Naruto: Naruto's Uchiha girlfriend is too tsundere

Kakashi stood up and straightened his vest. "I have other things to do, so I'll be going now." He looked at his three new subordinates, his tone returning to its usual languidness, yet carrying a clear instruction, "Remember to meet at the usual place tomorrow morning, to prepare for our Team 7's first mission."

His gaze lingered on the three of them for a moment before he finally said:

"Class Seven, we are disbanding today."

After saying that, he waved his hand and used the Instantaneous Movement Technique, disappearing from his seat.

He was going to a place, a place he would always go to. He was going to personally bring the news that he had finally become a teacher to that cold memorial stone, to tell his comrade named Uchiha Obito, who was forever stuck in his childhood.

"Hey Naruto, what are your plans for this afternoon?"

After clearing away the dishes, Satsuki asked Naruto very naturally. To her, Naruto's next answer was practically equivalent to her entire schedule for the afternoon.

"Now that I've officially become a ninja, I should go train this afternoon to prepare for the various dangers I might encounter in the future. I need to make the most of this time to improve my strength," Naruto replied while wiping his hands.

"Okay, then I'll go prepare the drinking water and towels for the afternoon." Zuo Yue nodded and skillfully began preparing the supplies needed for cultivation. This tacit understanding between the two, where they worked in perfect harmony without needing to say a word, had lasted for many years.

Sakura, standing to the side, felt a pang of envy as she watched the unspoken understanding between the group members. However, she knew that if she wanted to truly integrate into the group and not forever remain a "burden" that needed protection, she had to muster the courage to take the first step.

"Um... can I come with you?"

When their eyes turned to her simultaneously, Sakura mustered all her courage and said, "Through today's exercise, I've come to a complete understanding... Although Kakashi-sensei ultimately recognized our team spirit, the gap between my strength and yours is simply too vast. I really don't want to hold you back in future missions... So, please! Please let me train with you too!"

Her eyes were full of determination.

Naruto looked at Sakura's serious expression and gave her a gentle, encouraging smile. "Yes, of course! Welcome to the team, Sakura. But let me make it clear first, my training is very strict, so don't complain."

"Yes! I will definitely try my best to keep up and I will never complain!" Sakura said happily when she saw Naruto agree so readily, her heart filled with motivation.

However, Satsuki, who was silently watching this scene from behind, had mixed feelings. It seemed...it was pretty much certain that Sakura didn't have romantic feelings for Naruto.

To be honest, Satsuki didn't want things to be this way. She knew better than anyone how strong and terrifying her possessiveness towards Naruto was. Because of this, she had been desperately trying to restrain that desire that almost completely enveloped Naruto for the past few years, forcing herself to accept that Naruto should also have normal, ordinary interactions with other people besides her.

Even so, she still unconsciously became unusually clingy, following Naruto wherever he went. In the past, she was very afraid that Naruto would get annoyed and tired of her excessive dependence and following, and eventually distance himself from her.

It wasn't until this clingy state continued for a very long time, and Naruto's attitude towards her remained consistent, even occasionally taking the initiative to ruffle her hair, that her anxious heart finally began to slowly relax.

However, interaction and getting along between teammates are unavoidable. Besides, the three-person squad rule is something I can't change...

Looking at the enthusiastic Sakura in front of her, she made a difficult decision after a fierce internal struggle.

...Fine, that's settled then. From now on, I'll just force myself to treat Sakura as a boy.

That should be enough to barely control my emotions...

However, if she ever dares to show Naruto even the slightest feeling that goes beyond the boundaries of being teammates...

Zuo Yue's eyes darkened almost imperceptibly for a moment, and her fingertips unconsciously tightened.

Sakura, completely unaware that she had just teetered on the edge of some kind of danger, was still immersed in the joy of being able to train with her idol Satsuki and her reliable Naruto, and was filled with simple expectations for the future.

------

(One more chapter to come, currently being written)

Chapter 139 Another Operation

"One, two! One, two! One, two! Speed ​​up! Don't dawdle! Don't stop!"

On the training track, Sakura was at the forefront, already covered in sweat, her chest heaving violently, but she dared not slow down or stop.

