chapter 3 Fox body
A few years past and Naruto's now 12
In the sweltering heat of the training grounds, beads of sweat trickled down Naruto's furrowed brow as he relentlessly pounded his fingertips against the unyielding stone. Each strike echoed through the air, mingling with the sound of his labored breaths. Frustration simmered beneath the surface as he muttered curses under his breath, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of his exertions.
Suddenly, a soft thud reverberated through the air as a furry tail whacked against Naruto's back, drawing his attention away from his training. He turned to face Kurama, his expression a mix of irritation and exhaustion.
"Complaining already, boy?" Kurama's voice dripped with a hint of amusement, his tone dismissive as he regarded Naruto with a raised eyebrow.
Naruto scrunched up his nose in annoyance, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
"Yeah, I am tired of it." He admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.
"All I've been doing is constantly training in taijutsu." He barked back like a dog.
"And your point is what? Are you too good to learn?" Kurama's response was sharp, his tone laced with disdain as he challenged Naruto's reluctance to train.
"No, it's not that." Naruto retorted, his voice tinged with defiance.
"I'm just tired of the endless training. Day in and day out, it's all we do getting stronger, pushing ourselves to the limit. I'm sorry, but I want to do something else for a change." He spoke with conviction, his frustration evident as he voiced his desire for a break from the relentless regimen.
Kurama sneered at Naruto's suggestion, his disdain for idleness clear in his expression.
In the dim light of the training ground, Kurama's voice cut through the air like a blade, laced with bitterness and resentment.
"Tell me, boy, what do you truly want? To return to a village where you're reviled, mocked by adults, and feared by children? Do you wish to follow in your father's footsteps, revered for his strength, earned through relentless effort? Strength, Naruto, isn't handed out like candy. It's forged through perseverance, not through idle complaints like a petulant child."
Naruto's response was sharp, tinged with the bitterness of past wounds.
"And what did all that strength get my father? An early grave, courtesy of a nine-tailed demon." He retorted, his voice heavy with anger and defiance.
The fox's reaction was visceral, a mixture of frustration and regret.
"You think you understand, don't you? But you're just a child, unaware of the sacrifices it takes to protect those you love. Your father was a true warrior, willing to give up everything for the sake of others. It's a feat even I couldn't accomplish." Kurama spoke, his words tinged with a sense of admiration and sorrow.
In the soft light of early morning, Naruto's voice cut through the tranquility, laden with accusation as he stared down Kurama.
"You never cared about anybody but yourself, you selfish Fox." He declared, his piercing gaze fixed on the silent creature. Kurama's expression remained unchanged, a mask of stoicism in response to Naruto's outburst.
With a resigned exhale, Kurama's demeanor shifted, his tone softening.
"Fine, if you're not up for training today, let's do something different. How about a pilgrimage? We'll see if you're as brave as you claim." He challenged, the weight of their journey evident in his words. As Kurama's essence merged with his own once more, Naruto couldn't help but feel a flicker of relief.
"Anything's better than another day of endless training." He mused inwardly.
Guided by Kurama's direction, they ventured beyond the village's borders, traversing rugged terrain for three grueling days until they reached their destination: a cavern steeped in ancient history, its entrance weathered by time and forgotten by most.
"Enter the cavern, unless you're scared." Kurama mocked, his tone laced with a hint of challenge, as he observed Naruto, testing the boy's courage.
"Like I'll be scared of a spooky cave like this." Naruto retorted defiantly, his voice ringing with confidence, undeterred by Kurama's attempt to intimidate him.
As they ventured deeper into the cave, Naruto's eyes caught sight of the ancient scars etched into the walls, remnants of a bygone era, telling tales of battles long past.
"What the hell." He muttered under his breath, a mixture of awe and curiosity coursing through him, even as the atmosphere grew heavier with each step.
The oppressive silence of the cave seemed to amplify Naruto's thoughts, the weight of history bearing down on him as he moved forward, guided by an inexplicable pull. Emerging from the cavern, he found himself amidst the ruins of a forgotten time, the remnants of burned houses a stark reminder of the tragedies that had unfolded there.
"What is this place?" Naruto's question hung in the air, directed at Kurama, who remained silent, offering no answers to the mysteries that surrounded them.
Naruto's steps faltered as he entered the heart of the ruins, where the air was thick with the scent of burnt wood and lingering anguish. With each stride, the world around him shifted, morphing into a scene of chaos and destruction. Flames danced around him, their heat palpable, while the acrid smoke choked his senses. Echoes of terror reverberated through the air, the anguished cries of women and children piercing his soul.
"No, not again." Naruto muttered, his voice drowned out by the cacophony of agony that surrounded him. His eyes, now a fiery red, reflected the horror of the scene playing out before him. In the grip of the haunting illusion, he heard himself speak words that felt foreign yet achingly familiar.
"I couldn't save them... Nori, where are you?" The voice, laced with grief and regret, echoed through Naruto as he stumbled forward, desperate to find solace amid the ruins of his past. Running past illusory flames, he reached a burnt-out husk of a house standing next to a tranquil hot spring, the stark contrast between past and present a poignant reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded there.
Naruto crumbled to the ground, his body racked with sobs as a torrent of grief washed over him. The weight of loss and pain pressed down on him like a crushing wave, threatening to engulf him entirely. Above the sound of his own despair, he heard a rustling, and Kurama materialized beside him, the familiar sound of paper announcing his presence.
