Sasuke and Naruto's spar didn't last long. Although Naruto's growth was clear and his strength had improved significantly, Jiraiya had been too conservative in his teaching.
The current Naruto was only slightly stronger than his counterpart at the same point in the original story. This was mainly because he had learned Wind Release Ninjutsu when training with Ethan before leaving Konoha, and had diligently trained in ninjutsu over the past two years, developing more tactical coordination with his Multiple Shadow Clones.
Aside from that, there was the Great Ball Rasengan, an advanced form of the Rasengan. However, it required the cooperation of two shadow clones to perform, sacrificing the Rasengan's original advantage of quick and convenient activation.
Other than Naruto finally mastering the correct way to release the Rasengan, Ethan didn't see any fundamental changes in Naruto's strength.
"You're too conservative, Jiraiya."
Before Jiraiya left, Ethan had actually mentioned that Naruto should be allowed to properly access the power of the Nine-Tails.
Evidently, Jiraiya hadn't taken his advice seriously, or perhaps he still viewed the Nine-Tails' power as a threat and wanted Naruto to suppress it as much as possible, even avoiding its use entirely.
"That power is too dangerous..."
Jiraiya knew what Ethan meant, but he had personally experienced that terrifying power and didn't believe it could be controlled. He worried that if it were unleashed, Naruto would be devoured by the Nine-Tails.
"No power is absolutely safe. Wasn't there danger when Naruto was training the Rasengan?"
If Naruto didn't have a strong physique—thanks to the natural toughness of the Uzumaki clan combined with being a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—his training would've destroyed his arm long ago.
"That's different."
"There's no difference. If he doesn't take that step, he'll never become a true powerhouse."
Jiraiya didn't mind this. He just wanted Naruto to grow up safely. As for strength, that could be developed gradually.
"Naruto is still young..."
"Those people won't care how young he is."
That one sentence shut Jiraiya up. It was a real issue. The Akatsuki were actively targeting Naruto. Would they really wait patiently for Naruto to grow stronger and then attack?
"I won't let them succeed."
Ethan knew Jiraiya wasn't just saying that. He truly planned to confront the Akatsuki.
After sending Naruto back to Konoha, he would begin investigating the Akatsuki. In the near future, he would even go alone to Amegakure to investigate their headquarters—and ultimately die there.
While Jiraiya and Ethan were still debating the extent of Naruto's progress, the spar had already concluded.
Compared to Sasuke, who had gained significant strength through Ethan's guidance, Naruto's improvement wasn't fast enough. Sasuke could steadily suppress him even without using the Mangekyo Sharingan. If he did activate it, victory would be guaranteed.
This result made Sasuke a little smug, but having been repeatedly humbled by Ethan, his arrogance had toned down. He secretly wondered if Naruto had any hidden cards he hadn't used yet.
Putting everything else aside, shouldn't the legendary Nine-Tails Jinchuriki have more power than this? What about the Tailed Beast power feared by nations?
But this was just a spar. Naruto probably wouldn't use that power.
Sasuke was right. In a real life-or-death situation, Naruto might release the Nine-Tails' power out of emotion, but there was no reason to do so during a friendly match between comrades.
Besides, there were others watching. No one would allow the spar to escalate into a deadly fight. Seeing that things were calming down, Kakashi called for a stop.
"Alright, you've been apart for over two years. Now you've got a sense of each other's current strength."
That was the reason for the spar—to help with coordination during upcoming missions. Tsunade had no plans to disband Team 7, even though Sasuke was already a Jonin.
That was because Team 7 wasn't just formed as a combat unit. It was also meant to forge strong bonds between Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, and to pass down the Will of Fire.
Only after those bonds were deep enough would Konoha consider splitting them and reforming new teams.
"Alright, it's getting late. How about we go get something to eat?"
Naruto had been brought here to spar with Sasuke right after returning. Sasuke and Sakura had been training all day and hadn't eaten either, so when Kakashi suggested dinner, no one objected.
Tsunade and Jiraiya wanted to find a place to talk privately and didn't plan to join the younger group.
As for Konohamaru, he should go home for dinner too, but having watched an exciting match, he felt he hadn't missed out today.
"What should we eat?"
"Let's have ramen. It's been a long time since I had Teuchi's ramen."
"Tch, not surprising at all."
