Chapter 2: 5 years later
He dreaded October 10th. While others spoke of their birthdays with excitement—the gifts, the family gatherings, the joy—his own birthday was a day of fear and pain. It puzzled his young mind that a day bringing happiness to others brought only misery to him.*
Crouching at the edge of the training grounds, concealed by the shadow of a towering tree, Naruto watched as a group of villagers hurried past. Their shouts of "Find the demon!" and "Avenge the Fourth Hokage!" echoed ominously through the air. He could only hope they assumed he had remained within the village limits.
"Happy birthday to me," he muttered bitterly. At least this year, they hadn't caught him. The previous year, he hadn't been so fortunate; cornered in a dead-end alley by a trio of older genin, he'd been unable to walk properly for nearly two weeks afterward.
As the last of the angry mob disappeared from view, Naruto released a small sigh of relief. True, he would likely have to spend the night in the forest with no shelter or food, but that was preferable to being left battered in an alleyway for reasons he couldn't comprehend. Turning to venture deeper into the woods, he hoped to find a place to wait out the rest of the day. The immense trees that formed part of the village's natural defenses might also offer him refuge. If they could hide an entire village from enemies, surely they could conceal one small boy.
After about twenty minutes of searching along the forest's edge, he discovered a small hollow formed by a bush growing over a dip between some tree roots. Crawling inside, he thought, "It's comfortable enough, I guess." Exhausted from fleeing the villagers, he settled in and drifted into a restless sleep, dreaming of warm meals and a friendly smile.
A rough hand gripping his neck jolted Naruto awake. He was yanked from his hiding spot and thrown harshly to the ground. Dazed, he looked up to see his assailant—a lone ninja whose face bore scars resembling claw marks.
"Thought you could hide from me, did you, demon?" the man snarled. Even from where he lay, Naruto could smell the sharp scent of alcohol on his breath. "Today, I'll make you pay for ruining my face... my life!" The man's agitation grew with each word. With a swift flick of his hand, a sudden pain erupted in Naruto's shoulder. Glancing down, he saw the hilt of a kunai embedded there.
Panic surged through him. He tried to scramble backward, but his right arm wouldn't respond. His feeble attempts to escape seemed to amuse the intoxicated ninja, who chuckled darkly as he drew another kunai, approaching slowly.
"Out here, no one will hear you scream," the man taunted. "No one will save you. I'm going to finish you off, just like you tried to do to me!" Confusion and fear overwhelmed Naruto. He couldn't understand why he was being hunted, why everyone seemed to hate him for things he didn't remember doing.
The ninja loomed over him, weapon poised to strike. Desperate, Naruto raised his uninjured arm to shield himself, squeezing his eyes shut. A single thought echoed in his mind: "I don't want to die! I didn't do anything wrong! I don't want to die!"
Time seemed to slow. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, his heartbeat thundered in his ears. Then, something warm and wet splattered onto his forehead. Hesitantly, he opened his eyes, expecting the fatal blow.
What he saw left him stunned. The ninja stood frozen before him, but instead of advancing, the man looked as if he were ensnared by translucent chains piercing every part of his body, anchoring him in place. Blood dripped from his mouth, and the arm holding the kunai was not only impaled but also wrapped tightly by the chains.
"M... monster..." the ninja gasped, the light fading from his fearful eyes. The word cut deep into Naruto. He had just... killed someone. A shinobi. Recoiling in horror, he noticed the chains retracting as he moved. Fear spiked—were they going to turn on him next?
But then he realized—they were emanating from him. Panicked, he tried to brush them away, but they withdrew from the ninja's lifeless body and formed a protective barrier around him, their pointed ends facing outward.
"They... protected me?" he thought in amazement. The idea was foreign to him; no one had ever defended him before. Tentatively, he reached out to touch one of the chains. It responded by curling gently toward him. Running his fingers along the glowing edge, he winced as it nicked his skin. "Sharp," he noted, watching as the small cut healed almost instantly, though a drop of blood remained.
That single drop seemed to trigger a sharp pain in his injured shoulder. Gritting his teeth, he remembered the kunai lodged there. "This is going to hurt," he murmured. Using his left hand, he grasped the kunai's handle. Taking a deep breath, he pulled.
A searing pain shot through him, causing stars to dance across his vision. The blade didn't budge. Blood oozed around the wound, coating his hand. Fighting back tears, he tightened his grip and tried again. Another wave of agony, but still the kunai remained embedded. Barely able to think through the pain, he continued to pull with all his might.
Just as despair began to set in, one of the chains slithered forward, wrapping around his hand. Suddenly, the pressure on his shoulder increased, and with a sickening sound, the kunai was extracted. He barely had time to register the chain now stained with his blood before darkness enveloped him, pulling him into unconsciousness.
When Naruto awoke, night had fallen. Disoriented, he glanced toward the ninja's body lying a few feet away. "I can't go back," he thought bleakly. "They hated me even when I did nothing wrong. Now that I've... killed someone, they'll definitely try to kill me." The sound of snapping twigs jolted him. Voices were approaching from the direction of the village.
Panic surged anew. He needed to hide. Scanning his surroundings, he realized his previous shelter was compromised. Running wasn't an option; they'd spot or hear him. His only chance was to climb.
Desperately, he searched for low-hanging branches but found none within his reach. Heart pounding, he jumped toward the nearest branch, focusing intently. To his astonishment, a translucent chain shot from his palm, wrapping around the limb. Without questioning it, he climbed the chain, pulling himself up to the branch.
Once perched, he willed the chain to release. It obeyed, retracting into his hand, leaving only a short segment tipped with a spear-like point. Experimenting, he thought about reaching the next branch. The chain extended once more, anchoring itself and allowing him to ascend.
Despite the dire situation, a small smile formed on his lips. "This is kind of fun," he mused.
Using the chains, Naruto climbed higher until he was nestled among the dense foliage, nearly 150 feet above the ground. He wrapped the chains around himself like a protective cocoon, anchoring him securely to the tree. For the first time in a long while, he felt a semblance of safety—a feeling of being held and shielded. It was almost like having a friend.
