Stubborn Naruto

Little Naruto looked around, searching for the rivals he would face at school over the next few years. Houka was also searching for the Rookie Nine.

Little Naruto, Akimichi Choji, Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, and Inuzuka Kiba were all nearby. Then the others... Huh? Wait, Houka suddenly remembered that Shibi Aburame was also beside him. Then...

He looked over and, sure enough, spotted a spirited little boy huddled inside a high-collared coat.

This was Shino Aburame.

His presence really was incredibly weak. If one was not paying attention, it was easy to overlook him.

Houka chuckled, then began searching for the remaining three: the Uchiha Sasuke, Sakura Haruno, and Hinata Hyuga.

He quickly found Sakura Haruno, whose unusually eye-catching hair stood out even in the crowd, her long locks resembling pink cherry blossoms.

As for the remaining two, he could not find them due to his line of sight.

The wheels of history are rolling forward right under my nose. Houka felt a strange sense of accomplishment.

Onstage, Hiruzen Sarutobi's speech gradually drew to a close.

The applause from the crowd also steadily grew louder.

"He's finally done talking."

"My legs are killing me."

"Who's that old man up there? Why did he say so much nonsense?"

Houka heard the complaints of many bratty children and deeply sympathized.

Finally, as Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke his final word, the performance at last came to an end.

Teachers then came out to lead the new students into the school building, while the parents on the playground watched their children leave with great reluctance. Quite a few had tears in their eyes, crying even harder than their children.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi was invited by the principal into the principal's office.

After taking over the office like a cuckoo in another bird's nest, Hiruzen Sarutobi