Chapter 78
"Really?"
For some reason, Sakyo's mind suddenly recalled the period right after Uchiha Itachi graduated.
After graduation, Itachi had almost completely left home—returning only once every few days, staying for an extremely short time.
It seemed… Naruto was right?
Naruto nodded along: "Exactly. After graduation, you'll face all kinds of low-level missions. They won't give you any combat experience, and they won't improve your strength either."
"At the same time, you won't earn much money either—because the pay for low-level missions is really limited…"
As he spoke, Naruto suddenly shut his mouth.
What Sakyo cared about wasn't money—she cared about revenge!
And besides… Sakyo wasn't short on cash anyway…
"Tell you what—once you can actually beat me, I'll agree to let you graduate early."
The moment Naruto finished speaking, Sakyo replied calmly: "Why do I need your permission to graduate early?"
Naruto scratched his head and started playing the friendship card: "We're good friends, right? Don't good friends at least listen to each other's opinions?"
"And don't rush to refuse. If you can beat me, I'll promise you one thing."
"Anything within my power—you name it."
Sakyo felt tempted. Instead of graduating early and wasting time on tedious missions with no room for training, maybe staying in the academy longer was better.
That way she'd have Naruto as a sparring partner, plenty of time to train, and if she beat him she could ask for one favor.
That sounded… pretty great!
Seeing Sakyo waver, Naruto continued: "And besides, at our age, strength growth comes from slowly building a solid foundation. Real combat experience comes after graduation."
"Because ages 12 and under are the best time to lay that foundation. Why do you think the graduation age for ninja academy is usually 12?"
Sakyo clearly believed Naruto's words. She lowered her head and seriously considered it.
This scene was witnessed by Kakashi, who was wearing his mask nearby. He was instantly shocked and impressed by Naruto.
For a kid to so easily persuade and manipulate someone his own age—this was pure genius!
Maybe… he should introduce Uzumaki Naruto to Nara Shikaku and let Shikaku guide him?
As the Fourth Hokage's student, Kakashi had spent these years buried in ANBU missions with no time to look after Naruto. All he could do was provide some financial support.
Now, seeing Naruto's talent, Kakashi's mind started turning.
Sure, it might cut into his reading time, but for Naruto's sake, temporarily parting with Icha Icha Paradise was nothing.
The biggest difference between the journey back and the journey here was that everyone was utterly exhausted.
After walking for a long time, they finally reached a small town.
Under the teachers' arrangements, the students checked into an inn, planning to continue traveling tomorrow.
In one of the inn rooms, Naruto's team gathered around a table eating dinner.
These were all local specialties Naruto had specially bought—very tasty.
Sakura looked gloomy and downcast. Clearly Sakyo's earlier harsh words had made her think Sakyo hated her.
So Sakura didn't dare face Sakyo.
"My tone earlier wasn't good. That was my fault."
Sakyo suddenly turned to Sakura, her expression serious and her tone stiff as she spoke.
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