Chapter 65: I'm Going to the Woods

"Slurp, slurp, slurp..."

Naruto shoveled noodles into his mouth with gusto. The aroma of ramen filled his face with satisfaction, his whole being in a state of euphoria.

"I'm digging in too."

Sasuke glanced at Naruto, then turned his gaze to his own bowl of ramen, a thoughtful look flashing across his eyes.

It seems Naruto really does consider me a good friend!

Before graduation, neither of them had much allowance. Naruto used to rely on Iruka to treat him to ramen. Now that he could afford to pay, it seemed Sasuke held a high place in Naruto's heart.

Time to eat!

Sasuke picked up his chopsticks and began eating, the taste of the ramen constantly assaulting his taste buds.

Both were focused on their meal, neither saying a word, just heads down, devouring their noodles.

Sasuke finished his bowl first.

Naruto, on the other hand, ate two full bowls before patting his slightly bulging belly with a satisfied smile. He then pulled out his somewhat deflated frog wallet and paid Uncle Ichiraku.

"Sasuke, how are you going to train this afternoon?"

Naruto stared at Sasuke curiously, burping as he finished the question. With a beaming smile, his intentions were clear.

He wants to train with me!

For the past few afternoons, Sasuke had disappeared to who-knows-where, leaving Naruto incredibly bored. This was a feeling he had never experienced before.

When he had no friends, life was filled with loneliness and isolation.

Now that he had a close friend, Naruto wanted to stick by Sasuke's side every day. Only the time spent with Sasuke was truly happy.

"I'm going to the woods."

Sasuke said lightly. He wanted to go to where Lee trained. Team Guy should be out on a mission now, making it the perfect training ground, much better than the Academy's training field.

"What are you going to do in the woods?"

Naruto's eyes widened, filled with curiosity, and a hint of eagerness deep within.

"Train, of course!"

Sasuke couldn't help but roll his eyes at Naruto, then said indifferently, "You should go back to the Academy. Skipping class will get you scolded!"

"You're not afraid of getting scolded, so why should I be!" Naruto retorted, sticking his neck out defiantly.

"..." Sasuke looked at Naruto's foolish appearance, speechless for a moment. He said helplessly, "Have you ever seen me get scolded?"

"Never!" Naruto thought carefully, and indeed, he had never seen Sasuke get scolded for being late or skipping class. His eyes lit up, "Does that mean skipping class won't get you scolded?!"

"..." Sasuke felt defeated by Naruto's train of thought. He spread his hands and said helplessly, "Simply put, I won't get scolded for skipping class, but you will!"

"Oh, I see. It doesn't matter, I get scolded even if I don't skip class. I'm used to it!" Naruto scratched his head and grinned.

"Uh..."

Looking at Naruto, Sasuke suddenly felt an indescribable pang of sympathy.

The Hokage's son actually had this kind of childhood, yet he still maintained a positive and optimistic attitude towards life. It was truly remarkable.

Moreover, throughout their conversation, there was no hint of bragging, no points appeared. It was clear that Naruto wasn't lying.

Getting scolded was simply not something Naruto would brag about.

"Fine, you can come train with me." Sasuke finally conceded with a helpless shrug.

"Alright!" Naruto jumped up from his chair excitedly. He didn't care about skipping class at all, it wasn't an issue. He just wanted to train with Sasuke!

"Since we're done eating, let's go."

Sasuke stood up and opened the curtain of Ichiraku Ramen, letting the hot sun shine on him. He slowly raised his head, the sunlight dazzling his eyes.

Konoha Village.

The apparent peace couldn't seem to conceal the sorrowful circumstances of many within the village. This utopia of the ninja world, envisioned by Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, didn't seem to be fully carrying out their will.

When he watched the anime, he didn't feel this deeply.

Now that he was truly here, Sasuke felt it more and more. Many things had no easy answers. Just like the saying in wuxia novels, where there are people, there are conflicts.

This phrase could be adapted to the ninja world as well.

Where there are ninjas, there is strife.

Or rather...

Where there are ninjas, there is pain!

Sasuke's back appeared profound in Naruto's eyes, like a wise man contemplating life, full of charisma.

+3

Suddenly, the numbers before Sasuke's eyes jumped, increasing his points.

"Sasuke, what are you thinking about?" Naruto asked curiously, standing beside Sasuke with a sunny smile.

"Some complicated things." Sasuke said lightly. He glanced at Naruto, feeling a sense of emotion. This boy, ostracized and lonely amongst Konoha's younger generation, had a heart that hadn't been swallowed by negativity.

"Complicated things..." Naruto blushed slightly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. He couldn't help but ask, "H-how complicated?"

"Let's go."

Sasuke didn't answer Naruto's question, nor did he say anything more. He just strode towards the woods.

He didn't belong here originally.

Now that he was here, his thoughts and feelings were different from other ninjas. Born in a time of peace, he hadn't experienced war and didn't know where the future would lead.

Perhaps...

This was the kind of occasional confusion everyone might experience!

Sasuke walked towards the woods, silent the entire way, lost in thought.

Naruto followed behind Sasuke, his gaze fixed on him. Seemingly sensing Sasuke's low mood, he also remained silent.

Time passed slowly in the heavy silence.

The journey, which should have taken only ten minutes, felt like hours.

When Sasuke and Naruto arrived at the woods, there was no sound of other people, let alone anyone training, only the wind rustling through the leaves and the chirping of birds and insects.

"Naruto, besides the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, I also got another jutsu. Do you want to learn it?" Sasuke said in a low voice, his eyes fixed on the trees with damaged bark.

"Sasuke, you're going to teach me another jutsu?" Naruto was stunned. He hadn't expected Sasuke to teach him another jutsu. The Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu had already filled him with joy.

"I can't teach you this jutsu because I haven't learned it myself. But I can share it with you so we can train together. You have to keep it a secret though!" Sasuke turned to Naruto, his expression serious, his eyes earnest.

"Don't worry, I won't betray you!" Naruto gave Sasuke a thumbs up and patted his chest in assurance.

"Hmm, I trust you." Sasuke nodded. He had confidence in Naruto's promise. He then took off his backpack, placed it on the ground, pulled out a scroll, and tossed it to Naruto. "Take a look."

"Oh."

Naruto caught the scroll and slowly unfurled it. A picture of a kunai with a strange inscription on it came into view.

"Flying Thunder God Technique?"

(End of chapter)