Yang Tao had to make two trips to transport everyone to Konohagakure, but since he was flying at high speed, it didn't take long.
Because it was currently the Chunin Exams, the village's defenses were tighter than usual. Orochimaru handed out Otogakure headbands to the group.
Still disguised as the Kazekage, Orochimaru said, "Group leader, I'll head to the Hokage's office first. After all, I'm supposed to be Kazekage right now."
Yang Tao waved him off. "Go ahead. If anything comes up, I'll let you all know."
Except for Yang Tao, everyone disguised themselves to avoid drawing attention. Some of them were too recognizable—after all, Minato's face was carved onto the Hokage Rock.
"Hey, Haku, do you want to join the Chunin Exams for fun?"
Haku shook his head. "No, sir. I'll stay by Zabuza's side." He glanced at Zabuza as he spoke.
Seeing the look in Haku's eyes, Yang Tao shivered and told himself, "This guy is going to become a woman someday… This guy is going to become a woman someday…"
"Alright, let's go in!"
After registering at the village gate, Yang Tao led the group into Konohagakure.
Following the location Naruto sent earlier, they arrived at his small rental apartment.
With six people squeezed inside, the already tiny room felt even more cramped.
Kushina looked around at the messy room, and tears welled up in her eyes again. "So this is where Naruto has been living?" She immediately started tidying up.
Minato Namikaze's eyes fell on the instant noodles on the table, and his heart grew heavy. Had his son been living off instant noodles every day?
But that was a misunderstanding! Maybe before joining the group chat, Naruto ate instant noodles often, but after joining, it was just because he was lazy!
"You guys rest here for a bit. I'm going out for a walk."
Leaving the others in the room, Yang Tao stepped onto the bustling streets of Konoha.
The Chunin Exams were about to begin, so the streets were packed with people, including many ninja from other villages, creating a lively atmosphere.
Using the mini-map, he headed toward Naruto's location. Having a mini-map sure was convenient!
When Yang Tao got closer, he saw Naruto chatting with Konohamaru's team.
"Naruto!"
Hearing someone call his name, Naruto looked up.
"Big bro!! What are you doing here?" Naruto ran over excitedly. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
Yang Tao ruffled Naruto's hair. "I came to see you in the Chunin Exams, of course! But with your strength now, isn't it kind of unfair for the others?"
Naruto grinned. "If I win fair and square, how is that unfair? But when I run into Orochimaru, I'll give him a little surprise!"
Naruto had no idea Yang Tao was already working with Orochimaru—he was still thinking about teaching him a lesson!
Since there were others around, Yang Tao didn't bother explaining.
At that moment, Konohamaru ran up. "Boss Naruto, who's this? Your big bro?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, he's the one who's been looking out for me!"
Konohamaru's eyes lit up. "Nice to meet you, Boss Naruto's big bro! My name's Konohamaru, and I'm gonna be Hokage one day!"
Hokage, huh? Maybe you should ask your grandpa if he's okay with that first.
Yang Tao chuckled to himself but kept a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, Konohamaru! If you want to be Hokage, you'll have to work hard! But for now, I have something to discuss with Naruto, so you guys go play for a bit."
Konohamaru looked a little disappointed but quickly recovered. "Alright! Boss Naruto, I'll come find you later. See you, Boss Naruto's big bro!"
With that, he and his two friends ran off.
Watching them go, Yang Tao thought to himself, *Kids sure are full of energy.*
Just as he was about to take Naruto home to meet his parents, Konohamaru's voice suddenly rang out.
"Boss Naruto! Help!!"
Naruto reacted instantly and rushed toward the sound.
When he arrived, he saw Kankuro holding Konohamaru up with one hand while the kid struggled.
Naruto's face darkened.
*I haven't even run into Sakura, and I'm already dealing with this? Is this what Big Bro always calls 'fate'?*
"Let him go!" Naruto shouted.
Kankuro sneered. "So you're the 'Boss Naruto' this little brat keeps talking about? You must be one of the Genin taking the exam, huh?"
Naruto didn't waste time talking. He dashed forward and snatched Konohamaru away.
Right now, Naruto's strength was far beyond Kage level. Even though he hadn't reached the Six Paths level, his raw physical speed alone was something Kankuro had no chance of stopping.
So fast!
Kankuro and Temari were both startled by Naruto's speed.
Kankuro immediately took the puppet from his back, while Temari stayed on guard, watching Naruto closely.
Naruto patted Konohamaru's head, comforting him as he cried. "You okay, Konohamaru? Step aside for now, I'll take care of this."
"Got it, Boss Naruto!"
Naruto stood up and said, "Hey, you up in the tree! If you don't take these two away, I'm going to make a move!"
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