Konohamaru's Admiration
As soon as Konohamaru shouted, Sasuke's rage came to a screeching halt. His eyes burned red with anger, veins bulging on his forehead.
Naruto, watching from the side, noticed Sasuke's intense frustration. "Stop it, Kankuro," Sasuke commanded, his voice trembling with fury. "You're a disgrace to the village."
Kankuro reluctantly released Konohamaru, who quickly scrambled behind Sasuke for protection. Sasuke glared at the red-haired Gaara, trying to understand the situation.
What does this guy mean? Is he mocking me?
"Thank you, Brother Bo Bing," Konohamaru said gratefully, clutching Sasuke's clothes and speaking with reverence.
Sasuke was caught off guard, unsure of who to confront first. His rage was palpable.
"Relax, Sasuke," Kakashi intervened, stepping in to calm him. "Otherwise, you might end up doing something you'll regret."
Sasuke, still seething, was a hair's breadth away from losing control. If not for Kakashi's intervention, he might have seriously considered turning on everyone present.
Kankuro watched Sasuke's anger with a mix of curiosity and wariness. Gaara, expressionless, gave a brief glance at Naruto before turning away.
"Let's go," Gaara ordered, with Kankuro and Temari following close behind. Before leaving, Gaara coldly addressed Sasuke, "Konoha, Brother Bo Bing… See you at the Chūnin Exam."
Sasuke's anger reached a boiling point. Hearing the nickname from a foreign ninja pushed him over the edge. "I'm going to kill them!" he roared, his body crackling with electricity as he prepared to chase after them.
"Calm down, Sasuke!" Naruto shouted, trying to restrain him. "Sasuke, snap out of it!"
Sasuke, struggling against Naruto and Kakashi's hold, could only watch as the Sunagakure ninjas walked away. His frustration was intense, his cries echoing through the air.
Konohamaru, noticing Naruto's intense reaction, looked up at him with admiration. "Hey, aren't you the famous Konoha yellow hair?"
Naruto was puzzled by the sudden shift in Konohamaru's demeanor. What's with this kid? Why is he calling me that?
Sasuke and Naruto exchanged wary glances. The small child's admiration only added to the surreal situation. Then, without warning, Konohamaru's knees buckled, and he clung to Naruto's leg, crying.
"Brother Naruto!" Konohamaru sobbed. "I admire you so much! If Grandpa hadn't stopped me, I would have played with you. I want to be as strong as you and have everyone admire me!"
Naruto was taken aback by Konohamaru's passionate speech. Though he had been ready to deal with the child harshly, Konohamaru's genuine admiration softened his heart.
"Well, you've got great energy," Naruto said with a smile. "You're Konohamaru, right?"
Konohamaru, tears in his eyes, nodded vigorously. "Yes, that's me!"
Naruto noted Konohamaru's enthusiasm and saw something endearing in the child's determination. "Alright, Konohamaru. I'll be visiting the examination room later. Why don't you wait for me at the eastern woods of the village?"
Konohamaru, wiping his tears, agreed enthusiastically. "Yes, Brother! I'll wait there for you!"
As Konohamaru ran off to the training ground, Kakashi raised a hand, then hesitated and let it fall. He had something to say but decided against it.
Naruto noticed Kakashi's reluctance. "Is something wrong, Kakashi-sensei?"
Kakashi shrugged. "Nothing much. The examination room is in Classroom 301. You can find it on your own. I've got other matters to attend to."
With that, Kakashi turned and walked away, secretly hoping that Konohamaru wouldn't lead Naruto too far astray. He decided it was best to stay out of it and let Naruto handle the situation with Konohamaru on his own.