Chapter 155: Chapter 155 Gone
As the heavy rain approached, Naruto suddenly realized he couldn't find the tent.
"You didn't bring it?" Konohamaru clutched his head, his face full of shock, "Naruto-niichan, what are you doing!"
"Where's the tent? Where's my tent?"
"What? Your tent?" Naruto casually picked up the approaching Konohamaru and said lazily, "Maybe I remembered it wrong and didn't bring it at all."
"Then we're going to get wet in the rain." Udon said earnestly.
"Are we really going to get wet in the rain?" Moegi's face showed concern, "It was still sunny when we were in the village during the day. If I had known, I would have brought a tent with me when we went out in the morning."
Konohamaru continued to struggle, while Naruto squinted at the sky and said, "The forest is prone to rain, it's not something you can always predict."
"Anyway, let's find a place to shelter from the rain first."
Another clap of thunder echoed, and Moegi screamed, squatting on the ground in fear.
"Moegi, get up! We need to find a place to shelter from the rain!" Konohamaru, still dangling in the air, kicked his legs and urged her.
"No! Thunder is so scary!"
Udon, who was standing nearby, walked up to Moegi and advised, "Moegi, don't be willful. A rainstorm is coming."
Naruto looked calm and unhurried, scuffing his sandals on the ground before casually putting Konohamaru down. He glanced at the three kids, who were in complete disarray, and calmly said, "If you guys keep making a fuss like this, I'll just clock out early."
Inside the tent.
The six Academy kids huddled together in the innermost part, while Ino and Hinata sat silently on the outer edge in tacit understanding, one on the left and one on the right, with their heads lowered. The atmosphere was somewhat heavy.
"Um…" Ino spoke first, breaking the silence, "This is kind of like an exam too, isn't it? "
"Huh…? What?" Hinata, lost in thought, was startled by Ino's sudden voice and became a little flustered.
"Sorry, I was distracted just now." Hinata apologized softly.
"No need to apologize for that, it's okay." Ino felt a bit embarrassed for scaring her, but couldn't help her thoughts from wandering.
'Hinata was probably worried about that guy, which is why she was distracted.'
'Damn it… Why do I feel a little jealous?'
'Why does that guy deserve to be thought of like this? Anyway, I'm definitely not worried about him. A scum like that deserves to be caught in the rain. He might as well be struck to death by lightning. Serves him right for always taking advantage of girls and being so shameless.'
"What do you mean by an exam, Ino?" Hinata asked gently, smiling slightly as she looked up. "Are you referring to the outcome of this exercise?"
"Yeah, I don't think this is just about leading these kids in an exercise." Ino glanced at the dark sky outside and analyzed seriously, "Hinata, you also encountered traps and Academy's teachers disguised as bandits on the way, right?"
"Mm, we ran into them, but we got through smoothly." Hinata nodded, pursed her lips and thought for a moment, then lowered her head and said, "It wasn't too difficult."
"It's indeed not difficult, but if we weren't prepared, we probably would have been thrown into chaos. And that kind of unexpected situation can better demonstrate the leadership ability of a Genin."
"So, I think this should be linked to our regular Genin assessments, and used as an assessment indicator for promotion to Chunin." Ino said methodically.
"If that's the case, arriving on time will count as passing, right?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah, so once the rain stops, we'll need to start moving again." Ino said without reservation, "Rain in the forest is sudden and quick, so it won't last long."
"Thank you, Ino." Hinata said sincerely.
"You don't have to be so polite." Ino smiled, then glanced outside the tent, "And you don't have to worry about that guy, he can get there safely if he follows us."
"No, I'm not worried about Naruto-kun." Hinata blushed.
Ino: "…"
"But that bastard doesn't seem to care about the Chunin Exams at all. Knowing him, he probably wouldn't take it seriously even if he knew about it. He just wants to get it over with and go home to sleep."
"Naruto-kun wasn't always like this." Hinata raised her head, her face slightly red. "He used to be really enthusiastic, but I don't know what happened and he suddenly became like this now."
"I didn't pay much attention to it before." Ino frowned, "Anyway, that guy has become particularly annoying since the days before graduation. But Hinata, you should have known that guy for a long time, right?"
"Mm."
"Hinata." Ino suddenly called out to her.
"What's wrong?"
Hinata looked at Ino, her eyes reflecting a calm light, but the next moment, her composure was shaken by Ino's words.
"Do you think his previous personality was better, or do you prefer his current lazy attitude?" Ino asked casually, though she wasn't just asking about personality.
She glanced at Hinata and then paused.
Everyone faces questions like these… whether they like a person for their personality or something else. People change. It's like when a celebrity's reputation collapses and the halo that was originally surrounding them disappears. When a celebrity becomes a completely different person, it's understandable that people quickly stop being their fans.
Because when the personality changes, it's almost like becoming another person. Only the physical appearance and memories remain unchanged.
