Chapter Five

Hi no Kuni – Fire Country Capital – Daimyo's Court

The rhythmic tapping of a cane echoed through the grand yet dimly lit room. The court, normally filled with nobles and advisors, was now eerily silent. At the far end, seated upon a grand throne, was the Fire Daimyo himself, fanning away the stillness of the air. Behind him stood twelve shadowy figures, their faces obscured by darkness, ever vigilant. Standing before him was an old man, frail in appearance but carrying an air of unwavering determination. His shaggy black hair hung loosely over a white shirt, covered by a dark gray robe that draped over his entire frame, concealing much of his form. "It's been some time, Danzo Shimura," the Fire Daimyo spoke, his voice steady and calm. Danzo bowed slightly in respect. "Let's dispense with the formalities, Daimyo-sama." The Fire Daimyo's lips curled slightly in amusement. "Very well. What news do you bring?" "Konoha is expanding its shinobi forces faster than anticipated," Danzo began, his tone devoid of any pretense. "After the bloodline purge in Kirigakure, a team of Konoha ANBU—alongside Orochimaru—was deployed without our knowledge. It would have been the perfect time for my Root operatives to infiltrate, but they acted independently." Danzo's voice betrayed his frustration. The Daimyo's fan paused mid-air. Konoha's growing independence, especially acting without his counsel, was a growing concern. The assassination plot from years ago, aimed at crippling Konoha and bringing it back under his control, had been a complete failure. "The entire mission failed, and the Kyūbi's location remains a mystery," Danzo added, his teeth clenched in frustration. Sighing, the Daimyo leaned back on his throne. "If this situation is not contained, it could backfire spectacularly—on both of us. Konoha's recent operations have increased their influence significantly. It's no longer a village in need of our oversight."

Danzo nodded, his expression unreadable. "They're locking everything down now. Even ANBU require clearance directly from the Hokage himself. It's as though they're preparing for something... a shadow operation, perhaps." The Fire Daimyo's eyes narrowed. "What else?" "There was an incident at the border. Two members of Akatsuki were intercepted by Dragon, Shisui Uchiha, and a full ANBU team. The entire skirmish is being kept quiet. For now, no one knows what they were after," Danzo said, his voice low but sharp. The Daimyo remained silent for a moment, weighing the implications. "The Akatsuki moving on a village as powerful as Konoha... troubling indeed." Danzo straightened his posture, his next words careful. "Whatever they're planning, we must be ready to strike should Minato falter." The Daimyo nodded, a calculated gleam in his eyes. "If the opportunity arises, I expect you to act swiftly, Danzo. We cannot allow Konoha's unchecked growth to go on." Danzo's eyes gleamed. This was the approval he needed. With the Daimyo's blessing, his schemes could move forward. He turned and began walking out of the chamber, his cane tapping rhythmically on the stone floor. As he exited, neither he nor the Daimyo noticed a third presence lingering in the shadows, silently observing.

Hi no Kuni – Konohagakure – Department of War and Strategy – Unmarked Underground Chambers

Deep within the heart of Konoha, beneath the looming Hokage Monument, lay the hidden Department of War and Strategy. On the surface, it was an unassuming building, but its true power resided underground. Protected by intricate, ever-shifting fuinjutsu crafted by the Uzumaki clan, the entrances remained impenetrable, deterring even the most skilled intruders. Anyone daring enough to attempt infiltration would face far worse than death. This department was the nerve center of Konoha's wartime strategies, constantly developing new weapons, refining advanced sealing techniques, and ensuring the village was always prepared for conflict. Unknown to most, it also guarded one of Konoha's most valuable secrets. Inside a secured chamber, Guren awoke, her vision blurred and her body heavy. A familiar warmth enveloped her—a hug. Blinking away the haze, she saw Yukimaru's gentle face. A wave of relief washed over her, and she instinctively hugged him back.

