That familiar declaration, that familiar stubborn look in his eyes. Naruto could almost hear an echo from the past.
He did not laugh at Konohamaru for being childish or brush him off. Instead, he straightened and nodded with utter seriousness, just as Teacher Kakashi, Iruka-sensei, and Pervy Sage had once done for him.
"All right!" A familiar fire lit Naruto's blue eyes, the fiercest encouragement he could offer a comrade and a junior. "It's a promise! Train hard and keep your sights on becoming the Eighth Hokage, Konohamaru!"
He stepped forward and hooked his little finger around Konohamaru's, sealing a promise between men.
"But I won't stand still and wait for you! Because right now..." Naruto broke into a grin as bright as the sunshine behind him. "I'm going to be the best Seventh Hokage I can be, so you can chase your dream without worrying about a thing!"
Konohamaru froze for a moment, then his eyes shone brighter than ever. Without hesitation, he reached out and hooked his little finger tightly around Naruto's.
"Yeah! It's a promise! I'll catch up to you, big brother Naruto!"
Wind swept across the Training Ground, stirring their clothes. One figure tall and one small, they stood with fingers linked and dreams entwined.
The next day, the Canopy Screen began playing as usual.
[Inside the Peace Tour's Communications Room.]
["Bzzzt... click!"]
[As the last replacement circuit board was soldered precisely into place, fine beads of sweat covered Conan's forehead. Mixed with dust, they left streaks across his young face.]
[Holding his breath, he pressed the main control board's start button with a trembling finger.]
[Hum!]
[Across the console, rows of long-dark indicator lights sprang to life from left to right, one after another, like sparks catching fire! The screen flickered a few times before