Cold wind whistled through the human-shaped hole in the ramen shop's wall.
Across the street, Naruto slid slowly down the wall like a tattered poster, finally landing on his backside.
Every bone in his body felt as though it had fallen apart, aching terribly, but that was nothing compared to his bewilderment.
Who am I? What happened? What did I... just do?
Naruto raised his head blankly, looking at the figure still sitting at the counter without so much as changing his posture.
His mind was a complete blank.
"How... is that possible..."
He muttered to himself, his voice dry.
"I clearly... got so much stronger already..."
Three years of grueling training, sleeping outdoors and eating on the road, countless challenges to his limits-and this was the result?
He couldn't even make him move?
"Naruto!"
Sakura and Hinata reacted first, crying out as they ran outside.
Ino's mouth hung open, and she didn't even notice the grilled meat in her hand falling onto the table. She looked at the huge hole in the wall, then at Goten's bored face, with only one thought in her mind.
This monster has gotten even more ridiculous.
In the corner, Tayuya smiled with glee at his misfortune.
Idiot. Now you know what you're up against.
"Naruto, are you okay?"
Sakura ran to Naruto's side, anxiously trying to help him up.
Naruto waved her off. He wanted to stand on his own, but his legs were too weak to obey.
Hinata followed as well. She crouched down, her white eyes full of worry.
"Naruto-kun, your chakra... is really chaotic."
She reached out a small hand, trying to support Naruto by the arm.
The two girls propped Naruto up, one on either side.
Goten finally finished the last mouthful of noodles in his bowl. He stood