Konoha: The Honored One

On the bustling streets of Konoha, Konohamaru was practically bouncing with curiosity. "Big Bro Naruto, how did you manage to hold her in your arms?" His wide-eyed innocence made his confusion even more apparent. He just couldn't wrap his head around it—why would such a beautiful girl even look at Brother Naruto?

Sure, he admired Naruto deeply, but Konohamaru was convinced that girls nowadays preferred dashing types like Gojo or even Sasuke.

Naruto grinned smugly, puffing out his chest like he'd just conquered the world. "First, you've got to be as handsome as me," he declared, striking an exaggerated pose. "Second, you need great strength. The kind only future Hokages like me have."

Finally, a moment to bask in glory!

The Konohamaru Trio gazed at him with stars in their eyes. "Brother Naruto, you're amazing!" they chorused in awe.

Naruto adjusted his forehead protector with a dramatic flair. "Of course! Being Hokage isn't just a dream—it's destiny!"

Nearby, Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath. The feminine Uchiha was at his wit's end. Surrounded by these hopeless idiots, he was tempted to vanish on the spot.

But then Sasuke caught Gojo's encouraging glance from the sidelines, and he froze. If he dared to walk away, Gojo would undoubtedly find a way to make his life miserable later.

From the opposite end of the street, Inuzuka Kiba strolled toward them, his usual cocky smirk plastered across his face. "Yo, Naruto! Still looking as clueless as ever, huh?" he called out.

Kurenai led the rest of Team 8, their curious eyes locked on Naruto.

Naruto turned to face Kiba, hands casually tucked behind his head. "Look who's talking, Dog Breath. Smells like you took Akamaru for a swim in a sewer!"

"Say what, you idiot?" Kiba snapped, glaring. "You better not think you've gotten stronger than us! Akamaru and I have been training hard. If we fight now, we'll wipe the floor with you!"

"Right, Akamaru?"

"Woof!" Akamaru barked, poking his head out of Kiba's jacket with an expression that somehow screamed, You're on your own, pal.

Naruto rolled up his sleeves, ready to throw down, but then he paused. With a sly grin, he straightened up. "Sorry, Kiba, I've got no time for losers. I'm busy dating a beautiful girl!"

Kiba blinked. "A girl? You?!" His disbelief was so palpable, it practically echoed.

The rest of Team 8 stared at Naruto as if he'd just claimed he could summon the Sage of Six Paths.

Even Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You knew about this?" he asked coldly.

Aburame Shino adjusted his glasses. "We heard it from Kurenai-sensei," he replied in his usual monotone.

Kurenai stepped forward, holding up a small stack of leaflets. "Actually, Gojo mentioned it earlier. Congratulations, Naruto! Young love is so sweet." She handed one to Sasuke, who eyed it like it might explode.

The cover featured a picture of Naruto and Sasuke standing together, looking equally awkward. Bold text read:

"Uzumaki Naruto and the mysterious beauty, Hatake, are officially a couple! Celebrate their love by sending gifts to Gojo!"

Naruto and Sasuke stared at the flyer in stunned silence before shouting in unison, "GOJO!"

Sasuke's patience was a thread away from snapping. This meddling teacher! Of all the ridiculous—

Passersby chuckled as they noticed the flyers.

"Ah, young love these days."

"Hatake is adorable! But Naruto? He must have used some ninja art to land her."

"Poor girl. Good cabbage eaten by a pig."

Naruto flushed, dragging a hand over his face to hide his embarrassment. "That Gojo… I'll definitely make him pay when I'm stronger!"

"Don't be shy, Naruto. Be bold!" Kurenai said, slipping a gift bag into his hands.

Naruto's eyes lit up. "A gift? For me?"

Kurenai shook her head, amused. "Nope. That's for Gojo. We're heading out on a mission, so could you pass it along?"

Naruto deflated. "Oh."

Hinata nervously stepped forward, clutching a small package. Her face was as red as her clan's clan symbol. "N-Naruto-kun… c-could you… t-take this to… Gojo-sensei… p-please?"

Naruto leaned in, cupping his ear. "What? Speak up, Hinata. I can't hear you!"

Before Hinata could pass out from the effort, Kurenai smoothly stepped in. "She said to give it to Gojo."

Hinata nodded furiously.

Naruto scratched his head. Why is Gojo more popular than Sasuke?

As Team 8 walked away, Kurenai glanced back thoughtfully. Something seemed off about Gojo lately—especially when Tsunade was around. She'd have to investigate after their mission.

Sasuke had had enough. Without a word, he leaped onto a nearby rooftop and vanished.

Naruto called after him, "See you tomorrow?"

Sasuke turned just slightly, his voice flat. "Idiot."

That was the last straw. Never again.

Konohamaru smirked. "Hatake isn't really your girlfriend, is she, Brother Naruto?"

Naruto stiffened but quickly plastered on a confident grin. "You'll understand one day."

Konohamaru rolled his eyes. "Sure, whatever you say. Now, what about that ninjutsu you promised us?"

Naruto perked up. "Ah, yes! Prepare yourselves for a technique so powerful, you'll thank me forever!"

The Konohamaru Trio cheered, unaware of what chaos their "training" would bring.

Elsewhere, Jōnin who spotted the flyers couldn't help but smile in disbelief. The village wouldn't stop talking about Naruto and Hatake for days.