Chapter 2 Red eyes vs Red eyes.
Author's note: I'm currently trying out different writing styles, during this fanfic, the first three chapters are going to be mainly time skips. I'm going to practice putting more dialogue into my work. Please send me a message or review on what I need to improve on. Sorry I forgot to add this in the first chapter.
As four years slipped away, Naruto's journey across the desert was marked by determination and relentless effort. Despite the harsh conditions and the unforgiving sun beating down on him, he persevered, driven by an unyielding resolve to grow stronger and acquire new skills.
Mastering the Flying Raijin technique opened up new horizons for Naruto, allowing him to traverse vast distances with ease. With the aid of his clones, he scoured every corner of the nations, expanding his knowledge and understanding of the world around him.
In addition to the Flying Raijin, Naruto honed his skills in various other jutsu, including substitution, body flicker, and transformation techniques. His studies of fuinjutsu enabled him to create barriers with paper seals and delve into basic sealing jutsu, enhancing his combat capabilities.
Exploring the elemental forces of fire, earth, lightning, and wind release, Naruto broadened his arsenal of techniques, mastering the manipulation of nature's elements. The acquisition of the Dance of the Shinigami further enriched his abilities, empowering him to create chakra talismans and paper weapons with deadly precision.
Venturing into the realm of bounty hunting, Naruto turned his skills towards capturing low-level criminals, earning his keep through his efforts. He also delved into the secrets of the Uzumaki clan jutsu, drawing from the incomplete scroll to unlock new powers.
Beyond the realm of jutsu, Naruto cultivated practical skills such as blacksmithing, construction work, and tailoring, ensuring his self-sufficiency in the face of adversity. Recognizing the importance of knowledge, he dispatched clones to gather books and expand his repertoire, determined to rely solely on himself and his own abilities.
As he continued his journey, Naruto remained steadfast in his pursuit of strength and self-improvement, determined to carve out his own path in the world. With each step forward, he grew ever closer to realizing his full potential and becoming the ninja he was destined to be.
Naruto's head rocked from side to side, the weight of the rocks tied to his body making each step a monumental effort. Every movement sent waves of fatigue through his muscles, and his breath came in ragged gasps. He trudged on, determined in his eyes despite the visible strain.
Finally, as his feet found solid ground, Naruto collapsed, his body unable to bear the weight any longer. He reached for a kunai, mustering the last of his strength to throw it at a nearby tree before teleporting to its shade, leaving the weights behind.
With his back against the tree, Naruto felt the rough bark against his skin, grounding him in reality. He was too exhausted to move, too tired even to open his eyes fully. The cold breeze brushed against his face, offering a brief moment of relief.
"I never thought my host would be this weak. Come on, you still have enough in the tank to go a little bit further." Kurama's voice taunted in his mind, cutting through the haze of fatigue. Naruto's pout deepened, and he crossed his arms in defiance.
"Shut up, furball. My body is already at its limit. I need to rest." Naruto retorted, weariness evident in his voice as exhaustion washed over him. Kurama clicked his tongue in irritation, observing the boy's physical condition with disdain. Naruto's body, enhanced by rigorous training and the Nine-Tails' supernatural strength, stood leagues apart from that of an ordinary boy his age.
Kurama couldn't help but compare Naruto's strength to that of his previous host, who could match his own physical prowess and even bind him with chakra chains on the brink of death. As Kurama mulled over Naruto's apparent weakness, a realization began to dawn on him - perhaps Naruto's lack of maturity was the root cause.
"What's taking you so long to grow up?" Kurama's voice dripped with impatience as he tapped his finger on the ground. Naruto clenched his fists, teeth gritted in frustration.
"Furball, I can't grow up faster. You'll have to be patient!" Naruto shot back, his voice tinged with defiance. Kurama grumbled to himself, finding Naruto's excuse pathetic.
"Then you need to train harder, so I don't have to wait as long." Kurama retorted, refusing to yield in the argument. Naruto stood up, his face contorted in anger, veins pulsating on his forehead. It felt like he was talking to a brick wall.
"Give me suggestions on how to get stronger, or quit your whining." Naruto shot back, determination fueling his words. He was not about to concede defeat in this argument. Kurama emitted a low growl in response.
Kurama pondered for a moment, considering his response to the boy's eagerness. His thoughts churned, contemplating how to guide Naruto without succumbing to his own frustrations. Finally, he spoke, his voice laced with gruffness. "Focus on learning more Jutsu and nature releases." he suggested, his tone reflecting his irritation at Naruto's persistent questioning.
Naruto, undeterred by Kurama's demeanor, shot back with a smug grin. "Already doing that, furball. I have a hundred clones working on nature-releases and another hundred working on the scrolls. Learning more of my clan's Jutsu," he boasted, reveling in his perceived victory over the demon fox.
Kurama's temper flared at Naruto's audacity.
"Fine, taijutsu. Let's put that body to work." he sneered, his patience wearing thin as Naruto continued to challenge him.
But Naruto wasn't about to back down
. "How about no." he retorted sharply, his defiance fueling Kurama's growing rage. The demon longed to unleash his fury, his frustration mounting as Naruto ignored his anger.
"What did you say, brat?" Kurama questioned, his voice dripping with fury as Naruto's disregard for his warnings grated on his nerves.
Naruto remained unfazed, his resolve unshaken.
"I've been training for the last four years, and what have you been doing? Oh yeah, nothing. I mean, I've been summoning paper clones to beat up bandits for money. Come on, let's go explore somewhere. I think a change of scenery would be nice for us." Naruto suggested, his eagerness to escape Kurama's grip evident in his tone.
Kurama's patience snapped at Naruto's persistence.
