Hidden Leaf Village — Hokage's Office
"…and that's everything," Naruto said, finishing his report to the Third Hokage. He dropped the Sealed Book onto the desk with a casual thump.
He'd adjusted the story a little, of course—turned the messy midnight brawl into a lucky rescue during "combat training" with his shadow clones. A little self-editing never hurt anyone.
"I see." The Third Hokage exhaled through his pipe, smoke curling like old memories. "We'll have to increase security around the Sealed Book. This is the second time it's gone missing…"
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Second, huh? Sounds like your guards are about as useful as a wet scroll."
The Hokage coughed pointedly. "We won't discuss that right now. Naruto… you did read the book, didn't you?"
Naruto shrugged. "What, you think I risked my life just to look at the cover? Relax, I didn't steal it. I found it. That's legal-ish, right, Grandpa Third?"
Hiruzen sighed. "Then tell me—what did you learn?"
"Confidential," Naruto said, eyes glinting. "Rule Two, Section Ten of the Ninja Code: A shinobi guards their trump cards."
The Hokage smiled faintly. "You've become impossible to read."
"I'm not a kid anymore," Naruto muttered, folding his arms. "Cute doesn't win battles."
"Perhaps not. But spirit does." The old man's voice softened, pride hidden behind the smoke. He'd watched this boy grow up from chaos into something sharp and bright.
Naruto scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Anyway, about Mizuki. He mentioned running to Orochimaru for shelter. You might want to look into that before it turns into a bigger mess." He gave a lazy salute and headed for the door. "Handle it, Grandpa. I've got school."
When the door closed, only the hum of silence and the scent of tobacco remained.
"…Orochimaru," the Hokage murmured, eyes dimming. Once, that name had meant "prodigy." Now, only regret.
Next Morning — Ninja Academy
Naruto actually made it on time. For once.Unfortunately, everyone else was earlier.
He sighed. "Guess being punctual ruins my reputation."
At the front, Sakura was practically orbiting Sasuke again, along with half the class of hopeless admirers. Naruto didn't even bother to roll his eyes. You live long enough, patterns just repeat.
If looks could kill, Sasuke would still be alive—because he didn't care enough to notice anyone. The so-called Ice Prince.Naruto, in contrast, had inherited his father's sunny looks—same blond hair, same grin that could break clouds. Together they were Konoha's two extremes: frost and flame.
Once, Naruto had his own cheering section too, until he started dating Hinata. The fangirls vanished faster than a substitution jutsu, migrating back to their precious Sasuke. Honestly, Naruto preferred the peace.
He glanced around. Hinata was somewhere nearby—he could feel her. Years of training together had tuned his senses to her chakra flow.She wasn't the shy, stuttering girl from before. The "ugly duckling" had grown into a calm, confident kunoichi, her hair now reaching her waist, her movements steady and sure.
Thanks to endless sparring and joint practice, Hinata's style had evolved into something graceful yet unyielding. When they trained, her strikes flowed like water and hit like conviction.
Naruto smiled quietly. "Guess I'm not the only one who's changed."