Naruto: I get stronger by drawing lots

With her sleeves rolled up, Kushina exuded a tomboyish charm.

Today, like any other day, is a happy and joyful time.

"Happiness Bistro has reopened today."

Tsukiki and Kushina Mikoto looked at each other; everyone was ready to get to work.

Another vibrant day was about to begin in Konoha. People were already heading out, and soon, the first guest arrived.

A long-awaited greeting was sent from this small but happy little restaurant.

In just a short while, the aroma began to waft slowly from the kitchen.

"I'm so bored, it's a holiday."

Naruto stayed by the river and threw a water sponge. After the mission to the Land of Waves was over, Team 7 began a short vacation.

"When will we have another mission like the one from last time?"

"As expected, the future Hokage will have to take on big missions."

"Hmph, are you daydreaming again? How could the Hokage title possibly go to someone like you who's a loser?"

Naruto was lost in thought when a voice he disliked rang out beside him. Turning his head, he saw Sasuke standing to the side.

"It really is you, you bastard Sasuke."

Naruto gritted his teeth:

"What's wrong? Aren't you going to go play with Itachi-nii? This isn't like you."

"Itachi has gone out of the village on business; it seems like he has some important mission."

No wonder.

Naruto pouted and lay down on the grass.

"Come over there, I want to fish."

Sasuke sat down on the grass and put down his fishing gear.

"fishing?"

Naruto looked at Sasuke, his eyes shining.

"I'll join Sasuke too."

Naruto sprang to his feet and sat down next to Sasuke without asking.

"You're so annoying, go over there."

Sasuke used his hand to stop Naruto from getting closer.

"Let's go together."

Naruto's face kept coming closer, and Sasuke looked disgusted.

"You rascal."

Sasuke was speechless, and at that moment, the float on the fishing rod in the water began to move.

"Oh! A fish has taken the bait."

"Ha, how could it be so noisy?"

The two were arguing, and now even their fishing rods started moving, and with considerable force.

"They've taken the bait! They've taken the bait!"

Naruto reached out and grabbed the fishing rod, eagerly pulling it up.

"Idiot, let go."

Sasuke moved the fishing rod further away, and Naruto and Sasuke began a battle over it.

The buoy in the water kept bobbing up and down, and you could see that the fish was struggling and thrashing about.

"Give me the fishing rod, Sasuke, the fish is about to get away."

"So that's why I brought it to you!"

Sasuke and Naruto were arguing, and Sasuke's movements became a little too forceful. The fish thrashed about in the water, and with Naruto's strength, Sasuke fell directly into the water, pulling Naruto down with him.

The fishing rod floated on the water, and a big fish jumped out of the water and swam away right in front of Naruto and Sasuke.

"You idiot, it's all your fault no matter how you look at it."

"What? It's clearly Sasuke's fault, why are you blaming me?"

Even in the water, Naruto and Sasuke continued their argument; the two who had grown up together wouldn't change so easily.

Did you tell him?

"No, but we've already noticed."

"is it?"

Minato sat down and looked at Kakashi in front of him, who was standing in front of him reporting.

"Thank you, that's enough for now."

"Ok."

"Oh, right, Kakashi."

Minato called out to Kakashi, who was turning to leave. Kakashi turned back and looked at Minato.

"Moon Tree, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you a lot. Please."

Minato and Kakashi stared at each other.

"Leave it to me."

Kakashi nodded, his lazy gaze instantly turning serious.

Kakashi went out, leaving Minato alone inside.

Minato rested his hands on the table, pressed his cheeks against the table, and looked out the window.

"After all, it's him."

Minato first exhaled and smiled, then his eyes darkened.

"You will definitely come back."

"No matter what, I will always believe."

----

Inside the Happy Little Restaurant, Yue Shu was still chatting and laughing with the customers, just like always, just like when she first opened the restaurant more than ten years ago after losing her memory.

A few days later...

"Why did Kakashi-sensei suddenly call us over? I'm really curious."

Sakura's curiosity was overflowing.

"Is this going to be another A-rank mission? As expected of the future Hokage."

"Fool."

"What did you say!"

Class 7 was also very active today.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I saw a black cat on the road and accidentally got lost on the road of life."

"Kakashi-sensei, you've used this excuse countless times."

"Ah ha ha."

Kakashi arrived late with a smile, as if it were commonplace, and was holding something in his hand.

"Oh, right, this is your Chunin Exam autograph book. It was so hard to get it, I'm so happy."

After Kakashi finished speaking, the members of Team 7 were all surprised.

Chunin Exams!

----

Meanwhile, in another part of the ninja world, Itachi's face was somber, and his eyes showed no emotion whatsoever.

"Hey, Itachi? What a rare guest."

The man had long hair and a very long tongue, like a snake.

"Why don't you tell me your purpose and your identity?"

"Are they from Akatsuki? From Konoha? Or from Danzo?"

Its tongue flickered out and then retracted, its snake-like eyes blinking, filled with an unreadable meaning.

Itachi stood quietly, staring into the pair of snake eyes before him.

Chapter 320: Before the Exam

"Here's an opportunity for you: how about this year's graduates participate in the Chunin Exams?"

"Wow, that's quite a rare sight."

Kakashi said lazily.

"However, Class 7 will participate."

"Hey?"

Iruka, who was watching from the side, immediately changed his expression. He remembered very clearly that Team 7 was the team Naruto was in.

"Class 9 too."

"Add one more to Class 10."

"Hey!"

Kurenai Yuhi and Asuma Sarutobi chimed in, while Iruka's jaw nearly touched the ground.

Normally, it's unlikely that a newly graduated genin would participate in the Chunin Exams, since the opponents they face are all qualified to compete for a Chunin spot.