I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Naruto's Expectation

A few days after the final exam, the students of the Konohagakure Ninja Academy returned to the classroom one after another.

Before the official results were announced, they began discussing each other's rankings and vacation plans.

Naruto Uzumaki, uninterested in the chatter, picked up a magazine. The cover featured a scantily clad woman, and the author's name stood out—Jiraiya, the Legendary Sannin, known for writing the scandalous Icha Icha series.

As Naruto flipped through the pages, Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi glanced at the magazine. After a brief silence, Choji grinned and asked, "Naruto, what's the plan for the break? Are we traveling or staying in the village to train?"

Naruto put down the magazine, shaking his head with a wry smile. "I'd love to leave the village, but my wallet—and Jiji—say otherwise. I can only dream about the outside world through this." He tapped the magazine. "Let's wait until we become full-fledged shinobi."

After a pause, Naruto added, "Speaking of which, let's predict our exam scores."

At the mention of grades, Choji's expression turned awkward. He hesitated before saying, "I messed up a lot, but I should at least get 80. Shikamaru, though… He probably just barely passed. Always playing the slacker, but secretly, he's sharper than he lets on."

Shikamaru sighed, rolling his eyes. He never cared about grades—as long as he hit 60, it was enough. Anything more was wasted effort; the rest of his time was better spent napping.

However, what caught his attention wasn't the exam but the magazine. Naruto had been fixated on it for weeks, which was unusual. Shikamaru knew Naruto well—he rarely read anything unrelated to ninja techniques.

Despite his carefree attitude, Naruto was relentless in his training, attending even upper-class self-study courses and practicing after school. But recently, he had been slacking off, which felt… off.

Noticing Shikamaru's thoughtful gaze, Naruto turned to Choji. "Don't tease him. By the way, I'm planning a picnic to celebrate the break. You guys in?"

Choji's face lit up instantly—he'd never turn down an event centered around food. He nudged Shikamaru, smirking. "You're not gonna refuse Naruto, right?"

Shikamaru sighed in defeat. His plans for a peaceful break were already ruined.

Just then, Sasuke Uchiha, sitting nearby with his arms crossed, scoffed. "If Naruto's insisting… I suppose I could attend. After all, he's my eternal rival."

With Sasuke's participation, others quickly joined in. Even the girls—Hinata, Sakura, and Ino—started discussing locations, menus, and activities.

After much debate, they settled on a riverside spot near the village.

---

The school day ended, and after some quick preparations, Naruto and his classmates gathered by the river. They built a fire, brought snacks, and set up a makeshift feast.

Between bites and banter, bonds deepened. Naruto, the organizer, naturally became the center of attention.

"Naruto, congrats on ranking first in the written exam! No one expected that!"

"Yeah, thanks to you, we don't get bullied by upperclassmen anymore. We used to think—" One boy hesitated. "Well, we were wrong about you."

Most of them had once whispered about the Kyūbi sealed inside Naruto, but after spending time with him, those prejudices had started to fade.

At that moment, Sasuke, unusually quiet, downed his drink and muttered, "Naruto, I envy you. You're strong… and you always seem to make the right choices. I—"

Before he could finish, Naruto swiftly pressed an acupuncture point on Sasuke's neck, cutting off his drunken rambling.

Later, stepping away from the group, Naruto leaned against a tree, watching his classmates laugh in the distance.

Inside his mind, in the darkened space of the seal, the Nine-Tails chuckled, its voice slurred as it sipped on chakra-infused alcohol. "Naruto… You're hesitating, aren't you? About leaving Konoha and the friends you've made?"

Naruto gave a small smile. "Maybe. This so-called Will of Fire changes people without them even noticing. Guess the old man still has a few tricks up his sleeve."

Kyūbi's expression darkened. "So, you're really leaving? Actually, I—"

Naruto cut him off. "I've made up my mind. Not just because of the pain this village caused me… but because Konoha is too small for someone like Uzumaki Naruto."

The fox's drunken haze cleared. For the first time, it looked at Naruto with something close to admiration.

Maybe—just maybe—this Jinchūriki could be the one to truly unite humans and tailed beasts, just as the Sage of Six Paths once prophesied.

The night passed in laughter, and eventually, the gathering ended.

Most students left in a hurry, but Naruto and Hinata stayed behind, cleaning up the picnic site.

As the sun set, Hinata hesitated before stepping closer. "…Naruto-kun, can you walk me home? It looks like Uncle Tokuma isn't here today."

Naruto understood but didn't comment. He simply nodded.

As they walked, Hinata suddenly reached out, slipping her hand into his. It was just like that snowy night years ago—but this time, she was the one to take the first step.

Naruto blinked, feeling the softness of her hand. Despite all her training in Gentle Fist, her palms were smooth, free of calluses.

Soon, they arrived at the Hyūga estate. From the shadows, Tokuma Hyūga appeared, stepping forward to escort Hinata inside.

Before letting go, Hinata hesitated, then shyly murmured, "Naruto-kun… I heard you visited Sasuke's house before. Next semester… would you visit mine? My father and Hanabi want to meet you."

Naruto paused, surprised. Then he smiled. "Maybe. Let's see what happens."

He then playfully asked, "By the way, how's your Gentle Fist training? Can you beat Neji yet?"

Hinata shook her head. "Not yet… but I'll keep working hard. I won't disappoint your expectations."

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