Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

The eradication of Root triggered a series of chain reactions throughout Konoha.

The elders and major clans—previously hesitant and unwilling to take sides—surrendered, expressed their allegiance, and quickly rallied behind the new Hokage. None of them wanted to become the next target of Tsunade's iron-fisted crackdown.

Three days after Root's purge was complete, the remaining members had the cursed "Seal of the Tongue" removed. With the Sarutobi and Hyuga clans taking the lead, all of Danzo's past crimes were laid bare, fueling a formal impeachment effort against him.

Suddenly, Danzo became a scapegoat for every idiotic blunder Konoha had made in recent years. Public sentiment turned ferocious—calling him a rat scurrying through the streets wouldn't have been an exaggeration.

Tsunade, the newly appointed Hokage who eliminated a major threat to the village on her very first mission, instantly became a heroic figure in the eyes of the people.

One Week Later

Hokage Building – Main Lobby

Since the previous Chunin Exams had been disrupted by Orochimaru's attack, a re-evaluation was organized a month later for all participating Konoha Genin.

Among the famed "Konoha 12", eleven of them (excluding Naruto Uzumaki) gathered for the retest. Unsurprisingly, Uchiha Sasuke became the center of attention—not only due to his outstanding performance, but also because he was a direct witness to the Root takedown.

"Sasuke, tell us what happened that day. Why did you suddenly leave us?"

"Did you notice something was off back then?"

"How intense was the battle? Come on, spill it!"

Inuzuka Kiba and Rock Lee surrounded Sasuke with eager curiosity. Even Hyuga Neji, usually aloof and proud, leaned in, genuinely intrigued. The rest of the group followed suit, hoping to hear some behind-the-scenes details.

With all eyes on him, Sasuke instinctively put on a cool, serious expression. It was the same feeling he used to get back in the Academy—being the center of attention. A feeling he hadn't experienced in a long while.

"You should really ask Naruto. He knows more than I do."

That reply only made them more curious.

Ino blinked. "Wasn't it Naruto's birthday that day? He was involved too?"

Sasuke nodded. The revelation stunned everyone.

"That's impossible! He's just a Genin like us. How could he take part in such a huge operation?" Kiba protested.

Neji's expression soured. "Naruto? That guy...?"

Rock Lee punched the air. "Uzumaki Naruto is definitely strong, but even Guy-sensei told me the Root mission involved at least Chunin elites. Naruto shouldn't be on that level yet."

Even Shikamaru nodded. As the heir to the Nara clan, he knew how secretive and powerful Root was. The Naruto he grew up with—carefree, goofy—simply didn't match the idea of someone fighting in an operation of that scale.

"No offense, but you're all frogs in a well," Sasuke said coldly. "Of course you think it's impossible. But what this world lacks most are people who can break the rules and create miracles. While you're stuck comparing yourselves to the past, Naruto's already sprinting far ahead of you."

Sasuke remembered clearly—being dragged into Root's headquarters to help remove the bodies. Corpses had been scattered everywhere.

And nearly all of them had been taken out by Naruto.

While Naruto was busy shaking the world, he himself was still stuck here chatting with a bunch of clueless kids. The gap was only getting wider.

"Hey! That's going too far," Kiba snapped. "I admit Naruto's talented, but we're not weak!"

Sasuke smirked. "You think that? Cute."

"You bastard—say that again!" Kiba growled, fists clenched. "Want me to show you my new technique?!"

Sasuke sighed. "Don't bother. Naruto wouldn't even waste his time on someone like you. And frankly, neither will I."

"Too far, Sasuke." Shino stepped forward to defend Kiba.

Sasuke didn't flinch. "Too far? I'm just stating the truth."

He stood up, hands in his pockets, and walked toward the door. Pausing at the entrance, he glanced back and added mockingly, "Stop comparing yourselves to Naruto. Honestly, I don't even take you seriously."

After delivering that parting shot, Sasuke walked out, visibly lighter—like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

The group left behind looked stunned and more than a little pissed off.

Especially Sakura, whose eye twitched in frustration. "What the hell, Sasuke? Why lump me in with them?!"

She clenched her fists. That was it—she'd go find Naruto and vent with him about Sasuke's attitude.

Every one of the Genin present had been labeled a "genius" in their own right. None of them were willing to admit defeat. They believed that even if they weren't at Naruto's level yet, they still had time to catch up.

But by noon, the results of the Chunin Reassessment were posted—and reality hit them like a slap in the face.

