Hiruzen The Professor!

Jiraiya's team had returned to Konoha. With his hands behind his head, Naruto strolled leisurely down the familiar streets. After experiencing life-and-death battles, even the most ordinary ninja tool shop sign felt especially dear.

So this is what rapid growth feels like.

Jiraiya and Tsunade were at the Hokage's office, reporting the situation. Bored, Naruto wandered around the village, taking the opportunity to check if the Fourth Hokage's monument needed a touch-up.

Of course, not with paint this time, he just wanted to see if any parts had faded. Using his hands as a makeshift telescope, he peered through the circle and lined it up with the Fourth Hokage's spot.

Hehe, I'm the future Fifth.

"Naruto, what are you doing!"

Sasuke's voice came from behind. Sakura stood next to him, arms akimbo. As Naruto turned around, the setting sun bathed the two of them in golden light, casting a glow over their reunion.

"Let me treat you guys to some Ramen Ichiraku!" Naruto said with a big grin. After everything he had been through, he truly wanted to share it with his friends.

"No time. I need to train," Sasuke rejected him on the spot.

While going through his clan's old residence, he had stumbled upon a trove of training scrolls. He'd been busy ever since, completely immersed in the joy of getting stronger.

"S-rank missions pay that well? Coming back and already treating?" Sakura crossed her arms, curious. "Was it tougher than the Land of Waves?"

Now that was the perfect question.

It was hard to shine in the dark.

Naruto flashed a mysterious smile, waving a finger in front of his face. "Come with me to Ramen Ichiraku! I'll tell you everything. I even fought the Raikage this time!"

Sasuke's ears twitched at those thrilling words, his curiosity was piqued. He was just about to agree when—

"Boss! I want to hear too!" It was Konohamaru and his squad, charging toward him like cannonballs.

"I want to go too," came a quiet voice. It was Hinata, emerging shyly from around the corner, blushing like an apple.

Right behind her were Kiba and the battle-hardened Shino, who had just been discharged from the hospital.

"Since we ran into you, let's all go together," they said.

On the way, they bumped into Karin, who had just gotten out of Ninja Academy. She hadn't received proper ninja training as a child and was currently catching up on the basics.

Naturally, she was invited too.

The group arrived at Ramen Ichiraku, where Team 3 and Team 10 were coincidentally having a get-together.

"Tonight's on me!" Naruto slapped his frog wallet onto the table.

He immediately launched into a dramatic retelling of his recent adventures, enhanced by his famously vivid storytelling abilities. His journey was truly full of twists and turns, like something straight out of a novel.

Konohamaru's companions cheered enthusiastically.

"...And then I did this, BAM!" Naruto slammed the table, splashing soup onto Kiba's dog Akamaru, who barked in protest.

Back during the Chunin Exams, they'd already sensed he was rising, but now? His growth was unbelievable.

As he finished his story, he basked in the attention, thinking smugly. Now they have to acknowledge me. Becoming the Fifth Hokage is just around the corner.

"So that's why Guy-sensei's been out of the village, he went to support you! Using fists to protect your comrades is so passionate!" Lee was moved to tears.

Neji rolled his eyes, and Tenten looked at Lee in disgust as his tears poured like a waterfall.

"Naruto… is amazing," Hinata blushed when she heard the part about Naruto saving Shizune. It seemed she might've imagined herself as the damsel he rescued.

Then came Sakura's gasp. "So you are actually the Fourth Hokage's son!?"

Naruto, still caught up in storytelling mode, suddenly realized he had gotten too carried away, and accidentally let out the secret.

Cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he hurriedly raised a finger to his lips and went "Shh!", pleading with everyone to keep it confidential.

At that moment, Sasuke's expression was complicated. So this guy's really made it now, he's strong enough to fight the Raikage? Even if he's exaggerating, it actually sounds believable.

He had thought that, after discovering those Uchiha training scrolls, he'd quickly catch up to Naruto. But instead, the gap seemed to be growing even wider.

No way. I have to keep training.

He was about to slam the table and leave when Shikamaru's analysis stopped him.

Shikamaru wasn't focused on Naruto's identity, but on something far more serious, the fact that a Kumo ninja attacked Konoha's jinchūriki.

"Maybe… we're about to face a war." That was what Shikamaru said. "For a Kage from another village to enter the Land of Fire and attack someone from Konoha, that's already an act of war."

He shared some less-known intel to alert his friends: "The matter with Suna isn't over either. Asuma-sensei and Kurenai-san led a squad there a few days ago. If it were just to pick someone up, there'd be no need to bring that many ninjas."

"That's true. Hiashi-sama went with them too," Neji added. "Everything was prepared according to combat standards."

"R-Really? Father only told me he was going on a trip…" Hinata instantly looked a little downcast.

Neji kept eating his ramen and calmly said, "Probably so you wouldn't worry."

"Are we… going to be sent to the battlefield too?" one of the girls asked. Growing up in a time of relative peace, they weren't afraid of being ninja, but the idea of actual war left them momentarily uncertain.

Karin, who had finally found a bit of peace in her life, looked especially worried about what was to come.

After sipping some broth, Shikamaru finally spoke with a resigned tone, "Our teachers, when they were our age, they were already fighting on the front lines."

After hearing that, the lively mood quickly cooled.

Even the "Konohamaru Corps" looked somber. Naruto reached over and patted Konohamaru's head.

Slam.

Neji, who had always harbored a deep hatred for the Kumo ninjas, suddenly smacked the table, spilling broth.

"Bring it on! The Hyūga clan will take on the Kumo ninjas any day!"

He looked like he was ready to enlist in the ANBU and go fight the Land of Lightning right then and there.

"You won't be going to the battlefield. You have your own battleground."

A familiar voice spoke up. It was Jiraiya. He lifted the curtain and walked in, plopping down next to Naruto. Then he said, "I gave all my money to Tsunade to pay off her debts... Naruto, why don't you treat me too?"

Before Naruto could say yes, he was already placing his order, and continued, "I've already discussed things with the Hokage. The first pilot program for the new Ninja Academy is ready to begin. You dozen or so will likely be among the very first batch of students. You used to attend Ninja Academy, so now, let's call this the Ninja Technical High School. That's your new battlefield."

"High school?" Everyone echoed in surprise.

"Advanced Ninja Technical Class," Jiraiya said with a wink and a smile. "You'll be taught by top-tier legendary ninjas. Even Orochimaru and Tsunade."

Now that got people excited. If Naruto, the former underdog, could improve this much under one of the Sannin, what would a full program run by them accomplish? But Jiraiya still hadn't said everything on his mind. The old man had a plan, if Itachi's current mission went smoothly and they could establish good relations with Whitebeard's crew, they might be able to send this new generation of ninjas to the pirate world in phases.

Then... Haki + Devil Fruits + Chakra all in one?

Now that would be something.