At this moment.
Even Sasuke, who usually carried an air of indifference and gloom, rarely revealed a faint trace of joy. After all, he had finally passed the final assessment and officially become a ninja. Moreover, after witnessing the special survival exercise just now, it was extremely obvious that the jōnin named Hatake Kakashi far exceeded his original expectations in strength. Under the guidance of such a jōnin, his own power would undoubtedly grow rapidly, allowing him to approach that man step by step, faster than ever before!
Just thinking of this.
Deep within Sasuke's heart, an endless desire surged.
This emotional fluctuation did not show clearly on the surface.
Yet it was still keenly noticed by Kakashi standing nearby. Kakashi's brows subtly furrowed, but only for an instant before relaxing again. He slightly opened his arms, looked at the three subordinates in front of him, and smiled as he spoke in an unusually relaxed tone.
"Alright, it's almost time now. To celebrate the official establishment of Team Seven, this teacher will treat you all to a good meal today! After that, get a proper rest. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin taking on official missions!"
"Eh?"
"Really?!"
The moment food was mentioned, Naruto didn't even wait for Sakura or Sasuke to react.
Naruto's eyes instantly lit up as he stared at Kakashi with burning enthusiasm. One must know that although Naruto was officially treated as an orphan, and according to Konoha's regulations he should not have lacked food or clothing, Naruto's special identity had always made things different. As mentioned before, for many years Naruto had essentially relied on his own efforts to barely avoid starvation. Iruka had invited Naruto to eat before, but that only began after Naruto entered the Ninja Academy, which itself was already two years ago. In the first two or three years, Iruka's feelings toward Naruto were still complicated—largely driven by the Third Hokage's instructions and his responsibility as an educator. At that time, it was more a matter of duty than genuine care.
The real change came through six long years of interaction at the Ninja Academy. Iruka witnessed Naruto's hard work, his persistence, and his genuine personality. Although Naruto always presented a cheerful and sunny side in front of Iruka, the darker and more painful emotions were deeply buried within himself.
It was precisely because of this that Iruka gradually eliminated the estrangement and fear that once existed in his heart.
Naruto was Naruto.
The Nine-Tails was the Nine-Tails.
Watching Naruto's determined figure struggling forward.
On one particular day.
Iruka had reached this conclusion in his heart.
Therefore, during the past two years, Naruto was occasionally invited by Iruka to eat ramen at Ichiraku. But most of the time, Naruto still had to rely on himself. He had no additional income, and if he wanted to eat well, he often had to rely on luck. Hunting in the forest did not guarantee prey every day, and as for fishing—if Naruto did not restrain himself, the fish in that river might have gone extinct long ago.
So when Kakashi mentioned treating them to a meal.
Naruto instantly felt as if his entire spirit had been revived.
"Of course! You can eat whatever you want. Today is a special occasion!"
Kakashi waved his hand proudly.
As a jōnin, with years of accumulated income and some family savings, treating three genin to a meal was nothing more than a drop in the bucket.
In fact, Sakura and Sasuke were also starving by now. It was just that the excitement of graduation had distracted them. Once Kakashi mentioned food, a strong wave of hunger struck them as well. It was already past eleven in the afternoon, and they had arrived at the training ground at five in the morning. More than sixteen hours had passed without a single bite or drop of water.
Such fasting was something they had never experienced before.
Still, no matter how hungry she was, Sakura maintained her "ladylike" image. As for the cool and aloof Uchiha Sasuke, he naturally continued to keep his cold expression.
Of course, that was assuming they could suppress the sounds coming from their stomachs.
"Grrr—"
The sound rang out abruptly, completely ignoring the atmosphere.
Naruto froze for a moment.
Then burst out laughing.
Kakashi also chuckled, glancing at the embarrassed Sakura and the slightly stiff Sasuke—whose expression looked as if he had swallowed something unpleasant.
"Well, it seems everyone is hungry. Let's go."
"Yes!"
Kakashi took the lead and left the training ground.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura followed closely behind.
This special survival exercise had ended.
It was the first step for the three of them, and also the first step toward a future that would eventually change the ninja world!!
That evening, in Konoha Village, inside the slightly shabby apartment building where Naruto lived.
Having eaten his fill, Naruto returned home with a satisfied expression. He patted his round stomach and let out a long, contented burp. For the current Naruto, being able to eat a hearty meal without restraint was nothing short of supreme happiness.
Two people were starving.
And one person was easily among the top three big eaters in Konoha.
Although Kakashi was not truly poor.
When he thought about the bill, Kakashi's eye still twitched slightly.
Naruto couldn't help but smile and shake his head.
"Well, an opportunity like this might not come again so easily."
Naruto smacked his lips, thinking with a trace of regret.
"From tomorrow onward, I can officially start taking missions. This step really took a long time… but it's exciting!"
Naruto stood by the window, gazing at Konoha Village as it was gradually enveloped by the glow of the setting sun. A complex emotion flickered in his eyes.
Twelve years.
A full twelve years.
He had finally taken this first step.
By relying on acting, restraint, and carefully wearing a mask for twelve years, he had finally reached the right moment to move forward. Of course, this was both an opportunity and a dangerous path. Inside the village, Shimura Danzō was still watching from the shadows. Although the Third Hokage trusted Naruto deeply, no matter how wise Sarutobi Hiruzen was, he could never imagine that an adult soul resided within Naruto's body. As for Danzō, his desire to control the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki had never faded.
And beyond the village.
There was still the looming threat of Akatsuki.
Fortunately, many things could still be predicted to some extent, guided by the "story" etched into memory.
"The second phase of the plan… can begin soon."
Looking out at the seemingly peaceful and tranquil Konoha Village.
A faint hint of mockery appeared in Naruto's eyes, quickly suppressed, leaving behind only a pale golden gleam that grew increasingly intense.
'Naruto Uzumaki?'
'No… My name is Namikaze Minato!'
His breathing became calm.
Yet deep within his heart, a resolute will surged.
This declaration.
Was Naruto's greatest oath!!
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