After Danzo Shimura left, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado didn't linger. They weren't interested in the jinchuriki or the Nine-Tails' power. Their only goal was to verify the jinchuriki's condition.
With everyone gone, Hiruzen Sarutobi gestured for Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yuhi to leave first. He then led Kakashi Hatake toward Naruto Uzumaki's apartment, needing him to understand Naruto's current situation and explain a few things.
...
In another classroom, Iruka Umino finished assigning everyone to their groups and put down the list in his hand.
"The teachers leading the groups will be here this afternoon. Don't be late. Alright, dismissed—go have lunch."
Hearing the word "dismissed," many cheered and rushed out of the room.
Sakura Haruno, blushing, looked at Sasuke Uchiha and invited him to lunch.
"Sasuke-kun, we're comrades now. Let's eat together and get to know each other."
Sasuke didn't even turn his head or reply, simply climbed out of the classroom window.
Naruto Uzumaki approached with a fawning smile. "Sakura, if he's not going, I'll go with you! We're comrades now, we should get to know each other better!"
Sakura glanced at Naruto, her blush and shyness vanishing instantly.
"Sorry, I have to go find Sasuke. You eat alone."
Without waiting for a reply, she hurried out of the classroom.
"Damn it! It's that annoying Sasuke again!" Naruto, somewhat exasperated, followed her to the door. Unfortunately, there were too many people, and Sakura was already out of sight. "I've already surpassed him to become number one! Why doesn't Sakura like me?"
...
Kiba Inuzuka witnessed the entire scene. With Akamaru on his head, he grinned and approached Naruto.
"It's all because you're so clumsy and idiotic! But it's alright, I like playing with idiots. Come on, let's go have lunch together!"
His relationship with Naruto wasn't as close as Shikamaru Nara's or Choji Akimichi's, but it was much better than with the others. Plus, Naruto's sudden rise to prominence a few days ago, and his own similar clumsiness, made Kiba decide to get closer. Maybe they could do missions together in the future.
Behind Kiba, Hinata Hyuga blushed instantly upon hearing the invitation. If it weren't for the table next to her, she might not have been able to stand. As for Shino Aburame, he adjusted his sunglasses, muttering something under his breath that was unintelligible to anyone.
Except for Menma, who was watching everything from within Naruto's mindscape.
"Didn't you say the three of you could have dinner together? I don't object to inviting Naruto — you guys decide. I'm also thinking of making a new friend..." Shino muttered, seeming to speak to himself.
Although Menma heard everything, he had no interest in relaying the kid's message. But thinking about Sakura Haruno's two-faced behavior toward Naruto and Sasuke, a plan began to form.
Since Naruto likes Sakura so much, what if I had Sakura die at his hands later? No, she might not be enough. Maybe Iruka Umino could be approached again, and Hiruzen Sarutobi too...
Because of insufficient ability, Naruto couldn't protect them, leading to the tragic deaths of those he loved. Plus, there would be subtle hints and prompting from Menma. At that moment, the primary personality's Master Personality Trust and Dependence Value must have reached its peak, right?
Of course, these tragic deaths couldn't be openly linked to Menma. And at that time, he also needed to find a way to create conflict with Naruto, preventing him from stepping in. All of this combined, along with various feelings of guilt, regret, and self-hatred, would be enough to break down all of Naruto's defenses!
However, this was just a preliminary idea. Menma needed to carefully consider the specifics of how to proceed.
Thinking this, his voice rang in Naruto's mind.
"Naruto, refuse them. I have a way to allow you and Sakura Haruno to have some intimate interactions."
Hearing the words in his mind, Naruto's expression brightened visibly.
Seeing Naruto's happy look, Kiba Inuzuka thought he had agreed to the invitation. He stepped forward and grabbed Naruto's shoulders, walking him toward the door.
"Let's go! Since you're here, I'll treat you to a barbecue dinner! Even if I spend too much money and get beaten by my mother when I get home, I'm not afraid!"
The Inuzuka family was also considered a prominent family in Konoha. He made a living by breeding and selling high-quality ninja dogs, so he was quite wealthy. A barbecue meal was nothing. Naruto couldn't afford a month's living expenses, but Kiba could.
When he heard he was going to eat barbecue, Naruto's happy expression froze again. On one side was a barbecue feast he'd never had since childhood, and on the other side was his favorite Sakura. How should he choose?
But when he thought of being in close contact with Sakura, he gritted his teeth and broke away from Kiba's arms.
"Sorry, I suddenly remembered I have something to do. I'll treat you guys to ramen next time!"
With that, Naruto dashed out of the classroom as fast as he could. He was terrified he'd change his mind and end up going to eat barbecue with them.
...
Outside a building's second-floor balcony, Sasuke was eating bread and frowning as he thought about Naruto. After his inquiries yesterday, he'd easily learned about the Scroll of Seals. Last night, he had originally planned to steal it and learn from Naruto. Unfortunately, he hadn't even gotten inside the Sarutobi Clan's Mansion before being kicked out by the ANBU.
Thinking of this, Sasuke unconsciously clenched his bread tightly. Fair Konoha, fair Hokage! They'd rather give powerful ninjutsu to a loser than to me! Is it just because I'm an Uchiha, that bastard's younger brother?!
Lost in thought, Sasuke was completely unaware that Naruto was grinning mischievously behind him, holding a rope.
The next second—
"Ughhhhh!"
"You jerk, stay still!"
"Sasuke, it's you! What are you doing?"
"You've mistaken me for someone else! I'm Shikamaru Nara, not Sasuke!"
"You bastard, don't try to fool me! I saw your orange clothes!"
"You've got the wrong person! Let you sleep for a bit first..."
The voice disappeared, and a grinning Sasuke Uchiha leaped out of the window. "My dear Sakura, I'm here!"
...
Afternoon, Ninja Academy classroom.
Sasuke walked into the classroom, still feeling a bit dizzy. This time, surprisingly, Sakura didn't rush to greet him. Instead, she sat in her seat, her face full of anger. Naruto, standing beside him, had a huge bump on his head and a goofy grin on his face.
Although it was strange, Sasuke ignored Sakura and walked straight up to Naruto.
"Naruto, you won today. But there's plenty of time in the future. I'll catch up to you and avenge myself!"
Without waiting for Naruto's reply, he turned and found a seat.
"Uh..." Sasuke's sudden words interrupted Naruto's goofy grin. However, because he had kissed Sakura while disguised as Sasuke at noon, Naruto was in a good mood and prepared to apologize for knocking Sasuke unconscious.
Just as he was about to speak, a man dressed very similarly to Shino walked into the classroom.
"Class 7, everyone come with me."