Iruka

"No need. Tell them to keep a low profile for a while and not cause another mess like this. Otherwise, they'll be severely punished."

"Yes."

"Also, warn them that they're strictly forbidden from using... this Transformation Technique in public places or crowded areas."

After the Anbu member tasked with monitoring and protecting Naruto had left, the Third Hokage furrowed his brow—a rare sight. He had already guessed that his old friend, who would soon take charge of Root, would join forces with the other higher-ups to impeach him.

Naruto, as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, was far too important strategically. Danzo would inevitably use excuses like Naruto being led astray to put pressure on him. The worst-case scenario was that Yi Xiang would end up serving Root from then on.

Considering Root's darkness and Danzo's absolute loyalty to it, the Third Hokage would never agree to hand over such a promising talent as Yi Xiang.

If Yi Xiang knew what the Third Hokage was thinking, he would surely sigh.

"The Third Hokage really is getting old. Even if he has principles, he's always looking to compromise and give ground on all sorts of matters. He even lets Danzo get away with all kinds of things in secret because they used to be classmates."

If Yi Xiang became Hokage, he would never allow a blade that threatened him and was poised against him to exist. He could simply forge a blade of his own, one that fit his hand. If it wasn't sharp enough, he could hone it over time. He wasn't short on time.

Having settled the important matters, the Third Hokage suddenly felt a pang of regret. He wished he'd used the Telescope Technique to observe Yi Xiang and Naruto today, so he could have stopped this farce before it happened.

It definitely wasn't because he wanted to see their Transformation Technique... Reminding himself of that, the Third Hokage's wrinkled face briefly wore a lascivious expression that was hard to notice.

"Yi Xiang, how did Grandpa Hokage know we were the ones who did it? That doesn't make sense! Those weird uncles couldn't find us, so how did he know everything so clearly?"

Obviously, there are who knows how many people watching us where you and I can't see them—especially that crystal ball that can livestream in high definition and without censorship...

Watching Naruto scratch his head and ponder, Yi Xiang couldn't help grumbling to himself. Then he said:

"How should I know? But I've thought of another place to test our jutsu. Heh heh..."

Seeing Yi Xiang's harmless-looking smile, Naruto suddenly felt like backing out. Their experience this time had been more thrilling than anything he'd ever known. He'd probably never forget it for the rest of his life.

"What are you standing around for? Hurry up and follow me, Naruto."

Naruto didn't hesitate. He immediately chose to catch up with Yi Xiang, thinking to himself,

If we get in trouble, I can take the blame myself. I absolutely can't drag Yi Xiang into this. If Grandpa Hokage gets mad, just tell him it was all me.

At the Ninja Academy entrance, the two had learned their lesson and changed their appearances in advance, turning themselves into a pair of middle-aged men.

"Yi... big brother, are we targeting the teachers who are still at the Academy?"

Imagining how those normally strict, meticulous teachers—who seemed like gentlemen—would react to the Sexy Technique, Naruto suddenly broke into a silly grin.

"Exactly. Stop grinning. If you don't put on a good performance, don't blame me when my Ruthless Iron Hand smashes your head in."

After spending so much time with Yi Xiang, Naruto had gotten used to him coming up with strange new phrases. He immediately made a show of protecting his head, his expression turning utterly serious.

Just then, Umino Iruka approached the entrance at an unhurried pace. He wore Konoha's shinobi uniform, and a long, thin scar ran across the bridge of his nose.

"Our first target has appeared, Naruto. Get ready."

When he saw who it was, Naruto hesitated. But Iruka-sensei couldn't possibly realize it was him, so he quickly composed himself and walked up as if they were strangers.

"You're a teacher at the Ninja Academy, right? My name is Umi. My child goes to the Academy too. I came by today to thank you teachers for your guidance. My kid's been getting more sensible by the day."

With a sincere smile, Yi Xiang stepped forward and stopped Iruka. Naruto imitated his smile, doing his best to look the part.

Hearing that, Iruka gave an embarrassed smile and was about to reply modestly when Yi Xiang continued:

"That's why I brought my younger brother along today to give you teachers a little treat."

At the words "a little treat," Naruto immediately got ready.

"Watch closely. Transformation!"

"Transformation!"

Iruka noticed the two of them forming Hand Seals and was about to back away, wary.

Then the two in front of him suddenly transformed into beautiful women who looked as though they'd just stepped out of a hot spring.

Though mist swirled around them, the glimpse of their exposed, fair skin was enough to make Iruka's eyes bulge. Two streams of nosebleed shot out in high arcs, and he was sent flying backward, landing flat on the ground.

[Ping! Successfully knocked out two people.]

"Hahahaha, it worked! Yi... big brother, we did it!"

Naruto doubled over, laughing with excitement.

There's only one person left, and that should be the Third Hokage. His crystal ball is the only one with a clear view. Besides, there's no way he's some kind of gentleman.

Yi Xiang's lips curled upward as if he'd expected this. He hurriedly grabbed Naruto, who was still laughing uncontrollably, turned, and ran toward the most crowded area.

"You little brats!! Which class are you in? How can you come up with such a ridiculous jutsu?! Just wait till I catch you!"

Wiping away the blood still on his nose, Iruka raced after them. He leaped onto a rooftop and scanned the area below, but there was no sign of the two in the densely packed crowd.

Unwilling to give up, Iruka moved closer to the densest part of the crowd and scrutinized the people going about their business. When he couldn't spot anything suspicious, he leaped to another street to keep searching.

Just then, a man standing by a doorway and looking over the menu and a woman admiring the flowers suddenly exchanged glances. As if they shared the same thought, they both took a detour and headed toward a different side of the Ninja Academy.

After searching everywhere to no avail, Iruka shook his head helplessly and gave up. He picked up his book and hurried home.

That person's laugh sounded a little familiar. Could it have been one of the students in my class? Who could it have been?

Suddenly, it hit him, and Iruka cried out, "Naruto! It had to be Naruto. He's the only one who'd dare play a trick like that on a teacher. He's been so well-behaved lately that I thought he'd changed and stopped liking pranks."

"But who was the other one? His expression and words seemed genuine. He acted just like a real parent. Who could it have been...?"

Meanwhile, after lying on the cold floor for a long time, the Third Hokage finally grabbed the edge of the desk and shakily sat back down.

"Those two are so young, yet they already know how to develop a jutsu like that. Kids these days..."

Gazing out at the buildings beyond the window, the Third Hokage suddenly pressed his right hand to his waist and muttered to himself, "Never mind. It's rare to see Naruto this happy. In that case, I'll let them have their fun."

"Yi Xiang, you should've seen Iruka-sensei just now. I never thought he wouldn't last even a second. Hahahaha..."

The moment they met up, Naruto couldn't help teasing him with a laugh.

Yi Xiang held a finger to his lips and gestured for silence. Then he smiled and nodded slightly, showing that he understood.