Evil Hokage: Naruto over Tsunade

Training Ground 53, Konoha.

Team Seven's three members approached from afar, spotting Orochimaru leaning against a tree stump, deep in thought.

"Teacher Orochimaru, calling us here so early in the morning is just cruel," came a complaint.

"You're seriously disrupting our precious youth sleep schedule," the blond-haired boy quipped, hands casually resting behind his head, his voice lighthearted yet teasing.

Orochimaru turned his head, his indifferent gaze sweeping over the blond boy.

Seeing Naruto brought an immediate reminder of the secret that had been exposed back at the hideout. A pang of frustration flared within Orochimaru's mind.

What a headache... should I quietly get rid of him? he mused.

For some reason, Naruto felt a sudden chill run down his spine.

When the three finally stood before Orochimaru, he spoke.

"I called you here today primarily to discuss the upcoming Chūnin Exams."

A faint smile tugged at Orochimaru's pale lips.

"Chūnin Exams?" The words left the trio momentarily stunned.

Both Mikoto and Kushina furrowed their brows deeply. They had only recently graduated as Genin.

Participating in the Chūnin Exams so soon? Were they even qualified for something like this?

Naruto, however, seemed lost in thought, reminiscing about the Chūnin Exams from his memories. In the original storyline, the Chūnin Exams had always been a sore point for him.

First attempt? Failed. Second attempt? Failed.

Noticing their dazed expressions, Orochimaru continued without concern.

"It's not surprising you don't know. Over the past few years, the Five Great Nations have been recovering their strength. As a result, they've decided to hold a joint Chūnin Exam, with the venue set here in Konoha."

Orochimaru's gaze sharpened slightly as he added, "Despite being new Genin, your team has already completed an A-rank mission. The Third Hokage personally selected Team Seven to participate in this exam."

"Konoha will be bustling soon. Stay sharp."

After a pause, Orochimaru concluded, "That's all I needed to say. I have another mission to attend to. Discuss your strategy amongst yourselves."

With that, Orochimaru departed, leaving the trio to digest his words.

"This is so unlucky! Why are we being dragged into this?" Kushina whimpered, her gaze falling on Naruto with a tearful tone. "The Chūnin Exams sound so scary."

Kushina's recent battle had been a harsh wake-up call to her own shortcomings. Upon returning to the village, she'd thrown herself into training, forcing herself to suppress the urge to rely on Naruto.

I don't want to be a burden to him anymore...

"It's fine, Kushina," Naruto said with a grin. "Just stay behind me like usual. I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Kushina's cheeks flushed red, and she quickly looked down, flustered. "Idiot! Don't say stuff like that."

"I'm starving. Let's go eat," Mikoto suggested gently, placing a hand on her stomach.

"Fine, let's go. Dango shop's on me," Naruto declared.

"Yay!"

Naruto led the girls to Konoha's bustling shopping district. Thanks to the hefty reward from their last A-rank mission, Naruto and Orochimaru had taken the lion's share. Kushina and Mikoto's earnings combined didn't even come close to Naruto's.

In short, money wasn't an issue for him right now.

The streets were quiet, with only a few pedestrians strolling about. Inside the dango shop, there were barely any customers.

"Five skewers of meatballs, fifteen skewers of dango, and a bowl of red bean soup," Kushina called out, unabashedly waving to the shop owner.

"Do you even know the meaning of restraint?" Naruto teased, rolling his eyes.

"I don't know that word," Kushina replied earnestly, flashing a toothy grin.

"She's hopeless." Naruto sighed, shaking his head before turning to Mikoto. "What about you? Aren't you ordering anything?"

"I'm debating what to get..." Mikoto murmured, pressing a finger to her lips in thought—a surprisingly adorable gesture.

"Alright, ten skewers of vegetable dango, ten of regular, and two yogurts," Naruto decided as he scanned the menu. "We can share, okay?"

"Sure... that's fine," Mikoto replied softly, no objections at all.

"Hey! Don't you dare take advantage of Mikoto!" Kushina shouted, indignant.

"I'm being practical," Naruto shot back without looking. "You wouldn't understand."

After their meal, Mikoto suggested a walk through the cherry blossom grove. Neither Kushina nor Naruto had any objections and agreed enthusiastically.

---

Cherry Blossom Grove—

Countless petals floated through the air, their delicate fragrance filling the atmosphere.

Kushina reached out to catch a falling blossom, her thoughts drifting back to a few years ago. She couldn't forget that kiss, the sleepless nights, or her first clumsy attempt at cooking.

That golden-haired boy had etched himself deeply into her heart.

For all her talk of wanting to become the first female Hokage, what she truly wanted was to stand beside him...

---

As evening fell, the sky darkened, and stars began to twinkle. Despite the passing hours, Kushina was reluctant to leave, and Mikoto suggested extending their post-dinner stroll.

Naruto trailed behind them, his expression exasperated, carrying bags of snacks and clothing.

Women and shopping... definitely an innate talent, he thought, resigned.

Mikoto had declared that with the Chūnin Exams just days away, they deserved to indulge a little.

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