Two months had passed since the Mizuki incident.
Today was one of Naruto's twice-monthly trips to soak at the bathhouse.
Since Naruto was quite a bit older now, at least old enough not to drown at the bathhouse, Hiruzen Sarutobi rarely bathed with him anymore.
But today, Sarutobi had sent over a child who did not look particularly bright.
"Hey, what are you looking at?!"
"I'm Konohamaru! My grandpa is the Hokage!"
Yeah, this little squirt was asking for a beating.
A man wearing sunglasses had brought him to Naruto's home and told Naruto that this was Sarutobi's grandson, asking Naruto to take him to the bathhouse.
Bam!
Naruto brought a knife-hand chop down on Konohamaru's head, with just enough force to daze him without damaging his brain.
"Young master!"
Seeing his young master being bullied, Ebisu wanted to reason with Naruto, but an ANBU immediately stopped him.
"Your assignment from Lord Hokage ends here. You may leave now."
Clutching his head, Konohamaru also spoke to Ebisu.
"Aaah! You can leave! I'm going to deal with this blond myself!"
And so, the sunglasses-wearing Ebisu left Konohamaru, reluctantly looking back every few steps.
Hopefully, the young master can survive in the Jinchūriki's hands.
Ebisu silently began praying for his young master.
A rumor had been circulating recently that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki could now use the Nine-Tails' power well.
Since Lord Hokage had not put a stop to it, it was most likely true, and quite possibly the Third himself had spread it.
Let us turn our attention back to that day after the Mizuki incident.
"Ahem, Naruto, could you explain to Grandpa where your Wood Release and Sage Mode came from?"
Sarutobi's tone was extremely kindly. After all, there had already been Karin's example.
When he saw Naruto use Wood Release,