"I think that's an idiotic idea. What if an enemy village finds out you're the nine-tails host? Do you know what they'll do to you? They'll most likely enslave you, stripping away whatever little freedom you have. And if you're lucky, they'll kill you on sight just to weaken Konoha. The next time you have an idiotic suggestion, keep it to yourself." Kurama exploded, his words laced with a calculated venom aimed to cut Naruto deep.
Naruto winced at Kurama's harsh words, feeling the sting of each syllable like a physical blow. Clenching his fists, he struggled to maintain his composure as Kurama's anger boiled over.
"I see... there's no point in talking to you anymore." Naruto muttered, his voice tinged with disappointment. Kurama scoffed dismissively, refusing to offer any comfort to the troubled boy.
As Naruto grappled with his emotions, he found solace in one thing—his determination to persevere. "Hey... Fox... what did you do before you got sealed, and before you hated humans?" he asked, his curiosity driving him to seek a deeper understanding of Kurama's past.
Kurama froze at Naruto's question, his mind flooded with memories of a painful past that still haunted him, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. As the images flashed before his eyes, Naruto could sense the churning emotions within Kurama, feeling the overwhelming surge of the fox's chakra coursing through his body.
"I'll tell you why. I hate humans. They're nothing but disgusting monsters who took everything from me." Kurama's voice was laced with a cold anger, each word heavy with the weight of his past grievances.
"They destroyed my clan, they took away my pups just to use me for their own benefit, spitting on my father's dream." He continued, his tone devoid of shouts but brimming with bitterness and resentment. Naruto could empathize with Kurama's pain, feeling the echoes of loss and loneliness reverberating through their shared consciousness. Seating himself against a nearby tree, Naruto rested his head against its trunk, gazing up at the rustling leaves overhead.
"Thank you for sharing." Naruto spoke softly, his words carrying a gentle sincerity that seemed to catch Kurama off guard. The fox paused, his curiosity piqued by Naruto's unexpected response.
"Is that all you have to say?" Kurama questioned, his tone tinged with a hint of skepticism, uncertain of Naruto's intentions. But Naruto's sincerity was genuine; he saw Kurama as more than just a source of power, but as a true partner.
"Kurama, we are partners. I'm not going to use you for my own gain. And if I ever go down that path, feel free to stop me." Naruto's words resonated with sincerity, touching a chord within Kurama's heart, if only for a fleeting moment.
"Pretty bold coming from a runt like you. I doubt you could ever harness my power for your own volition. The most I see you doing is robbing a grocery store for all the ramen." Kurama's response carried a hint of amusement, his anger seeming to dissipate. Naruto grinned, relieved to see the fox's mood lighten.
After a rigorous morning of training, Naruto decided to head home, utilizing the Flying Raijin teleportation technique to whisk himself away. Upon arrival, he indulged in a refreshing shower before donning his new outfit.
Once refreshed, Naruto emerged from the shower and approached his wardrobe, his mind set on his next task. With deliberate movements, he donned his new outfit, meticulously selected to reflect his identity and heritage. The robes, crafted from materials sourced from the Land of Iron, enveloped him in a vibrant shade of orange, reminiscent of the fox that dwelled within him. Intricate fox-like symbols adorned the fabric, weaving a tapestry of his lineage and strength. At the center of his back, a swirling emblem symbolized his clan, a reminder of his heritage and the path he walked.
Completing his ensemble, Naruto retrieved his fox mask, a striking piece that concealed his nose and eyes behind a veil of mystery. The mask, adorned with hues of white and fiery red-orange flames, spoke volumes of his determination and resilience. With each strap secured in place, Naruto felt a sense of empowerment wash over him, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Naruto stood before the mirror, his newly donned attire reflecting his pride and determination. Admiring himself, he reveled in the transformation his new outfit brought, a tangible symbol of his growth and identity. Yet, his moment of self-reflection was interrupted by a persistent knocking at the door, the sound echoing through his apartment like an unwelcome intrusion.
"Ah, crap, who's that?" Naruto muttered, breaking away from his moment of introspection as he made his way to the door. The sarcastic voice of Kurama, the fox spirit within him, danced in his mind, adding a touch of amusement to the situation.
"Maybe it's the Third Hokage, ready to adopt you into his clan and love you." Kurama quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he stifled a laugh.
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at the fox's jest, firing back with equal sass. "Maybe Madara wanted to put you in another Genjutsu, so he can parade you around the village. Or better yet, show you off to the Uchiha Clan, so they can pet your fur like a good little fox."
As Naruto swung open the door, his amusement faded, replaced by curiosity and a hint of annoyance. Standing before him was a man with a scar across his nose, clad in a flak jacket that denoted his higher rank as a ninja. The man held a clipboard, his expression conveying irritation and impatience.
"Nice to meet you, Naruto. I am Iruka, a new teacher at the Ninja Academy." the man greeted, though the sincerity in his voice felt forced and insincere. Naruto could sense the nervousness in Iruka's demeanor, despite the facade of authority he attempted to maintain.
"What? I haven't been to the academy in years." Naruto retorted, genuine confusion etching his features as he grappled with the unexpected visit. Iruka's mask of patience slipped, replaced by a stern expression as he admonished Naruto for what he perceived as dishonesty.
"Naruto, it's not nice to lie. You're going to the academy today, and I'm going to tell the Third Hokage about lying and telling everybody you're sick." Iruka asserted firmly, his tone brooking no argument. Frustration bubbled within Naruto at the accusation, his irritation evident as he sought counsel from Kurama, the voice of reason within his mind.
