Konoha: Starting with Sage Mode

Chapter 15: Let's Go Together

In the afternoon, after school, Kirito, Chizuru, and Nawaki were cleaning the Hokage Rock, which belonged to the three Hokage, with cleaning tools.

All three have mastered the technique of walking on water using chakra, allowing them to stand on the rock face to clean it up, which is very convenient.

However, the three of them were far too insignificant compared to the Hokage Rock, and the task of completely cleaning it would be quite extensive.

Working in the sweltering heat is especially unpleasant.

"It's all your fault. If you hadn't run away on your own, I wouldn't have been punished to come here to clean the Hokage Rock."

Rope Tree stood upside down under his great-grandfather's nose, holding a cleaning mop, and complained.

Actually, he wasn't unhappy about coming here to do this; the main problem was that Kirito didn't take his good buddy with him, but instead took that annoying Uchiha and ran off first. That was really not being a good brother.

What's so good about that violent woman? Is it because she's somewhat cute? His good friend isn't that shallow.

"Don't say that, Nawaki. Chizuru was injured, so I took her to the infirmary. As her classmate, that's what I should do, right? It's just that Wasabi-sensei is so heartless. She even punished us by making us do this here afterwards. She's really not a good teacher."

Kirito, who was cleaning up the Second Hokage Rock, heard Nawaki's complaints and promptly shifted all the blame onto Mitarai Wasabi, whom he disliked, without thinking he was at fault at all.

Of course.

He was just a victim; he did nothing wrong, yet he was punished along with everyone else. It's simply unfair.

Later, he took the injured Chizuru to the infirmary for treatment, and naturally he should have been praised, but instead he was punished by being sent home after school to clean the Hokage Rock.

Kirito is feeling wronged right now. At this moment, he should be enjoying a wonderful time in the library, eating tricolor dumplings while reading.

Chizuru, standing on the Third Hokage Rock's nose, ignored Nawaki's words and continued to silently poke the Hokage Rock's nose with the cleaning mop. However, upon hearing Kirito's words, she subconsciously looked at the bandages on her elbows and knees and then nodded.

"You're right. Wasabi-sensei isn't a good teacher. I had already done 100 laps of frog jumps, but she still punished me by making me come here to clean the Hokage Rock. She's so unreasonable."

Rope Tree nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Wasabi Mitarai, who had transformed into an ordinary staff member using a transformation technique, overheard Kirito and Nawaki's conversation. His fists hardened again, and he almost couldn't resist jumping out to beat them up and then punish them by making them do other things.

"If it happens again, they will be punished by cleaning all the public toilets in the village."

Wasabi Mitarai made up her mind and revealed a sinister smile.

Kirito and Nawaki suddenly felt a chill run down their spines, shivered, and had a very bad feeling. They quickly gave up slacking off and continued to work hard.

……

As the sun was about to set, the three of them finally finished cleaning the Hokage Rock. They were all a little tired and their stomachs were rumbling.

"Rope Tree, let's go eat some fried dumplings together."

Kirito patted his shrunken belly and made a suggestion.

Pharmacist Nonou has opened a small snack shop in the village's food street. Because the food she offers is novel, cheap, and delicious, and Kirito has used his friends' connections to promote it in the village, the business is doing very well and has become a stable source of income for the orphanage.

"Fried dumplings, is that a new food that's appeared in the village? I've had them a few times, and they're delicious. Let's go now without delay."

Rope Tree was hungry, and when he heard the suggestion, he licked his lips and readily agreed.

Seeing that Nawaki was alright, Kirito looked at Chizuru, who was packing her things to go back, and smiled, "Chizuru, want to come along?"

Chizuru was immediately startled, a look of surprise on her face.

She had never eaten with other children before; since her parents died, she had always eaten alone.

A feeling of longing began to brew in my heart.

However, she hasn't finished her training today, and she doesn't have time to waste.

"Come on, the pan-fried dumplings are delicious, you'll definitely love them."

Just as she was about to refuse, Kirito continued, then took her hand and led her away.

"and many more."

Chizuru was pulled along by the hand for a few steps before she realized what was happening and quickly said something.

Rope Tree chimed in, saying in a disdainful tone, "Ha~, why invite her along?"

"Nawaki, that's not right of you. We've been punished together, and we're now comrades who've shared joys and sorrows. Isn't it only natural that we eat together? Does the future Hokage not want to eat with his comrades in the village?"

Kirito immediately said.

He didn't have any deep-seated hatred for Uchiha Chizuru, nor for the Uchiha clan. On the contrary, because the Uchiha didn't take advantage of him for free, he had a good impression of the Uchiha clan.

Therefore, he did not intend to develop a relationship with Chizuru into an enemy; it would be best if they could become friends.

The Uchiha clan is different from the Third Hokage and Danzo. They are a clan with a high sense of honor. Although they are arrogant, they are loyal.

If you can truly become friends with them, then they are the people you can entrust your back to, and you don't have to worry about them stabbing you in the back.

Unless it's an Uchiha who has awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan and whose mind has become abnormal, betrayal is impossible.

