All According to Plan

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. "Naruto" and all related characters, settings, and concepts are the property of Masashi Kishimoto and respective companies. This story is written by a fan, for fans, with no financial gain
Story Summary: In a world where darkness and light dance a delicate waltz, the Hokage's gambit unfolds. A tale of hidden alliances, emotional manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of power. Naruto Uzumaki, a boy burdened by a demon and scarred by isolation, finds himself at the center of a grand scheme, his destiny intertwined with the fate of Konoha itself. Will he rise above the shadows that haunt him, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume him?

Chapter 9 - Forging Destinies

"As alliances shift and hidden talents emerge, the future of Konoha hangs in the balance of young hands."


The low hum of fluorescent lights filled the silence of Orochimaru's office in Konoha. It was a day or two after Team 7's mission, and the team stood before their client, ready to deliver their report.

Orochimaru, his pale face illuminated by the glow of the monitor, meticulously read through Hiruzen's detailed report. His long fingers tapped rhythmically against the wooden table, a soft 'tisk' escaping his lips every so often.

"It seems Storm Caller truly was as special a sword as Hoshigaki claimed," Orochimaru finally said, his voice a low drawl.

Hiruzen nodded in agreement. "Indeed. It houses the Spirit, or perhaps the Demon, of the South Winds. This makes it immensely powerful, but also capable of influencing the user."

"A double-edged sword, then," Orochimaru mused, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Truly an heirloom worth retrieving. However," his tone shifted, "the presence of Iron Country samurai of that caliber certainly elevated this to a B-rank mission."

He turned his gaze towards the young ninjas. "But a worthwhile one, it seems," he conceded. "Tell me more about the spoils you reportedly collected."

Naruto, his cheeks flushed with nervous excitement, scratched the back of his head. "Well," he began, "after Sasuke found the hidden catch to a supply hatch under the workshop, we discovered a treasure trove of chakra-attuned metals and wood samples. Some were elementally aligned, others not."

"And," he added with a hint of pride, "the scrolls we found on Iron Country fuinjutsu were incredible! They contained a wealth of information on using seals to enhance gear." He paused, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "And there was this one strange genjutsu seal that, instead of disguising the subject, simply made them less interesting. That one was copied from the seal Yakumo found, so it might take me some time to reverse engineer it."

Orochimaru's interest piqued at the mention of sealing abilities. "Naruto," he inquired, leaning forward, "tell me more about those directional blast seals you field-tested."

Naruto's blush deepened. Before he could respond, Hiruzen placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Naruto is a natural," the old Hokage declared with a fond smile. "A true Uzumaki."

Naruto beamed with pride, his nerves momentarily forgotten. The acknowledgment from his mentor meant more to him than any praise Orochimaru could offer.

Orochimaru steepled his fingers, a contemplative look on his face. "While I commend your resourcefulness, Naruto," he began, "these materials are not without their dangers." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "As such, you may keep them, but on one condition."

Naruto's ears perked up, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"You must learn to use them safely and effectively," Orochimaru continued. "And you must make your services – and the fruits of your labor – available exclusively to Konoha shinobi. For a price, of course."

Naruto's initial excitement was tempered by the weight of the responsibility. He understood the implications of Orochimaru's words. This was not just an opportunity; it was a commitment. A commitment to his village, to his craft, and to himself.

Orochimaru then shifted gears, his tone turning curious. "Now, tell me about your encounter with Fuu. Hiruzen's report was... vague."

A flashback sequence began, the scene shifting to the aftermath of the battle with Fuu. The air was thick with tension, the echoes of the clash still lingering.

Fuu, her wings folded neatly behind her back, approached Naruto, a playful glint in her eyes. "I'd like a word with you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hiruzen, ever vigilant, stepped forward. "Only if I'm present," he declared, his tone firm but not unkind.

Fuu merely shrugged, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Suit yourself," she replied, leading Naruto away from the group.

Their conversation was hushed, their words barely audible to the watchful Hiruzen. Fuu inquired about life in Konoha, sharing snippets of her own experiences. A bond began to form, a connection between two souls who understood the isolation of being different.

"They haven't taught you how to befriend the Bijuu you live with, have they?" Fuu asked, her voice laced with a hint of sadness.

Naruto frowned, confusion clouding his features. "Befriend them? They're monsters! They destroy everything in their path."

