Finally, Naruto gave Hizashi 1000 grams of Chakra metal as start-up capital, plus another item: the manuscript for the Ninja World version of dou po cangqiong.
He didn't know how much royalties were in this world, but Jiraiya, the original author, made a fortune writing his romance novels, so that should count as income.
After finishing the serious business, Naruto carefully instructed Hizashi that in case of an emergency, he should activate the Flying Thunder God mark left on his body with Chakra. With a 'whoosh', his figure vanished from the spot.
After returning to Konoha, Naruto first transformed into an ordinary villager, bought a few more fox masks at the market—he had already given the last one to Neji—and then nonchalantly resumed his daily training.
A few mornings later, as Naruto was doing his morning exercises, a shout suddenly cut through the air.
"Oh oh oh! To better unleash my youth in the next Konoha crisis! Starting now, 100 laps running around Konoha! Followed by 100 laps of handstand walking! And finally, 500 push-ups and 500 fingertip push-ups!"
Passersby cast gazes as if he were a rare and exotic beast, some even outright laughing. But the green figure was long accustomed to such treatment; his way of responding to such looks had been decided long ago.
"Laugh if you want! But I will not stop!"
He called himself "Konoha's Proud Blue Beast - Mad Guy," but Guy wasn't mad, just an overly enthusiastic man.
His signature bowl cut, thick eyebrows, and dazzlingly bright green jumpsuit—that's right, Konoha's Blue Beast, Might Guy, had finally returned to the village!
Fortunately, this guy was out on a mission when Naruto caused chaos in Konoha... Naruto silently added in his mind, while subtly adjusting his training route, beginning to 'accidentally' approach Guy's direction.
"Please wait a moment! Senior, who is currently pouring out his youthful sweat!"
Might Guy slammed to a halt, raising a small whirlwind of dust. He spun around, his thick eyebrows raised high, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Oh oh? Is this... could it be that someone has finally understood my Way of Youth...?"
However, when he saw who it was, his enthusiastic words came to an abrupt halt. Although he had already judged from the voice that the person was not old, the little golden-haired, blue-eyed tot, only as tall as his knee, still left Guy momentarily speechless. The three-year-old's serious expression created a strange sense of incongruity.
"I see it!" Little Naruto put his hands on his hips, tilting his head back and declaring loudly, "Senior, you must be a Jonin of Konoha! And—a very, very strong one at that!"
Might Guy froze, but the next second, his expression suddenly burst into dazzling brilliance. With a "ding," his pearly white teeth reflected a shining beam of light—even the sun in the sky seemed to be cooperating with his performance.
"That's right!!!" Guy responded with a deafening volume, giving a thumbs-up with his right hand, "I am Konoha's Proud Blue Beast—Might Guy!!"
His voice echoed through the street, "What can I do for you, future of Konoha?"
"Since Senior, you are training in Taijutsu..." Naruto puffed out his tiny chest, "Let's have a running competition! I am also diligently training in Taijutsu to become a strong ninja!"
Before he finished speaking, Might Guy's body suddenly stiffened as if a pause button had been pressed. His thick eyebrows shot up, and suspicious moisture began to well up in his eyes.
"How... how incredible!!!"
Accompanied by a deafening shout, Guy's tears gushed out like a bursting dam. He abruptly squatted down, gripping Naruto's hands tightly.
"To have grasped the true meaning of youth at such a young age!! I love your courage! Alright! I accept your challenge!"
Saying this, Guy suddenly stood up, scanning his surroundings like a radar, finally locking onto a tree not far away. He extended his arm, his index finger pointing directly at the target.
"It's decided! We'll race to 'whoever reaches that tree first'! The loser has to do... 1 push-up!"
Naruto looked in the direction Guy was pointing—the tree was at most ten meters away. He was first stunned, then suddenly realized, 'Goodness, you thick-browed fellow, are you actually so thoughtful?'
Naruto gently shook his head, a steady expression unsuited for his age appearing on his tender face. Despite his voice still carrying the crispness unique to a child.
"No, Mr. Guy—please allow me to address you as such. This is by no means a game; what I desire is a pure Taijutsu contest. My resolve has long surpassed my age."
Guy's figure suddenly froze. He gazed at the child, who barely reached his waist. Guy realized the child before him was different.
"I see..." Guy knelt on one knee again, bringing himself to Naruto's eye level, and gently placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder, "These eyes... do they truly contain such heavy resolve?"
Guy's gaze was like a torch. "Tell me, young child. What makes you bear such a resolve that transcends your age?"
Naruto knew this was a critical moment for forging a bond. Facing Guy, the correct answer was this.
"I want to become strong! To become a powerful ninja capable of protecting those important to me!"
The air seemed to freeze at this moment. Guy's pupils widened slightly, and then—
"This is youth!!!"
A deafening roar tore through the sky, startling a flock of birds from the treetops. Guy suddenly stood up, he howled at the sky, tears streaming down his cheeks like a gushing spring.
"I understand! From this moment on, you are an opponent acknowledged by me, Might Guy! Age? That's just a number to record the years!"
He took a starting stance, "Come on! Try to keep up with my pace!"
Before he finished speaking, Guy had already shot out like an arrow from a bow. But Naruto immediately noticed that Guy was deliberately controlling his speed, maintaining a pace that he could just barely keep up with.
The first step was successful.
Naruto's lips curved into a subtle smile, and he set off with his small strides to follow.