Graduation Ceremony

The next morning, Naruto arrived at the top floor of the Hokage building. A photographer was already waiting there, and after the photos were taken, Naruto slowly made his way to the Hokage's office to have the Third Hokage process his genin certification.

Just as he stepped inside, he saw a seven-year-old boy charging toward the Third Hokage. Perhaps because his scarf was too long, the boy tripped over it and fell. Naruto realized that the only person in Konoha who would dare to be so disrespectful to the Third Hokage was his grandson, Konohamaru.

Ignoring Konohamaru, Naruto walked up to the Third Hokage and handed over his documents. "Grandpa Third, these are my papers. From now on, I am a genin of Konoha."

The Third Hokage looked over the documents Naruto had handed him, stamped them, and said, "Congratulations, Naruto. From today on, you are a genin of the Hidden Leaf Village."

The Third Hokage added with a gratified smile, "I never expected time to pass so quickly. You have truly become a ninja capable of standing on your own."

Naruto replied politely, "Thank you for always looking after me."

The Third Hokage answered kindly, "There is no need for such formality. Your father entrusted you to my care, and I have always looked upon you as my own grandson. I believe you will not disappoint me."

"I won't, Grandpa Third," Naruto replied.

At this moment, Ebisu, who had just helped Konohamaru up, looked at Naruto and thought, Is this the brat with the Nine-Tails? I heard he was a troublemaker, but he doesn't seem like it at all.

Having just been helped up, Konohamaru saw Naruto chatting happily with the Third Hokage and immediately grew angry. "Was it you who tripped me? Do you know who I am?"

He swung his fist at Naruto, but before Konohamaru could get close, Adamantine Sealing Chains erupted from Naruto's body and bound him. Naruto didn't apply any sealing jutsu; he simply used the chains to restrain the boy. Konohamaru struggled frantically, spewing profanities at Naruto.

The Third Hokage simply felt embarrassed, knowing full well that Naruto wouldn't actually hurt Konohamaru.

Ebisu, standing to the side, said nervously, "Release Young Master Konohamaru at once! Do you know that he is the grandson of the Third Hokage?"

Naruto ignored Ebisu and walked up to Konohamaru.

Konohamaru said arrogantly, "I am the grandson of the Third Hokage! Do you dare hit me?"

Internally, he sneered, He's probably just like Ebisu-sensei; he wouldn't dare do anything to me.

However, Naruto said nothing and delivered a sharp flick to Konohamaru's forehead.

So what if you're the Third's grandson? Naruto thought with a smirk. I'm the son of the Fourth. I don't even act that arrogant, and you, a little brat, dare to act up in front of me? See if I don't beat the crap out of you.

Konohamaru was stunned by the blow. Ebisu was petrified with shock, while the Third Hokage could only shake his head helplessly.

After beating Konohamaru, a refreshed Naruto headed to the Hyuga estate to go on a date with Hinata. However, this date turned out to be quite annoying, as Konohamaru kept following them with a pathetic attempt at stealth, insisting that Naruto become his boss.

Naruto just wanted to enjoy his date with Hinata, so he kept rejecting Konohamaru.

But Konohamaru wouldn't give up, persistently following them and demanding to be recognized as his subordinate. Annoyed, Naruto waited for a moment when Konohamaru wasn't paying attention, shook him off, and went to the park with Hinata.

Hinata asked curiously, "Naruto-kun, who was that child? Why does he keep following you?"

Naruto replied helplessly, "Ugh, that's the Third's grandson, Konohamaru. I have no idea what's gotten into him."

Hinata said in surprise, "The Third's grandson? Then why does he want you to be his boss, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto shrugged, "Who knows? Forget him. By the way, Hinata, the graduation ceremony is tomorrow. I heard that after becoming genin, we'll be split into squads. I really hope I get to be in your squad."

Hinata replied shyly, "I also hope that I get to be in the same squad as you, Naruto-kun."

Hearing her response, Naruto looked at her with emotion and called out, "Hinata."

"Naruto-kun," she replied affectionately. The two looked deeply into each other's eyes.

Their faces drew closer and closer. Just as Naruto's lips were about to touch hers, Konohamaru suddenly appeared, shouting from a distance, "Boss! So that's where you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Startled by the shout, the two jumped apart. Hinata's face turned as red as a ripe apple.

She quickly pushed Naruto away and said, "Um, um, Naruto-kun, I have something to take care of, I have to go."

With that, she ran off. Naruto watched her go, feeling utterly desperate. It was just a split second away! I was just a split second away from kissing Hinata! It's all that damn brat Konohamaru's fault!

Naruto's face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. He turned to look at Konohamaru and said, "You damn brat, you ruined my moment. If I don't beat the crap out of you, my name isn't Naruto Uzumaki!"

Naruto charged at Konohamaru. Seeing Naruto's rage and noticing that Hinata had already vanished, Konohamaru realized he had messed up. Without a word, he turned and ran.

