Northern Port -- Tokushima City (Third Update)

Naruto saw this and sneered inwardly.

Don't be fooled by how enthusiastic this group of people seemed toward him right now.

Deep down, they were undoubtedly wary.

Naruto could almost guess the Third Prince's mindset; he still wanted to win Naruto over, perhaps even recruit him directly as a subordinate. However, due to Naruto's previous words—and especially the strength he displayed during that surprise attack—a sliver of apprehension had taken root in the Third Prince's heart. This was a ruthless man capable of wiping out his entire entourage single-handedly!

Unlike his previous sense of certainty.

Asada Kei now needed to reconsider and weigh his actions carefully.

And this was exactly the result Naruto wanted.

Although it might slightly affect the Third Prince's perception and judgment of him, making things a bit disadvantageous for future actions, it was beneficial overall. At the very least, the Prince wouldn't treat him like a novice, which would make negotiating and handling certain matters much easier, without unnecessary trouble.

As for other issues.

His goal wasn't this Third Prince anyway.

Long before leaving the Land of Snow.

Naruto had already told Kazahana Koyuki and the others.

This Third Prince was merely a tool to be utilized.

It was hard to say if they would have any interaction afterward.

There was no need to consider the pros and cons on a deeper level.

As long as he could use the Third Prince's status to successfully infiltrate the Land of Water during this trip.

And subsequently achieve his own intentions.

This Third Prince.

Was an existence that could be discarded at any time.

Therefore, Naruto only appeared to care on the surface, while in the depths of his heart, he didn't care at all about these people, including how the Third Prince viewed him.

Disguise is an