Naruto: Drinking Makes You Stronger

Konoha Ninja School – Principal's Office

"Teacher, Leo is too tired today. What's the matter?"

Kurenai and Rin had tried calling out to Leo a couple of times, but his sleep was exceptionally deep. They couldn't bear to disturb him, so they asked softly.

When Tanaka heard their words, the corners of his mouth twitched.

Too tired? Today, all Leo did was drink, sleep, and slash Obito in the corner.

Tired from cutting Obito, perhaps?

"Hokage-sama wants to see Leo."

If it were a trivial matter, Tanaka wouldn't have been so persistent. But since it was the Hokage's request, he had no choice.

"H-Hokage-sama?!" Kurenai and Rin exclaimed in unison.

"Yes, but don't worry. It's probably nothing bad," Tanaka reassured them.

Seeing their anxious expressions, he added, "If it were serious, Master Hokage wouldn't ask to see him like this. He seems to have taken a liking to Leo. Even when that teacher was severely injured by Leo, nothing happened to him. So, why would he cause trouble over Obito's minor scratch?"

Kurenai and Rin exchanged glances.

"Alright then…"

They moved with practiced ease, placing Leo's arms over their shoulders to carry him.

Tanaka couldn't help but sigh at their seamless teamwork.

These two didn't even try to wake him up just now!

He led the way to the principal's office, muttering to himself.

---

Principal's Office

"Come in," said the Hokage's calm voice from within.

Kurenai and Rin felt nervous as they entered, carrying Leo. This was the Hokage, the supreme leader of Konoha Village. They had only seen him during the opening ceremony.

"Hokage-sama, Leo is here," Tanaka announced respectfully.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, busy with paperwork, smiled kindly and looked up—only for his expression to freeze.

"Leo! You brat!!!"

---

Leo, awakened by Sarutobi's roar, rubbed his eyes groggily.

"Huh? Who's calling me?"

Sarutobi stared at him, his eyebrow twitching.

"This brat…" Sarutobi muttered, rubbing his temples.

For years, Sarutobi had been keeping an eye on Leo's growth. From his enrollment to the incident of slashing a teacher, Sarutobi had intervened subtly, even using transformation jutsu to warn him about drinking.

This was supposed to be their first official meeting, and Sarutobi wanted to leave a good impression.

But the sight of Leo snoring while being carried by two students shattered that plan.

"Old man, who are you? Why'd you wake me up?" Leo asked, looking around lazily before settling his gaze on the Hokage.

Sarutobi's eye twitched again.

Old man?

At this point, Sarutobi wasn't the elderly Hokage depicted in later years. Though older, he was still in his prime. He'd heard rumors about Leo's sharp tongue, but experiencing it firsthand was something else.

"Leo, this is the Third Hokage! Watch your words!" Tanaka whispered anxiously.

Leo stumbled forward, lowering his arms from Kurenai and Rin's shoulders. He stared at the Hokage for an uncomfortably long moment.

"Hello," Leo finally said, extending his hand.

Sarutobi's face twitched.

This brat stared at me like I'm some kind of exotic animal just to say hello?!

Tanaka quickly intervened, explaining, "H-Hokage-sama, Leo didn't mean any disrespect. He just drank a little too much today."

Hearing that, Sarutobi waved dismissively. "It's fine. Tanaka, Kurenai, Rin—you may leave. I need to speak with Leo alone."

The three nodded and exited, though Kurenai and Rin hesitated briefly, worried about Leo.

---

Once they were gone, Sarutobi introduced himself.

"Leo, I am Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage. I oversee this village."

Leo blinked lazily. "Oh, okay. So, what do you want?"

Sarutobi sighed inwardly. He had prepared a speech about the Will of Fire, a philosophy central to Konoha. He began, "Where the leaves fly, the fire burns on…"

Before he could finish, he heard soft snoring.

Sarutobi looked up and saw Leo asleep—standing upright.

"LEO! WAKE UP!!!"

Sarutobi's roar echoed through the office.

---

If anyone had been outside, they would've witnessed the absurd sight of the Hokage, the most powerful figure in Konoha, glaring at a student who seemed completely unfazed.

Leo yawned and rubbed his eyes again. "Old man, why are you bothering me? Can't you let me sleep?"

Sarutobi pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering to himself.

This brat is going to be the death of me.