The neon lights of the Dark Carnival shimmered beneath the night sky, casting strange, flickering shadows over the tents and twisting paths. Naruto, now fully embracing his role as Jugganaruto, felt the growing power of the Carnival flow through him, his Hatchet of Chaos gleaming at his side. His face paint, once a novelty, had become a symbol of his new identity—equal parts shinobi and Juggalo. And now, it was time to take that power into battle. Orochimaru was out there, lurking in the darkness, and it was time to take him down.

Nearby, standing in a tight group, was his new team: Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon. The three of them sported freshly painted Juggalo faces, their expressions a mix of excitement and determination. Even Udon, with his glasses barely visible beneath his streaky face paint, looked ready for the mission ahead.

"Alright, listen up!" Naruto began, his tone serious. "Orochimaru's been messing with the Carnival, and we can't let him get away with it. He's dangerous, but we've got the power of the Carnival behind us. Are you ready?"

Konohamaru was practically vibrating with excitement. "We're ready, boss! Let's take him down!"

Moegi, her face paint glowing under the carnival lights, nodded fiercely. "Yeah! No one messes with the Juggalos and gets away with it."

Udon, while less outwardly enthusiastic, managed a small nod. "Do you really think we're ready for him? He's... pretty strong."

Naruto grinned and clapped Udon on the back. "We've got this, Udon. The Carnival's power is on our side. Plus, we've faced worse before." He glanced at the Hatchet of Chaos, feeling its dark energy pulsing in his hand. "And now, we've got a little extra help."

Konohamaru grinned from ear to ear. "So what's the plan, boss?"

Naruto crossed his arms, thinking carefully. "Orochimaru's been laying low, but I have a feeling he's close. He's waiting for something, and we're going to find out what. We'll start by searching the perimeter of the Carnival. If we can track him down before he makes his next move, we'll have the advantage."

Konohamaru punched the air. "And when we find him, we'll show him what it means to mess with the Juggalos!"

Naruto nodded. "Exactly. But remember, he's dangerous. The FCC might have cut ties with him, but that doesn't mean he's alone. We have to be careful."

Just as Naruto finished laying out the plan, a voice broke through the night air, causing him to sigh. He had expected this.

"Hey there, Jugganaruto!"

Ann Richards, former Democratic governor of Texas, sauntered up to the group with her usual bright smile and confident stride. "Thought I'd check in on my favorite ninja and his new crew."

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "I figured you'd show up."

Ann winked, placing her hands on her hips. "You know me, sugar. Always gotta keep an eye on my boys." She turned to Konohamaru and his squad, looking them up and down with approval. "Well, look at this new crew! Y'all are looking sharp. You make Texas proud."

Konohamaru, starstruck, saluted clumsily, while Naruto just waved Ann off. "Alright, Ann, we're about to head out. Orochimaru's not going to find himself."

Ann gave a mock salute, stepping back with a grin. "Good luck, Jugganaruto! Y'all stay safe out there."

With that, Naruto led his Juggalo squad out into the night, their mission clear. The carnival grounds, usually alive with twisted energy, seemed eerily quiet as they ventured into the outskirts. Orochimaru's presence was like a heavy weight in the air, and Naruto knew it was only a matter of time before they faced him.


Meanwhile, deep within his hidden lair, Orochimaru paced back and forth, his frustration boiling over. The dimly lit room flickered with torchlight, casting long, menacing shadows across his pale face. Across from him, standing rigid and unimpressed, were the agents of the FCC. Orochimaru's eyes burned with fury as he faced them.

"I don't understand why you would consider betraying me," Orochimaru hissed, his voice low and venomous. "I've given you everything you need to destroy the Carnival and its pathetic followers."

The lead FCC agent, a tall, stern-looking man with cold eyes, adjusted his tie and stared Orochimaru down. "It's simple. You're not the kind of ally we can keep. You're... unpredictable. We were hired to restore order, and frankly, your methods are anything but that. We're done."

Orochimaru's sneer deepened, his yellow eyes flashing dangerously. "You knew what you were getting into when we made this deal. You can't just walk away."

The agent stepped forward, his voice firm. "It's over. We're severing ties. You're on your own."

Without another word, the FCC agents turned and left the room, the heavy door slamming behind them. Orochimaru stood in silence, his fists clenched at his sides, his entire body trembling with barely contained rage.

"Fools," he whispered, his voice shaking with fury. "They think they can discard me?"

He turned his gaze to the far end of the room, where an ornate coffin stood. The time had come. His plans had been delayed for too long, and now, with the FCC abandoning him, he needed to act. He needed a new body. One with strength, resilience—something that could harness the power he needed to crush Jugganaruto and the Juggalos once and for all.

His mind raced, considering his options. His experiments had given him vast knowledge of the bodies in Konoha, but one name rose above the others. One ninja whose strength and size made him a perfect vessel.

Choji Akimichi.

Orochimaru's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Yes… Choji. A perfect candidate. His size, his power... he will be mine."

With a swift motion, Orochimaru summoned his subordinates, the snake-like creatures slithering from the shadows to receive his orders. "Prepare everything. We leave for Konoha at once. My new vessel awaits."

As his minions scurried to obey, Orochimaru's cold laughter filled the room, echoing off the walls like a haunting melody. Soon, he would possess a body powerful enough to destroy everything in his path.


Back at the Dark Carnival, Naruto and his team scoured the outskirts, their senses alert for any sign of Orochimaru. Konohamaru, buzzing with energy, darted ahead, eagerly searching for clues.

"We're getting close! I can feel it!" Konohamaru shouted, scanning the horizon.

Naruto smiled, his confidence growing with each step. The Carnival's power was with them, and his team had heart. But something nagged at him. Orochimaru was always one step ahead, and his gut told him the snake had something sinister planned.

As they moved deeper into the night, the tension in the air thickened. Naruto could feel the impending clash drawing nearer, like a storm waiting to break. The Juggalos were ready for battle, but Orochimaru's betrayal of the FCC and his next move—a twisted plan involving Choji Akimichi—was something none of them could have predicted.

The showdown was coming. And when it did, the Dark Carnival would never be the same.