Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Uzuki Yugao
As the days passed, Uzumaki Naruto's time at the Ninja Academy was gradually drawing to a close.
The graduation exam was just around the corner.
But for Naruto in this world, things like the Clone Technique and Transformation Technique were no longer obstacles. They were skills he could perform with his eyes closed.
That's precisely why Mizuki couldn't deceive him into stealing the Third Hokage's forbidden scroll. Naruto simply didn't need it.
Because of this, the Third Hokage had to come up with another way to connect with him.
As usual, Naruto was training in the back mountains of Konoha. Climbing trees, walking on water, and refining chakra had become part of his daily routine—no more difficult than eating or breathing.
Whenever he exhausted his chakra reserves, Naruto would lie on the ground to rest. On one such day, as he opened his eyes, he saw a beautiful older woman with flowing purple hair standing before him.
Startled, Naruto quickly got up, remaining alert. It wasn't until he noticed her wearing the attire of a Konoha ninja that he finally let down his guard.
"You're very cautious, Naruto," she said with a soft smile.
Naruto didn't reply. Sometimes, staying silent conveyed more than words ever could.
Seeing his calm, collected demeanor, the purple-haired woman introduced herself with grace. "Hello, my name is Uzuki Yugao. I'm a direct subordinate of the Third Hokage."
"The Third Hokage?" Naruto's expression changed upon hearing those words. His mind began to race.
The old man again? What does he want with me this time?
Yugao, unaware of Naruto's internal musings, continued speaking with a warm tone.
"The Third Hokage knows you graduated from the Academy with the highest scores. But he's been too busy lately to congratulate you in person, so he sent me on his behalf."
Naruto scratched his head casually and replied, "Is that so? No big deal."
Yugao looked at Naruto's indifferent expression and didn't feel he was bragging. On the contrary, she believed that he truly thought it was simple for him.
She couldn't help but reflect on how much discrimination Naruto had endured from the villagers. They often forgot that he wasn't just a jinchūriki, but also a descendant of the powerful Uzumaki Clan—and the child of a true ninja prodigy.
"The Hokage also asked me to pass on a message," she added. "He wants to know if you have any graduation wishes. If there's something you want, I can help make it happen."
"Huh?"
Naruto's eyes scanned her curiously from head to toe. Yugao's appearance was striking—mature, elegant, and very well-proportioned.
Since she brought it up first...
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📢 Announcement: It's Time for the Prize-Guessing Contest!
Question: What kind of graduation wish will Naruto make when facing Uzuki Yugao?
A: "I don't have any wishes. I don't need anything."
B: "Since you mentioned it… I want you to help me…!"
C: "Ninjutsu, of course! I want to learn more powerful ninjutsu!"
D: "I want to go all in… with you, big sister!"
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Comment Section – Reactions Across Worlds
Haruno Sakura: "What?! Naruto graduated with the highest scores? That's impossible!"
Yamanaka Ino: "Didn't I already tell you? The Naruto from that world is different from ours."
Uzumaki Naruto: "Am I… really that bad compared to him?"
Rock Lee: "Don't be discouraged, Naruto! Some of us are born without talent. We exist to prove that through hard work, even the average can surpass geniuses!"
@Hyuga Neji: "Prepare yourself! I challenge you for the 1,000th time today!"
Hyuga Neji: "Can we do it another day? I was just shot in the chest and need urgent help!"
Tenten: "Neji, what happened?! Are you okay?"
Neji: "I fought one of the Sound Ninja Five. I won… but I'm badly injured. I can't move!"
Shikamaru: "As expected of the Hyuga genius. I almost died fighting that guy too. Luckily, I was saved by a beautiful girl from the Sand Village."
Kiba: "Wait, why didn't she save me?"
Kankuro: "Why? You got a problem with that?"
Kiba: "Haha! Just kidding, bro!"
Seeing the camaraderie forming between the Genin of Konoha and those from the Sand Village, a warm smile spread across the Third Hokage's face.
Though he was now gone from the world...
His legacy—the Will of Fire—lived on.
Only by uniting all villages…
Could the shinobi world ever achieve true peace.
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Orochimaru Interrupts Again…
Orochimaru: "Excuse me for interrupting, but may I answer the question now?"
Jiraiya: "What's the rush, Orochimaru? You hiding something?"
The usually composed Orochimaru looked down at himself with a twitch of irritation.
A certain part of his anatomy was still missing…
Sasuke… Why haven't you arrived yet?
Orochimaru: "This wretched system… when will it finally end?"
"Who even wants to participate in these questions anymore? Nine minutes to guess? Who even understands these rules, huh?!"
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Meanwhile, in the Pure Land…
Uzumaki Kushina had been the first person revived by the system. Her mood was soaring as she looked forward to reuniting with Naruto.
If she could return, then surely… so could Minato!
Kushina: "Minato, guess what Naruto would choose!"
Minato: "Hmm, I'm not great with things like this. But if it were me, I'd wish to learn more ninjutsu. Only by becoming stronger can you protect what matters most. Like you, Kushina."
Kushina: "Minato...!"
Minato: "Kushina…!"
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Orochimaru: "Ahem. The Fourth Hokage of Konoha is… this sentimental? That's it?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Orochimaru… Still bitter, are you? I remember back when we had to choose a Fourth Hokage. Danzo wanted to appoint you. Thank heavens I overruled him and picked Minato instead. Konoha would've been doomed under your rule."
Shimura Danzo: "…(System: Muted.)"
Senju Tobirama: "As expected of my student, Hiruzen. You have excellent judgment—just like your master."
Shimura Danzo: "…(System: Still Muted.)"
Orochimaru: "Typical Konoha. Hiruzen-sensei, don't act like you turned me down. I never wanted to be Hokage anyway!"
Orochimaru: "The world turns, Hiruzen. Don't look down on a poor little snake!"
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Killer Bee: "Yo, Orochimaru, you got the flow! Wanna spit some rhymes with me in a rap show?"
Orochimaru: "Sorry, I only believe in science."
Terumi Mei: "I didn't expect Orochimaru to be so... polite!"
Orochimaru: "Of course I am. I'm not like a certain someone who claims to be the 'God of Shinobi.' I, Orochimaru, only follow truth and knowledge."
Orochimaru: "So my answer is… C! Ninjutsu, of course!"
Minato: "I didn't think we'd agree on something, Orochimaru."
Jiraiya: "But Minato, if I were Naruto... I'd pick B!"
Minato: "Huh?!"
Jiraiya: "You know me! I mean, look at her—Uzuki Yugao is stunning! If I'd known about her earlier, I might've used her as inspiration for Intimate Paradise!"
Orochimaru: "Are you sure you mean 'inspiration'? Sounds like something else entirely."
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Tsunade: "You two are a disgrace! I can't believe I'm lumped in with you as part of the Sannin!"
Orochimaru: "Ha! Spoken like a true gambler who lost the Senju clan's fortune. You have no right to scold us!"
Senju Hashirama: "Hahaha! Tsunade, you're still the same fiery girl I raised!"
Senju Tobirama: "Brother, gambling is a terrible habit."
Tsunade: "Ahem! You all forget—one day, I'll win everything back!"
Tsunade: "All in! For this question, I choose D!"
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Who will be correct? Which answer will Naruto choose?
Stay tuned for the results in the next chapter!