Ⅰ
Upon hearing the news that Naruto had absconded with the First Hokage's Forbidden Scroll, my immediate reaction was to question his motives. What could have driven him to steal one of Konoha's most important historical items? Knowing Naruto as well as I did, perhaps there must have been a significant catalyst that pushed him to take such drastic measures.
The Forbidden Scroll was stored safely in the Hokage Archive. There, it was heavily protected by a group of Shinobis called the Special Tasked Jounin, a.k.a. Tokubetsu Jounin （特別上忍）. They are a group of experts proficient in various fields, including archaeology, which was relevant to this scroll.
Named after the First Hokage, the scroll was said to contain thousands of Ninjutsus. Some of the techniques used in ninjutsu are still used today. However, certain others were not, as they were told to be too dangerous to use, which could cost the user's life. Hence, earning the scroll its Forbidden title, it was carefully stored away in the Archive for safekeeping.
Despite these precautions, Naruto managed to steal the scroll under the Tokubetsu Jounins' noses. In response, Uncle Asuma rallied all members of the Sarutobi clan in the vicinity and announced a mission to locate Naruto as swiftly as possible. As he further explained the details of the mission, I learned that other prominent clans, such as
Akimichi, Nara, Yamanaka, and others, would also join the search.
Seeing my Uncle and the other Sarutobi members preparing to depart, I volunteered to join the mission. I answered that I knew Naruto better than anyone else and that my dearest would never commit such a theft unless there was a big reason behind it. However, despite the earnest plea I gave to him, Uncle Asuma deemed me I was not ready…
Ⅱ
As I stood in my room, grappling with the disbelief of being deemed unprepared, frustration coursed through me like a raging river. "I am not ready...?" I murmured incredulously, my voice barely above a whisper. "How could he say I am not ready? I am a Shinobi!" My mind was swirling with emotions as I paced back and forth.
The root of the problem lay in my recent graduation from the academy. Lacking practical mission experience, they deemed me unfit for the task. The search for Naruto and the Forbidden Scroll was classified as an S-Ranked Mission, reserved for seasoned Chunins and numerous Jounins. It was clear that a newly minted Genin like myself wouldn't suffice for such a perilous undertaking.
Despite their concerns, my determination blazed fiercely. Naruto, my dearest friend, was out there in need of aid. I had sworn I would be there for him whenever he was in trouble. With that, I intended to uphold that promise, no matter what. If the adults think I cannot handle this urgent mission, I just have to prove it to them. Having said that,
I swiftly prepared myself to gear up.
Dressed in the attire appropriate for a Shinobi, I may need to arm myself for the upcoming battle that may arise. So, to be on the safe side, I equipped two hardened leather gauntlets upon my forearms, ready to deflect any danger that dared to assail me. Similarly, greaves adorned my shins, offering protection against unforeseen threats. And over my torso, I fastened a black leather vest to enhance my protection. Completing my ensemble, I adorned my neck with a delicate, dove-grey scarf, its gentle touch offering a sense of reassurance amidst the uncertainties.
With my attire and armaments in place, I meticulously gathered the tools and provisions necessary for the search. Kunais, shurikens, medicinal pills, bandages—each item was carefully selected and packed into my pouch, ensuring I was equipped for any eventuality.
Finally, as I stood before the mirror, I fastened the emblem of Konoha—the headband—around my forehead. With one last glance at my reflection, I quickly went to the closet to grab my weapon: the katana. My uncle's combat lessons echoed in my mind, emphasizing the importance of selecting a weapon that could heighten my focus, awareness, and precision in battle. With these qualities in mind, the katana had become an extension of myself, honed through countless hours of training to refine my fighting skills.
Inside the closet, a clutter of essentials for a shinobi's life filled the space—clothes, scrolls, and tools, all meticulously arranged. Interspersed among these necessities were remnants salvaged from a shipwreck—the very wreckage that had cast me ashore. Each item found its place. Amidst this ordered array, the katana rested on the sword rack at the room's center. Its white sheath is adorned with intricate gold lines, exuding an aura of nobility and power. With practiced ease, I inspected the blade, ensuring its polish and sharpness were up to standard, a routine ingrained in my daily rituals. Satisfied with its condition, I returned the blade to its sheath, readying myself to depart.
