Ever since receiving that solid punch in the Hokage Office, Konohamaru's mindset underwent a subtle change.
Instead of crying to his grandfather or seeking revenge as usual, he became intensely curious about the blond brother who dared to punch the Hokage's grandson to his face.
"That guy... he clearly knew I'm the Hokage's grandson, yet he still dared to hit me..."
Konohamaru touched the bump on his head that hadn't fully subsided, muttering to himself.
Thus, Konohamaru made a decision—to tail Naruto!
The next day, just as Naruto stepped out of his house, he felt a sneaky gaze behind him.
He whipped his head around, only to see a little sprout "whoosh" behind a corner, though the hem of a blue kimono still gave him away.
"..." Naruto's lip twitched as he recognized the brat he had punched yesterday. Ignoring him, he continued walking.
For the rest of the way, Naruto fully experienced what "clumsy tracking" meant.
Konohamaru would hide behind utility poles that clearly couldn't hide a person, pretend to look at the scenery while pressing his face against shop windows, or crash into roadside trash cans when Naruto suddenly stopped. He even tried to cover himself with a cloth that obviously didn't match the wall... Finally unable to take it anymore, Naruto spun around at a corner and grabbed the collar of the trailing Konohamaru, who didn't have time to hide.
"Hey! You brat! You're being way too obvious! What exactly are you trying to do by following me?!"
Caught red-handed, a flash of panic crossed Konohamaru's face, but he quickly tried to act tough, crossing his arms—though the posture looked a bit ridiculous while being held by the collar.
"Hmph! I... I'm just monitoring a suspicious character like you!"
"Suspicious my foot!"
Naruto was speechless.
"I'm going to Cultivate, I don't have time to play hide-and-seek with you!"
"Cultivate?"
Konohamaru caught the keyword.
"What are you going to Cultivate?"
"None of your business! Stop following me!"
Naruto let go of him and turned to leave.
Konohamaru followed closely, his tone a mix of defiance and confusion.
"Hey! What Grandpa said yesterday... that the Hokage has to earn recognition through his own strength... what does that mean? Isn't my grandpa already the strongest Hokage?"
Naruto stopped and looked back at the persistent brat.
"Idiot! Grandpa Sandaime is strong, that's true! But that's his own power! It has nothing to do with you being his grandson! If you want to be Hokage, you have to show strength that makes everyone recognize you! Instead of shouting 'I'm the Hokage's grandson' everywhere! That only makes people laugh!"
These words hit Konohamaru's heart like a heavy hammer. He fell silent, seemingly processing the words.
After a while, he looked up at Naruto with a complex gaze.
"But... Grandpa is really strong, I can't beat him at all... I've never won even once..."
Seeing Konohamaru's dejected look, a flash of inspiration hit Naruto, and his face broke into his signature mischievous grin, tinged with a bit of pride.
"Hehehe, you want to beat the Old Man? It's not like there's no way at all~"
"Really?! How?"
Konohamaru's eyes instantly lit up.
"Hehehe... follow me!"
Naruto beckoned, leading the skeptical Konohamaru back to the Hokage Office.
Seeing Naruto and his grandson with sparkling eyes following behind, the Sandaime was a bit confused. Hadn't Naruto just punched his grandson? Why were they together now?
"Hmm? Naruto, Konohamaru, what is this about?"
Naruto didn't answer. Instead, he winked at Konohamaru, then formed hand seals and shouted.
"Ninja Art: Sexy Jutsu!"
"Poof!"
A cloud of white smoke cleared, and in his place appeared a stunning beauty with blonde twin-tails and a curvaceous body, who even blew a kiss at the Sandaime.
Sandaime: "!!!"
Caught completely off guard, the Sandaime felt a heat in his nose, and two streams of bright red blood sprayed out like mini-fountains! He frantically covered his nose, his old face flushing red, pointing at the "beauty" for a long time, stuttering "you..." unable to say a word. Finally, he just slumped back into his chair, looking as if he'd lost his dreams.
"Aaah! Hokage-sama! Are you alright?!"
Ebisu immediately rushed in to check on the Sandaime's condition.
Konohamaru watched the scene in a daze—his powerful, dignified, and omnipotent grandfather was actually... actually "defeated" by a transformation technique?! And he bled so much from his nose!
Naruto released the transformation, returning to his original form, and stood with his hands on his hips proudly.
"Hahaha! How was that? See! This is my ultimate move! It can even 'defeat' the Hokage!"
Konohamaru looked at his "unconscious" grandfather and then at Naruto's "praise me" face. His worldview was severely shaken, but it was followed by an enlightened excitement and admiration!
"So... so amazing!"
Konohamaru excitedly leaned toward Naruto, stars shining in his eyes.
"To actually defeat Grandpa like that! You're incredible! Please... please take me as your lackey! Big Brother!"
Naruto scratched his head, quite enjoying the feeling of being admired.
"Hehe, sure! I'll look after you from now on!"
Konohamaru's eyes sparkled.
"Big Brother, what was that move called just now?"
"That move? That's my original Ninjutsu! It's called the Sexy Jutsu! Well? Isn't it great?"
"Coach... no, Big Brother! I... I want to learn that!"
The two left the Hokage Building amidst laughter, leaving the Sandaime still reeling from the aftermath of the Sexy Jutsu... Meanwhile, Hinata had just left her house, planning to go to the bookstore to buy some books. (For serious cultivation, of course.)
Hinata walked to the bookstore entrance. She narrowed her eyes as she saw Naruto and Konohamaru sneakily slip into the store and head toward the Beauty Photo Book Section... [...This kid, Konohamaru already recognized Naruto as his big brother? Seems he's witnessed the power of the Sexy Jutsu and now wants to learn from Naruto.]
Hinata calmly entered the bookstore and approached them.
At a corner, Naruto pulled out a Photo Book, drooling at the sight, while Konohamaru discovered a whole new world.
In that moment, Konohamaru grew up.
[Not bad, this is what a real big brother is like, looking at them together.]
Just then, the Shopkeeper's figure appeared behind them, speaking in a sinister voice.
"Does it look good?"
"Yeah! It's..."
Naruto whipped his head around, only to see the Shopkeeper looking at him with a "kind" face.
Subsequently, Naruto got a beating, while Konohamaru was perfectly fine—likely because he was the Hokage's grandson.
[Share the blessings, but Naruto bears the hardships. That detestable third-generation Official's Grandchild.]
Hinata picked up a few books, then "passed by" where Naruto was and pulled one out too... [Um, my Clone wants to see it, so that's why I'm buying it. Yes, it must be that.]
When Hinata went to pay, the owner looked suspiciously at the book she brought out.
Hinata's expression didn't change as she said she was taking it back to use as a table wedge.
Owner: O... kay.