CHAPTER 15

The group stood together in the middle of the village as the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the sandy streets. The air was tense, and Naruto's sharp gaze was fixed on Princess Vivi. She seemed hesitant but determined to speak.

"Before we start our journey to Alabasta, can you tell me exactly what Crocodile is planning?"

Vivi sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging slightly as the weight of the situation bore down on her.

"He plans to plunge Kaze no Kuni into a civil war. Somehow, he's manipulating events to create chaos. Once the country is on the brink of collapse, he'll step in as a so-called 'hero' and save it. That way, he can position himself as the Daimyo and take full control."

Naruto tilted his head, his mask hiding his expression, but his stance suggested he wasn't entirely satisfied with her answer. His gaze shifted away from Vivi and toward the balcony of a nearby house. His sharp instincts had picked up something—or someone—uninvited.

"Is that all he's planned?" Naruto asked, though his voice wasn't directed at Vivi.

Confused, Vivi followed his line of sight and gasped as her eyes landed on a figure standing on the balcony. A woman in a wide-brimmed hat and a confident smile leaned casually against the railing.

"Miss All Sunday?" Vivi whispered, her voice tinged with both surprise and fear.

The ANBU team immediately tensed, readying themselves for action. Their hands hovered near their weapons, but Naruto remained calm, holding up a hand to keep them from acting rashly.

Miss All Sunday's voice was smooth and calm as she addressed the group.

"You don't want to hurt me. If you do, Mr. 0 will know you're coming, and he may accelerate his plans. Let me leave, and I won't report Konoha's involvement in trying to stop Project Utopia."

Natsu clenched his fists, clearly ready to attack. He lunged forward without hesitation, aiming to take her down.

But before he could get close, a hand sprouted from the ground beneath him. The disembodied arm grabbed his ankle and yanked him down, slamming him into the dirt with surprising force. Natsu let out a frustrated grunt, struggling against the unexpected restraint.

Miss All Sunday raised an eyebrow, her smile never faltering.

"So, what do you say, Captain-san? Will you let me leave quietly, or are you going to force my hand?"

Naruto's smirk was hidden under his fox-shaped ANBU mask, but his confident tone left no doubt about his feelings.

"Go ahead. Let him know. What fun is it if the enemy doesn't know what's coming for them?"

Miss All Sunday's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly masked her reaction.

Naruto disappeared in a blur of motion, reappearing behind her in an instant. His arm draped casually over her shoulder, his relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to the tense situation.

"And you should really decide where your loyalties lie. The doubt in your heart is easy to see."

Her eyes widened slightly at his words, but she quickly composed herself. Naruto's claim was a bluff—only he could sense her emotions through his Kenbunshoku Haki, a skill that gave him an edge in reading others.

Miss All Sunday let out a soft chuckle.

"Very well, Captain. You're an interesting one."

In a puff of smoke, her form vanished, leaving behind nothing but a faint trace of her presence.

Naruto turned back to his team, his relaxed posture giving way to a commanding presence.

"Let's move out. We've got a country to save."

Vivi hesitated for a moment, her eyes still fixed on the spot where Miss All Sunday had stood.

"Did she just… disappear?"

The ANBU members nodded, their stoic expressions hidden behind their masks.

Naruto glanced at Vivi and saw the mix of awe and confusion on her face.

"Don't worry about her. She's just playing her own game. Our focus is on Crocodile and stopping his plans."

As the group began their journey toward Alabasta, Vivi couldn't help but think about everything she had witnessed so far. These shinobi—Naruto especially—were unlike anyone she had ever encountered. They moved with a confidence and power that suggested they had only shown a fraction of their true abilities.

"Your team…They're really something else."

Naruto turned his head slightly, glancing at her over his shoulder.

"You haven't seen anything yet, Princess. Stick with us, and you'll see what we're truly capable of."

The trek through the desert was grueling, but the team pressed on without complaint. Naruto led the way, his senses on high alert as they moved closer to their destination. The wind carried faint traces of danger, but he remained focused, his mind already planning their next moves.

Vivi walked alongside him, her thoughts racing.

"Kitsune-san, do you really think we can stop Crocodile? He's powerful, and his influence runs deep."

Naruto didn't hesitate.

"It doesn't matter how powerful he is. No one gets away with threatening innocent lives while we're around."

