"What?"
Asuma didn't expect Naruto to say that. He looked at Naruto in surprise.
This was the first time in his life he had ever been challenged head-on.
A strange feeling—one he couldn't even describe—lingered in Asuma's chest.
It was like a powerless kid suddenly provoking the world's strongest warlord.
Asuma felt angry and amused at the same time, and only one thought circled in his mind:
This guy named Kamizuki Aoba really doesn't know how high the sky is.
Just a little bit of talent and he's already acting arrogant? Since when has Konoha ever lacked geniuses?
And you're just some outsider who came halfway through—why provoke me?
If you actually succeed in overshadowing me, how am I supposed to show my face?
"Then try it. See what consequences you'll face."
Asuma looked at Naruto mockingly and reminded him, "Kid, I get that you don't want to lose face in front of people, but don't force it. This isn't a joke. Your choice will decide your end."
Naruto was speechless after hearing Asuma's words.
He completely understood why Asuma would say this.
From Asuma's perspective, Naruto was indeed just some powerless kid.
But in reality…
Both Naruto and Kamizuki Aoba could easily erase Konoha from the map.
The only reason Naruto stayed here playing along with them was because of the system's missions.
But to Naruto, Asuma was nothing more than a clown who didn't understand the situation.
Daring to act arrogant in front of him just because he was the Hokage's son.
Naruto found it hilarious.
He stared at the arrogant Asuma and laughed on the spot.
Asuma, thinking Naruto had finally gone crazy, laughed as well.
The two stood there laughing at each other—an extremely bizarre scene.
Naruto finally stopped laughing. He shook his head, patted Asuma's shoulder, and said with curiosity, "Then I really want to see what these consequences are."
Asuma's smile froze. He slapped Naruto's hand away and growled, "Fine. Just wait and see what happens to you."
Asuma was unbelievably arrogant and completely unaware of how horrifying the consequences would be if he truly angered Naruto.
But Naruto had been ostracized since childhood. This level of provocation was nothing to him—it didn't even stir his emotions.
Naruto nodded and said something Asuma couldn't understand: "Alright, I'll give you a gift before I leave."
To Naruto, Asuma's provocation meant nothing.
Right now, the system's missions were more important.
There was no way he would give up simulation chances over something so trivial.
This was Naruto being rational.
But Naruto wasn't a saint—he had a temper too.
So he decided on the spot to give Asuma a "gift" later.
Asuma, however, was completely confused.
A gift? Is he trying to bribe me? But his expression doesn't look like bribery at all…
He was utterly baffled.
Asuma concluded Naruto must have gone crazy.
Otherwise, how could he say something so strange?
Just as the two stared each other down, Kurenai finally couldn't endure it.
Naruto had stood up for her, something she was truly grateful for.
After all, Naruto was the one who understood her situation, and he was her friend.
She never expected Naruto to confront Asuma because of her.
If Kurenai didn't speak up, Asuma might actually attack Naruto secretly.
But standing there, Asuma and Naruto suddenly looked like they were united against an "outsider."
Asuma said to Kurenai, "Kurenai, this kid is harassing you. I won't let him off. Don't get involved."
Naruto nodded, "Yeah, yeah. He's abusing his status, and I'm not someone who can be bullied. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Kurenai: "…"
…
After Asuma left with his friends,
Kurenai immediately rushed to Naruto.
She said anxiously, "Kamizuki-san, Asuma really will go too far. Don't think he's joking!"
"You need to leave Konoha before he starts making moves. Come with me—otherwise it'll be too late."
Kurenai grabbed Naruto's hand and pulled him toward her home.
Asuma was the Hokage's son, but Kurenai's father also had status in Konoha.
He wasn't Hokage-level, but he was influential enough to send Naruto away safely and arrange a secure place for him.
However…
No matter how anxious she was, Naruto simply stood still.
He looked at Kurenai with sincere, bright black eyes and said seriously, "Kurenai, don't worry. I'll be completely fine."
"This…" For some reason, Kurenai suddenly felt Naruto wasn't lying.
She froze, unsure what to do.
She was just a young girl. She had no idea how to handle such a situation.
Naruto told her, "Kurenai, go home first. I'll handle Asuma."
Beside them, Anko twisted her small body, cupped her cheeks with her hands, and mockingly imitated Naruto's tone:
"Kurenai~~ go home first I'll deal with Asuma~~ Ehehehe~~"
Smack.
Naruto flicked her forehead without hesitation.
"It hurts…" Anko squatted down holding her head, eyes teary. "I was going to support you and Kurenai! But you hit me so hard! You're done for! You hear me? DONE!"
Naruto ignored her threats.
He comforted Kurenai and let her drag Anko home.
Naruto then casually found a restaurant, ordered food, and ate calmly.
Before long, an ANBU appeared beside him.
In a cold voice, he said, "Kamizuki Aoba, Lord Hokage summons you. Come with me."
Naruto knew exactly why ANBU was here.
He just didn't expect it to be this fast.
But Naruto ignored the ANBU and continued eating.
The ANBU operative, confident that Naruto's good days were numbered, simply waited nearby.
When Naruto finished his meal, he paid, walked out of the restaurant, stretched, and said calmly:
"Let's go."
As if he were going shopping with a friend.
Not at all like someone who had caused trouble.
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