"Sasuke, what did that guy mean?"
On the way home, Naruto was still bothered by Hyuga Neji's cold snort and quick departure.
He just said that he and Sasuke wouldn't be separated, but why did that guy's gaze turn so strange?
"It's nothing, don't pay attention to him. Rest well once we get home. The upcoming exams require hard work. Only after graduating and becoming ninjas can we chase our own goals."
Sasuke ruffled Naruto's hair twice. He knew what Neji meant, but so what?
In this world, he had already gained so much more than before.
If things had gone according to the original story, his future... well, forget it.
Sakura was a good girl in the future, but the thought of her constantly scolding Naruto made Sasuke completely unable to accept her.
Rather than marrying and continuing the Uchiha line, he wanted a friend who could share common interests and be an equal rival.
As for what others might think...
As long as he became strong enough, no one would dare act on any bad ideas.
"I will definitely graduate. Sasuke, believe me—I won't just graduate, I'll become someone like the Hokage!"
Naruto pointed to the Hokage Rock, specifically at the Fourth Hokage.
Though he didn't know his origins, the person Naruto admired most now was the Fourth Hokage, because Sasuke often talked about him—the Fourth Hokage was legendary: handsome, kind, and incredibly strong.
In Naruto's heart, he was the perfect person.
It was just a pity he died young, sacrificing his life and love for the village.
"You two idiots, hurry up and go home and rest. I just got back and haven't even had time to tidy up the room. If you dawdle any longer, I won't get to sleep until tomorrow."
Kakashi was pleased that Naruto admired the Fourth Hokage, but there were things he couldn't say too openly.
If the Konoha leadership caught wind and suspected Naruto knew some forbidden truths, what awaited Naruto wouldn't be a pleasant conversation—it could mean brainwashing, memory extraction, or even turning him into a puppet.
"Yeah, yeah, Kakashi-senpai needs to rest. Sasuke, how about we race to see who gets home first?"
Naruto suddenly looked at Sasuke, his eyes challenging as he pointed toward home.
"Alright, loser washes the dishes tomorrow morning."
As soon as Sasuke finished speaking, he was already sprinting off.
"You cheating bastard, Sasuke!"
Naruto shouted and quickly gave chase.
The two boys dashed rapidly in the direction of home.
Only a troubled Kakashi was left behind, looking up at the moon with a conflicted expression.
Isn't he supposed to be the sick one here?
Could those two little rascals at least wait for him?
Picking on the sick guy is really too much. Maybe when they graduate, the final exams should be made a bit harder—otherwise it wouldn't do justice to how well they've "taken care" of him!
"Kakashi-senpai, welcome home!"
When Kakashi finally strolled into the Uchiha clan grounds and was about to enter his courtyard, the gate opened from the inside. Naruto handed him two books wrapped up neatly.
"These are the special editions you wanted. I saw them on the way and bought them for you."
Sasuke leaned against the wall, clearly pleased to see Kakashi's expression mixing happiness and awkwardness.
The special edition of "Lover's Paradise" had been on sale while Kakashi hadn't returned to the village, so if they hadn't bought it then, they would have missed out.
As for the fact that the two of them had already read through it before giving it to Kakashi—that was better left unsaid.