A streak of golden light shot straight into the Hokage Office. Even Jiraiya failed to track Naruto's movements.
When the golden, radiant Naruto appeared before Jiraiya and Madara, Jiraiya almost thought Minato Namikaze had appeared before him.
"Naruto!"
Looking at Golden Naruto, Jiraiya felt his nose sting. If Minato had lived to see this day, he would surely have been proud of how outstanding Naruto had become.
"Very good, Naruto Uzumaki. From today onward, you are a jōnin of Konoha."
Seeing Naruto succeed, Madara smiled with satisfaction as well.
As expected of the boy who had caused him so much trouble in his previous life, Naruto's performance in this life had not disappointed him.
"Jiraiya, take Naruto out and explain the situation in Amegakure to him while you're at it. Tomorrow, you'll lead Naruto, Kakashi, Guy, and Hayato to Amegakure to guard against a possible attack by Madara Uchiha."
Originally, Naruto had not been on Madara's list of people assigned to defend Amegakure. But now that Naruto had become a perfect jinchūriki, adding him would provide another layer of security.
"Huh?! Defend Amegakure? Why? Is Amegakure under our jurisdiction now, too?"
Naruto knew nothing about Madara and the others' trip to Amegakure, so Madara's words naturally left him baffled. Sasuke, meanwhile, frowned slightly.
As someone who led a squad of his own, Sasuke also knew that the leader of the Akatsuki was in Amegakure.
Hearing Madara use the word "defend," Sasuke already understood what Madara and Jiraiya had done while he was helping Naruto train.
"Heh, that's a long story. Come on, Naruto. Let's go outside, and I'll explain."
Perceptive as ever, Jiraiya realized that Madara wanted Sasuke to stay behind for a private conversation. He slung an arm around Naruto and headed for the door.
"You must be worn