Naruto Returns

Jimo looked at Tsunade's smug expression and couldn't help thinking to himself, Judging by the way she looks, she clearly hates Danzo just as much.

A hint of barely perceptible coldness flashed in Jimo's eyes as a thought rose unbidden in his mind: I have to find the perfect opportunity to wipe that despicable bastard out for good!

Just then, Kakashi, standing nearby, keenly caught the fleeting smile on Jimo's face. He furrowed his brow slightly and asked in a quiet voice, "Hey, don't tell me you're secretly plotting something terrifying?"

At Kakashi's question, Jimo froze for a moment, then quickly regained his composure and waved his hands repeatedly. "Not at all! Kakashi-sensei, don't get the wrong idea!"

However, the hint of panic in his expression didn't escape Kakashi or Tsunade.

Tsunade smiled faintly and said gently, "Haha, if that day really comes and you manage to get rid of that obnoxious Danzo, your master will personally award you a grand honorary title!"

Jimo's eyes lit up at Tsunade's words, and he replied excitedly, "That would be amazing! If I could receive an honorary title from you, Master, I'd go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Kakashi shook his head helplessly and gave Tsunade a wry smile. "See? I told you this kid was up to no good. He just gave himself away."

Then he turned to Jimo and teased him. "Well, was I right? One look at your expression and I knew you were plotting how to kill Danzo!"

Faced with Kakashi's teasing, Jimo could only scratch his head and laugh sheepishly.

Tsunade told Jimo that Jiraiya had sent word that the Akatsuki had been active lately. He had to improve his strength as soon as possible!

If Danzo came looking for trouble again, killing him was out of the question, but giving him a beating was fine.

After seeing the others off, Jimo returned home and fell asleep.

For a long time afterward, Jimo seemed to become that tireless workaholic again. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to all kinds of tasks, barely leaving himself any time to rest.

By contrast, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki once again fell into their aimless, get-by-day-to-day routine. They spent all day lazing around, seemingly with no interest in work whatsoever.

A whole year passed like this. During that time, Jimo either trained with Sakura at Konoha Hospital, honing his medical skills, or worked with other team members to carry out various missions. After spending so much time together, he had grown exceptionally close to the other members of the Konoha 12, beyond those he had already known well.

Then one day, a sudden voice rang out in his mind: "Congratulations, Host! You have successfully completed a full year of check-ins! A new skill will now be unlocked—Nail Punch!" Jimo froze for a moment at the news, then began to study the details of his new skill.

Nail Punch originated from Toriko. It could destroy an enemy's tissue from within their body. What's more, as the host's proficiency increased, Nail Punch could level up and evolve, growing even more powerful.

"This... should count as a pretty powerful Taijutsu, right?" Jimo muttered to himself, wiping at a bead of sweat that wasn't actually there.

Ever since he'd gotten this miraculous check-in system, strange little skills had popped up every so often. Some didn't seem particularly impressive at first glance, but they might come in handy at a crucial moment. Thinking of that, Jimo couldn't help looking forward to the future.

"Jimo!"

Sakura called from downstairs.

"Naruto's coming back to the village today! Let's go meet him!"

"Sure!"

The two of them headed to the village gates, where they spotted a spiky blond head in the distance.

Naruto had grown quite a bit taller in the two years since they'd last seen him.

"Jimo! Sakura!"

As soon as Naruto spotted them, he ran over and gave them both a huge bear hug.

"Two years apart, and you've gotten a lot taller!"

After Jimo said that, Naruto compared their heights, his cheeks puffing up like balloons.

"I'm still not as tall as you..."

"You've grown a lot, Naruto!"

At the sound of that lazy voice, everyone turned to look at the nearby rooftop. Kakashi stood there, a faint smile on his lips.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto called excitedly, his face lighting up with delight.

Kakashi leaped lightly down from the rooftop.

Naruto walked up to Kakashi and said, "I brought you the latest edition from the Pervy Sage!" He gave Kakashi a knowing wink.

"The latest edition!?" Kakashi's eyes widened as he gazed at Naruto expectantly. Naruto slowly pulled out a book from behind his back. Printed in bold letters on the cover were the words Make-Out Tactics.

"Could it be..." Kakashi swallowed, secretly wondering what was inside the new book.

Kakashi slowly opened it, and his eyes instantly turned feverish, as if it held an endless treasure. Standing beside him, Naruto craned his neck to get a look.

"I don't think it's all that great! But you look like you'll love it!" Naruto said with a grin, scratching his head.

At that moment, Jiraiya, hiding in a corner, couldn't help muttering under his breath, "Idiot! That's the latest edition, and it hasn't even hit the market yet! What could a little kid like you know about how precious it is!" His complaint, however, went unnoticed.

While Naruto caught up with his friends, Jimo and Sakura, Jiraiya quietly went over to Kakashi, and the two spoke in low voices.

"I'm leaving Naruto in your hands! The Akatsuki have been making a move lately, and they seem to have taken a keen interest in the Tailed Beasts. I have to gather some information about them," Jiraiya said seriously.

Kakashi nodded to show he understood how important the mission was. He patted Jiraiya on the shoulder and said quietly, "Go ahead, Lord Jiraiya. I'll take good care of Naruto."

With that, Jiraiya turned and left, his figure soon disappearing at the end of the street. Naruto and his friends continued laughing and chatting, their voices lingering in the air...