This Naruto is a player.

Chapter 176 Sasuke Also Wants to Improve
At the same time, not far from Konoha.

The Land of Fire is of a decent size; among the five great nations, its territory isn't particularly large, but it's certainly not small either.

Unlike some countries
A simple "sunny day" can summarize the entire national weather forecast.

Therefore, while Itachi Uchiha was being battered by the storm, the weather not far from Konoha had already cleared up.

A beautiful rainbow even appeared in the western sky.

"Wow~ Sasuke-kun, look! What a beautiful rainbow!"

On her way back to the village, Xiaoying happened to see the rainbow, and her mood instantly soared like a chirping little sparrow, and the unpleasantness of being caught in the rain just now vanished.

Yeah!

Going on a date with Sasuke.
No, it's that I was alone with Sasuke on a mission and we even saw such a beautiful rainbow!
It's really great!

Sakura excitedly pointed at the rainbow in the sky, but when she turned around, she saw Sasuke with his head down, his brows furrowed and his expression troubled.

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked cautiously.

Can.
Sasuke, however, seemed not to have heard at all.

At this moment, his feelings were at least as if he had lost his mother, if not jubilant.

The blow Naruto dealt him this morning was quite significant.

Naruto has already become a Jonin and the leader of an organization.

What about yourself?
Still a perennial genin, still doing D-rank delivery missions!
Sasuke had a feeling he couldn't quite describe.

I always felt that there was a sad, thick barrier between him and Naruto, and that they were living completely different lives!

Is it because I haven't tried hard enough?

Sasuke was deep in thought.

Looking back on these years, especially the past six months since graduation, Sasuke doesn't feel that he has wasted his time.

He has already tried his best!

Even so, the gap between her and Naruto continued to widen!
He no longer felt any jealousy towards Naruto, because the gap was too large; he couldn't even see Naruto's taillights. How could he possibly have any jealous thoughts?
Three years!

Thinking about my goal of catching up with Naruto in three years, is this really something that can be achieved?

and also
Is the Mangekyou Sharingan that Naruto mentioned really that powerful?
And, do those books really have any effect?
Sasuke was a little suspicious.

Sasuke knew that he had no other choice but to take this path!

With conventional ninjutsu, he had no hope of turning the tide.

There is only one thing that I can have, but Naruto doesn't!
That is—the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Therefore, regardless of whether Naruto's words are true or false, the Mangekyou Sharingan is his only hope to turn the tide!

With this thought in mind, Sasuke looked up, his bright and determined eyes instantly locking onto Sakura.

"Sasuke-kun?"

Sakura screamed in surprise.

She hadn't responded to any of her calls, so this sudden head tilt startled her. Sakura quickly hid her hands, which were outstretched to measure her forehead temperature.

"Sakura, you..."

Seeing Sakura's panic, even knowing the possible consequences,

But Sasuke hesitated for only a moment, and then his eyes became unusually firm.

"Sakura, could you move in with me? Actually, my house is quite big, until I achieve that goal."

Sakura couldn't hear what was said after that.

But those two words, "with Sasuke" and "living together," kept echoing in her mind.
"Sasuke-kun wants to live with me?"

Once the thought appeared, it lingered in my mind and wouldn't go away.

After years of unrequited love finally receiving a response, Sakura was a little taken aback.

I felt my heart was beating very fast, like a little dinosaur was thrashing around inside me, almost jumping out of my chest.

"Do you want to?"

I forgot the beginning, and I forgot the middle.
After Sakura calmed down a bit, she heard this voice.

"Yes! Yes! Sasuke-kun, MUA~~~"

Sakura mustered her courage, closed her eyes, and pouted as she leaned in.

What awaited them was only Sasuke's cold, icy Tathagata Palm.

Polite Refusal.jpg
Sakura wasn't upset at all by the rejection. Her face was flushed, but her eyes were fixed on Sasuke, assuming he was just shy.

Sasuke, on the other hand, is a man of deep thoughts.

The top student who can help him with his studies has been found. The next step is to intensify his studies and put the tasks aside for now.

I will strive to master the kaleidoscope as soon as possible.

Furthermore, remembering Naruto's status as a Jonin, Sasuke felt that he also had a need for a different identity.

"Has the result of the Chunin Exams not come out yet?"

