Konoha: The Honored One

Gojo adjusted his sunglasses, the slightest smirk tugging at his lips. He looked lazily at Naruto, who was practically vibrating with energy. "Alright, fox brat," Gojo said, voice dripping with mischief, "let's see if you're as ready as you claim."

Naruto grinned wide, his confidence radiating like sunlight. "You bet I am, Gojo-sensei! I'll take on whatever you throw at me. Dattebayo!" He jabbed his thumb into his chest. "I'll get stronger, and when I do, everyone in Konoha will finally recognize me as Hokage!"

Gojo tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Oh, Hokage, huh? Big words for a little shrimp like you. Sure you're ready for this?"

Naruto's grin didn't falter. "Of course, I'm ready! I don't care if it's Sage Mode or whatever crazy training you've got planned—I'll nail it!"

"Really?" Gojo teased, crossing his arms. "And I mean really ready?"

"YES!" Naruto shouted, frustration starting to creep in. "I said I'm ready, didn't I?! What's with all the questions, Gojo-sensei?"

Gojo leaned closer, his tone now mockingly serious. "Because if you're not ready, Naruto-kun, I might just have to—"

Before he could finish, Naruto threw his hands up. "Geez, enough already! Let's just get started!"

Gojo snickered, grabbing Naruto by the collar like a cat carrying a kitten. "Alright then, let's roll." With a dramatic snap of his fingers, the two disappeared in a flash of light.

Watching from a distance, Sasuke Uchiha stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on the empty spot where Naruto had stood seconds ago. His Sharingan flickered faintly, reflecting his growing irritation. If that idiot learns Sage Mode, I can't let him surpass me. I need to focus on my own training… no distractions.

He clenched his fists, his thoughts turning inward. I'll show them all what true power looks like.

Sakura Haruno, sitting nearby, looked up from where she had been carefully practicing chakra control. "Huh? Where did Naruto and Gojo-sensei go?" she asked, her green eyes wide with curiosity.

"Don't bother me with stupid questions," Sasuke snapped, his tone cold and dismissive.

Sakura bristled but kept her temper in check. "I was just asking, Sasuke-kun," she muttered, though a flicker of irritation crossed her face. Why does he always have to be so rude?

She stood up, brushing the dirt from her hands. Suddenly, an idea popped into her mind. If I can impress Sasuke-kun with my skills… maybe he'll stop treating me like I'm useless.

Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and called out, "Sasuke-kun! Let's spar!"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his expression flat. "Tch. You can't be serious, Sakura."

Sakura planted her hands on her hips. "I am serious! What's the matter? Afraid I'll land a punch?"

A smirk tugged at the corner of Sasuke's mouth. "Fine. But don't cry when you lose."

Sakura narrowed her eyes, a flicker of determination shining through. This time, I'm not going to lose. I've trained too hard for that. She assumed a fighting stance, channeling chakra into her fists.

Sasuke's Sharingan spun lazily as he watched her. "Let's get this over with."

He moved first, his speed blinding. Sakura barely had time to react as he appeared behind her, aiming a sharp jab. She ducked just in time, her movements clumsy but effective.

"You're too predictable," Sasuke said, his voice calm and confident.

"Maybe," Sakura shot back, "but I'm not giving up!"

She swung her fist, the chakra-enhanced strike creating a gust of wind that forced Sasuke to step back. He dodged with ease, but his smug expression faltered slightly.

"Hmph. Not bad," Sasuke admitted, his tone begrudging. "But you'll have to do better than that."

He moved again, this time with more force. Sakura tried to keep up, focusing on his movements. Her heart pounded as she dodged another strike, her mind racing. I need to do something unpredictable… something that even his Sharingan can't see coming.

As Sasuke lunged forward, she feinted to the left, making him overextend. In the split second of his misstep, Sakura gathered every ounce of chakra she had into her fist and turned sharply.

"Got you!" she shouted, her voice ringing with triumph.

Her punch connected squarely with Sasuke's chest, sending him flying backward with enough force to shatter the tree he slammed into. The impact echoed through the clearing, leaving a stunned silence in its wake.