"Furball, what should I do? Should I just close the door on him, or do I have to go?" Naruto queried, seeking guidance from the grumpy fox spirit. Kurama pondered the question, equally perplexed by Iruka's insistence on Naruto's attendance at the academy.
The fox's advice lingered in Naruto's mind, a prudent suggestion that he reluctantly acknowledged. "I think it's best if you go. So far, the Third Hokage hasn't realized that we haven't been to the academy. we go for now, and for any other day, we send a paper clone," the fox advised, imparting his wisdom to Naruto. Though Naruto didn't entirely agree, he recognized the necessity of the situation.
"Fine, sensei, I will go." Naruto acquiesced calmly, closing the door behind him as he prepared to accompany his teacher. Walking alongside Iruka, Naruto maintained a stoic facade, though inwardly, he bristled at the notion of attending classes he had long neglected. Meanwhile, Iruka scowled as he sifted through his clipboard, his expression mirroring his disappointment.
"Naruto, you need to put more effort into your grades. They're severely lacking. At the moment, you're at the bottom of the class." Iruka admonished sternly, his tone laden with frustration. Naruto's response was laced with defiance as he shifted the blame, his words stoking Iruka's irritation.
"Well, maybe if I had better teachers, this wouldn't happen." Naruto retorted, his frustration mounting as he directed his criticism towards the education system. Iruka's veins bulged with anger, his patience wearing thin as he rebuked Naruto for his insolence.
"Hey, don't blame the teachers. They try their best, Naruto. You need to apply yourself as well!" Iruka's reprimand echoed in the air, his voice booming with authority as he admonished Naruto for his lack of accountability. Naruto, incensed by the scolding, made a hasty decision, employing the Flying Thunder God technique to evade Iruka's reprimand.
In the blink of an eye, Naruto vanished, reappearing by the swing set outside the academy. His impromptu departure left Iruka dumbfounded, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head as he searched in vain for Naruto's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Naruto bided his time outside the academy doors, a smug smirk playing on his lips as he awaited his slowpoke sensei.
"That was very mature of you, boy, disappearing on the man." the fox mocked, reveling in Naruto's rebellious act.
"Shut up, that wannabe ninja thought he could talk to me like that. I think this is a fair response." Naruto retorted, his defiance unyielding as he stood by his decision, earning a chuckle from the amused fox spirit.
"I wonder how you have such a bad attitude, but I'm fine with it. At least you're entertaining instead of whining like a shy little boy." the fox remarked, acknowledging Naruto's decision. Naruto rolled his eyes, fully aware that the fox had influenced him.
"Yeah, you're right. Should I wait for the old man, or just go inside? Maybe I should give my fellow classmates a friendly beating, I mean greeting." Naruto said, the red aura of Kurama's influence amplifies his aggressive tendencies. Kurama grinned with satisfaction, pleased to see Naruto embracing his darker impulses.
"I'm starting to like this side of you. Let it inside and show them the power of the nine tails." Kurama whispered venomously into Naruto's ear. Naruto's ears twitched at the remark.
"You mean our power?" Naruto questioned, causing Kurama's smile to falter slightly.
"Fine, boy, our power. Let's show them the nine-tailed fox and the clan of Uzumaki." Kurama conceded after a moment of internal conflict. Naruto couldn't help but smile at their unity.
Naruto made his way through the academy, eventually arriving at his class. With a confident swagger, he opened the door, entering as if he owned the place.
Three boys he occasionally clashed with stood up, intimidated by Naruto's presence. He glanced at the girl with white snow eyes, who blushed under his gaze, but he ignored her, focusing instead on the Uchiha student.
Seating himself beside a girl with pink hair, Naruto noted her instinctive movement away from him. Meanwhile, the other sensei, Mizuki, stared at Naruto with a mixture of fear and caution.
As tension thickened in the air, an hour passed with no sign of Iruka. When the exhausted sensei finally appeared, he looked disheveled from his failed attempts to locate Naruto.
"Naruto, you're here!" Iruka shouted, and Naruto couldn't help but chuckle, a sinister grin spreading across his face.
"Of course, Sensei. You told me to come here. Why wouldn't I be here?" Naruto questioned innocently, failing to hide his amusement. Iruka gritted his teeth, visibly irritated by the boy, and took a deep breath to compose himself.
"I see." he spoke, turning to Mizuki.
"How about I take over the lessons for today?" Iruka's eyes gleamed with a sinister glint as he ordered all the students to leave the classroom and head to the training grounds.
"Listen up, promising young students, and Naruto. We are going to practice some shuriken throwing." Iruka announced with a wicked smile, clearly trying to provoke a reaction from Naruto. Naruto ignored the taunt, deeming it a waste of his time to respond.
"Interesting. We'll have Sasuke go first." Iruka declared to the whole class. Naruto tilted his head, curious to see what the Uchiha could do. With practiced ease, Sasuke threw the shurikens perfectly, each one hitting the wooden log with precision. The Sasuke fangirls cheered, thrilled by their beloved leader's perfect score.
"Good job, Sasuke. Now, the next student, Naruto Uzumaki. Naruto, see what Sasuke did there? I want you to try to imitate it." Iruka instructed, this time not with malice but genuinely trying to help him.
"Sorry, sensei. I can't perform that pitifully." Naruto responded before chakra-infused papers flew out of his body, shaping into shurikens that spun through the air. They launched at the target, ripping through it effortlessly. The classroom fell silent, including Sasuke, all wondering what had just happened.
"Come on, ladies. You cheered for the Uchiha. What about me?" Naruto teased with a foxy grin, irritating Sasuke, while Iruka's jaw remained dropped in shock.
After a minute, Iruka finally composed himself and coughed into his hand, gaining everybody's attention.