"Yukimaru... it's so good to see you," Guren murmured. But her words faltered as she noticed another figure standing silently in the room—Orochimaru. Instinctively, Guren's body tensed. She pulled Yukimaru behind her and began weaving hand, chakra surging through her in preparation to attack. But before she could complete her technique, Yukimaru gently touched her arm. "Please... don't," he said softly. Confusion flickered in Guren's eyes. "Yukimaru, what are you talking about?" "He saved me," Yukimaru replied, his voice almost a whisper. "After the Bloodline Purge... Orochimaru found me. He gave me a place to call home." Guren's heart raced, torn between her unwavering loyalty to Yukimaru and her deep-seated mistrust of the man standing before her. Orochimaru smirked, his snake-like eyes studying her with a cold amusement. "What the boy says is true," Orochimaru spoke, his voice silky yet dangerous. "After Yagura's defeat, I took him in. He's been under my protection ever since." His tone darkened, eyes narrowing. "But whether you share in that protection... well, that depends entirely on you." Yukimaru, sensing the tension, looked up at Orochimaru with pleading eyes. "Please, she won't cause any trouble. I promise." Orochimaru's gaze softened just slightly, and he patted Yukimaru's head in a gesture that was almost paternal. "We shall see," he said, before turning to leave the room, leaving Guren with a storm of conflicting emotions.

Hokage Tower – Hokage's Office

In the office of the Yondaime Hokage, Minato Namikaze stood alongside Dragon and Shisui Uchiha, two of Konoha's finest. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, though Minato's signature smile softened it somewhat. "What brings you here today, Shisui?" Minato asked, his voice warm and inviting. Shisui removed his ANBU mask, setting it gently on the Hokage's desk. Despite Minato's outward calm, a flicker of disappointment shone in his eyes—he already knew what was coming. "I'm resigning from the Black Ops, Hokage-sama," Shisui said, his tone resolute. "I wish to serve among the conventional forces." Minato's smile faltered as he folded his hands on the desk, considering the young Uchiha. "Is there nothing I can say to make you reconsider?"

Shisui shook his head, his decision final. "I've thought long and hard about this. I need to step out of the shadows, but if Konoha ever needs me, I'll return without hesitation." Minato nodded, recognizing the weight behind Shisui's choice. He glanced at Dragon, who took the mask from the desk with a solemn nod. "You're always welcome back in the Den," Dragon said quietly. With a final nod of respect, Minato stood and made the decision official. "Shisui Uchiha, you are hereby released from the ANBU and reinstated as a Jōnin of Konohagakure."

Three Years Later - Hi no Kuni - Konoha Academy – The Last Lesson

"Alright, tomorrow is your graduation exam, so study up and be prepared. That'll be all for today's class." Iruka's voice marked the end of a long chapter. The room slowly filled with chatter as students began to form their groups, gathering their things and exiting for the day. Naruto sat still, a calm focus in his eyes. Today was finally the day that would lead to his freedom from the mediocre education provided at the academy. His father, the Fourth Hokage, had been working tirelessly to implement changes to the system, in hopes of producing more capable shinobi. Only a few of these changes would affect Naruto's school year—such as team assignments no longer being based on grades, but instead on team synchronicity and specialization. The genin promotion exam had also been modified, including a taijutsu section that allowed students to showcase talents outside of traditional categories.

Naruto's thoughts were interrupted by approaching footsteps. He looked up to see his best friend, Shikamaru, and their other close companion, Choji. Naruto stared at them for a moment before standing up. "Aren't the two of you going home?" Shikamaru lazily shook his head, while Choji munched on a bag of chips. "Not yet. Today, the sky is supposed to be the prettiest in Konoha, so I'm going to watch the clouds for a while. You want to come?" Naruto nodded, and the three of them left the classroom together. In a quiet field outside the academy, the trio settled down, lying back to gaze at the sky. They pointed out shapes the clouds made, laughing at some and marveling at others. As the minutes passed, Choji eventually drifted off to sleep, leaving Shikamaru and Naruto to their quiet musings. "It's finally here," Shikamaru said softly, breaking the silence. "Everything's going to change after tomorrow." Naruto, his eyes still on the clouds, felt a surge of anticipation in his chest. The life of a true shinobi was within reach. All they had to do now was pass the graduation exam. It all felt surreal.