"This is where my clan was slaughtered." Kurama's voice was heavy with sorrow, each word laced with bitter resentment. He recounted the tragedy, his favorite concubine Nori and their pups slain mercilessly by humans driven by greed for power. Naruto tried to respond, to offer some solace, but his words were lost amidst his own anguish.
"Now you understand." Kurama's tone was somber, filled with the weight of centuries-old pain. "The agony and torment your kind has inflicted upon me, shaping me into the being I am today. I am selfish, yes, but only because your kind made me so."
Moved by the fox's pain, Naruto slowly rose to his feet and approached Kurama. With a deep sense of empathy and understanding, he wrapped his arms around the demon's massive torso, offering comfort and solace.
"I'm so sorry," Naruto's voice was soft, filled with genuine remorse.
"I didn't know. But I'm here now. You don't have to bear this burden alone." Kurama, visibly moved by Naruto's gesture, felt a tear slip from his eye, his tough exterior cracking in the face of Naruto's compassion.
As Naruto gazed into Kurama's eyes, he saw a reflection of himself, but also a glimpse of the demon's past. The ruins around them seemed to echo with the ghosts of Kurama's clan, lost to time and tragedy. Despite Naruto's occasional recklessness, Kurama realized that the boy was the closest thing to the family he had left.
"Boy, you've shown true bravery today." Kurama began, his voice filled with sincerity.
"I've decided that I need to change. My clan is gone, but with you, I can rebuild." Naruto looked up, meeting Kurama's gaze, surprised by the fox's words. The nine tails gently wiped away Naruto's tears, a gesture of comfort and understanding.
"What do you mean, Kurama?" Naruto asked, curious about the fox's intentions.
"All I have is you now." Kurama explained.
"My siblings hate me simply because I'm the strongest. I'm tired of being alone, of carrying this burden. I want us to have a new goal."
"What's our new goal?" Naruto inquired, intrigued by Kurama's proposal.
"I believe our goal now is to rebuild our clans, to start anew and create a family. We'll become a force so powerful that no one would dare harm us." Kurama declared, his voice resonating with confidence and determination. Naruto nodded, understanding the path that lay ahead of them.
Naruto, his voice sincere and empathetic, addressed Kurama, acknowledging the pain of the fox's past and expressing his own feelings about their rigorous training regimen.
"I understand our goal, but I still can't stand training every single day." Naruto began, his words carrying genuine concern.
"I know what happened to your family. That's awful. But you never had moments with you and your family, just relaxed and had fun."
Kurama, taken aback by Naruto's insight, rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the boy's words.
"That is a fair point," Kurama admitted, his voice softer now, tinged with remorse.
"I'm sorry for pushing you so far. I just didn't want to feel that pain ever again."
Naruto nodded, appreciating Kurama's honesty and vulnerability.
"So, what's next?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued, eager to know where their journey would take them next.
Kurama's response was measured yet contemplative. "Apart from mastering True Flight with the Shinigami dance, there's little left for me to teach you." He explained, his tone soothing as he considered their options. "Instead, I suggest a new direction: learning to embrace your inner fox nature."
Naruto sat across from Kurama, the room bathed in the soft light of dawn."I get why you pushed me so hard." Naruto began, his tone thoughtful.
"But we never really had any downtime. I mean, did you ever just hang out with your family and have fun before... you know?"Kurama's gaze softened, memories flickering behind his eyes.
"I did... once." he admitted. "But after losing them, I was consumed by anger and fear. I didn't want that vulnerability again."
Naruto nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I get it, but we've come so far. I've learned all the techniques, the Elemental releases, and even the Shinigami dance. What's left?"
Kurama sighed, a contemplative look crossing his features.
"You've excelled beyond my expectations. The last step is mastering True Flight with the Shinigami dance. After that... Well, it's time for you to embrace your fox side."
"My fox side?" Naruto's eyes widened with curiosity.
"Yes, your heritage. You're not just a ninja; you're a fox spirit too. It's time you learned to balance both aspects of your being." Kurama's tone was gentle, a hint of pride underlying his words.
Kurama stood tall next to the majestic tree, its ancient roots stretching deep into the earth. As he spoke, his voice carried the weight of centuries, each word laden with history and power. Naruto listened intently, his eyes fixed on the tree, its branches reaching toward the sky as if yearning for the heavens.
"This tree," Kurama began, his voice resonating with reverence.
"I was created by my father, the sage of six paths. Infused with my chakra, it holds the key to unlocking the fox spirit within." With a gentle touch, he channeled his energy, causing the tree to wither and the spring to drain, leaving behind only a single fruit, glowing with an otherworldly light.
Naruto's breath caught in his throat as he beheld the transformation, awe washing over him like a tidal wave. He reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against the smooth surface of the fruit. It pulsed with life, a silent promise of power and potential.
"Eat this." He instructed, his voice soft but firm. "And plant it in our backyard. It is time for you to embrace your true heritage."Naruto nodded, his resolve firm as he accepted the fruit from Kurama's outstretched hand. With a silent promise etched in his heart, he placed his hand on the ground, leaving behind a mark of their journey. As they prepared to teleport home, Kurama cast one last glance at the past, his gaze filled with hope for a brighter future.
When they materialized back home, it wasn't to the familiar apartment but to a grand cabin nestled on the outskirts of the village, embraced by the dense embrace of the forest. It was a sanctuary they had carved out for themselves, away from prying eyes and the hustle and bustle of the village.