Fuu's smile was tinged with melancholy. "That's only what people see," she said softly. "People are like ants looking up at giants, unable to understand what drives them. They only see the destruction they cause."

She lowered herself into a seiza, her hands extended towards Naruto. "Don't take my word for it," she said, a playful smirk returning to her face. "I'll show you."

Naruto hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to expect. He eventually reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. A strange warmth spread from his seal to his fingertips, and then… everything went black.

Naruto found himself standing on a grassy plain, a vibrant teal sky stretching above him. A thin, barely perceptible line divided the landscape, marking the boundary between his mind and Fuu's. On her side of the line stood a magnificent creature - Chomei, the Seven-Tailed Bijuu.

Chomei resembled a colossal, armored beetle, its exoskeleton shimmering with an iridescent sheen. Six massive wings, each adorned with intricate patterns, unfurled from its back, casting long shadows across the ground. Its seven tails, reminiscent of shimmering waterfalls, swayed gently in the breeze. A serene aura emanated from the creature, its teal eyes radiating wisdom and tranquility.

Fuu's chakra pulsed with a vibrant teal-green, harmonizing with Chomei's presence. In contrast, Naruto's side of the mindscape was bathed in a pure, azure blue, mirroring the color of his eyes. Behind him, trapped within a cage of swirling blue chakra, lurked the monstrous form of Kyuubi, the Nine-Tailed Fox.

The cage, a complex latticework of glowing seals, pulsed with Naruto's chakra, barely containing the beast's raw power. Kurama's crimson eyes burned with rage, its nine tails thrashing against the bars, each movement sending ripples of dark energy through the air.

"Naruto," Fuu's voice echoed through the mindscape, "meet my life partner, Chomei. The Seven Tails."

Naruto instinctively bowed in respect. "It's an honor to meet you, Chomei-sama."

Chomei's voice, deep and resonant, filled the space. "There's no need for formalities, Naruto. While there is cause to fear Bijuu, wanton destruction is not our nature. We are conscious beings, just like humans, only far older. Once, we were tasked with protecting humanity..."

Before Chomei could elaborate, Kyuubi's roar erupted, shaking the very foundation of the mindscape. "You would not dare speak his name to a human, Chomei! Your patheticness knows no bounds! They abandoned his teachings! Ninshu is dead, and with it, my faith in them!"

Naruto and Fuu recoiled in shock, the sheer intensity of Kurama's hatred washing over them. Chomei's features tightened, but his voice remained calm. "Brother, you are out of balance. Your hatred overwhelms you. Remember our youth, remember our Father."

Kyuubi's rage only intensified. With a final, earth-shattering roar, he strained against the cage, the seals flexing and contorting under the immense pressure. Then, with a sickening snap, the connection between them severed, plunging Naruto back into darkness.


Back in Orochimaru's office, Naruto concluded his tale with a shrug. "So yeah, Fuu shook my hand, wished me luck in befriending 'Nines' as she called him, and recommended I figure out my Jinchuriki Trait. Supposedly, according to her teachers, every Jinchuriki has one."

Orochimaru listened intently, a flicker of fascination in his eyes. The concept of tailed beasts and their unique abilities never ceased to intrigue him. He chuckled softly. "Oh, Naruto, are you asking me to figure out your quirk for you? I couldn't be happier!"

Before Naruto could respond, Hiruzen materialized between them, his expression stern. "We'll find it on our own, thank you."

Orochimaru merely tsked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Very well," he conceded, turning his attention to Yakumo. "You did a marvelous job utilizing your Seal of Heaven," he praised.

Orochimaru then addressed the team as a whole. "You are all dismissed. Take a week off to recover from your mission. But," he added, a warning tone entering his voice, "do not slack off simply because you are not on active duty."

He paused, his eyes fixing on Sasuke. "Sasuke, stay behind. I have something to discuss with you."

Hiruzen hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting between Orochimaru and Sasuke. He eventually nodded, a silent understanding passing between him and his student. "Sasuke," he said, his voice gentle, "you're welcome to come by for dinner."

With that, Hiruzen departed with the rest of Team 7, leaving Sasuke alone with Orochimaru. The air crackled with anticipation, the unspoken promise of power hanging heavy in the room.


The bustling streets of Konoha were filled with the usual midday activity as Naruto, eager for his ramen fix, made his way towards Ichiraku Ramen with Konohamaru trailing behind. Their animated conversation was abruptly interrupted when Naruto bumped into a familiar figure.