"Wow... that was amazing, Naruto! Great job." he spoke with a cheerful grin, pleased to see the typically last-ranked student putting in effort. Naruto felt happy to be praised for once.
"Well, of course. I am Naruto Uzumaki." He boasted with a smug grin, tilting his head towards Sasuke. Sasuke's blood boiled, but he restrained himself from punching Naruto. Unfortunately, the fangirls remained silent, except for Hinata, who tried to muster the courage to speak up.
After this, they continued training, practicing kunai throws, chakra control, and rope walking before taking lunch. Sasuke, normally at the top of his class except for chakra control, which Sakura excelled at, found himself falling behind Naruto, which only fueled his anger further.
During the lunch break, Naruto was eating a bowl of fresh ramen when he noticed most of the kids were still wary of him, particularly a red-haired girl with glasses who was sizing him up.
"Can I help you?" He asked, feeling her deep stares. Karin smirked with an unsettling smile.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Karin. So, you carry the nine-tails demon who attacked the village eight years ago." she spoke loudly, grabbing the attention of all the students around. Naruto's eyes turned blood red as a sinister smile crept up his face.
"Of course." he spoke in a menacing tone, influenced by Kurama's presence. Karin took a step back, actually feeling true fear for the first time.
"How can you be proud of that?" She asked the fox boy. Naruto rolled his eyes, growing bored of the conversation.
"Without a shadow of a doubt, I am proud of it. The demon that you and your kind despise attacked the village, because of humans' greed for power. Sure, you can push the blame onto the fox all you want, but it doesn't change the fact that humans brought it into the village to be a weapon." He spoke assertively, his words spreading like wildfire among the students. Karin's rumors about Naruto, which she had been spreading for years, were starting to hold some weight.
Before they could discuss anything further, Naruto's ears twitched as he heard a faint whisper calling out for help.
"Pardon me, glasses, I gotta go. I hear some prey." He said as he stood up and, with chakra channeling throughout his feet, disappeared using the Body Flicker technique. The crowd around them was impressed, but Karin noticed he didn't use any hand signs to perform the jutsu. Come to think of it, for any of his jutsus today, he didn't weave a single hand sign.
Hinata lay on the ground, tears in her eyes, as one of the bigger boys pushed her around.
"Oh, look at her, she's so timid and weak. Are you ever going to be a ninja, girl?" The biggest boy laughed, enjoying his power over her. The other two just had sinister glares as they stared at her.
"Please stop." She whispered, but it fell on deaf ears. As the biggest boy bent down, he felt severe pain around his groin that spread throughout his whole body. He tumbled over, falling face-first onto the ground. Hinata scooted away, missing the boy. The other two turned around, seeing Naruto with his foot extended out, hanging in the air after he kicked the boy's family jewels.
"It's always you three. Heck, I'm not complaining; this is going to be fun." He spoke with such a cheery tone in his voice. The other two backed up in fear. With one quick motion, Naruto blitzed one of the boys, uppercutting him in the air, grabbing his foot, and swinging him toward the other one. As their bodies collided, a loud sound of bones cracking could be heard as they were both launched into a nearby tree. The third perpetrator was on the ground, puking his guts out from the pain.
"Don't worry, cute girl, I'm here now." He spoke in a gentle tone, trying not to frighten the girl. Her face turned red after the compliment, and she stood up and bowed before running away. Naruto stretched out his hand, but it was too late, she ran away.
"Again, no luck with the ladies." he muttered to himself, defeated.
Before he could head back, a fist collided with Naruto's jaw, causing his head to jolt back. As he stumbled, the punch was followed up by a kick, which Naruto managed to block. Pushing back against his opponent, he saw Sasuke there with a smirk on his face. Naruto spat out the blood from his mouth.
"Of course, it's always the Uchiha." He stated, his eyes turning red as he glared at Sasuke.
"You're quite skilled, I can admit that, but you're not better than me." Sasuke said, holding his stance and waiting for Naruto to make a move.
"Says the weakling who has to sucker punch his opponent." Naruto barked back, calling out Sasuke for his underhanded tactics.
"We are ninjas; we are mastering the art of deception." Sasuke spoke as he inched closer. The crowd of students who heard the crash moved toward the two, eager to witness the impending showdown. The girls cheered for Sasuke, while the boys also rallied behind him, supporting their friend. The girl with the glasses pushed her frames close to her face.
"I see, the last of thee, Uchiha versus the demon Fox of Konoha, an interesting fight." she commented, catching Naruto's attention.
"He's the last of the Uchiha. What happened to the rest?" Naruto questioned out loud, causing Sasuke to freeze up as he remembered that tragic day. His fury enveloped his eyes, and he stared at Naruto with ice daggers.
"I thought even a hermit like yourself would have heard, but I guess not. My clan was slaughtered by my brother Itachi. I am the sole survivor." Sasuke spoke with pain in his voice as he recalled all the people he lost.
"Okay." Naruto spoke with indifference, striking a nerve with Sasuke.
"That's all you have to say? My clan was killed! The Uchiha, the strongest clan in the Leaf Village, were wiped out by my psychopath brother!" Sasuke screeched at the top of his lungs, causing Naruto's ears to twitch in pain.
"All right, all right. You're part of the deadest clan in Konoha, congratulations." The Fox boy quipped, his ears still ringing from the screeching. Kurama burst out laughing, loving Naruto's sharp wit. Naruto also swore he heard the sound of popcorn being eaten as the fox chuckled.
Kurama's voice resonated in Naruto's mind, a deep rumble of wisdom. "The blonde, when facing this opponent, don't unleash your full power. Match his strength and speed." The Nine-Tails advised before Naruto could formulate a response.
