"Makoto, you were a bit impulsive today."
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen showed a rare expression of displeasure toward Makoto.
"I'm very sorry, Sensei."
Makoto bowed his head in apology, "It's mainly because that Kirigakure's Ninja was bullying a woman of Konoha. It was truly infuriating."
"You're still too young."
Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke, speaking earnestly, "You need to understand that impatience can ruin great plans. Sometimes forbearance is also very important. Don't let momentary anger disrupt important matters."
'Mm-hmm, and then you repeatedly let Kumogakure do whatever they want on your head, right?'
Makoto complained internally.
During the Second Great Ninja War, Kumogakure tried to kidnap Uzumaki Kushina, and he tolerated it.
After the Third Great Ninja War, Kumogakure tried to kidnap Hyuga Hinata, then turned around and demanded the body of Hyuga Hizashi, and he tolerated that too.
When Makoto read this in his past life, he suspected that Hiruzen might be repaying a debt of gratitude to Kumogakure.
After all, if it weren't for the rebellion of Kumogakure's Kinkaku and Ginkaku, who killed Senju Tobirama, the position of Hokage wouldn't have fallen to him.
It had to be said that Hiruzen's character had influenced his subordinates.
At that time, so many Konoha's Ninjas in the shop, and not one of them stepped forward.
To be honest, many Naruto fans in his past life blamed the Konoha's elder council for destroying the Uchiha Clan.
But in reality, the Uchiha also had their problems.
These people were too emotional. Honestly, they simply weren't suited to be supreme leaders. Being a general was their limit.
But they just wouldn't admit it.
However, judging from today's situation, Makoto felt that if the Uchiha Police Force were still around, things might have been better.
Although those people were more intense than the next, they really weren't cowards.
If they saw something like this, they would definitely kill Onijuro without hesitation.
Makoto lifted his head, putting on an indignant expression: "Sorry, Sensei, but I felt that their behavior tarnished your dignity. I just couldn't stand it."
Hearing this, Hiruzen's previously displeased expression immediately softened considerably, even revealing a slight smile: "I know your intentions are good. But please don't do it again next time. Alright, go home and rest."
'Mm, flattery never fails.'
Makoto left the Hokage's office and sighed inwardly: 'Sarutobi-sensei, you truly are weak.'
To be honest, dying at the hands of Orochimaru was already the most glorious ending for Hiruzen.
If he stayed in that position for a few more years, who knows how low he could drag Konoha's standards.
Then, Makoto began contemplating his next plan.
Obito had also come to Konoha… this felt like something he could use to his advantage.
...
That night, the atmosphere in the Yukinoshita household was more oppressive than usual.
After a deathly silent dinner, Yukino was the first to break, standing up: "I-I'll wash the dishes."
Feeling the overwhelming pressure emanating from her mother, Haruno also chose to retreat temporarily: "I'll go review the Ninjutsu I learned today."
With her current strength, she didn't actually need to fear her mother.
After returning to the real world, she could even break away from the Yukinoshita Family entirely and live well on her own.
But the fear of Mrs. Yukinoshita was already etched into her DNA.
Like a beast born in a circus… even after growing up, it still fears the whip.
"Ayano…"
Mr. Yukinoshita awkwardly called his wife's name, reaching out to embrace her.
But the moment his hand touched her slender waist, Mrs. Yukinoshita recoiled and brushed his hand away as if startled, nearly causing her husband to stumble like a pig.
"Ayano, what is this…"
"I want to be alone."
Mrs. Yukinoshita rose coldly.
"O-okay… okay…"
Mr. Yukinoshita nodded weakly, watching his wife return to the bedroom and close the door.
Mrs. Yukinoshita sat alone on the bed, her head bowed in prolonged silence.
Her mind uncontrollably conjured that figure from behind.
Thinking of the casual words, "It's okay now"…
Her fingers slowly slid downward.
...
'I am truly a terrible woman…'
...
Another two weeks passed.
July 1st, the Chunin Exams officially began.
At the entrance of the newly rebuilt Yukinoshita Dessert Shop.
The three members of Team Makoto gathered as usual.
"How's your training, Ran?" Utaha asked Ran, whom she hadn't seen in a while.
Since Ran had been training with Team Guy during this period, the three of them had rarely met.
"Not bad. Everyone in Team Guy is great."
Ran smiled in response, then seemed to recall something unpleasant, scratching her cheek awkwardly, "Except that Guy-sensei keeps trying to get me to wear his jumpsuit…"
She was a beautiful girl, after all. What would she look like wearing something like that?
"Utaha and Megumi, how about you two?" Ran asked in return.
"The Rasengan is too difficult." Utaha shook her head.
During this time, Makoto had tried to teach her the Rasengan, but Utaha was no Naruto.
In nearly a month, even using the methods from the original work, she had barely managed to learn the first stage.
The second stage seemed a distant goal.
She probably wouldn't master it completely even by the end of the Chunin Exams.
"Megumi, on the other hand, is learning quickly."
Utaha added.
However, Megumi shook her head: "You're too kind, Utaha. I'm just a bit better at this kind of thing."
Just then, the three girls heard footsteps. They turned to see Makoto walking toward them.
"Sensei!"
The three girls called out in unison.
Inside the shop, Mrs. Yukinoshita, who had been wiping down tables with her head down, instantly looked up.
She was the only one in the shop now.
Yes, she had fired her husband.
Makoto looked at the three girls and chuckled: "Although this exam is quite dangerous, I believe you can do it. After all, you're my students."
Hearing this, all three girls couldn't help but smile.
Even Ran, whose heart was still Shinichi.
Then, Makoto opened his arms: "We won't see each other for several days. How about a farewell hug?"
Utaha rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "Still so pervy!"
Ran blushed and didn't react.
But Megumi stepped forward and gave him a brief hug.
"Megumi, you!" Utaha looked at Megumi in disbelief.
"It's just a hug between teacher and student. Nothing else." Megumi turned her head aside and said softly.
Whether she believed that, only she knew.
Utaha bit her lip and also stepped forward for a hug.
'Wow, as expected of the fan service provider of Saekano, a 13-year-old body with such…'
'Oh no, she was almost 14 now.'
Facing Makoto's meaningful gaze, Utaha remained expressionless: "It's just a polite hug. Don't overthink it."
Makoto smiled.
Not initiating, not taking responsibility, not refusing… that was his Ninja Way.
Finally, the pressure was on Ran.
Ultimately, this girl didn't take that step. She simply urged quietly, "We should go, or we'll be late."
Makoto smiled and didn't push her: "Go ahead."
He wasn't in a hurry.
Watching the three leave together, Makoto felt even more anticipation for the days ahead.
"Ma'am, the usual."
After the three left, Makoto entered the dessert shop as always.
But this time, there was no response.
Makoto raised an eyebrow and called again, "Ma'am?"
"Ah! So, sorry!"
Mrs. Yukinoshita's voice came from the kitchen, carrying a barely detectable hint of fluster.
"The usual, right? Coming right up!"
Then, a flurry of activity sounded from the kitchen.
But Makoto vaguely heard the sound of dripping water.
Drip… drip…
'Had she forgotten to turn off the faucet?'
In the kitchen, Mrs. Yukinoshita hurriedly prepared the ingredients, unconsciously crossing her legs tightly.
'I am truly a terrible woman…'