Konoha's gates had long since shrunk to a tiny dot.
Four figures raced through the treetops, moving so fast that only blurred afterimages remained.
Son Goten led the way.
With his hands behind his head, his steps light and his posture relaxed, he looked less like he was on an urgent mission than out for a stroll after dinner.
But his speed left the three behind him groaning.
"Boss... s-slow down..."
Naruto gritted his teeth, barely managing to keep up even with everything he had.
Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, and his lungs burned.
Two years of hellish training had transformed his stamina and speed, but compared to the man before him, he was still far behind.
They were on entirely different levels.
Kakashi and Sakura, following behind Naruto, were in even worse shape.
Fine beads of sweat had already formed on Kakashi's forehead.
He kept using the Body Flicker Technique, rapidly draining his chakra, yet could only just keep himself from being left completely behind.
Watching Naruto's agile figure ahead, he felt a jumble of emotions.
This kid... he's improved far too quickly.
Two years ago, he was still a dead last who needed my protection at every turn. Now I can barely keep up with his taijutsu alone.
And it's all thanks to that absurd monster.
Kakashi's gaze moved past Naruto to the leisurely figure at the very front.
He couldn't help grumbling inwardly.
Is this guy even human anymore?
At this speed, even the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique probably wouldn't have an advantage over a long-distance dash.
Sakura had it worst of all.
As a medical ninja, speed had never been her strength.
Now her pretty face was flushed, her breathing rapid, and the developing softness of her chest rose and fell