Naruto's Exam

Chapter 67: Root Ninja

[“The more prosperous the city is, the more regrets you will feel. Some people should not have left our lives.” Nagato expressed his inner feelings to Naruto: “Your generation has not experienced cruel struggles, and you cannot understand the grief of losing your loved ones... and the anger and hatred that have nowhere to vent.”]

[“In the eternal vortex of conflict, hatred will only grow stronger, while scars will be difficult to heal. This is... the conflict in the city.”]

Audiences in major cinemas around the world: “…”

This was originally the belief that Nagato, as a special character, wanted to convey to Naruto, but now it was conveyed to the entire ninja world and even the whole world in advance!

[“Naruto, you really are like the protagonist in Jiraiya’s book…”

[On the road to pursuing peace, you will inevitably encounter many setbacks.] Nagato coughed slightly, his body showing signs of fatigue. "But if it is you, I believe that one day you will be able to achieve it..."]

In the picture, the huge tree disguised by Konan's paper escape technique turned into flying pieces of white paper.

In the eyes of Uzumaki Naruto who was watching the movie, they were like falling snowflakes...

It seems like...

The memory of the snowfall in the Water Kingdom not long ago.

Haku and Zabuza.

There are also Nagato and Konan in the picture, even Sasuke and his brother, Gaara and the Sand Village.

Everyone is taking action to protect the people who are important to them and making the decision they think is right.

Looking at the sad expressions revealed by the two Xiaonans inside and outside the screen.

Naruto pulled Kakashi, "Teacher Kakashi, why do we still use the excuse of 'protection' to leave them where they are and let them suffer alone, even though we know that those who stay behind will suffer more?"

Zabuza seemed to be touched by Naruto's thoughts. Although he was unhappy, he also said with a little appreciation: "Boy, you seem to have grown up a little."

Kakashi, who was left there by countless people, was perhaps the one who was most eager to know the answer: "I'm sorry, Naruto."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes and tried to smile and comfort Naruto, but he showed a distressing expression: "The teacher doesn't know the answer either, because the teacher has always played the role of 'being left behind'."

Uchiha Obito: "..."

Naruto felt a little disappointed as he didn't get an answer. He looked at the scene where Konan was left behind and took away Nagato and Yahiko's last wish - Pain.

He heard himself in the picture asking Xiaonan:

[“What are you going to do next?”]

[Konan: "Nagato and Yahiko are everything to me. Their dreams have been entrusted to you. Nagato is willing to trust you, and I am willing to give my dreams to you..."]

Suddenly taking on the dreams and hopes of so many people made the watching Genin Naruto feel confused about the future.

Can he really catch up to these dreams?

His understanding of peace is far from enough, and leading the world towards peace is a difficult problem he has not yet solved.

He was even unclear about what the Son of Prophecy was.

Perhaps this confusion is not unique to the 12-year-old Naruto, the 16-year-old Naruto is also confused in the picture, but -

[“The name ‘Naruto’ was given to me by my father and Gosei Sennin. It symbolizes the tenacity of never giving up!”]

[“Moreover, these pains and frustrations are all inherited from my master and senior brothers! They are my beliefs!! I will carry these beliefs and pains with the determination to never give up and find the answers! ”]

The sun shines on Naruto, the boy is still a boy, the burden he carries has not crushed him, but has inspired his growth...

[In the picture, Xiaonan uses paper ninjutsu to condense a bunch of beautiful paper flowers and hands it to Uzumaki Naruto, "You will become the flower of hope that never fades."]

[Naruto respectfully placed the bouquet of flowers and a copy of "The Root Ninja Biography" in front of his teacher's monument...]

Looking at his own monument, Jiraiya touched his face while watching the movie, and suddenly he was filled with passion: "Nagato! Konan!"

Pein and Konan looked up from their grief at Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya…Sensei."

"No matter what, Nagato," Jiraiya said, "you will always be my disciples! Even though our paths are different, you are still my pride!"

Itachi was shocked because her father had said similar things to her.

Jiraiya changed the subject, his expression became serious and scary: "But——"

"If you stray from the right path, like that future, and bring pain to others as the price of peace, as a teacher, I will definitely correct your path myself!!!"

"!!!!" After being surprised, Pein and Konan lowered their heads and whispered "I'm sorry". Then, like Nagato, Pein lowered his head and murmured to himself: "Teacher, Yahiko's departure makes me suffer... It's really painful... I want to end the war so that no one in the world will suffer like us..."