His unwavering confidence gave Vivi a sense of hope she hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time, she began to believe that they might actually have a chance to save her country.

The group eventually set up camp for the night, the stars above providing a faint light in the vast desert. As the ANBU members took turns keeping watch, Naruto sat on a rock, staring into the distance. His mind was focused on the challenges ahead, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Miss All Sunday's presence had been more than just a warning.

"She's hiding something."

Vivi, who had been sitting nearby, overheard him.

"Do you think she'll betray Crocodile?"

Naruto turned to her, his expression unreadable behind his mask.

"Maybe. But even if she does, we can't rely on her. We'll handle this ourselves."

Vivi nodded, her resolve strengthening.

"Right."

As the night stretched on, the group rested in preparation for the battles to come. They knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Naruto leading the way, they felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.

Somewhere Else,

Alabasta…

In the dimly lit chamber of his hideout, Crocodile sat behind his massive desk, swirling a glass of wine in one hand while the other rested on the table. His expression was calm, but his golden hook gleamed ominously in the faint light. Opposite him, Miss All Sunday stood, her usual confident smirk playing on her lips as she delivered her report.

"It seems that Mr. 5 and Mr. 3 were defeated by some Konoha ANBU."

Crocodile grunted at the news but didn't seem surprised. He leaned back in his chair, tapping his metal hook on the desk thoughtfully.

"So, Vivi has finally made her move. It seems I was right to anticipate interference."

Miss All Sunday tilted her head slightly, studying his reaction.

"Are you going to accelerate the plan?"

Crocodile laughed, a deep and guttural sound that echoed off the walls.

"Accelerate the plan? You think a handful of Konoha ANBU can derail everything I've built? No. We'll stick to the timeline. The plan will be executed in two days as originally scheduled."

He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small stack of photographs. With a flick of his wrist, he spread them across the desk in front of Miss All Sunday.

"These are the four replacements I've chosen for Mr. 5, Miss Valentine, Mr. 3, and Miss Goldenweek."

Miss All Sunday leaned forward, picking up the pictures one by one. Her sharp eyes scanned the images, taking in the faces of the individuals Crocodile had selected. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

"They're interesting choices. You've chosen well. They'll be useful additions to Baroque Works."

Crocodile nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Indeed. The billions are already in position, and our officers are scheduled to meet shortly. Everything is falling into place."

Miss All Sunday crossed her arms, her gaze drifting toward the window where the desert stretched endlessly under the moonlight.

"You seem don't underestimate these Konoha shinobi. They've already defeated four of our agents, and from what I've seen, they're not ordinary opponents."

Crocodile chuckled darkly.

"I don't underestimate anyone, Sunday. But you should know better than anyone that this plan is foolproof. The chaos we're creating will plunge Kaze no Kuni into civil war. By the time anyone figures out what's happening, I'll already be the hero who 'saved' the nation."

Miss All Sunday said nothing, though her mind lingered on her encounter with Naruto. His confidence and sharp intuition had unsettled her in a way she wasn't used to. She had seen plenty of strong men during her time with Baroque Works, but there was something different about him.

Crocodile, meanwhile, stood and walked toward the large map pinned to the wall. His fingers traced the borders of Kaze no Kuni as he outlined the next stages of his plan.

"The Wind Daimyo has no idea what's coming. By the time this is over, the people of Kaze no Kuni will be begging for my leadership. Project Utopia is unstoppable."

Miss All Sunday remained silent, her thoughts elsewhere. She glanced back at the pictures of the replacements, her mind calculating the odds.

"Very well. If everything is in place, I'll ensure the officers are ready for the meeting."

Crocodile nodded, his focus still on the map.

"Good. And keep an eye on those Konoha ANBU. I want to know their every move. If they become a real threat, I'll deal with them myself."

Miss All Sunday gave a slight bow, her usual smirk returning.

"Understood. I'll handle it."

As she turned to leave, Crocodile's voice stopped her.

"And Miss All Sunday, don't forget where your loyalties lie."

She paused for a moment, her back to him, before glancing over her shoulder with a cryptic smile.

"Of course, Crocodile. My loyalties have always been clear."

With that, she walked out of the chamber, her heels clicking against the stone floor.

