Naruto: The legend of Kiba

Chapter 35 Just one more meal.

In the Hokage's office, the Third

Hokage listened intently to Homura's report, his face etched with surprise.

"What? Taki Kiba defeated

Kakashi?" The Third Hokage's voice couldn't hide his astonishment.

"Yes!" Homura replied,

still reeling from the shock himself. The battle replayed in his mind—every

move, every counter. Even in a mere sparring match, the intensity had been

palpable.

The Third Hokage set down his

pipe. "I really didn't expect Taki Kiba to be able to defeat Kakashi. This

kid is growing up too fast."

"Third Hokage, do you really

want to replace the qualifications for the Chunin exam?" Homura hesitated

before asking.

The Third Hokage pondered for a

moment. "Since Taki Kiba can defeat Kakashi, then in terms of combat

power, he already has the strength of a Chunin. However, he has no mission

experience. Hirohiko and Yukina also lack mission experience. Allowing them to

take the Chunin exam... If they don't pass, it's not a big deal. But if they

pass, they'll have to undertake missions more frequently. This could be

problematic for them. Kushina can be quite willful..."

The Third Hokage sighed, clearly

troubled. His concern wasn't just about replacing qualifications but also the

future growth of Kiba and his friends.

"Since the Second Great Ninja

War, Konoha hasn't fully recovered. We urgently need fresh talent. That's why

we advanced the Chunin Exams... However, the lack of mission experience, and

with Kushina as their teacher..." The Third Hokage frowned, exhaling

smoke.

"Find Minato and tell him to

come here." The Third Hokage finally decided.

"Yes," Homura nodded,

noting the Third Hokage's rare display of distress, before exiting the office.

The Third Hokage sighed deeply

once Homura left.

I need to consult Minato about the

specifics and his opinion. Besides, Jiraiya and the others should be returning

soon.

Meanwhile, at Konoha Hospital...

Kiba squinted, looking at

Hirohiko, who still wore his poker face and sat beside him, seemingly ignoring

Kiba's glance.

"Do we really need to come to

the hospital for just a sprained ankle?" Kiba complained.

His foot was wrapped in a white

bandage. A medical ninja had examined him, confirming it was only a sprain with

no bone damage. In the Naruto world, such an injury would heal by tomorrow.

"It's better to check in case

of bone injury," Hirohiko replied with his usual expressionless face.

Yukina added, "It's good to

be sure, especially with the Chunin Exams coming up. We can't risk any serious

injury."

Even Yukina's fussing... Kiba

thought with a wry smile.

"Oh, that's right! Since

Hirohiko won a match too, we need two barbecue dinners, understand? Hirohiko,

you have to look upset if Sensei Kushina refuses!"

Yukina frowned slightly. "Is

that okay? Sensei Kushina might be really troubled. She said she's low on

pocket money."

"Adults say that to coax

children. If she really had no money, she wouldn't just lightly flick us; she'd

punch us!" Kiba joked, trying to convince them.

"Really?" Yukina

blinked, pondering Kiba's words.

"Yes, really," Kiba

reassured her.

"Kiba," Hirohiko called

out.

"Huh?" Kiba turned to

him.

"Does this look like I'm

upset?" Hirohiko asked, attempting an expression.

Kiba almost laughed. It was still

a poker face.

No change at all! How is this

supposed to look upset?

Trying not to laugh, Kiba said,

"Just a bit more... a tiny bit."

Hirohiko tried again, turning his

head slightly.

Still a poker face! Kiba sighed

inwardly. He patted Hirohiko's shoulder. "It's good... But maybe looking

upset doesn't suit you."

Hirohiko seemed visibly shaken by

the comment, his posture turning slightly pale.

Oh no... I meant it nicely! Why is

he so affected?

Before Kiba could comfort

Hirohiko, Uzumaki Kushina's voice echoed angrily. "That old man, the Third

Hokage, I'll pull out his beard!" The infirmary door slammed open, causing

nurses and patients to look over.

It was hard enough dealing with

Minato alone, but now he calls Minato to discuss things!

"Huh? Hirohiko, what's

wrong?" Uzumaki Kushina asked, seeing Hirohiko's distressed look.

"Just now, Kiba..."

Yukina began, but Kiba interrupted quickly, "I won a match and got a

barbecue dinner. Hirohiko won too but didn't get one, so he's shocked!" He

signaled Yukina subtly.

Yukina, understanding, nodded.

"Yes."

"It's just a barbecue meal.

No need to be so upset. Wait a few days, and I'll treat you again."

Uzumaki Kushina said, "Just wait until the teacher gets paid."

For Chunin and above, Konoha

provides a fixed salary, excluding mission rewards. Even Genin receive a

smaller salary, something Kiba hadn't known.

Perfect!

Kiba clenched his fists in joy.

But noticing Hirohiko still pale, he realized they needed to cheer him up. Kiba

patted Hirohiko's shoulder. "Great news, Hirohiko! Sensei agreed to

another barbecue thanks to you!"

Hirohiko, slowly coming back to

himself, nodded at Kiba, who gave a thumbs-up.

Hirohiko returned the nod.

"Thank you, Sensei Kushina."

Uzumaki Kushina looked at them

skeptically. "You two seem to be plotting something..."

She shook her head helplessly. As

long as they grow well and become capable ninja, it's all worth it.

"Meet at the same place

tonight. Tomorrow's meeting time changes to 7 a.m. Be sure to go to bed

early," she instructed.

Kiba, Hirohiko, and Yukina nodded.

"Understood."

Looks like tomorrow will be

another tough day! Kiba thought, seeing Kushina's serious expression.

"Oh, Kiba, is your foot

okay?" Uzumaki Kushina asked.

"It's fine. It won't affect

tomorrow's training," Kiba assured.

"Ah, that's good," she

smiled.

Later that evening...

At Ichiraku Ramen, Uzumaki

Kushina, Minato, Kiba, Hirohiko, and Yukina gathered to celebrate their

victories and reflect on their training. The familiar smell of delicious ramen

filled the air, warming their spirits.

"This ramen never gets

old," Kiba said, slurping up his noodles.

Minato smiled, looking at his

team. "You all did well today. I'm proud of each one of you."

Uzumaki Kushina nodded. "From

tomorrow, the training will be even more rigorous. We can't slack off."

Hirohiko and Yukina nodded in

unison, their determination evident.

Kiba felt a surge of pride and

camaraderie. Despite the challenges, he knew they were growing stronger

together.

As they finished their meals,

Uzumaki Kushina leaned back, content. "Alright, everyone. Get some rest

tonight. Tomorrow, we push harder."

The next day promised intense

training. But for now, they enjoyed the warmth of friendship and the taste of

their favorite ramen.