superior naruto

The Aftermath of the Survival Exercise

Kakashi made good on his threat. Naruto was tied to one of the three wooden stakes, bound tightly with rope. Kakashi handed out the two bento boxes to Sasuke and Hinata.

Kakashi: "This morning's survival exercise is over. You two are not allowed to feed Naruto, or you'll be disqualified from promotion."

With that, Kakashi disappeared.

Naruto (tied to the stake): "Sasuke, that omelet in your bento looks delicious. I love omelets. It looks perfectly cooked."

Sasuke: "…"

Sasuke silently picked up the omelet and took a bite. The fluffy, golden egg was indeed perfectly cooked.

Naruto: "…"

Hinata: "Naruto-kun… maybe… you can have some of mine…"

She shyly picked up her omelet and held it out to Naruto.

Unbeknownst to them, Kakashi hadn't gone far. He was hiding nearby, watching the scene unfold.

Kakashi: "Hmph. Bold of them to ignore my warning."

Just as Kakashi was about to step in, he heard Naruto say, "Uh… wait, I'll be right there."

The Naruto tied to the stake dispelled himself—another clone.

Kakashi: What?! That was still a clone?

His eye twitched in annoyance. Then he saw Naruto sprinting out of the woods toward Hinata, his mouth open like a baby bird waiting to be fed. "Ah…"

Hinata and Sasuke stared in disbelief. When had Naruto replaced himself with a clone? They had seen him dispel all his clones earlier.

Naruto: "This omelet tastes amazing. Hinata, you're the best!"

Kakashi: "…"

He hesitated, unsure whether to intervene. Maybe I should tie the real Naruto to the stake…

The idea flashed through his mind, and Kakashi vanished.

In an instant, he reappeared behind Naruto, ready to grab him. But as he reached out, a bell jingled in Naruto's hand.

Naruto: "I've got a bell now. You can't tie me up anymore."

Kakashi: "What? Where did you—"

Sasuke: "…"

Sasuke checked his own bell. It was gone. Naruto, a master pickpocket from his past life, had swiped it without anyone noticing.

Kakashi: "You…"

He wanted to protest, but the trio had technically passed the test. Still, Kakashi couldn't help feeling a little cheated.

Should I make them do another exercise in the afternoon? he wondered. Nah. I've got more important things to do—like buying a new copy of Make-Out Paradise.

Kakashi: "After you finish eating, head to the Hokage Building this afternoon to fill out your ninja registration forms."

He pulled a forehead protector from his bag and tossed it to Naruto. "This is yours."

Kakashi: "But let me make one thing clear—no more exploding clones. Got it?"

Naruto: "I'll only use it if I have to. It hurts, you know. I'm not stupid."

Kakashi: "…"

This kid… Kakashi sighed. He had been outsmarted and outmaneuvered at every turn.

Ninja Registration

At the Hokage Building, Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata filled out their registration forms and took their official ninja photos. Afterward, Naruto met with the Third Hokage.

Third Hokage: "Congratulations on officially becoming a ninja. Kakashi told me about your performance. Very impressive."

Naruto: "Ah, it was nothing. Just a little clever thinking."

He hesitated, then added, "So… about that money…"

The Third Hokage sighed and pulled out a bank card. "This card has eight million ryo. It's everything your parents left, plus some from the village."

Naruto: Eight million? That's it?

He knew that high-ranking ninjas like his parents should have left far more. But arguing wouldn't help. Eight million was still a fortune to him.

Third Hokage: "The rest of their belongings are still being sorted. I'll send them to your house once they're ready."

Naruto: "Got it. Thanks."

He bowed and left the office, where Sasuke and Hinata were waiting.

Naruto: "Let's go! Kakashi's bento was terrible. I'll treat you to a proper meal."

Sasuke: "I'll pass. I need to train. Today was… enlightening."

He waved and walked off.

Naruto: "See you tomorrow!"

Turning to Hinata, Naruto smiled. "So, Hinata, what do you like? Besides flower arranging, I mean."

Hinata: "Um… spending time with you?"

Naruto chuckled. "That's not a gift. That's me taking advantage of you."

Hinata giggled, her cheeks turning pink.

Naruto: "Hinata… how much money do you have on you?"

Hinata: "Huh?"

Her face turned red.

Naruto: "I want to buy you something. Like… a piece of clothing."

Hinata: "Oh… that's…"

The two headed to the bank first, then made their way to the ninja tool shop.

Naruto: "Uncle! I'm back!"

The shopkeeper, who had been eagerly waiting to forge a sword, looked up with a mix of annoyance and hope.

Shopkeeper: "You've got money this time?"

Naruto: "Yep. Let's talk about that sword."