The cabin stood proudly, its sturdy walls weathered by time and nature's embrace. Five spacious rooms awaited within, one reserved for Naruto and the others serving as guest quarters or storage. A sprawling living room and a well-equipped kitchen added to the homely charm of the place.
Beyond the cabin, a lush expanse of forest stretched as far as the eye could see, offering solitude and serenity to its inhabitants.
As they materialized in front of the cabin, Naruto couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship that had gone into its construction. It stood as a testament to their journey and the new chapter they were about to embark upon.
"Let's head to the backyard." Naruto eagerly suggested, his voice brimming with excitement. With a bound, he leaped effortlessly over the cabin, his movements fluid and graceful. Kurama followed suit, his form a silent shadow against the dappled light filtering through the trees.
"Alright, boy, when you eat the fruit, brace yourself." Kurama cautioned, his tone tinged with concern. Naruto waved off his worries with a confident smile, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
Without hesitation, Naruto devoured the fruit, savoring its unique flavor as its juices trickled down his chin.
"Wow, this is actually pretty good. I wish I could have this every day." He mumbled, relishing the taste. Kurama, however, let out a deep sigh.
"Unfortunately, to grow another one of these fruits, it will take about 10 years with the amount of chakra I have at my disposal." He explained, a hint of bitterness in his tone as he reflected on his current powerlessness.
"Wow, really? Ten years? Well, I guess I can't be too upset. Oh my god, this is so good." Naruto exclaimed, finishing off the fruit and planting the pit in the dirt. Suddenly, Kurama pulled him back, and the ground shook as the tree burst from the soil, its roots spreading wide. Warm liquid, reminiscent of a hot spring, flowed from the tree, creating a mystical pool.
"We have our own personal hot spring, that's ni-." Naruto's words were cut off as darkness enveloped him, and he began to collapse. Kurama swiftly caught him, holding him in his arms as he reassured the boy that he would be safe.
Naruto awoke in his room, surrounded by the familiar sight of calligraphy papers filled with Jutsu formulas covering every surface.
"I had a weird dream." He mumbled, scratching his head before noticing something odd - he felt fox ears atop his head and a lower appendage thrashing about on his lower back. Panic surged through him as he realized he had a tail now.
Just then, the door cracked open, and Kurama entered, his gaze fixed on Naruto.
"Oh, good, you're finally awake. Now, let's begin some training. I need to teach you about your new body." Kurama said casually, but Naruto was too preoccupied with his new appendages to pay much attention.
"Furball, look, I have a tail, I have ears!" Naruto exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice. The fox had a soft grin, pleased that Naruto was taking the transformation well.
"That's great, but I jus-." Kurama's sentence was cut short as he suddenly collapsed into a pile of paper, his consciousness returning to Naruto's body.
"Kurama!" Naruto shouted, worry evident in his voice. He felt the fox's chakra return to his stomach, and Kurama's voice reassured him,
"I'm sorry, boy, but I don't have the energy to stay awake any longer. I haven't felt this exhausted since the time I gave 100 humans my power. I'm going to hibernate for a bit, but I'll be fine. I must recover my strength." Naruto let out a soft breath of relief, knowing that Kurama would be okay.
Naruto sat alone in the tranquility of his backyard, guilt weighing heavy on his heart for allowing Kurama to endure such exhaustion on his behalf. Though he understood that he couldn't simply idle away the time until Kurama's return.
"Should I train or should I just relax until he comes back?" Naruto pondered, his thoughts swirling as he mulled over his options. Then, like a beacon of solace, the idea of soaking in the hot spring beckoned to him.
With a determined nod, Naruto made his way to the edge of the backyard, where the tantalizing scent of fresh water teased his senses.
He dipped his toes into the inviting warmth before surrendering himself to its embrace, submerging his body beneath the surface.
"Oh yeah, this is what I've been waiting for." He murmured blissfully, feeling the tension melt away from his muscles as he reclined in the soothing waters.
As he luxuriated in the heat, a thought crossed his mind.
"I think it's time for a body check-up." He mused aloud, his fingers trailing over his skin as he inspected himself. To his surprise, the scars that once adorned his body were nowhere to be found.
"Well, that's disappointing." He remarked with a hint of regret, realizing that the marks he had once worn with pride were now gone, erased by the transformation of his new body.
"But I guess it's a new body, new life."
Curiosity piqued, Naruto decided to delve deeper, exploring the changes within him. Closing his eyes, he focused his senses inward, probing the flow of chakra within his being. Gone was the vibrant yellow hue of his previous chakra; in its place pulsed a dark, crimson energy. With a furrowed brow, he contemplated this shift, wondering if his clan's chakra had been affected as well.
Summoning his chakra with deliberate intent, he conjured forth chains of energy from his stomach, relief flooding his being as he confirmed that his clan's legacy remained intact.
As he relaxed further in the embrace of the hot spring, a sudden disturbance shattered the tranquility of the moment. The jutsu formulas he had strategically placed around the perimeter of his home reacted, alerting him to the presence of an intruder approaching.
Naruto's heart raced as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. The unexpected visit from the third Hokage had thrown him into a frenzy of panic.
"Seriously, the third Hokage now. Oh crap, how am I going to hide this." He muttered to himself, his mind racing with frantic thoughts as he contemplated the implications of the Hokage's arrival. Yet, before he could even begin to formulate a plan, his alarm sounded once more, jolting him from his anxious reverie. Three more intruders had breached his territory.
In the heart of the Fox's Woods, a scene of cruelty unfolded as three boys pursued a lone girl with white eyes.