Hinata stayed silent for a while, then lowered her gaze, curling up and hugging her legs as she muttered vaguely, "I guess…"
The tent was unusually quiet, and the six Academy kids huddled inside, holding their breath as they listened to the conversation between the two older girls at the entrance. Thunder rumbled, and mountain winds rustled through the forest.
A little girl lowered her voice and whispered, "I think our big sister seems to like that big brother with golden hair."
"No, it's the other big sister."
"But they're both talking about him. Could it be..."
"How is that possible? That kind of thing can't happen. Adults wouldn't do something like that!"
With a loud sound, the rain began to pour, making the tent rustle. The six kids gasped in unison, amazed by the sound, their ears perking up to listen intently, finding everything fascinating.
Hinata's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden downpour, and she momentarily didn't know what to say.
Suddenly, they heard hurried footsteps outside the tent. Hinata and Ino looked outside and saw a blurry figure approaching the tent quickly.
"What is that?"
"… It looks like a person."
Ino was also a little unsure. Although it was still afternoon, the visibility in the forest was already low, and with the approaching rain, the area outside the tent was a grey blur.
The shadowy figure was soaking wet. Before the person even stopped, a voice called out, "There is no tent, so take her in."
As the figure bent down and pushed someone into the tent, Ino recognized Moegi by the light. Without time for questions, she and Hinata quickly pulled Moegi inside.
The tent, which was originally not too crowded, suddenly became a bit cramped with Moegi's arrival. Naruto, crouching and holding the tent from outside, was completely soaked.
"Where are the other two?" Ino asked, referring to Konohamaru and Udon.
"Naruto-kun, let those two come over as well," Hinata said.
"No need." Naruto flatly rejected the idea, his blue eyes staring at the still sobbing Moegi, "The two of them will come with me to find a cave to shelter from the rain."
Moegi flinched when she heard this.
"How can that be? If they get drenched…" Hinata began to express her concern.
"It can be." Naruto said coldly, which surprised Hinata slightly. She looked up at Naruto, but found that his eyes never left Moegi.
"Moegi." His eyes were cold and his voice was calm, "It's useless for a Shinobi to just cry. I'll take Konohamaru and Udon with me."
"It doesn't matter if it rains. I won't bring them here. They have to clean up the mess for you. Just follow these two sisters. We'll talk after the exercise."
Through the tent, Ino looked up at Naruto, who was drenched. In his emotionless eyes, she saw the tent, Moegi, herself, and Hinata reflected.
After saying that, Naruto left without another word.
Moegi couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears.
Hinata and Ino exchanged glances before quickly looking away. Hinata suddenly felt that Ino's question was sharp, sharp enough that she could no longer numb or ignore her true feelings.
Is it the person or the character that she likes? After that look outside the tent, she was certain that Naruto would never return to the way he was before… The person who was always warm and bright was gone.
She realized that she couldn't avoid this question, even if she could slyly give a vague answer, pretending not to understand.
But when the night grew quiet and there was no one around, those thoughts would creep up to the edge of her bed, mercilessly questioning her, leaving her with no escape.
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Chapter 156: Chapter 156 My Home is Closer
Inside the crowded tent, the light was bright.
Hinata stared out at the pouring rain, lost in thought, while Ino also frowned, feeling a bit uneasy as she listened to the sound of the rain hitting the tent.
A rustling sound caught Hinata's attention, and she looked up to see Ino getting up. She was slightly stunned. She didn't ask Ino where she was planning to go in such a heavy rain. Instead, she turned around and looked at the seven kids inside the tent.
Hinata tried to make her voice as gentle as possible, smiling as she usually did.
"Stay here and don't run around, okay? When the rain stops, we will come back to check if you are well behaved."
"Big sister, are you two going out?"
Ino looked at Hinata with some surprise, but didn't say anything. She forced a smile in response.
"I suddenly remembered that there are still some things I haven't done."
"Right." Hinata added, 'There were some things I wanted to verify personally.'
Maybe now is not the best opportunity, but she doesn't want Ino to go see Naruto alone. The unease in her heart was growing. Any more unexpected events, and things might develop in a direction she wouldn't like.
The tent opened slightly, and the two girls left in the pouring rain.
Outside a cave not far from the tent.
With a splash, a puddle was stomped on, sending water splashing half a meter high.
"Naruto-niichan, there's a cave ahead!"
"Hurry! Get inside!" Naruto felt his underwear was soaked, and his sandals were slowing him down.
"It's no good! It's on a cliff; it's too high." Udon shouted.
"What are you afraid of? You've got me, haven't you?" Naruto yelled back.
"But Naruto-niichan, didn't Iruka-sensei say that we cannot rely on the power of the leading Genin?" Konohamaru asked as he ran, glancing back.
"I didn't hear it at all, so it doesn't count!" Naruto wiped the rain off his face, "Shinobi can't be too rigid. Moegi is a special case."
