You can consider this chapter to be chapter 39 or just part of the Special Chapter. This chapter will be a part of volume 2.
While Volume 2 will begin much later after this special event.
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As Shikamaru and the others entered their room, they were all taken aback by its size and luxury. It was much more spacious than any of them had anticipated.
Shikamaru who is always quick to notice details, commented with a surprised face. "This room is huge!" He knew that even with their combined money they could not afford such a luxurious room.
Hearing this Naruto explained to everyone. "We got a special deal because the manager knows my mom." Naruto knew that this inn belonged to his mom. He could guess that this inn belonged to him based on how the manager acted towards his mom. At this point, he wasn't even that surprised.
The room they were standing in was not only big but also well-equipped. There were five separate beds, each offering ample space and comfort. Naruto quickly claimed the bed by the window by saying. "I like the view from here."
The beds were all single beds and they were positioned far apart from each other. This ensured privacy for each occupant.
The floor was covered with a soft and plush carpet that felt comfortable under their feet. Near the window, there was a small area arranged with a tea table and several cozy couches, creating a perfect spot for them to hang out and chat. On one side of the room, there was a large TV mounted on the wall, facing the beds so they could watch comfortably while lying down.
One of the most exciting features for the boys was a small refrigerator, filled with many different types of drinks. Naruto quickly added. "Don't get too excited, there's no alcohol in there. We're all underage, after all."
Shikamaru, Kiba, Choji, and Shino looked around, each picked their own bed. Shino was okay with any bed. Shikamaru chose the bed next to Naruto's bed. Kiba chose the bed that was close to the door. Choji settled next to Shika.
After settling into their room, Naruto took out everyone's bags from his scroll. He had thoughtfully handed the girls their luggage earlier, knowing they'd be doing activities separately despite staying at the same inn.
After resting for a while, Naruto suggested. "I'm starting to feel a bit hungry, but let's hit the hot springs first. It'll get crowded later." He knew that in a few hours, the inn's public hot springs would be bustling with guests. While they had the option of renting a private hot spring, Naruto was aware that not everyone was keen on spending too much of their limited funds.
Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, and Shino all quickly agreed to Naruto's plan. "Sounds good," Shikamaru replied in his usual laid-back manner.
Eagerly, they all grabbed their towels and made their way to the hot springs. Upon reaching the hot springs, they were thrilled to find it completely empty. "We got lucky!" Kiba exclaimed. His voice echoed slightly in the open space.
Quickly, they changed into their bathing clothes in the provided changing rooms. Each boy felt excited and relaxed as they stepped into the warm and soothing waters of the hot spring. The steam rising from the water added to the calm and peaceful atmosphere. Naruto, Shika, and others all let out sighs of contentment as they settled into the water.
"Man, this is just what we needed!!!" Choji said as he closed his eyes in relaxation.
Shino who is usually more reserved, also seemed to relax. He had a rare smile appearing on his face.
Naruto looked around at his friends. He was happy to see them enjoying themselves.
Naruto leaned back, letting the warm water envelop him. He closed his eyes and savored the comforting embrace of the hot spring. The heat seeped into his muscles and loosened the knots of tension that had built up over months of relentless activity.
'It feels like it's been ages since I last relaxed like this.' Naruto thought in his mind.
These 3 months Naruto had been doing a ton of things. Every day he attended the Academy. Once school ended, he used shadow clones to train under his mother while the real Naruto personally trained Hinata till sunset.
Even before coming to this world, Naruto did not have time to catch a break. From the intense battles of the 4th Great Ninja War to the endless days of training to avenge his sensei. Naruto hadn't had a moment to himself. This trip, this moment in the hot springs, felt like a much-needed pause in his fast-paced life.
His thoughts then shifted to the future. "In just three months, we graduate from the Academy." He said out loud. "What are your plans after graduation?" He was genuinely curious about his friends' aspirations.
Shikamaru who was relaxing in the hot spring water lazily opened his eyes and said. "I am not sure. After becoming a Genin we will be doing missions with our Squad until we are ready to take part in the Chunin exams. I am not sure what I will do once I become a Chunin. Maybe I will follow in my dad's footsteps. But in the end, Everyone feels a drag!!!!" Shikamaru ended his words in a classic Shikamaru fashion.
"Regardless of what we want to become in the future, we all will need to prepare ourselves for the Chunin exams. But about what I am going to do after the Chunin exam, I haven't thought that far in life." Choji, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Shino were going to become the future heads of their respective clans.
"What about you, Naruto?" Choji asked.
"Me?" Naruto glanced at the sky and thought out loud. "At first, I dreamed of becoming the Hokage. It was everything that I wanted. But as I grew up and understood more about this world, I began to have second thoughts. I am not sure what I want to become right now. Maybe I will work towards restoring the Uzumaki clan. I also want to bring peace to the land of fire and the whole world." But right now Naruto hoped to become as strong as possible so that he could stop the Akatsuki. Naruto wanted to end this cycle of hatred.
There was a time when Naruto wished to earn the recognition of the villagers. He wished to earn their respect. But now things have changed. In this world, Naruto isn't hated by the villagers or anyone else. In fact, as the son of the 4th Hokage, he is very well respected in the village.
Before Naruto wanted to become the Hokage to earn everyone recognition but now Naruto wasn't sure if if he wanted to continue his old dream. But that did not mean Naruto had completely given up on his dream to become the Hokage.
'There is no use in thinking about this. I will sure with time, I will have any answer.' Naruto thought to himself.
"Naruto, I am sorry to say this but I will become Hokage before you. I will become the first man from my clan to become the Hokage." Kiba said in a very determined tone.
"Hahaha!!! Sure you could try. But you're destined to fail." Naruto jokingly said.
The five of them stayed at the hot spring for 20 minutes. Before Shino felt that he had enough. He got out of the water.
"Shino, are you leaving?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, I am heading back to our room. I will wait for you guys there." Shino was thinking of watching TV while waiting for Naruto and others to finish.
"Shino wait, I will go with you." Shika felt that he had stayed in the water long enough. He also wished to head back.
Now it was only Naruto, Choji, and Kiba. As for Akamaru, the dog did not stay in the water. Akamaru was relaxing in their room.
Soon Choji and Kiba also left leaving Naruto completely alone. After staying in the water for a few minutes, Naruto also decided to leave as he was feeling quite hungry by now. After changing his clothes, as he stepped outside, he was surprised to see the girls who were heading to the Female section of the hot spring.
Seeing this Naruto, Hanabi suddenly felt a little bit bold.
"Naruto-kun, wanna join us?" She asked him with a teasing smile.
"Sure, why not." Naruto was serious. He stepped towards the girls. Seeing this Hanabi became flustered. She did not expect Naruto to be serious.
Others also looked stunned.
Just as Naruto was about to enter, Kushina grabbed his neck and stopped him. "It seems you have become bold, Naruto." Hearing her cold tone, Naruto felt a chill running down his spine.
"It seems I need to teach you a lesson. Come to my room a few hours later." Kushina said in a stern tone before she went inside.
The other girls gave Naruto pitiful gazes before they also went inside. However, Naruto knew that this was just an excuse to call Naruto in her room.
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