Voices drifted up from below. "Akihiro!?" someone shouted. "Kenta, get the Hokage! Aki's been attacked!" Footsteps hurried off, and another voice pleaded, "Come on, Aki, say something! You can't be dead; you still owe me a drink!"
Naruto's heart clenched. He would never forget the image of the man's death or his own role in it, even if it had been in self-defense. As he listened, he realized the situation was becoming more complicated.
Soon, more footsteps approached—a larger group this time. Peering through the leaves, Naruto saw the Hokage himself arrive, flanked by two ANBU operatives wearing animal masks. Fear tightened its grip on him. If they found him, what would they do?
He held his breath, willing himself to become invisible. Unconsciously, the chains tightened around him, as if trying to shield him from the world. The sensation was both comforting and isolating.
Below, the voices grew more urgent. "This wasn't done by any animal," one of the ANBU remarked, examining the wounds. "These markings... they resemble chakra chains."
The Hokage's eyes narrowed. "Chakra chains? That's a rare ability."
Naruto's eyes widened. *They know* he thought, panic rising. *They'll figure out it was me.*
"We need to search the area," the Hokage ordered. "Whoever did this might still be nearby."
Naruto knew he had to remain absolutely still. Any movement or sound could give away his position. He pressed himself tighter against the tree trunk, the chains mimicking his tension by constricting slightly.
Minutes felt like hours as the search continued below. The shinobi spread out, scanning the surroundings meticulously. One of the ANBU leaped into the trees, landing on a branch several meters below Naruto. He froze, barely daring to breathe.
The ANBU paused, seemingly sensing something. "Hokage-sama," she called out softly. "There's a faint chakra residue up here."
Naruto's heart pounded so loudly he was sure they could hear it. The Hokage looked up, his gaze sharp. "Stay alert," he cautioned. "Whoever it is possesses advanced abilities."
Desperate, Naruto closed his eyes and silently pleaded, *Please don't find me. Please.*
As if responding to his desperation, the chains around him shimmered faintly, and a subtle barrier seemed to envelop him. The ANBU scanned the area once more but then shook her head. "Perhaps it was just a lingering trace," she concluded.
After what felt like an eternity, the Hokage sighed. "We'll investigate further in the morning. For now, let's secure the area."
The shinobi began to retreat, and Naruto allowed himself a small, shaky exhale. He remained in the tree long after they had gone, unsure of what to do next. The weight of his actions pressed heavily on him, but so did the instinct to survive.
Looking at his hands, he whispered, "What am I?" The chains, as if sensing his turmoil, receded gently into his body, leaving him alone in the silent embrace of the night.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was enduring one of the most challenging days of his long tenure as Hokage. The village council had once again gathered on October 10th—the anniversary of the Nine-Tails' attack—to pressure him into authorizing Naruto Uzumaki's execution, claiming it would honor the Fourth Hokage's sacrifice. Hours of heated debate and his steadfast refusals seemed to make little difference. This marked the fourth consecutive year he had to defend his decision, and finally, exasperated and disheartened, he adjourned the meeting.
"Minato, if only you could see them now..." Hiruzen thought bitterly. He knew that if Minato were alive, he would be appalled by the villagers' sentiments. The Fourth Hokage would have fiercely protected Naruto, possibly even taking drastic action against those who suggested harming his son. And Kushina—fiery and uncompromising—would have silenced them all without hesitation.
As if the council's obstinance weren't enough, Hiruzen received troubling news that the ANBU operatives assigned to guard Naruto had failed in their duty. They had allowed a mob of angry villagers to chase the boy and had subsequently lost track of him. The fact that two of his elite soldiers could lose sight of a six-year-old was infuriating. "They'll be fortunate if their next assignments keep them within the village walls for more than a few days over the next several years," he thought grimly, contemplating appropriate consequences for their negligence.
To compound his worries, a report had come in about a deceased shinobi found less than two miles from the village outskirts. Hiruzen promptly made his way to the scene, his mind heavy with concern. Upon arrival, he surveyed the lifeless body of Akihiro Fujioka, a chunin of average skill with no notable strengths or weaknesses. The sight was unsettling; the man's body was riddled with deep puncture wounds, as if impaled multiple times. One arm was severely damaged, showing signs of being crushed or tightly bound, and a distorted kunai was still clenched in his mangled hand.
"Inu," Hiruzen called sharply. The dog-masked ANBU operative stepped forward immediately. "Yes, Hokage-sama?" he responded.
"Can you analyze the chakra signatures present here?" Hiruzen inquired, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. Inu understood the gravity of the request. Activating his unique visual prowess, he scanned the area meticulously.
After a few tense moments, Inu's voice was cautious. "Hokage-sama, there are three distinct chakra signatures. One belongs to Fujioka-san. The other two are intertwined but separate. One is faint but resembles the chakra of the Nine-Tails."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. The presence of the Nine-Tails' chakra meant that Naruto had been involved. "And the other signature?" he pressed.
Inu hesitated slightly before answering. "The other signature is reminiscent of Kushina Uzumaki's chakra chains."
A heavy silence hung in the air. Hiruzen felt a knot tighten in his stomach. If Naruto had somehow manifested the chakra chains and been involved in the death of a shinobi, the situation was far more dire than he had imagined. The village's fear and resentment toward Naruto were already at a dangerous level. If this information became public, it could lead to disastrous consequences.
"Under no circumstances is this information to be disclosed," Hiruzen commanded firmly, his voice carrying the weight of his authority. "From this moment forward, this is classified as an S-rank secret. Revealing it will be considered an act of treason."
Inu bowed deeply. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
Turning to address the other shinobi present, Hiruzen announced, "We have an unknown assailant who has killed one of our own. Initiate a full search of the area. We must find whoever is responsible."
As the shinobi dispersed to carry out his orders, only Inu and a cat-masked ANBU remained. Without turning to face them, Hiruzen added quietly, "Locate Naruto immediately. I don't care what it takes or how long. Find him and ensure his safety."
