After parting ways with Sakura, Naruto returned home.
"You're back?"
A gentle male voice came from the direction of the kitchen.
Inoichi Yamanaka, wearing a plain apron, walked out holding a steaming platter of tempura, and the aroma of fried shrimp and vegetables instantly filled the entire living room.
"Yes, I'm back."
Naruto replied.
He squatted down and carefully placed Dahuang, whom he had been holding in his arms, onto the floor.
As soon as the little guy touched the ground, it cautiously sniffed the unfamiliar environment, its small nose twitching.
Then, seemingly confirming it was safe, it quickly wagged its tail, trotted to a soft rug next to the sofa, curled up into a golden furball, and its eyelids soon grew heavy and drooped.
In just a few seconds, faint, even snores began to sound.
"It looks like it's really exhausted."
Inoichi carefully placed the tempura platter on the dining table, a gentle smile on his face as he watched the instantly sleeping puppy.
"Where did you get a puppy from?"
He untied his apron, his gaze softly falling on the sleeping Dahuang.
"It's quite cute, with very bright fur."
"Hana-nee-chan gave it to me."
Naruto washed his hands and sat down at the dining table, his tone relaxing a bit when he mentioned Inuzuka Hana.
"It's a Ninken trained by the Inuzuka clan. I named it Dahuang."
"Oh? An Inuzuka Ninken?"
Inoichi raised an eyebrow, a hint of understanding and appreciation flashing in his eyes.
"That's quite something.
The Inuzuka clan's secret techniques for cooperating with Ninken are quite famous; the Ninken they train are not only loyal but also often have excellent perception and tracking abilities.
Treat it well, and it will become your reliable partner."
"I will!"
Naruto nodded seriously, feeling deeply content as he looked at the small sleeping figure on the rug.
Dahuang is so adorable. It's fine if it can't participate in battles later; the family can certainly afford to raise a dog.
Inoichi neatly placed chopsticks in front of Naruto: "Come, let's eat. While it's hot."
The dinner atmosphere was quiet and warm, temporarily dispelling the day's disturbances.
It wasn't until they were almost finished eating that Inoichi, as if remembering something, said: "Oh, by the way, Naruto, there's something I need to tell you.
Tonight, I need to work overtime at the Intelligence Department; there are some urgent messages that need to be analyzed and processed."
He paused, looking at Naruto, his tone becoming a bit more formal: "Also, in a while, the Chunin Exams will be held.
Kakashi has already submitted Team 7's names according to procedure."
"So, these next few days, you mustn't slack off on training and studying; you need to maintain your condition well.
This Chunin Exams will be a Joint Chunin Exams with multiple countries, so the difficulty will be much higher. It's not just a test of strength, but a comprehensive examination of a Ninja's overall qualities.
Intelligence analysis, judgment, and teamwork are all very important. Understand?"
"Yes, I understand, Uncle Inoichi."
Naruto finished the last bite of rice in his bowl, looked up, and the eagerness in his eyes had settled into a more determined resolve.
It's finally coming, the Konoha Crush Plan.
The caged bird will eventually fly high.
At that time, I'll first gouge out Danzo's eyes and then try to control Orochimaru.
After all, Orochimaru is truly formidable when it comes to scientific research.
Inoichi tidied the dishes unhurriedly, as if mentioning it casually: "If nothing unexpected happens, Ino and the rest of Team Ten should also participate in this Chunin Exams."
He stopped his movements, his gaze gentle yet with an unmissable seriousness, looking at Naruto: "When you're in the exam, you can't intentionally look after Ino or, conversely, bully her just because you're familiar with her.
You must treat her like any other opponent, give it your all, but also abide by the rules and boundaries. Do you understand?"
His words contained both protection for his daughter and expectations for Naruto's character as a Ninja.
Not letting personal friendship affect judgment, nor losing grace due to competition.
"I will!"
Naruto immediately straightened his back, answering without hesitation, his expression frank.
Of course, he wouldn't bully Ino, but he understood what Uncle Inoichi meant: to treat Ino as an opponent worthy of serious consideration.
"Hmph hmph."
Inoichi's lips curved slightly upward, revealing a knowing and slightly mischievous smile.
"I heard your promise."
He tidied the dishes and then picked up a rag to wipe the dining table, his tone becoming solemn.
"If a man gives his word, no matter what the situation, he must see it through.
This is not only a promise to others but also a self-restraint."
He wiped the clean table again with a dry rag, then looked at Naruto, resuming his usual gentle tone: "Alright, go rest after dinner. I'll take care of the dishes.
Get plenty of rest; starting tomorrow, you'll be very busy."
"Okay!"
Naruto responded loudly, rising from his seat.
He walked to the sofa, squatted down, and gently stroked Dahuang's soft ears. The little guy whimpered in its sleep and rubbed against his fingers.
When Naruto returned to his room and closed the door, the 'voice' from the depths of his consciousness, suppressed for so long in the real world, could no longer be contained, sweeping him like a tide into a familiar and empty mental space.
This place had long since been transformed by Naruto and no longer resembled its original water prison.
Underfoot was lush green grass, and above, the sun and moon rotated, with countless stars twinkling.
Behind the enormous cage door, crimson Chakra surged like lava, and Kurama's massive body almost filled Naruto's entire field of vision.
It wasn't lying down as usual, but rather bowed slightly, its beastly eyes, seemingly burning with lava, locked onto Naruto, and the Chakra airflow exhaled from its nostrils carried a scorching temperature.
"Brat."
A deep, oppressive voice echoed directly through the empty space, each syllable like a rolling boulder.
"Why did you get a dog?"
From Kurama's seemingly intimidating question, Naruto caught a trace of an extremely strange, indescribable emotion.
He blinked his clear blue eyes, and a ludicrous yet seemingly reasonable thought popped into his head.
A mischievous smile appeared on his face as he tentatively asked in return:
"What? Because foxes are also canids, so you... are jealous?"
"Woof~"
The moment the words fell, Kurama let out an extremely intimidating growl, as if its tail had been stepped on. The entire consciousness space seemed to vibrate with it, and the grass on the ground began to sway wildly.
The sound was filled with offended indignation and a hint of embarrassment?
"What a joke!"
Kurama's voice suddenly rose, making Naruto's eardrums hum.
Its massive head drew closer, its hot breath almost blowing onto Naruto's face, and its bared fangs glinted menacingly.
"How could this great one be jealous of a mere puppy?
That weak, tail-wagging creature that can't even control its Chakra, is it worthy of this great one's attention?
It's utterly absurd!"