The mention of Naruto immediately energized Nawaki. He quickly changed his tune and said generously, "Of course not! Let's go eat some fried dumplings. This time it's on me."

As he spoke, the future Hokage eagerly rushed ahead.

"What did you just say?"

Kirito smiled when he saw the rope tree take the bait, then turned to Chizuru and asked.

"It's nothing, you can let go of my hand, I can walk by myself."

Chizuru opened her mouth and said somewhat awkwardly.

Kirito quickly let go, then hurriedly caught up with Nawaki ahead, before turning around and waving to Chizuru to signal her to catch up.

Seeing this, Chizuru smiled slightly, and a ninja quickly followed, arriving to Kirito's left. The three of them headed towards the village's bustling food street.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Kari, who was hiding in a large tree nearby using camouflage techniques, watched the three of them gradually disappear into the distance. He looked at Chizuru with gentle eyes, then glared coldly at Kirito before vanishing from the spot with a Body Flicker Technique.

Not long after, Uchiha Kari told Uchiha Homura about Chizuru going out to eat with Kirito and Nawaki.

"Lord Yan, should we stop this?"

Uchiha Kari knelt on one knee and bowed his head as he spoke.

"No, there's no need to interfere. Just let things take their course. However, the training must be completed. When Chizuru returns, you will be in charge of supervising. No rest is allowed until the training is finished."

After hearing the report, Uchiha Homura showed a hint of surprise on his face, but quickly concealed it and said coldly.

"what."

Uchiha Kari said respectfully, then used the Body Flicker Technique to disappear from the spot.

Chapter 16: Two Kicks, One Chunin

In the Konoha Food Street, an inconspicuous little shop with only ten tables was already full, and there were many people queuing outside.

Although the store is small and simple, the decor is quite unique. The white walls are adorned with many lovely green plants and beautiful pictures of food. The floor is made of bright white tiles, and the store is very clean and hygienic because it is carefully and meticulously cleaned.

Most importantly, the shop owner is a beautiful blonde woman whose gentle and maternal smile gives all customers a feeling of healing.

The waiters were children with healing smiles on their faces; they were obedient and sensible.

Yamazaki Heizo and Noda Taiga are also helping.

Kirito, Chizuru, and Nawaki occupied a table by themselves, which was already piled high with plates.

"Ten more servings of pan-fried dumplings, please."

Kirito raised his hand and shouted.

"Yes, please wait a moment."

The next moment, Yakushi Nonou, who had transformed into a beautiful older sister through a transformation technique, responded with a smile.

"Hey, hey, hey, you still want to eat?"

When Nawaki saw Kirito ordering food again, he said with a bitter face.

Looking at the pile of dishes on the table, he began to anticipate that his allowance for the month would be gone.

He had been with Kirito for a while and knew how big Kirito's appetite was, so he had taken Kirito's appetite into account before inviting him to dinner. But he never expected that Kirito was not the only big eater in their group.

"This little guy looks so small, how come he eats so much?"

As Nawaki watched Chizuru gracefully munching on her spring rolls, taking small bites, he silently wept for his wallet, which was now practically bankrupt.

Chizuru noticed the tearful look in Nawaki's eyes, and immediately grinned mischievously. Then, under Nawaki's pained expression, she raised her hand and shouted, "Five more spring rolls, please."

Compared to fried dumplings, she prefers spring rolls, finding them endlessly delicious.

"Yes, please wait a moment."

Pharmacist Nonou responded enthusiastically immediately.

"Nawaki, take it easy. If you don't have enough money, you can pay on credit. You're the Hokage's grandson, you can definitely pay it back."

Kirito comforted him with a mischievous grin.

Nawaki glared at Kirito through gritted teeth, feeling an urge to smash the plate of sauce onto Kirito's smug face.

"Hey, how long are you going to make me wait? I've been waiting in line for almost five minutes. Give me ten spring rolls to go."

Suddenly, a very rude voice came from inside the store.

Kirito immediately turned his head and saw a person in a police uniform grab Nono's hand, who was staring at Nono with a face full of anger.

"I'm sorry, there are too many customers. Please be patient and wait a little longer. It will be your turn soon."

Nono said with an apologetic expression.

But the man was clearly getting impatient and said domineeringly, "Shut up and get things arranged right now. I'm a member of the security team. Who do you think is working hard to maintain order here? Woman, do you want us to go hungry?"

As he spoke, he increased the pressure of his grip, causing Nono to show a pained expression.

The surrounding guests glared angrily at the person who was being bullied, but when they saw the fan-shaped family crest on his back, they dared not speak out.

The guard noticed the stares of the others, but instead of feeling ashamed or afraid, he arrogantly said to them, "What are you looking at? I'm warning you, mind your own business, or I'll arrest you and take you back for questioning."

Upon hearing this, most of the people quickly lowered their heads.

This wasn't the first time Nono had encountered such unreasonable guests, but it was the first time she had ever been harassed by members of the security detail.

Although she had heard from others that there were scumbags among the guards, she did not expect to encounter one so soon. Because of the other party's identity, she did not know how to deal with him for a while.

Ultimately, she was just an 8-year-old child who had mastered a little bit of ninjutsu.