Not far behind her, Naruto was running at the same steady pace, but his breathing was noticeably more even. His sharp gaze was fixed on Sakura's back, and he kept issuing commands, urging her on.

It seems that Naruto's previous statement, "My training is very strict," was not just polite talk, but a stark reality.

Naruto knew very well that Sakura's combat ability was almost negligible in the first part of the Naruto story. It wasn't until she became Tsunade's student during Shippuden that she truly transformed into a powerful medical ninja and combatant.

Since Sakura's future path is to learn Tsunade's unparalleled strength, then a solid foundation in physical skills and precise control over her physical strength are absolute prerequisites.

Therefore, Naruto decided without hesitation to start rigorously training Sakura's physical fitness and taijutsu foundation from now on.

After finally completing the required number of laps, Sakura almost collapsed to the ground, only managing to rest briefly, drink a few sips of water, and catch her breath.

Immediately afterwards, Naruto mercilessly instructed her to begin the next round of physical training—sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups… a series of basic but extremely physically demanding exercises followed one after another, each requiring her to do her best to meet the standards.

Meanwhile, Satsuki's training was completely different. She was focused on practicing a higher-level ninjutsu in an open area. Blazing flames and hissing lightning flashed alternately.

For example, Fire Release: Great Fire Dragon Technique, Fire Release: Phoenix Claw Red, Lightning Release: Thunderclap, Lightning Release: Earth Walk, Lightning Release: False Darkness, Lightning Release: Gratitude Wave.

Besides honing his ninjutsu skills, he never slacked off in training his Sharingan.

In addition, she has learned the principles and basics of the Body Flicker Technique from her father, Fugaku. Although she cannot yet teleport like Kakashi, and her movement distance and speed are still limited, she is constantly practicing to become faster and more proficient.

Naruto, meanwhile, chose a quiet corner further away from the two of them. He sat cross-legged and carefully unfurled the enormous sealing scroll. Since the Third Hokage had truly entrusted him with the safekeeping of this item, he naturally wouldn't simply return it after learning only the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.

His gaze swept over the forbidden techniques on the scroll, each one a name that sent chills down one's spine.

Multiple Shadow Clone Technique... Flying Thunder God Technique... Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags Technique... Reaper Death Seal... Impure World Reincarnation Technique...

Naruto didn't yet have the resolute thought of sacrificing himself to take down the enemy, so he skipped over the Reaper Death Seal, which required a soul sacrifice. His attention was currently focused on another technique whose very principle was chilling—

The technique of multiplying explosive tags.

This forbidden technique, developed by the Second Hokage, is based on the ability to summon an endless stream of explosive tags from a single explosive tag, creating a continuous series of targeted explosions that, in theory, can obliterate any target and its surrounding area.

Of course, the Multiplying Explosive Tags technique is not a ninjutsu that creates explosive tags out of thin air. Its core mechanism lies in using a pre-set special summoning formula to summon a large number of pre-prepared explosive tags, each marked with its corresponding summoning coordinates, to the target location at an extremely fast and almost infinite speed, for a relentless, cumulative bombardment until the target is completely reduced to ashes.

If the stored explosive tags are exhausted, the spell will naturally stop.

This ninjutsu is also considered a forbidden technique involving mutual destruction. This is because it requires the caster to first physically attach the initial "fuse" explosive tag to the target's body at close range. And at the instant the technique is activated, the initial, violent explosion almost inevitably engulfs the caster, who is at the center of the blast.

However, Naruto had an extremely bold and dangerous idea—he wanted to try whether he could use the Flying Thunder God Technique to escape the scene in the last moment before the explosion hit him, just as the fuse was about to burn out after activating the Mutual Multiplication Explosive Tags.

Judging from Naruto's talents, the extremely high level of summoning jutsu and spatial ninjutsu perception required for the Mutual Explosion Tags technique would not be an insurmountable obstacle for Naruto, who is already fully proficient in the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Naruto had already planned in his mind that once he had a basic grasp of this forbidden technique, he would immediately go to the [Jin] organization to ask Kakudo for money to buy a large number of explosive tags for actual combat reserves.

It feels really good to have someone making money for you.

However, during the research, another question arose in Naruto's mind.

