Chapter 29
Sakyo clearly couldn't accept Naruto's words. She stared at him in shock—him, the guy who planned to just slack off—and asked in disbelief:
"What?"
"That's early graduation qualification! You're this strong, and you have no interest at all?"
At this moment, Sakyo felt a clear divide between her own thoughts and Naruto's philosophy.
This guy was obviously so powerful. If he took the competition seriously and aimed for first place, he could at least secure early graduation.
She simply couldn't understand this attitude.
Naruto spread his hands. "Little Sasuke, you have to understand—early graduation doesn't necessarily mean faster growth. Staying in the academy doesn't mean no progress."
Sakyo put on a fierce expression, her beautiful eyes glaring daggers at Naruto's shameless face. Through gritted teeth she said:
"Hmph!"
"Lazy is just lazy—why find so many excuses?"
"And… you're just a per—uh…"
Sakyo suddenly noticed Sakura and Hinata's expressions and quickly cut herself off to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
Sakura's thoughts were actually similar to Naruto's. She thought those Sand ninja looked way too intimidating.
She felt like she couldn't beat anyone. Right now, Sakura just wanted to find a quiet corner where no one would find her, hide until the competition ended, and return to Konoha safely with everyone.
Though she really liked Sakyo, Sakura had to speak up: "I think Naruto's right. We just need to make sure we stay safe."
Okay, truthfully, Sakura was simply lacking confidence.
She knew her level wasn't great. Her theoretical knowledge was strong, sure, but her ninjutsu and taijutsu were painfully average.
Under these circumstances, her mindset was understandable.
If Naruto were in her shoes, he'd probably do the same—find a spot and hide.
Sakyo's expression darkened. She had her own goals and naturally wouldn't waste time messing around with Naruto here.
Early graduation was extremely important to her.
Graduating a year early would let her start taking missions sooner, meet a jōnin sensei sooner.
Her strength would grow faster, and she could take revenge on Uchiha Itachi sooner.
"Little Sakura, are you really going to stay here with Naruto?"
Sakyo knew very well that, according to Kakashi's rules, relying on her own strength alone probably wouldn't get her good results in the competition.
The other academy students in Konoha, in her eyes, were all dead weight.
Sakura, at least, had the best theoretical knowledge in the class—she'd be somewhat useful.
If she could pull Sakura into her group, it wouldn't be a bad choice.
Sakura fell into a difficult dilemma.
One side: following Sakyo, full of danger.
The other: following Naruto, hiding safely.
Honestly, Sakura was extremely conflicted.
She hesitated, looking at Sakyo. The expectant look in Sakyo's eyes made Sakura's heart race—she didn't want to refuse.
But thinking about the rules Kakashi mentioned, she started backing down.
Just as everyone was struggling with the decision, the system's notification suddenly changed Naruto's mind.
"Ding~ The competition has begun. As a transmigrator and the strongest academy student, only first place is worthy of the host. Please do your utmost to secure first place.
Reward: Fire-Style Chakra Activation + Fire-Style Chakra Mastery."
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