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Naruto and Sakura walked side by side through the streets of Konoha, the soft afternoon sunlight pouring across the rooftops, painting the village in golden warmth.
The village was as peaceful as ever, yet there was a certain tension in the air. The upcoming Chūnin Exams promised excitement and change, and everyone could feel it.
Sakura clung to Naruto's side like a loyal shadow, her body language speaking volumes. She wasn't just walking beside himāshe was guarding his space, his presence, like a kunoichi sworn to her master's side. Her hands occasionally brushed against his arm, her touches innocent to a stranger's eyes but heavy with unspoken intention.
Naruto carried himself like a young lord. His blue eyes were sharp and perceptive, constantly scanning the surroundings.Ā
But just as they passed the village square, a peculiar sound interrupted their quiet moment. It was a soft dragging noise, like something heavy being pulled along the cobblestone path.
Naruto's ears twitched. He turned sharply, already suspicious.
And there it was.
A large, clunky box was trailing behind themāits body painted in dull earth tones. But what gave it away were the two perfectly round holes carved into its front. And inside, two overly bright eyes blinked rapidly, staring directly at Naruto and Sakura.
Naruto sighed and rubbed his temple.
"Konohamaruā¦" He muttered, turning fully to face the strange spectacle. His eyes narrowed as he pointed a finger at the so-called 'rock.'
"There's no such thing as a perfectly square rock with two perfect holes, you idiot."
From inside the box, a triumphant laugh erupted.
"Just what I'd expect from the man I admire most!" A familiar voice shouted.
With a loud BOOM!, a sudden explosion of pink smoke burst from the box, scattering startled villagers nearby. Several pigeons took flight from the rooftops, flapping their wings in panic.
Three small figures stumbled out from the smoke, coughing and waving their hands in front of their faces.
"Hey! That's too much gunpowder!" One of them whined.
As the smoke cleared, the trio leaped into action, striking exaggerated poses like shinobi superheroes performing for an audience.
First to speak was the only girl among them, stepping forward with confidence.
"With an adult sexiness! I am Moegi of the senior class at Kunoichi Preschool!"
Moegi had bright orange hair styled in two rounded puffs on either side of her head, like clouds held in place by red ties. Her eyes sparkled with fierce determination, and a wide, mischievous grin spread across her cheeks. She wore a short-sleeved kunoichi outfit that was obviously a size too bigāhand-me-downs from some older cousin perhapsābut she made up for it with swagger.
Around her forehead, a cloth bandana was tied crookedly, and her hands were placed on her hips in a pose that suggested she absolutely believed she was the village's next top seductress.
Naruto blinked, trying not to laugh. "Adult sexiness, huh?"
Sakura simply raised an eyebrow, glancing down at the little firecracker.
Next up was a boy who didn't even attempt to look cool. His name was Udon, and he walked forward with his glasses slipping down his nose. A long strand of snot dangled precariously from his left nostril. Yet he seemed entirely oblivious to it as he shouted.
"I love factoring! Udon!"
Udon had messy, dark hair that looked like he had combed it with a fork. His glasses were oversized for his small face, constantly slipping every time he spoke. He wore a long-sleeved shirt with math symbols scribbled on the sleeves in marker. His shorts were high and awkwardly tight, as if his mom still dressed him.
Despite this, Udon had the enthusiasm of a kid who believed math could solve everything, even ninjutsu.
Naruto tilted his head and stared. "You loveā¦ factoring?"
"Yeah!" Udon replied, proudly pushing his glasses up. "Multiples and denominators are my jam!"
Finally, the ringleader stepped forward.
Konohamaruāpride of the Sarutobi clanāleapt up onto a nearby crate and stood tall, his arms crossed and his face serious.
"I'm the most brilliant ninja in the villageā¦ KONOHAMARU!"
Konohamaru's brown hair stuck out in all directions, and his scarf flapped dramatically in the windātoo long for someone his size, but clearly meant to mimic Naruto's own ninja look. His eyes were fierce and burning with ambition.
Though he was just a kid, there was a stubborn determination in his face that showed he took his self-declared rivalry with Naruto very seriously.
Together, the three of them jumped into a synchronized pose.
"The three of us together areā¦ the Konohamaru Gang!!"
A loud cheer echoed from their tiny lungs, startling a passing cat that darted under a nearby cart.
Naruto's lips twitched. He fought back a smile. These three never failed to bring chaos wherever they went.
Konohamaru beamed with pride, but Naruto gave him a blank stare and muttered under his breath, "Every timeā¦"
Sakura giggled beside him. "They're cute. Kind of reminds me of you when you were younger, Naruto-sama."
"Yeah, but I don't remeber being like them." He sighed, scratching the back of his head.
Despite the theatrics, Naruto couldn't help but feel a soft warmth in his chest.
Konohamaru had looked up to him ever since he was little. He was like a naughty clingy sibling.
Naruto still remembered those early days. The brat following him around the village begging to learn the Sexy Jutsu. Visiting his house to eat Kushina's cooking.
That mischievous grin... That stubborn loyalty...
He sighed againāthis time with fondness.
"Soā¦ did you want something?" Naruto finally asked, lifting a brow.
Moegi puffed up her chest and stepped forward. "So, Leader! Do you have some free time now?"
Naruto opened his mouth to respond but paused when he saw Konohamaru staring at him with huge, hopeful eyes.
"Uhā¦ nah. I have to train," He said quickly, trying to escape.
"WHAT?!" Konohamaru burst out. "You promised to play ninja with us today! You said you would!"
Naruto scratched the side of his cheek, feigning ignorance. "Oh? Did I say that?"
"You totally did!" Konohamaru shouted, flailing his arms. "Yesterday! Right after lunch!"
Sakura leaned closer and whispered into Naruto's ear. "Looks like someone's getting guilt-tripped."
Naruto gave her a look.
If I hang out with them nowā¦ they'll make me play all afternoon. He groaned internally. I'll never get time to train at this rateā¦
But when he looked down again, he saw Konohamaru standing there, his expression falling.
The scarf around his neck fluttered lightly, no longer dramatic. Just a kid, hoping for a moment with his hero.
Naruto's heart twisted a little.
"Geezā¦"He muttered under his breath.
Konohamaru looked up again. "Please, Naruto-niichan. You're my rival. You can't just walk away!"
There it was. That old, innocent devotion.Ā
Naruto felt that all too deeply.
"Alright, alright," Je said with a sigh. "But just for an hour. After that, I have to go."
The Konohamaru Gang erupted in cheers, doing backflips and high-fives as if they had just won a war.
"Alright!" Konohamaru shouted. "Let's do it, guys! Operation: Ambush the Hokage!"
Naruto paled. "WaitāWHAT?"
--- ā¦ ā¦ ā¦ ---
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