Konohagakure.
Jiraiya's team had returned.
With his hands tucked behind his head, Naruto strolled leisurely through the familiar streets. After everything he'd been through life-and-death battles, narrow escapes even the most ordinary shinobi supply shop signs now felt especially dear.
So this was what growing up felt like.
Jiraiya-sensei and Granny Tsunade were reporting to the Hokage in the office. Bored, Naruto wandered through the village, casually checking if the Fourth Hokage's statue needed any touch-ups.
Of course, this time he wasn't planning on using paint. Just checking to see if the colors had faded.
Framing his hand into a pretend telescope, Naruto peered through the air, sizing up the spot next to the Fourth's carving.
He grinned. "That's gonna be me the future Fifth."
"What are you doing, Naruto?"
Sasuke's voice came from behind. Sakura stood next to him, hands on her hips. As Naruto turned around, the evening sun cast a golden glow over the two, painting their reunion in warm light.
"I'm buying you guys ramen at Ichiraku!" Naruto grinned broadly. After all he'd been through, he really did want to share it with his friends.
"I'm busy. I need to train," Sasuke declined instantly.
Not long ago, while rummaging through his clan's abandoned compound, Sasuke had stumbled upon a trove of training scrolls. He'd been swamped since then, addicted to the thrill of growing stronger.
"Wow, you got that much reward money for an S-rank mission? You're treating us already?" Sakura crossed her arms, intrigued. "What was it like? More complicated than the Land of Waves?"
Now that was the perfect setup.
What was the point of glorious achievements if no one heard about them?
Naruto put on a mysterious smile and waved his finger in front of his eyes. "Come with me to Ichiraku. I'll tell you everything. I even fought the Raikage this time!"
Sasuke's ear twitched. Hearing those words sparked his curiosity.
He was just about to agree when
"Big bro Naruto! We wanna hear too!"
It was Konohamaru and his gang, bursting onto the scene like cannonballs.
"Naruto... I'd like to come too."
Rounding the corner, the Hyuga heiress appeared, blushing like a ripe apple.
Then came Kiba and Shino, fresh from the hospital.
"Perfect timing. Let's all go together," Naruto said, spotting Uzumaki Kasumi heading home from the academy. She'd started catching up on basic ninja education recently.
By the time they arrived at Ichiraku, the rest of Teams 3 and 10 were already there having dinner.
"Tonight's on me!" Naruto slapped his frog wallet on the table with theatrical flair.
He launched into his story with enthusiasm, drawing on his naturally vivid storytelling style and reputation as a budding writer.
It was a tale filled with highs and lows, twists and turns, and enough drama to rival a war epic.
Konohamaru and his squad were on the edge of their seats, cheering at every turn.
"...And then bam!" Naruto smacked the table, sending soup flying onto Akamaru, who barked indignantly.
The Twelve Genin went from intrigued to downright impressed. They'd seen Naruto's potential during the Chūnin Exams, but they never expected he'd come this far.
After the story ended, Naruto sat there basking in pride. Surely they all saw it now his future as the Fifth Hokage was within reach.
"So that's why Guy-sensei isn't in the village lately. He went to help Naruto! Protecting comrades with fists... so hot-blooded!" Lee's eyes welled up.
Neji rolled his eyes while Tenten looked away in embarrassment at Lee's waterfall tears.
"Naruto... you're amazing," Hinata murmured, especially touched by the part where he rescued Shizune. She couldn't help but imagine herself as the one being saved.
Sakura gasped, "So Naruto's actually the Fourth Hokage's son!"
Naruto, caught up in his storytelling, realized he'd accidentally let that slip. He quickly raised a finger to his lips and shushed everyone, sweating nervously.
Sasuke's expression turned complicated. His friend had really stepped onto a whole new level. Even if it was exaggerated, the story made sense. The gap between them was growing again.
I have to keep training.
He was about to slam the table and leave when Shikamaru spoke up.
Rather than focusing on Naruto's lineage, Shikamaru had been analyzing the deeper implications Cloud ninja attacking Konoha's Jinchuriki.
"This could be the start of war," he said grimly.
"One of the Five Kage launching an attack inside the Land of Fire... that already counts as war."
He leaned in, lowering his voice. "And the Sand Village issue isn't over either. Asuma-sensei and Kurenai took a team there recently. No need for that many ninja just to escort someone."
"Right. Lord Hiashi went too," Neji added. "They were prepared for battle."
"I see... Father only told me he was going out for a while," Hinata mumbled, clearly disappointed.
"Probably didn't want you to worry," Neji replied evenly, sipping his ramen.
"Are we going to join the war too?" one of the girls asked quietly. Raised in times of peace, they weren't scared, just suddenly unsure.
Kasumi clutched her bowl a little tighter. After finally finding some peace, the thought of war made her uneasy.
Shikamaru slurped his soup before sighing. "Our teachers were already on the battlefield at our age."
The lively mood faded into silence.
Even the usually energetic Konohamaru squad looked downcast. Naruto gently ruffled Konohamaru's hair.
Smack!
Neji, who still bore deep hatred toward the Cloud, slammed the table.
"Then let's fight! The Hyuga Clan has no fear of Cloud ninja!"
He looked ready to sign up for the ANBU on the spot.
"You won't be part of this war," came a familiar voice.
Jiraiya stepped through the curtain and plopped down beside Naruto. "You've got your own battlefield."
He gave Naruto a sly look. "I'm broke now. Spent all my money clearing Tsunade's debts. You mind treating me too?"
Without waiting for a reply, he started ordering.
"I've spoken to the Hokage," he continued. "The first phase of the Shinobi Academy Advanced Program is ready."
He looked around the group. "You guys will be among the first batch."
"You all studied at the Academy before. This next step... let's call it Shinobi High."
"Shinobi... High?" they echoed in unison.
"Advanced Ninja Specialization Academy," Jiraiya said with a wink. "You'll be taught by legendary shinobi like Tsunade. Even Orochimaru might lend a hand."
That certainly raised some eyebrows. If Naruto had improved this much just under Jiraiya, imagine being taught by all three Sannin.
There was still more Jiraiya hadn't said out loud. The old man had another plan: if Itachi's mission with the Whitebeard pirates went smoothly, and good relations were established, the next step was sending these students into the pirate world.
Chakra, Haki, and Devil Fruits... now that would be something.
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