Suddenly, Sarutobi Hiruzen changed his tone and directed his attention to Team 7: "So, Naruto..."
"Have you already learned the Flying Thunder God Technique?"
Hearing this, Naruto's bright blue eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. Hadn't I already mastered the Flying Thunder God? What's wrong with Sarutobi-sensei?
In that moment, Naruto remembered that, in Sarutobi's eyes, he had only received the Flying Thunder God scroll just three days ago.
After a brief pause, Naruto replied flatly, "Yes, Lord Third Hokage, I've already mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Since it's already been exposed, there's no need to hide it anymore...
Sarutobi's dull gray eyes flickered with a touch of awe. As Orochimaru had said, this child was indeed a genius.
To master an S-rank jutsu in just three days... his talent rivaled that of the late Second Hokage.
It truly felt as if the First and Second Hokages were watching over Konoha from above...
"I see. Indeed, Naruto, you are a true genius," Sarutobi said, narrowing his eyes slightly, a warm smile crossing his face.
"Thank you for the praise, Lord Third Hokage. Compared to you, who is hailed as 'God of Shinobi,' I'm far from your level," Naruto replied, his gaze distant, neither respectful nor dismissive—this was the attitude he held towards Sarutobi.
Naruto tilted his head slightly and glanced at Kushina beside him. In a soft tone, he added, "If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave now, Lord Third Hokage. The whole of Team 7 is heading to have some barbecue."
Kushina looked at Naruto, whose expression was cold and indifferent, then at Sarutobi Hiruzen, whose face showed helplessness. For a moment, she wasn't sure what to say. The air seemed to carry a faint tension.
On the other side, Mikoto, a sensitive girl, vaguely sensed that something was off.
The atmosphere between the Hokage and Naruto seemed... strained...
After a long pause—
Sarutobi looked at the man in front of him and smiled gently. "Masan, take your students back to the inn."
"In order to prevent something like this from happening again, I'll have people keep a close watch on your every move during the Chunin Exams."
"Understood, Lord Hokage."
Masan didn't dare say anything more. In the Hokage's stronghold, keeping a low profile was basic protocol.
Moments later, Masan led the Sand team away, and Sakumo carefully closed the door behind them.
"Naruto, it's still early. Don't be in such a rush to leave. Why not agree to something for me? It comes with a generous reward," Sarutobi said, supporting his chin with one hand and smiling slightly.
His tone reminded Naruto of how he had once tempted the Nine-Tails.
Naruto furrowed his brows. He wasn't sure what Sarutobi was up to.
"No, it sounds like a hassle. I hate troublesome things the most," he replied, clearly uninterested.
"Hah..." Sarutobi took a pipe from his drawer, lit it, and exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"I told you, there's a generous reward."
He then took out a voucher-like paper from the drawer.
"This is a lifetime free voucher for Akimichi's barbecue shop. There are only five in all of Konoha. Lucky for me, I have one right here."
Sarutobi's face flickered with a touch of regret. This was his one and only voucher, and he was giving it away.
"Oh?" Naruto's interest was piqued. Sarutobi was either asking him to do something or setting a trap.
"Well, just so you know, regardless of whether this thing works out or not, I want that lifetime barbecue voucher. Got it?"
"If not, I'm leaving now."
With that, Naruto turned to leave.
"Alright, I agree."
Seeing Naruto about to leave, Sarutobi immediately relented.
Upon hearing this, Naruto winked at the two girls and gave them a mischievous smile.
Standing behind them, Sakumo couldn't help but twitch his lips at Naruto's expression. This brat was beyond saving.
"Well then, back to business," Sarutobi said, puffing out another cloud of smoke as he extinguished his pipe. He continued softly, "Naruto, my request is simple. I want you to spar with the Anbu behind me."
"Of course, as per our previous agreement, no matter the outcome, that lifetime barbecue voucher is yours."
"Oh..." Naruto said, slightly relieved. "I thought it was going to be something much harder."
He muttered, but deep down, he felt that things couldn't be as simple as Sarutobi made them out to be.
After thinking for a moment, Naruto finally agreed to the Hokage's request.
A spar in exchange for a lifetime's worth of free barbecue? It seemed like a pretty good deal.
"So, where are we sparring? I'm in a bit of a rush," Naruto said, clicking his tongue lightly.
"No need to rush, just wait a bit. I'll take you to a suitable place," Sarutobi said as he slowly stood up and walked over to the Anbu. His aging face cracked a smile.
"Sakumo, go change. You're coming with us."
Naruto blinked, surprised by Sarutobi Hiruzen's words.
"Sakumo...?"
"Konoha's White Fang!"
Naruto couldn't help but think: "Oh, come on, Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, you really are a piece of work."
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