NARUTO: GOD LEVEL FORGING SYSTEM

"Oh? Your teacher?" Tsunade glanced at Might Guy up and down before explaining, "Why am I here…? I'll be staying at Kazuki's place while I'm in Konoha. Does that answer satisfy you?"

Might Guy's mouth dropped open in shock, his trademark white teeth gleaming.

At the same time, he turned to Kazuki in disbelief.

This kid… has such a good relationship with Tsunade-sama?!

"Tsunade-sama, did you need me for something?"

Ignoring Might Guy, Kazuki turned to look at Tsunade.

Tsunade gave Might Guy a glance.

Might Guy immediately got the message and said, "I'll step aside!"

"Forget it. No need to leave. It's not that big of a deal," Tsunade replied, shaking her head.

She then crossed her arms and continued, "I was going to talk to you after your gathering, but judging by the way things are going, you'll probably be drinking all night. So, I came to find you now."

Kazuki tilted his head slightly, listening.

"The transfer order has been officially issued. You're now officially promoted to Captain of the Anbu."

She paused before adding, "Also, Old Man Sarutobi asked me to inform you that since you were an outstanding graduate of the Academy, he wants you to return and give a speech to inspire the younger generation. Encourage the future of Konoha, or something like that."

"An… Anbu… Captain?!" Might Guy's eyes widened in shock.

Being an Anbu squad leader was one thing—it still placed him and Kazuki on somewhat equal footing.

But Captain of the Anbu…

That position was even higher than his own as a jōnin!

Of course, rank didn't always equal strength, but for someone this young to not only have such power but also be placed in Konoha's Anbu leadership…

This student of his, Kazuki, was truly extraordinary!

How long had it been since he surpassed him as a teacher?

The next generation was really something else!

Might Guy felt a surge of emotions, but more than anything, he was proud of his talented disciple.

"Kazuki, congratulations!" he said with a big thumbs-up.

"Wow! Big Brother Kazuki, you're amazing!" Rock Lee chimed in enthusiastically.

Hyūga Neji, always composed, gave a small nod. "Congratulations."

"Well, that's all I came to say. Enjoy your drinks—I'm heading back to sleep," Tsunade said with a wave, leaving the group.

"Brother, didn't you hear me?"

"Brother, why won't you get up?"

Tenten stepped into Kazuki's room.

There, she found her brother fast asleep, his breathing slow and steady.

For a moment, she hesitated, then tiptoed closer.

Half of his face was exposed beneath the blanket—sharp features, fair skin, long dark eyelashes that cast faint shadows.

Tsk, tsk.

Brother… he's really getting more handsome as he grows older!

Tenten found herself thinking, If I ever get a boyfriend in the future, he has to be at least a little more handsome than my brother… right?

Otherwise, growing up alongside him, constantly exposed to this level of handsomeness every day… would she even be able to accept someone who wasn't up to par?

Wait… now that she thought about it—

She had never met anyone more handsome than her brother!

Even Hyūga Neji, who was considered the heartthrob of their class, only looked okay to her. Compared to her brother? Not even close!

Oh no!

Tenten covered her face with her hands, realizing in horror—

What if I can't get married because my brother has raised my standards too high?!

If that happened, then it would be his responsibility!

…But then again—

If she never got married and just continued living with her brother forever…

That wouldn't be so bad either.

Even if he got a wife, she'd definitely get along well with her sister-in-law.

Yeah… that could work.

Tenten's sister-in-law considerations… She thought that the eldest daughter of the Hyuga Clan, Hinata Hyuga, wasn't bad at all!

Born into a prestigious family as the daughter of the clan leader, she held a noble status. Yet, unlike what one might expect from someone of her position, she never looked down on others.

If anything, she was even more approachable than Neji Hyuga, who came from the branch family. To Tenten, Hinata was simply the perfect candidate for a sister-in-law!

As for her master, Tsunade…

No doubt, Tsunade was incredibly strong, had a striking appearance, and a figure that many admired. However… she was also much older and had a terrifying temper.

Nope. Absolutely not!