It was as if time had gone back. The kind but not confident boy, with his long bangs covering most of his face, whispered shyly to himself, not caring if anyone could hear him...

"I'm sorry, Nagato. If I had gone to see you guys a few more times, maybe Yahiko wouldn't have..."

"No, it's not Jiraiya's fault," Xiaonan said bitterly, "We were too naive at the time and easily trusted Hanzo of the Salamander, and failed to see through Danzo's conspiracy in time..."

“Danzo?!!”

The audience in Konoha looked at each other in bewilderment, and Jiraiya also had a headache.

"After watching this video, can you tell me in detail what happened back then?"

Nagato murmured his agreement, and everyone's eyes focused on the screen again.

[After paying respect to Jiraiya, Naruto felt exhausted like a tide and was almost too weak to return to Konoha.]

Audiences around the world were heartbroken.

Fortunately, thanks to his efforts, Kakashi, who was resurrected by Nagato, arrived in time and caught Naruto who was about to fall to the ground.

[“Teacher Kakashi…” Naruto in the video was more relaxed when he saw the resurrected Kakashi.]

[Kakashi: "Just rest on my back. It's been a long time since I carried you on my back."]

[When Naruto heard these words, he seemed to return to his 16-year-old self. He leaned his head on Kakashi's shoulder and let the weight of his body press on him.]

In an ordinary urban block, in a movie theater——

"Pfft! You're still acting like a kid."

"He's only 16 years old, what's wrong with being a spoiled brat?"

"Yeah, who would have thought that this young man could save so many people? He is truly a promising young man."

"He had such a miserable life in the village. If it were me, I would have ended up like Payne."

“But now, the child should be recognized by others, right?”

"Um!"

After a few images, even the citizens who had nothing to do with ninjas began to feel happy for Naruto.

[On the screen, Kakashi carried 16-year-old Naruto on his back and lamented that he had grown up. ]

[The screen is full of memories, all of which are the interactions between Kakashi and Team 7. ]

[The 12-year-old boy is like a naughty little fox, making a lot of noise every day, and his tasks are never completed to the satisfaction of others, but he can always provide extraordinary support to others at critical moments.]

It was the 12-year-old Naruto in the memory, who turned to Kakashi awkwardly and complained: "Teacher Kakashi, don't always think about my embarrassing things. Think more about other things, such as me beating up Sasuke, completing an awesome mission, and being promoted to a Chunin or Jonin!"

"Lamb one, I told you that defeating me will be your business in your next life, don't think too much about it now." Sasuke's teasing voice sounded.

"What?! Sasuke that bastard!!"

"But...but, Naruto-kun..."

"Hmm? What is it, Hinata?"

"In the previous Q&A... it seemed that you were a Genin from Konoha, so, so..."

"..."

The Fourth Raikage twisted his face and smiled: "You Konoha are really good. You rely on a Genin to save you at the critical moment."

Ninjas from other villages also chimed in, not missing the opportunity to criticize Konoha.

But they don’t know yet that this world was actually saved by two Genin. What expressions will they have then?

[Looking at the screen, it seems that we are approaching Konoha Village, and we can vaguely hear the lively noise in the distance. ]

[Naruto stared at everything in front of him in a daze, and was put down from Kakashi's back. ]

【“Finally back!!”】

[“I believe you can do it!!”]

[“Ahhh!!! He’s back!! Uzumaki Naruto is back!!”]

Little Naruto looked at the image and asked in confusion: "What's going on?"

On the screen, a shocking scene -

[Dozens of Konoha ninjas maintain order.]

[Tens of thousands of Konoha residents cheered outside.]

The unprecedented grand occasion made the audience excited.

[Kakashi: "Everyone is here to take you home, Naruto."]

"Take me home?" Naruto, who was watching, responded to Kakashi on the screen blankly. No one had ever said 'welcome home' to him, but at this moment, the whole Konoha was welcoming him home.

Naruto was equally excited and full of expectations for his future self. He believed that he would have a better future! After all, Sasuke was still there, as were his mother and brother, and all the partners in the entire ninja village.

On the screen, Kakashi and Iruka, as Naruto's teachers, recalled Naruto's childhood.

[“One day I will become Hokage! And be recognized by everyone!!”]

Among the crowd that rushed forward, in addition to the people who participated in the Battle to Defend Konoha, there were also Naruto's fellow Genin and mentors, who were sitting next to Naruto and watching together.