Kurama's counsel echoed in Naruto's mind just as Sasuke launched himself forward, a tempest of fury in his eyes, fueled by the ancestral power of his Sharingan. His first punch surged with all the bitterness of years of rivalry, but Fox boy, with the reflexes of a seasoned fighter, sidestepped, countering with a swift jab of his own. Sasuke, ever agile, evaded the blow, retaliating with a punishing kick that slammed into Naruto's chest, driving the air from his lungs and forcing him back a step.
Capitalizing on Naruto's momentary vulnerability, Sasuke pressed his advantage, a relentless onslaught of punches raining down upon Naruto. Despite Naruto's attempts to shield himself, Sasuke's strikes found their mark, each blow a testament to his Uchiha heritage. With a resounding impact, Sasuke's fist connected squarely with Naruto's jaw, the force of the blow shattering the fox mask and sending Naruto sprawling to the ground.
Standing over Naruto's fallen form, Sasuke's chest swelled with triumph.
"And that's the power of my clan!" He proclaimed, a triumphant smirk gracing his lips. The fangirls, swept up in the spectacle, erupted into a frenzy of cheers, declaring Sasuke the indisputable victor. To them, it seemed less a fight and more a one-sided slaughter.
As Naruto rose to his feet, remaking his fox mask with chakra paper, he acknowledged Kurama's advice. "Alright, got it, Kurama. I need to work on my taijutsu." He remarked casually, his tone betraying no hint of defeat.
Before Sasuke could offer another barb, Naruto swiftly cut him off, delivering a devastating uppercut that sent shockwaves of pain coursing through Sasuke's body, his consciousness slipping away as he collapsed to the ground. The fangirls' cheers turned to gasps of horror as they witnessed their hero fall.
Looking down at Sasuke, Naruto's tone was casual, almost indifferent.
"Yeah, with a performance like that, it's no wonder your clan met its end so easily." He remarked, his gaze meeting Sasuke's dazed eyes, the latter barely clinging to consciousness.
Naruto tilted his head, looking at the girl with glasses.
" You know a lot about the Uchiha, right? So, tell me about the person who killed them all. I'm curious." He asked, his eyes flashing red, causing everyone to shiver. The girl's legs shook as she spoke.
"Well, I heard that Sasuke's brother was 13 at the time when he killed his clan in a single night. I also heard he wanted to test his abilities, and that was the main reason for his genocide over his clan members." She spoke, providing all the information she knew. Naruto stared at her, placing his hand under his chin.
"Girl, what's your last name?" He asked, his eyes fixed on her red hair. Before she could respond, Sasuke stood up, stepping back, his mobility slower and sluggish, still reeling from the strike.
"Are you going to answer me, girl?" Naruto asked again, ignoring Sasuke's presence entirely, which irked the Uchiha.
"Hey, Fox, this is between me and you, not her." Sasuke stated, his eyes flashing red once again, showing off the Sharingan. Naruto rolled his eyes and shook his head, disappointed in the Uchiha.
"God, I wonder what Genjutsu you're under, to believe that you have a chance at beating me. Your clan of no-good, Jutsu-stealing, red-eyed rodents died out to a 13-year-old boy."He spoke as if he was talking to an aunt, not even recognizing the Uchiha in front of him as a human being.
"I'll make you pay, and I'll show you the power of my clan." Sasuke declared before weaving hand signs and shooting out a giant fireball from his lips. Naruto created a red paper with a Fuinjutsu formula. As the fireball collided with the paper, the Great Fireball Jutsu began to shrink into the talisman.
Sasuke stood there, witnessing his clan's jutsu being absorbed. Naruto smirked with a sinister grin, relishing in Sasuke's confusion.
"What's wrong, red-eyed rodent? Are you upset that I took your little Fireball jutsu? I'll be nice and give it back." Naruto taunted, his voice filled with vile pleasure as he enjoyed messing with the Uchiha. He created two paper talismans, one green and the other yellow, inscribed with Fuinjutsu.
The green one disintegrated into pure air chakra, which Naruto launched into the red floating talisman, simultaneously releasing the fireball jutsu and amplifying it. The crowd screamed in horror, jumping back and fleeing from Naruto's stolen fireball jutsu. Sasuke dove to the side, but as he did, the yellow paper transformed into pure lightning, striking him and leaving his body limp.
"We're not done yet." Naruto announced as he bull-rushed Sasuke, grabbing him by the hair and dragging him across the dirt, laughing.
"What's wrong, Uchiha? I thought you were going to teach me a lesson, show me your clan's true strength, because all I see is a delusional wannabe ninja." Naruto jeered, twisting a grin on his face as he slammed Sasuke into a tree, then pulled on his hair again, dragging him back and forth between multiple trees.
The fangirls started crying as each time Sasuke's head hit a tree, more of his beautiful hair was pulled from his scalp. By the time Naruto finished humiliating the deadest clan in Konoha, Sasuke had lost all of his hair.
"Now that was fun, a little disappointing but fun. Now where was I... oh yeah." Naruto spoke without a care in the world, turning his head to look at the girl with glasses, who fell to her knees trembling with fear.
Naruto took a step closer, but before he could advance further, shurikens came from all directions. Reacting quickly, Naruto created a brown talisman, slamming his hand on the ground to erect an earth dome around him. The sounds of shurikens embedding themselves in the stone echoed, but before Naruto could catch his breath, a stone bullet pierced the dome, nearly striking him. Utilizing the Thunder God technique, Naruto teleported out of the dome. During the fight, he planted a few marks on the trees. As his attacker remained unaware of his new location, Naruto appeared behind a tree, spotting the white-haired teacher Mizuki throwing kunai with paper bombs.