But before he could take a step, Naruto appeared in front of him with a menacing look. Konohamaru said in despair, "Boss, calm down! I didn't mean to! Just listen to me!"

"Too late for talk," Naruto replied coldly.

Without giving him a chance to explain, Naruto unleashed a brutal beating, leaving Konohamaru crying for his life.

Afterward, Naruto looked at Konohamaru and said, "Speak. What exactly do you want?"

Konohamaru said earnestly, "I want you to teach me ninjutsu so I can defeat my grandfather. That way, I can become the Hokage."

Naruto looked at him seriously. "You want to become the Hokage?"

Konohamaru replied with equal gravity, "Yes."

Naruto looked at the serious boy and said, "Becoming the Hokage isn't about defeating the Third. It's about earning the recognition of everyone in the village. Only then can you become Hokage."

Konohamaru asked, confused, "Earning the recognition of everyone in the village?"

"That's right. Only when everyone in the village acknowledges you as the Hokage can you truly become one. There are no shortcuts to becoming Hokage. Furthermore, the path of the Hokage is filled with sorrow. Do you think you can carry the weight of everyone's sorrow?"

Konohamaru thought for a long time before saying firmly, "Yes, I believe I can. I will definitely earn everyone's recognition and carry all that sorrow."

Naruto looked at him with gratification, thinking, This kid really has the makings of a Hokage. He's determined, has a strong sense of justice, and is responsible. He could definitely take my place one day and become a great Hokage.

Naruto decided to train him properly.

He said, "While becoming Hokage requires the recognition of everyone, you can't protect the village without formidable strength. So, I've decided: I will teach you ninjutsu so you can better protect the village."

Konohamaru said in surprise, "Really? Thank you, Boss! I knew you were the best. So, Boss, what are you going to teach me first?"

Naruto said proudly, "The first jutsu I'll teach you is the Transformation Technique. Don't underestimate it—this is a technique I created myself called the Sexy Technique. I even used it to defeat Grandpa Third once!"

Konohamaru was instantly astonished and said, "If you've defeated Grandpa, then I must learn it! Boss, you absolutely have to teach me."

Naruto laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'll definitely teach you. For now, start by transforming into that big sister."

And so, Konohamaru began learning the Sexy Technique from Naruto. It must be admitted that Konohamaru was a genius; he learned it in just one afternoon, though it wasn't quite mature yet (you know what I mean, hehe).

Just as Konohamaru had mastered the Sexy Technique, Ebisu found him. When Ebisu tried to take him back, Konohamaru refused and used the Sexy Technique against him.

Who would have thought he would be mocked by Ebisu instead? Just as Ebisu was about to forcibly take Konohamaru away, Naruto flew into a rage and defeated Ebisu using the Harem Technique.

The next day, Naruto went to the academy with Hinata to attend the graduation ceremony. Naruto was absent-minded the entire way there. Hinata spoke to him several times, but Naruto didn't hear a word.

Hinata asked curiously, "Naruto-kun, what's wrong? Why do you seem so distracted?"

Naruto replied apologetically, "Sorry, Hinata. I don't know why, but I've had a feeling all day that something bad is going to happen. Yet, when I use my sensory abilities, I can't feel any danger approaching. It's really strange."

Hinata's curiosity was piqued by Naruto's words. She knew his abilities; if Naruto felt that something bad was going to happen, there had to be a reason.

Consequently, Hinata activated her White Eye and scanned the surroundings, but nothing strange was happening throughout Konoha.

She said in confusion, "That's strange. I haven't spotted anyone unusual with my White Eye."

Seeing that Hinata's White Eye hadn't detected any strangers or anomalies, and that everything was as usual, Naruto smiled.

"Maybe I'm just being too sensitive. Besides, with the spatial capabilities of the Flying Thunder God, there shouldn't be much that can threaten me. Let's hurry, or we'll be late."

After saying this, Naruto took Hinata's hand and walked forward with long strides. Looking at her hand held by Naruto, Hinata replied shyly, "Mm, Naruto-kun."

When Naruto arrived at the classroom, many people had already gathered inside.

Seeing Naruto walk in while holding Hinata's hand, Kiba asked strangely, "Naruto, what are you doing here? Today is the graduation ceremony. Didn't you fail the exam and have to repeat the year?"

Naruto gestured to the Konoha Headband tied around his arm and said proudly, "I've graduated too, Kiba. Did you think a tiny little exam could stump me? You're too naive."

Kiba looked at Naruto's headband and said, "What are you so smug about? I have one too."

At this moment, Sasuke arrived as well. Seeing him, Naruto smiled and said, "Sasuke, you're here."

Sasuke walked up to Naruto and said, "It seems your plan was a success. Congratulations."

Naruto replied, "Thanks."

Just then, Naruto suddenly felt someone push him, and he lost his balance, falling toward Sasuke, who was standing right in front of him. The entire class fell into instant silence.