They both acknowledged his directive and vanished swiftly into the surrounding forest.
Left alone amidst the unsettling silence, Hiruzen gazed down at the lifeless form of Fujioka. A profound sense of failure washed over him. "Has it truly come to this?" he mused sorrowfully. The villagers' fear had escalated to the point where they defied his direct orders, endangering an innocent child.
"Minato, Kushina... I've failed your son," he whispered, the weight of his guilt pressing heavily upon him. A single tear traced a path down his aged cheek.
Determined to prevent further chaos, he carefully sealed Fujioka's body within a scroll, ensuring it would not be discovered by others. The official records would document the death, but the details would remain hidden to avoid inflaming the already volatile situation.
Perched high among the branches, Naruto grappled with conflicting emotions. He knew remaining silent was the safest choice, yet as the other shinobi departed and only the Hokage remained, his curiosity intensified. Eventually, he couldn't resist the urge to get a closer look. Wrapped securely in his chakra chains, he concentrated on extending them incrementally, lowering himself with utmost care to avoid making any noise. Peering through the leaves, he hoped to catch a glimpse of the Hokage. Perhaps, with the old man alone, Naruto might find an opportunity to share his side of the story. The Hokage was one of the few people who had ever spoken kindly to him. Despite his cautiousness—after all, nearly everyone else seemed intent on harming him—it seemed like his best chance to uncover the truth.
As he descended past the second-lowest layer of branches, a sentence reached his ears that made his blood run cold.
"I'm so sorry. Minato, Kushina, I've failed your son..."
A rushing sound filled Naruto's ears, disbelief washing over him. The Hokage hadn't appeared particularly disturbed by Akihiro's death; instead, he seemed more focused on the possibility of enemies lurking in the woods. He had specifically dispatched shinobi to search for one person: Naruto himself. If the Hokage was expressing regret about failing someone's son—could he be referring to Naruto?
Being an orphan had defined Naruto's life more than anything else. For most people, family provided a sense of identity and belonging—a network of parents, grandparents, and relatives that connected them to their past and guided their future. It was a source of comfort and a foundation upon which to build their lives. Naruto, however, lacked this entirely. He had no lineage to trace, no family stories to cherish.
To him, it felt as though he had simply materialized one day, met only with disdain from those around him. There was no familial embrace to offer solace, no ancestral legacy to draw strength from. He wasn't a new branch on a flourishing family tree; he was the solitary root of a sapling, deprived of the nurturing care of companionship and love. He had often daydreamed about discovering who his parents were, yearning to be part of something larger than himself. But it always seemed an unattainable fantasy.
Now, in a single moment, everything had changed. Perhaps he was clinging to fragile hope, but he suddenly had names—*Minato* and *Kushina*—to attach to the faceless figures in his imagination. For a fleeting instant, elation surged through him. But it was quickly replaced by a burning anger.
"He knew all along!" Naruto thought fiercely. Unnoticed by him, his pupils began to narrow, and his bright blue eyes took on a slight purplish hue. The chains surrounding him seemed to expand outward, as if containing a tremendous force.
All his life, Naruto had desperately wanted to know about his parents. On one occasion, mustering all his courage, he had asked the Hokage if he knew anything about them. He vividly remembered the sympathetic expression on the old man's face as he claimed he did not know. But now it was clear—the Hokage had been hiding the truth from him all along.
Without realizing it, Naruto began retracting his chains, pulling himself back up the tree. There was no way he would trust someone who had deceived him about something so vital. Reaching the highest branches once more, he anchored himself securely and settled in to ponder his next move. Uncertainty loomed, but one thing was certain: he would no longer tolerate the mistreatment from the villagers.
He ran his hand along the translucent links of his chains, finding a strange comfort in their presence. They had protected him, and in a way, they felt like his first real friends. Now, with potential knowledge of his parents' identities, he had more than he'd ever possessed before. The idea of escaping the relentless hostility and isolation lifted a weight from his shoulders.
As he gazed up at the twinkling stars, a gentle smile formed on his face. Despite everything, he felt a sense of peace he'd never known. Perhaps this day, which had always been the worst of the year for him, wasn't so terrible after all. His eyes grew heavy, and as he drifted into sleep, one final thought passed through his mind: "Maybe October 10th isn't so bad after all."
Six Months Later*
Surviving in the wilderness was a skill that every ninja quickly became accustomed to. Tasks such as border patrols, escorting missions, and delivering messages all required a basic understanding of living off the land. Consequently, the academy dedicated substantial portions of its curriculum to teaching these essential skills. However, learning to live alone in the woods was a different challenge altogether—especially for a six-year-old like Naruto.
Although the Land of Fire wasn't known for harsh cold, it did experience frequent rainfall. Naruto soon discovered that while his chakra chains were versatile, they weren't effective at keeping him dry. During those initial weeks, he realized just how crucial it was to find proper shelter. A good hideout meant comfort, safety, and a place to store his meager belongings—it was often the difference between sleeping soundly through a storm and being soaked for hours. His quest for a suitable den was complicated by shinobi combing the forest in search of Akihiro's killer. But with the ability to maneuver among the highest branches using his chains, Naruto ventured deeper into the woods. There, he found a small hollow midway up a towering tree. Carefully using the sharp edges of his chains, he expanded the cavity until it was large enough for him to curl up inside, much like a cat. It was the first place where Naruto truly felt secure, nestled in his little tree hideaway, and he cherished it dearly.
With shelter secured, his next concern was finding food. Growing up in an urbanized village, Naruto had never needed to hunt or forage before. Uncertain about what was safe to eat, he tried to recall any berries or edible plants he'd seen around. His first attempt led him to consume some bright red berries that left him ill for days, barely able to move from his treetop nook. Without his rapid healing abilities, the toxins might have been fatal. He vowed never to touch those berries again. Despite several setbacks, he gradually identified a few types of berries and roots that were safe to eat. A nearby stream provided fresh water, easing one of his survival challenges.
