Chapter 98
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In the name of borrowing money, Tian Yu let Naruto take the money.
Just wait for Naruto to become a genin in the future, complete missions, and earn commissions—then he could return it.
Of course, Tian Yu didn't mention anything about interest.
This way—
Naruto nodded seriously and accepted.
In fact, Naruto was indeed in dire need of money.
With this amount, he could not only improve his meals and strengthen his nutrition, but also buy some basic training gear to increase the intensity of his self-training.
Naruto genuinely appreciated Big Brother Tian Yu's kindness.
Although he didn't say much, he had already made a firm decision in his heart—
When he becomes a full-fledged shinobi,
When he can finally take missions and earn a commission,
Not only will he repay Big Brother Tian Yu, but he'll add interest too! And—
He'll treat him to the best ramen in all of Konoha!
Emmm…
Twenty bowls, minimum!
---
After hearing what Tian Yu asked just now,
Naruto's heart couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth.
If there was one person in the village who truly cared about him, it had to be his Big Brother Tian Yu.
So he quickly shook his head and said,
"No, Brother Tian Yu, come in and see! I stocked up on bread and milk in the fridge! This time it's not expired!"
"I even ate instant noodles this morning—and added an egg! Hee hee, a good luck charm to help me pass the graduation exam!"
"You know that saying, right? If you eat noodles, things will go smoothly~~!"
Hearing Naruto's explanation,
Tian Yu's expression finally relaxed a little.
"Then hurry up and eat. After that, we'll head to the academy together."
"Huh?"
Naruto's eyes widened with surprise.
Without thinking, he blurted out,
"Brother Tian Yu, why are you going to the ninja academy? Don't tell me you've become a teacher now?"
Tian Yu: "???"
Naruto, where do you get these ideas?
I'm only thirteen, okay? What kind of teacher would I be?
He explained patiently, "Isn't today your graduation exam? As a top graduate from last year, the school invited me to give a speech… Haa, such a hassle."
"Whoa!"
Naruto's eyes lit up instantly.
"Big Brother Tian Yu, are you gonna be one of those people who stands on the podium and puts us to sleep with a long speech like Lord Hokage?"
Tian Yu's face twitched—veins nearly popping.
Naruto, should I say your description is too accurate, or too cruel?
But…
To be fair…
It's not far off.
So, he nodded in acknowledgment.
"So cool!"
Naruto suddenly stood up, his whole face glowing with excitement.
"I didn't know Big Brother Tian Yu could stand up like the Hokage and speak to everyone! That's so cool! You're totally my idol!"
Cool?
After hearing your previous description…
I didn't sense anything cool about it.
"I'm done eating!"
Naruto scarfed down the rest of his breakfast,
Then walked with Tian Yu in the direction of the ninja academy.
---
On the way—
They attracted a lot of attention.
Most of the gazes were directed at Tian Yu.
In recent days, Tsunade-sama's return had already spread like wildfire—everyone in the village had heard about it.
But even more shocking news had circulated:
The eldest son of the Tenxiong family and owner of the ninja tool shop—Tian Yu—had been promoted to captain of Konoha's Anbu at just thirteen!
That kind of news rocked the village!
Although most Anbu information was strictly classified and protected by village law, the elite few were sometimes known by name or codename.
Like Hatake Kakashi—
His reputation as a genius and his feats in the Third Ninja War made his status as an Anbu operative, and later Anbu Commander, practically public.
Similarly, when Uchiha Itachi joined Anbu,
The whole village buzzed with shock and whispers.
And now—
It was Tian Yu's turn.
Before, when Tian Yu entered Anbu, the reaction was mostly among the major ninja clans. They had sharp instincts—realizing a rising genius was among them.
But now?
Tian Yu's promotion to Anbu captain spread so fast, even common villagers heard the news.
Because his speed of promotion—both in age and rank—was truly unprecedented!
He had the strength of at least an elite jōnin!
Thirteen years old, already elite jōnin level—what kind of monster was that?!
Not long ago, he even returned from a mission carrying the corpse of Kakuzu, a legendary rogue ninja who once fought the First Hokage!
His strength made everyone in the village take notice.
---
"Wow, he's really as young as they say!"
"Yeah, and pretty handsome too. I bet half the dads in the village are eyeing him for their daughters, haha!"
"Hey, good point! My daughter's met him before—I need to find a way to arrange something!"
And naturally,
More and more villagers began to notice Naruto walking beside Tian Yu.
Whispers began to rise—
"Huh? Isn't that the Nine-Tails kid?"
"Yeah, why is Lord Tian Yu walking with him? Aren't they close?"
"Isn't he afraid that the Nine-Tails might go berserk?"
"Maybe because Lord Tian Yu is so strong, he's not afraid of anything?"
"Does that mean... we don't need to be scared either?"
---
Even though Naruto had friends now—Tian Yu, Tian Tian, and Lee—
His reputation in the village hadn't changed completely.
There were still ignorant villagers who saw him as the demon fox. People who were afraid, who hated, who couldn't see him as anything else.
But because of Tian Yu's presence,
Some of those villagers hesitated.
They saw Naruto—this boy in an orange tracksuit—laughing and talking.
Just a child.
So what were they afraid of?
Confusion flashed across some of their faces.
---
At that moment, a graceful woman with flowing hair stepped out of the crowd and stood in front of them.
"Sister Ayame?" Naruto blinked in surprise.
"Hee hee, Naruto! I heard you're taking the graduation exam today!"
With a bright smile, Ayame pulled out a small stack of coupons from her pocket.
"These are free ramen vouchers from our shop—six of them! I'm rooting for you today~~
After the exam, bring your friends and come eat all you want!"
"M-Me…"
Naruto's face instantly flushed.
His nose twitched, and his eyes grew moist.
He nearly cried on the spot from the overwhelming emotion.
But—
He was almost a ninja now.
He wasn't a crybaby anymore.
So he just grinned wide and said cheerfully,
"Hee hee, thanks, Sister Ayame! I'll do my best!"
"Mm-hmm! Do your best!"
Ayame gave a playful wink to Tian Yu before turning and walking off.
Tian Yu simply stood and smiled.
Of course, he wasn't going to admit…
That this surprise had been quietly arranged by him.
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