Morning came quickly. Transcending the human need for food or sleep, Fang Chen had spent the entire night cultivating, Now in the early stages of Nascent Soul, he knew it would take years to reach the peak of Soul Transformation, but he was content for now; the fox's energy had already saved him decades of arduous cultivations. His current goal was to stabilize his foundation by refining the chakra within his body into demonic qi.
Naruto's eyes snapped open at a sharp knock on the door.
"Naruto, get ready. It's time to head back," Jiraiya's voice called out.
"I'm ready, Pervy Sage. Come in." Once Jiraiya entered, Naruto performed his Heaven-Shattering Void, tearing open a shimmering portal.
"No matter how many times I see that, it never ceases to amaze me," Jiraiya remarked, stepping closer.
"Pervy Sage..." Fang Chen paused, reflecting on the night before. How could a Heavenly Demon use such crude, vulgar language? He realized it must be a lingering reflex from Naruto's original body. "I've decided that calling you 'Pervy Sage' is too strange. From now on, I will address you as Jiraiya-sensei."
Jiraiya laughed, feeling a swell of pride. This brat is finally showing some class. "Haha! It's about time you realized it, kid!"
"Let's go." They stepped through the rift and emerged near the outskirts of the village, walking calmly toward the main gates. There, they were met by the guards, Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane.
"Jiraiya-sama!" Both men bowed respectfully.
"Haha, no need for such formalities, boys," Jiraiya waved them off.
"Jiraiya-sama, who is this boy with you?"
"This is Naruto," Jiraiya beamed. "Surprised, aren't you?"
Kotetsu and Izumo froze, their jaws dropping. "What? That's Naruto?" They stared at the composed, ethereal teenager, unable to process the change.
Fang Chen walked past them without sparing a single glance. Offended by his coldness, the guards moved to stop him, but a sharp look from Jiraiya stayed their hands.
"That brat hasn't just changed his look; his whole aura is different," Kotetsu whispered. "He reminds me of the Uchiha clan." Izumo nodded in silent agreement.
"See you later, guys!" Jiraiya called out, hurrying to catch up with the boy. "Naruto! What's with the attitude? Those are your comrades, fellow villagers!"
Fang Chen didn't answer. I, the Heavenly Demon, giving my attention to mere insects? he thought coldly. I've shown this white-haired mortal enough respect already. Now that I'm back in Konoha, his usefulness is at its end.
"Seriously, this kid's face is just asking for a punch," Jiraiya muttered under his breath.
Because of his high cultivation, Fang Chen heard every word. His fists clenched. Should I kill him? He took a slow breath, suppressed his killing intent, and sighed. Since he looked after me when I arrived in this world, I will forgive him once. Just this once.
Jiraiya noticed Naruto's irritation and tried to lighten the mood. "Naruto, are you alright? You haven't eaten since yesterday. Want to grab some food before we report to Tsunade?"
"Fine," Fang Chen replied. Though this Venerable did not need food, he was curious about the spirits of this world.
"Alright then! Let's get some BBQ."
As they walked, Fang Chen felt dozens of eyes on him. When he turned his head, he saw groups of girls with flushed faces, whispering frantically. "Kyaa! He's so handsome!" one squealed. "Is he single? Do I have a chance?" another wondered aloud, only to be mocked by her friend: "Look in a mirror first, hahaha!"
"What did you said bitch?"
Fang Chen looked away, bored. "Hmph. Mortals." In his 600 years, he had seen the most beautiful women in existence. Even Nangong Wan, the Patriarch of the Joyful Union Sect and the world's most renowned beauty, had betrayed the unorthodox sects just for one night in his bed. These commoners were nothing.
They reached the BBQ restaurant and sat down. When the waitress arrived to take their order, she immediately turned red upon seeing Fang Chen.
"Brat, you're popular," Jiraiya grumbled, feeling a pang of jealousy. He missed the old Naruto who was as unpopular as he was.
Ignoring him, Fang Chen looked at the waitress with the authoritative air of a Young Lord. "I require a strong drink. Bring me the most potent liquor this lowly establishment possesses This venerable wants to drink today."
The girl, convinced he must be a high-ranking noble, bowed low. "Of course, my lord! Right away!"
"Oy! Brat Since when do you drink? And why you talk like that?" Jiraiya barked. "This old man needs to teach you a lesson"
Suddenly, the temperature in the room dropped. A heavy, suffocating pressure radiated from Naruto. Fang Chen's eyes were cold as ice. "Jiraiya-sensei, I believe I have shown you ample respect. Do not overstep your bounds with me again."
Jiraiya swallowed hard, a primal fear seizing his chest. He didn't know how to respond to the sheer weight of the boy's gaze.
Seeing the effect, Fang Chen suddenly let out a dangerous, mocking chuckle, and the pressure vanished. "Hehe, don't worry, Jiraiya-sensei. I was merely joking. Today is a day for celebration we've finally returned home."
The waitress returned quickly with the strongest sake. Fang Chen poured two glasses and pushed one toward the stunned Jiraiya. "Come, Sensei. Drink!"
Jiraiya took the glass awkwardly and drank. Fang Chen took a sip and his expression soured. "Why is this so weak?" He sighed. "I'll have to brew my own spirits in the future. Is this truly the strongest drink in this village?"
Jiraiya, still a bit shaken, replied, "Brat, that's some of the best sake in the land! What's wrong with you? Is this your first time drinking?"
Fang Chen waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine. Better than nothing. Let's drink."
An hour later, they stumbled out of the restaurant, leaning on each other. "Brat... it was actually fun drinking with you," Jiraiya slurred. "I forgive you for being... disrespectful... earlier."
"You... mortal... how dare you... hic!" Fang Chen hiccuped. I need to expel these toxins. He had intentionally suppressed his cultivation to feel the effects of the alcohol, wanting to drown out the haunting memories of his previous life's end.
With a tiny flicker of Qi, Fang Chen instantly flushed the alcohol from his body. His eyes cleared, his posture straightened, and his expression returned to normal in an instant.
"Jiraiya-sensei, let's go. It is time to meet Tsunade," Fang Chen said coldly.
Jiraiya let out a foolish, drunken laugh. "Haha! Fine, brat, let's go!"
Unable to bear the thought of having to support the old man's weight or deal with his drunken antics, Fang Chen discreetly extended his hand. With a precise surge of Qi, he forcibly expelled the alcohol from Jiraiya's system.
Jiraiya blinked, his head suddenly clearing. He stood upright, feeling remarkably sober and proud of himself. Hehe, I haven't grown old yet, he thought, patting his chest. I can still hold my liquor after all! "Alright, Naruto, let's move."
After walking through a few more streets, they finally stood before the imposing building that served as the Hokage's residence. As they approached the entrance, two Anbu guards immediately bowed their heads in deep respect to the Sannin.
"There's no need for such formalities," Jiraiya waved them off. "Is Tsunade inside?"
"Yes, Jiraiya-sama," they responded in unison.
"Good. No need to announce us; we'll see ourselves in."
"Understood, Jiraiya-sama."
Jiraiya stepped into the building, with Fang Chen following closely behind, his steps silent and his expression unreadable. When they reached the door of the office, Jiraiya gave a firm knock.
"Enter," a powerful, authoritative female voice commanded from the other side.