However, a collision with my shoulder sent something tumbling to the ground. Bending to inspect it, I found the object wrapped tightly in cloth and tied with a knot. Intrigued,
I brought it to the table for closer examination. Slowly unwrapping the cloth revealed a hidden blade, its polished surface gleaming in the dim light of my room.
As I continued inspecting the blade, my fingers traced its edges. I couldn't help but notice an insignia carved at its base. It was the first time I had encountered a symbol representing a creed—one that would later hold significant meaning.
Though I sensed a deeper symbolism in the emblem, its significance eluded me. Carefully, I affixed the blade to the underside of my left arm, amazed as it smoothly extended with a simple motion of my wrist. It was surreal to realize that, despite encountering this weapon for the first time, I instinctively knew how to wield it.
"Wow..." I whispered slowly, "This... this is incredible."
But why? How was I able to use this weapon without any prior knowledge of it? I wanted to find out, but there was no time to dwell on it. Naruto needed help, and I had to find him fast. Equipping myself hastily, I left the compound and ventured downtown. The search for Naruto had begun, and come what may, I would not rest until I found him.
"I'm coming for you, Naruto."
Ⅲ
Jumping from one rooftop to the next, I activated my Eagle Vision to locate Naruto swiftly. However, scouring the area for fifteen minutes straight, I could not find him. After spending so much time looking around the downtown area, I decided to seek out a higher vantage point for a better view of the entire village. Initially, I thought of the
Hokage Tower for its panoramic vista, but I soon dismissed the idea due to its likely high-alert status.
"Where else could I go?" I pondered aloud, feeling the pressure of the situation. I struggled to think of alternative locations that could offer a comparable view. But sadly, none came readily to mind.
Just then, as I continued to ponder, a faint sound caught my attention, causing me to pause and listen intently. I looked up to see what it was. To my surprise, the source of the sound that emerged above turned out to be an eagle circling above. With a surge of recognition, I quickly realized it was the same eagle that had granted me the gift of
Eagle Vision. "It's the same eagle!" I exclaimed, thrilled to see my familiar ally once more.
The eagle continued its graceful flight, signaling for me to follow with each elegant swoop. Understanding its intent to assist, I wasted no time pursuing the majestic bird, swiftly resuming my agile parkour across the rooftops.
Following the eagle's lead, I arrived at my destination. Leaving downtown behind, I found myself in the watchtower area at the heart of the village. Fortunately, the unguarded tower allowed me to climb to its summit unhindered.
Reaching the pinnacle of the tower, I expressed my gratitude to the eagle with a nod, to which it responded with a knowing glance. "You're welcome," its silent gaze seemed to convey.
"Now, let's see..." With a deliberate calmness, I closed my eyes, readying myself to tap into my chakra and activate Eagle Vision. Harnessing enough chakra to survey all of Konoha required the utmost concentration. As I concentrated, I felt the warmth intensify behind my eyelids, signaling that my chakra was nearing its peak.
With a steady breath, I opened my eyes, allowing Eagle Vision to envelop my senses. The world around me bathed in a calming blue hue, revealing every detail with crystal clarity.
Gazing at the downtown area, I observed the figures colored in blue, but Naruto was nowhere to be found amidst the streets or buildings. Shifting my focus to the residential area and academy yielded no different results.
"Hmm...Where could he be?" I wondered aloud, scanning every inch of the area to ensure no spot was missed. Finally, my search led me to the forest, where Naruto's distinct figure glowed in brilliant gold.
"Found him…!"
Ⅳ
With agile movements reminiscent of a monkey navigating through the trees, I swiftly reached Naruto's location. There, Naruto sat on the ground, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. The forbidden Ninjutsu scroll rested upon his back, a weighty load adding to his fatigue.
As I readied myself to confront Naruto and inquire about the stolen Forbidden Scroll, a swift movement diverted my attention. Surprised, I watched as Iruka-sensei landed before Naruto, his arrival imbued with a palpable sense of urgency.
