokage hadn't stepped in, would Hirofumi have made it back safely?!
The thought made all three of them furrow their brows…
Seeing the worried looks in everyone's eyes, Hirofumi felt a wave of warmth. Looks like he held a pretty important place in their hearts!
All these years of building bonds with them hadn't been for nothing!
And thanks to knowing the original story, Hirofumi understood the Konoha 12's personalities and knew they were people he could truly trust with his back.
So, he decided it was time to let them in on a bit of his ambition.
After all, graduation from the Ninja Academy was right around the corner. Once they all became genin, it'd be tough to get the whole group together like this again—each team would be busy with missions.
With that in mind, Hirofumi flipped on his performative personality!
His face twisted into a look of bitter sorrow, and he held his glass of juice like it was a cup of sake…
"Sigh…
Some things are better left unsaid!
You guys are my best friends, and I really don't want to drag you into danger!
Let me face these risks alone!
I can't bear the thought of you all getting caught up in this mess…"
Naruto shot up from his seat at those words, and even Sasuke looked a bit annoyed. Ino furrowed her brows, and the rest of the Konoha 12 had all sorts of expressions!
Naruto jumped onto his chair, staring straight at Hirofumi and yelling, "Hirofumi!!! What's that supposed to mean?! Are you looking down on me?! You think I'm scared or something?!
If you really see me, Naruto Uzumaki, as a friend, then stop worrying about all that!!!
Have you forgotten what we said before?!
'No matter what challenges we face, we don't back down! We face them with a smile! The best way to beat fear is to confront it! Come on, let's do this!!!'
You're the one who told me that!
I, Naruto Uzumaki, grew up as an orphan! Looked down on, called a demon fox, hated by everyone! Hirofumi, you're my first real friend!
No matter what, I want to stand by your side!
Whatever you're dealing with, I'll face it with you!!!"
Naruto's passionate speech got everyone's blood pumping, their faces flushed with excitement!
They all felt Naruto had a point. They called each other friends, brothers even! And now, when something's up, you're keeping it from your friends, your brothers?! What kind of nonsense was that?! If that's how it's gonna be, how could they call themselves comrades?!
Feeling the intensity in Naruto's eyes, Hirofumi suddenly felt a bit… exposed. Looks like all his efforts to befriend Naruto hadn't been in vain—this guy might even see him as his "white moonlight"!
But… would Sasuke be jealous?
After all, Naruto's real white moonlight was Sasuke…
Just as Hirofumi was lost in thought, Sasuke's voice cut through.
"Hirofumi, I think this idiot Naruto's got a point. Everyone here sees each other as friends, so just say what's on your mind! No matter what kind of danger or trouble it is, we can face it together!"
Sasuke paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across everyone at the table.
"Some things Hirofumi might not want to say, but I'll say it!
I'm with this idiot Naruto on this—I'll stand with Hirofumi to face whatever trouble or danger comes his way…
As for the rest of you… if you don't want to get involved, you can leave now. Otherwise, don't make things awkward for everyone later!"
Sasuke's tone was cold, and his sharp gaze scanned the group.
WHAM!!!
"Uchiha Sasuke!
What's that supposed to mean?!
You think you're the only one who's Hirofumi's brother?! We're not?!
What do you take me, Inuzuka Kiba, for?!
I'm putting it out there right now!
I, Inuzuka Kiba, am not afraid of trouble!!!"
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