After training, the group naturally headed to grab some food. Their stomachs were already growling, so they made their way toward Ichiraku Ramen.
On the way, villagers along the street greeted Naruto one after another.
It wasn't only because he was the son of the Fourth Hokage. After all, Konohamaru was the grandson of the Third Hokage, yet people didn't go out of their way to greet him like this.
In truth, most villagers carried a sense of guilt toward Naruto.
Naruto only nodded slightly in return. He knew the villagers were ignorant; if he argued with them, it would only lower himself to their level. The best way was simply not to care. What else could he do slaughter everyone? He wasn't some mindless beast driven only by instinct.
"Hey, don't you think there have been a lot more foreign shinobi around lately?" Konohamaru asked, his eyes darting about curiously as if they weren't in Konoha but in a foreign country.
"That's because the Chūnin Exams are about to begin," Hinata explained softly. "They're here to participate."
"Ohhh, that makes sense." Konohamaru smacked a fist into his palm in sudden realization. He had been training hard at the Sarutobi compound and hadn't paid much attention to what was happening in the village. Kids his age didn't really need to worry too much anyway. If the sky fell, there would always be someone taller to hold it up. For him, that "someone taller" was his grandfather and Naruto, his big brother figure.
But just as they continued forward, Naruto suddenly halted. The rest instinctively stopped as well.
"What's wrong, Naruto?" Sasuke asked with curiosity.
Naruto's lips curled into a playful smile. "I just ran into someone interesting."
Sasuke followed his gaze and saw three figures walking down the lively street.
"Sand shinobi?" Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
It was Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara.
The trio's eyes wandered over the bustling avenues of Konoha, taking in the contrast between this vibrant village and their barren homeland.
The Hidden Sand was a place of constant wind and dust, where green was rare, and most buildings were dull structures of sand and clay. Resources were scarce, water especially precious. Life there was harsh and austere, far from the richness of Konoha.
Here in the Leaf, the streets brimmed with energy and abundance. Shops overflowed with goods, laughter filled the air, and the aroma of food lingered everywhere. Compared to their homeland, it was practically paradise.
Kankuro looked around with wide-eyed amazement, utterly fascinated by the clean streets and colorful displays. Temari drew in a deep breath, savoring the aroma of food. Having grown up in the dry desert air, the scent of savory broth and grilled skewers was intoxicating.
Gaara, however, wore his usual cold expression. His green eyes flickered slightly as he scanned the surroundings. Then his brow creased. He felt a gaze locked on him, sharp and invasive.
He turned his head and found a boy with a cool, handsome face studying them intently.
Immediately, Temari and Kankuro tensed. They were in foreign territory, after all, and they weren't here with innocent intentions.
"You're from the Sand, aren't you?" Naruto stepped forward, smiling.
"Yes." Temari moved protectively in front of her brothers, nodding with wary politeness.
"No need to be nervous," Naruto said casually, waving a hand. "You're here for the Chūnin Exams, not to attack the Leaf. I'm not going to do anything to you."
But that offhand remark instantly rattled the trio.
What did he mean, "attack the Leaf"? How could he bring that up so casually? Did Konoha already know something? Were they being warned? If the plan had truly been exposed, surely the Leaf would have arrested them outright.
Temari's mind spun, her heart pounding. Being at the very heart of enemy territory, if the Leaf chose to act, they wouldn't stand a chance of escaping.
"Have you eaten yet?" Naruto suddenly asked.
"What?" Temari blinked, momentarily stunned.
"I said, have you eaten?" Naruto repeated, smiling patiently.
"…No." Temari hesitated, unsure of his intentions, but answered anyway.
"Then let's eat together. My treat," Naruto offered.
All three Sand siblings stared at him in surprise, confusion, and suspicion.
"No, thank you. We should be going," Temari said quickly, shaking her head. Fear and caution gnawed at her. Staying longer felt dangerous. She tugged at her brothers. "Let's head back."
Kankuro followed reluctantly, but Gaara didn't move. He remained fixed in place, eyes locked on Naruto. Temari and Kankuro didn't dare rush him, but their anxiety grew with every second.
Finally, Gaara spoke. "What's your name?"
"Uzumaki Naruto. And you?" Naruto asked, his interest clearly piqued.
Temari and Kankuro stiffened in shock. That name Naruto Uzumaki the son of the Fourth Hokage. Their father, the Fourth Kazekage, had once spoken of this boy. If the chance arose, he wanted them to kill him during the exams.
Yet here he was, standing right in front of them.
"…Gaara," came the quiet reply. To his siblings' astonishment, Gaara actually answered politely, without hostility.
Naruto stepped closer to him. Temari and Kankuro tensed, ready to intervene. They were certain Konoha must already suspect their hidden agenda.
Naruto raised a hand and rested it lightly on Gaara's shoulder.
Temari and Kankuro froze, their eyes widening in disbelief. He touched him? He actually touched Gaara?
Every Sand shinobi knew about Gaara's automatic defense. His sand always shielded him from harm. Unless an overwhelming attack broke through, no one could so much as lay a finger on him.
And yet Naruto had done so with effortless ease.
Even Gaara himself was stunned. Why hadn't the sand reacted? Why hadn't it risen to shield him?
Naruto leaned in slightly and whispered, "We're the same, you and I."
Gaara's pupils contracted sharply. He stared at Naruto, utterly shaken.
Naruto smiled again and straightened. "Come on, how about I treat you to some ramen? Ichiraku has the best in all of Konoha."
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