Crocodile watched her go, his expression unreadable. Once the door closed, he turned back to his desk, picking up the photographs again. He studied them closely, his mind already moving ahead to the next steps of his plan.

In two days, everything would change.

Spider Cafe,

Alabasta…

The Spider Café, dimly lit with an air of secrecy, stood isolated in the middle of a barren desert road. The faint clinking of glasses and the occasional shuffle of footsteps were the only sounds breaking the silence.

Paula, the bartender and one of Baroque Works' elite, stood behind the counter, cleaning a glass with a cloth. She wore her trademark yellow crystal square glasses and a diamond-patterned bandanna combining shades of pink, turquoise, white, and purple. Her demeanor was calm but sharp, the kind of presence that commanded respect without trying.

The quiet was interrupted by the loud, creaky swing of the café door. Two figures entered—one a towering man with a slow gait, carrying an oversized four-ton bat over his shoulder, the other a short, stocky woman with sharp features and a hurried demeanor. Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas had arrived.

"How's business today, Paula?"

Miss Merry Christmas barked as she stomped into the café. Her voice was high-pitched and rapid, as if she were in a constant rush.

"Your place looks empty. Empty. Empty!"

Paula looked up from the counter and smiled.

"Long time no see, Miss Merry Christmas. Mr. 4. The place is reserved for all of you today, And I'm guessing you'd like your usual? Orange Pekoe?"

Miss Merry Christmas slammed her palm on the counter.

"Don't make it hot! I wanna drink it right away! Now, come on, come on, come on!"

Paula laughed softly at her urgency.

"You're as lively as ever, I see. How's work treating you these days?"

Before an answer could come, the café door creaked open again. This time, two new faces entered—a man with clown makeup smeared across his face, juggling several knives in his hands, and a young woman with a cowboy hat, a pearl necklace, and a confident strut. She wore a bikini top and tight Capri-length pants, exuding a casual yet dangerous vibe.

The tension in the room shifted. Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas immediately stood up, ready to fight.

"Relax. These two are the new Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine. The previous Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine were defeated, along with Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek, in Cactus Village."

The news left Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas stunned.

"They were defeated? By who?"

Before Paula could respond, the air in the café shifted ominously. The door slammed open again, and the whistling sound of a blade cutting through the air filled the room. A scythe flew across the café, slicing through the new Mr. 5 and pinning him to the wall. His body hung limply for a moment before he began to regenerate, his Devil Fruit powers kicking in.

A man stepped into the café, his tall, lean frame silhouetted against the desert sunlight. His silver hair spiked upward except for a tuft that hung to the side of his face, giving him an intimidating yet striking appearance. His sharp eyes scanned the room as he pulled his scythe from Mr. 5's chest and casually rested it on his shoulder.

He moved toward the young woman, but before he could strike, another figure entered—a girl with pale skin, hip-length gray hair, and a calm, almost ethereal presence.

"And these are the replacements for Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek."

The café fell into an uneasy silence. Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas exchanged glances. It was rare for replacements to deviate from the usual naming conventions, but these two were exceptions—just like Mr. 2.

The silver-haired man, now introduced as Mr. Goldenweek, smirked. His confidence was palpable, and his aura screamed danger. The girl, now known as Miss 3, remained silent, her calm gaze taking in the room. Despite her quiet demeanor, it was clear she was the stronger of the two.

As if to add to the chaos, the seemingly lifeless body of Mr. 5 stirred. His head turned toward Mr. Goldenweek, his face twisted in anger.

"You bastard! Why did you stab me?"

Before the tension could escalate, a faint melody began playing in the background. Everyone paused, their eyes darting around the café.

"Who started playing music?" Mr. 4 asked, his confusion mirrored by the others.

The door burst open yet again, and a flamboyant figure waltzed in, twirling dramatically. It was Mr. 2 Bon Clay, his extravagant makeup and flamboyant outfit as loud as his personality.

"Well, I feel super! How about you?"

Paula sighed, visibly exasperated.

"You look stupid to me."

"No, no, no! I am not stupid. Why? Because I am an Okama! Now, give me a Takopa!"

Mr. 2 spun around and spotted Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas. His face lit up.

"Oh! Is that Fatty and Toots? How delightful!"

Miss Merry Christmas bristled.

"What did you just call me?"

Ignoring her, Mr. 2 continued.

