"Heh-heh, I never thought I'd score this well!"
On the streets of Konoha, Naruto ignored the passersby pointing and whispering about him as he excitedly headed toward Ichiraku.
He had gotten an excellent score on the school's assessment this time!
Whenever he thought of Sasuke's somewhat astonished expression, Naruto became even more delighted.
Naruto himself didn't know why, but that guy Sasuke always gave him a strange sense of familiarity, while also making him extremely annoyed.
As long as he could beat that guy, he would be overjoyed!
"But Hinata is amazing too, and I heard that guy Neji performed even better..."
As he walked, Naruto thought of the two people who trained with him.
Hinata was his classmate to begin with. Although she usually looked delicate and weak, her performance this time had truly amazed everyone.
As for that guy Neji, although he was a year above Naruto, Naruto had heard all about his reputation as the "genius of the Hyuga Clan"!
"Hinata said that someone seems to be guiding him again, and that he's become quite a bit more cheerful too?"
Naruto rubbed his chin, recalling how Neji had always worn a cold expression in the past. Now, he had actually started smiling more often, which Naruto found rather strange.
"Forget it. Who cares about him? I'll go celebrate first!"
Naruto shook his head and smiled to himself.
"I'll eat my fill tonight, then I'll tell that bastard Makoto the good news..."
However, as he smiled, he gradually found himself unable to keep smiling.
Hyuga Makoto had once again gone out without a sound, and had already been gone for quite some time. Although that guy usually acted like a jerk, he had genuinely helped Naruto a great deal.
His significant improvement this time was also thanks to