Ask Naruto what he wants to eat, and his answer is always ramen. Ethan had to admit, though, Teuchi's ramen really did taste good.
Leaving the training ground, they walked toward the ramen shop while chatting. Naruto and Sakura mainly talked about their experiences, while Sasuke continued to act cool, looking uninterested. But if you paid attention, you'd notice he was actually listening carefully.
"So Sakura became Tsunade-sama's apprentice!"
"Yes, I won't be a burden anymore."
"Yeah, now Sasuke and I won't have to worry about getting hurt!"
Ethan scoffed inwardly. Kid, you're probably misunderstanding her point.
But it was more interesting to let Naruto figure that out himself. Telling him directly would be boring.
When they arrived at Teuchi's ramen shop and lifted the curtain, they saw two familiar faces.
"You two are here too!"
Shikamaru and Temari were already sitting inside. It looked like they had just arrived, since there were no bowls in front of them yet.
As soon as Shikamaru saw Ethan, he made a grumpy face, practically writing "Unlucky!" across his forehead.
"You're here too? Didn't you go freeload off Sasuke today?"
Just as he said that, Shikamaru noticed Sasuke was also present. And another guy.
"That's Naruto? You're back!"
Now he understood why this group was here. Naruto loved ramen, so of course he'd come here right after returning.
"Hey, hey, are you two on a date?"
Naruto glanced at Temari, then leaned toward Shikamaru with a mischievous look, teasing him about dining out with Temari.
He didn't manage to tease Shikamaru, but instead learned a harsh truth—he was now the only Genin among their generation.
"Huh? You didn't know?" Shikamaru pointed at Sasuke. "Like Sasuke, Neji, Kankuro from Sunagakure, and her, they're all Jonin now... not to mention that guy."
Naruto's gaze drifted from Temari to Sasuke, then stopped on Ethan, following Shikamaru's direction.
Ethan had already sat down by then, right next to Shikamaru.
"Don't forget that 'that guy' you're talking about is your superior."
"Yes, yes, Advisor-sama!"
"And 'that guy' has been guiding your training this whole time."
"I'm sorry, Ethan-sensei!"
"That apology was completely insincere."
"Is there anything Ethan-sensei would like to eat? Please allow your student to express his gratitude."
"Now that's a sincere apology."
"..."
This exchange completely confused Naruto. He had no idea what Ethan's current situation was.
"Ethan, Jonin of Konoha. Currently serving as the Fifth Hokage's advisor. The youngest high-ranking official in the village."
Temari looked at Ethan, seated not far away. She couldn't believe that this young man, who had participated in the Chunin Exams with her just a few years ago, had already risen so high.
Although Gaara had become the Kazekage, their circumstances were completely different. Even if she didn't want to admit it, Konoha's talent pool was incomparable to Sunagakure's. To stand at the top in a village like Konoha meant standing at the top of the ninja world.
Still... a man being more beautiful than herself was more irritating than him being powerful.
"Anyway, Naruto, are you taking the Chunin Exams this year?"
Shikamaru and Temari had come together to coordinate this year's Chunin Exams. After finishing their tasks, Shikamaru had politely invited Temari to eat.
He hadn't expected to run into Naruto and the others. More troublesome, he had run into Ethan—the laziest guy in the village, but also the most frustrating to deal with when it came to training.
"Of course. I definitely won't fall behind you guys."
Naruto declared that he would pass the Chunin Exams, then began devouring bowls of ramen.
Ethan didn't eat ramen by the bowl. He ordered a few snacks and side dishes, then enjoyed this extra meal he had "extorted."
After dinner, everyone returned home. Naruto didn't show up the next day either. He had just returned and needed time to tidy up his place and visit Iruka.
After finishing those errands, Naruto officially rejoined the team.
Team 7 was reassembled. In terms of composition, it was definitely Konoha's most elite squad.
Led by Konoha's renowned Copy Ninja, the Sharingan user Kakashi.
Sasuke, the new-generation Uchiha genius, already promoted to Jonin, whose strength far surpassed his original story counterpart.
Sakura, a medical ninja trained directly by Tsunade, who had mastered powerful medical and combat ninjutsu like Chakra Enhanced Strength.
Plus Naruto, Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, personally trained by one of the Sannin, Jiraiya.
This lineup was undoubtedly luxurious. And the first official mission after the super team assembled was to support Sunagakure.
(To be continued.)