"I hear even the infamous Mr. 1 will be here today! I've never met him before. Isn't this exciting?"

As if on cue, the door opened once more. This time, the room fell silent. A tall, muscular man with a stoic expression entered, his presence commanding immediate respect. His partner, Paula, straightened up behind the counter, her usual easy going demeanor replaced with professionalism.

"You seem to be getting along well."

"Welcome back, partner." Paula said, smiling at Mr. 1, also known as Daz Bones.

Mr. 1 scanned the room, his sharp gaze lingering on each of the agents before turning back to Paula.

"Is everyone here?"

Paula nodded.

"Now that you've arrived, yes. Everyone is here."

Mr. 1 turned to address the room.

"Then it's time. We're heading to the City of Dreams—Rainbase. The man we call boss, the one who has never shown his face, is waiting for us there."

The mention of Crocodile, their enigmatic leader, sent a ripple of excitement and unease through the room.

The agents of Baroque Works, now assembled in full force, prepared themselves for the journey ahead. Their mission was clear, and the stakes had never been higher. With the pieces in place, the stage was set for the next phase of Project Utopia—a plan that would plunge Kaze no Kuni into chaos and crown Crocodile as its hero and ruler.

Back with Team Kitsune…

The harsh sun bore down on the arid landscape, casting long shadows over the cracked earth. Naruto squinted as he surveyed the desolate village before him, the once-thriving settlement now reduced to a barren wasteland. The wind carried only the whispers of sand scraping against the remnants of abandoned homes, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.

"Why is the village this dried up?"

Beside him, Vivi sighed, her eyes filled with sorrow as she gazed at the lifeless scene before them.

"This is Kaze no Kuni. The people here loved their Daimyo. That was until two years ago. A rumor spread that a mission, originally meant for Sunagakure, was instead given to Konohagakure in exchange for a hefty sum of money. The trust in my father began to waver. Then, after the failed invasion of Konoha, my father's reputation only worsened. The people turned against him."

She clenched her fists, anger flashing in her eyes.

"But it was Crocodile who planted the seed of doubt. He advised my father not to go to Konoha, knowing full well that such a decision would only solidify the rumors against him. He played my father like a pawn, and now the country suffers for it."

Naruto frowned as he took in her words.

"Crocodile manipulated the entire situation to paint your father as the villain."

Vivi nodded.

"And the people, desperate and angry, turned to rebellion."

Naruto exhaled sharply, his determination hardening. He had seen firsthand how misinformation and deception could destroy lives. He wasn't about to let Crocodile continue his reign of chaos.

"How much further until we reach the rebel base?"

"Yuba is just a few miles away." Vivi responded.

Naruto sighed. Kaze no Kuni was vast, and the desert made every step feel like a journey of its own. But he knew he had to press on. Stopping this civil war was his top priority. He turned his gaze toward the horizon and spotted another village in the distance.

"Let's go. I see another village."

Vivi followed his gaze and offered a small, nostalgic smile.

"I remember this place… but it looks different now. It wasn't always this lifeless. But it also seems empty."

Naruto shook his head.

"No. There's someone here."

Naruto led the group toward the village's center. There, hunched over a pile of sand, was an old man, digging tirelessly with his bare hands. His movements were slow but determined, his weathered face streaked with dust and sweat.

"Oi, old man,What are you trying to do? Where are the rebels?"

The old man paused his digging and looked up, his eyes sharp despite his frail appearance. He scoffed.

"And why are you looking for the rebels? Are you here to join them?"

He wiped his brow and sighed.

"They're in Nahohana, if you must know."

Vivi stepped closer, her eyes widening as recognition dawned on her. "Toto-san?" she whispered in disbelief.

The old man turned toward her, his expression softening as realization struck him.

"Princess Vivi? You're alive… Thank the gods."

Naruto watched as Vivi knelt beside the man, her hand reaching out to grasp his.

"Toto-san, what happened?"

The old man sighed deeply. "

You're too late, Princess. I tried… I tried to stop him, but I failed. My son, Koza, leads the rebels now. He believes the king is wrong."

Vivi's grip on the old man's hand tightened.

"Toto-san…"

Naruto, meanwhile, had knelt down next to the hole Toto had been digging.

"What are you trying to do, old man?"

