NARUTO: GOD LEVEL FORGING SYSTEM

At that moment, the final test-taker had just finished.

"Alright then, I'll go in for my test now."

Kazuki smiled at everyone, then turned his gaze to Rock Lee and Neji Hyūga. With a grin, he said, "You two, don't rush off. After the assessment, let's go have some yakiniku together. Guy-sensei is treating us!"

Both Neji and Lee nodded in agreement.

Might Guy clutched his head dramatically. "Oh, my youthful spirit! Why am I the one treating you all again?"

Kazuki met his sensei's exaggerated wail with a soft chuckle. "Guy-sensei, as a Jōnin, do you really expect mere Genin hopefuls to pay? If word got out, wouldn't it ruin your reputation as Konoha's most passionate shinobi?"

Might Guy: "..."

This disciple… does his conscience not ache when he speaks?

If we're talking about wealth, even ten of me couldn't compare to him. The missions I've painstakingly completed for months… don't amount to even a fraction of the cost of that rare ore he just casually purchased!

He's loaded, yet he still insists on freeloading off me?

For the first time, Might Guy felt—

Having a disciple who's too clever… might not always be a good thing.

"Fine! I'll treat you all today!"

Despite his exaggerated complaints, Might Guy was generous at heart. The cost of one barbecue meal was nothing to him.

Kazuki entered the exam hall and passed with ease.

Afterward, the five of them—Might Guy, Kazuki, Rock Lee, Neji, and Tenten—headed to Yakiniku Q, the famed barbecue restaurant in Konoha. They ate to their hearts' content, devouring plate after plate of grilled meat.

Even Kazuki couldn't help but sigh in satisfaction.

Over the years, he and Guy-sensei had visited many places.

But when it came to food—nothing beat Konoha's barbecue and Ichiraku Ramen.

Konoha's cuisine is truly divine!

After passing the Ninja Academy's graduation exam, Kazuki received his Konoha forehead protector—a symbol of his new status as a Genin.

Per their prior agreement, the group walked toward the barbecue restaurant.

As they strolled through the familiar streets of Konoha, Kazuki, who had spent four years away, felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him.

No wonder the great nations covet the Land of Fire…

Its climate, its fertile land—everything made it the ideal place for human life to thrive.

Having traveled extensively, Kazuki had gained a far deeper understanding of the world.

At twelve years old, his once-childish features had sharpened, exuding a mature, refined air.

His sword-like eyebrows framed deep, onyx-black eyes. A well-defined jawline led to a high nose bridge, while his long, jet-black hair was neatly tied atop his head.

Dressed in an elegant feathered cloak with intricate dark patterns, silver-white boots, and a jade coronet, his presence exuded an aura of noble refinement.

As he walked alongside Might Guy, Tenten, Rock Lee, and Neji toward Yakiniku Q, he remained oblivious to the stir his return was causing.

Young women all around turned their heads, whispering excitedly.

"Wow! Who is that boy? He's so handsome!"

"Oh my gosh, where did he come from?! He looks like a noble prince!"

"Wait… isn't that Neji Hyūga from the prestigious Hyūga Clan? And yet, even he's being overshadowed by that guy!"

Excited murmurs and squeals filled the air.

Kazuki, amused, simply smiled and greeted the villagers he had not seen in years.

Inside Yamanaka Flowers, Ino Yamanaka was tending to a row of fresh cosmos blossoms when the commotion outside caught her attention.

Glancing up, she caught sight of the striking young man walking past.

"Whoa… now that's my type!"

Ino's sapphire-blue eyes sparkled as she leaned on the counter, resting her chin in her hands with a dreamy expression.

Her voice, full of admiration, drew the attention of her teammates.

Shikamaru Nara, who was lounging nearby, lazily glanced outside and sighed. "Seriously? I thought you were obsessed with Sasuke?"

Choji Akimichi, busy munching on a bag of chips, barely looked up. "Meh, this was bound to happen."

"How can Sasuke compare to him? If I can be with this guy, Sasuke can have Forehead Girl all to himself!" Ino scoffed, placing her hands on her hips, her face full of indifference.

"Man… this is such a drag."

Shikamaru yawned, rubbing the back of his head with a speechless expression.

"No way! I can't miss my chance to meet this handsome guy!" Ino's eyes sparkled mischievously. Grabbing a basket of flowers, she dashed out of the shop.

"Huh? Where's she running off to?" Chōji asked, munching on a handful of potato chips.

Shikamaru sighed, shaking his head.

"What else? She's probably trying to flirt."

"Hey, handsome! Want to buy a bouquet? Our flower shop has a special today—we're giving away a free bouquet of your choice~"

Yamanaka Ino's pale blonde hair swayed as she beamed, her smile as bright as the flowers around her.

"Then I'll take this one," Kazuki said, selecting a bunch from the display.

Ino blinked. The flowers he picked were… cosmos?

Wait—cosmos flowers? That's my favorite! What are the odds?

"Is something wrong?" Kazuki asked, smiling.

Snapping out of her daze, Ino quickly responded, "N-no! Of course not!" She hurriedly handed him the bouquet of white cosmos.

"How did you end up choosing these flowers?" she asked, unable to hold back her curiosity.

Kazuki chuckled.

"They're beautiful and have a meaningful symbolism."

The flower language of cosmos—a girl's sincere heart.

A faint blush dusted Ino's cheeks.

Why does it feel like… I just got confessed to?!

"Does your family own this shop?" Kazuki asked. "Would it be possible to arrange a flower delivery to my home every week?"

"Of course!" Ino nearly bounced with excitement.

If he orders flowers from our shop… that means I'll get his address! And that means… I'll have a reason to see him again!

Jackpot!

"This is my address." Kazuki handed her a neatly folded note. "I look forward to seeing your flowers each week, Miss Ino."

The way he moved—his confidence and charm—radiated a gentlemanly air.

"Yes! Got it!"

Ino clutched the note like a priceless treasure.

It wasn't until Kazuki had disappeared down the street that Ino, still giddy, suddenly froze.

Wait, hold on—

That handsome guy… he already knew my name?!

Kazuki returned to Konoha just in time for the ninja academy graduation exam.

He passed effortlessly, receiving his Konoha forehead protector.

His family was thrilled—especially Kazuki and Tenten's parents.

They were practically bursting with pride, gushing about their children's achievements to every customer who entered their weapon shop.

"Our son and daughter are both ninjas now! Can you believe it?!" Takeshi boasted, beaming as he polished a kunai.

His enthusiasm was boundless, and he took every opportunity to share the news.

Kazuki and Tenten exchanged helpless looks.

Their parents were way too excited, but seeing them so happy… it wasn't like they could stop them.

---

Naturally, Naruto and Hinata quickly caught wind of Kazuki's return.

The next morning—long before classes began—Naruto practically sprinted to Kazuki's house, overflowing with excitement.

"Big Bro Kazuki! You're back, right?!" Naruto's loud voice echoed through the street as he banged on the door.

Still half-asleep, Kazuki stepped out, rubbing his eyes.

"Naruto… it's way too early for this."

During his years of training outside the village, he hadn't had a decent night's sleep.

And now, in his own bed—finally comfortable—he was woken up at dawn.

Typical Naruto.

"Tell me everything! What did you see while training?!" Naruto's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Did you meet someone with six arms? Or four legs? Or—ooh!—what about a two-headed monster?! Do they eat people?!"

Kazuki: "…"

What kind of nonsense is this…?

Naruto, have you been reading too many fantasy books?

Although… now that he thought about it, he had encountered a shinobi with six arms before. And one with four legs. And even a two-headed one.

Maybe Naruto wasn't too far off after all…

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