Konoha Military Police Headquarters.
"Really?"
Shinji, seated in the captain's office, set down the documents in his hands and raised an eyebrow at Sasuke.
Sasuke lowered his head. "Naruto's mastered an advanced state called 'Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.' Even after I used the power of the 'Cursed Seal,' I couldn't match him. I lost!"
Nameless asked from beside him, "You couldn't beat him even after activating 'Susanoo'?"
"Yeah!"
Sasuke nodded awkwardly.
There was no denying Susanoo's defensive power, but his partial-body Susanoo couldn't withstand Naruto's seemingly endless barrage of Rasengan.
So rather than saying Naruto had broken through his Susanoo, it would be more accurate to say Sasuke had given up on passively defending with it.
Haku and Karin, also in the office, exchanged glances. Surprise filled both their eyes.
Not long ago, Naruto had still needed his comrades' protection. Now, in the blink of an eye, he'd defeated even Sasuke, who had activated his Mangekyo Dojutsu.
Shinji smiled. "Looks like Naruto's really grown!"
"I'll find a way to beat him!"
With that, Sasuke stormed out.
He'd reported the outcome of his spar with Naruto partly because it was his duty as a member of the Konoha Military Police Force, but also because he wanted Shinji's advice. He'd spent all of the previous night racking his brains, yet still couldn't think of a way to counter Naruto.
He hadn't expected Shinji to look so relaxed after hearing the news, as if he didn't care at all that Naruto had defeated a Mangekyo Uchiha—and might have damaged the Uchiha Clan's reputation.
Then Haku and Karin bowed to Shinji and left the office as well, heading out to carry on with their patrol duties.
Nameless was still marveling. "He activated 'Susanoo.' How could he possibly lose?"
Shinji shook his head. "Don't underestimate Naruto!"