Hunting became an occasional necessity, especially when foraging didn't yield enough sustenance. Naruto wasn't fond of killing or the sight of blood, and starting a fire in the forest was risky. However, his chains proved invaluable in these situations. They were his only companions, and he spent a great deal of time mastering their use. Initially, he could manifest just one chain and kept it out constantly. As time passed and boredom set in—a common plight for someone his age—he began experimenting. By focusing his energy, he learned he could split the main chain into smaller ones, eventually discovering how to produce multiple chains at once. He could generate about seventy meters of chain in total, either as one long strand or divided among several shorter ones, though maintaining the full length was exhausting. The chains granted him unparalleled mobility in the forest, where anchor points were abundant. He learned to maneuver them like extensions of his own limbs, soon darting from tree to tree without ever touching the ground, much like a nimble monkey.
When hunting, Naruto would position himself high above the stream near his tree, waiting patiently for creatures like rabbits or squirrels to appear. It didn't take long for him to realize that approaching silently was nearly impossible—they always sensed his presence. His solution was to attack from a distance. From his elevated perch, he would swiftly extend a chain toward his unsuspecting prey, the sharp tip spearing the animal before retracting it back to him. This method prevented the creatures from detecting him and ensured that other predators didn't steal his catch.
For the first time in his life, Naruto felt a sense of contentment. He had food to eat, an intriguing ability to explore, and no one was pursuing him for reasons he couldn't fathom. In his own way, he even had a connection to his parents. Inside his treetop sanctuary, he had carved two figures into the wood—one resembling a man and the other a woman. He spoke to them daily, sharing his thoughts and experiences. Alongside his chain "friends," it was the closest thing to a family he had ever known.
Occasionally, Naruto ventured closer to Konoha's training grounds to observe the shinobi practicing their techniques. Ever cautious, he remained vigilant for any signs of detection. He was like a ghost in the forest, more at ease among the trees than anywhere else, allowing him to watch unnoticed most of the time. Sometimes, he stumbled upon items left behind on the training fields—kunai, shuriken, or forgotten scrolls. He would carefully collect these and stash them in a small compartment he had carved out in his hideout. On rainy days, when venturing outside was less appealing, he would try to teach himself to read using the scrolls or practice throwing the kunai with the aid of his chains. Over time, his collection grew, and so did his knowledge. Driven by curiosity and a desire to learn, he began sneaking out more frequently in search of additional scrolls and equipment to fuel his expanding mind. With little else to occupy his time besides practicing and studying, the scrolls became his window to another world—a means to escape the confines of the forest through the words and techniques they contained.
While Naruto enjoyed the most peaceful period he could remember, Hiruzen Sarutobi found his own life growing increasingly burdensome. The village council was mired in constant disputes, Kumogakure had suddenly proposed a suspicious alliance given their history of hostility, and Danzo's influence was becoming more overbearing by the day. The loss of Naruto weighed heavily on the old Hokage's heart. The civilian council members seemed almost gleeful about the boy's disappearance, whereas the shinobi were frustrated over the loss of such a powerful asset as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki.
Currently, Hiruzen was entangled in yet another interminable negotiation with the ambassador from Kumo. The envoy had a talent for speaking at length without conveying any substantial information.
"I will relay these developments to my Raikage, and hopefully we can continue progressing toward a more collaborative relationship between our villages," the ambassador said smoothly. Internally, Hiruzen scowled. There was no concrete mention of a treaty, no trade agreements—nothing of substance. After nearly three months of discussions, all they had agreed upon was the possibility of agreeing on something in the future. It was enough to make his blood boil. Masking his frustration, Hiruzen offered a polite smile. "I look forward to it," he replied, then waited for the ambassador to take his leave. As soon as the door closed, he sighed deeply and reached under his desk for a hidden bottle of sake. A long sip later, he felt marginally more at ease.
The paperwork strewn across his desk seemed endless, much like the daily problems he faced. Requests piled up: more funding for the hospital, increased resources for the village police, additional support for the academy, greater allowances for the civilian council. "Denied," he muttered under his breath. It seemed that everyone wanted more, more, more. Looking out over the village that his mentors had built and that he had dedicated most of his life to protect, he felt an overwhelming weariness.
"I was never meant to wear the hat again, Minato," he thought wistfully. More than anything, he longed for retirement but couldn't think of anyone he trusted to take his place. With another heavy sigh, he turned back to his perpetual nemesis: the ever-growing stacks of paperwork. Not for the first time, he contemplated setting the entire pile ablaze, but knowing his luck, it would probably just multiply.
"Again." The command was firm and uncompromising. Hinata glanced up at her father, then over to the branch family member standing opposite her. He was gasping for breath, his arms trembling with exhaustion. She had been practicing her Gentle Fist techniques on him for the past thirty minutes, and the repeated opening and closing of his tenketsu points was clearly taking its toll.
"F-Father, h-he appears to be in pain. M-Maybe we could take a short break?" Hinata suggested hesitantly. She disliked using branch members as training partners, even if it was necessary for learning the precise strikes required to affect the chakra network. The forms felt unnatural to her—too stiff—and her frequent mistakes meant she had to repeat the strikes multiple times, causing more discomfort than intended.
Her father's frown deepened, his gaze sharpening as he looked at her.
"If you wish to spare him pain, then execute it correctly the first time," he replied sternly. The disappointment in his eyes was evident.
Hinata shrank back at his criticism and turned once more to the weary branch member. She attempted to convey an unspoken apology through her eyes, unsure if he perceived it. Taking a steadying breath, she assumed her stance, moved forward, and delivered the strike. Her father exhaled in frustration.
"Again," he demanded.
One Year Later*
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the dense forest in hues of deep purple and indigo. High among the branches of a towering oak, a young boy sat perched like a sentinel. Naruto gazed out over the canopy, his eyes fixed on the distant glow of Konohagakure. The village lights twinkled like stars fallen to earth, a stark contrast to the darkened woods that had become his home.