"Oh, hey Ino!" Naruto exclaimed, rubbing his head sheepishly.

Ino, her blonde hair cascading around her shoulders, flashed a dazzling smile. "Naruto-kun!" she chirped, her voice dripping with playful flirtation. "Fancy seeing you here!"

Konohamaru, ever the mischievous observer, giggled at Ino's blatant advances. Naruto, oblivious as ever due to his stunted emotional development, simply grinned back.

"We're heading for ramen. Wanna join us?" he offered, his stomach rumbling in anticipation.

Ino's eyes lit up. "Sounds great!" she exclaimed, linking her arm through Naruto's with a sly wink at Konohamaru.

As they slurped their noodles, Naruto regaled them with his tales of the mission, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he recounted his encounter with Fuu. Ino leaned in close, her hand brushing against his arm, her laughter punctuating his every sentence.

Konohamaru, barely able to contain his amusement, choked back giggles as he watched the oblivious Naruto bask in Ino's attention.

Their lunch was interrupted by the arrival of a messenger monkey, bearing a scroll from Hiruzen. Naruto's face fell as he read the message, a summons to his grandfather's personal study.

"Looks like I gotta go," he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

As Naruto and Konohamaru rose to leave, Ino sensed Hinata rounding a corner. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. With a sudden burst of movement, she threw her arms around Naruto's neck, planting a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"Later, Whiskers!" she called out, flashing a peace sign as she dashed away, leaving a stunned Naruto, a fuming Hinata, and a doubled-over Konohamaru in her wake.

Konohamaru's laughter echoed through the streets as he and Naruto continued their journey, leaving behind a scene of chaos and confusion.


In the heart of Konoha, a small dango shop bustled with activity. Inside, Yakumo found Kurenai, her caretaker, sharing a plate of dango with Anko. Kurenai's face lit up upon seeing Yakumo, and she beckoned her over with a warm smile.

"Yakumo-chan!" Kurenai greeted, pulling her into a comforting hug. "How did your first C-rank mission go?"

Yakumo's eyes darkened, the memory of the mission casting a shadow over her features. "The mission was successful," she began hesitantly, her voice barely a whisper. "But... I lost control of my Demonic Seal of Heaven. My inner demon... it melted someone's mind."

A heavy silence fell over the table. Anko, her eyes narrowing, reached out and gently patted Yakumo's head. "Listen, kid," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle, "all of Orochimaru's seals offer power, and that power always demands discipline and emotional control."

Anko continued, her tone firm yet reassuring. "As long as you wrestle with your demon, you'll always be on the verge of losing control. You need to find a way to coexist with it."

Yakumo looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. "But... how?"

Anko shrugged. "Everyone finds their own way to live with their seals. Mine was the prototype, and it caused extreme pain whenever I used it. That used to scare me, but now... I live with it. I accept that the price for power is pain, and I welcome it as an old friend when I need its strength."

She paused, her gaze locking onto Yakumo's. "It made me respect its power more, if anything. I never use it for sparring or frivolous reasons."

Yakumo nodded absently, the weight of Anko's words pressing down on her. She couldn't fathom how she was supposed to make peace with the destructive force she carried within her. The image of the man whose mind she had shattered haunted her thoughts, a chilling reminder of the power she wielded.

Kurenai, her brow furrowed with concern, gently squeezed Yakumo's hand. "However you choose to live with your demon, Yakumo-chan," she said softly, "proceed with caution. For your own sake, and for the sake of those around you."

Anko let out a hearty laugh, her boisterous demeanor returning. "Oh, come on, Kurenai! Yakumo's not a little girl anymore. She's gonna have to make a few mistakes to learn."

Yakumo paled at the thought of more mistakes, the weight of her previous actions heavy on her heart. Kurenai, sensing her distress, quickly slammed some money onto the counter, shooting Anko a frustrated look.

"Come on, Yakumo-chan," Kurenai said, taking her hand and leading her out of the shop. "Let's go home."

The walk back to Kurenai's apartment was quiet, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. Once inside, Kurenai guided Yakumo to a comfortable seat on the sofa, a warm cup of tea in hand.

"Tell me everything, Yakumo-chan," Kurenai encouraged, her voice filled with maternal warmth. "Don't hold anything back."