Speaking of which... if even a high-speed spatial jump like the Flying Thunder God Technique couldn't react in time to escape the initial explosion of the multiplicative detonating tags... how exactly did the Second Hokage test and perfect this technique back then?

Moreover, there's no need to use a body resurrected through Impure World Reincarnation to use this technique.

Isn't there a ninjutsu in this world called the Shadow Clone Technique?

------

The next day, Kakashi finally led the three members of Team 7 to the mission posting area to receive their first official mission as ninjas. Watching Sakura's excited and eager expression, and Sasuke's outwardly calm but subtly expectant eyes, Naruto felt a lack of enthusiasm. He knew all too well the daily life of a genin.

Sure enough, all the tasks they received were the lowest level, D-rank—finding lost cats, carrying goods for busy merchants, and even taking care of noisy children…

After completing several tasks such as "finding the pet Tiger Maru", "harvesting vegetables in the field" and "helping the library organize old books", even Sakura, who was initially full of enthusiasm, couldn't help but show obvious disappointment on her face, and her shoulders slumped down.

Although Zuo Yue didn't say anything, she also seemed a little listless at the moment, and her slightly furrowed brows expressed her dissatisfaction and boredom.

As expected... it's still the same old stuff.

Naruto mechanically picked sweet potatoes in the field while silently sighing to himself. For the newly graduated genin squad, they had no right to choose their missions and could only honestly start from these most basic chores, euphemistically called "accumulating experience" and "cultivating teamwork."

However, while Naruto's main body was living a mundane daily life of missions, catching cats and walking dogs in Konoha, taking care of children, and cleaning—

In a secluded corner far from Konoha, a shadow clone of Naruto—or rather, Menma, who wore the fox mask that could shield him from detection and used the Transformation Jutsu to completely alter his form and chakra fluctuations—began to act once again.

The reason he used this dangerous identity again at this time was because Hizashi brought him a noteworthy piece of news circulating in the underground black market.

Not long ago, a considerable commotion occurred in Iwagakure, a village far away in the Land of Earth. Deidara, a boy who was a disciple of the Third Tsuchikage Onoki, repeatedly conducted dangerous explosive ninjutsu experiments inside and outside the village due to his extreme obsession with "explosive art" and his unrestrained practice. The huge noise and destruction caused the villagers to complain and suffer greatly.

Even though he was a disciple of the Tsuchikage, Onoki still expelled the incorrigible Deidara from Iwagakure in order to quell the villagers' grievances.

------

(Sorry I'm five minutes late, please forgive me)

Chapter 140 The Artist

"Sorry, old man... I'm not going to just stay idly outside the village. Now that I'm out here, I'm determined to pursue that ultimate art of explosion! Hmm!"

On a dusty path on the border of the Land of Earth, a figure was hurrying along at a leisurely pace. But this boy was quite different from other travelers; almost all his attention was focused on his hands, intently kneading and shaping a white object.

He had long, dark blond hair with bangs that fell to the side, obscuring his right eye. His left eye, however, had a bluish-green pupil that shone with an artist's focused and fervent light.

This was Deidara, who had just been expelled from Iwagakure. However, compared to the wild and unruly member of Akatsuki he would become in the future, his face still retained a touch of childishness.

"The Land of Fire... the road is really long." He muttered to himself as he sculpted his form. "If the old man knew that I not only didn't reflect on my actions but also went to Konoha's territory, I wonder how angry he would be... But, if I could take this opportunity to join that legendary organization... oh! This look feels pretty good!"

After some careful tinkering, Deidara was finally satisfied with his creation. He had molded the lump of white clay into a simple, line-drawn spider.

Just then, an unnatural rustling sound suddenly came from the nearby woods.

Deidara abruptly raised his head, his gaze sweeping towards the source of the sound. His body appeared to remain in a relaxed standing posture, but the fingers gripping the clay spider were slightly curled inward, ready to hurl it and detonate it instantly—if the intruder showed even the slightest hostility.

"...What is this? A tiger?"

Emerging slowly from the dense bushes was not a human ninja, but an unusually large, white tiger.

But what's most striking is the mask covering its face, made of an unknown material and decorated with eerie fox patterns, which gives it an unsettling feel.