"Come on, fake princess, we just want to play." Taunted one of the boys, his voice laced with malicious intent as his companions snickered in agreement. Tears welled in the girl's eyes as she fled, her once pristine attire now caked with mud from her desperate flight. Her lips quivered with unspoken retorts, but fear and vulnerability rendered her voiceless, her tiptoes faltering with every step.
In a cruel twist of fate, one of the boys traced his hands along the ground, weaving a trail of mud over the girl's path. With a gasp, she stumbled forward, her foot sinking into the mire up to her knee as her momentum betrayed her, sending her tumbling headlong into the mud.
"Oh wow, look at the mud princess." Jeered another boy, his laughter ringing out with cruel mockery.
"Honestly, I think you should give up being a ninja and maybe be somebody's wife." He continued, his words dripping with disdain as his cohorts joined in the cruel jest.
As they closed in around her, the boys seized her roughly, hurling her to the ground with callous disregard.
"What about this? Since you're no good at being a ninja, why don't you make yourself useful and cook us some delicious meals every day." Taunted the ringleader, his words a vicious barb aimed at her already wounded pride. The other boys guffawed with delight, reveling in their perceived dominance over someone they deemed weaker than themselves. With tears streaming down her cheeks, the girl could only hang her head in shame, her spirit crushed beneath the weight of their cruelty.
The scene descended into a nightmare as one of the boys yanked on the girl's hair, eliciting pained cries from her lips.
"Aren't you going to answer us?" He demanded, his voice laced with malice. Despite the agony coursing through her, she remained silent, paralyzed by fear. With a cruel twist, the boy brandished a kunai, prompting the girl to weep even harder under the weight of impending dread.
"I think you should answer, since we're going to be your new masters. If not, I think I'm going to start shaving you bald." He taunted, his tone twisted with sadistic amusement as he reveled in the girl's suffering. His laughter echoed through the desolate woods, joined by the cruel chorus of his companions, each one driven by envy and resentment toward the girl's prestigious bloodline.
As the laughter subsided, two of the boys suddenly realized the absence of the third.
"What happened?" They questioned, their eyes scanning the dense forest in search of their missing comrade. Their inquiries were met with a sickening crack followed by muffled screams, drawing their gaze upward to witness a chilling sight. Naruto, clad in nothing but a towel, hovered above them, his tail coiled around the neck of their fallen comrade, tightening with each agonizing moment. With brutal efficiency, Naruto broke the boy's arms one by one, his expression an unsettling mask of determination.
A surge of terror gripped one of the boys, prompting him to flee in a desperate bid for survival.
"You little weakling, you led us here on purpose!" He accused, his voice trembling with fear as he lashed out, his foot connecting with the girl's form, already muddied and bruised from her earlier ordeal. Yet, in their moment of reckoning, the two remaining boys failed to notice the talisman floating beside them, its ethereal form pulsating with malevolent intent. With a sudden surge of energy, chakra chains erupted from the talisman, ensnaring the boys in a web of binding energy, sealing their fate as retribution loomed on the horizon.
As Naruto descended, his tail firmly gripping the boy, he executed his retribution with swift and calculated brutality. With two deft movements, he snapped each boy's leg before plucking out every strand of hair, leaving them completely bald, devoid even of their eyebrows.
His actions were executed in eerie silence, his menacing aura speaking volumes in his stead. Crafting a claw out of paper, he infused it with a fire talisman, a silent threat that hung heavy in the air.
Despite their futile struggles, the boys found themselves unable to break free from Naruto's grip. He lifted their shirts, marking each of them with his claw symbol on their chests, a permanent reminder of their transgressions.
"If you three enter my territory again, I will kill you and hunt down your family. Do I make myself clear?" His voice was cold, devoid of any warmth or empathy, instilling a deep sense of dread in the boys.
Releasing his grip, Naruto turned his attention to the girl, lifting her up gently as she wrapped her arms around his neck, tears streaming down her face.
"No need to cry, I am here now." He reassured her before teleporting away. Arriving at a shower, he gently placed her inside and began washing her clothes, a small gesture of kindness amidst the chaos.
Naruto returned to the hot spring, allowing its soothing waters to work their magic on his tense muscles. As he relaxed, thoughts swirled in his mind about the girl he had rescued.
"I should probably ask her what her name is, or maybe I should call her Snow-eyed girl...I have no idea what to do." He mused, uncertainty evident in his voice.
Lost in thought, he pondered over his actions.
"I mean, I don't know her that well, and I doubt a human like her would enjoy spending time with a monster like me. I did save her though... Why did I do that?" Naruto questioned himself, his thoughts delving deep into his psyche.
"It's not because I like her, heck, I barely even know her. I mean, she's always getting bullied by those three. And I enjoy putting them in their place. Then why help her? She's so different from those other humans... Damn it, where are you, furball? I need your help." He lamented, feeling conflicted and seeking guidance.
Leaving the spring, he wrapped a towel around his waist and headed inside his home. There, he found the girl wearing his orange robes, a blush adorning her face as her eyes darted away. Following her gaze, Naruto noticed her recently washed clothes drying nearby. As soon as he averted his eyes, she whispered.
"Don't... look... at... my... underwear." Her embarrassment was palpable. Naruto nodded, understanding her discomfort, as her delicate undergarments hung out to dry, exposed for all to see
Naruto led the girl to the living room, where he planned to have one of his clones prepare something to eat. As they walked, he noticed her discomfort growing, perhaps exacerbated by his choice to remain clad only in a towel.