Yakumo took a deep breath, the warmth of the tea soothing her frayed nerves. She began to recount the events of the mission in detail, the words tumbling out in a rush as she relived the terrifying experience of losing control.

Kurenai listened patiently, her heart aching for the young girl. She knew the burden Yakumo carried, the constant struggle to control the demon within. But she also knew Yakumo's strength, her resilience in the face of adversity.

"Yakumo-chan," Kurenai said softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, "you are not alone in this. We'll face this together, one step at a time."

Yakumo looked up, tears welling in her eyes. A small smile tugged at her lips as she felt the warmth of Kurenai's love and support.


The air in Orochimaru's office grew heavy with anticipation as Team 7's footsteps faded down the hallway. Sasuke remained seated, his posture rigid, his eyes fixed on the snake Sannin.

Orochimaru withdrew several folders from a hidden seal on his desk, their contents a mystery to the young Uchiha. A sly smile played on his lips as he spoke.

"Now, Sasuke-kun," he began, his voice a low, sibilant hiss, "before we delve into my wondrous findings on the dispersion of your clan, we have a major point to discuss."

He paused, savoring the moment, allowing the suspense to build. Sasuke's brow furrowed in irritation, his patience wearing thin with the drawn-out preamble.

"While the five clanless shinobi I've identified with Sharingan genetic markers—all genin or chunin—would likely jump at the chance to become part of the illustrious Uchiha clan and have their Sharingan awakened," Orochimaru continued, "most of the shinobi in the village with enough chakra to readily accept a transplanted Sharingan eye would be hesitant to join your clan for one simple reason."

Sasuke's eyes hardened. "We're not doing any more trnasplantations. I gave you three eyes for your top jonin after Takashi died in a moment of weakness, I'm not prepared to give anymore. I haven't even met the shinobi in question yet."

Orochimaru's eyes narrow for a moment as he chuckles. "Ku-ku-ku, Sasuke-kun. My apologies. You'll have to wait a bit longer for that. Two are out of the village at the moment and you're simply not strong enough to meet the third."

A sharp "hn" of displeasure would meet him in return.

"Meanwhile however, there is another Shinobi that carries your clan's eye that could be brought into the Uchiha clan, your father was a rather vocal opponent of him so it would look excellent for you to mend long burned bridges. Besides, Kakashi is a well respected jonin and his name would carry much weight behind the Uchiha clan."

The revelation hung in the air, a silent challenge laid before Sasuke. The path to rebuilding his clan was fraught with obstacles, and this was merely the first. His eyes narrowed, the weight of his ambition settling on his shoulders.

He would need to tread carefully, balancing his desire for power with the delicate diplomacy required to win over potential allies. It was a task that would test his cunning, his resolve, and ultimately, his loyalty to the Uchiha legacy.

Sasuke nodded curtly, acknowledging Orochimaru's words. "I'll deal with Kakashi," he said, his voice a low growl. He then gestured towards the folders containing information on the clanless shinobi. "I'd like to meet with each of them."

Orochimaru handed over the folders, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "Excellent," he purred. "These individuals are the most crucial part of rebuilding your clan."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "While the transplanted Sharingan Uchiha won't pass on their dojutsu unless it's surgically transplanted again, leaving them down an eye, those with the genetic markers can pass them on naturally. This could potentially awaken many more Sharingan, especially if their genes intermingle with each other's or your own."

A faint blush crept onto Sasuke's cheeks at the implications of Orochimaru's words. The snake Sannin's creepy laugh echoed through the room as he dismissed Sasuke, leaving the young Uchiha to ponder the future of his clan.


In the cozy confines of Hiruzen's personal study, the air was thick with the scent of pipe smoke and old parchment. Naruto fidgeted nervously, his eyes darting between the numerous scrolls scattered across the desk, one of which bore the familiar Uzumaki crest.

Hiruzen, his face etched with wisdom and concern, took a long drag from his pipe. "Ah, Naruto-chan," he began, his voice warm and grandfatherly, "thank you for coming. As I'm sure you know, we have some things to discuss."

Naruto nodded, scratching the back of his head anxiously. "Yeah, I guess we need to start working on the whole Kyuubi thing, eh?"

Hiruzen nodded slowly. "Not just the beast's chakra..."