Since the white tiger did not show any signs of aggression, Deidara did not act immediately, but observed it with high vigilance, especially its peculiar mask.

"Is it some kind of summoned beast? That mask on its face... it looks so eerie. Hmm?"

"Strange... why do I feel like I've seen this somewhere before?"

He tried to search his memory, attempting to find the source of this sense of déjà vu.

Just as Deidara was scrutinizing the white tiger wearing the strange fox mask in front of him, trying to recall the source of that familiar feeling, strange noises came from the surrounding forest once again!

But this time, the sound didn't come from a single direction. Rustling sounds arose simultaneously from all directions, and a suffocating sense of oppression spread through the forest like a tide.

Immediately afterwards, figures of different shapes and exuding different auras slowly emerged from the surrounding shadows and trees.

The first thing that catches the eye is four other enormous and strangely shaped spirit beasts, which, together with the white tiger, form a perfect encirclement.

Coiled on the thick tree branch was a giant snake, the golden snake silently locking onto the boy below.

Beside them, the colossal beast Xuanwu, a creature combining the forms of a tortoise and a snake, lay steadily on the ground. Above them, the giant bird Zhuque glided silently in the air, while the massive dragon-shaped creature Qinglong emitted a deep hum.

These summoned beasts, each with a distinct form yet all radiating a powerful chakra, are none other than the Nine-Faced Beast.

At the front and back ends of the path, and behind them, stood two humanoid beings, the Southern Dipper Immortal and the Northern Dipper Immortal, each holding a staff in one hand and forming a hand seal with the other.

What truly blocked Deidara's path were the two figures standing directly in front of him: one was the black-robed "Grim Reaper" wielding a giant scythe and exuding an ominous aura, and the other was the "Celestial Maiden."

Seeing the beings surrounding him, Deidara's hazy memories instantly became crystal clear! His body began to tremble uncontrollably, but not out of fear; it was a tremor caused by extreme excitement and ecstasy!

"Hey...is it for real?!" He roared almost incoherently, his eyes wide with excitement. "If...if it really is the organization I'm imagining! The leader! Come out here right now! Don't hide!"

Menma, hidden in the shadows, was slightly surprised by Deidara's unexpectedly excited reaction. With a thought, he used the Flying Thunder God coordinates engraved on Kurama's body, and his figure appeared in front of Deidara without warning, standing precisely between the Shinigami and the Celestial Maiden.

Deidara's gaze swept quickly over Menma, eagerly capturing every feature on him—the fox mask, the black robe, and the nine-faced beast beside him.

That's right! It's him! The person the old man has been secretly searching for and fearing for so long! The leader of the [Ember] organization!

Deidara's heart pounded wildly. He couldn't believe... he'd run into them here!

Although I don't know why he appeared at the border of the Land of Earth... but with the target right in front of us, things will be much easier!

Just then, Menma's voice rang out through the mask, stating his purpose directly. "Explosion Release ninja, Deidara. I've come to welcome you to join the [Jin] organization and become one of us."

Upon hearing this, Deidara's smile widened instantly, becoming even more flamboyant and fervent, and he responded almost impatiently.

“That’s wonderful! Perfect timing! I came out specifically to find you in my pursuit of ultimate art—[Ember]!”

Seeing Deidara's almost fanatical state of excitement, Menma instantly understood. So that's how it is… It seems that the [Great Spiral Wheel] he threw down near Konoha back then…

Its devastating explosion and 'artistic' presentation created a butterfly effect that far exceeded expectations.

"In that case..."

Menma had just begun speaking, attempting to steer the conversation toward the formal recruitment process. However, in the next moment, something unexpected happened!

Without warning, Deidara hurled the white clay spider he had sculpted at Menma!

"drink!"

Almost the instant the clay spider left his hand, Deidara had already completed the final hand seal with one hand, letting out a short, sharp shout!

The clay spider that flew in front of Menma instantly expanded, and the chakra contained within it was instantly detonated!

"boom--!!!"

A violent explosion rang out! The scorching air, mixed with dirt and bits of grass, spread violently in all directions, and the thick smoke and dust instantly engulfed the spot where Menma had just been standing, and also briefly obscured Deidara's vision.