"Are you... going to put on some clothing?" She whispered, her voice barely audible. Naruto looked down, realizing his state of undress.
"Oh, yeah, sorry about that. I'm not normally a nudist." He chuckled awkwardly, breaking the tension as he excused himself to fetch some clothes from his room.
Alone, she looked at her hand, reminiscing about the warmth of his touch. Blushing furiously, she recalled how he had saved her. Lost in these thoughts, she was startled when Naruto suddenly appeared in front of her, concerned. Before she could respond, he reached out and touched her forehead, causing her blush to deepen even further. She quickly pulled away, whispering that she was fine, though her reaction seemed to worry Naruto.
"Let's just watch TV." He suggested, attempting to diffuse the awkwardness. Sitting at opposite ends of the couch, they settled in to watch. However, as Naruto turned on the TV, instead of the expected program, the room filled with the sounds of a woman moaning and flesh clapping in a brutal rhythm. Naruto's eyes widened in horror, realizing he had unwittingly tuned into an inappropriate channel.
Naruto's frustration simmered as he mentally berated Kurama, knowing the fox's penchant for indulging in such programs. He turned his attention to the girl beside him, her expression a mixture of shock and discomfort. A pang of guilt tugged at Naruto's conscience, knowing he had inadvertently tarnished her innocence.
"Sorry." He offered quickly, attempting to deflect any blame away from himself.
"My roommates enjoy those types of videos. He's currently out, but he must have left it on."
The girl responded with a barely audible whisper, her voice laden with understanding. Despite her efforts to remain composed, Naruto could sense her distress, and he resolved not to compound her discomfort any further by resuming the TV program.
"I understand." She murmured softly, her words barely audible as she teetered on the verge of fainting. Naruto resisted the urge to turn the TV back on, unwilling to further erode the girl's innocence.
"Hey... um... let's just talk." He suggested, eager to diffuse the tension hanging in the air. She nodded in agreement, her blush persisting as they shifted gears.
As they settled into conversation, the girl coughed softly, drawing Naruto's attention. With a deep breath, she broached a question that weighed heavily on her mind.
"Why aren't you in the academy?" she inquired, her voice tentative but curious.
Naruto hesitated, grappling with the weight of her inquiry.
"Well, my roommate doesn't think it's needed." He explained carefully. "And the last time I went there, I nearly killed the teacher."
After a moment of contemplation, Naruto decided to pose a question of his own.
"Why are those kids bullying you?" He asked gently, his voice laced with empathy. He watched as her expression darkened, her gaze drifting to the ground as she recounted the painful memories of past encounters with her tormentors.
Tears welled in Hinata's eyes, her voice barely above a whisper as she admitted defeat. Memories of her struggles with her younger sister flooded her mind, recalling the moments she deliberately lost fights to spare others from harm.
"I'm just weak," She murmured, her words heavy with self-doubt.
Naruto's response was gentle yet firm as he reached out to grasp her hands, his fingers tracing the calluses on her palms, evidence of her hard work.
"I don't think that's true." he countered softly, his gaze steady.
"I think you're a lot stronger than you think, but you're also way too gentle."
His words caught Hinata off guard, her eyes widening in surprise before a wave of blush flooded her cheeks, prompting her to withdraw slightly.
"Thank you." she managed, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Can I make a request? We have our graduation exam tomorrow. Can you show up to class?"
Naruto's response was hesitant, his uncertainty palpable despite his tentative agreement.
"I don't see why not, but I'll just be there to support. I won't be taking the exam myself." He explained, his nerves evident in his tone.
Hinata's eyes sparkled with excitement as she eagerly grasped his hands, her enthusiasm momentarily overcoming her shyness. Yet, just as quickly, she pulled away, her blush deepening.
"By the way, Naruto, my name is Hinata. I'm sorry, I just... you know, I'm sorry." She stammered, her words a jumble as she finally mustered the courage to share her name.
Naruto's response was warm and understanding as he greeted her in a gentle tone, accepting her apology with a reassuring smile.
Naruto noticed that the clone had finished preparing their meal.
"Food's done. Do you wish to join me, Hinata?" He asked in a gentle tone, causing her to blush and swoon for a moment.
"Um... yes." she replied softly, moving towards the dinner table. They had rice and fish accompanied by a variety of vegetables and a small bowl of miso soup. Hinata took a bite, her mouth humming in delight.
"Wow, this food is amazing." She praised Naruto, immediately blushing in embarrassment. Naruto chuckled, enjoying her company and the compliment.
"You're the first one to compliment my cooking. My roommate always says we need to eat a nutritional diet and then complains every time he doesn't get fried tofu. He's such a pain sometimes." Naruto reminisced, his ears twitching at the memory.
"Um... Naruto?" Hinata spoke, catching his attention. As their eyes met, she blushed, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"How did you get those ears and tail?" She asked.
Naruto shifted in his seat, considering his response. Eventually, he decided on a half-truth.
"I woke up and had them, that's about it. I'm honestly not quite used to them yet." He admitted, barely concealing his proficiency with his tail.
Hinata looked somewhat shocked by his answer, thinking he was being modest.
"Really? I thought you were a natural, the way you moved around, strangling one of the boys with your tail like it was a practiced motion." She praised him, causing Naruto to blush for the first time during their conversation. Hinata's face mirrored his embarrassment as she realized what she had said.
