After returning from the Land of Waves and submitting their mission report, Team 7 said their goodbyes and went home.
However…
Knock, knock.
"Nagi! Nagi! Nagi, are you home?!"
Instead of heading back to his own apartment, Naruto ran to Nagi's house and began pounding on the door.
Nagi had just finished training. Covered in sweat, he had taken a quick shower and was still wearing a light yukata. (The audience, of course, didn't see that part.)
Hearing Naruto's voice, Nagi calmly circulated Fire Release chakra to evaporate the remaining moisture from his body, then used a gentle gust of Wind Release to dry his hair.
After straightening his clothes, he walked to the door.
The moment he opened it, he was greeted by an excited Naruto.
"Phew! You finally opened the door!"
"Haha, sorry about that. I was just showering and didn't notice."
Only then did Naruto catch a faint, fresh scent coming from Nagi—and his face reddened slightly.
It wasn't just Naruto.
The viewers of the projection had only caught a glimpse of Nagi after he finished dressing.
His slightly damp hair, loose-fitting clothes, bright eyes, and pale, smooth skin left a striking impression—a scene reminiscent of a painting of a beauty emerging from a bath.
The boys handled it well enough.
The girls, however…
Tsunade: Ahem… not bad, kid.
Ino Yamanaka: Th-this… I… I-I…
Kurenai Yūhi: Ahem, Nagi does have very nice skin.
Mei Terumī: Ara ara~ handsome young man, nice physique.
Ao: Ahem, perhaps wipe the drool first. He's still a child.
The young girls in the classroom squealed nonstop. Nagi simply adjusted his glasses and quietly shifted closer to Shino Aburame, attempting to lower his presence.
"Ahem!"
Naruto slapped his cheeks, trying to shake off improper thoughts.
"Ah, sorry! I didn't realize you were showering."
"It's fine," Nagi replied casually. "Looks like your mission just ended."
Naruto's eyes lit up. He was eager to share everything about the Land of Waves.
"Alright," Nagi smiled. "Come inside first."
"Okay!"
Naruto followed him in.
On the way to the living room, Nagi asked,
"By the way, what would you like for dinner?"
Naruto froze for a moment, scratching his head awkwardly.
"Ah… that's too much trouble…"
"Wipe the drool first. No need to be polite—consider it a reward for completing your mission."
"Hehe! Then I won't hold back! I want the braised pork ribs and fish you made last time!"
"Sure. And invite Iruka-sensei as well."
"Got it!"
During dinner, Naruto animatedly recounted Team 7's experiences in the Land of Waves.
Iruka Umino and Nagi listened quietly, occasionally praising and encouraging him.
Naruto scratched his head shyly, grinning.
The atmosphere was warm and comforting.
For Naruto, being able to share his success and joy with others was perhaps the greatest luxury of all.
Kushina Uzumaki: Thank you… thank you for taking care of our Naruto, Nagi, Iruka.
Minato Namikaze: Yes. Thank you both. You gave him the warmth of a family in our place.
Iruka Umino: No, Lord Fourth—it is we who should thank you for your sacrifice for Konoha. In your absence, caring for Naruto is simply what we ought to do.
Nagi: No need for thanks, Naruto's father. Naruto and I are friends. It's only natural.
Naruto Uzumaki: Hehe, that's right! Mom, Dad—besides Nagi and Iruka-sensei, lots of people in Konoha care about me too!
A few days later—
Nagi strolled through the streets, seemingly taking a walk, but in reality searching for shinobi from Sunagakure.
At a corner, he spotted Naruto, Sakura Haruno, and the Konohamaru Corps.
"Right on schedule," he murmured.
He approached them.
"Naruto, playing games?"
"Oh! Nagi!"
Naruto greeted him enthusiastically.
"Hello, Nagi-kun," Sakura said politely. At the Academy, they hadn't interacted much. Nagi—like Shino—kept a low profile in class.
Konohamaru ran over.
"Yo, Nagi-bro! Long time no see!"
Nagi smiled and patted his head.
"Long time indeed, Konohamaru. You've grown quite a bit. Are these your friends?"
He had seen the boy years ago when visiting the Sarutobi clan compound with Tobirama. Back then, Konohamaru had still been toddling about.
"I'm Udon!"
"I'm Moegi!"
"I'm Nagi. Nice to meet you."
He crouched down and shook their hands, treating them seriously rather than as mere children.
While doing so, he discreetly sensed their chakra.
Udon displayed strong Water Release affinity.
Moegi showed notable affinity for both Water and Earth Release—and her Yang Release chakra quality was particularly high.
"No wonder she'll eventually be able to use Wood Release," Nagi thought. "Though it won't be especially powerful."
As for Konohamaru, his talent was equally impressive—nearly self-developing the Rasengan in the future.
"You three are quite the impressive Konohamaru Corps," Nagi praised.
"Hehehe!" ×3
At that moment, Naruto noticed several strangely dressed shinobi passing by.
Sakura glanced at their forehead protectors and gasped.
"Why are shinobi from Sunagakure here?"
"The Chūnin Exams are approaching," Nagi replied. "This time, they'll be jointly hosted with other villages."
"I see…"
"Wait—what?! The Chūnin Exams?!"
"That's right. You can ask Kakashi-sensei whether he'll allow you to participate."
Naruto's imagination immediately ran wild—himself wearing a chūnin flak jacket, looking proudly at Sasuke, while Sakura leapt into his arms.
"Hehehe…"
He couldn't help but grin foolishly.
"Come on, Sakura! Kakashi-sensei will definitely let us take the Chūnin Exams! I can't wait!"
After bidding everyone farewell, Naruto and Sakura ran off to find Sasuke.
Nagi reminded Konohamaru and the others to listen to their teacher over the next few days before departing.
He turned into a shadowed alley.
"Come out."
Moments later, a figure stepped from the darkness.
"I have been waiting for some time, Nagi-sama."
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