The next day.
Naruto woke up and rubbed his eyes, only to find that there was another person in the house.
Still groggy, Naruto shook his head before realizing it was the Third Hokage.
"Grandpa Third Hokage, why did you come so early?"
The Third Hokage gave a kindly smile. "Naruto, have you had enough money to get by lately?"
"Enough, enough. Now I can eat whatever I want whenever I want."
"Have you run into any difficulties at the Ninja Academy lately?" The Third Hokage sat down on a stool and began making casual conversation with Naruto.
In truth, Anbu reported Naruto's daily movements to him every day. He was merely trying to get closer to the boy.
After chatting with Naruto about this and that for a while longer, the Third Hokage found nothing unusual and finally left Naruto's home.
Once the Third Hokage was gone, Naruto shut the door and let out a heavy sigh. Pretending was so tiring, but he had no choice.
Teacher Shamu had told him not to let the Third Hokage know that he understood so many things.
Naruto tidied up the room, ate the bento he had bought yesterday, and then headed out.
The moment Naruto stepped outside, the Anbu lurking nearby immediately followed him.
However, Naruto merely went to the riverside, where Sasuke was already practicing Fire Release.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Sasuke took a deep breath and spat out a huge fireball, sending it skimming away. He then leaped forward and quickly threw two shuriken ahead.
Thud, thud.
The fireball grazed the river's surface before vanishing, while two shuriken buried themselves in the center of the target behind it.
Clap, clap, clap... Naruto applauded with all his might. "Sasuke, you're amazing!"
Sasuke turned proudly. "Hmph, of course I am."