Chapter 18 Die-hard FanTemari, of course, didn't see it that way. Seeing her younger brother being taken advantage of, she finally couldn't hold back any longer, unleashing her Three-Star Fan, wanting to finish the fight quickly.
Seeing the opponent trying to fight two against one, Sakura finally wanted to step forward to help, but someone was faster than her, blocking Temari's path—it was Sasuke.
Sasuke didn't speak, maintaining his aloof demeanor, but the meaning was clear: "You dare come at me, I'll deal with you!"
Gaara, who had been silently watching from the tree, finally lost his patience and said, "Enough, stop!"
What? When did he appear there? Sasuke was startled; he hadn't even noticed him.
Sasuke's Sharingan wasn't always active, after all, his chakra was limited.
Hearing this voice, Kankuro decisively stopped his attack, and Naruto didn't pursue either, also stopping and withdrawing from the battle.
"You useless piece of trash who only brings shame to the village! Why do you think we came all the way to Konoha?"
Gaara's tone was filled with disdain for Kankuro.
"Listen to me, Gaara, these guys started it all."
Kankuro's explanation was cut short by Gaara.
"Shut up, or I'll kill you!"
"I...I understand, Gaara, I'm so sorry."
Kankuro waved his hands frantically, while Temari stood by with a forced smile.
Gaara finally gave up, jumped to the ground, and was about to leave with the two when Sakura stopped him.
"Judging from your headbands, you're ninjas from Sunagakure, right? The Land of Wind and the Land of Fire are indeed allies, but the treaty should prohibit unauthorized entry into another country's territory, right? State your purpose!"
Despite her fear, as a Konoha genin, she felt responsible for the village's safety.
Okay, it was Sasuke and Naruto behind her that gave her confidence, but Sakura wouldn't admit it.
Temari smiled and explained, "Hmph, this is what they mean by 'the darkest place is under the lamp,' don't you know anything? As you said, we are genin from the Sand Village in the Land of Wind, here to participate in the Chunin Selection Exams. This is our pass."
Temari pulled out her pass and showed it to everyone, dispelling their doubts.
Just as the Sand Village trio turned to leave, someone stopped them again. This time it was Sasuke who spoke.
"Hey, you guy with the gourd, what's your name?"
Gaara stopped and turned back to give Sasuke a cold look.
"Gaara of the Sand!"
Sasuke smiled arrogantly and said, "I've got it. My name is..."
However, before Sasuke could finish speaking, Gaara interrupted him.
"I'm not interested in your name, but what's your name, you blondie?"
"Naruto Uzumaki!" Naruto replied calmly.
Gaara gave Naruto a deep look before turning and leaving.
Sakura, standing nearby, was puzzled. Did the Sand Village think Naruto was stronger than Sasuke? How could that be?
Konohamaru, on the other hand, was overjoyed. He thought to himself that he had a keen eye for talent and had found a true powerhouse. This man had not only protected him but was also so powerful that even his opponents had to acknowledge him.
Training, training, training!
Strength, strength, strength!
Gaara's words were hard for Sasuke to accept. He, who had always been hailed as a genius, had been ignored? Damn it, if he got the chance, he'd definitely smash that guy's head in.
"Sasuke, don't take it to heart. That guy doesn't know your strength, you..."
"Alright, that's enough. I'm going back to train. Goodbye!"
Sakura's words of comfort were cut short by Sasuke, who then turned and left without looking back.
"Boss, be my boss! I want to be your little brother!"
Konohamaru suddenly clenched his fist and said to Naruto with fervent enthusiasm.
Sakura, who had been repeatedly thwarted by Sasuke, couldn't help but smile at such naive and childish words.
Naruto chuckled and patted Konohamaru's head, saying helplessly, "What's going on in your head all day, you brat? Right now, the most important thing for you is to do well at school and earn others' approval!"
"No, no, I want to be your little brother! I want you to teach me powerful ninjutsu!"
Konohamaru started acting spoiled, grabbing Naruto's leg and refusing to let go, tears and snot streaming down his face.
"Go, Konohamaru!"
Udon and Moegi, standing nearby, also clenched their little fists, mentally fighting alongside Konohamaru.
This terrified Naruto. What if Konohamaru's snot got on his pants? How could he go for a walk with Sakura then?
"What, you idiot, let go!"
"No, no, boss, I won't let go until you agree!" Konohamaru gritted his teeth and shouted.
Naruto sighed, "Alright, alright, I promise you, let go now."
Konohamaru finally released her, turning back with a smug smile and flashing a victory sign at Udon and Moegi.
Sakura, witnessing this, couldn't help but rub her forehead. How did Naruto end up with these brats?
"Um, Naruto, if there's nothing else, I'll head home now. See you tomorrow."
Naruto was shocked. He'd gone through so much trouble, finally getting a chance to be alone with Sakura, how could he let these kids ruin it?
"Boss, please give us a mission!" Konohamaru and his two companions looked at Naruto excitedly.
Suddenly, Naruto had a flash of inspiration. His face hardened, and he said, "Although you've become my subordinates, gaining my approval won't be easy. You'll need to complete a rather difficult mission."
"Boss, please tell us quickly, what is it?" Konohamaru's eyes lit up.
"It's said that in Konoha, there's a ninja second only to the Hokage, and that person's name is Hatake Kakashi. Your mission is to retrieve the manga from him. If you can accomplish this, I will acknowledge your strength. However, remember, you must maintain the discipline of a ninja and never reveal my identity under any circumstances."
"Okay, boss, don't worry, leave everything to us!"
Watching the Konohamaru trio's retreating figures, Naruto smiled smugly to himself. Heh heh heh, let Kakashi-sensei pray for good luck.
"Sakura, wait for me!"
Naruto ran quickly for a while and finally caught up with Sakura, who had left earlier.
"Huh, Naruto, what's up?"
"Um, Sakura, can I invite you to dinner?" Naruto asked tentatively.
Sakura was about to refuse when she suddenly remembered how Sasuke had rejected her. If she rejected Naruto like that, wouldn't he be very upset? Oh well, they were comrades-in-arms after all; having a meal together wouldn't be a big deal.
Seeing that Sakura didn't answer immediately, Naruto's heart skipped a beat. After a moment, he felt disappointed. Oh well, being rejected wasn't the first time.
But what Sakura said next sounded like heavenly music to Naruto's ears.
"Okay, but... I need to go home and change my clothes first!"