"Fuu said Chomei and the rest of the Bijuu aren't beasts," Naruto interrupted, his voice filled with newfound conviction. "They're just misunderstood."

Hiruzen glanced at the intricate seal adorning one of the scrolls, a seal designed to contain the immense power of the Nine-Tails. The thought of the beast possessing intelligence was unsettling, to say the least.

"Be that as it may," Hiruzen continued, choosing his words carefully, "from your account, you're hardly friends with Kyuubi. You know neither how to control its wild power nor what your own special trait might be."

Naruto nodded, his curiosity piqued. "What sort of traits do other Jinchuriki have?"

Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It's hard to say, really. Mito Uzumaki, the First Hokage's wife, had Kurama sealed within her and could sense other people's negative emotions. While you're certainly something of a sensor, I attribute that more to your upbringing and instincts. No, I suspect your trait is something else, something I've wondered about for a long time."

He paused, his eyes locking onto Naruto's. "Why can you create so many shadow clones?"

Naruto blinked, taken aback by the question. "Well, I have a lot of chakra," he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Hiruzen nodded. "So do the Sannin. Yet, while Jiraiya can summon the toad boss Gamabunta and still have enough chakra to fight on equal footing with a Kage, he can only make thirty or so shadow clones. And Kakashi, one of our finest jonin who carries a Sharingan, can produce maybe five and still fight at full capacity. By its nature, the shadow clone technique divides the user's chakra. How is it that you can divide your chakra two hundred, or even two thousand times over, and still live?"

The question hung in the air, a puzzle waiting to be solved. Naruto, for the first time, began to question the true extent of his abilities, the hidden potential that lay dormant within him.

Hiruzen leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with intrigue. "And what's more, I've seen you transform yourself and your clones into all sorts of things – weapons, animals. Surely you've realized this isn't normal."

Naruto shrugged, a nonchalant expression on his face. "Well, Akamaru can turn into Kiba, and Kiba can transform into that weird hybrid form."

Hiruzen chuckled. "That's a Hijutsu of the Inuzuka clan, not the Transformation Jutsu taught in the academy. No, I suspect your special chakra took the intent of the jutsu and realized it for you."

He unrolled the most ancient scroll on the table, revealing a clan seal Naruto didn't recognize. "This came from Kimimaro Kaguya," Hiruzen explained. "Before joining Konoha, he was the last survivor of his clan in Kiri. Buried in his clan's belongings was a scroll from a forgotten clan known as Otsutsuki."

Naruto leaned in, his curiosity piqued.

"This scroll describes a mythical jutsu called 'Heavenly Creation of All Things'," Hiruzen continued. "It's the act of giving will and chakra physical form. It requires an absolute understanding of the object to be created, usually requiring the mythical Rinnegan to gain the knowledge needed to realize something into physical form, molecule by molecule."

Naruto looked daunted, unsure how such a hyper-specific and complex jutsu could be useful. "But how would that help me?" he asked.

Hiruzen shrugged. "The Sage of the Six Paths made legendary tools with this jutsu. But even being able to conjure a real kunai that won't dispel on a hit could be useful. Never underestimate the element of surprise."

He paused, a thoughtful look on his face. "So, needless to say, finding you an apprenticeship in the art of smithing will be a must to further your understanding of weapons, beyond making use of all the materials you found. Though I expect using the jutsu with a base material suited to it will make it significantly easier."

Hiruzen handed Naruto a slip of paper with an address. "Now, send a shadow clone to this address to get started with a smithy, while we go to one of the ANBU training grounds to see if we can't bring out Kyuubi."


The apartment building loomed before Sasuke, its nondescript facade a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within him. He swallowed, the subtle flutter in his stomach a foreign sensation for the stoic shinobi. Ren...the name echoed in his mind, a young chunin with a familiar air of determination.

A resolute knock reverberated through the hallway, and the door creaked open, revealing a figure bathed in the dim light. Ren stoof tall and lean, with a wiry strength that belies his slender frame. His short, spiky black hair is tousled, as if he's just come from a sparring session. His piercing grey eyes, framed by high cheekbones and a strong jawline, hold a depth of intensity that can be both intimidating and alluring. He has a long, thin scar that runs from his left temple to his chin, a memento from a childhood training accident.

He raised an eyebrow, appraising Sasuke with a cool gaze.

"Can I help you, genin-san?" Ren's voice was polite, yet tinged with a hint of amusement.