"Thank you, I appreciate you stopping by, by the way. My roommate is going to be gone for a while, so if you want to come over anytime, feel free." Naruto offered, extending an open invitation. Hinata blushed even harder at the gesture, her face almost rivaling the sun in its brightness.
As they proceeded to eat, Naruto's clone hastened the drying process for Hinata's clothes with a swift jutsu. Before parting ways, Naruto offered her a small charm, inscribed with the word "luck." on one side and a jutsu formula on the other.
"Here, Hinata. Take this. It's a good luck charm. It should help you during the test. And if you ever feel in danger, just pour some chakra into it, and I'll come, no matter what." He promised, his blue eyes reflecting his sincerity.
Naruto pondered his decision to attend the academy the next day, conflicted between fulfilling a promise and bracing himself for the inevitable backlash. Despite the tension weighing on his mind, he resolved to uphold his word, determined to face whatever awaited him. As evening descended, he allowed himself a moment of relaxation before the daunting prospect of the academy loomed ahead.
The early morning air greeted Naruto as he ventured out, the crispness of dawn accentuating his sense of determination. Completing his morning training routine, he stood on the edge of the forest, contemplating his decision.
"Should I even attempt to go? It's been years since I've walked the streets of Konoha." He mused, uncertainty clouding his thoughts. Yet, the image of the girl with the snow-white eyes spurred him onward.
Unconcerned about concealing his tail and ears, Naruto stepped forward, knowing full well that his unusual features had likely spread through the entire village by now. As he traversed the streets, he became the unwitting focus of attention.
"Look, Mommy, that man has fox ears and a tail!" A little girl's voice pierced the air, drawing eyes toward Naruto.
"Shush, don't point at that thing. It's a monster. If you agitate it, it might attack you." The mother chided, speaking as if Naruto were not present or capable of understanding her words. Naruto turned toward them, his eyes glowing red as he summoned the most chilling smile he could muster.
"It's not nice to point at people, little girl." He intoned in a bone-chilling voice, reminiscent of Kurama's own. His gaze shifted to the mother.
"You should teach your child some manners before I teach them." He threatened, his voice deepening and taking on a harsh edge. With a gasp, the woman snatched up her child and fled in haste, leaving Naruto amidst a scattering of terrified villagers.
"If they want a monster, I'll give them one." He murmured to himself, his resolve solidifying as he continued toward the academy. It was moments like these that reminded him why he preferred using transformation jutsu for something as mundane as grocery shopping.
The anticipation crackled in the air as Naruto swung open the academy's door, mere moments before the commencement of class. Gasps erupted from the students as they caught sight of him, his fox tail swishing behind him and ears perked atop his head, a stark contrast to the typical academy attire. With an air of nonchalance, he strolled toward an open seat, his eyes scanning the room before settling next to the familiar figure of the pink-haired girl, Sakura.
"Um... who told you you can sit by me?" Sakura protested, her glare fixed firmly on the boy beside her. Naruto turned to face her, his expression unreadable as he took in her features.
"My apologies, I thought I was sitting next to a billboard, with that flat chest of yours." He retorted, his words laced with indifference. Laughter erupted from the class, echoing off the walls as Sakura's rival joined in, unable to contain her amusement.
"What did you say?!" Sakura's voice pierced the air like a banshee's wail as she lunged at Naruto, her fists swinging in fury. With lightning reflexes, Naruto dodged her attack, seizing her head and forcefully driving it into the desk with a resounding thud. The room fell silent, stunned by the sudden turn of events, with even Sasuke caught off guard by the swift movements of the fox-like boy.
Tears welled in Sakura's eyes as she cradled her throbbing nose, blood trickling between her fingers. "What the hell is wrong with you?" She demanded, her voice trembling with a mixture of pain and anger.
"How are you a ninja? The attack was so slow, and it's called self-defense, you Pink-haired bitch." Naruto retorted coolly, his gaze drifting toward Sasuke, silently daring him to intervene. As Sasuke rose to his feet, a tense energy enveloped the room, poised on the brink
The tension in the classroom reached a boiling point as the teachers burst in, one carrying a box of headbands for the future graduates. Mizuki's scowl deepened as his gaze locked onto Naruto, while Iruka, following his partner's line of sight, was visibly shocked, his mouth falling open in disbelief.
"Get away from him, the fox demon has possessed the boy!" Iruka's voice rang out, drawing the attention of the students. Mizuki, quick to act, noticed one of the students already injured, lunging at Naruto with a kunai in hand.
"Get away from her?!" He bellowed, his voice echoing in the room. Naruto sighed deeply, anticipating this reaction.
"I was just here for the graduation ceremony." He explained calmly, but Mizuki's blade was already aimed at his throat. With a deft move, Naruto dodged the blade, leaping backward and landing on one of the student's desks, inadvertently crushing his bag of chips.
"Nooooooo, not my chips! They were barbecue flavored!" Choji wailed, his voice filled with anguish.
"Seriously, what's wrong with these people? I've got a pink-haired pain in my ass, and now Mr. Fatty-Fatty Two-by-Four can't fit through the kitchen door, having a panic attack.
" Naruto muttered to himself, frustration evident in his voice.
Choji, incensed by the remark, utilized his partial body expansion jutsu, swinging a giant arm at Naruto.
"I'm not fat!" He protested loudly. Taking advantage of the distraction, Sasuke lunged at Naruto with a fist, while Mizuki quickly weaved hand signs, launching a stone bullet in Naruto's direction. In a swift motion, Naruto used the substitution jutsu, swapping himself with Sakura, who found herself in the path of their combined attacks.
