Meanwhile.
Kakashi and Sakura were still waiting.
But Sakura was displeased that Naruto was only playing with leaves and not looking for the cat, so she said resentfully,
"Naruto, it's essential for a ninja to complete the mission. We need to cooperate to trust each other. You can't always be playing around."
"Haven't I been here watching you guys do the mission? And I even told you where the cat is," Naruto said without looking up.
"You've clearly been playing the whole time. Besides, it's not even certain the cat is at the lightning-struck tree," Sakura said angrily.
"You'll know when Sasuke gets back."
"Alright, I'll wait and see. Don't tell me you're still a Sensory Ninja," Sakura said, disbelieving.
"You never know," Naruto replied with a smirk.
He tossed the leaf in his hand onto the ground, simultaneously channeling his Chakra to refine his control, aiming to develop more combat techniques.
Whoosh!
A sound of air tearing through the sky, and Sasuke's figure flashed past, stopping in front of everyone.
"The cat's found. Just as Naruto said," Sasuke said coolly, then leaned against a large tree, holding the cat. The scratches on his face, however, somewhat detracted from his image.
But.
No one paid attention to Sasuke's face. Instead, they quickly turned their heads, their eyes fixed on Naruto with surprise, especially Sakura, who was speechless at this answer.
[Experience +1]
"Naruto, have you become a Sensory Ninja?" Kakashi asked seriously.
"Something like that." Naruto tossed away the leaf in his hand, replying casually.
"Phew, so you really did become a Sensory Ninja. No wonder you always found me that day. I see."
Kakashi exhaled, looking at Naruto with appreciation. "Sensory Ninjas are important at any time. Naruto, you're very good. I have high hopes for you."
[Experience +2]
"I was already good. You actually didn't need to have high hopes for me. Right, I found the cat, so the mission reward is mine." Naruto stretched, standing up.
"Hmph! Greedy."
Sakura huffed in dissatisfaction at the suggestion, but didn't refuse.
As for Sasuke…
He knew that Naruto had become a Sensory Ninja. He clenched his fists, encouraging himself inwardly, and secretly vowed to become stronger in the future.
"Alright, let's go back and hand in the mission. With the money, I'm going to treat my Hinata to a meal outside. Hmm, what should we eat?"
Naruto mumbled, walking quickly towards the Hokage Office, and soon disappeared in the distance.
"This Naruto, he doesn't even wait for us, he's just thinking about his Hinata."
Sakura muttered and prepared to follow. But she soon realized something was wrong.
Because Kakashi was squatting on the ground, looking at the leaves on the ground with a serious expression.
"What's wrong, Kakashi-sensei? What's so interesting about this leaf?" Sakura asked, puzzled. She remembered Naruto dropping it earlier.
"I'm certain of it. This Naruto… he's already accomplished this much. His future is limitless."
Kakashi said solemnly, carefully examining each leaf, even collecting a few of them.
"What do you mean? Kakashi-sensei, what are you talking about? Isn't this just an ordinary leaf?" Sakura asked, confused.
"No, these leaves are very different. Both of you, come and take a closer look."
Kakashi gestured for Sasuke and Sakura to come closer, then continued.
"Look at the marks on the leaves. The damage is identical. Clearly, this Naruto is performing Chakra Nature Transformation."
"Chakra Nature Transformation? What's that?" Sakura was bewildered, not quite understanding.
"This is an advanced application of Chakra, which is divided into form transformation and nature transformation. Generally, only Jonin can master more than two nature transformations. This transformation can make the power of Ninjutsu stronger, such as this."
Kakashi raised his right hand, and the next second, the light of Raikiri began to flash, emitting the brilliance of lightning and also carrying powerful destructive power.
"This is Raikiri, which transforms Chakra through form and nature, resulting in even greater destructive power. I originally planned to teach you this in the future, but…"
Kakashi put away Raikiri and continued, "But what surprised me is that Naruto has quietly achieved this step. Many ninjas can't do it in their entire lives, and Naruto is close to succeeding."
"Close to succeeding? This…"
Sasuke's expression grew increasingly grim after listening to Kakashi's explanation. The suppressed feelings of being surpassed by Naruto were now covered in a layer of frost.
He clenched his fists tightly. "Kakashi-sensei, please teach me a stronger Ninjutsu. Please."
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke works very hard. Please help him." Sakura hurriedly chimed in to plead.
"Alright, I was planning on teaching you all in a while, but since you want to learn, I'll start teaching you the basics from tomorrow," Kakashi said seriously.
"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."
Sasuke looked at Kakashi gratefully, his heart finally warming a little. At the same time, he felt more confident facing Naruto, now that he had the chance to surpass him.
"Alright, let's go. We'll go to the Hokage Office."
"Yes, sensei."
The three of them quickly left and soon arrived at the Hokage Office.
At this moment, Naruto was standing in front of the office window, looking at the scenery outside with boredom, seemingly absent-minded.
"Hokage-sama, this is the mission for this time."
Kakashi and the others entered and gave a slight bow, then began to hand over the details of the mission.
After receiving their mission payment, Naruto immediately ran over and snatched the money.
"A little less than I expected, oh well, it's fine." Naruto counted the money and turned to leave without hesitation.
"Don't go yet, there's a new mission," Sakura quickly reminded him.
"I'll deal with the missions later, right now I'm taking my Hinata out for dinner."
Naruto replied and hurried towards his home, leaving the others speechless.
"This kid, so eager to treat a girl to dinner, how old is he?!" The Third Hokage grumbled, then began to assign the new mission.
Ignoring the situation in the Hokage Office, the focus shifted to Naruto's doorstep.
At this moment, Hinata was standing in front of Naruto's house, holding five sets of clothes, silently waiting for his return.
These clothes were specially made for Naruto. Although they cost some money, she felt it was all worthwhile.
Because she felt happy when she was with Naruto, especially when she saw the warm smile he only showed to her, she felt even more blissful.
"Naruto, I brought your favorite oranges. I believe you will be even happier when you see them when you return."
Hinata murmured softly, her beautiful eyes curving into crescents.
....
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