"That's a little overkill, oh wait, it's me, nevermind." Naruto quipped with a playful tone, not taking the threat to his life seriously.
"Come out, you demon brat! I won't let you hurt any of my students!" Mizuki shouted, his voice brimming with fury and determination. Seizing the opportunity, Naruto, seeing the fool's lack of awareness, created multiple paper shurikens, launching them toward the unsuspecting teacher. Mizuki's ears twitched as he heard the sounds of the shuriken cutting through the air. He jumped up, dodging them, but as soon as they were under him, they exploded, the force of the explosion rendering him motionless on the ground.
"Okay, well, that was entertaining. Now that that's taken care of, I can fina—" Naruto's words were cut off as ninja wire wrapped around him, immobilizing him as he fell to the ground. Iruka stood atop him, placing his foot on Naruto's chest.
"That's enough, Naruto. You can't let the fox win. You have to fight it." Iruka spoke with concern, believing Naruto to be possessed by the fox. Naruto's eyes widened as he began convulsing. Initially, Iruka thought he was battling the fox, but then Naruto let out a chilling laugh.
"Hahahaha, you think I'm possessed by the fox? I'm not possessed by the fox. I did this of my own volition. I'm sick and tired of you people always looking down on me like I'm lesser than you. I just proved it to all of you by defeating your Uchiha champion. None of you are better than us." Naruto ranted in a deranged tone, catching everybody off guard.
Iruka's heart raced as he struggled to catch his breath, the pain from Naruto's blow radiating through his chest. The crack of his rib echoed in his ears as he sprawled on the ground, his body trembling with shock and fear. Naruto's eyes blazed with a fierce intensity, his smirk sending shivers down Iruka's spine.
"See, we don't need your Academy to help us get stronger. We can do it on our own." Naruto's voice dripped with disdain, his words cutting through the air like a blade. Iruka's mind raced, his thoughts a jumbled mess of confusion and terror.
"I was just trying to help." Iruka managed to speak, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt defeated, utterly powerless against Naruto's overwhelming presence. The mocking laughter of the wicked fox only added to his humiliation.
"Help them, the ones who need it, not me. By the way, we won't be attending the academy. We can't spend our time being surrounded by weaklings all day. I'll go insane." Naruto's tone was laced with venom, his words a cruel reminder of Iruka's failure. With a sudden burst of speed, Naruto vanished, leaving Iruka alone in the chaos of the training grounds.
Iruka struggled to his feet, his body aching with every movement. He could feel the eyes of his students on him, their whispers like daggers in his ears. With a heavy heart, he tried to calm them, to reassure them that everything would be okay. But deep down, he knew that things would never be the same again.
Meanwhile, Naruto basked in the afterglow of his victory, his chest swelling with pride. The fox chuckled beside him, a sinister gleam in his eyes as he watched Naruto's chakra dance in the air.
"Naruto, I think it's time I taught you how to fight like a true fox." The fox's voice was smooth as silk, his words carrying a weight of ancient wisdom. Naruto's eyes widened with excitement, eager to learn whatever secrets the fox had to offer.
"Like a real fox?" Naruto's voice was tinged with curiosity, his mind buzzing with anticipation.
"Yes, you see, I have a unique fighting style that I have practiced for years. And I am willing to give it to you, especially after that embarrassing display of taijutsu." The fox explained, his voice low and hypnotic. Naruto's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, his failure still fresh in his mind.
"I accept your offer. I know my taijutsu is awful now. I thought brute strength would be enough, but clearly not. And if I ever meet an opponent equal to my strength and speed, I would be demolished in seconds," Naruto's words were tinged with frustration, his determination shining through despite his shortcomings. The fox chuckled softly, a fond smile playing on his lips.
"It's okay, boy. You remind me of my son. He thought the same, that just strength and speed would win him the battle. I wish he'd put more time into mastering his techniques, instead of relying on his physical body," Kurama's voice was tinged with sadness, his eyes distant as memories of the past flooded his could sense Kurama's pain as the fox spoke, triggering an idea within him.
"Hey, Kurama, I think I have a way for you to teach me your fighting style more efficiently." Naruto proposed, his voice brimming with determination. With swift movements, he created a paper clone, omitting the usual channeling of his consciousness through it. Placing his hand on the clone, Naruto inscribed multiple Fuinjutsu formulas onto its surface. As he channeled his chakra, the clone sprang to life, responding to Naruto's will effortlessly.
"They seem to work just fine." Naruto muttered to himself, satisfied with his creation. Disconnecting from the clone, he infused it with Kurama's chakra, prompting the fox to awaken for the first time in ages. Kurama surveyed his new form, marveling at the familiar contours of Naruto's physique taking shape. He grew taller and more muscular, sporting a pair of orange ears and a tail. Long, spiky hair cascaded over his eyes, reminiscent of his former appearance.
"This is how I looked back then." Kurama remarked, his voice tinged with disbelief as Naruto's attire transformed into the black silk robes he once wore.
"How did you...?" Kurama trailed off, still astonished by Naruto's ingenuity.
"Remember our deal. I promised to set you free. I've been working hard, you know." Naruto explained, a cheerful grin adorning his face. Kurama's eyes widened in hope, daring to believe he was finally liberated.
"So, I'm free? I'm finally free?" Kurama's voice quivered with anticipation, yearning for the chance to live life on his own terms. Naruto's smile faltered, replaced by one tinged with sorrow.
"Unfortunately, no. While I've managed to create a suitable body for you, it's still tethered to me through the Eight-Pronged Seal. Once I can release the seal, I'll transfer your chakra and consciousness into a vessel like this." Naruto elucidated, laying out the intricacies of their arrangement. Kurama listened patiently, his initial excitement tempered by the realization that true freedom remained elusive.