Sasuke and the teacher managed to divert their attacks at the last moment, narrowly avoiding disaster. However, Choji, fueled by anger, unleashed a devastating blow, sending Sakura hurtling into the blackboard with enough force to crack it. Ino's laughter filled the room at the sight of her rival's misfortune.
"That was a close one." Naruto remarked, positioning himself behind Iruka-sensei, who instinctively raised his hands in defense.
"Hey, stop that nonsense. I'm not here for a fight, I'm just here to observe." Naruto explained, hoping to diffuse the situation.
"If that's the case, then why did you attack Sakura?" Iruka questioned, wary of the fox's intentions.
"Ask any of the students here, I was just defending myself." Naruto replied calmly, hoping to convince the teacher to let him be.
"Don't listen to him, sensei." A girl with red eyes and hair, sporting unflattering glasses, interjected.
"He hospitalized three boys yesterday and branded them. He attacked Sakura unprovoked. He's a menace." She accused, rallying support to her side.
Frustration boiled within Naruto as he noticed the smug smirk and malevolence in her eyes.
"God damn it, that's why I hate you people, lying sacks of shit." He muttered under his breath. With a swift movement, he dodged Iruka's fast kick, then threw a flashbang talisman, momentarily blinding everyone in the room before vanishing using the Flying Thunder God technique.
Hinata watched the whole situation unfold, her heart aching with the desire to speak up for Naruto, but her shyness held her back. Even when the girl falsely accused Naruto, she couldn't find the courage to defend him.
Back at his home, Naruto seethed with frustration over the exchange.
"What did I expect? Things are never going to change here, no matter how much I try." He muttered to himself, missing the guidance of the Nine-Tailed Fox. He spent the rest of the day alternating between relaxation and intense training to improve his chakra control.
The next day arrived, and after finishing his breakfast with still no response from Kurama, Naruto stood in front of his house near a tree. He floated in the air, using the Shinigami dance technique, his paper swirling around him as he focused on chakra control. Despite his concentration, his alarm went off, alerting him to two people entering his woods, but he remained still, determined to finish his task.
One of the figures wore the robes of the Third Hokage, while the other was a woman in a revealing outfit with a trench coat, casually munching on dango. Naruto opened his eyes, acknowledging the Third Hokage's presence.
"What brings you here, old man? Can't you see I'm busy?" He retorted, his tone disrespectful. The Third Hokage scowled at the brashness of the young ninja as he approached, holding a folder in his hand.
"It seems the Nine-Tails has quite a hold over you now, boy." The Third Hokage remarked, opening the folder.
"Clearly, you've been busy, attacking innocent students and civilians alike." He accused him, flipping through the pages to reveal images of the branded boys.
"Innocent my ass. Those three deserved what they got for entering my forest, especially since they burned down my apartment. Now, if that's all, can you please leave? I'm busy being shunned," Naruto responded, his disrespectful tone causing the Third Hokage to raise an eyebrow.
"Holy crap, this boy can float. It's so cool," Anko exclaimed, marveling as she placed her hand under Naruto and over him while he levitated. The Third Hokage let out a sigh, echoing Naruto's sentiment.
"Anko, please step away from the boy. He's dangerous." The Third advised, but his words fell on deaf ears as Anko began petting Naruto's ears, giggling as she did so. Naruto blushed, puzzled by her actions.
"What's wrong with you?" He questioned, his blush deepening as she continued to giggle.
"Oh, nothing. Just here to give you a graduation exam." She replied, burying her face in Naruto's tail, causing his blush to intensify.
"Oh, so soft." She remarked in an alluring tone, further fueling Naruto's embarrassment.
"Well... I, um, thanks." He stuttered, taken aback by someone else touching his tail for the first time. He turned away, trying to hide his blush.
Seizing the opportunity, Anko pulled out a kunai, but as soon as she touched the hilt, Naruto's tail wrapped around her neck, while the paper around him restrained her.
"I'm not stupid enough to fall for that, but I am smart enough to play along." Naruto said with a devilish grin, impressed by his own deception. Anko smiled, acknowledging his keen insight, even in a precarious situation.
"What do you think, Lord Third? I think he's adept enough to become a ninja." Anko remarked casually, as if her life wasn't in danger at all. Naruto raised an eyebrow, surprised by her calm demeanor.
"I don't think, not falling for a womanly charm is enough for us to pass him." He replied seriously.
"Seriously, this coming from the Third Hokage. I flashed my panties once, and you flew like a rocket from the biggest nosebleed I've seen. And then I called you the Pervert Hokage for a week." Anko reminisced, fondly recalling past antics. The Third Hokage tilted his hat forward, hiding his shame, while Naruto couldn't help but smile at the woman's audacity. However, his smile faded as he noticed that she had escaped his grasp and was now standing next to the Third.
"How did you?" Naruto questioned, bewildered by how he couldn't notice the woman escape his grasp. She smiled, enjoying his confusion, and replied in a playful tone.
"Shhh, it's a ninja secret." Naruto scowled at her response, while the Third Hokage grew impatient, eager to proceed with the exam rather than waste any more time.
"Let's proceed with the exam. After that, I've already picked out a special group if you manage to pass." The Third Hokage explained, prompting Naruto to express his confusion about why he was taking the test.
"Old man, why am I taking this exam again? I've only spent half a day at the Academy, overall these years. Besides, I have no interest in becoming a Leaf Village ninja." Naruto voiced his feelings and reasoning. The old man tilted his head, puzzled by Naruto's statement.
