(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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The sky was sunny, and a gentle breeze swept through Konoha.
A teenager in orange clothes was currently perched atop a telephone pole, surveying the changes in his village.
It was Naruto, back after two and a half years of rigorous training.
In his absence, Konoha had not only recovered its former glory but had flourished even more.
The village's layout remained largely unchanged, save for Tsunade's visage now gracing the Hokage Monument.
"Naruto, that's enough sightseeing. Let's go meet the Hokage," Jiraiya called from below, a smile playing on his lips.
During their travels, Jiraiya had kept tabs on Konoha's affairs.
The clash with Kumogakure, Danzo's betrayal and exposure, and finally, Sunagakure's hosted Chūnin exams.
These events all pointed to Tsunade's effectiveness as a Hokage.
Jiraiya felt good about his choice to bring Tsunade back to become the village leader.
He also marveled at Colt's incredible achievements he had made during such a short period.
The two walked along the streets enjoying the atmosphere of their hometown.
Knock-knock-knock!
"Enter!" Shizune's voice rang out as Jiraiya and Naruto pushed open the door.
The scene inside left them both astounded.
The once-spacious Hokage office, previously housing just two desks, was now packed to the brim.
Nara Shikaku, Hyuga Hiashi, two Jōnins, and Shizune were all present.
All five were buried in paperwork, their faces etched with weariness and frustration.
Meanwhile, Tsunade sat in the main chair, casually sipping sake.
"Jiraiya, Naruto, it's been a while!" Tsunade greeted, unsurprised by their arrival.
"Tsunade, what's going on here?" Jiraiya asked, bewildered by the scene.
"Ha!" Tsunade laughed heartily.
"This is all thanks to Colt's brilliant mind."
She explained how, during a casual chat, she had vented to Colt about the burdens of being the Hokage.
The lack of freedom, the constant guilt over any moment of laziness, Shizune's disapproving glares - it all weighed heavily on her.
Seeing Tsunade's distress, Colt devised a clever solution.
Routine documents were now handled by experienced Jōnins.
More significant matters fell to Shizune, who had learned much during her time with Tsunade.
That left the most crucial and challenging tasks, which were assigned to the Konoha military division.
Tsunade's role was reduced to that of a "ruthless stamping machine."
Upon hearing this plan, Tsunade's eyes had lit up with hope.
(E/N: I think the author doesn't want to use shadow clones… but thinking about it, other people can't use them because of the mental exhaustion when using them, now if they do the paperwork for you and you dispel them, you'll still get the same memories of you doing them and exhaustion with it, so maybe not worth it. Perhaps in this manner, she wouldn't do it in the first place lol)
The very next day, she implemented Colt's system, delegating tasks to various personnel.
Since then, she had found a new sense of freedom, only needing to stamp documents and call the major decisions.
It was likely that Tsunade would soon be sneaking off to the nearest casino.
Jiraiya listened, thoroughly impressed.
"I never expected Colt to be so resourceful. It's a shame he's not the Hokage with such ideas," he remarked.
Tsunade beamed, more pleased by the praise for Colt than any compliment to herself.
"I've been trying to get that brat to become the Hokage for ages, but he insists on 'playing around' for a few more years. What can you do?" she said with a smug expression.
Naruto's heart filled with a mix of shock and admiration.
While he was still chasing his dream of becoming the Hokage, Colt seemed to have already crossed the finish line.
'Colt… I won't lose'
After a moment of disappointment, Naruto found himself genuinely happy for his friend.
"Tsunade-baa-chan, give me some super tough missions! I can't let Colt get too far ahead!" he exclaimed eagerly.
Tsunade smiled.
She was also quite fond of this blond-haired brat.
"Hold on, Naruto. You've been gone for a while, and first, we need to assess your current abilities."
Naruto was excited as he heard this.
"Let's do it!"
Jiraiya and Tsunade smiled at his enthusiasm.
"I've arranged for an examiner to test you. Based on your performance, we'll assign you appropriate tasks after."
"An examiner?" Naruto asked, puzzled.
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The Third Training Ground.
Revisiting this nostalgic spot where Team Seven once gathered, Naruto felt a pang of melancholy.
Sasuke was still with Orochimaru, Sakura had become a skilled medical ninja, and Colt had grown into a formidable shinobi.
How times had changed?
"Naruto, don't expect me to go easy on you just because you've been away," Kakashi warned, his Sharingan exposed and a bell dangling from his waist.
If Naruto could snatch the bell, he'd prove his worth.
This was his test.
"Bring it on, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto declared confidently.
This was what he had been training for all this time. It was time to prove his hard work.
Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Shizune observed the impending battle, eager to witness Naruto's growth.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and suddenly, Colt appeared silently beside Tsunade.
"Why wasn't I invited to this exciting event?" he asked, startling Jiraiya, who hadn't sensed his arrival.
"Tch, you brat, weren't you busy?"
Tsunade just snorted and then turned to look at the fight.
Colt could only shake his head helplessly.
"Colt, thank you for the technique you left in Naruto's body before. It was immensely helpful,"
Jiraiya suddenly said.
He was truly grateful.
He still felt uneasy recalling the incident.
During their journey, Naruto had lost control, actually manifesting four tails and entering a half-tailed beast state.
If not for the seal Colt had left behind, subduing Naruto would have been far more challenging.
Colt shrugged it off.
He had placed that seal before to restrain the nine-tails just in case, and it seemed to have paid off.
"No need to mention it. He is my friend after all"
"Now, let's see how much Naruto has improved."
They turned their attention back to the training ground.
As expected, Naruto's fighting style still relied heavily on the [Shadow Clone Jutsu], aiming to create openings for a decisive [Rasengan] strike.
However, his physical abilities, coordination, and stamina had markedly improved, forcing even Kakashi to remain vigilant.
Yet, the copy ninja's reputation was well-earned. Despite Naruto's efforts, the match remained evenly balanced.
Colt wasn't surprised.
He knew Naruto's true potential would only emerge after mastering the Sage Mode.
For now, Naruto still lagged behind Sasuke.
Watching Naruto unleash a [Big Ball Rasengan], pummeling Kakashi repeatedly, Colt realized that it was time for Naruto to get a new technique.
"I should head back. I still have things to do," Colt announced to Jiraiya and Tsunade, not keen on watching the prolonged battle.
"Jiraiya-san, send Naruto to me the day after tomorrow. I have a new jutsu perfect for him to learn."