Naruto: Mastered Your Strategy?

Konoha Hospital.

Outside Sasuke's hospital room, both Itachi and Kakashi stood in quiet conversation.

"We owe you a lot, Kakashi-senpai," Itachi said politely.

"Sasuke is my student now—it's my responsibility," Kakashi replied.

The curse mark on Sasuke had been troubling both of them. Kakashi's Evil Sealing Method was only a temporary fix, and even Itachi found himself powerless against it.

"You encountered Orochimaru, didn't you?" Itachi asked.

"...Yes." Kakashi fell silent for a moment, recalling the tense confrontation in the Forest of Death's Central Tower.

"That guy… he's as terrifying as ever."

"I see," Itachi replied calmly. "If there's a chance, I'd like to meet him myself."

Kakashi turned toward him, frowning. "Itachi, I understand your anger over what Orochimaru did to Sasuke, but don't act recklessly. He's one of the Sannin—a renowned and dangerous figure throughout the ninja world."

"Senpai, isn't it true that he seeks the power of the Uchiha?" Itachi said, his tone even.

"Then let him see for himself just how fearsome the Uchiha can be."

Kakashi realized further persuasion would be futile and sighed deeply.

"Sasuke will probably demand to be discharged within a few days," Kakashi said, shifting the topic. "With the third exam in a month, he'll definitely want to intensify his training."

"You're his teacher. That's your job," Itachi replied. "He's always seen me as his goal, so he wouldn't want me involved in his training."

Before Kakashi could respond, a familiar figure appeared at the end of the hallway.

"Ren," Kakashi called out, waving.

At the sight of Ren, Itachi's expression darkened. "Kakashi-senpai, I'll take my leave."

With that, Itachi vanished in an instant.

Kakashi watched him go, puzzled, before turning to Ren, who was carrying a bouquet of daffodils.

"You and Itachi seem to have some tension," Kakashi remarked.

"Perhaps," Ren said coolly.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, glancing at the flowers. "Visiting Sasuke?"

"Why would I do that?" Ren replied, sounding almost amused. "I'm here for Tenten."

Kakashi recalled that Tenten was one of Guy's students and apparently someone Ren knew.

"Guy's other student, Rock Lee, is also seriously injured," Kakashi said. "That Sand ninja, Gaara, isn't your average genin."

"Then you'd better train Sasuke well. If he defeats Gaara, my students won't have to face him," Ren replied nonchalantly.

Kakashi couldn't help but roll his eyes at Ren's shamelessness.

After a brief exchange of small talk, Ren headed to Tenten's room. Inside, he found Neji standing silently. Upon noticing Ren, Neji wordlessly left the room.

Perhaps it was because of the earlier incident with Hinata that Neji now harbored resentment toward the village's jonin.

"Tenten," Ren greeted.

"Ren-nii," Tenten replied softly.

Ren placed the daffodils in the vase by her bedside.

Tenten's match with Temari had ended in defeat—a gap in strength that even Ren's interference couldn't bridge. Though he had subtly disrupted Temari's final, potentially devastating attack, Tenten still sustained injuries.

"How are you feeling?" Ren asked.

"I'm fine," Tenten said with a faint grimace. "Just didn't expect to lose so badly."

"Don't be discouraged. There are always stronger people in the world," Ren replied, his tone calm.

"Wow, you really know how to comfort someone," Tenten muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Losing doesn't define you," Ren continued. "Your teammate, Rock Lee, may have lost, but he earned everyone's respect. If you're dissatisfied with your performance, train harder. You've been too complacent."

Tenten pouted but fell silent. "Neji said Lee's injuries are serious," she murmured after a moment.

"They are," Ren confirmed.

"That idiot," Tenten sighed.

"He may never recover fully," Ren added flatly.

Tenten's eyes widened in shock. "That's impossible… How could that happen?"

"It's just a possibility. But with the village's current medical expertise, he can't be healed," Ren said.

"Then what can be done?" Tenten asked desperately, attempting to sit up despite her injuries.

"I don't know," Ren said bluntly.

"How can it end like this… It's so cruel…" Tenten whispered, her voice trembling.

"Rest well," Ren said, turning to leave.

...

Hospital Hallway.

As Ren exited the room, he encountered Sakura, who was also holding a bouquet of daffodils.

"Ren-sensei," Sakura greeted politely.

Ren nodded. Noticing the flowers in her hands, he asked, "Visiting Sasuke?"

"I already did. These are for Lee, but I couldn't find him in his room," Sakura said with a sigh.

"Probably out training," Ren replied.

"Why are boys always so stubborn?" Sakura muttered, shaking her head.

Ren glanced at her, noting the "Medical Ninjutsu Mastery" reward still visible in her character profile.

"Goodbye, Ren-sensei," Sakura said with a slight bow before walking away.

...

Afternoon, Barbecue Restaurant.

Ren sat with his students, treating them to a barbecue feast after their training session. More accurately, he watched as Chōji devoured plate after plate.

"I'm not even in the exams anymore. Why drag me along?" Ino grumbled, glancing at Chōji, whose face was smeared with grease.

"You're a team," Ren replied simply.

"Yeah, but the third exam is all individual battles. Being a team doesn't help," Shikamaru added, his expression weary. "And my opponent is that terrifying woman…"

"Don't worry, Shikamaru. If you lose, I'll avenge you!" Chōji said cheerfully. "Just give me your share of the barbecue."

"..."

Shikamaru sighed before chuckling.

Ren rested his chin on his hand, gazing out the window at the serene, golden-lit street.

Meanwhile, Ino leaned back in her seat, barely touching her food. Her eyes lingered on Ren's profile, as if lost in thought.

"Isn't that Naruto?" Shikamaru's voice broke her reverie.

Everyone turned to see Naruto walking down the street with a white-haired old man.

"Who's that with him?" Shikamaru wondered.

"No idea. Just looks like a regular old guy," Ino said.

Ren's gaze followed them. The old man's figure was unmistakable—it was Jiraiya. Though he appeared older and more worn than Ren remembered, his energy was unmistakable.

After the meal, Ren paid for the feast, pulling out a thick wad of cash.

Chōji hummed contentedly, while Shikamaru winced sympathetically for his teacher's wallet.

"Let's head back. Training resumes tomorrow," Ren said. "We'll focus on targeted practice. Ino, it's fine if you don't want to join."

Ino hesitated before nodding. "O-okay."

As the group dispersed into the evening, Ren's figure grew smaller as he walked ahead. The streets buzzed faintly with chatter, though the sounds seemed to fade like whispers.

"Ino, let's go," Shikamaru called softly.

"Coming," she murmured, but her steps faltered.

Suddenly, she broke into a run, catching up to Ren.

"Ren-sensei," she called.

"Hmm?" Ren turned to her.

"Hehe." Ino clasped her hands behind her back, smiling mischievously.

"Can I visit your house? Would that be okay?"

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