Chapter 85 The Strongest Chunin Team in History, The Future Kazekage's Promise
Chapter 85 The Strongest Chunin Team in History, The Future Kazekage's Promise
Leaf Village, early morning.
Reconstruction work is in full swing.
Despite the Konoha money-making scheme, the village's buildings inevitably suffered some damage.
However, the villagers did not show any bitterness or resentment on their faces; instead, they were all radiant and full of energy.
After all, having money in your hands makes you feel less anxious, and money gives you motivation.
The rooftop of the Hokage Building.
Tsunade stood by the railing, hands on her hips. In front of her stood a row of boys.
They had just survived the fierce battles in the Forest of Death, the qualifiers, and even a large-scale upheaval.
Now, standing here, they are no longer the rookies they were when they first graduated.
They are warriors who have seen blood, killed enemies, and truly stepped into the threshold of becoming ninjas.
"Stand up straight, all of you!"
Tsunade's loud voice made the boys present feel their scalps tingle, but they could only endure it.
"Look at you all, all covered in dust and dirt, what a sight to behold!"
Although she was cursing, Tsunade couldn't suppress her smile.
This year's new recruits are so strong that even she, the Hokage, feels proud.
Shikamaru's eyelids drooped, and he had a very troublesome expression on his face.
Shino was still wrapped up tightly, and there were even insects crawling in and out of her collar.
Sasuke stood with his hands in his pockets, his face aloof and arrogant.
Neji, his face wrapped in bandages, had lost, but the confusion in his eyes had faded.
And then there's this special person standing right in the middle: Naruto Uzumaki.
His calm demeanor made Tsunade feel as if she were seeing Minato Namikaze from back then.
"Nara Shikaku!"
Tsunade called out.
"exist."
The Hokage's assistant, sporting dark circles under his eyes, handed over a list.
"Read it aloud."
Lu Jiu cleared his throat.
"Based on the comprehensive evaluation by the Jonin Team and the Hokage Building, the list of those promoted from this Chunin Exam is as follows."
"Nara Shikamaru remains calm amidst chaos, demonstrates exceptional tactical command, and possesses the intellect and leadership required of a Chunin."
Shikamaru sighed.
"Ugh... there will be more missions in the future, this is really troublesome."
"Shino Aburame has perfect control over the situation, is calm and composed, and his strength far exceeds that of a genin."
Shino didn't speak, but simply nodded silently.
"Although Hyuga Neji lost in the one-on-one fight, his Gentle Fist skills and tactical awareness are enough to make him competent for the duties of a Chunin."
Neji paused for a moment, then looked at Naruto beside him, seemingly finding it somewhat unbelievable.
Can you get promoted even if you lose?
"Uchiha Sasuke's strength far surpasses that of his peers, his combat intuition is sharp, and he performs exceptionally well when fighting against external enemies."
Sasuke snorted, seemingly unsurprised by the result.
After the list was read aloud, Shikaku closed the scroll, and the room fell silent.
All eyes were on Naruto, and they were all staring at each other in confusion, wondering why his name wasn't mentioned.
Naruto doesn't care about titles. Chunin or Genin, it's all for others to see.
His power needs no proof, not even a piece of paper.
"What's wrong?"
Tsunade looked at Naruto and raised an eyebrow.
"You're not convinced?"
"No," Naruto replied calmly. "That kind of thing doesn't matter."
"Doesn't matter?"
Tsunade strode over and stopped in front of Naruto.
"According to traditional rules."
Tsunade's words echoed across the entire rooftop and reached the ears of the villagers gathered below.
"Ninjas need to be disciplined, obey orders, and work as a team, but you're a troublemaker."
"You acted without authorization and even threatened the Hokage in public."
"According to the old man's way, someone like you will never get promoted in your entire life."
Naruto didn't flinch, looking directly into Tsunade's eyes.
"so what?"
"so……"
Tsunade suddenly laughed and grabbed Naruto's headband.
With a strong pull, tie it tighter and straighten it.
"Rules are made for the weak."
Tsunade suddenly became serious.
"The strong set the rules."
"Faced with absolute power, and with the merit of protecting the village, all rules and regulations are utterly meaningless!"
"Possessing the power to break the rules and the resolve to bear the darkness, these are the ninjas Konoha needs."
