Happy New Year, everyone!
From Rock Lee and all of us...
Let's have another great year!
A New Year's Escape Clause
Now then, the best part of a kid's New Year's is always the cash presents!
But what about the adults?
What's wrong, Lady Tsunade?
Well...
I lost big in my traditional year-end game night with some friends.
Nailed it!
Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi. I have a full Team Kakashi house!
I'm doomed!
Nothing left in my wallet but moths.
This happens every year...
H-Hide!
How much did you get, Bushy-Brows?
Actually, I'm not sure why, but...
Happy New Year, Guy Sensei!
Sorry, kids! My son, Guy, isn't home right now!
I'm a bit too old and sick to be going out on my own!
You don't wanna catch this!
So I haven't gotten my present yet.
Super Eyebrows Sensei, too?
Kakashi Sensei and the old man at Ichiraku are gone, too!
It seems a bit too convenient that all of them are busy somewhere else.
I'll go one step further and say they're clearly avoiding us.
It's definitely much too quiet considering it's New Year's.
For now, we'll just have to keep our...
...fingers crossed that the adults come back soon,
and that they've got our money.
Argh!
Don't they realize that their Hokage's constantly on the brink of financial ruin?
I wouldn't call losing a few games financial ruin...
If I have to give them cash presents, the economy will collapse!
The only thing collapsing is your faulty logic, Lady Tsunade.
And even if I were honest...
You can't get us presents because you're strapped for cash?
What a cop out!
Oldest excuse in the book.
You're the Hokage. Get your priorities straight!
Doomed! My reputation as the Hokage is doomed!
Excuse me, Lady Tsunade?
Oh no, it's Lee.
He's here to shake me down.
Shizune, make something up, get them out of here!
Seriously?
Happy New Year!
H-Happy New Year...
Is Lady Tsunade in?
N-No, I'm afraid she's out of the office.
Her, too?
It's like all the adults vanished into thin air.
What a pity.
And after all the trouble we went through planning the party.
Party?
Yes, we thought the village was a bit too quiet,
so we wanted to throw a party and get people in the holiday spirit.
But we also knew a regular party wouldn't be
enough to get everyone to come.
So as the main attraction,
we've created the "Ultra-Serious Game of Life!"
Ultra-Serious Game of Life?
We wanted to get Lady Tsunade's permission,
but if she's not here...
I suppose we'll have to cancel it.
I liked the idea of a "Get out of presents free" card for first place...
That's brilliant!
Everyone in the village will be ecstatic!
She approves!
It's so obvious she just wants the "Get out of presents free" card!
Start setting things up! I can't wait for this shindig!
Right!
Are you sure about this, Lady Tsunade?
Now I can keep my cash without tarnishing my reputation.
What a wonderful idea.
And what a wonderful attitude...
That reminds me, everyone else is in hiding, right?
Yes, I'm not sure how we can have a big party without them...
That's why you need to play, too, Shizune.
I want you working behind the scenes to help me out.
Huh? If you insist...
This game...
...is in the bag!
It's supposed to be a big event,
but will anyone show up on New Year's?
They did!
All these pathetic people were lured in just...
...for a chance at getting out of giving presents!
It's time to begin the first annual "Mega Ultra-Serious Game of Life!"
We've got a wonderful crowd of pure-hearted adults competing today.
As a result, we've modified the Game of Life to be more age appropriate.
On color commentary is Ten Straightman.
I'm not the straight man!
Anyway, this is going to be more like a war,
considering the age of the competitors and the contents of the game.
Lee, this was a fantastic idea!
I did have plans, but I couldn't abandon my brilliant pupil!
What a liar. All he cares about is winning first prize.
Ah, so if we win, we don't have to give the kids presents?
I had no idea.
You liar! Don't try to fool us!
I didn't expect them to show up...
Clearly not...
Ready, start!
First up is Teuchi! He rolls the die!
Ayame? What're you...
There's someone I want to introduce you to, Dad...
It's New Year's. Who could you possibly—
You wouldn't even consider it if it were any other day!
Y-You stupid girl.
You're supposed to spend the day with your family!
I don't wanna meet some guy I don't know from a bum on the street!
Bum on the street...
You jerk!
Teuchi has a fight with his daughter on New Year's!
He loses a turn!
This is what "Ultra-Serious Game of Life" means?!
Now's my chance.
Wh-What're you guys doing here?
Kakashi Sensei...
I'd never have accomplished as much as I have without your help.
New Year's is one of the few times...
...we can take a moment to tell you how grateful we are.
Y-You guys...
Receive words of thanks for your students! Roll again!