Eighteen months had passed since Naruto had retreated into the wilderness. The forest had transformed him in ways he hadn't anticipated. The once scrawny, underfed child had grown lean and agile. Muscles rippled subtly beneath his tanned skin, earned from countless hours of climbing trees and traversing rugged terrain. His unruly blond hair had lightened under the sun's relentless glare, now streaked with hints of fiery red that glinted when the light caught them just so—a silent testament to a heritage he scarcely knew.
But perhaps the most striking change was in his eyes. Gone was the naive sparkle of innocence. In its place was a keen, vigilant gaze, reminiscent of a predator that ruled these woods. His eyes missed little, constantly scanning his surroundings, ever alert to the subtleties of the forest.
Over the past year, Naruto had grown bolder, venturing closer to the village he once called home. Each day, he would edge nearer, watching from the shadows as life in Konoha continued without him. There was a time when bitterness consumed him, but now, as he observed families laughing together and children playing in the streets, a different emotion stirred within—longing.
"Maybe they've forgotten," he mused quietly to himself. The incident with Akihiro seemed like a distant memory, blurred by the passage of time. Surely, the village had moved on. Yet, reality always tempered his fleeting hopes. The weight of taking a life, regardless of circumstance, was not easily dismissed. If the shinobi of Konoha discovered his whereabouts, they would undoubtedly pursue him. The risk was too great.
This internal conflict played out nightly as he sat at the edge of his self-imposed territory. Tonight, however, something unusual caught his attention. One of the clan compounds within the village was ablaze with activity. Lanterns illuminated the area intensely, and shadows of people darted frantically back and forth. Shouts echoed faintly through the night air.
"Find her!"
"Don't let them escape!"
"Kumo!"
The word "Kumo" piqued his curiosity. Though he had no formal education, Naruto had overheard enough during his covert observations to know that "Kumo" referred to Kumogakure—the Village Hidden in the Clouds. Their mention in such a frantic context could only mean trouble.
A knot formed in his stomach. Someone was missing, possibly taken, and the urgency in the villagers' voices suggested it was serious. Against his better judgment, Naruto decided to investigate. Silently descending from his perch, he moved through the treetops with the grace of a seasoned hunter, his chakra chains aiding his swift passage.
As he approached the village's perimeter, he remained cautious, keeping to the shadows. His heightened senses picked up on subtle sounds—a muffled cry, the rustling of leaves not caused by the wind. Then he saw it: a figure moving stealthily through the underbrush, away from the village.
The individual was clad in dark attire, a mask concealing their face. Slung over their back was a sizable sack, which squirmed intermittently. Naruto's eyes narrowed. The sack's movements indicated that whatever—or whoever—was inside was alive.
He followed from above, leaping silently from branch to branch. The stranger moved with purpose but wasn't moving at top speed, suggesting confidence—or arrogance. Naruto's instincts told him this was the person causing the commotion in the village.
Drawing closer, he heard faint whimpers emanating from the sack—a child's voice. His heart tightened. Memories of his own childhood, the loneliness, the fear, surged forward. He couldn't stand by and let someone harm a child within his territory.
Steeling himself, Naruto moved ahead, positioning himself along the path the masked figure was taking. Concealed among the dense foliage, he prepared to intervene. Focusing his chakra, he summoned a single, sharp chain from his right hand, its metallic surface shimmering faintly in the moonlight.
As the figure approached, Naruto launched his chain with precision, aiming for the intruder's chest. At the last possible moment, the stranger sensed the attack, twisting his body with uncanny agility. The chain missed its mark, instead embedding itself deep into the man's left shoulder.
A grunt of pain escaped the masked man's lips as he staggered back, dropping the sack. It hit the ground with a soft thud, and a muffled cry came from within.
Naruto landed lightly on the forest floor, positioning himself between the stranger and the sack. The man's eyes—cold and calculating—locked onto him.
"A kid?" the man sneered. "You're the one who attacked me?"
Naruto said nothing, his eyes flickering briefly to the sack where the captive was stirring. He needed to end this quickly.
"Bold move for a brat," the man continued, reaching up to grasp the chain protruding from his shoulder. With a swift yank, he tore it free, causing blood to spatter onto the ground. To Naruto's surprise, the man then gripped the chain tightly and pulled with formidable strength.
Caught off guard, Naruto was yanked forward, stumbling as he tried to regain his footing. The man seized the opportunity, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. Before Naruto could react, a powerful kick connected with his midsection, sending him crashing back into a tree trunk.
Pain exploded through his body as he slumped to the ground, gasping for air. The impact had knocked the wind out of him, and black spots danced before his eyes.
"Foolish child," the man mocked, advancing slowly. "But perhaps this isn't a total loss." His gaze raked over Naruto appraisingly. "An unusual ability you have there. Those chains... Could be a valuable kekkei genkai."
Naruto grit his teeth, pushing himself up despite the throbbing ache in his ribs. "Let her go," he demanded, his voice steady despite the pain.
The man chuckled darkly. "You think you're in a position to make demands?" He reached into a pouch at his waist, withdrawing a kunai. "Two for the price of one. The Raikage will be pleased."
Understanding dawned on Naruto. This man was a shinobi from Kumo, intending to abduct not just the girl but him as well.
"I won't let you take us," Naruto declared.
"Brave words," the man replied, "but bravery won't save you."
In a blur of motion, the Kumo shinobi hurled the kunai. Naruto attempted to dodge, but his injuries slowed him. The blade sliced through the air, embedding itself deeply into his left shoulder. He cried out as pain seared through him, hot and unforgiving.
Blood oozed from the wound, soaking into his already tattered clothing. The world seemed to tilt, and his vision blurred at the edges.
The man smirked, confident in his victory. "Pathetic," he scoffed. "You're more trouble than you're worth."
As Naruto knelt on the ground, clutching his wounded shoulder, a surge of frustration and despair welled up within him. Was this how it would end? Captured or killed, unable to protect himself or the girl?
From deep within, a dormant energy stirred—a fierce, primal force he had never felt before. It pulsed through his veins like liquid fire, igniting every cell in his body. The air around him began to thicken, charged with an otherworldly energy.