Tsunade patted Naruto on the shoulder.
"Congratulations, Naruto Uzumaki, Chunin."
"No, perhaps you have already surpassed that title."
"But I still hope you can wear this headband."
"It is Konoha's recognition, a recognition of your strength."
After a brief silence downstairs, cheers erupted.
"Naruto!"
"Naruto Uzumaki!"
The villagers who used to avoid him like the plague are now chanting his name.
Although this cheering may also be mixed with fear of the strong and flattery of the fourth generation's son.
Naruto touched the headband on his forehead; the cool metallic touch made him feel somewhat dazed.
He looked at Tsunade and the crowd downstairs and smiled slightly.
"Thanks, Granny Tsunade."
Naruto said softly.
Noon, at the entrance of Konoha Village.
The Sunagakure delegation was preparing to leave.
Maki walked at the front, his face still grim. The two hundred million taels of silver in reparations felt like a piece of his own flesh being torn away.
Kankuro and Temari are supporting Gaara.
Gaara's wounds have been treated; his body is mostly wrapped in bandages, but he doesn't look weak.
"etc!"
A shout came from behind, and a dark figure appeared instantly. Naruto appeared in front of Gaara.
Kankuro was startled and instinctively reached for his puppet.
"take it easy."
Naruto waved his hand and stared at Gaara.
"Are you leaving?"
Naruto asked.
"Um."
Gaara simply nodded.
"Here... take this."
Naruto reached into his ninja tool pouch.
Kankuro and Temari tensed up instantly, thinking he was about to pull out an explosive tag.
As a result, Naruto pulled out a card.
The material is black and gold, with the logo of the Illusionary Dojo printed on it, along with a line of small gold lettering.
Remote Login · VIP Exclusive Card
"What is this?" Gaara was taken aback.
"Membership card."
Naruto stuffed the card into Gaara's hand.
"The shop manager said that even though you've returned to Sunagakure, business still needs to be done."
"If you can't sleep in the future, or if the raccoon inside you becomes disobedient again."
"Swipe your card to log in."
Naruto pointed to his head.
"It's a spiritual connection; we'll meet in the instance."
"I'll beat it up for you then, until it submits."
Gaara held the card.
This was the first gift he had ever received in his life, and proof of his first friend.
"Thanks."
Gaara said in a low voice.
For the first time, light shone in his blue eyes.
"Naruto."
Gaara called out that name, very seriously.
"Next time we meet, I will be as the Kazekage."
He gripped the card tightly.
"I want to change my village, just like you changed Konoha."
"As allies, and as friends."
Gaara reached out his hand.
"it is good."
Naruto smiled.
"I'll be waiting."
"I'd love to see you become the Kazekage, but as for the Hokage, I might not be as interested as I used to be."
Their hands were clasped tightly together.
At this moment, the future of Konoha and Sunagakure was redefined by two boys.
Deep within the spiritual realm, Shouhe was curled up in a ball.
This tailed beast, which usually kills at the drop of a hat, is now covering its ears with its tail.
"Have they left?"
"Has that jinx left?"
Shukaku cautiously opened one eye.
The little devil with golden and red hair, and the toad wearing a nine-tailed coat, caused it considerable psychological trauma.
"He's not a Jinchūriki at all..."
Shukaku muttered to himself.
"He's a tailed beast in human skin!"
"That bastard Kurama... how could he have chosen such a host?"
"Perverts! The whole family are perverts!"
It remembered that headbutt, and its head was still buzzing.
"Gaara..."
Shukaku shouted in the mental space.
"Stay away from that brat from now on!"
"Never mess with him!"
"I don't want to be sat on by that toad again! My back is killing me!"
"I want to sleep! I want to hibernate!"
"Don't call me! Don't call me out unless that brat is dead!"
Shukaku retreated back into the sand and completely shut down.
In reality, on the way to Sunagakure.
Gaara was walking along when he suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Temari asked anxiously. "Does your wound hurt?"
"No."
Gaara shook his head.
It was very quiet, except for the voice that had been clamoring in his head for over a decade, the monster that constantly threatened to devour him.
They're scared and they're hiding?
Gaara looked at the black gold card in his hand and smiled.
"Finally... I can get a good night's sleep."
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