Sasuke nodded, his onyx eyes unwavering. "You know who I am, Ren-san. Everyone does. I have a proposition to discuss over tea."

A flicker of surprise crossed Ren's face, but he recovered quickly, gesturing for Sasuke to enter. They walked in silence, the rhythmic click of their sandals the only sound in the deserted hallway.

The Uchiha compound was a solemn monument to a fallen clan, its grand architecture now cloaked in shadows. Sasuke led Ren to a traditional tea room, its tatami mats worn smooth by generations of Uchiha. He meticulously prepared the tea, his movements precise and practiced.

The silence persisted until Ren took a sip, his eyes widening in appreciation. "This is wonderful tea, Sasuke-san. But what are we doing here? It's not like you need extra training, with both Hokage vying for your attention."

Sasuke poured another cup, his expression unreadable. "Did you know your great-grandmother was an Uchiha, Ren?"

Ren's eyes narrowed, suspicion replacing the earlier amusement. "I didn't. And it hardly seems a close enough relationship to bother with."

Sasuke shrugged, his voice matter-of-fact. "That might have been the case once. But the rest of the Uchiha are gone, and according to Lord Orochimaru, you possess the markers to awaken your own Sharingan. I find myself with a clan to rebuild."

Ren fell silent, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. The allure of the Sharingan, a legendary power wielded by the strongest shinobi, tugged at his ambition. He envisioned himself, eyes ablaze with the Mangekyo Sharingan, leading the Konoha Police Force with unwavering authority. But the weight of his loyalty to the village, to the Hokage who had given him a home and a purpose, anchored him to his principles.

His brow furrowed, his heart pounding against his ribs as he grappled with the conflicting emotions. He had always dreamed of greatness, of leaving his mark on the world. The Uchiha clan offered a path to that greatness, a shortcut to power and recognition. But could he betray the village that had taken him in, the people who had become his family?

"My loyalty is to Konoha, not a clan," he finally replied, his voice firm but laced with a hint of regret.

Sasuke nodded, acknowledging Ren's conviction. "I respect that. But the Uchiha were a founding force of this village. When our clan was whole, it provided order, structure, and stability through our reputation and our police force. Both of which I plan to resurrect."

Ren's eyes widened, a spark of interest reigniting in their depths. He had always admired the Uchiha's strength and discipline, their unwavering dedication to justice. The idea of contributing to the restoration of such a noble legacy appealed to his sense of duty and honor.

"I want to be head of the police when I make jonin," he declared, his ambition momentarily outweighing his caution.

A ghost of a smile flickered across Sasuke's lips. "I have no doubt you will be."

Their hands met in a firm clasp, sealing an unspoken agreement. Ren felt a surge of excitement coursing through his veins, the thrill of joining a cause greater than himself. He was still uncertain about the path ahead, the sacrifices he might have to make, but he knew that he had made the right decision. He would serve Konoha, but he would also honor his Uchiha heritage, forging a new path for himself and his clan.

The silence that followed was no longer awkward, but filled with the promise of a new alliance, one that would shape the future of Konoha and the legacy of the Uchiha. Ren's heart swelled with pride as he looked at Sasuke, the last Uchiha heir, the embodiment of their shared dream. Together, they would rebuild the Uchiha clan, not as a force of destruction, but as a pillar of strength for the village they both called home.


Naruto's clone burst into Higurashi Ninja Gear, a whirlwind of energy disrupting the quiet afternoon. His eyes immediately fell on Suigetsu, the water-blade shinobi leaning casually against the counter, a charming grin plastered on his face as he chatted with Tenten.

"Suigetsu! Tenten!" Naruto greeted them, his voice booming through the shop.

Suigetsu turned, his grin widening as he saw his fellow teammate. "Naruto! How's the training with the old man going?"

Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Hiruzen-jiji's keeping me busy, what's Jiraiya been keeping you guys busy with?

Suigetsu jumped in, clearly eager to share. "Oh man, the other day, he summoned this massive toad that fired water bullets strong enough to pulverize a boulder! We've been working on insane combination attacks, with Kiba and me flanking and Choji... well, trying to keep up." Suigetsu's voice tinged with a hint of frustration when mentioning Choji.

Naruto frowned slightly at the mention of his teammate's struggles but quickly changed the subject. "Speaking of missions, you won't believe what I ran into on my last one. Storm Caller!"