The Kumo shinobi paused, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. "What...?" he muttered, eyes narrowing.
A faint red aura emanated from Naruto, growing brighter with each passing second. The oppressive energy pressed outward, causing leaves to rustle and small stones to vibrate.
Naruto's eyes snapped open, now tinged with a fiery crimson around the irises. The pain in his shoulder subsided, replaced by an overwhelming surge of strength. He could feel the wound knitting itself together, muscles and tissue regenerating at an accelerated rate.
He rose to his feet, the red chakra swirling around him like flames. The ground beneath him cracked slightly from the sheer pressure of the energy he was emitting.
The man's confident smirk faded, replaced by a look of astonishment—and perhaps a hint of fear. "Impossible," he breathed. "That chakra..."
Naruto's voice resonated with a depth beyond his years. "I won't let you hurt anyone else."
The Kumo shinobi shook off his surprise, steeling himself. "So, the Nine-Tails' power manifests," he mused. "All the more reason to bring you back to Kumo."
He began forming a series of rapid hand seals. "But don't think for a moment that you're invincible."
"Lightning Release: Thunderbolt Strike!"
A spear of crackling lightning shot forth from his outstretched hand, aiming straight for Naruto's heart.
Instinctively, Naruto extended both hands, and from the red aura, multiple chains erupted, intertwining to form a dense shield in front of him. The lightning attack collided with the barrier, resulting in a blinding flash and a thunderous boom that echoed through the forest.
The force of the impact pushed Naruto back slightly, his feet digging into the ground, but he held firm. As the light dissipated, he stood unharmed, the chains retracting back into the swirling chakra.
"You're going to have to do better than that," Naruto said, his voice steady.
The shinobi scowled. "You're just a child! You can't possibly control that power!"
"Maybe not," Naruto admitted, "but I can control enough."
Without warning, he launched himself forward, propelled by the red chakra enhancing his speed and strength. The chains followed, snaking through the air with lethal intent.
The man leaped back, narrowly avoiding the first strike. He twisted mid-air, launching a barrage of shuriken infused with lightning chakra. The electrified blades hurtled toward Naruto, sizzling through the air.
Naruto's chains moved with a will of their own, deflecting the shuriken effortlessly. Sparks flew as metal met chakra, illuminating the darkened woods in brief flashes.
Landing on a high branch, the shinobi growled in frustration. "You're becoming a nuisance."
He began another sequence of hand seals, more intricate this time. "Let's see how you handle this."
"Lightning Release: Storm Surge!"
From his hands, a torrent of electrical energy burst forth, arcing wildly and splitting into multiple bolts that targeted Naruto from all directions.
Naruto took a deep breath, focusing the red chakra throughout his body. He spun in place, and chains radiated outward in a protective sphere, each link glowing with an inner light. The lightning bolts struck the barrier, cascading around it like water over a rock.
Sweat beaded on Naruto's forehead. The power coursing through him was immense, but he could feel it straining against his control, threatening to overwhelm him.
Just a little more* he urged himself.
Seizing the moment, he channeled chakra into his feet and leaped high into the air, propelling himself above the canopy. The Kumo shinobi tracked his movement, eyes widening as Naruto descended upon him from above, chains poised to strike.
"Take this!" Naruto shouted.
The chains converged, aiming for the man's vital points. He dodged deftly, but one chain grazed his thigh, tearing through fabric and flesh. Another nicked his arm, drawing blood.
Enraged, the shinobi retaliated with a swift kick aimed at Naruto's midsection. Naruto blocked with his forearm, the impact sending a shockwave through his body. The red chakra absorbed some of the force, but he could feel his strength waning.
They exchanged blows at a rapid pace—punches, kicks, and slashes of kunai met with chains and chakra-infused strikes. The forest around them bore the scars of their battle: trees splintered, the ground scorched and torn.
As the fight wore on, it became clear that the man's experience was matched by Naruto's sheer tenacity and the unpredictability of his abilities.
Breathing heavily, the shinobi spat blood onto the ground. "You're a persistent brat," he admitted grudgingly. "But this ends now."
He pulled out a small scroll, unfurling it quickly. "Forbidden or not, I can't return empty-handed."
He bit his thumb, smearing blood across the scroll's surface. "Summoning Jutsu!"
A burst of smoke erupted, and from it emerged a massive wolf-like creature, its fur crackling with electrical energy. It snarled, eyes glowing with malevolent intent.
Naruto's eyes widened. He hadn't anticipated this. The beast lunged at him with astonishing speed. He barely managed to evade, rolling to the side as its massive jaws snapped shut where he'd stood moments before.
The creature turned, electricity arcing between its fangs. It charged again, and this time, Naruto knew he couldn't dodge forever.
Drawing upon the last reserves of the red chakra, he summoned more chains, forming them into a spiraling pattern around his arm. As the beast closed in, he thrust his arm forward.
"Take this!"
The chains shot out, intertwining and piercing the creature's flank. It howled in pain, the electrical energy surging through the chains and into Naruto. He gritted his teeth as the shock coursed through him, but held firm.
Using the chains as leverage, he swung the beast around, slamming it into a nearby boulder. The creature yelped before dissipating into a puff of smoke—the summoning dismissed.
The Kumo shinobi staggered back, disbelief etched on his face. "How... How can a kid possess such power?"
Naruto stumbled, the red chakra flickering erratically around him. He could feel it slipping away, the immense drain leaving him exhausted.
"It's over," he panted. "Leave now, and don't come back."
The man hesitated, weighing his options. His injuries were severe, and without his summoning, the advantage was gone.
"Mark my words," he spat. "Kumo will hear of this. You won't be safe."
With a swift motion, he threw down a smoke bomb. A cloud of thick, acrid smoke enveloped the area. When it cleared, the shinobi was gone.
Naruto collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily. The red chakra receded fully, leaving him feeling drained but in control once more.
A soft whimper drew his attention. The sack on the ground shifted slightly.
