First Meeting Naruto

Iruka continued, "You indirectly did me a huge favor today, too."

"Could it be that you and that bald guy had a grudge before, Iruka?"

Iruka nodded. "My parents died more than ten years ago. Back when I was still a Genin, he bullied me plenty. Later, after I became a Chunin, he didn't dare bully me anymore, and because of my status, it wasn't easy for me to cause him trouble either."

Ye Lan nodded in realization.

After walking for a while, the two parted ways at an intersection. Ye Lan returned to his room and lay on the bed, thinking back on everything that had happened that day. He still felt as though he were living in a dream. When he had first arrived in Konoha, he had thought he was dreaming.

But after learning that he had utterly crushed Danzo today, he was instead a little afraid that he would wake up and the dream would suddenly end.

He liked this feeling of standing above everyone else.

As he thought, Ye Lan gradually fell into a deep sleep.

Early the next morning, while the sky was still dim, Ye Lan woke up. He had always risen early. He pushed open the window, and fresh air rushed in. Taking a deep breath, he instantly felt a little more awake.

Ye Lan drew his body in slightly. It was early spring now, and the mornings were still a little cold.

Ye Lan glanced out the window and smiled softly before washing up, heading downstairs, and making his way toward the forest.

Today was the day of the test he had arranged with Kakashi.

After walking for a while, Ye Lan arrived at the forest and reached the testing location. A stream ran beside where he stood. He had never been here before, yet everything about this place felt so familiar.

After Ye Lan waited for a while, a familiar voice sounded beside him.

"Sakura! Wait for me! Don't walk together with that Sasuke guy!"

Ye Lan turned around and saw three figures. The three of them were Konoha's future Three Ninja: Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura, and Sasuke.

Sasuke walked at the front with both hands in his pockets. If one had to describe his current appearance, he was like a proud peacock.

Sakura followed beside Sasuke with a flattering expression. She had always admired Sasuke.

Naruto followed behind Sakura, glaring unhappily at Sakura and Sasuke. The thing he probably hated seeing most was Sakura and Sasuke getting too close.

Ye Lan could not help but smile at the sight.

Naruto Uzumaki looked like the most miserable one, but he was actually the ultimate winner. Only he got the first kisses of both Sasuke and Sakura!

Ye Lan took the initiative to walk over to them and greeted them. "Hello! Nice to meet you!"

As expected, Sasuke looked at Ye Lan with an icy expression and did not say a word.

Naruto, on the other hand, walked up to Ye Lan and asked in confusion, "Who are you? Why hasn't Kakashi arrived?"

Ye Lan smiled. "My name is Ye Lan. I arrived in Konoha not long ago. From now on, I'm a member of Team 7 too. Kakashi asked me to take the test with you today."

Ye Lan held out his hand. "Please take care of me."

Naruto froze for a moment. When he heard that Ye Lan was also here to take the test, he immediately grabbed Ye Lan's hand.

"Haha, um, my name is Naruto Uzumaki. My favorite thing is eating Ichiraku Ramen, and the person I like most is..."

Naruto turned to look at Sakura, but she did not even spare him a glance.

Naruto smiled awkwardly, then said, "I'm a man determined to become Hokage! In the near future, I'll become the Sixth Hokage!"

Ye Lan smiled. "Then I wish you success."

Sakura spoke up then. "Um, Lan, you said you weren't from Konoha. Where did you come from?"

Ye Lan replied, "I can't really explain it all to you in such a short time. Anyway, I came from a very distant place called the Central Plains. Now isn't the time to talk about that. Let's prepare together for Kakashi's test."