"Just as I thought! The legends were true!"
"The Celestial Dragons really exist. They've actually descended upon the Shinobi World!"
"That girl Sarada didn't let me down."
Beside him, Sasuke slowly nodded. A rare intensity of anticipation and fighting spirit filled his cool eyes, and his lips curved into an equally rare smile.
"After a thousand years in hiding, the Celestial Dragons have finally emerged."
"I've been waiting to see just what makes them special, and how powerful they really are."
After that brief burst of excitement, Naruto quickly wiped the smile from his face. His expression turned serious and composed as he carefully considered their situation.
"Right now, we know nothing about the Celestial Dragons' background, combat strength, or trump cards. We have no intelligence whatsoever, and that puts us at a serious disadvantage."
"Neither of us can leave Konoha for the time being. We need to hold the village and be ready for retaliation from the Celestial Dragons at any moment."
"We'll decide our next move once the Anbu have gathered detailed intelligence."
Sasuke nodded solemnly, fully agreeing with Naruto's arrangements. Then his brows furrowed slightly, and he sighed softly.
"But this time, the Land of Rain will probably be driven into a corner and face utter destruction."
At those words, a strange expression crossed Naruto's face. He spoke with the hint of a smile.
"Speaking of which, I'm actually a little curious."
"How is that girl Sarada feeling right now? How is she holding up?"
Sasuke's mouth twitched hard. He gave Naruto a helpless look and remarked, "You drove that girl into this mess, step by step. She really has had it rough."
Naruto threw his head back and laughed, loud and unrestrained, without the slightest burden on his conscience.
"What else could I do?"
"I'd wanted