Pushing himself up, Naruto approached cautiously. Kneeling beside it, he gently untied the bindings. The sack fell away to reveal a young girl, no older than himself. She had long, dark hair and pale eyes that reflected the moonlight—a member of the Hyuuga clan.
She looked up at him, fear and uncertainty evident in her gaze.
"It's okay," Naruto said softly. "You're safe now."
He offered a hand to help her up. She hesitated before accepting it, her small hand trembling slightly.
"Th-thank you," she whispered.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.
She shook her head. "Just... scared."
He gave a reassuring smile. "You're going to be fine."
Silence settled between them for a moment. Then she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Who are you?"
"Naruto," he replied. "Uzumaki Naruto."
Her eyes widened slightly. "I'm Hinata. Hyuuga Hinata."
Recognition flickered in his mind. The Hyuuga were a prominent clan in Konoha, known for their Byakugan.
"Nice to meet you, Hinata," he said gently.
Before they could converse further, distant shouts reached their ears—voices calling out, drawing nearer.
"Hinata-sama!"
"Over here!"
Naruto's expression shifted. "Your family is coming."
She turned toward the direction of the voices, relief washing over her features.
"I have to go," Naruto said, stepping back.
She looked back at him, a hint of panic in her eyes. "Wait! Will I see you again?"
He hesitated. "Maybe," he answered honestly. "But it's better if you don't mention me to anyone."
She opened her mouth to protest, but he was already moving away.
"Take care, Hinata," he called softly before disappearing into the shadows.
Moments later, a group of Hyuuga clan members burst into the clearing, led by a stern-looking man with sharp features—Hiashi Hyuuga, Hinata's father.
"Hinata!" he exclaimed, rushing to her side. "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head. "I'm fine, Father."
He examined her briefly, ensuring she was unharmed. His eyes scanned the area, noting the signs of battle—the scorched earth, the broken trees.
"What happened here?" he demanded.
Hinata glanced in the direction Naruto had fled. "I... I was rescued."
"By whom?" Hiashi pressed.
She hesitated, recalling Naruto's request for secrecy. "I'm not sure," she said quietly. "It was dark."
Hiashi frowned but didn't press further. "We'll discuss this later. For now, let's get you home."
As they escorted her back toward the village, Hinata cast a final, lingering glance over her shoulder, a silent thank you to the mysterious boy who had saved her.
Meanwhile, Naruto moved swiftly through the forest, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The encounter had been too close. He knew that staying in his current hideout was no longer an option. The Kumo shinobi had escaped, and there was no telling what repercussions that might bring.
Reaching his treetop sanctuary, he quickly gathered his belongings—a worn backpack containing his few possessions. Among them were precious items: scrolls he had painstakingly collected, a small assortment of tools, and two wooden carvings he cherished above all else—simple figures representing his parents, carved with care during long, solitary nights.
He paused, looking around the space that had been his home. Memories flooded back—of nights spent under the stars, of quiet moments where the forest felt like a protective embrace.
"Time to move on," he whispered to himself.
Securing the pack on his shoulders, he took a deep breath. "I'll find a new place," he promised quietly, touching the carvings gently. "Somewhere safe."
With a final glance, he leaped from the tree, disappearing into the depths of the forest. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was resolute. He would continue to survive, to grow stronger, and perhaps one day, find a place where he truly belonged.
As dawn approached, the first rays of sunlight pierced the canopy, casting dappled light upon the forest floor. Naruto pressed on, the events of the night replaying in his mind. Despite the danger, a small part of him felt a sense of fulfillment.
He had made a difference. He had saved someone.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"Maybe," he thought, "I'm not as alone as I thought."
Hizashi raced through the forest at full speed, abandoning any pretense of stealth in favor of urgency. The impostor posing as an ambassador had nearly a twenty-minute lead, and if they didn't close the gap soon, the trail might vanish altogether. The mere thought of what could befall his niece if they failed sent a cold shiver down his spine.
Approximately four miles from Konoha's main wall, he emerged into a small clearing and came to an abrupt halt. There, he spotted his niece, Hinata, sitting on the ground. But it wasn't just her presence that gave him pause—the clearing itself looked like a battleground.
The area was devastated. A crater dominated the center, numerous kunai were scattered about, and puncture marks marred the landscape, including on the body of the Kumo ninja they had been pursuing. The air was thick with lingering chakra, indicating that a powerful technique had been unleashed, one that seemed to produce a multitude of sharp projectiles. Hinata appeared mostly unscathed aside from a few minor bruises, but the Kumo shinobi was severely injured, bearing at least four significant puncture wounds and numerous cuts.
Shaking off his initial shock, Hizashi hurried over to Hinata. "Are you alright?" he asked urgently. She looked up at him and gave a silent nod. "She must be in shock," he thought. After a brief hesitation, he continued, "What happened here?" Glancing at the incapacitated kidnapper, he added, "Did you... do this?"
Hinata blushed slightly and shook her head quickly. "N-no. It was Naruto-kun," she replied with conviction. Hizashi's eyebrows lifted in confusion. He couldn't recall any active shinobi named Naruto, let alone someone capable of subduing a skilled adversary like the one before them.
"Who is Naruto?" he inquired gently. Hinata's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink.
"He's the one who saved me and defeated the bad man," she explained softly. Hizashi sighed inwardly. Despite her typically articulate nature, Hinata was still just five and a half years old. Unraveling the mystery of this "Naruto-kun" wouldn't be straightforward, at least not until they could interrogate the Kumo ninja properly.
He created a shadow clone to handle the task of transporting the unconscious kidnapper back to Konoha. Then, carefully lifting Hinata into his arms, he collected the bindings that had restrained her, placing them into the sack as evidence. Casting one last, thoughtful glance around the ravaged clearing, he began the journey back to the village. Whoever this Naruto was, Hizashi felt a profound sense of gratitude toward him. The night could have taken a far more tragic turn, and thanks to this mysterious savior, it hadn't.