Sorry, Guy, I'm leaving you behind!
Wh-Who're—
Mr. Kakashi, why don't you date my niece?
She's such a sweet girl!
I, um... Sorry, ma'am...
Why am I still doing this?!
Oh no!
That classic scenario where you're accosted by a nosy spinster neighbor...
...on the way back to your house!
Kakashi loses a turn!
Since when is that a classic scenario?
Finally, my turn!
My dream?
My dream is to turn my student into a splendid ninja...
No more beer...
Guy Sensei drinks way too much at a party with his friends,
doesn't make it home for New Year's, and loses three turns.
That has to hurt.
Guy Sensei's whole existence is painful!
I have to win at all costs!
Maybe you're old enough that you don't care about marriage anymore,
but your mom's almost eighty.
Won't you at least think about a woman's happiness one more time?
Oh, the pain of regret!
Get lectured by one's parents on the meaning of happiness,
lose four turns!
The themes are getting way too heavy!
Dad, this is my boyfriend.
He doesn't have a job,
but he's aiming to get into a visual kei band!
Better for a man to chase his dreams...
...than be bogged down behind a desk, right, Dad?
Don't you dare call me "Dad," you slacker!
It's pure carnage over here!
Lose five turns!
They're still at it?!
Only Yamato has made it through the area unscathed.
This will be a sight to behold!
Will we finally hear his voice in a victory interview?
No speaking this year either. (The Producer)
That's a sound, not a sight!
Uh oh, it's the powers that be.
The powers that be have decided Yamato will have...
...no speaking parts for another year!
The shock is so great that he's eliminated outright!
It's not even the Game of Life anymore...
Who will emerge from the chaos?
Kakashi? Guy Sensei? Teuchi?
Out in front, and ignoring her parents' urgings...
...to marry despite her age, it's Lady Tsunade!
Stop it! We don't need that kind of analysis!
I don't care!
Even if I'm hurt, even if I'll never find true happiness,
I will overcome the challenge before me right now!
Put on expensive makeup given to you by...
...an underling who went on vacation, advance three spaces!
Get winning numbers from an underling's New Year's card,
advance three spaces!
Go, Lady Tsunade!
You can do it, Lady Tsunade!
Almost there!
That's right...
I'd forgotten what wonderful girls my subordinates are.
And here I am trying to avoid giving them gifts...
Still...
I'm sorry, everyone.
Lady Tsunade closes in on the goal!
"Come to realize how grateful you are for the support...
...of your students and subordinates.
Trade places with the person in... last place"?
Shizune wins in spectacular fashion!
Her prize is the coveted "Get out of presents free" card!
S-Sorry, Lady Tsunade...
And so, the adults learned there's...
...no getting out of giving kids their New Year's money.
As the New Year approaches,
we resolve to better ourselves,
and in doing so, feel better about ourselves.
Take Sakura on a date to Shinobiland
No!
It's a new year. Stop fighting already!
We're supposed to be getting a fresh start!
Fish for sea bream on the channel with Naruto
But someone looks rather uneasy.
Naruto Under Surveillance!
Looking at Lady Hinata's behavior...
It's clear that even in this new year she's got Naruto on her mind.
Naruto's a good guy.
There's no denying his ability and he's got guts.
But still!
He isn't even a chuunin yet!
Plus he's a klutz.
And the biggest problem of all,
Naruto's publicly declared that he likes Sakura.
I really like you!
If somehow, against all odds,
Lady Hinata were to start going out with Naruto,
he would become Naruto Hyuga.
As the head of the Hyuga clan,
Hinata couldn't possibly change her name—
Stop that!
No love, no money, no prestige, no way!
No matter how nice a guy he is,
I couldn't leave the Hyuga estate in his hands!
Or can I?
Why so serious?
Ah, Miss Ayame from Ichiraku Ramen...
Already got problems this year?
It's not a problem... yet.
Oh yeah, in the Game of Life...
Dad, this is my boyfriend.
He doesn't have a job,
but he's aiming to get into a visual kei band!
Better for a man to chase his dreams...
...than be bogged down behind a desk, right, Dad?
Let me ask her.
Um...
Let's say you had someone you wanted to marry.
Huh? Where'd that come from?
And let's say your dad objected like in the Game of Life. What would you feel—
Infuriated.
I'd loathe him for it.
Loathe!!
What's the matter?
Nothing. Just felt like I got pierced by an arrow...
Wait a second.
Does that mean when I stepped in thinking I was in the right...
I'm infuriated.
I loathe you for this.
That was how she felt?!
