"Cough, cough!"
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had a strange expression on his face as he watched the two people walk in, hand in hand. The scene nearly made him choke on his pipe smoke.
It wasn't until that moment that Yugao Uzuki suddenly realized what was happening. She quickly pulled her hand away from Naruto's grip. She had no idea what had just come over her—it was as if something had possessed her to act that way.
How could she explain it? There was something about Naruto's presence, a special aura that made people want to stay by his side. Maybe that was it.
"Lord Hokage, I've brought Uzumaki Naruto," Yugao announced, trying her best to stay calm, acting like nothing unusual had happened. But no one could see the face behind her mask, which was burning red with embarrassment.
It wasn't shyness, just sheer awkwardness.
"You may leave now," Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively after taking a puff from his pipe, motioning for Yugao to step back.
In truth, what he was thinking was that the little flower that once bloomed had now grown into a beautiful and radiant woman. He couldn't help but wonder who would be lucky enough to win her heart in the future.
"Old man, stop staring. It doesn't matter how much you look; she's already my future wife," Naruto's voice cut through Hiruzen's thoughts, snapping him back to reality.
"Pfft... cough, cough!" This time, Hiruzen really did choke on his smoke, nearly coughing his lungs out. Outside in the hallway, Yugao stumbled slightly when she overheard Naruto's bold words.
For some reason, the irritation she initially felt began to fade, and a smile tugged at her lips. This little brat was actually kind of amusing.
Could it be that holding hands had brought them closer?
Yugao shook her head, banishing that ridiculous thought. She wasn't about to take this girlfriend or wife talk seriously. However, if Naruto saw her as an older sister, she could accept that. Sadly, due to his status as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, it wasn't easy for others to interact with him freely.
Back in the office, the Third Hokage finally managed to catch his breath after coughing for what seemed like forever. Annoyed, he snapped, "Naruto, can't you show some respect to your elders? I'm still the Hokage, you know. What would people think if word got out?"
In private, Hiruzen had spent a lot of time with Naruto, and their relationship was indeed like that of a grandfather and grandson, so their conversations were often casual. Had it not been for Hiruzen's indulgence, Naruto's frequent pranks would've gotten him in serious trouble long ago. He certainly wouldn't have been able to dodge the ANBU's pursuit with his limited skills.
"But on a serious note, wasn't there a girl in your class named Sakura that you liked? Why the sudden interest in Yugao? She's a lot older than you, and you've never even seen her face," Hiruzen couldn't make sense of it.
"What's wrong with liking someone older? Don't men always say that older women are better?" Naruto replied matter-of-factly. "Besides, who says you can only like one person? I like you, too, Grandpa Hiruzen. Does that mean I can't like anyone else?"
"Ahem... okay, let's move on from that topic," Hiruzen, a little flattered by Naruto's words, decided not to dwell on it. He chalked it up to childish, immature thinking.
With a more serious expression, Hiruzen continued, "The reason I called you here today was to discuss what happened yesterday..."
"Huh? What's there to talk about? That was no fun at all," Naruto interrupted with a dismissive wave. "All I did was scare someone a little. He didn't even wet his pants, and yet he ran off to tattle on me."
"You... scared him?" Hiruzen blinked, clearly confused. This version of events didn't quite match what he had heard.
"Yeah!" Naruto blinked innocently. "He pushed me out of nowhere, made me trip and fall, so of course I had to scare him a little. It's not my fault! And that ANBU guy who suddenly jumped out and threatened to arrest me like I was a traitor? That's when my hand slipped, and the mask shop owner got hurt."
"At first, I felt bad and wanted to offer to pay for the shopkeeper's medical expenses, but unfortunately, I already spent all my allowance for the month."
By the end of his explanation, Naruto looked indignant, regretful, and innocent all at once, switching expressions like a master actor.
But this was the Naruto Hiruzen knew, so he believed every word.
Internally, Hiruzen pondered, wondering if his approach had been too lenient. Was his own team starting to play tricks behind his back? Threatening the Jinchuriki, sabotaging him, and then filing false reports? That was crossing the line.
Maybe it was time to send that ANBU operative on a long-term infiltration mission to another country.
Hiruzen mentally sentenced that ANBU to an uncertain fate.
"It seems like it was all just a misunderstanding," Hiruzen concluded, sighing in relief. Smiling, he said, "No need to be upset anymore. On behalf of the mask shop owner and the ANBU, I apologize to you."
"And since you're here, it's about time I gave you your monthly allowance anyway. No need for you to make another trip."
He opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope, handing it to Naruto. After a moment's thought, he added an extra thousand ryo.
"Take this extra thousand as compensation. Don't worry about the mask shop owner, I'll handle it," Hiruzen said, unusually generous this time.
"Thank you, Grandpa Hiruzen! You're the best!" Naruto cheered, his face lighting up with excitement.
Hiruzen chuckled, feeling a bit proud. "For those kind words, I'll give you an additional two thousand ryo from my own pocket. I like honest kids."
"Grandpa Hiruzen is definitely the strongest Hokage, the greatest of all time! And now... Sexy Jutsu!"
"Pfff—"
Hiruzen's nose exploded in a fountain of blood as he collapsed to the floor, limbs flailing as his legs kicked helplessly. Yet, there was a smile of bliss on his face, mixed with a hint of guilty pleasure.
From now on, he'd have to give Naruto more allowance. This kid really knew how to please him!
"Whatever," Naruto muttered, glancing at the Hokage lying there in a daze. He pocketed the money and headed for the door. With a total of six thousand ryo, his finances were much more comfortable now.
As he rubbed his stiff face, Naruto couldn't help but sigh inwardly. All this pretending was a bit too much for a time traveler like him. But for now, the Third Hokage was his biggest shield in the village, and he couldn't afford to offend him.
After all, Naruto had no plans to defect from Konoha.
Not yet, at least. Once Tsunade—who would dote on him like her own son—took the position of Hokage, he'd be free.
Outside the Hokage Tower, Naruto waved toward the figure on the nearby tree branch. "Sister, the Third Hokage asked you to escort me back to the Ninja Academy."
Whoosh!
As expected, Yugao's figure appeared, though she was puzzled. How had Naruto noticed her? Had she failed to hide properly?
"Let's go."
On the surface, she remained as cold as ever.
"Sister, Sister! Grandpa Hiruzen told me your name. It's Yugao Uzuki. Such a beautiful name!" Naruto sidled up to her, his fingers smoothly intertwining with hers again.
Yugao's eyebrow twitched. How had she let him do that again?
However, she was even more surprised that the Third Hokage had revealed both her first and last name to Naruto.
What did that mean?
Had she been given permission to get closer to him? Or was she being encouraged to do so?
Hmm...
That seemed to be the case. Otherwise, why would she be tasked with escorting Naruto to the Academy? No one else had ever been given that privilege.