In this unprecedented scene, Naruto gradually changed, acknowledging his existence earlier than the others, who seemed more silent.

[Hinata tearfully said: "That's great, Naruto-kun."]

She has been secretly following Chen Yang and knows best about his efforts and dedication. She is undoubtedly the best supporter at this moment.

This kind-hearted girl has been supporting the lonely young man who was rejected by the whole city for ten years. Now, she really shed tears for Chen Yang's acceptance by the whole city.

"That's great, Chen Yang, it's really great."

[Slowly walking towards Chen Yang, his teammate Haruno Sakura said with a hint of reproach: "You always do this, you big idiot!"]

[Just as Chen Yang was about to accept the blame, the girl with long cherry-colored hair threw herself into his arms, tears dripping onto his shoulders, and she choked up and said, "Thank you."]

[Kai’s team——]

【Li: "You did it, Chen Yangjun!"】

【Kai: "Oh! This is youth!"】

[Asuma’s team——]

[Shikamaru: "I didn't expect you to save the entire Konoha by yourself. You did it, Chen Yang!"]

【Cingci nodded vigorously beside him. 】

[Ino, one of the female classmates who once disliked Chen Yang, looked at Chen Yang and smiled: "Oh no, it seems that I have fallen in love with him!"]

Chen Yang: “?!!!”

Ino blushed, "What did I say in the video!!! Damn it!!" But he was indeed very handsome... and made me feel safe. I never expected it to be that Uzumaki Chen Yang.

[The Sunset Red Team——]

【Ya: "Chen Yang is such an amazing guy! He is indeed my classmate!"】

【Shino: "But the gap is still huge."】

Kiba pointed at the image and complained to Shino, "You're refutating me at this time?"

[Konohamaru: "Teacher Iruka, let's go and welcome Brother Chen Yang back!"]

Surprisingly, he, who could be said to be one of the most important relatives of Uzumaki Chen Yang, was looking at Chen Yang from afar——

[“No need. I’ll just watch from here.”]

"Teacher Iruka?" Chen Yang, who was watching the video, turned his head to look at Iruka.

At this moment, Iruka was deeply moved by the image and burst into tears.

Ebisu beside Iruka recalled the time when he and other Konoha ninjas made suggestions to the Third Hokage -

It is said that Uzumaki Chen Yang is a fox boy, how can he be allowed to learn ninjutsu and become a ninja!

They even questioned the decision of the Third Hokage.

But in the subsequent events, their views on Xudiao Chen Yang gradually changed.

[“Kakashi’s team actually defeated that demon Zabuza?! I heard that the Nine-Tails kid showed off his power!”]

[“That Nine-Tails actually made it to the finals of the Chunin Exam!”]

[“It can’t be true? It’s so amazing?!”]

[“Hmph! Don’t lose control, fox demon.”]

The candidates who had not yet taken the third exam were stunned.

If they had not seen these images, they would have been shocked, but now it seems that all this is taken for granted.

Xiao Li: "At that time we didn't know Chen Yangjun's true identity!"

Neji: "Well, the son of the Fourth Hokage—"

Before he finished speaking, the memory in the image turned to the scene where he was severely beaten by Uzumaki Chen Yang.

Neji: ……………

Tenten was amazed: "That Neji?! The future Uzumaki Chenyang actually defeated Neji in the Chunin Exam?!!"

[From "The fox demon must not lose control" to the whole audience applauding Chen Yang. ]

This is his power to change people's hearts!

Through his own efforts, Chen Yang has won over partners step by step, won over the whole city, and will win recognition from the whole world in the future!

[Ebisu: "Now, I am also one of the people who recognize Uzumaki Chen Yang!"]

Iruka, who was beside him, was a little shocked, but also thought it was natural.

[Inspiring music plays——]

In the video, Uzumaki Chen Yang suddenly hit Gaara's head with his head!

[“I heard that ‘he’ protected the village from the Sand Ninja’s tailed beast!”]

【"who?"】

【“Whirlpool Chen Yang!”】

[“I heard that Lady Tsunade has agreed to serve as the fifth Hokage. Now everyone can rest assured.”]

【“Thanks to Master Jiraiya and Chen Yang!”】

In the video, the Konohagakure warmly welcomed the returning Fifth Hokage, Jiraiya, and... the Uzumaki Chenyang who was called the Demonic Fox Boy!

Then, the next scene is...

It's the Valley of the End!!!