Drawing closer to Naruto, Kurama embraced him tightly, tears welling up in his eyes. "You've done well, brat... um... Let's begin your training." He spoke, still grappling with the novelty of sensation coursing through his newfound form. Naruto blushed, puzzled by Kurama's sudden display of emotion.
As they parted ways, Kurama delved into teaching Naruto his unique fighting style, centered around hardening his fingertips to emulate razor-sharp claws.
In the hospital room, the three boys who had been harassing Hinata lay on their beds, swathed in bandages. As the door creaked open, a red-haired girl of their age entered, her presence radiating a sense of authority.
"You boys did a great job, and my father, Danzo, will hold his end of the deal. Your families will be compensated." She declared, her voice laced with satisfaction. Despite their discomfort from Naruto's assault, the boys grumbled in acknowledgment. Eager to depart, she wasted no time and swiftly exited, her next destination already in mind—Sasuke's room.
In the adjacent hospital chamber, Sasuke lay on his bed, now hairless due to the fox's attack, a fact that irked the red-haired girl. Her mind churned with violent fantasies of revenge against Naruto as she approached Sasuke's bedside.
"Oh, my dear Sasuke, how dare that fox demon hurt you." She murmured softly, her fingers delicately tracing his features.
"Don't worry, I'm here now, and I'll make sure nobody harms you again. My father has a special plan for you." She whispered, reveling in the warmth of Sasuke's cheeks.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and she turned to behold her father standing sternly in the threshold.
"Karin, I would like a full assessment of the demon's abilities by the end of the day. And, before I forget, I'm going to double up your training. When the time comes, you can begin teaching the Uchiha." Danzo commanded, his voice resonating with unwavering authority. Karin obediently knelt before him, ready to carry out his instructions to the letter.
"Of course, but why not train Sasuke now?" She inquired, her curiosity piqued by the delay.
"Remember what I said. I am not permitted to get close to the Uchiha. However, if my daughter happens to establish a connection with the Uchiha after they are assigned to the same team, no one will be the wiser. Now, follow me, so we may finalize our plan." Danzo replied, his tone brooking no argument. With a nod of understanding, Karin rose to her feet and trailed after her father, ready to execute their clandestine agenda.
Danzo escorted his daughter out of Sasuke's room as they traversed the halls, eventually arriving at the designated room for the two injured teachers. As they approached the door, both teachers sat up, initially expecting the Third Hokage's arrival, but their tension eased as they recognized it was just Danzo. He took a seat beside Iruka, his daughter standing close by.
"I've come here on behalf of the Third Hokage." He stated in a stoic tone, devoid of any emotion." Since he assigned me to handle matters concerning the Nine-Tailed Fox." Iruka raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the lack of prior information.
"So, the Third Hokage assigned you to watch over Naruto. I'm curious why I wasn't informed." He said respectfully, probing for clarification. Danzo produced documents from his robe, bearing the Third Hokage's seal. He had obtained them through unconventional means, having bribed a woman to distract the Third Hokage. Iruka took the papers, scanning them over to find everything in order.
"There, now your mind is at ease. Let's return to the matter at hand. I'd prefer Naruto not attend the academy. We'll arrange for a private tutor to handle his education." Danzo declared sternly, observing Iruka's surprise.
Iruka protested, unwilling to abandon Naruto.
"Wait, we can't just leave Naruto behind." He argued, advocating for the boy's welfare. Karin stepped forward, tears streaming down her face, her performance trained.
"Please, Iruka Sensei, you can't allow Naruto to return to school. I've heard unsettling reports about his behavior. He's been attacking my classmates and making crude remarks towards me and other female students." She pleaded, gasping between sobs. Danzo remained impassive but internally satisfied with his daughter's portrayal. Iruka was taken aback by Karin's words, contemplating their implications.
Iruka's heart sank as disappointment gnawed at his insides. His gaze softened as he watched her, the weight of her words settling heavily on his shoulders. He couldn't bear witnessing her breakdown any longer.
"Fine," he relented, bitterness lacing his voice,
"I agree. Naruto won't be attending the academy." His words hung in the air, a bitter pill to swallow, yet he understood it was for the best, despite the ache in his heart at the thought of the boy being alone.
Karin's arms wrapped around Iruka in a tight hug, her grasp a mixture of gratitude and relief. He winced, the pain evident in his expression, yet he endured it for her sake.
"Thank you." She sobbed, tears staining his clothes as they mingled with her own. His resolve wavered, his heart heavy with the burden of failure, but he found solace in her words.
"We are all safe now." She whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Danzo rose from his seat, his movements deliberate yet gentle.
"Come on, girl." He said softly, a tenderness in his tone that caught Iruka and Karin off guard. Then, they remembered - he was a father now.
"Let's go home. It's been a long day." Karin nodded, her tears still fresh on her cheeks as she reluctantly pulled away from Iruka's embrace. She followed her father obediently, her steps small and hesitant, like a duckling trailing after its mother.
Iruka's chest tightened with a sense of failure, the weight of his helplessness pressing down on him. He offered up a silent prayer, a desperate plea to whoever would become Naruto's teacher, that they would show kindness to the lonely boy.
Naruto and Kurama found themselves in the familiar training grounds, the air tinged with the scent of earth and sweat. As they sparred, Kurama took a surprisingly gentle approach, offering pointers whenever Naruto faltered. With each misstep, Kurama would adjust, his massive form moving gracefully as he guided Naruto through the motions.
"Boy, you've got to relax those muscles." Kurama chided gently, his deep voice resonating through the clearing.
"Tension only slows you down. Remember, speed equals power."
