"Ah, finally back." Naruto savored Konoha's fresh air in contentment.
Since the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha had originally chosen a site in the forest, Konoha had been built amid a vast expanse of towering trees. Combined with the powerful vitality of the First Hokage's Wood Release, this gave Konoha exceptionally clean air. Barring accidents, ordinary people could easily live past a hundred. Naruto had never had the chance to experience such a wonderful environment in either of his previous two lives.
Konohamaru and his two teammates gave Naruto a disdainful look. "Big Brother Naruto, you really sound like an old man," Konohamaru said.
Naruto smiled without arguing. Counting his previous two lives, his mental age really was that of an old man. Three lifetimes and decades of experience sometimes made him act like one, wishing for nothing more than a quiet, peaceful life. Unfortunately, Naruto knew perfectly well that a leisurely life was a luxury he could not afford. He was destined never to live an ordinary, uneventful life in this incarnation.
At that thought, Naruto let out a wistful sigh and murmured, "The tree longs for stillness, but the wind will not cease."
Konohamaru looked at Naruto in confusion. "What did you say, Big Brother Naruto?"
Naruto shook his head. "Nothing. Let's hurry and turn in the mission. You did well this time, and it's time to wrap up your graduation exercise. I'll tell Granny Tsunade in a moment."
Hearing Naruto say they had passed, the three with Konohamaru jumped up in excitement. Still uncertain, Konohamaru asked, "Big Brother Naruto, did we really pass? You're not tricking us?"
Seeing all three watching him nervously, Naruto smiled. "You passed. I'm not tricking you. You did a good job on this mission and made full use of your strengths and