Elsewhere.
Kakashi and Sakura were still waiting.
But Sakura was very dissatisfied that Naruto only played with leaves instead of looking for the cat, so she said indignantly.
"Naruto, as ninjas, we have to complete our missions. We need to work together to trust each other. You can't always fool around."
"Haven't I been staying here and watching you do the mission? I even told you where the cat was." Naruto did not even look up.
"You've clearly just been playing here the whole time. Besides, whether the cat was by that lightning-struck tree was still uncertain." Sakura huffed angrily.
"Wait until Sasuke comes back, and you'll know."
"Fine, I'll wait. Don't tell me you're a Sensory Ninja too." Sakura did not believe him.
"That's hard to say."
Naruto gave a faintly amused smile and tossed the leaf in his hand to the ground. At the same time, he mobilized the Qi within his body for precise control, using it to develop more combat techniques.
Whoosh!
A sharp sound cut through the air as Sasuke's figure flashed past, and then he stopped in front of everyone.
"I found the cat. It was exactly where Naruto said."
Sasuke said it coolly, then held the cat and leaned against a nearby tree. The scratches on his face, however, somewhat ruined his image.
But.
No one paid attention to Sasuke's face. They swiftly turned and stared at Naruto in surprise. Sakura in particular was rendered speechless by the answer.
[Experience Points +1]
"Naruto, have you become a Sensory Ninja?" Kakashi asked seriously.
"More or less." Naruto tossed aside the leaf in his hand and answered casually.
"Phew, so you really did become a Sensory Ninja. No wonder you always found me that day. So that was it."
Kakashi let out a breath and looked at Naruto approvingly. "Sensory Ninjas are important at any time. Naruto, you're quite impressive. I think highly of you."
[Experience Points +2]
"I was always impressive. You don't actually need to think highly of me. Oh, right, I found the cat, so the mission reward is mine." Naruto stretched and stood up.
"Hmph! So greedy."
Sakura snorted in dissatisfaction at his words, though she did not reject the suggestion.
As for Sasuke.
After learning that Naruto had become a Sensory Ninja, he clenched his fists and encouraged himself inwardly, secretly vowing to become even stronger in the future.
"Alright, it's time to go back and turn in the mission. Once I have the money, I'll treat my Hinata to a meal outside. What should we eat?"
Naruto muttered as he spoke and headed briskly toward the Hokage's Office. In no time, he had gone far ahead.
"This Naruto, he doesn't even know to wait for us. All he thinks about is his Hinata."
Sakura muttered as she prepared to follow, but she quickly noticed something was wrong.
Kakashi was crouching on the ground, staring solemnly at the leaves there.
"What's wrong, Kakashi-sensei? What's so interesting about those leaves?" Sakura was puzzled. She remembered that Naruto had just thrown them away.
"There's no mistake. That Naruto has actually reached this level. His future achievements will be limitless."
Kakashi spoke gravely as he carefully inspected each leaf, even collecting some of them.
"What do you mean? Kakashi-sensei, what are you talking about? Aren't these just ordinary leaves?" Sakura asked in confusion.
"No, these leaves are very different. You two, come over and take a careful look."
Kakashi gestured for Sasuke and Sakura to come closer, then spoke again.
"Look at the marks on the leaves. Their cuts are completely identical. Clearly, Naruto is carrying out Chakra Nature Transformation."
"Chakra Nature Transformation? What is that?" Sakura looked blank, not quite understanding.
"This is an advanced application of Chakra. Chakra is divided into Shape Transformation and Nature Transformation. Usually, only Jonin can master two or more Nature Transformations. This kind of transformation can make Ninjutsu more powerful, like this..."
Kakashi raised his right hand. The next moment, the light of Lightning Cutter began to shine, radiating the brilliance of lightning along with immense destructive power.
"This is Lightning Cutter. It gives Chakra both Shape Transformation and Nature Transformation, granting it greater destructive power. I had originally planned to teach you this in the future, but..."
Kakashi withdrew Lightning Cutter and continued, "But what surprises me is that Naruto quietly reached this stage without anyone noticing. Many ninjas cannot achieve this in their entire lives, yet Naruto is close to succeeding."
"Close to succeeding? This..."
After hearing Kakashi's explanation, Sasuke's expression worsened and worsened. The heart he had already felt suppressed by Naruto's surpassing him was now covered in another layer of frost.
He clenched his fists tightly. "Kakashi-sensei, please teach me stronger Ninjutsu. I'm begging you."
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei. Sasuke works very hard, so please help him." Sakura hurriedly pleaded on his behalf.
"Alright. I had originally planned to teach you after some time. Since you intend to learn, starting tomorrow, I'll teach you from the basics." Kakashi said seriously.
"Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."
Sasuke looked at Kakashi gratefully. His heart finally warmed a little, and he gained more confidence when facing Naruto, seeing a chance to surpass him.
"Alright, let's go. To the Hokage's Office."
"Yes, sensei."
The three quickly departed and soon arrived at the Hokage's Office.
Naruto was standing by the office window, boredly watching the scenery outside, clearly absent-minded.
"Lord Hokage, this is the mission report."
After Kakashi and the others entered, they gave a slight salute and began handing over the mission.
Once the mission reward was brought out, Naruto immediately ran over and grabbed the money.
"This is a little too little. Whatever, it'll do." After counting the money, Naruto turned and left without the slightest hesitation.
"Don't be in such a rush to leave. There's another mission." Sakura hurriedly reminded him.
"We can talk about missions later. Right now, I'm treating my little Hinata to a meal."
Naruto replied and hurried home, leaving everyone standing there speechless.
"This kid is so eager to treat a girl to dinner. How old is he?!" the Third Hokage grumbled, then began assigning the new mission.
Leaving aside the situation at the Hokage's Office, the scene shifted to Naruto's doorstep.
At that moment, Hinata stood outside Naruto's home, holding five sets of clothes as she quietly waited for his return.
These clothes had been specially tailored for Naruto. Although they had cost some money, she felt it was all worth it.
Because she felt happy when she was with Naruto. Especially when she saw the warm smile Naruto showed only in front of her, she felt even happier.
"Naruto, I brought the oranges you like. I'm sure seeing them when you return will make you even happier."
Hinata murmured softly, her beautiful eyes gradually curving into crescents.
But.
Before you continue