Naruto: Adopted Son of Minato

"This'll be quite the surprise for him. I wonder what his expression will be like," Hiroshi said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Harumiko, Rai, and Rai's sister exchanged knowing glances and then burst out laughing.

"Hiroshi, I can't even describe you. You're just so incredibly sly. But I love it," Harumiko said, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Okay, Hiroshi-san, I'll take on this mission! It sounds like it'll be really fun! I'm curious to see his reaction when he finds out he's been eliminated after his balloon is popped, haha!" Rai said, grinning excitedly.

"How can you call that sly? He bullied me all the time, and now I finally get to get even! Okay, since everyone thinks this plan is good, let's go find Ichiryu and his team," Hiroshi said, standing up with a confident smile.

The four of them set off to find Ichiryu.

"It seems like fate isn't on Ichiryu's side. What a fool, hiding his balloon up in a tree like that. He really thought no one would find it," Harumiko said, chuckling as she walked behind Hiroshi.

Hiroshi turned to her, smiling. "My plan is still sound. Since his balloon is hidden, he'll assume the balloon Rai is carrying is his own."

"Knowing Ichiryu, he won't suspect a thing. He thinks his hiding spot is perfectly safe and no one will ever find it."

Harumiko nodded. "If Ichiryu had hidden his balloon more carefully, his chances of winning would have been much greater. Since he doesn't have his balloon on him, no one can eliminate him directly."

"Exactly. I'm guessing that's precisely why he hid it – to make it to the final stages with a chance to win," Hiroshi said, scanning the surroundings with a thoughtful smile. "No one can pop his balloon, so he'll focus on popping everyone else's. If his balloon remains intact, he's the champion!"

The four continued deeper into the forest.

"Hiroshi, Hiroshi, I think there's someone nearby, but they don't seem to have noticed us. They seem to be fighting someone else," Harumiko whispered urgently, tugging on Hiroshi's sleeve.

Hiroshi immediately tensed, listening carefully to the sounds around them.

"You're right. There's definitely a fight happening to our left, not far from here. Let's go take a look," Hiroshi said, using his keen hearing to pinpoint the location of the battle, a confident smile playing on his lips.

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