"Most importantly, Brother Morkel looks super handsome with his red hair."
"Really? I saw Brother Morkel from a distance once, and his handsomeness is rare in the ninja world!"
"I heard that Uchiha Sasuke is also quite good-looking. I wonder who's more handsome—him or Senior Brother Morkel?"
"Don't bring up that traitor right now..."
Amid the noisy chatter, Tsunade waved her hand.
"Quiet!"
"You're here to learn medical ninjutsu, not to debate which man in the village is the most handsome!"
After saying that, Tsunade walked to the end of the line, addressing the group of medical ninjas-in-training.
"Watch carefully and study hard. You should aim to reach his level, so work hard!"
She patted Ino, who stood at the back of the new medical ninjas, offering her some encouragement.
"I know, my hands are flat," Ino replied, nodding with eyes full of admiration.
"I heard he's coming back in the next few days. Is that true?"
Tsunade nodded. "Yes, Jiraiya sent a letter two days ago saying they'll return this week."
"Then you have to dress up nicely," Tsunade teased.
Ino blushed and lowered her head. "Tsunade-sama, you're making fun of me again."
Tsunade's playful expression turned serious. "I'm not joking. That kid hasn't been in the village for almost three years, but the talk about him never stops. Many kunoichi consider him their dream guy."
Ino remained silent, her fingers reaching for the pendant hanging on her chest—a Grayl Stone that Morkel had given her three years ago.
Tsunade smirked, pointing at Ino's chest. "See? You have an advantage over the others."
At Kakashi's House
Kakashi lay on his bed, flipping through Jiraiya-sama's famous novel Icha Icha Paradise.
After a while, he sighed in frustration.
"I've read this book over twenty times!"
"Why hasn't Jiraiya-sama written a sequel yet?"
He glanced at the ceiling, deep in thought.
"Those two brats, Morkel and Naruto, have been following him for three years. They must've delayed his writing progress!"
Then, a thought struck him.
"Jiraiya-sama should be back soon… I'll ask him in person!"
Might Guy's Training Ground
Xiao Li, fully recovered from his previous injuries, was sweating profusely as he trained on the field.
Nearby, Neji sat casually, chewing on a piece of grass.
"Lee, I heard Morkel is coming back in the next few days," Neji said offhandedly.
Xiao Li froze mid-push-up, then immediately sped up his pace.
Neji raised an eyebrow. "I just mentioned his return… Why are you training harder?"
Xiao Li wiped sweat from his brow with one hand.
"He was already incredibly strong three years ago. Who knows how powerful he is now? I need to keep up!"
Neji smiled knowingly. "I've been called a genius since childhood, but compared to Morkel, that title feels exaggerated."
Tenten joined in, nodding. "Yeah, next to him, everyone else pales in comparison."
Kurenai's Team
Two years ago, Kurenai had suffered a humiliating defeat at Morkel's hands when he trapped her in an unfinished genjutsu. Since then, she had dedicated herself entirely to training, determined never to experience such embarrassment again.
"Sensei is training harder than we are," Kiba remarked.
Shino adjusted his glasses. "Ever since Morkel used that genjutsu on her, she's been obsessed with improving her skills."
Kiba smirked. "I heard she's been so focused on training that she barely has time for Asuma. Poor guy must hate Morkel by now."
Hinata, listening quietly, suddenly spoke up. "I heard that Morkel and Naruto will be back soon. Is that true?"
Kiba nodded. "Yeah, it's about time."
Hinata's face lit up slightly. "Naruto..."
At that moment, Akamaru, now a massive dog, perked up and barked excitedly.
Kiba's eyes widened. "Akamaru, did you really catch his scent?"
Akamaru barked again in confirmation.
Kiba turned to the others. "Akamaru says he smells Morkel and Naruto!"
Back in Konoha
After almost three years away, Morkel and Naruto walked through the village, their eyes filled with nostalgia.
"The village has changed a lot," Morkel observed.
Naruto nodded. "Yeah! Ichiraku Ramen even got renovated!"
Then, they both turned to Jiraiya.
"Perverted Sage, treat us to ramen!" Naruto grinned.
Jiraiya chuckled. "Sure! Eat as much as you want! My generosity knows no bounds!"
Naruto scoffed. "Yeah, right. Morkel paid for most of our expenses these past three years."
Jiraiya scowled. "Brat! Are you badmouthing me behind my back?!"
Inside Ichiraku Ramen
As they ate, Uncle Ichiraku's daughter kept stealing glances at Morkel's flowing red hair, blushing.
"Whose handsome young man is this?" she whispered to herself.
Uncle Ichiraku sighed. "That's Morkel. You don't recognize him?"
She stared in shock before her expression turned even more enchanted.
Meanwhile, Naruto frowned. "Why does every girl say he's handsome? I don't see anything special."
He grabbed Morkel's face, examining him from different angles.
"Hey! Get off me!" Morkel swatted him away. "You just lack good taste!"
After finishing their ramen, they left the shop, waving goodbye.
At the Training Ground
As soon as they arrived, a group of familiar faces surrounded Morkel.
Kiba smirked. "It's been three years. You've changed a lot."
Tenten blushed. "Morkel, you've become so handsome."
Ino, sensing competition, narrowed her eyes. "You fall for every good-looking guy you see, huh?"
Tenten shook her head. "No way! I only say this about Morkel!"
Xiao Li observed him carefully. "You've gotten taller… I wonder how much stronger you are now."
Neji nodded. "We'd like to find out. How about a sparring match?"
Morkel grinned. "Alright."
Kiba suggested, "One-on-one duels?"
Morkel agreed, but as soon as the match started, he found himself facing not one, but seven opponents—including Naruto.
"Wait… didn't you say one-on-one?!"
Naruto smirked. "Yeah. We'll fight you one at a time!"
Morkel sighed. "You're just looking for revenge after all those beatings over the years, huh?"
Naruto grinned. "Bingo!"
"But," he added, "you can't use Wood Style, Ice Release, or Flying Thunder God."
Morkel chuckled. "Fine. I'll grant your wish."
The battle began.
Before anyone could react, Morkel's Sharingan activated.
A sudden shift in reality trapped everyone in an illusion—Distinguished Heavenly Gods: Shining!
A blinding golden sun hung in the sky, radiating overwhelming light. The intense brightness crushed their spirits, forcing them to their knees.
The illusion lifted.
Everyone gasped for air.
Naruto scowled. "Seriously?! How did this turn into a one-sided massacre?!"
Neji shivered. "I didn't even last a single move."
Xiao Li clenched his fists. "I want a real fight!"
Shikamaru sighed. "What a drag…"
He activated Shadow Possession Jutsu, successfully binding Morkel.
But Morkel smirked.
"You've got my shadow… but not my eyes."
Suddenly, a green skeletal aura wrapped around him—Susanoo!
At the entrance, Kakashi stood frozen in shock.
"That's… one-eyed Susanoo?!"
Even in its skeletal form, it was an outrageous display of power.
All of Konoha stood petrified, witnessing the overwhelming strength of Morkel.