That night, in the study of the Namikaze household, Naruto sat at a desk, drawing up sealing arrays. His father, Minato, glanced over from his own work, offering quiet suggestions from time to time. It was something the Fourth Hokage had started doing more often—finding small ways to be more involved in his son's life. Placing his papers down, Minato looked over at his son, who was engrossed in his work. A proud smile crossed his face as he considered something important. 'What should I give him for graduating?'

The Next Day – Konoha Academy Graduation Exam

Naruto stepped out of the examination room, proudly wrapping his newly earned Konoha headband around his forehead. He scanned the courtyard and spotted his friends, all of them now donning their headbands as well. They exchanged smiles, a new chapter in their lives officially beginning. Their former instructor, Iruka, walked into the room, taking a seat by the door as the atmosphere quieted. Then, in a brilliant flash of yellow light, the Fourth Hokage appeared at the front of the class. Gasps filled the room—most of the students had never been this close to the Hokage before. "Today is a day of celebration," Minato began, his voice steady and warm. "Each of you has worked hard, trained tirelessly, and earned your place here. Today, you stand not just as students, but as shinobi of Konohagakure—protectors of this village and everything it stands for." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the young graduates. "But before we celebrate, I want to share something important about the path you've chosen. Being a shinobi isn't just about strength or jutsu—it's about sacrifice, dedication, and the responsibility that comes with our power. There will be challenges—ones that will push you to your limits. Times when you'll question whether you can continue, and when the path forward seems unclear."

His tone grew serious as he continued. "Being a shinobi means protecting those who cannot protect themselves. It means fighting for what's right, even when the odds are against you. And remember—no shinobi stands alone. You will always have your village, your team, and your heart to guide you." Minato smiled, his eyes full of warmth. "But don't forget—there is joy in this life. The bonds you form, the lives you save, and the victories you achieve make this path worth every sacrifice." With a raised hand, Minato concluded, "So today, we celebrate you. Congratulations, new shinobi of Konoha!" The room erupted into cheers. The tension from the speech dissolved into excitement and accomplishment. After the Hokage's speech, Iruka gestured toward the chalkboard. In a puff of smoke, the team assignments appeared. Naruto quickly scanned the list, his eyes locking onto his name. Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Shikamaru Nara, and Sasuke Uchiha. Their Jounin sensei: Shisui Uchiha. Naruto's heart skipped a beat. Shisui Uchiha? The legendary shinobi, renowned for his mastery of the Body Flicker Technique? Naruto glanced across the room at Sasuke and Shikamaru, both of whom gave him nods of acknowledgement. This team was shaping up to be something special.

As the newly promoted genin exited the academy, Naruto spotted a gathering of familiar faces. His godfather Jiraiya, Tsunade, Dan, Kakashi, Obito, and even Orochimaru were all waiting for him. But at the center stood his father, the Fourth Hokage. Without hesitation, Naruto sprinted forward, leaping into his father's arms. It was the first time they had ever hugged, and the moment felt monumental. The rest of the group respectfully gave them space as Minato pulled out a folded jacket and a scroll. Unfolding the jacket, Naruto's breath caught in his throat. The kanji on the back read: Fourth Hokage. It had once belonged to his father, and now it was his. Without a second thought, Naruto slipped off his old jacket and donned the new one—a white cloak trimmed with orange flames. The fabric felt heavy, not because of its weight, but because of the legacy it carried. Minato smiled, placing the scroll in Naruto's hand. "This scroll contains my concept notes for the Flying Thunder God technique, as well as some barrier space-time techniques your mother worked on. You may not understand everything just yet, but with time, I know you will." That night, the group celebrated Naruto's achievement. For the first time, Naruto felt the warmth of being truly surrounded by those he cared about, a sensation that filled his chest with pride and happiness.

