Excitement and Awakening

At this moment.

Even Sasuke, usually cold and gloomy, rarely showed a hint of joy. After all, he had finally passed the final assessment and officially become a Genin. And judging from the special exercise just now, the Jonin named Hatake Kakashi was clearly far stronger than he had imagined. Under the guidance of such a Jonin, his own strength would surely grow by leaps and bounds, bringing him closer to that man!

As he thought of this.

An infinite longing welled up in the depths of Sasuke's heart.

This emotional fluctuation, though seemingly unexpressed.

Was still noticed by Kakashi beside him. Subtly, Kakashi's brow furrowed slightly, but it was only for an instant before it smoothed out again. He opened his arms slightly, looking at his first batch of subordinates before him, and a smiling expression appeared on Kakashi's face. He said in a leisurely tone.

"Alright, it's about time. To celebrate the official formation of our Team 7, I, your teacher, will treat you all to a good meal today! Then you can get some good rest. We'll start the official missions tomorrow!"

"Eh?"

"Really?"

Upon hearing about food, let alone Sakura and Sasuke beside him.

Naruto's eyes lit up, and he looked at Kakashi with bright, eager eyes. It should be known that although Naruto was treated as an orphan, according to the rules of the Hidden Leaf Village, he shouldn't have had to worry about food and drink all these years. But don't forget Naruto's special identity. And as mentioned before, to avoid going hungry all these years, Naruto had basically relied on himself to provide for his own needs. Iruka inviting Naruto to eat only happened in the last two years after he entered the Ninja Academy. In the first two or three years, Iruka's feelings towards Naruto were quite complex, mostly based on the Third Hokage's instructions and his basic duties as an educator. That was all. The real change came through six years of interaction at the Ninja Academy, seeing Naruto's efforts and his genuine emotions displayed before him (it wasn't exactly deceiving Iruka; Naruto did show his true self to Iruka, but only the sunny side. The dark side, Naruto absolutely had to hide.)

This was the important reason why Iruka gradually dispelled the barrier and hatred within his heart.

Naruto is Naruto.

The Nine-Tails is the Nine-Tails.

Watching Naruto's determined figure.

One day.

Iruka finally had this thought in his heart.

So, it was only in these past two years that Naruto was occasionally taken by Iruka for a treat. The rest of the time, Naruto still had to rely on himself. And Naruto had no extra income. To eat a little better, he sometimes had to rely on luck (hunting in the forest didn't guarantee prey every day, and as for fishing, to be honest, if Naruto didn't restrain himself, he'd catch all the fish and shrimp in the river.)

Therefore, the moment he heard Kakashi could treat them.

Naruto's entire spirit was revitalized.

"Of course! You can eat whatever you want, today is a special occasion!"

Kakashi said with a grand gesture, waving his hand.

As a Jonin, his income over the years, plus his family's previous savings, made a single meal barely a drop in the bucket.

Sakura and Sasuke beside him were also practically starving. Just now, their minds and attention were fully focused on the graduation. After Kakashi mentioned it, both of them felt a strong wave of hunger. It was already past 11 AM. They had been here since 5 AM and hadn't had a drop of water for over 16 hours.

This feeling of emptiness was truly unprecedented.

However, no matter how hungry they were, the "lady" Sakura still had to maintain her image, and the cool Uchiha young master naturally had to maintain his cold demeanor.

Of course, this was assuming they could control the rumbling of their empty stomachs.

"Grumble..."

As this sound, which seemed a bit out of place but was perfectly timed, fell.

Naruto beside them couldn't help but slightly curve his eyebrows.

He let out a "puchi" laugh.

Kakashi also smiled faintly, looking at Sakura with a hint of embarrassment and Sasuke with a face that was somewhat liver-colored. He chuckled and said.

"It seems everyone is hungry. Let's go then!"

"Yes!"

Kakashi turned and led the way, leaving the training ground.

Followed closely by Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.

This special exercise they passed.

This was the first step for the three of them, and it also heralded the first step in the transformation of the future ninja world!!

In the evening, in Naruto's slightly dilapidated apartment building in the Hidden Leaf Village.

Naruto, full and satisfied, returned to his residence with a contented expression. He patted his round belly and let out a very satisfied burp. For Naruto now, being able to eat his fill and enjoy a good meal was a great happiness.

Two who were starving, and one big eater who was at least in the top three in the Hidden Leaf Village.

Although it wouldn't really bankrupt Kakashi.

But thinking of Kakashi's slightly twitching eyes when paying the bill.

Naruto couldn't help but smile and shake his head.

"Well, opportunities like this might be hard to come by in the future."

Naruto smacked his lips, thinking with a hint of regret.

"Starting tomorrow, I can officially take on missions? This step really took a long time, and it's also a bit exciting!"

Naruto stood by the window in his room, gazing out at the Hidden Leaf Village, which was gradually being bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun. A look of emotion flickered in his pupils, and he murmured softly.

Twelve years!

A full twelve years.

He had finally taken this first step.

Relying on his acting skills and the caution with which he had worn his mask for these past twelve years, he had finally ushered in the opportunity to leave the Hidden Leaf Village openly. Of course, this was both an opportunity and a perilous path; not to mention Shimura Danzo, who was still eyeing him like a tiger stalking its prey within the village (he had likely gained a high degree of trust from the Third Hokage, for no matter how shrewd the Third Hokage was, he could never imagine that Naruto possessed the soul and mind of an adult, whereas Shimura Danzo simply wanted to keep the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki firmly in his grasp).

Then there was the threat of the Akatsuki organization outside the village.

Fortunately, he still had the "plot" as a certain degree of reference.

"The second phase of the plan can begin immediately..."

He looked out the window at the seemingly peaceful and tranquil Hidden Leaf Village.

A faint trace of mockery flickered in Naruto's pupils, though it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving only that pale golden halo to burn ever more intensely.

Naruto Uzumaki?

No! My name is Namikaze Naruto!

A quiet atmosphere.

A faint, murderous intent emerged from the depths of his heart.

This statement.

Was Naruto's greatest vow!!