This Naruto is too easily persuaded.

Konoha Hospital Pharmacy.

As Kabuto was sorting herbs, a tiny white snake slithered up his trouser leg, silently flicking its tongue.

Kabuto adjusted his glasses and, taking advantage of the moment while tidying up the counter, quietly read the instructions given by Orochimaru.

Then, a playful smile appeared on Kabuto's lips.

"As expected of Lord Orochimaru, his taste is as unique as ever."

Kabuto Yakushi thought Orochimaru would try to place a cursed seal on Naruto or lure him to Otogakure.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be observation and guidance.

Are you worried about attracting the Hokage's attention?

"And wouldn't you like to see what kind of monster this brat will grow into?"

Kabuto glanced in the direction of the Hokage Rock.

"Naruto Uzumaki... Since Lord Orochimaru has spoken, I don't mind giving you some more nourishment."

……

In the third training ground.

"drink!"

Sasuke gave a low shout.

Chakra erupted instantly from the soles of his feet, and he shot up the twenty-meter-high treetop like a gecko.

He steadied himself on the tree trunk, panting heavily but unable to hide the ecstasy on his face.

"Finally... I did it."

After five days and countless falls, Sasuke finally mastered the skill of climbing trees.

Turning around, I saw Naruto running on the lake.

The speed was so fast that it created a series of ripples, but it didn't splash a single drop of water.

Thirty seconds, one minute, three minutes... a full ten minutes, he performed a complex yet fluid shuttle run, like a ghost on the water.

Sasuke instantly suppressed the excitement he felt from climbing the tree.

He's still far behind Naruto.

Not far away, Naruto, who was training, stopped in his tracks as he watched Sasuke jump down from the tree.

A look of relief appeared on his face.

For some reason, Sasuke always felt that his gaze was like looking at an old ox that had finally learned to plow the field on its own.

Is it just my imagination?

"Not bad, it's a little faster than I expected."

Naruto calmly walked from the center of the lake to the shore as if walking on flat ground.

【Ding! 】

[Long-term mission: Chakra control training (treading water), completed!]

[Mission Rewards: Chakra Control (Intermediate), Water Affinity +10%]

The moment the notification landed, a cool, smooth sense of control instantly flowed through my entire body.

The chakra within his body, which had been charging like galloping horses, was now as docile as an extension of his own limb.

With a thought, chakra is precisely distributed to control every part of the body, with every detail under control.

At the same time, his perception of the water flow also changed, and the rhythm of his breathing technique was adjusted accordingly, becoming more smooth and fluid.

After experiencing the improvement in his body, Naruto looked at Sasuke in front of him.

"Now that you've mastered tree climbing, your chakra utilization efficiency should have improved considerably."

Sasuke clenched his fist, and after feeling the more obedient chakra within him, he nodded.

"As agreed, you are to teach me that 'secret technique'."

He looked at Naruto with eager eyes.

"certainly."

Naruto kept his promise and taught Sasuke the Water Breathing technique.

"Listen carefully, breathing is the bridge connecting the body and the mind. Adjust your breathing rate and feel the oxygen rushing through your blood..."

Sasuke listened very attentively.

Then, he tried to breathe in Naruto's rhythm.

Sasuke was surprised to find that his previously exhausted body was rapidly regaining its vitality.

[Sasuke is being trained in breathing techniques...]

[Breathing technique proficiency slightly improved]

Naruto was secretly delighted.

Now, the breathing technique that originally took several years to fully master may be mastered this year.

Just as the two were immersed in the atmosphere of teaching and learning.

In the shadows not far away, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was silently observing this scene.

When he saw Naruto generously teaching his companions the secret techniques he had discovered, he was deeply moved.

He thought of the First and Second Hokage.

They are just like Naruto right now, completely indifferent to the interests of themselves or even their clan.

To fulfill the Will of Fire in his heart, he selflessly dedicated himself.

Thinking of this, the third generation even blushed a little.

He himself has done right by the village, but his family has indeed benefited a lot from the Hokage's legacy.

Then, he stopped hiding and came out smoking his pipe.

"Cough cough."

"Three generations of grandfathers?"

Naruto immediately suppressed the shrewdness in his eyes and put on a respectful expression.

Sasuke also bowed.

He still held a degree of awe in the face of the strongest person in the village.

"I saw it all."

The Third Hokage was about to pat Naruto's head when he was surprised to find that Naruto had grown quite a bit taller.

"Naruto, well done."

"Both his training in chakra and his help to his comrades make Grandpa proud."

The third generation paused, his tone becoming serious and solemn:

"Naruto, do you want to become stronger? Do you want to protect this village?"

"Of course! I want to become a ninja who surpasses all the previous Hokage."

Naruto's answer was resolute.

"good!"

The third generation took a deep drag on his pipe. "Since you have this intention, I'll give you a chance."

"Graduation exams are just around the corner. If you graduate with the highest score in the entire school, I'll make an exception and give you a special reward."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "What reward?"

The Third Hokage pointed in the direction of the Hokage Building:

"I will allow you to enter my secret chamber and view the Book of Seals once."

"And then, choose one ninjutsu you like and learn it."

"The Book of Seals?"

"The Book of Sealing?!"

Sasuke, who was standing to the side, suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with shock.

The Book of Seals is a treasure trove containing the forbidden techniques of Konoha throughout history, something only the Hokage is qualified to keep.

The Third Hokage actually promised to let Naruto watch it.

At that moment, Sasuke clearly realized the gap between himself and Naruto.

It's not just about strength, but also about status and trust.

"Really? Thank you, Grandpa Three Generations."

Naruto's face was filled with gratitude, but his mind was clear.

The person he truly wants to thank is Aizen, who lives in another world.

If it weren't for Aizen's guidance, even with the system, he might still be that pitiful creature who possessed a treasure but didn't realize it.

There was absolutely no way they could have gotten to where they are today and gained the Hokage's favor.

Seeing that the atmosphere was sufficiently built, the Third Hokage changed the subject, "But Naruto, you must remember this."

"Power itself is not frightening; what is frightening is that those who wield power do not possess a heart of justice."

"The techniques in the Book of Seals are all dangerous. I hope you learn them to protect, not to destroy."

"Where the leaves dance in the air, the fire will never die out..."

……

Even after the Third Hokage left, Sasuke was still in shock.

He looked at Naruto, his expression becoming complicated.

"Number One in the Entire School... The Sealed Book..."

Sasuke clenched his fist.

After spending these days together, Sasuke no longer felt a trace of jealousy.

Naruto's talent far surpasses his own, and he possesses something Naruto can only dream of... the Will of Fire.

He actually gave me his secret techniques and medicines without reservation, just to help me, without asking for anything in return.

It was precisely this huge gap in their levels that extinguished Sasuke's pointless jealousy.

He simply felt an extremely strong desire to catch up.

Has Naruto reached the point where even the Hokage takes him seriously?

If I can't even keep up with him, how can I take revenge?

"Naruto."

Sasuke suddenly spoke, his eyes filled with a frightening determination.

"Teach me that breathing technique again. I need to master it before nightfall!"

Naruto paused for a moment, then smiled.

Although I don't know what Sasuke is imagining, since he's willing to work overtime, why should I refuse?

【Ding! 】

[Suggestion included: Chief Graduate]

[Task requirement: In the graduation exam, achieve top scores in both theory and practical application, overwhelmingly surpassing all other candidates.]

[Mission Reward: 1 C-Rank Treasure Chest]

Naruto pushed up his glasses, and the lenses flashed with a glint of light.

"Number one in the whole school?"

"This kind of thing, for me right now..."

"Isn't that just obvious?"