"Naruto! What are you doing here?!"
Inuzuka Kiba came running over, his wild brown hair sticking up in every direction and the red fang-like markings on his cheeks bright against his skin.
He waved both arms dramatically.
"Kiba?" Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Academy's about to start. What are you doing here? Planning to skip class?"
Kiba's excited expression froze.
"Hah?! Says the guy loitering around the hospital!"
Naruto smirked. "Fair point."
Kiba puffed out his chest proudly.
"I'm here because White Fang is about to have puppies!"
"White Fang?"
"My mom's ninken!" Kiba declared proudly. "Maybe my future partner will be born today!"
His eyes gleamed.
"When that happens, I'm gonna crush that arrogant Uchiha Sasuke! And you'd better cheer for me!"
He jabbed Naruto repeatedly with his elbow.
Naruto chuckled.
So that's it. This must be the litter that includes Akamaru.
Just then, a system prompt flashed in his vision.
[Option 1: Support Inuzuka Kiba's goal of defeating Sasuke. Reward: Stamina +50% of current base.][Option 2: Distance yourself from Inuzuka Kiba. Reward: Random C-rank Ninjutsu.]
Naruto twitched slightly.
Birds of a feather?
Before he could respond, a confident female voice spoke from behind.
"Kiba, is this your classmate?"
A tall young woman approached, carrying herself with relaxed confidence.
She had the Inuzuka clan's red fang markings on her cheeks, and her movements were light and controlled—like a predator at ease.
"Sis!" Kiba called out.
"This is Uzumaki Naruto! My friend from the Academy!"
Naruto studied her briefly.
So this is Inuzuka Hana.
Her presence was bold and straightforward—nothing like Hinata's quiet elegance.
Naruto scratched his cheek.
"Kiba, your sister's pretty cool. Way cooler than you."
Kiba's smug grin lasted exactly one second.
"Oi!"
Naruto added casually, "At least she probably understands the first-day Academy lesson."
Kiba exploded.
"You—!"
He lunged, but Inuzuka Hana effortlessly grabbed both boys by the collars, one in each hand.
"Enough, you two."
She laughed.
"Naruto-kun, please take care of Kiba at school. He's reckless."
Kiba struggled uselessly.
"Hey! I'm not reckless!"
After a few more words, a nurse called Hana away. She waved and left briskly.
Another system notification appeared.
[Option 1: 'I treat you like a brother, and you want to be my brother-in-law?!' Increase Inuzuka Hana's favorability. Reward: Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique.][Option 2: Decline. Reward: Water Attribute Chakra Affinity.]
Naruto mentally rolled his eyes.
Why is the system like this?
He ignored it.
Kiba noticed his expression.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing," Naruto replied calmly.
"Hmph! My sister's cool, right? Too bad she's my sister."
Naruto laughed. "Relax. I'm not competing with you."
Before Kiba could respond, Yakushi Nonou hurried over.
"Naruto."
Her tone was warm but urgent.
"After school today, come see me. Someone important in the village wants to meet you."
Naruto's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Important?"
"Yes. Don't be late."
She left quickly.
Naruto exhaled.
Important person…
Tsunade?
Ninja Academy – Later That Morning
"Today we'll discuss the deeds of the Legendary Sannin during the Second Shinobi World War."
Umino Iruka stood at the front of the classroom, lecturing enthusiastically.
Naruto listened with half interest.
The battle in the Land of Rain.Hanzo of the Salamander.The title "Sannin" granted after they survived.
It was also the war where Tsunade's younger brother, Nawaki, died—killed by an explosive trap.
That tragedy led to Tsunade developing hemophobia and eventually leaving the village.
History always turned on blood.
Most of the class, however, looked bored.
"Kiba!" Iruka barked. "What are you whispering about? Tell me—how did the Sannin earn their title?"
Kiba stiffened.
"Uh—"
"Choji!"
Akimichi Choji froze mid-bite, potato chips halfway to his mouth.
"Iruka-sensei… I don't know."
"Both of you, outside!"
Iruka scanned the room.
"Does anyone know?"
A hand shot up confidently.
"The title 'Sannin' was given to them by Hanzo of the Salamander after they survived his assault," Haruno Sakura answered proudly.
"Correct," Iruka nodded.
As the lesson continued, Yamanaka Ino leaned toward Naruto.
"So, Naruto-kun, which of the Sannin do you like most?"
Her voice was cheerful and curious.
Naruto glanced sideways.
"Ino, what about you?"
She smiled brightly.
"Obviously Lady Tsunade! She's strong, confident, and beautiful. A woman who can stand at the top of the world."
Naruto gave a faint smile.
Tsunade, huh?
Looks like I'll be meeting her soon enough.