Toto's gaze hardened with determination.

"This place… It was once an oasis before the sandstorm buried it. I know the water is still here. I just have to find it."

Naruto exchanged a glance with Karin, who subtly nodded, confirming his suspicions. There was chakra in the sand, an indication of ninjutsu. That left only a few possible culprits: Shukaku, Gaara, or Crocodile. But realistically, only one of them had a reason to do this.

Naruto stepped forward.

"Step aside, old man. I'll find it for you."

Gently, he helped Toto out of the hole and then formed a Rasengan in his palm. Without hesitation, he leapt into the pit and drove the spiraling chakra sphere into the ground. The force of the technique drilled deep, cutting through the layers of sand until—

A gush of water erupted from below, sending ripples through the cracked earth. The oasis had been unearthed.

Toto gasped, tears welling in his eyes.

"You… You did it! The water… it's back!"

Naruto stepped back and wiped his forehead.

"I just sped up the process. You were right all along."

The old man fell to his knees, cupping the water in his hands before letting it slip through his fingers like a dream he never thought he'd touch again.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Naruto turned back to Vivi.

"Now that we know where the rebels are, how long will it take us to reach Nahohana if we rest for a bit?"

Toto straightened himself and answered.

"With some rest, it'll take you a day's journey to get there. But…By the time you arrive, Crocodile's plan will already be in motion."

Naruto's expression hardened. He looked up at the sky, as if gauging the time he had left before disaster struck.

"We'll rest. But at dawn, we head to Nahohana. We can't afford to waste any more time."

Vivi nodded in agreement.

"We have to stop Crocodile before he destroys everything."

The group settled down for the night, but the weight of what lay ahead loomed over them like an approaching storm.

6 Months Later…

The streets of Konoha had changed, yet they still felt familiar. The scent of fresh dumplings, the chatter of merchants, and the sight of children playing in the streets all reminded Sasuke of the home he had left behind. His sharp eyes took in every detail as he walked through the village, feeling the weight of nostalgia settle deep in his chest.

"This place has changed so much."

Jiraiya grinned at his student. He had trained many prodigies before, but Sasuke was a special case. This was the third time he had taken a gifted shinobi under his wing, but something about Sasuke made him wonder.

Was he the Child of Prophecy? Or was it Naruto? He had trained them both, Sasuke more extensively than Naruto.

Both had mastered the Toad Summoning, though Naruto had also bonded with the Monkey Summoning contract. The thought made Jiraiya chuckle inwardly. Those two were destined to be legends.

As they approached the heart of the village, Sasuke couldn't contain his anticipation. He had been away for too long, and now, he was finally home. The thought of seeing his team, his friends, and his family again filled him with an unfamiliar warmth.

"My, my. It seems you have grown, Sasuke."

Sasuke turned to the familiar voice and found himself face-to-face with his former sensei. Kakashi stood lazily with his usual slouched posture, his one visible eye curving into a smile. Without hesitation, Sasuke stepped forward and bowed in respect.

"It's been a long time, Kakashi-sensei."

Kakashi waved him off casually.

"No need to be so formal, Sasuke. You've grown strong, I can tell."

Straightening, Sasuke smirked before pulling something from his cloak. He handed a book to Kakashi, whose visible eyes widened in surprise.

"You brought me a present?" Kakashi asked curiously before realizing what it was—the latest edition of Icha Icha Paradise. Not yet released.

Kakashi's hands trembled as he held the sacred text, eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Sasuke, my dear student, you truly understand me."

Sasuke only smirked before stepping past them, eager to see the home he had missed so much. He walked toward his house, his mind drifting to thoughts of his team. He was impatient to see them again.

Kakashi fell into step beside Jiraiya.

"So, you're leaving him in my care?"

Jiraiya nodded.

"As promised. He's all yours."

Before Jiraiya could wander off in search of a hot spring, he paused. His keen eyes caught a glimpse of Sasuke colliding into someone.

"Sasuke?"

Sasuke blinked and looked up to see Sakura and Tsunade standing before him. Sakura's eyes widened, disbelief and excitement flashing across her face.

"Sasuke-kun!"

She took a step forward, but before she could launch herself at him, Tsunade placed a firm hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

"Right. The nostalgia ends here. Kakashi."

Kakashi snapped his book shut and nodded.

