For Konoha, the strongest ninja village in the world today-and the only one-to let him come here at all was already an act of supreme arrogance.
Mere surveillance was acceptable.
Hanzo of the Salamander kept walking, his expression as calm as ever, without even a ripple stirring in his heart. As far as he was concerned, Yahiko was in charge of Amegakure now, and he was just a retired old man.
Only...
Hanzo of the Salamander looked up at Konoha's bustling streets stretching before him. Gazing at this thriving land, he could not help a trace of wistfulness passing through his eyes.
He had chosen Yahiko in the first place because he wanted Amegakure to reach this point someday. Unfortunately... Konoha had produced someone truly capable.
Konoha... It truly deserved its reputation as a cradle of geniuses.
Moonlight lay gently over Konoha's rooftops, while a light breeze carried the fresh scent of leaves from the courtyards as it drifted leisurely through the alleys.
Naruto Uzumaki walked along with a spring in his step, clutching the oil-paper bag he had just picked up from the dumpling shop.
The training Minato Namikaze had arranged for him had ended very early today, leaving the rest of the day free.
So... he decided to find a certain stuck-up guy and show him the Ninjutsu he had just learned.
The Uchiha Clan compound.
Naruto Uzumaki had walked this road countless times, and his destination was usually quiet. Today, however, was different. A familiar figure stood outside the residence, sweeping the ground.
His black hair was tied simply behind his head. Rather than the standard green vest worn by Konoha Ninja, he wore only a loose, plain black shirt with short sleeves. He held a bamboo broom, its bristles resting lightly against the ground.
The