Next Day - Training Ground 7

The members of Team 7 gathered at their designated training ground, where Shikamaru had brought a shogi board, setting it up for a game with Naruto while Sasuke watched intently. "I have a feeling the test isn't over," Shikamaru stated, casting a sideways glance at Sasuke. The Uchiha raised an eyebrow and replied, "I agree." As Naruto made his move on the board, he added, "Whatever happens next, let's regroup and come up with a plan of action." A moment later, Shisui Uchiha arrived, dressed in standard Konoha jōnin attire, a tanto sheathed vertically on the left side of his back. The newly promoted gennin quickly abandoned their game, shifting into stances as Shisui surveyed them with a smile. "Well, I honestly didn't believe the Hokage when he said you'd all be on my team. I'm going to introduce myself first, and then each of you will follow suit, even if I already know you." He chuckled lightly. "My name is Shisui Uchiha. My hobbies consist of training and finding ways to further Konoha, and my goal is standing right in front of me."

Taking the cue, Shikamaru spoke next. "I'm Nara Shikamaru. My hobbies include cloud watching, playing shogi, and sleeping. My goal is to live the average shinobi life—maybe with a wife, if she's not too troublesome." Sasuke followed, his voice steady. "My name is Sasuke Uchiha. My hobby is training in hopes of beating a certain blonde, and my goal is to become one of the first Uchiha Hokage and bring our clan out of the shadows." Shisui's eyebrow raised in surprise at Sasuke's ambition. The last of the trio spoke up, "I'm Naruto Uzumaki. My hobbies include studying, training, eating ramen, spending time with my oji-san, Hinata Hyuga, Shikamaru, and beating the Raven Prince. My goal is to preserve the Will of Fire, whatever it takes." Sasuke twitched at the remark, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

"Alright," Shisui said, his tone shifting to serious. "Your exam to see if you will truly become my genin team begins now." If he expected an outburst, he was met with silence. He shrugged, pulling out two bells. "Your goal is simple: get one of the two bells from me. Whoever doesn't succeed will be sent back to the academy." Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "You must complete this task within the allotted time, or you will all be sent back to the academy." With that, they all vanished in a blur of impressive speed, leaving Shisui to tie the bells to his side, waiting for their move. Silence enveloped the clearing, punctuated only by the rustling leaves. Suddenly, a barrage of kunai rained down from the trees. Without using his Sharingan, Shisui deftly dodged the projectiles, barely moving from his spot. Sasuke leaped from the branches, gathering chakra within his tenketsu before finishing a series of hand seals. "(Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu) Fire Release: Great Breakthrough!" Fire erupted in the center of the clearing, an impressive size that momentarily stunned Shisui.

Just then, a blur of blonde shot from the trees, completing his own set of hand seals. "(Fūton: Daitoppa) Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!" A massive gust of wind collided with the flames, causing them to spread like hellfire. Shisui sprang into action, but suddenly found himself immobilized. Looking down, he saw the signature jutsu of the Nara clan—Kage Jūtei no Jutsu and Kageyose no Jutsu. "Nice job, Shikamaru," he remarked, recognizing the strategic setup. The lazy Nara smirked, proud of his clever ploy. The flames descended, and Shisui found himself trapped amidst the chaos, just as Sasuke and Naruto landed, ready to strike.

Sasuke launched a high kick while Naruto swung low. Shisui flipped back, expertly avoiding Naruto and instead kicked Sasuke in the chest, sending him flying. But as he landed atop Naruto, the blonde disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Three Narutos, each wielding a bo staff, charged at Shisui, swinging wildly. With a smile, Shisui ducked and weaved through the barrage. But then, he felt something brush against him. Suddenly, a fourth Naruto appeared, catching him off guard. "Gogyō Fūin: Five Elements Seal!"