Naruto nodded eagerly, determination etched across his features as he attempted to heed Kurama's advice. Yet, despite his efforts, old habits crept in, and tension seized his muscles once more, betraying his resolve. Kurama's frustration mounted, his frustration evident as he threw his hands up in defeat, a heavy sigh escaping him. Naruto, sensing Kurama's exasperation, tried to reassure him with a lighthearted quip, masking his own disappointment.
"Hey, don't beat yourself up." Naruto said, a tired smile playing on his lips.
"It's just the first day, after all. Besides, I'm beat, and my chakra's running low. Let's call it a day and head back home."
Kurama sighed deeply, torn between his desire to train further and his understanding of Naruto's limits. With a resigned nod, he acquiesced, knowing that pushing Naruto beyond his current capacity would only lead to frustration. Together, they turned their backs on the training grounds, the setting sun casting long shadows as they made their way home, their bond strengthened by another day of shared struggle and growth.
Naruto attempted to use the Flying Thunder God technique to teleport them home, but it didn't work. He furrowed his brow, perplexed.
"Something's wrong." he murmured, his concern evident in his voice.
"I'm going to teleport us near our apartment." As Kurama's body began to fade, morphing into a clump of paper as his consciousness returned to Naruto's body, the bond between them felt tense with uncertainty.
"Yes, this is strange." Kurama remarked, his tone tinged with suspicion, as they initiated the teleportation.
Smoke billowed ominously from the direction of his apartment as they materialized. Naruto's heart sank as he noticed the charred remains, the acrid scent of burnt wood and memories assaulting his senses.
"No, no, no, no." He repeated, his voice strained with disbelief, as he leapt from building to building with the agility of a seasoned shinobi. Kurama's growl of frustration resonated within him, a simmering rage at the cruelty of humanity. Finally reaching the site of devastation, Naruto surveyed the wreckage with a mixture of anger and resignation.
"Well, at least nothing of value was lost." He muttered bitterly, knowing that his most treasured possessions lay elsewhere, safeguarded within the Fourth Hokage's bunker.
A man with a bandage covering one eye materialized behind Naruto, his presence both unexpected and unsettling. Naruto turned, meeting the man's gaze with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"Naruto, I'm sorry to inform you." the man began, his voice carrying a somber weight.
"but some civilians have retaliated against you. But fret not, I will be relocating you somewhere nice and safe.
" Naruto's expression remained neutral, but a flicker of suspicion danced in his eyes, shared by Kurama's instinctual unease.
"Oh, thank you." Naruto responded quickly, his voice tight with apprehension. As their eyes met, Naruto's senses tingled with an unsettling sensation, a flash of red that he couldn't quite shake, hidden behind his stoic facade.
Naruto attempted to employ the Flying Thunder God technique to whisk them back home, but to his dismay, it failed. Perplexed, he pondered the possibility of low chakra being the culprit, though it seemed implausible considering he had executed the technique with even less chakra before.
"Something's off. Let's try teleporting near our apartment." He suggested, a hint of concern creeping into his voice. Kurama's corporeal form dissolved into a mass of paper, his consciousness returning to Naruto's body.
"Indeed, this is peculiar." Kurama remarked as they initiated the teleportation.
It was Naruto who first caught sight of the smoke billowing in the direction of his apartment. Panic surged through him as he leaped from one building to another with lightning speed, racing towards the source of the fire.
"Damned humans." Kurama growled bitterly as they finally reached the scene of devastation. Naruto's apartment bore the brunt of the blaze, its charred remains testament to the destruction wrought.
"Well, at least nothing of value was lost." Naruto muttered, his thoughts momentarily straying to the stash of money he had squirreled away in the Fourth Hokage's bunker. The only loss of value seemed to be the clothes he had purchased.
As Naruto surveyed the wreckage, a man with a bandage over one eye materialized behind him. The whiskered boy turned, meeting the man's gaze head-on.
"Naruto, I regret to inform you that some civilians have retaliated against you. But fear not, I will relocate you somewhere safe and pleasant." The man assured, his tone oozing with reassurance. Both Naruto and Kurama sensed an air of suspicion surrounding the man.
"Thank you." Naruto replied hastily, though a flicker of unease passed through him as their eyes met and Naruto's momentarily flashed with an unsettling red glow, though he maintained his stoic facade.
Naruto and Kurama emerged from the dense foliage, greeted by the sight of a quaint cabin nestled near the boundary of the Leaf Village. The structure stood modest yet sturdy, a prelude to the solitude that awaited them within. As they approached, Naruto turned to address the mysterious benefactor who had led them to this haven, only to find himself met with empty air.
"I think this is a setup." Naruto mused aloud, his brows furrowing with suspicion. Kurama, ever observant, nodded in agreement, his amber eyes reflecting the same wariness.
"Indeed, Naruto. It appears they seek to further isolate us." The fox remarked, his tone tinged with a mixture of annoyance and resignation.
Undeterred by the potential motives behind their relocation, Naruto cracked open the door to their new abode, revealing a scene of unexpected comfort. Fresh furniture adorned the interior, a stark departure from their previous accommodations.
"Doesn't matter at this point." Naruto declared optimistically, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance.
"We can enjoy the peace and quiet, and hey, no more training grounds. Plus, we can always upgrade the cabin."
Kurama, though begrudgingly acknowledging Naruto's attempt at positivity, couldn't help but grumble to himself, resentful of the constant upheaval dictated by human whims.
"You're right, boy." he conceded reluctantly, his voice carrying a note of resignation.
"New beginnings await us." And so, with thoughts of the future swirling in their minds, Naruto and Kurama settled into their new home, embracing the uncertainty that lay ahead.