Was it time?
Or did he need to remain hidden a while longer?
Naruto was still young, after all.
Frowning deeply, the Third Hokage set down the report on the Land of Waves B-rank mission in his hand. His gaze shifted slightly toward the Crystal Ball, and the hesitation in his heart grew stronger.
At that very moment, within the Crystal Ball, the Blond-haired Blue-eyed Youth seemed to be fiercely protesting something to the shinobi assigning missions at the Mission Office. Beside him, the white-haired young man instinctively raised both hands before his chest in a placating gesture. Judging from his exposed eye, his expression was basically one of an awkward, apologetic smile.
The Black-haired Handsome Youth had already closed his eyes, folded his arms, and turned his back. Though his face remained expressionless and he was as silent as ever, for some reason, an air of I don't know this guy seemed to drift from him.
As for the Pink-haired Girl, veins were bulging at her temple. Though she was trying her hardest to maintain a ladylike appearance, her stiff expression practically had the words "Naruto! You're so noisy!" written across her face.
"Heh..."
That casual glance dispelled much of the Third Hokage's doubts, and he could not help but chuckle.
Perhaps this B-rank mission had already demonstrated something.
Perhaps Naruto was already capable of bearing this power.
That thought crossed his mind.
Yet as it arose, his gaze fell upon the white-haired, masked young man, the Black-haired Handsome Youth, and the Pink-haired Girl.
The scene before him seemed to remind him of someone, some people, or perhaps something—some things.
It was as though something similar had happened in the past, and that similar event had ultimately produced quite a good result.
Hmm...
Was it time? As his thoughts