Before Shisui could react, the Uchiha felt a foreign chakra latching onto him, cutting off access to his own chakra. Realizing the danger, he pulled a kunai from his pouch, but it was too late. Sasuke leaped for the bells, and just as time was called, he grasped them, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. Naruto quickly undid the seal on Shisui as Shikamaru dropped to the ground, panting from the chakra drain. In that moment, Shikamaru reflected on their strategy. 'It could've ended differently had he taken us seriously from the start.' Shisui's applause echoed through the clearing. "That was fantastic teamwork! To think a plan like that was crafted and modified on the fly, playing to each of your strengths. Congratulations, you are now officially Team 7." The gennin exchanged glances, their exhaustion forgotten, replaced with pride.

"Now, Team 7 is different from most. This team was specially crafted by the top of the food chain to blend your unique strengths. Naruto is the front-line powerhouse with a tactical mind, Shikamaru is the strategist coordinating attacks, and Sasuke is the precision striker. Everyone expects great things from you, and we'll deliver something even better than that. I want you all here bright and early tomorrow for team training. Good night." With a wave, Shisui teleported away. As the trio caught their breath, Sasuke fell back, gasping for air while Naruto resealed his staff, taking a seat. "Ramen?" Naruto suggested, and the others nodded, smiles creeping onto their faces as they stood up.

The next morning arrived with the dawn, synchronized with the changing of the hour. As Naruto got out of bed, he noticed his father already hard at work in the Hokage office. After quickly completing his hygiene routine, he dove into a workout, a regimen his oji-san had designed, enhanced by restraint seals. By the time it was time to meet, Naruto was showered and arrived at the training ground minutes early. Team 7 spent the day working on chakra control, tackling tree and water walking exercises, followed by combat drills focused on stealth, reconnaissance, speed, movement techniques, and battlefield tactics. It was a grueling day, especially for Sasuke, who returned home covered in dirt after weeding the same garden for what felt like weeks. "Can we have an actual mission for once?" he exclaimed, barely restraining his frustration after another tedious assignment. "This is a waste of our skills! Where—"

Before he could finish, Naruto smacked the Uchiha on the back of the head, leaving a red mark. Shisui chuckled. "I think my team is ready for their first C-rank mission." Sasuke's eyes lit up at the announcement, while Minato exchanged knowing looks with Iruka. "I'll take Tazuna-san, please," Minato said, and after a nod, he left to retrieve the bridge builder. When Tazuna returned, he reeked of alcohol, glancing skeptically at the trio. "This is my protection? Three brats? The blonde doesn't even look like he's all there in the head. I mean, look—" Minato's cold gaze silenced him, veins showing in his clenched right hand. "Do not insult my shinobi ever again. This is all you could afford, and this is all you will get until you'd rather not have any protection at all." Tazuna nodded quickly, as if feeling a blade at his neck.

"Team 7, pack for a month and meet at the front gate first thing in the morning," Minato ordered, and the tension in the air lightened as the team prepared for their new adventure.

Tsuchi no Kuni - Iwagakure no Sato - Unknown location

Fire raged around the battlefield, crackling and popping as it consumed everything in its path. Rivers of lava poured like molten gold, melting rock and stone with an intensity that made the ground tremble. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting deep shadows across the land and creating a surreal contrast between the fiery glow and encroaching darkness. In the center of this chaotic spectacle hovered a man, his body held aloft by threads of shadow that impaled his hands, arms, legs, and one wickedly through his chest. Blood streamed down his torso, pooling beneath him. He had striking red hair, a formidable mustache, and a beard tapering to a sharp point. A three-pointed crown-like headpiece crowned his head, showcasing his Iwagakure forehead protector, alongside a ring and a prominent piece of black armor that streaked across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. Dressed in a long-sleeved magenta kimono shirt, his fitted black suit clung tightly to him beneath, and calf-length sandals completed his fierce appearance. This man was Roshi, the Jinchūriki of the Yonbi, Son Goku. Kaito Tsukino stood below him, heart racing with a mixture of dread and determination. He held a small notebook in his hand, scribbling furiously as he processed the chaotic scene before him. Each word felt like a lifeline, a way to anchor himself amidst the turmoil of the impending transformation. Suddenly, he sensed a familiar warmth envelop him, and before he could react, arms wrapped around him from behind.

