Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

Finally, the Chunin Exam had come to an end.

When they first entered the exam arena, everyone had started on equal footing. Now, as they left the venue, each person's fate had taken a different turn.

Of course, Naruto's life had changed for the better.

But the one whose circumstances worsened the most is Sakura.

Reports had circulated widely, condemning Sakura's behavior that the people of this world found unacceptable.

Sure, criminals who stole, killed, and plundered were hated by all, but showing disrespect for comrades, even going so far as to insult them, was something people despised even more deeply.

Seeing the people coming out, many of the onlookers couldn't help but pointed and whispered among themselves.

"Look, that's Haruno Sakura."

"She looks like such a well-behaved kid. Who would've thought she had such a dark heart? People like her aren't fit to be a Shinobi!"

"Don't say that too loudly. If she hears, she might start insulting us too."

"That's true. Who knows what kind of trouble she might cause someday. She's nothing but trouble."

The villagers, speaking in hushed tones, made no effort to hide their disapproval of Sakura's past actions.

Sakura kept her head down, saying nothing. She quickened her pace toward the Haruno household, walking faster and faster, until she broke into a sprint. Ignoring the people she brushed past, she just wanted to get home as soon as possible.

Bumping into villagers only drew further criticism.

Seeing this scene, Naruto's lips curled into a smirk.

'Serve you right. That's the price for having a loose mouth!'

Naruto is not a good person, and his principle was simple: If people don't mess with me, I won't mess with them. But if they do, I'll pay them back a hundredfold.

Sakura had let her mouth run loose back then, so now Naruto was happy to let her feel the sting of public judgment.

Naruto will not stop until Sakura is socially dead.

But it is clear that Naruto has succeeded. Things have fermented to such an extent that even if Sakura is thick-skinned, she'd likely be haunted by the shame, left to hide in her house and wallow in regret for the rest of her life.

"In the spirit of celebration, today I'm treating everyone to barbecue!"

Naruto announced with a big wave of his hand.

The barbecue place he'd gone to with Jiraiya last time was amazing, and it's definitely worth revisiting.

The remaining contestants agreed immediately, happy to get a free meal. However, they did not think that Naruto was a dark person at heart.

They just figured Naruto was celebrating his double victory of winning the championship and being promoted to Jonin.

Naruto even called over Jiraiya, Kakashi, Guy, and several others. If he was going to celebrate, he'd do it properly.

For this purpose, he went so far as to rent out the entire restaurant.

The money he'd earned back in the Forest of Death all went into funding this feast.

But Naruto didn't mind at all. After all, he'd received that money for nothing, and now with Zabuza managing Gato's assets for him, this amount was just a drop in the ocean.

It wasn't until the sunset faded and the moon rose bright in the night sky that the party finally wrapped up.

"Oh, right. This is something Hiashi-sama asked me to pass along to you."

Neji seemed to have thought of something and handed a letter to Naruto.

Naruto took the letter without opening it immediately and offered a piece of advice, "Looks like you've resolved things with Hinata. In the future, take good care of her, don't let her feel hurt anymore."

"Don't worry, I'll do my best to support Hinata-sama." Neji nodded earnestly.

Even if old conflicts hadn't fully healed, Neji would still protect Hinata.

Firstly, her close relationship with Naruto required Neji, as a servant, to be dependable. Secondly, if he hoped to reform the Hyuga Clan, he needed someone from the main family with authority to lead that change. Hinata, being the prime candidate as the next Clan Head, was well worth his dedication.

"Naruto-kun, then Neji-niisan and I will go back." Hinata said reluctantly, her cheeks still flushed.

Naruto waved with a smile, "Go on. Anyway, I have nothing to do recently. I will come to play with you when I have time."

"It's a deal!" Hinata responded happily, then walked with light steps as she followed Neji off into the distance.

It was not until everyone had left and only Kakashi and Jiraiya were left at the scene that Naruto asked in confusion, "So, what's going on?"

It's obvious that there's something happening since these two people don't leave.

Kakashi chuckled and said, "As your team leader, I wanted to formally congratulate you on becoming a Jonin!"

Although Naruto was not taught by him, Kakashi was very proud of being his team leader and Naruto's senior.

"That's it?"

Naruto frowned.

Jiraiya chimed in, "Celebration doesn't stop at just filling your belly, we've got to satisfy the spirit too! Come on, we're going out for some 'field research' tonight!"

Kakashi added with a conspiratorial grin, "I scoped out a prime location already. We will gather at Maple Leaf Hot Springs at 8 o'clock every night."

Hearing this, Naruto's eyes sparkled, "You guys really understand me, cough... I mean, you guys are exemplary Shinobi, constantly reminding me not to neglect my training. Indeed, even with my current achievements, I must keep working hard. Let's not waste any time… let's get to work!"

After all, Jiraiya and Kakashi were just giving him a chance to hone his skills. What ill intentions could they possibly have...?

Two hours of 'intensive research' later, Naruto finally pulled himself away from the inspiring scenery. Wiping a bit of blood on his nose, he sighed, "Sure enough, my training still has a long way to go. Next time you guys spot such… 'material', be sure to let me know. I need to keep improving if I want to reach even higher levels."

Bidding the two farewell, his mind was filled with the vivid memories of the evening's 'research'.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Naruto took a deep breath, trying to suppress the heat inside his body.

Bang!

After returning home and falling on the bed, Naruto tossed and turned, but still unable to get those charming images out of his head.

"Forget it, I'll take a cold shower and cool off."

Naruto stood up and was about to take off his clothes when something fell from his pocket.

"This is... a letter from Hiashi."

Naruto finally remembered the letter Neji had handed him when they parted earlier.

"I wonder what that old fox wants from me?"

Although Hiashi in Boruto has become a warm, grandfatherly figure, Naruto knew that the current Hiashi was still shrewd and calculating, and he must have some ulterior motive for asking Neji to pass a letter to him.

Putting further thought aside, Naruto opened the envelope and read the message, which contained only a few words:

"Naruto-kun, please come to the Hyuga Clan's compound tomorrow morning at ten o'clock. I look forward to seeing you."

'Huh?'

Naruto was taken aback when he read the content.

'Visiting the Hyuga Clan's compound?'

'And personally invited by Hiashi?'

'What scheme was this old fox planning?'

After thinking about it, Naruto still couldn't figure out Hiashi's logic. He and Hiashi hardly interacted before, and logically, they should have no reason to. So Naruto wondered what could this sudden invitation mean?

"Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore. I'll just find out tomorrow."

After a refreshing cold shower, Naruto finally managed to cool down enough to fall asleep.

Nothing happened that night, and the next morning at ten o'clock, Naruto arrived at the Hyuga Clan's compound.

Standing before the gate with the large 'Hyuga' nameplate, he suddenly froze. Realization dawned on him as he remembered that Hiashi was Hinata's father.

'Receiving an invitation from my future father-in-law…'

"Crap, is this… meeting the parents?"