Suigetsu and Tenten gasped in unison. The legendary blade, rumored to be the eighth Sword of the Mist, was a coveted prize among shinobi.

"You saw Storm Caller?" Tenten exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement.

Naruto nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Not only saw it, but I managed to snag some of the materials and notes on how to recreate it. Now I just need a teacher."

Suigetsu's eyes gleamed. "If you made me a weapon like that, I'd... I'd be your best friend forever!"

Tenten, ever the pragmatist, chimed in, "I'd give you a lifetime supply of free kunai and shuriken!"

Naruto laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Guys, slow down. I don't even know how to forge a kunai yet."

Tenten's eyes sparkled. "Don't worry, I know just the person who can help." She disappeared into the back of the shop, returning moments later with a towering figure.

Mr. Taro Higurashi was a giant of a man, his muscles straining against his simple tunic. A bushy beard framed his jovial face, and his eyes twinkled with excitement. "Well, well, well! What have we here?" he boomed.

Tenten quickly explained Naruto's situation and presented Hiruzen's letter of recommendation. Mr. Higurashi's smile grew even wider as he read it.

"An apprentice, eh? Well, you've come to the right place, young man!" Mr. Higurashi slapped Naruto on the back, the force of the blow nearly sending him flying. "Be here every night after dinner for a few hours, and I'll turn you into a master blacksmith in no time!"

Naruto shook his head, forming a hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" With a puff of smoke, another Naruto appeared.

"Clones share memories," the original Naruto explained. "So I'd like to be here whenever I'm in the village, maybe even two or three at a time if there are different tasks."

Mr. Taro Higurashi's eyes lit up, his smile widening even further. "Free labor? You just made my day, kid!"

Naruto grinned, knowing this was just the beginning of his journey to become the greatest ninja – and blacksmith – the world had ever seen.


The sterile scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air of the hospital room, a stark contrast to the emotional storm brewing between its two occupants. Sakura, her emerald eyes narrowed in concentration, meticulously cleaned a wound on Karin's arm while the latter fumed.

"It's infuriating!" Karin burst out, her voice laced with bitterness. "Everyone keeps telling me how I should feel about Naruto. Like I'm not allowed to be angry about what happened!"

Sakura paused, setting aside the swab and meeting Karin's gaze with a steely resolve. "Karin, I understand you're upset. But let's break this down logically, like we would any medical case."

Karin's fingers tightened around her arms, her nails digging into her skin. Her eyes, usually sharp and focused, darted around the room, avoiding Sakura's gaze. "What's there to analyze?" she spat, her voice brittle. "He used me. End of story."

Sakura leaned forward, her brow furrowed in concern. "Karin, it's not that simple. Naruto was just a kid back then. We all were."

"So what?" Karin snapped, her voice rising. "Being young doesn't excuse what he did!"

"No, it doesn't," Sakura agreed softly. "But think about it. Orochimaru was acting Hokage. His word was law."

Karin's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching visibly. She opened her mouth to retort, then closed it, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.

Sakura pressed on, her voice gentle but firm. "And let's be honest, neither of you were really hurt by what happened. If anything, it made Konoha stronger."

Karin's shoulders slumped slightly, the fire in her eyes dimming. She ran a hand through her hair, tugging at the ends in frustration. "Maybe," she mumbled, barely audible.

"Look," Sakura said, leaning closer. "I know you want the Uzumaki clan to rise again. Whether you want a pure bloodline or a bigger clan, you need Naruto on your side."

Karin's eyes snapped up, meeting Sakura's gaze. For a moment, the anger flared again, but it quickly faded, replaced by a mix of confusion and grudging consideration.

"I..." Karin started, then paused, chewing on her lower lip. Her fingers drummed an erratic rhythm on her arm. "Fine," she finally said, the word coming out in a rush of breath. "Maybe I was a bit... harsh."

Sakura's face softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That's a start, Karin. Naruto's not perfect, but his heart's in the right place. Just... give him a chance, okay?"

Karin nodded slowly, her posture relaxing slightly. She uncrossed her arms, her hands falling to her sides. "I'll try," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Sakura watched, Karin's expression shifted, the hard lines of anger softening. There was still a wariness in her eyes, a tension in her shoulders, but something had changed. A tiny crack had appeared in the wall of resentment she'd built around herself.