Mizuki, with her sharp features and platinum hair streaked with electric blue, pressed her head against his shoulder. The black cloak she wore billowed slightly in the heat of the flames. "It's over," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm against the chaos. Kaito closed his eyes for a moment, absorbing her comfort. He turned slightly, catching a glimpse of her worried eyes. "I know," he said, swallowing hard. "But it's not over yet. We have to do this." At that moment, another figure emerged from the haze of fire and shadow. Riku, a broad-shouldered man with short brown hair and piercing green eyes, approached with a few scratches marring his otherwise tough exterior. He wore the standard Iwagakure attire, the stone markings on his forearms a testament to his lineage and resolve. "Thank you, Mizuki and Riku, for your assistance," Kaito said, nodding to them both. "We've made our first official move on the board."

Mizuki smiled, squeezing Kaito tighter, but Riku rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Why did we need to do this again?" "From what I've gathered," Kaito explained, urgency rising in his voice, "the group known as Akatsuki will soon be coming after the tailed beasts. Their intentions are shrouded in darkness, and we can't let them succeed. Taking one will disrupt their plans while weakening Iwagakure." He gestured towards Roshi, still suspended in mid-air, a powerful force waiting to be unleashed. "Roshi would have played a significant role in whatever Iwa and Kumo are scheming, and for now, we can't afford to have him involved." As the ground trembled beneath them, Kaito straightened, determination igniting within him. He stepped forward, weaving through hand seals with practiced precision. The air crackled with tension as he approached the lowering Roshi, each step echoing with the weight of destiny. With one hand, he lifted his shirt, revealing the intricate Eight Trigrams Seal etched onto his skin. The glow of the seal pulsed like a heartbeat, radiating energy that matched the fiery chaos surrounding them.

"Now," Kaito murmured, slamming his palm against Roshi's chest. The moment their bodies connected, a surge of chakra exploded between them, illuminating the battlefield with a blinding light. Fuinjutsu marks swirled around them, intertwining as they merged into a dance of power and intention. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur and ash as two pillars of lava erupted into the sky, their fiery tendrils reaching towards the heavens like grasping fingers. The eruption was a spectacle, drawing the eyes of everyone in Iwagakure. Kaito felt the energy pulse through him, raw and unrefined, as Roshi's chakra resonated with his own. As the explosion of demonic energy enveloped them, Kaito's vision blurred, and his consciousness teetered on the edge. His hand fell limp, his body caught in the throes of transformation. The last remnants of his old self faded away, consumed by the roaring inferno of chakra. The sensation was overwhelming, like being swept away in a tidal wave of power, yet somehow, he felt a strange connection to the beast within.

Just like that, he had become the Jinchūriki of the Goubi. Kaito rolled his neck, shaking off the residual energy, and turned to face Mizuki and Riku, who stood wide-eyed and breathless. "Kira is off to Hi no Kuni to gather funds from the Gatō Company," he said, his voice steady, resonating with newfound authority. "And Yuki is off doing Kami-knows-what. It's time to begin preparations for the upcoming Chūnin Exams." The flames roared around them, but Kaito felt a calmness settle over him. He had taken a pivotal step in their plans, and as he stood there, the power of the Goubi thrumming within him, he knew they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Chapter Five End

Author Notes: I ended up being busier than I thought so this chapter is rushed, I can't ensure the quality of the next chapter since I'll still be busy balancing, school, work, and a social life while trying to do this. This should also be the last major timeskip besides the training one so it'll officially kick off the start of Naruto. I've thrown a lot of characters at you guys with more to come so sorry if it's overwhelming.