Sasuke thought that although Orochimaru was causing trouble, things should already be settled, right?
He planned to go back and ask Kakashi-sensei.

With his strength, he should be able to become a Chunin, right?

What about Jonin?
what do you need?
Sasuke suddenly felt a sense of urgency.

"Let's go back and ask Kakashi-sensei."

After muttering something to himself, Sasuke got up and walked back.

"Sasuke-kun! Wait for me!" Sakura called out sweetly.

Uh ~
Sakura's voice gave Sasuke goosebumps all over his body.

Is this the 'clamp' that Naruto was talking about?

A chill ran down his spine for no apparent reason, and Sasuke quickened his pace.

After returning to the village, the two submitted their mission.

After that, Sasuke suggested they separate and agreed to meet again that evening.

Sakura wasn't too keen, saying she wanted to spend more time with Sasuke and get to know him better.

Sasuke was afraid he wouldn't be able to hold back his vomiting, so he refused outright.

As for the evening?

Let's talk about it tonight!
After they separated, Sasuke began searching for Naruto.

When it comes to accelerating learning, Naruto's Sage Mode is the ultimate weapon.

Teacher Leopard is indeed very knowledgeable.

Not only is he adept at all kinds of ninjutsu, but in the pursuit of knowledge, the sea of ​​books is boundless, and Teacher Leopard is the highest peak.

Teacher Leopard can explain in detail any knowledge points that I didn't know before.

With Teacher Leopard around, even though the teaching time each night is limited, the results are still remarkable.

and many more.

I wonder if Leopard Teacher from the Immortal Land knows anything about the Mangekyou Sharingan.
He hadn't asked before.

Instantly, the urgency to find Naruto increased considerably.

I searched and searched but couldn't find it, but I did find the white-haired guy and Kakashi-sensei.

"Kakashi-sensei!"

Sasuke slowly walked up to Kakashi, who was leaning against a telephone pole reading a book.

"Sass?"

Kakashi was quite surprised to see who had come to visit after putting down his book.

Judging from Sasuke's expression, Kakashi knew that Sasuke definitely had something to ask him.

"what's up?"

Do you know where Naruto went?

"Naruto?"

Kakashi was puzzled for a moment: Where did Naruto go?

He might not have known before noon, but now he knew very well. However, due to the confidentiality of Naruto's mission, he couldn't answer immediately.

"They've gone on a mission!" Kakashi concluded.

"Task?"

Sasuke pondered for a moment, then asked, "When will he be back?"

Kakashi's dead fish eyes swept over Sasuke.

Naruto's identity and mission can now be considered a kind of secret.

But seeing the urgency in Sasuke's eyes, Kakashi hesitated for a moment before answering, "It could take a month or two, or even half a year."

"so long?"

Sasuke instantly realized that Naruto had accepted some kind of high-level mission.

I felt envious for a moment, then a little disappointed.

I wish I could go on a mission with Naruto!
One month of training is equivalent to more than six months of self-cultivation!

Thinking of the organization Naruto had visited that morning—Root—Sasuke asked again, "Kakashi-sensei, what kind of organization is Root?"

This question
Kakashi looked up, thinking carefully, and said, "It's a training base that also does some intelligence work."

"Training?"

For some reason, when Sasuke heard the word 'training,' he thought of Naruto's Sage Land.

Once you enter the Root, will you be able to connect with Naruto at any time and enter the Sage Land for training?
Thinking about this, Sasuke actually got a little excited!
Root?

I want to join!

Can.
The thought that Naruto was actually the leader of the Root organization made Sasuke hesitate again.

Joining Root means becoming Naruto's subordinate.
Sasuke thought he should consider it for a while longer.

However, since Naruto couldn't be found, Sasuke remembered why he was looking for Kakashi.

"Teacher, are there still no results from the Chunin Exams?"

Sasuke stared intently at Kakashi with his dark eyes.

"The Chunin Exams? Hmm."

If you asked him other questions, Kakashi might not know the answer, but he just happened to know the answer to this one.

He had just been summoned to the Hokage Building and overheard the Third Hokage preparing to leave Konoha.

Why did the Hokage leave Konoha?
Kakashi guessed that they were naturally going to the capital!
Coincidentally, Naruto returned, Jiraiya returned, and although we didn't see that person, Tsunade must have returned as well.