"Boy, I'm sorry, but you have no choice in the matter. As the Nine Tails host, you have responsibilities to protect the village. And if you fail to meet those responsibilities, we might have to transfer the Fox to another suitable host.
" The Third Hokage spoke with utmost seriousness, emphasizing the importance of Naruto's role. Naruto's eyes glowed red, and his teeth sharpened as he reacted with intense hatred. "What?" He spoke with palpable hostility. Anko's playful demeanor dissipated as she realized the danger.
"You heard me. Now, let's get on with this test." The Third Hokage dismissed Naruto's intense glare, while Anko coughed into her hand to draw his attention.
"Don't worry, the exam should be easy for you. I'm just going to see if you can perform a few jutsus." She spoke in a cheery tone, attempting to calm Naruto's anger. Naruto clicked his tongue, his feet touching the ground as he reluctantly complied.
"Fine, now let's hurry up." He spoke with a fiery temper, hoping to get this ordeal over with as quickly as possible.
Anko took out a folder, her brow furrowing as she carefully read through it.
"It looks like you failed the graduation exam three times already... this doesn't make sense. I guess you're failing on purpose." She muttered, her eyes scanning Naruto's file. Naruto twitched with annoyance, wondering why the teachers would go so far as to falsify documents.
They proceeded to give Naruto multiple exams, testing him on various jutsu. He passed them all flawlessly, performing each technique with ease while the Third Hokage sat nearby, smoking his pipe.
"Wow, I guess the teachers in the academy need to go through some training, but they missed you." Anko remarked as she wrote down his score. The Third Hokage stood up after hearing the good news, pulling the headband from his sleeve and handing it to the boy.
"From this day forward, you are now a full-fledged ninja. congratulations." He spoke with pride in his voice, witnessing how far Naruto had come. Naruto held the headband in his hand, but in the next moment, the sound of metal bending from strain could be heard as he crumpled the headband and threw it to the ground.
"Thanks," He said, his action shocking both Anko and the Hokage.
"How could you do such a thing?" The Hokage questioned Naruto's disrespectful gesture towards the village symbol.
"Quit your nagging and explain who I'll be assigned with. It's just some meaningless headband to me, nothing more." Naruto spoke with disdain, his glowing red eyes piercing the Hokage's gaze. The Hokage wanted to shout, but he knew the boy was too far gone to listen.
"Tomorrow, Team 3 will arrive here in this area, and you'll be assigned to them until further notice. There's a possibility you'll be assigned to other teams as backup. Be on your best behavior, or we might have to find another host who is more devoted to their village." The Hokage finished his statement, and they both left the area. Anko felt saddened seeing Naruto act in such a way towards the village.
Anko took out a folder, her brow furrowing as she carefully read through it.
"It looks like you failed the graduation exam three times already... this doesn't make sense. I guess you're failing on purpose." She muttered, her eyes scanning Naruto's file. Naruto twitched with annoyance, wondering why the teachers would go so far as to falsify documents.
They proceeded to give Naruto multiple exams, testing him on various jutsu. He passed them all flawlessly, performing each technique with ease while the Third Hokage sat nearby, smoking his pipe.
"Wow, I guess the teachers in the academy need to go through some training." Anko remarked as she wrote down his score. The Third Hokage stood up after hearing the good news, pulling the headband from his sleeve and handing it to the boy.
"From this day forward, you are now a full-fledged ninja. Congratulations." He spoke with pride in his voice, witnessing how far Naruto had come. Naruto held the headband in his hand, but in the next moment, the sound of metal bending from strain could be heard as he crumpled the headband and threw it to the ground. "Thanks," He said, his action shocking both Anko and the Hokage.
"How could you do such a thing?" The Hokage questioned Naruto's disrespectful gesture towards the village symbol.
"Quit your nagging and explain who I'll be assigned with. It's just some meaningless headband to me, nothing more." Naruto spoke with disdain, his glowing red eyes piercing the Hokage's gaze. The Hokage wanted to shout, but he knew the boy was too far gone to listen.
"Tomorrow, Team 3 will arrive here in this area, and you'll be assigned to them until further notice. There's a possibility you'll be assigned to other teams as backup. Be on your best behavior, or we might have to find another host who is more devoted to their village." The Hokage finished his statement, and they both left the area. Anko felt saddened seeing Naruto act in such a way towards the village.
Naruto returned home, his irritation brewing at the thought of visitors coming in tomorrow. He mulled it over, understanding that the meeting spot had to be at his house, lest he wouldn't show up, as the Third Hokage thought. Collapsing onto his bed, exhausted from the day's events, he found his mind drifting to the girl with the snow eyes who hadn't shown up.
"Maybe she got scared from what I did yesterday. I guess there's no point in complaining further. I should prepare for tomorrow." He muttered to himself as he made his way to his room, retrieving the bounty hunter outfit he had. Ensuring everything was in order, he slipped into it.
The outside of the outfit resembled his normal robes worn every day, but underneath, he wore a body armor suit, protecting him from his toes to his shoulders. The suit's claws, which he crafted himself, were embedded with sealing jutsu, allowing them to harness all five chakra natures just by channeling chakra.
"Maybe Kurama will come back tomorrow, and we can get things back to normal." He mused to himself before laying down to rest for the night. Summoning a few of his paper clones, he tasked them with completing some bounties for him before drifting off to sleep.