"We're here."
The last rays of the setting sun fell across Naruto's and Jiraiya's faces. As they looked at the red roof of the Hokage Building, nostalgia showed on both their faces.
"Wow, it's been over a month since I last visited Grandpa Third," Naruto remarked. This was the first time in his life he had left the village for so long.
His previous missions had only taken a little over half a month altogether, with the Land of Waves mission being the longest.
This training trip had taken over a full month, and he had been away from his friends. Although Naruto had his teacher and the others for company, he still could not help feeling a little lonely.
Now that he was back in Konoha, he would go meet up with Hinata and the others after seeing Grandpa Third.
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock sounded at the office door. Sarutobi slowly raised his head and called, "Come in."
The door creaked open, and a white-haired head poked inside. Then a little blond head rested on top of the white-haired one, and two pairs of eyes peeked furtively at Sarutobi.
He was sitting in his chair, looking somewhat tired as he dealt with one matter of administration after another. Raising his head and seeing the two clowns peeking inside, he felt the corner of his mouth twitch.
He set down the document in his hand, rubbed his temples, and beckoned to them.
"Woohoo! Grandpa Third, I'm back!" Naruto rushed toward Sarutobi in a flash.
Sarutobi's eyelids twitched. Just before Naruto could throw himself onto him, he stood up and dodged aside.
"Boohoo, Grandpa, why are you avoiding me? Haven't you missed me after not seeing me for so long?" Naruto looked at Sarutobi, putting on a pitiful expression.
"No,