Therefore, it must be more than just the third generation who goes to the capital; this should be the formal succession issue of the fifth generation.

And the results of the Chunin Exams.
If Kakashi isn't mistaken, the announcement will likely be made by the new Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade.

The so-called "disciple of the emperor"—no, Kakashi didn't know this concept at the moment.

However, this does not prevent him from knowing this operating mode.

"almost."

Kakashi looked at Sasuke gently. His three students—no, Naruto—had already become Jonin during this exam.

The remaining two should be able to advance to Chunin, right?
With all three of his disciples having been promoted to Chunin, Kakashi wanted to ask Guy, Asuma, and, by the way, Kurenai, "Have all your disciples been promoted to Chunin?"
Do I really have a talent for teaching and nurturing students?

Kakashi hadn't thought anything of it at first, but given the facts and the praise from so many people, he started to have some doubts.

He shook his head slightly, dismissing the question from his mind. "If things go quickly, it should be within this week."

Sasuke nodded.

Having resolved my inner doubts, the next question naturally arises.

However, thinking about the problems ahead, Sasuke's gaze kept involuntarily drifting to Kakashi's left eye.

"Kakashi-sensei"

"Is there anything you want to teach me about the Sharingan?"

Sasuke lowered his head, feeling slightly uncomfortable asking the question.

He, an Uchiha, a proud Uchiha, actually had to ask an outsider for advice on how to use the Sharingan.
But as an orphan, he had always figured things out on his own, and no one had ever taught him how to use the Sharingan.

Sasuke himself knew that he was only asking questions in order to advance to the Mangekyou Sharingan.

'The Sharingan?'

Upon hearing this question, Kakashi unconsciously reached out and touched his right eye, which was covered by his headband.

He then thought of his teammate who was committing evil deeds in the ninja world.

After a moment of confusion, I came to my senses.

Looking at Sasuke with his head down in front of him, Kakashi felt that he was different from before.

However, things seem to be moving in a positive direction.

Thinking of this, Kakashi couldn't help but smile gently behind his mask.

"I do have some experience in using the Sharingan, but I hope I won't mislead you."

"It's alright, Kakashi-sensei!"

Sasuke looked up, his eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge, which made Kakashi agree.

"Okay, come pick it up tomorrow morning at the meatball shop."

"Tomorrow morning? Why?"

Before Sasuke could finish speaking, a bright and beautiful woman walked over.

Sasuke knew this woman.

Sister Hua Hua?
"Huh? It's Sasuke-chan!"

Sister Hua smiled generously, quite surprised.

Her use of the term "child" did not offend Sasuke at all.

However, Sasuke instantly understood why Kakashi-sensei was there.

So they were waiting for someone!
"Did I disturb you?" Hua Hua turned her head to look at Kakashi.

"No, we've finished talking."

Kakashi, looking like a cool guy, turned around and left with Hana, whether to avoid being laughed at by his disciples or for some other reason.

"Let's go."

See you next time, Sasuke-chan.

Halfway there, Kakashi turned around and winked at Sasuke.

Sasuke understood Kakashi's gaze—"You should have some life of your own, kid!"
life?

Sasuke felt he didn't have time to enjoy these things; he had one thing he absolutely had to do—revenge!
"Should we wait until tomorrow?"

After muttering something to himself, Sasuke also turned and left.

The thought of having to face the adorable Sakura again when he got back gave Sasuke goosebumps.

"Eh?"

Not far away, Shikamaru exclaimed in surprise, "Look, isn't that Sasuke?"

As he spoke, he glanced at Ino out of the corner of his eye.

Ino glanced at it once, but then showed no further reaction.

Choji glanced at Sasuke again, "I didn't see Naruto."

With a sigh, he turned to Ino and asked meaningfully, "He's all alone. Are you really going to give up?"

give up?

Ino certainly didn't want to give up!

If possible, she would like both Naruto and Sasuke, two handsome men, to pursue her.

However, the reality is that Ino doesn't want to compete with Sakura for Sasuke, which would cause the two to fall out!

Although that's what she thought in her heart, Ino still didn't admit defeat verbally.

"Hmph~ Give up? I've never even tried!"

Upon hearing this, Shikamaru and Choji exchanged sidelong glances.

