Naruto's tone was calm and resolute, and his gaze carried an undeniable aura, as if victory were already within his grasp.
The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox said:
"No way..."
The voice of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox was filled with absolute determination. Its sharp fangs glinted coldly in the darkness, and the fury in its eyes seemed ready to devour Naruto whole.
Before it could finish speaking, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox interrupted itself, instantly shifting its tone:
"Fine, then we'll do it your way. As you wish!"
Although the tone of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox still carried a hint of reluctance, its massive body stopped thrashing, as if it had made a compromise.
Naruto chuckled and said:
"That's more like it, Nine-Tails."
A brilliant smile bloomed across Naruto's face, his eyes brimming with the joy of victory. His entire demeanor appeared exceptionally relaxed and confident.
The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox thought to itself:
"As long as this brat Uzumaki Naruto keeps using my chakra, the seal will only grow weaker and weaker. One day, the seal will be completely undone, and when that time comes, I will surely escape this cage and leave the body of the Jinchuriki."
A trace of craftiness and malice flashed in the eyes of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox as it secretly plotted its scheme in its heart.
Shortly after, Naruto withdrew from his own mental world.
Naruto's consciousness gradually returned to reality. The moment he opened his eyes, there was an added sense of steadfastness and daring, as though he was fully prepared to welcome the challenges of the future.
The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox features on Naruto's face also faded away, and his eyes returned to their original appearance. Naruto took a deep breath and stretched his body, feeling the familiar and comfortable sensation of reclaiming control over himself.
Upon seeing these changes, the Third Hokage inquired, saying:
"Are you alright, Naruto?"
The gaze of the Third Hokage was filled with concern, and the wrinkles on his face deepened due to worry.
Naruto replied to the Third Hokage, saying:
"I'm fine now, I'm all better, Third Hokage."
Naruto's face radiated a confident smile, his eyes clear and bright, as if the experience he had just been through was nothing more than a minor test.
Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage said:
"That's good."
The Third Hokage nodded slightly, a look of relief washing over his face, his weather-beaten eyes brimming with expectations for Naruto.
Shortly after, the Third Hokage lifted the barrier and let Naruto out. Naruto asked the Third Hokage how Iruka-sensei was doing. The Third Hokage replied that Iruka had already been sent to the hospital for treatment and was completely fine, telling Naruto not to worry.
Hearing this, Naruto's tense expression finally relaxed somewhat. He looked at the Third Hokage gratefully and said:
"Thank you, Third Hokage."
Afterward, the Third Hokage took back the Scroll of Seals that Naruto had stolen. Naruto handed it over very obediently, because he thought to himself:
"I already copied it anyway, so returning this won't hurt."
A trace of an imperceptible, crafty smile hung on Naruto's face as he felt secretly pleased.
The Third Hokage took the Scroll of Seals, his gaze lingering on Naruto for a moment as if trying to see through Naruto's thoughts, but ultimately he just shook his head slightly and turned away.
Before leaving, the Third Hokage urged Naruto never to lose control of his emotions again and go berserk. Naruto swore solemnly:
"There's absolutely no problem at all."
Naruto puffed out his chest, his gaze fixed firmly in the direction the Third Hokage had left. Once the figure of the Third Hokage completely disappeared, Naruto began humming a little tune and happily ran home.
Later, Naruto also obtained the qualification to pass the graduation exam from the Third Hokage, successfully becoming a ninja. Naruto was so excited he was dancing with joy, and his cheers echoed throughout the entire village.
Returning home, Naruto began packing his bags, preparing to welcome the brand-new challenges ahead. Naruto's eyes flashed with yearning and anticipation for the future, and he secretly swore in his heart that he would definitely become an amazing ninja and make everyone look at him with new eyes.
The next day, Naruto went out early in the morning to take his photo and completed the ninja registration form. Naruto stood at the entrance of the registration office, the sunlight spilling over him and casting his energetic figure.
Naruto clenched his fists, his heart filled with excitement, as if he could already see himself shining brightly on the path of a ninja.
Inside the graduation office, Naruto sat on a stool with a ninja headband tied around his head. The Third Hokage and a ninja teacher sat across from him, reviewing his ninja registration form. After reading it, they were extremely satisfied, telling Naruto that this would do and reminding him to report to class on time tomorrow.
Naruto nodded excitedly, his eyes shining with eagerness as he said loudly:
"Yes, absolutely no problem at all, Third Hokage!"
Naruto's voice was crisp, loud, and full of vigor.
As he stepped away from the chair in the office, Naruto's footsteps were light and breezy, as if wind were beneath his feet, and he hummed a cheerful little tune, filled with boundless daydreams about his future ninja career.
Just as Naruto was about to step out through the classroom door of the office, a kid wearing a long scarf rushed in from outside, running and shouting:
"Grandpa, let's have a showdown! Today I'm going to defeat you, and then the position of the Fifth Hokage will be mine."
Naruto looked curiously at this kid who had suddenly barged in, only to see him sporting a stubborn expression, his eyes filled with determination and unwillingness to admit defeat.
The Third Hokage smiled helplessly and said:
"You kid, you're always thinking about things like this."
That kid put his hands on his hips and shouted loudly:
"Hmph, Grandpa, don't look down on people! I will definitely become an even greater Hokage than you!"
Watching this amusing scene, Naruto couldn't help but grin.
The kid then stumbled, directly stepped on his own long scarf, and fell flat on the ground.
"Ouch!"
The kid let out a cry of pain, his face instantly turning beet red as sheer embarrassment washed over him.
Naruto couldn't help bursting into laughter. The kid fell to the ground, glared angrily at Naruto out of wounded pride, and roared:
"What are you laughing at!"
Then, the kid immediately scrambled to his feet, pointed right at Naruto's nose, and said:
"Was it you? You're the one who made me trip, right?"
The kid's eyes were wide open, looking fierce and aggressive, as if he wanted to vent all his anger onto Naruto.
Looking completely innocent, Naruto hurriedly waved his hands and said:
"This has nothing to do with me! You're the one who wasn't careful and stepped on your own scarf."
After that, Naruto paid no more attention to the kid and simply left the scene, bumping right into Ebisu-sensei at the entrance.
"Ouch!"
Ebisu-sensei was knocked off balance, sending the documents in his hands scattering all over the ground.
"I'm sorry, Ebisu-sensei!"
Naruto hurriedly apologized, then squatted down to help pick up the documents.