Ramen was great, but he unfortunately had to bid Hinata farewell. She had her own duties to attend to, and they both agreed to wait until after the Chunin exams to begin her training in full. Until then, Naruto had written up a brief training regiment for the girl, mostly involving physical conditioning and advanced chakra control practice. Stuff that could be done without his help. She had thanked him with a scorching hug, then departed. Now, he was sitting alone again, but with a new determination.

He was stronger now. What happened with that strength? He was sought out. Sure, that person might be just interested in his strength for their own gain, but he was finally acknowledged by someone for real. He was shown comfort, and rest. Somewhere, deep down inside of him, he linked strength with a sense of comfort and peace.

He missed her already.

He had work to do.

He had to get stronger.

He had to become theStrongest.