Startled and wide-eyed, Naruto stared at the kunai's sharp edge looming so close that strands of his golden hair had been nicked. "Careful, careful, it's me!"
"You... you... how did you appear here?" Sasuke's eyes widened in shock as he struggled to comprehend how Naruto had suddenly materialized before him. He almost dropped his kunai in fright.
This was supposed to be a secret training ground for him and Itachi. Although it had once been a place where Itachi practiced in his early years, he hadn't been here in ages. Nobody should know about this place except for him.
And it was precisely because he had issued a stern warning to Naruto earlier that he had sneaked off to practice at night. More importantly, this was Uchiha clan territory!
"Oh, it's a long story! I'm just... well, you could say I'm throwing myself at this situation in desperation." Naruto chuckled sheepishly as he gently pushed the kunai away from his head, grinning, "No worries! Just pretend I wasn't here... let me find my spot... got it!"
As soon as Naruto's words fell, Sasuke watched in disbelief as Naruto vanished again before his eyes. He rubbed his eyes furiously, questioning whether he was hallucinating from too much training.
At that moment, Sasuke longed to awaken his Sharingan.
Naruto's figure reappeared, but this time he wasn't back home or in the same spot; he had arrived at the previous training ground.
"Uncle Guy said this place is reserved for the village's elite ninjas. I wonder if I can find any other ninjas here." Naruto scanned his surroundings, puzzled that nobody had noticed him being ambushed in the village.
If he hadn't just used the Flying Thunder God Technique to meet Sasuke, he would have thought something was seriously wrong in the entire village.
"Naruto, what are you doing here?" A familiar, gentle voice interrupted his thoughts. Turning around, he saw the Third Hokage, dressed in a plain robe, strolling toward him like an old man taking a leisurely walk.
"Hokage Grandpa?" Naruto exclaimed, surprised. He rushed forward and started explaining, "Listen, listen! I just..."
As Naruto recounted his harrowing experience, the Third Hokage's expression grew increasingly serious. He nodded thoughtfully, "Don't worry, Naruto. I understand. I'll send someone to handle this dangerous situation immediately. Are you hurt?"
"No, no, I was careful! That guy had lightning on his hands, I didn't dare touch him," Naruto replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I'm really sorry, Hokage Grandpa! I didn't get a good look at him."
"Is that so? What a pity." The Third Hokage sighed in relief at Naruto's words, reassured that there was no immediate need to send Kakashi out of the village.
As Naruto continued describing the danger he had faced, the Third Hokage nodded along, listening intently.
It seemed Kakashi had done a great job, but they would still need to confirm the details of the escape later.
Once Naruto finished sharing, the Third Hokage seized an opportunity to interject.
"Naruto, you should go to the ninja academy." He said suddenly, his tone turning serious. "Although the village will do everything possible to eliminate dangerous situations, this world is perilous."
"Right now, while you've gained some ability to protect yourself, battles among ninjas aren't just about running away. If you truly aspire to become Hokage, you must learn as much as you can in school and become an exceptional ninja!"
School?
Naruto blinked in surprise.
"And you'll meet plenty of friends there too." The Third Hokage's demeanor softened as he winked at Naruto.
As Naruto finished recounting his recent experience, the Third Hokage, having gathered the information he wanted, didn't leave immediately. He had merely hinted at school; just planting the idea in Naruto's mind was enough.
Soon, the Third Hokage led Naruto back along the path to his home.
All the while, Naruto remained alert, glancing around and even bouncing on his feet. In contrast, the Third Hokage, who was ostensibly protecting Naruto, maintained a cheerful demeanor, resembling an old man who had just enjoyed a good dinner and was out for a stroll.
"It's just ahead, Hokage Grandpa, be careful! We should hide!" As they approached their destination, Naruto quickly ducked behind a tree, squinting to observe his surroundings, then cautiously waved at the Third Hokage.
"Alright, alright." Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled, following along with Naruto's antics. He was in high spirits, even if Naruto suggested they sneak up to the Hokage Rock to relieve himself; the Third would probably just smile and watch him.
Hiding behind the tree, Naruto made exaggerated gestures and poked his head out playfully. Finally, summoning his courage, he leaped out with a handful of shuriken. However, his expression turned blank as he froze in surprise.
Though it was already night, the streets were as lively as ever, bustling with pedestrians, some of whom were even familiar faces.
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Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 120+ at patreon.com/Esei01.