After some time, Naruto gradually imprinted the footwork into his muscle memory through repeated punishment.
With this new skill, Naruto finally managed to win against Sasuke in a classroom sparring match.
This wasn't surprising—Naruto had always lost to Sasuke mainly because Sasuke was so agile, his clones couldn't catch him.
But once Naruto could keep up, his freakish stamina became a huge advantage. Sasuke might land ten punches for every ten Naruto landed, but the percentage of damage was nowhere near the same.
Their match ended with the two rolling around, trading blows. If Iruka hadn't separated them, stubborn Sasuke would have been in trouble.
Of course, this was because damaging ninjutsu was forbidden in Academy sparring. Otherwise, Sasuke's basic Chidori alone would have been too much for Naruto.
While the three disciples trained hard, the Police Force's genin weren't slacking either. After Shisui's strict selection, four genin were chosen, paired with two Uchiha who had just graduated last year to form two three-man squads.
These kids were considered talented among civilians; with some luck, they could reach Nagai Seiichi's level.
The two Uchiha genin, by clan standards, were only average—one had a single tomoe Sharingan, the other hadn't awakened it at all—but their basics were solid, reaching chūnin level. Uchiha Shingetsu, who had awakened his Sharingan, even surpassed Seiryu in genjutsu.
Upon learning that the exam concerned their respected Hokage's honor, the chosen genin trained with everything they had.
….
Three weeks later, the group set off for Iwagakure.
It was Naruto's first time leaving the village, and he found everything outside fascinating, constantly poking his head out of the carriage.
Sasuke and Neji were excited too, but their upbringing kept them composed.
A week passed quickly, and after Naruto's initial excitement faded, he soon found the long carriage journey boring. Luckily, by the time he was about to get sick from the ride, the Hokage's procession had arrived at Iwagakure.
Before arriving, Seiryu changed into his formal Hokage robe and hat, while Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji donned ceremonial outfits embroidered with the Uzumaki, Uchiha, and Hyūga clan crests.
This time, besides being Seiryu's disciples, the three were also the young clan heads of Konoha's three great clans.
After changing, Naruto became much more subdued. He'd worn this before, and Seiryu warned him that, in this outfit, his every word and action represented the Uzumaki.
When they arrived, Iwagakure's welcoming party was already waiting at the gates. Ōnoki himself was in full formal dress, surrounded by the village's top brass.
The carriage stopped at the red carpet, and Seiryu stepped out calmly, walking toward Ōnoki.
Behind him, Uchiha Inaho led the shadow guard in step, while Naruto, Sasuke, and Neji followed quietly.
When Seiryu approached, Ōnoki floated upward so their eyes were level.
They reached out almost simultaneously to shake hands, and only then did Ōnoki speak:
"I've long heard of the Fifth Hokage's youthful excellence. Meeting you today, the reputation is well deserved."
"You flatter me, Lord Tsuchikage. Compared to a senior like yourself, I still have much to learn about being a Kage," Seiryu replied.
After releasing hands, both thought to themselves:
[Old fox.]
[Young fox.]
To Ōnoki, hearing such humility from an Uchiha was astonishing.
Based on his knowledge of the Uchiha, and Seiryu's recent actions in the Grass Village, Ōnoki had expected a typical proud, domineering Uchiha.
But Seiryu surprised him with his modesty.
Ōnoki didn't lower his guard, though. He'd seen many powerful ninja, but those who could hide their true strength were the most dangerous—and Seiryu was clearly one of them.
After a brief silence, both laughed heartily.
"The Fifth Hokage's visit is a great honor for Iwagakure. Please, come in!" Ōnoki said.
"You're too kind, Lord Tsuchikage. We are honored to be invited," Seiryu replied.
The two wore matching polite smiles as they walked into the village.
Soon, Ōnoki noticed the three children behind Seiryu.
Seeing Ōnoki's gaze, Seiryu introduced them with a smile: "These three are my disciples. I brought them to Iwa to broaden their horizons."
"I see," Ōnoki nodded. Although Naruto's yellow hair stirred painful memories, he smiled and praised, "They look exceptionally talented—surely inheriting your skills, Hokage."
"They're just three unruly kids," Seiryu shook his head. "They still have a long way to go."
He turned to the three. "You three, greet the Tsuchikage."
The children stepped forward and bowed.
"Hello, Lord Tsuchikage! I'm Uzumaki Naruto."
"Hyūga Neji, greetings, Lord Tsuchikage."
"Uchiha Sasuke, greetings, Lord Tsuchikage."
After the greetings, Naruto stared at Ōnoki with curiosity. After a moment, he asked, "Grandpa Tsuchikage, why are you floating? Is it to look as tall as my teacher?"
Ōnoki nearly threw out his back—he was doing it to match Seiryu's height, but did the kid have to say it so bluntly?
The Iwa ninja at the gate looked offended.
"Naruto!" Seiryu scolded sternly. Naruto realized he'd said something wrong and shrank back.
"Sasuke, Neji, take Naruto back to the carriage," Seiryu ordered.
Sasuke and Neji led Naruto away.
"Children say the silliest things. Please forgive him," Seiryu bowed to Ōnoki.
"Heh, it's nothing. Kids will be kids," Ōnoki forced a smile. What else could he do—start a fight with Seiryu here?
After this, Ōnoki stopped using the Light-Weight Rock Technique and landed naturally on the ground.
"That kid reminds me of a certain someone from Konoha's past," Ōnoki said with a dry laugh.
"No need to guess, Lord Tsuchikage—Naruto is that person's son," Seiryu said with a smile.
"Is that so? Bringing him here might not be wise. There are plenty of ninja here who bear grudges against his father."
"Those are the grudges of the previous generation. Is Iwagakure really going to hold a grudge against a child?" Seiryu asked. "I believed Iwa invited us with peaceful intentions."
"Of course, our invitation was given in peace," Ōnoki replied seriously.
"Then you can guarantee the safety of a seven-year-old child on your own turf?"
"You jest, Hokage. Iwa can and will guarantee the safety of every guest."
"Then I must have misunderstood, Lord Tsuchikage," Seiryu said. "I apologize for my mistake."
"It's my fault for not explaining earlier. I share some responsibility."
"Let's enter the village. We've prepared a grand banquet for our guests tonight," Ōnoki said, putting the matter to rest with a bright smile.
"Your hospitality honors me," Seiryu replied.
"Please, Hokage!" Ōnoki gestured.
"After you, Lord Tsuchikage," Seiryu said.
After some pleasantries, they entered Iwagakure.
Boom!
But before Ōnoki could lead Seiryu to the banquet hall, a sudden explosion erupted by the roadside, thick smoke blocking their path.
"Lord Tsuchikage, what's this?" Seiryu asked with a meaningful smile, looking at the smoke.
Ōnoki's face twitched, and he shouted, "Deidara! Get out here!"
"Haha! Old man! How was my performance this time? Pretty impressive, right?"
From the smoke emerged a blond-haired boy, striding forward boldly.