What would he have to do to make you not loathe him?
I'm talking about Mr. Teuchi, of course...
Well, that's easy.
Just have faith in me,
and accept whomever I ended up bringing home.
But what if the person you chose was...
...lacking in certain areas?
Nobody's perfect, right?
And everyone's got their good points.
If he manages to find those good points and accept him,
everyone will be happy!
Find the good points and accept them...
Cawppy New Year, Cawppy New Year...
Let's kick off the new year with some team-building sports!
Who's up for some badminton?
Sakura, be my partner!
Back off, Bushy-Brows, she's with me!
I'll sit this one out.
Fine, I guess I'm stuck with Neji or Tenten.
What do you mean, stuck?!
Hmm, who should I play with then...
Um...
Well, um... N-Naruto—
Hold it, Naruto!
You will be my badminton partner, Naruto!
Neji?
Why Naruto?
Yeah, what gives?
It doesn't matter what gives. You are playing with me!
Fine, whatever you say!
Now drop that stance!
If I partner with Naruto...
You okay, Neji?
Sorry...
Maybe I can find some of his good points.
Here goes, Naruto, Neji!
Naruto, keep at it!
Hmm, I can see how Naruto can be appealing in situations like this...
It's like how the fast kids are always popular in grade school.
But fast or not, he's not Usain Bolt.
And speed's not enough to convince me to leave the Hyuga estate in his care.
Well, good morning, Neji!
Maybe now that you're awake you can cover me!
Don't cop an attitude with me!
If this jerk marries Lady Hinata...
I told you to wake me up if I sleep in!
I'm so sorry, dear...
He'll start bullying her for sure!
No matter how much she may loathe me for it,
I'm going to have to object to their marriage.
Neji, do you even want to play or what?!
Cool your jets, Naruto.
It's just badminton.
That's right. It's just badminton.
I can't accurately gauge Naruto's good points with this simple game.
Yeah, Naruto, play nice.
Play nice?
Play rice...
That's it!
Mochi!
Why are we making mochi now?
You can't get any more traditional than mochi.
This'll really make it feel like New Year's!
Yeah, good idea!
Naruto, would you—
Naruto, be my partner.
Seriously, why me?
Making mochi.
This should give me a chance to find his good points.
You okay, Neji?
Yeah, ready when you are.
Get in sync with me, Neji!
Get in sync with you?!
If he started dating Lady Hinata...
W-Wait, Naruto—
Slowpoke.
Keep up already.
He'll turn his back on her!
Perhaps I really should object, even if she loathes me for it?
You move too fast, Naruto.
It takes two to get in sync.
It takes two...
Yeah, that's it!
Leaf New Year's Party
Why're we having another party?
To make it feel even more like New Year's!
Yeah, good idea!
N-Naruto, would you like a drink?
Naruto! Help me entertain!
Again, why me?
If the two of us can work together like this, I'm sure I'll find—
Knock it off!
What?!
Every step of the way, it's just like I thought!
I won't accept anything more than platonic friendship!
What's with you today, Neji?
Everything so far has been your idea.
Why do you keep getting mad?
Did he say platonic friendship?
Wait... Does Neji...
I don't get it!
What if the daughter's boyfriend doesn't have a single redeeming quality?!
Well, maybe not to a father.
But I wouldn't give up.
I'd train my man until my dad accepted him.
Train, huh?
Naruto!
N-Neji?
What's with the outfit?
I don't like it any more than you do.
But it's for Lady Hinata... and the Hyuga clan!
Go!
Hey, wait—
Follow me, Naruto. I'll whip you into shape.
You fool!
You say, "Good morning, honey! I love you!" every time you wake up!
Always hold hands in a crowd!
The man should pay for food!
It's just common sense!
Don't you faint on me.
We're not done!
Please, stop!
Lady Hinata?
I never knew, Neji.
I'm sorry, but, Lady Hinata, this is all—
I know.
You wanted to get closer to Naruto, too!
Huh?
I understand why you couldn't tell me.
But I'll show you.
I'll get closer to him than you could ever dream of!
I won't lose.
Huh?!
And so, Neji learned early in the year not...
...to stick his neck in other people's love lives.
An Endless Nightmare A Creation from the Future!
Next week is "An Endless Nightmare"
and "A Creation from the Future!"
Neji, I've come to a conclusion.
Lady Hinata? What is it?
You and I should compete fair and square.
Shall we agree to refrain from any underhanded tactics?
No really, you've got it all wrong—
Please, sign this contract!
Before I decide to turn against you!
A-All right...
Talk about an endless nightmare...