Chapter 198: Sparring?
In an instant, after the white smoke dispersed, a chestnut-haired "beauty" with a curvaceous figure suddenly appeared before Naruto!
Of course, the most critical, most inappropriate areas were cleverly obscured by strategically placed smoke effects, but that visually impactful suggestion was already shocking enough.
Behind them, Ebisu's face instantly flushed crimson, his breathing becoming rapid and heavy. His entire body froze in place as if hit by a paralysis jutsu, his eyes behind the sunglasses bulging wide, staring fixedly at the "beautiful scenery" that shouldn't appear in such a setting. His nostrils even showed faint signs of heating up.
But the two children Udon and Moegi had no particular unusual reactions. Their attention was completely focused on the tactical effectiveness, nervously watching whether this "amazing" jutsu could actually make the powerful Naruto step back.
Behind Naruto, the usually composed Kakashi also uncharacteristically widened his visible eye, even temporarily forgetting to turn the pages of his Make-Out Paradise.
Internal monologue: Never expected the Hokage's grandson... would actually develop such a... creative jutsu?
"This... this idiot brat!" Sakura's cheeks also flushed pink, feeling Konohamaru's move was really somewhat... improper.
Naruto naturally knew the alluring scene before him was completely fake, created by transformation jutsu—that "beauty" was merely an illusion formed by chakra.
But even so, this overly realistic and impactful image still caused his brain to instantly freeze, his body unconsciously stiffening. He never imagined Konohamaru would use such "unorthodox methods" against him!
"Hehe~ What a good man~"
That "beauty" created by transformation jutsu actually let out a seductive laugh, extending her hand as if to frivolously reach toward Naruto's cheek.
Thus, driven by a complex mix of shock, embarrassment, and instinctive avoidance, Naruto almost reflexively stepped backward, dodging that heart-racing "intimate contact" about to occur.
Just that one dodge!
"Brother Naruto stepped back?! Success!"
Seeing Naruto actually forced to retreat, that "beauty" before him instantly dissipated like a phantom. Little Konohamaru's true form reappeared in place, his face filled with incredible ecstatic joy!
"Konohamaru's amazing!" Udon and Moegi immediately cheered jubilantly. Finally! After countless failures, Konohamaru had taken the historic first step toward his grand goal of "defeating Naruto"—he'd made Naruto step back!
Though the method used was somewhat... unspeakable.
"...What an idiot." Watching Konohamaru's team celebrating with high-fives in delight, Naruto sighed helplessly, covering his face with his palm.
"Hmph! Just wait, Brother Naruto!" His initial "victory" boosting his confidence to bursting, Konohamaru planted his hands on his hips and raised his head, beginning his victory declaration.
"Today's just the beginning! I'll truly defeat you soon! And Grandpa too! Then become Hokage—OW!! That hurts!"
Before his passionate declaration finished, sudden intense pain struck Konohamaru's head with such force that he instantly crouched down clutching his head, tears nearly spraying out.
"Damn it... who was that?!"
Konohamaru grimaced in pain, angrily turning his head to see who dared ambush the future Hokage.
However, when he saw clearly who stood behind him and met that person's gaze, he froze completely as if doused head to toe with ice water, shaking all over. All his fury and bold words stuck in his throat.
Uchiha Satsuki had just lowered the hand that delivered that strike, staring at Konohamaru with eyes as cold as viewing non-recyclable garbage.
Watching Satsuki actually strike the target they were supposed to be "babysitting," Kakashi's eye twitched.
But because he noticed that though Satsuki's gaze was cold, it contained no actual killing intent—more anger and warning—he didn't immediately step forward to intervene.
Kakashi also understood clearly—he knew how much effort Satsuki had expended, how much courage she'd mustered, to finally establish that special relationship with Naruto.
Now Konohamaru had used this kind of jutsu to "flirt" with Naruto. If Satsuki didn't get angry or react, that would be strange.
"Wh-what are you doing?! You... you..."
Konohamaru tried to muster courage to get angry, but the moment he met Satsuki's black eyes, the rest of his words were scared back down his throat, leaving only trembling.
"What a shameless jutsu." Satsuki's voice was cold as ice. "I'm now seriously doubting the competence of the Hokage household's shinobi teachers. Who taught you these underhanded tricks?"
Her gaze instantly shifted toward Ebisu, who was frantically wiping away nosebleed and trying to regain composure.
Swept by that chilling gaze, Ebisu immediately felt his spine go cold, hurriedly waving his hands in denial. "No! Not me! Absolutely not me who taught it! Please believe in my professional ethics, Miss Satsuki! How could I possibly teach students such... such a technique!"
Standing nearby, Naruto's forehead began sweating profusely. Oh no! Oh no! It seems... I was the one who casually mentioned it back then...
He quickly forced a dry laugh and stepped forward, trying to forcibly change the subject. "Ahaha! Ko-Konohamaru! You're pretty creative, kid! Understanding surprise tactics! But let me tell you, these unorthodox techniques don't work on truly strong opponents! If you want to get stronger, you need to be down-to-earth and properly practice orthodox ninjutsu!"
However, Satsuki's anger clearly wasn't appeased. She suddenly grabbed Naruto's wrist, the force so strong that Naruto staggered unprepared, nearly bumping into her. But she continued staring fixedly at the trembling Konohamaru.
"Forget it. Who taught it doesn't matter anymore. In any case, the one who ultimately chose to use this jutsu was you."
Naruto felt his wrist gripped painfully, trying to ease the tense atmosphere. "Um... Satsuki, weren't you a bit too harsh just now? Konohamaru's still just a child, he doesn't understand..."
"Only this I won't allow."
Satsuki muttered in a volume almost only she could hear.
"What?" Naruto didn't catch it, asking uncertainly.
Satsuki didn't repeat herself, but refocused her gaze on Konohamaru. "...In any case, the client's requirements have been completed. There's still some time before the escort mission ends."
She released Naruto's wrist and stepped forward, emanating a fierce aura.
"Next, let Naruto rest. I'll spar with you."
She added a statement that instantly sent Konohamaru plunging into an icy abyss. "Don't worry, there won't be any life-threatening danger."
Satsuki used the coldest tone to deliver the most chilling arrangement. Yes, no life-threatening danger, but the process would definitely not be gentle in the slightest...
"E-Ebisu-sensei...!" Feeling that substantial oppressive pressure, Konohamaru immediately cast pleading eyes toward his tutor, hoping he'd intervene to stop this obviously unequal "sparring."
However, Ebisu adjusted his sunglasses, putting on a serious expression of "this is a rare training opportunity." "Go for it! Konohamaru! This is a precious chance to have real combat sparring with an Uchiha clan genius! Seize it well!"
Konohamaru's heart went cold, placing his last hope in Naruto. "Na-Naruto-niisan...!"
Naruto looked at Konohamaru's pitiful eyes, could only steel himself and squeeze out an encouraging? smile, patting Konohamaru's shoulder. "G-go for it! Konohamaru! For your dream of becoming Hokage! Bravely cross this hurdle!"
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