CHAPTER 40:SASUKE'S RAGE

**System Reward Announcement**

Naruto received a mysterious package with a timer counting down from 2 hours.

Curious, he bid farewell to Kurama, who barely looked up from reading "Intimate Paradise":

"Later, Naruto. This romance novel is getting intense..."

Naruto chuckled and headed home, his mind still reeling from the conversation with his father.

But as he approached his residence, his thoughts shifted to warmth and comfort -

someone was waiting for him, preparing his favorite meal...

He opened the door to find Izumi smiling softly, cooking ramen in the kitchen.

Naruto's heart swelled - he had longed for this gentle scene after parting with his father.

He sneaked up behind Izumi and lovingly hugged her waist:

"Izumi..."

Izumi sensed his distress and turned around, embracing him tightly under her proud curves:

"Naruto, what's wrong? You're trembling..."

Her warmth comforted him, and Naruto buried his face in her chest:

"I... just feel in low mood today..."

Izumi's hold tightened as she stroked his hair:

"You're not alone, Naruto. I'm here."

As Naruto inhaled her gentle scent and felt her softness, his body reacted unexpectedly -

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, then he almost laughed at the absurdity.

Izumi giggled and tickled his ribs:

"Seems my cooking - and other assets - still affect you, Naruto!"

They shared tender laughter, finished dinner together, and soon drifted off to sleep entwined.

The mysterious package lay forgotten beside them, timer still counting down...

Naruto sprinted towards the academy, feeling optimistic about his upcoming mission

(To save Shisui Uchiha, though he didn't reveal this to anyone).

Arriving at class, Naruto was greeted by familiar chaos:

* Ino and Sakura bickering beside him - their usual seats next to Naruto.

+ Ino: "I'm telling you, Sakura, my Mind Body Switch just needs more practice!"

+ Sakura: "Practice against stronger opponents, like me, then talk!"

* Hinata sitting quietly on his other side, smiling softly at Naruto before focusing on notes.

* Naruto and Shikamaru snoozing together - their lazy friendship bond strong.

Iruka Sensei sighed dramatically:

"Why must all the talented students - also be the laziest?!

They excel in academics and duels, yet sleep through lectures..."

Sasuke Uchiha clenched his fist, anger simmering beneath his calm exterior:

Naruto's constant:

* Flirting with girls (especially Sakura and others outside class)

* Lazy attitude

* Joke-cracking nature

infuriated him.

Sasuke's pride hurt even more because:

* He still couldn't defeat Naruto in spars.

* Ino defeated him consistently with her agility.

* Hinata's gentle yet precise Gentle Fist technique always bested him.

* Even Sakura - once weaker than him - now landed critical hits against him.

Sasuke thought to himself:

"I must surpass Naruto... no matter the cost."

Naruto noticed Sasuke's intense gaze and teasingly asked:

"Hey Sasuke, what's wrong? Did Sakura finally reject your... nonexistent crush on her?"

The class erupted into snickers and giggles:

* Sakura playfully rolled her eyes and hit Naruto on the head.

* Ino chuckled and whispered to Hinata, "Naruto's still obsessed with teasing Sasuke."

* Hinata giggled softly and patted Naruto's arm.

* Shikamaru woke up with a start, yawning, "What'd I miss? Sasuke's face looks like thunder."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his voice low and even:

"This has nothing to do with Sakura, Uzumaki. You're just... annoyingly strong lately."

Naruto grinned widely:

"Thanks, Sasuke! I'll take that as a compliment - coming from someone who still loses to me..."

Sasuke's clenched fist seemed ready to strike, but he restrained himself - barely.

Iruka Sensei intervened, "Alright, alright - no fighting in class! Sasuke, what seems to be troubling you?"

[CONTINUE]ദ്ദി(｡•̀ ,<)~✩‧₊

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