"Right. Now that you're back, Sasuke, things are going to be different. From now on, you'll be accompanying me on missions—not as a student, but as an equal."

Sasuke's smirk returned, confidence radiating off him.

"Sounds good to me. But first—"

He frowned slightly.

"Where's your Sharingan?"

Kakashi smiled at him before activating his dojutsu. Sasuke's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Both of Kakashi's eyes now held the Sharingan instead of just one.

"How…?"

Kakashi deactivated them with a sigh.

"Naruto created a seal that allows me to control the Sharingan at will. During the process, my other eye also transformed."

Sasuke frowned.

"Naruto did this?"

Truthfully, Kakashi didn't know that Naruto had bought a synthetic Sharingan made from Obito's DNA from the LIB. Naruto hadn't told anyone about it. He had finally reached S-rank in the mysterious Library in Between and had acquired the eye as a gift for his that was sometimes ago and Naruto was now in SS-Rank.

At the mention of Naruto, Sasuke's frown turned into a smirk.

"Speaking of the dobe, where is he?"

Kakashi chuckled.

"He's training his team."

Sasuke wasn't surprised. In fact, he wouldn't be shocked if Naruto had become Hokage while he was away.

Kakashi continued, his tone shifting into something between pride and exasperation.

"And his Genin team? Already Jonin in just four months."

Sasuke blinked, truly surprised now.

"Four months?"

"I am proud of Naruto. But I can't help but feel a little jealous. One of my students is still a Genin, and the other is only a Chunin, despite being trained by two of the Legendary Sannin."

He wiped a fake tear from his visible eye.

"Ah, the tragedy of my life."

Sasuke and Sakura sweatdropped, while Jiraiya and Tsunade simply sighed.

Before anyone could respond, a new voice cut in.

"How about we go see him?"

Everyone turned to the newcomer. Ino stood before them, hands on her hips and a knowing smile on her face.

"You know where he is?"

Ino smirked.

"Of course. Naruto's not exactly subtle when he trains. Follow me."

As they made their way through the village, Sasuke felt a strange sense of excitement building within him. He had heard stories of Naruto's growth, but seeing it first hand would be another thing entirely.

They finally arrived at a secluded training ground on the outskirts of the village. In the center of the field stood Naruto, his orange and black cloak billowing behind him as he looked at his students.

Naruto suddenly paused, his bright blue eyes locking onto the approaching group. A wide grin spread across his face as he caught sight of Sasuke.

"Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to come back."

Sasuke smirked.

"Didn't think you'd miss me, dobe."

Naruto chuckled, his eyes gleaming with challenge.

"Miss you? Please. I've been too busy kicking ass to even notice you were gone."

Despite the teasing, there was an unspoken understanding between them—a bond that transcended words. They had both walked different paths, but in the end, they had found their way back home.

"Welcome back, Sasuke." Naruto said, his grin softening just a little.

Sasuke nodded, his smirk turning into something more genuine.

"It's good to be back."

Naruto crossed his arms, a teasing smirk playing on his lips as he gestured toward the four young shinobi standing beside him.

"But we'll have to catch up later. First, let me introduce you—though I doubt they need an introduction. These are my students: Konohamaru, Udon, Moegi, and Hanabi."

His smirk widened.

"They're your superiors now, so try to show them some respect."

Sasuke's eye twitched at the remark, his pride flaring.

"What was that?" he muttered, fists clenching.

Naruto burst out laughing, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Oh, don't give me that look! It's not my fault you took so long to climb the ranks."

Sasuke took a step forward, fully prepared to wipe the grin off Naruto's face, but Naruto raised a hand, stopping him in his tracks.

"Not yet. I've got a sparring session with them first. You're free to watch—maybe you'll learn something."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms as he huffed in annoyance.

"Tch. This should be interesting."

SIKE. IF YOU THOUGHT I WILL GIVE YOU FILLERS, THEN YOU ARE WRONG. I MAY CREATE A DIFFERENT STORY WHERE NARUTO WILL TAKE ON ALL THE ENEMIES. IT IS PLANNED. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IT? LIBRARY IN BETWEEN : ANBU DAYS?

OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE LIBRARY IN BETWEEN : MAKING OF THE JONIN SENSEI?

OR BOTH?

TELL ME.