Hokage's Office – The Following Morning*
Seated behind his cluttered desk, Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples wearily as Inoichi Yamanaka stood before him. The weight of recent events hung heavily in the air.
"You're absolutely certain it was him?" Hiruzen asked, his gaze piercing.
Inoichi nodded affirmatively. "Without a doubt. He's changed in appearance—living in the wilderness for over a year would do that to anyone—but there's no mistaking him. The chakra chains he used were unmistakably the Adamantine Sealing Chains. What's astonishing is the sheer volume he produced. If I recall correctly, even Kushina-san could manifest around a dozen at most. He unleashed at least five times that number, not to mention the additional chains he branched off during the confrontation."
Leaning back in his chair, Hiruzen pondered this information. "Perhaps the dire circumstances pushed him to access deeper reserves of power," he suggested carefully, deliberately avoiding any mention of the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within Naruto. While Inoichi, as a council member, was privy to that secret, discretion was vital.
Inoichi crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "So, what's our next move? Kumogakure won't be pleased that their envoy was caught attempting to abduct a clan heiress. Moreover, the council is already buzzing with fragments of last night's incident."
A heavy sigh escaped Hiruzen's lips. "We'll need to adjust the official reports," he stated firmly. "We'll attribute the thwarting of the kidnapping to a kunoichi in her mid-teens, wearing an Iwagakure headband. We'll present it as an opportunistic attempt by Iwa to sow discord between us and Kumo."
Inoichi raised an eyebrow but nodded in understanding. "And how do we handle the fact that the Hyuuga heiress is claiming 'Naruto-kun' as her rescuer?"
"She's only five years old," Hiruzen replied gently but decisively. "At that age, children's memories can be unreliable, and they often embellish or imagine details. It's crucial that Naruto isn't credited with defeating a jonin-level shinobi right now. You know as well as I do that if the council discovers his involvement, they'll demand his immediate capture—and likely his execution."
A shadow crossed Inoichi's face. He wasn't among those who harbored animosity toward Naruto, but he was well aware of the prevailing sentiments within the council. "I understand," he said quietly. "But what about Naruto himself? He's clearly still out there, and surviving alone at such a young age is dangerous. Shouldn't we make an effort to locate him?"
Hiruzen's eyes softened, a hint of guilt evident. "I'll assign Inu and Neko to the task. They've observed him before and are familiar with his abilities. Perhaps he'll be more receptive to them. If we dispatch a large search party, he'll likely sense it and either retreat further into hiding or flee the area entirely, which could expose him to even greater risks. Inu is one of our best trackers, and Neko excels in covert operations. If anyone can find him discreetly, it's them."
Inoichi hesitated, then gave a curt nod. "Very well. I trust your judgment."
As Inoichi exited the office, Hiruzen glanced up at the portrait of Minato Namikaze hanging alongside those of the previous Hokage. A pang of sorrow and determination surged within him.
"Please, stay safe, Naruto," he whispered softly, the weight of his unfulfilled promise pressing upon him.
At the Hyuuga Compound*
Nightfall brought a serene stillness to the Hyuuga estate. The clan, renowned for their discipline and adherence to tradition, ensured that evenings were quiet and orderly. Any disturbances were swiftly addressed to maintain the decorum befitting their esteemed lineage.
In her dimly lit bedroom, Hinata Hyuuga prepared for sleep. The bruises from her recent ordeal had faded significantly, thanks to healing salves and ample rest. As she slipped under the cool sheets, she gazed out of her window toward the expanse of forest that bordered the compound.
"Good night, Naruto-kun," she whispered, a gentle smile playing on her lips. The memory of the mysterious blond boy who had saved her filled her with warmth. Despite the harrowing experience, thoughts of him brought comfort, easing any lingering fears. She closed her eyes, hoping that if nightmares came, he would be there in her dreams to chase them away.
Deep Within the Forest Surrounding Konoha*
Naruto moved swiftly and silently through the dense woodland, the familiar terrain offering both comfort and concealment. It had taken him most of the day to put sufficient distance between himself and the site of last night's confrontation. Circling nearly a quarter of Konoha's perimeter, he finally felt secure enough to stop.
Finding a sturdy, ancient tree with sprawling branches, he set about creating a new refuge. Using the sharp edge of a makeshift tool, he hollowed out a hidden nook within the trunk—a task that required patience and precision.
Once his new hideout was ready, Naruto settled in and unpacked his few possessions. Among them were small wooden carvings—figurines representing his "family." His carving skills had improved over time, and these new versions bore more refined features. His "father" figure stood tall, modeled loosely after himself with spiky hair and a confident stance. His "mother" was crafted with longer hair flowing over her shoulders. Though his ability to capture delicate features was limited, he imbued each piece with care and attention.
Tonight, however, he added a new figure to his collection. Using a slender piece of wood, he carefully carved the likeness of a small girl with gentle eyes—a tribute to Hinata. As he worked, memories of her shy smile and kind words surfaced, bringing a subtle warmth to his heart.
Arranging the figures on a small ledge within his shelter, he gazed at them thoughtfully. "Goodnight, everyone," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the whispering leaves.
The canopy above was a tapestry of stars, their faint light filtering through to cast soft patterns around him. In the stillness, he could almost imagine the carved faces smiling back, offering a silent affirmation.
Stretching out on his makeshift bed of woven leaves and soft moss, Naruto felt a rare sense of peace. His eyelids grew heavy, and as he drifted into slumber, his dreams were vivid and filled with wonder. He wandered through endless forests bathed in golden light, accompanied by the faint echo of laughter. Beside him walked Hinata, her presence a soothing balm to his solitary existence.
In these dreams, he wasn't alone. The weight of his past and the burdens he carried seemed lighter, replaced by the simple joy of companionship. The forest, once a place of refuge and isolation, transformed into a realm of possibility and hope.
As dawn approached, the first hints of light painted the horizon with hues of pink and orange. Birds began their morning songs, and the forest stirred to life. Yet, for now, Naruto slept peacefully, a gentle smile touching his lips—a silent testament to the newfound connections that warmed his heart.