Never chased after one?
When we were kids, I don't know who it was, but they would always hang around Sasuke, shouting, "You're so cool, Sasuke! Go Sasuke!!!"

Seeing Ino's expression, Shikamaru changed the subject, "What are we going to do next?"

"I want to go drink Mixue Ice Cream!" Dingji was the first to jump out.

Seeing Choji's boundless energy at the mention of food and drink, Ino's response was rather perfunctory: "Hi~ Hi~"

Walking on the road, Ino looked listless.

Naruto, you're so hard to win over!
Are all handsome guys this hard to pursue?
Furthermore, Sasuke is already quite popular, so why is Naruto even more popular than him?

It seems like there are more competitors now!
For a moment, Ino felt that her future romantic life was bleak.

"Where is my Prince Charming?" Ino cried out in silence!

As night falls, the lights are on.

Lights were turned on in every household.

Sasuke walked silently along the road, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

When he came to his senses, he found that his muscle memory had actually driven him to the vicinity of Naruto's house as it was getting dark.

"Naruto has already left the house, what am I doing here?"

With a bored sigh, Sasuke looked up and instinctively glanced at Naruto's room.

But that one glance froze him in place.

Why are those lights on?

Is Naruto back?

The lingering thoughts vanished instantly, and Sasuke felt a surge of joy.

I jumped onto the roof to confirm, and it really was Naruto inside.

Naruto happened to be having a big meal by himself.

Sasuke wanted to rush up and knock on Naruto's door immediately, but then he remembered something and suppressed his impulse.

He turned and jumped away.

A moment later, in another block.

"Dong~dong~"

Sakura, who was trying on clothes, heard someone knocking on the window on the balcony.

"Sasuke-kun?"

After opening the door, Sakura was surprised to find Sasuke, who had come to her door on his own initiative.
At this time? At this location?

Before she could even start to think, Sasuke grabbed her, "Sakura, let's go!"

"Sasuke-kun~~~"

Holding those hands, Sakura started to have all sorts of wild thoughts.

Sakura has no idea how she'll react if Sasuke tries to kiss her later.

Should we accept it?

Or accept it?
"Hehe, it's so hard to choose~"

But when they arrived at the destination, Sakura was speechless.

Family members, does anyone understand?
Sasuke actually brought her to Naruto's house?
what?
Naruto is here too?

That’s okay!

Sakura covered her head in despair, knowing that she shouldn't have had any expectations!

So, wouldn't living together as a family of three be considered cohabitation?
"Dong Dong Dong~"

Sasuke knocked on the door, and Naruto naturally opened it.

Since hearing the news from Kakashi that afternoon, Sasuke had no expectations.

Upon suddenly seeing him, Sasuke was overjoyed.

He couldn't suppress his curiosity any longer, "Naruto, didn't you go out on a mission?"

"A mission? I think so."

Naruto remarked, "Aren't missions something that happens during the day?"

Besides, it's already past six o'clock, we should have left work long ago!
Not to mention those at the root, who are deeply studying his clocking-out philosophy.

So when it was time to leave work, as the leader of Root, Naruto Uzumaki naturally had to lead the way.

Even when he was abroad, thousands of miles away from Konoha, those who went on missions with him would still be brought back to Konoha by Naruto, where they would enjoy the warmth of family every night.

Looking at it this way, Naruto is truly amazing!

Although those people at the root are basically all alone.

Naruto welcomed the two into the house, and just as the grand meal was being served, he invited them to eat together.

Sakura had already eaten, but said she was still on a diet and refused.

But Sasuke, that shameless guy, had already picked up his chopsticks, and once he started, he couldn't stop.

That food tasted so good.

Of course it's delicious! Naruto personally grilled it, how could it not be fragrant?
Sakura had by now recovered from her earlier disappointment.

Seeing how much Sasuke was enjoying his food, even I couldn't resist picking up my chopsticks.

But she had already fastened the buttons too tightly, and was afraid that if she ate something, the buttons would pop open again.

Seeing this, she quickly changed the subject, "Naruto, are you very busy with your tasks at the root?"

"busy?"

Naruto put down his chopsticks. "Root is a big organization. Other things are handled by others, and I have a lot of things to do too."

Thinking of something, he continued, "However, from now on, I will mainly focus my energy on military matters."

(End of this chapter)