Uzumaki Naruto: Promoted to Jonin.

Uchiha Sasuke: Promoted to Special Jonin.

Hyuga Neji, Rock Lee, Aburame Shino, Nara Shikamaru: Promoted to Chunin.

The rest: Still Genin.

Only then did they grasp just how vast the gap was between them and Naruto in the eyes of Konoha's leadership.

Elsewhere — Naruto's Apartment

"So hot! This pot is burning!" Temari cried out as she dashed out of the kitchen holding a steaming aluminum pot.

Naruto jumped aside instinctively. A spill like that wasn't some meet-cute from a romance drama—it could leave second-degree burns.

Temari slammed the pot down on the table and shook her hands in frustration. "Why doesn't this place have proper handles?! It's so hard to serve soup."

Naruto shrugged, pulling out a chair. "Not my problem. I don't cook."

The aroma of pork rib soup filled the room as he lifted the lid. Rich broth, meaty ribs—color, fragrance, and flavor were all on point.

It hadn't always been this way. Temari's early attempts at cooking were barely edible. She used to blame it on having no talent, saying she'd been bad at cooking since childhood.

Turns out, she'd just been lazy.

But with Naruto refusing to cook or order takeout, she had no choice but to improve. Eventually, she became quite good at it.

"This place feels so small and cramped now," Temari grumbled as she set the bowls out.

"Then build a bigger place later," Naruto replied casually.

Temari removed her apron and slipped into a black skirt. The sides reached her ankles, but the front was short enough to expose her thighs.

Very white.

"Is Yuugao joining us today?"

"Nope. She's on duty."

"Right, she's ANBU. Must be busy."

"Yeah. Now that I'm a Jonin, I'll be busy too. For now, you've got the most free time."

"Not for long," Temari murmured, lowering her gaze. She couldn't stay in Konoha much longer.

Suna and Konoha were still negotiating war reparations. Since both Temari and Gaara had been captured, they couldn't return home yet. Naruto had pleaded with Tsunade, who grudgingly agreed to let Temari stay with him—under strict supervision.

But then… temptation struck. Temari and Naruto crossed the line, and Tsunade found out.

Now, preparations were underway for Temari and Gaara to be returned to the Sand Village—possibly within the next two days.

As Naruto focused on his food, Temari looked at him sadly. "You don't seem sad at all."

"It's not like we'll never see each other again," Naruto said plainly.

"Oh." Temari quietly resumed eating, but suddenly the food didn't taste as good. The rich aroma now felt dull.

Wouldn't it be nice if the village just gave up on the prisoners?

Or gave up on me?

Naruto noticed the gloom on her face. He didn't know how to comfort her. They were on opposite sides of a political line. The more they clung to each other now, the harder the parting would be.

Better to say nothing and savor the moment.

Someday, when they're powerful enough, maybe they can bridge that divide.

"Will you miss me?" Temari asked softly.

Naruto paused. Then replied: "Yeah. I will."

No sugarcoating. No grand gestures. Just an honest answer.

Temari smiled faintly and picked up her chopsticks again. It wasn't the best answer, but it was enough.

Then, a mischievous thought crossed her mind. She knew Naruto hated having his head touched.

But maybe, just this once—

"Move aside, Naruto."

Her hand inched upward.

Naruto caught the movement from the corner of his eye. Surely she wouldn't dare…

Then—pat.

Temari rubbed his head.

Naruto: "..."

"How'd that feel?" she asked teasingly.

Naruto grinned darkly. Temari's face drained of color. She bolted into the bedroom and slammed the door.

...Forgetful girl.

This was his home. And he was a Jonin. A door couldn't stop him.

With a bit of Nine-Tails chakra, he unlocked the door with ease.

Temari was curled up in a corner, hugging a quilt like a timid rabbit. The picture of innocence.

Sigh.

Forget it. He'd let her off this time.

Naruto kicked off his shoes and leapt onto the bed.

Temari giggled and wrapped her legs around his waist, pushing him back gently.

"Want to try rib-flavored lips?" she whispered.

Outside the apartment, a certain pink-haired girl in a white skirt was approaching with a box of glutinous rice cakes and a big smile.

The wind chimes jingled softly above the door.

Creak!

Sakura opened the door—then froze.

Naruto and Temari turned in unison.

Sakura's mouth dropped open. Her eyes glazed.

She had dressed up just for him.

But now, clearly, it had been a wasted effort.