And then there was that other blonde girl who sent flowers every week…

She was pretty and had a cheerful personality, but she always seemed a little… obsessed?

Emmmm… She'd put her in the "consideration" category for now.

As Tenten was lost in thought, a face suddenly loomed in front of her.

"Ah!"

Startled, she instinctively stumbled backward.

However, the person in front of her was quick to react, catching her effortlessly.

"Brother, why are you scaring me?!" Tenten huffed, realizing it was her older brother, Kazuki.

"I should be asking you that…" Kazuki frowned. "You—why are you sitting by my bed early in the morning, giggling to yourself? What are you up to?"

"Giggling? No way I—"

Tenten quickly touched her face.

Only then did she realize… she had been grinning to herself.

So embarrassing!

She absolutely could not admit she had been thinking about her future sister-in-law!

"Ahem… Uh… I came to find you for something important!" Tenten quickly redirected the conversation, searching for a distraction.

After all, she did have a legitimate reason for being here.

"What is it?"

"Brother, don't tell me you forgot—Lady Hokage asked you to give a speech to the new graduates today as an outstanding alumnus!" Tenten said, her expression exasperated.

"…Huh? That was today?" Kazuki blinked in genuine surprise.

"…"

Tenten facepalmed.

"Brother… did you really forget something this important? This is an opportunity that so many people dream of!"

Tenten couldn't understand her brother sometimes.

He was oddly selective about what he cared about. He noticed the tiniest details others missed but completely brushed off major achievements like this.

Being chosen as a guest speaker at the academy was an honor that would make most people ecstatic. Some might even lose sleep over the excitement!

But Kazuki… would have forgotten it entirely if she hadn't reminded him.

It was the same when he was accepted into the ANBU and even when he was promoted to ANBU captain. Their family had celebrated for an entire week, but he had acted like it was nothing.

Yet, despite his indifference toward his own accomplishments, he always seemed attuned to other people's struggles.

For example:

The way he encouraged Lee when they first met, helping him overcome his insecurities.

The way he tempered Neji's arrogance.

The way he recognized Hinata's struggles and subtly helped her build confidence.

In that sense, he was far more mature and perceptive than most people their age.

"…Oh, right. Tsunade did mention that yesterday." Kazuki finally nodded, getting out of bed. "Thanks for the reminder. I really would've forgotten."

He got up, washed up, changed into a fresh outfit, said goodbye to Tenten, and left the house.

However, instead of heading straight to the academy, he took a detour to an apartment complex.

This area looked more modern than most buildings in Konoha, constructed mainly from reinforced concrete. It reminded Kazuki a little of the structures from his past life. However, compared to the single-family homes in the village, these apartments were much more affordable. The people who lived here weren't wealthy.

Kazuki walked up to the second floor and knocked on one of the doors.

A moment later, the door swung open to reveal a familiar face.

"Big Brother Kazuki? What are you doing here?"

Naruto's bright, surprised voice greeted him.

Kazuki's gaze immediately landed on the steaming cup of instant ramen in Naruto's hands.

"You're eating this for breakfast?" He frowned.

"I—uh—"

"Didn't I lend you some money before?" Kazuki sighed. "Why aren't you using it to get a proper breakfast? I told you, you don't have to rush to pay me back."

"And today is your graduation exam. Shouldn't you eat something nutritious? What if you get a stomachache in the middle of the test?"

In the original timeline, Naruto had struggled with money. To save on expenses, he often ate instant ramen and even drank expired milk—resulting in stomachaches during his graduation exam.

It wasn't until he officially became a ninja and started earning his own commissions that his living situation improved.

Kazuki had wanted to help for a long time, but he knew Naruto was stubborn about these things.

Naruto had too much pride to simply accept financial help. He didn't mind being treated to a meal once in a while, but outright handouts? No way. Even if he was struggling, he would refuse them.

Even now, he still acted like instant noodles were the best thing ever.

Kazuki understood. It was fragile self-esteem—something Naruto hid beneath his bright, carefree facade.

That was why Kazuki didn't force the issue.

Instead, he found another way…

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