"Iruka-sensei?!" I exclaimed inwardly, quickly ducking into hiding. The last thing I wanted was for my homeroom teacher to discover my presence. Choosing to remain concealed, I observed silently, curious to see how the events would unfold.
"There you are…!" The teacher's stern voice cut through the air as he stood with his hands on his hips, eyeing Naruto disapprovingly.
"Oh hey, Iruka sensei!" Naruto greeted, seemingly unfazed by the teacher's anger as he stood up.
"You got me already. I didn't expect you to find me so quickly. I only had time to learn one technique," Naruto confessed.
One technique? This intrigued me. Judging by Naruto's dirty and sweaty appearance, he must have spent quite some time practicing whatever jutsu he found in the scroll. But wait. Did he say he learned a jutsu from the Forbidden Scroll of the First Hokage…? Why would he do that?! I listened intently to their conversation, hoping to understand more.
"Listen, Iruka sensei! I'll show you this amazing jutsu, and then you'll let me graduate," Naruto exclaimed excitedly. "Isn't that how it works? Anyone who learns a jutsu from the scroll passes!"
"Huh? Where did you get that idea?" Iruka sensei questioned. "Mizuki sensei told me!" Naruto responded. "He showed me where to find the scroll and this place!"
Mizuki sensei…? Wasn't he the kind-looking teacher who supervised the graduation exam? Why would he give Naruto such advice? Unless…
A sudden rustling in the trees caught my attention, sending a shiver down my spine. I looked to the source of the sound and quickly saw a rain of shurikens flying toward
Iruka sensei and Naruto—the metallic glint of the weapons sliced through the air with deadly precision.
"Look out!" shouted Iruka. He swiftly pushed Naruto aside to shield him from the incoming barrage of shurikens.
"Iruka sensei!" Naruto's voice rang out, filled with shock and concern as he witnessed the barrage of shurikens striking each part of Iruka sensei's body.
Amidst the chaos, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "I see you found our little hideaway," it said. I turned my head to the source of the voice. And I saw Mizuki sensei standing on a tree branch. His stance exuded a chilling lack of remorse for his treacherous actions, leaving me stunned.
"Naruto!" Mizuki sensei's voice boomed, commanding, "Give me the scroll now!" He beckoned with a crooked finger, his intention was clear.
"W-wait a minute," Naruto's voice quivered with confusion. "W-what is going on here?" he looked between Iruka and Mizuki sensei, seeking clarity.
Despite the injuries, Iruka managed to respond urgently, painstakingly removing the shurikens from his body one by one. "Naruto, don't let Mizuki get the scroll! It contains forbidden jutsu that could put the village in grave danger! He was using you to steal the scroll for his own gain!" His voice, strained yet resolute, conveyed the seriousness of the situation.
Naruto's eyes widened in shock, and he glared at Mizuki sensei with frustration. But Mizuki sensei quickly dismissed it with a composed demeanor. "Naruto, Iruka's just trying to frighten you. He knows the danger you pose if you were to unleash the scroll's power yourself."
"D-danger...?" Naruto looked between them, unsure who to trust.
"Mizuki! Don't!" Iruka sensei interjected firmly.
The mention of Naruto's potential danger piqued my curiosity, leaving me puzzled. What threat did Naruto pose? Why was Iruka so insistent on halting Mizuki's explanation? Hidden in the trees, I strained to catch every word, eager to unravel the mystery.
"Have you ever wondered why everyone in the village mistreated you? Have you ever questioned why you've been an outcast since birth? It's because everyone in the village knows who you are, except for you."
"Why...?" Naruto's voice trembled
"Because of a decree made twelve years ago."
"A decree...?"
"Yes, a decree we were instructed to keep a certain secret from you."
"A certain secret…? W-what kind of secret do I have...?" Naruto's emotions threatened to spill over, and the tension wrought by Mizuki sensei's words became unbearable.
"Well…"
"Mizuki, no! That is forbidden!" Despite Iruka sensei's protests, Mizuki sensei ultimately revealed the truth about Naruto's lineage.
"The secret that defines who you truly are! You carry the sealed Nine-Tailed Fox within you! The very same Fox Spirit that claimed Iruka's parents and almost destroyed the village twelve years ago!"