"Let's get up there first!"
After saying that, he grabbed Konohamaru and Udon, one in each hand, and climbed up the cliff. When they entered the cave, the three of them realized that they were soaked to the bone.
Naruto pulled out some firewood he had bought, and with a flash of Lava Release, the fire ignited with a bang. Konohamaru took off his coat while hopping on one foot.
Fortunately, it is not late autumn yet, so the temperature around wasn't too low.
"Actually, I have a tent."
As they sat down by the fire, Naruto's first sentence left Konohamaru and Udon stunned.
"What?" Konohamaru stared at Naruto in a daze, his lips trembling slightly, "Naruto-niichan, you did this on purpose! Why didn't you take out the tent if you have one?"
Udon nodded, echoing the sentiment.
Naruto looked irritated, "What's the big deal about getting a little wet? Do you think it'll melt you?"
The firelight flickered in Naruto's eyes as he spoke lazily, "I may not be the most responsible, but being too responsible doesn't do you any favors either. I've always thought this summer camp-like mission from the Academy is stupid, like some kind of Shinobi playing house."
"How can you discover any real issues by following a set plan? If everything is prepared for you, what's the point of being a Shinobi? And Moegi…"
"Moegi didn't do it on purpose. She just acts like that sometimes." Konohamaru explained.
"I didn't say anything bad about Moegi. At her age, she is allowed to be a bit willful, but I hope she can learn and grow from this experience." Naruto said.
"After today, who knows when we'll see each other again. But since I'm your team leader, even if just for a day, I'll teach you what I can within that time."
Konohamaru and Udon lowered their heads as the firelight flickered on their faces.
"Don't look so down. I wasn't planning on bothering with you kids. I just have too much free time." Naruto said.
"Yes." The two responded.
"Konohamaru, do you think Moegi will be mad?" Udon poked Konohamaru and asked in a low voice.
"Who knows? When we get back, she might complain again." Konohamaru sighed, "Let's wait and see. Hopefully, Moegi won't lose her temper again."
Naruto placed his clothes near the fire to dry, glancing at the whispering Konohamaru and Udon before turning back to the blazing flames.
He couldn't help but rolled his eyes at this moment, 'No wonder Tsunade had insisted on canceling my break just to ensure I joined these Konoha's young students on their summer camp. Even the team assignments were meticulously planned. She really spared no effort in stacking connections for me.'
But Naruto didn't really want these bonds. Besides roughing up Konohamaru a bit, he hadn't had much interaction with these heirs of prominent clans.
But obviously Tsunade didn't think so. She didn't know that he had already released Kyubi and is no longer a Jinchuriki.
Even if the next Hokage is not from Hiruzen's lineage, they will not be able to do anything to him.
But Naruto wasn't clueless either. Tsunade's intentions were obvious, practically blatant favoritism. Whether it was through temporary assignments or this summer camp, she was continuously stacking social connections on him, trying to pile the entire legacy left by Sandaime onto Naruto.
The method was crude, but it was undoubtedly effective. Naruto couldn't let Tsunade's goodwill go to waste.
The Konoha 12 are basically the backbone of Konoha, except for Sasuke.
In addition, he has now established good relations with the descendants of the Sarutobi Clan, the Kazematsuri Clan, and the Ise Clan. No matter what the situation will be in the future, Uzumaki Naruto's position in Konoha will be unshakable.
Moreover, Tsunade wasn't aware of any hidden conspiracies in the Shinobi World. She was just standing from the perspective of a Hokage and trying to channel resources towards him as much as possible him.
Although Naruto was somewhat reluctant, he still put some effort into helping the kids. Although his methods are a bit extreme, it was just to get the job done. Even if Moegi ended up resenting him, it didn't matter.
It wasn't manipulation, it's just that the routine has been used to win people's hearts since ancient times and it has always worked.
For now, instead of thinking about all that mess, he needed to think about how to report back to his hot-tempered blonde superior. After all, the results weren't stellar, but they were still acceptable.
Just as he was thinking about his excuse, Konohamaru's sudden exclamation interrupted his thoughts.
"Naruto-niichan, those two sisters are coming through the rain!"
"Huh?"
Naruto, who had been sitting shirtless, immediately stood up and quickly walked to the edge of the cave on the cliff. Looking down, he saw two figures making their way toward the firelight on the cliff.
"What are they doing?" Naruto hurriedly grabbed his half-dried clothes by the fire and put them on, then immediately jumped down the cliff.
The heavy rain did not last long, and the three teams reached the mountaintop at the same time, completing their training mission.
After giving a head-ups to Iruka, Naruto, who was soaked all over, walked towards the two women who were also drenched in the rain. With a pair of dead fish eyes on his face, he said helplessly, "Whatever you need to say, let's talk later. Let's go, my home is closer."
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