Naruto, what kind of Hokage would you be if you didn't roll around!

Hinata said, "I...I think...the meaning of liking others lies in..."

"Let us become better versions of ourselves."

Ino was startled again.

"To become a better version of yourself?"

"It means that I hope the person I like is doing well, and that I can also become a better person myself..."

Hinata nodded and said softly, "Yes, that's what I think..."

Ino sighed and patted her little head.

"You're still so mature, Hinata..."

Hinata's face was flushed, but she was also very touched to have someone to share and confide in.

"Thank you, Ino..."

"Thank me? What is there to thank me for?"

"No, it's nothing..."

"You're just too dishonest, otherwise..."

“Naruto is the kind of guy who’s very straightforward. If you don’t tell him, he’ll probably never understand your feelings.”

Hinata blushed and shook her head: "No, this is enough for me..."

"What a silly girl..."

Ino sighed helplessly.

"But..."

"Maybe we're all just as foolish..."

Sasuke and Sakura's faces appeared in her mind...

The two had almost never spoken to each other before, but on their way home from school at dusk, they had their first conversation and felt like they were kindred spirits.

But neither of them noticed that, behind the trunk of a large tree beside the road they had walked, Sakura Haruno was peeking out, staring blankly at the scene...

……

at the same time.

While performing weighted frog jumps, Naruto attempted to multitask and continue refining his chakra.

This kind of effort is by no means simple.

It's even more difficult than listening to lectures and extracting key points at the same time.

After all, this is equivalent to training both physical techniques and ninjutsu at the same time.

I doubt anyone has ever done that before.

But Naruto felt his progress and became more eager to try than ever before.

Throughout the journey, he did not slack off at all, and without any prompts or warnings from the system, he persevered to the end.

Although, most of the time it ends in failure.

But he was not discouraged at all.

Finally, just as he was about to arrive home, Naruto completed his dual-core training for the first time.

While performing the weighted frog jump, the chakra refining technique was maintained for a moment.

Just for a moment.

But enough is enough!

This proves that this path is feasible!

What would Naruto need most to improve his ranking to the top ten in his class within a month?

It's time.

Or rather, efficiency.

Based on his own efforts, he firmly believed that he could surpass everyone.

But the problem is, there's just too little time...

If you can succeed in multitasking, you'll have twice the time and energy as others!

This is practically the only way for me to succeed!

Just as he was celebrating his momentary success.

In the setting sun ahead, a long shadow fell upon him.

"Ok?"

Naruto looked up and saw that very familiar figure approaching him in the shadow of the setting sun.

Although he was backlit, his face was in complete darkness, making it impossible to see his features and expression.

But Naruto could have guessed that scene.

"Sasuke."

What are you doing here?!

Naruto's house was just a short distance away; Sasuke would never have come here unless it was intentional.

The shadow, with hands in pockets, drew closer and closer, eventually engulfing Naruto's entire body.

"Hey, bottom runner."

Naruto was furious when he heard that title.

"You bastard Sasuke, what did you say...?"

"Let's have a fight."

Naruto's eyes widened instantly, and his cursing stopped abruptly.

"You, what did you say?"

Sasuke Uchiha looked down at Naruto, who was squatting on the ground, with an arrogant and indifferent expression.

"Don't make me say it a second time."

Naruto's heart was instantly filled with a storm of emotions.

This simple sentence was nothing short of earth-shattering for Naruto.

Even he himself probably doesn't realize that the recognition he most desires actually comes from Uchiha Sasuke...

He worked so hard and desperately, not only to become Hokage and gain everyone's recognition, but also to surpass Sasuke and defeat him!

What he wanted was to stand squarely opposite Sasuke, fight him as an equal, and completely earn his recognition of his strength!

Even Naruto didn't expect it to come so quickly.

He stood up, clenched his fists, and his eyes burned with intense fire.

"Hey, why did you specifically come looking for a fight with me?"

Is it because of what happened this morning?

"You avoided it back then, didn't you?!"

Upon hearing this, Sasuke seemed to be stung, and his expression instantly changed!

"hateful……"

"Last-place finisher? What did you say?!"

Naruto crossed his arms and revealed a confident smile.

Others might not have noticed, but I saw it...

"When faced with my attack, you instinctively took a step back, which is why Sakura ended up standing between us and got punched by accident!"

"so……"

"You were scared back then, weren't you?!"

Naruto's words were spot-on and a precise, devastating blow!

Sasuke was so resentful of his momentary dodge that he couldn't overcome this inner demon, which is why he inexplicably ended up waiting for Naruto at his doorstep.

If I can't completely defeat Naruto, I'm afraid I won't be able to become stronger!

Rather than saying he hated Naruto, it would be more accurate to say he hated himself.

he……

I absolutely cannot tolerate my own cowardice!

"Damn it, you think I'd be afraid of a loser like you?"

"Do not make jokes!"

Sasuke roared hysterically.

Naruto made a face, completely unconcerned.

"No matter how much you talk, your actions tell a different story!"

Sasuke gritted his teeth, his handsome features contorting slightly.

"Naruto!"

"I'll show you the insurmountable gap between the bottom of the class and the genius!"

"bring it on!"

The dim, slanting sunlight shone on the two boys, casting a somewhat dim golden glow. A gentle evening breeze blew by, causing Naruto and Sasuke's hair to flutter lightly.

Right in front of Naruto's house, on a street with few pedestrians...

The battle is about to break out.

That is……

A fateful duel that has lasted for thousands of years.

Chapter 32 The Reason I'd Rather Die Than Lose! (Requesting monthly votes!)

Dusk falls, the evening breeze blows, the scorching sun has faded, and the streets are sparsely populated.

Naruto and Sasuke stood facing each other, gazing at one another from afar.

Occasionally, passersby would glance at the two with curiosity, but they were quickly pulled away by their companions.

"It's that demon..."

"Hmm? That child is from the Uchiha clan..."

"Shh, let's go, don't cause trouble."

"Let's go."

While the ninjas and villagers of Konoha Village may not know the whole truth, everyone knows that Naruto and Sasuke's identities are sensitive and special.

Seeing the two facing off, most people would choose to silently avoid them.

But they are not alone.

because……

There were always ANBU ninjas secretly watching this scene.

"That, that's..."

"The last surviving member of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Sasuke?"

"What does he want to do?"

"These two people look strange. Go and inform the Hokage immediately."

"Yes!"