Chapter 17
After years together, Naruto could read Sakyo like a book—he knew exactly what she wanted.
But he deliberately played coy, flashing a teasing grin as he looked straight into her eyes. "Could I what?"
Sakyo's face darkened. She let out a sharp huff: "Hmph!!"
She had recovered enough by now. Standing up, she moved away from Naruto as if he were a walking disaster.
Yet she couldn't shake the unease of leaving him alone with Hinata. It felt like she was missing something—or about to lose something precious.
The practical exercise ended quickly. The remaining fights were just childish scuffles—nothing worth watching.
Because of Naruto's sudden burst of power, Iruka called him to the office for questioning.
Naruto brushed it off with a few evasive words, revealing nothing useful.
That was only because Iruka genuinely cared for him. If it had been Danzō, he'd have investigated every last detail about Naruto…
Another sunset—dismissal time.
Naruto trailed behind Sakyo like a stubborn yellow plaster.
Hinata had already been picked up by someone from the Hyūga clan. Sakura had left early for some errand. Ino, for whatever reason, hadn't come looking for Sakyo…
This time of day at the school gate was the place Sakyo hated most.
Parents picking up their kids—warm, happy scenes everywhere. It was practically her nightmare.
Once upon a time, she'd had that too. Carefree days, Mikoto picking her up after school, then teaching her cooking in the kitchen. Thinking about it… pure bliss.
And it was all shattered by Itachi.
Itachi! Must kill him no matter what!
Imagine: going to school, enjoying hobbies, living happily—then suddenly Itachi wipes out the clan!
So, any day without Uchiha Itachi was a good day!!!
Up ahead, the crowd stirred. More and more onlookers gathered.
Naruto thought he heard a familiar voice and forcefully dragged Sakyo over.
Sakyo's face couldn't get any colder. Normally, she'd blast through the school gate as fast as possible—not wanting to linger a second.
Now, Naruto was cluelessly pulling her along… just because there was drama to watch?
Despite her inner grumbling, Sakyo didn't resist. She just silently followed.
"Move aside! Let me see! Let me see!!"
Naruto shoved through the crowd, determined to get his share of the gossip.
The onlookers grumbled at first—but when they saw it was Naruto, they scattered like he was the plague, muttering under their breath.
Naruto didn't care. He treated their words like farts. Peering into the center—holy crap!
Today's drama actually involved him!
Looked like he wouldn't be eating this melon after all.
In the middle, Sakura held her mom's hand, staring blankly at the middle-aged men blocking their way.
The men did nothing but point at Sakura and rant about her relationship with Naruto.
Saying things like she was friends with the monster, played with the monster, even that she was the monster's girlfriend.
Sakura was completely bewildered. Looking at these unreasonable guys, she thought: Did I offend someone?
Thinking back, the only person she'd pissed off lately was the gift shop owner yesterday.
Could these guys be hired by him?
Everyone around pointed and whispered about Sakura and her mom.
Sakura nearly snapped right there. Rage building, she clenched her fists, gathering her limited chakra into them.
"What did you say?!"
Her little face turned purple with anger. She never imagined someone would block her and her mom at the school gate over her own business.
This was… way too humiliating!
But in response to her question, they just repeated everything.
Sakura's face grew darker. These guys… coming after her because of Naruto?
Unbelievable!
Too scared to mess with Naruto, so they pick on the nice girl instead?
Sakura was about to throw hands when a furious roar cut through the crowd.
Naruto: "Damn villagers!! Dare to bully my friend!!!"
Sakyo, Sakura, and the onlookers: "?????"
Naruto's voice was thunderous, spreading far and wide in an instant.
Everyone turned to the monster jinchūriki, Uzumaki Naruto. They watched as he rolled up his sleeves, face twisted in rage, and stormed toward the center.
Behind him followed the cold, lone survivor of the Uchiha clan.
"Staring? What are you staring at? Get your asses home!"
Naruto saw even more eyes on him and Sakura. He knew these people just wanted to watch the show.
Dare to gawk at his drama?
Then Naruto wouldn't hold back!
A deep-blue torrent of chakra suddenly erupted around his body. He slowly raised one foot high, then slammed it down.
Crack~
BOOM!!!
The concrete ground spider-webbed in all directions. Dozens of meters around, people toppled over.
The sight triggered panicked screams as everyone fled in terror.
In moments, only the involved parties remained.
Naruto, Sakyo, Sakura, Sakura's mom, and the middle-aged men.
Sakyo and Sakura supported Sakura's mom, both staring at Naruto in stunned shock.
What the hell is going on?
Seriously, what is going on?
Even the two academy ninjas nearly fell over.
When did Naruto get this strong?!
The middle-aged men were closest to Naruto.
They'd fallen too. Now they looked at him with endless fear.
That stomp dragged them back to the night over a decade ago.
The terror of the Nine-Tails resurfaced. The men scrambled backward, desperate to escape the danger: Uzumaki Naruto!
But how could Naruto let them walk away so easily?
Harass people and think you can just leave unscathed?
Gah! When has life been that kind?!
Naruto flashed into their midst. With swift, practiced motions—crack, crack, crack—he snapped their arms.
Agonized wails rose instantly. Several ANBU members suddenly appeared around Naruto.
Even teachers from the academy rushed out.
"Uzumaki Naruto! What do you think you're doing?!"
The ANBU surrounded him, as if to prevent a killing spree.
But Naruto ignored them, glaring at the screaming men with a mix of interrogation and threat.
"Talk. Who sent you?! If you don't, you die today—even the Hokage won't save you. I mean it!"
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