A Girl Waiting

"Naruto, stand here for me and don't move until I call you. Do you understand?"

Iruka stared at the boy in front of him, feeling a mix of emotions. Naruto had changed drastically overnight, and it left him both confused and concerned.

Today was the graduation exam. Iruka had been busy since morning, making sure everything was in order. However, as soon as he arrived at the academy, he was met with shocking reports from his colleagues.

Naruto defeated Inuzuka Kiba.

Naruto humiliated Sakura and Ino.

Naruto bullied Hinata until she fainted.

One thing was worse than the other, so much so that Iruka couldn't believe it until he heard it from Naruto himself.

With a sigh, Iruka softened his tone.

"Naruto, if you truly want to become Hokage, you must not hurt your comrades. Do you understand?"

As someone who had experienced hardships himself, Iruka naturally paid more attention to Naruto. That was why, even though Naruto's behavior was unusual today, he chose not to punish him immediately.

"Alright, Iruka-sensei, please go to the exam room. The others must be waiting," Naruto said casually, waving his hand as if he was trying to shoo Iruka away.

His words felt like he was trying to avoid the conversation. Iruka was momentarily frustrated and wanted to scold him, but he held back. The exam was about to begin, and he didn't want to affect Naruto's mindset.

"I'll treat you to ramen after the exam," Iruka finally said.

"Alright, see you later, Iruka-sensei."

As soon as Iruka left, the selection panel in front of Naruto gradually dimmed and eventually disappeared.

[Ding! If the target has left the host's sight and the host does not wish to pursue, it is considered a surrender.]

So, if I don't actively pursue the target, it counts as giving up?

Naruto felt like he was getting closer to fully understanding the system.

***

Meanwhile, Hinata, who had just regained consciousness, still felt her heart pounding. Naruto's words kept echoing in her mind.

Marry me.

Her face immediately turned bright red, and her ears burned with embarrassment. She kept replaying the moment when Naruto stood in front of her and said those words.

Naruto-kun… will he be mad if I don't answer?

If only I hadn't fainted just now…

As Hinata was lost in her thoughts, someone suddenly tapped her shoulder.

"Hinata."

"Ah!"

Hinata jolted and quickly turned to see who it was. The moment she recognized the person, she asked nervously, "Ino-chan, what is it?"

Ino looked frustrated. "That Naruto is really annoying today. He humiliated me in front of everyone and even bullied you until you passed out. Let's teach him a lesson after the exam!"

What?

Confront Naruto-kun?

No way!

Hinata frantically shook her head like a bobblehead. "No, I won't!"

"Hinata, don't be scared," Ino reassured her, thinking Hinata was too afraid to face Naruto. Everyone knew she had a shy personality and avoided conflicts whenever possible.

But Ino was still furious. Naruto had dared to say something so embarrassing to her—something completely inappropriate in public. She couldn't let him get away with it.

Still… Naruto had suddenly become much stronger.

Ino looked at Hinata seriously. "No one can just become powerful overnight. Naruto was always seen as a loser before. The only reason he beat Kiba was because Kiba underestimated him. If we prepare properly, we can definitely defeat him."

Hinata lowered her head, unsure how to tell Ino that she didn't feel bullied by Naruto at all.

"Next, Hinata Hyuga!"

A voice called from the exam room. Hinata saw this as her escape and quickly stood up.

"Ino-chan, I have to take the exam now. And I won't go after Naruto-kun!"

Watching Hinata leave, Ino let out a sigh. She wasn't completely confident she could defeat Naruto, which was why she had tried to find someone to back her up.

"Fine, if you won't go, I'll do it myself. I refuse to believe someone so unimpressive could suddenly become this strong."

She clenched her fists and walked away.

"Naruto, just wait for me!"

***

"Next, Uzumaki Naruto!"

Because he had been punished earlier, Naruto was the last to take the exam. The topic was the Clone Technique. Luckily, he had just acquired the Shadow Clone Technique from the system. With it, he easily scored full marks.

"Naruto, you've finally grown up," Iruka said with a proud smile. He personally tied Naruto's forehead protector. "From now on, you're a ninja who can stand on your own. But remember, you need to work hard if you want to become Hokage."

Naruto tilted his head slightly, gazing out the window at the burning clouds in the evening sky.

Iruka didn't know that the Naruto standing before him was no longer the same Naruto as before.

Naruto no longer cared about becoming Hokage.

But telling Iruka wouldn't help. It would only make him overthink and create unnecessary trouble.

Besides, who knew if the Third Hokage was watching through his crystal ball?

Not to mention the Root and ANBU operatives who were constantly monitoring him.

"Naruto, let's go. As promised, I'll treat you to ramen."

"Great!"

"But why do you look so unenthusiastic today?"

"That's the problem, Iruka-sensei. You're too childish, which is why you're always so energetic."

"You little brat! You need some discipline!"

***

As Naruto and Iruka left the academy, the sky was painted with hues of orange and gold. The transition from day to night created a peaceful atmosphere.

Elsewhere, near Naruto's home, a blonde girl was still waiting patiently, even though he was already late.

As day turned to night, a cold breeze swept through the streets.

"Achoo!"

Ino sneezed loudly. The night air was freezing, and her outfit wasn't warm enough to protect her from the chill.

Her long, slender legs, pale as snow, trembled slightly in the cold wind.

"Damn it, Naruto! Where are you? Why aren't you here yet?"

Hugging her arms tightly for warmth, Ino finally gave up.

"Fine, I'll let you go this time. But next time, you won't be so lucky."

Muttering angrily to herself, she turned around and hurried home, shivering from the cold.