The Start of the Chūnin Exams

As preparations for the Chunin Exams moved forward, Naruto found himself juggling multiple responsibilities, from training to political obligations. In the quiet hours of the evening, he and Jiraiya sat together, analyzing Lady Chiyo's outdated notes on Gaara's seal. Naruto scowled as he traced the designs, noting how the seal was little more than a crude storage technique with no failsafes. "This thing barely does anything beyond keeping Shukaku crammed inside. No wonder Gaara struggles with control," he muttered, shaking his head. Jiraiya hummed in agreement, leaning over Naruto's shoulder as the younger Uzumaki began sketching a modified design. With smooth, deliberate strokes, Naruto crafted a new sealing method—one that not only reinforced Gaara's existing seal but also allowed him controlled access to Shukaku's power without the risk of the beast seizing control. Jiraiya studied it carefully, impressed by the depth of Naruto's understanding. Even after years of studying seals under Minato, Kushina, and Jiraiya himself, Naruto had surpassed them all. His work was not just technically sound but intuitive in a way that neither of his parents nor his master had ever achieved. "This is beyond anything I've seen, kid," Jiraiya admitted, shaking his head in amazement. "Hell, even Kushina would be impressed, and that's saying something." Naruto smirked, his confidence unshaken. "I don't just use what I'm taught, Ero-sennin—I build on it. That's the Uzumaki way."

Beyond sealing, Naruto had personal matters to handle. Sitting down with his parents, Anko, Haku, and Sayaka, he braced himself for the discussion about their changing relationships. Anko leaned back against the couch with an amused smirk, her golden eyes sharp with interest as she studied the three of them. "So let me get this straight—Haku pledged herself to you in Wave, Sayaka practically swoons when you walk into a room, and now Mei wants to marry you?" She let out a low whistle. "Damn, Naruto. I always knew you had something special, but this? You're going to have to start a waiting list at this rate. Can I play with them too? I like women too after all," Naruto groaned, rubbing his temples as Haku covered her mouth to suppress a nervous laugh. Sayaka, her face burning a deep crimson, shifted in her seat but did not deny it. Instead, she stole a glance at Naruto and looked Anko up and down, her determination shining through her embarrassment. "I… I would gladly do my part to help our clan. And Anko-san, I think you're attractive too," she said, voice soft but firm, the meaning behind her words crystal clear.

Anko, for all her teasing, turned serious as she looked at Naruto. "And you? What do you want?" Her voice lost its usual playful edge, and Naruto met her gaze, understanding the weight of her question. This wasn't just about handling relationships or fulfilling clan obligations—it was about whether he was ready to take this step with them. He exhaled slowly, his usual bravado giving way to something more vulnerable. "I won't lie and say I expected any of this," he admitted. "But I care about all of you. You're important to me. And if this is something you all want… then I won't run from it." Haku smiled warmly, Sayaka's blush deepened, and Anko chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, well, look at you. My man bringing me all these sexy women." She reached out, running her fingers through his hair before leaning in close and giving him a deep kiss before breaking to say, "I have no complaints about our arrangement."

With Sayaka's new role as the Uzumaki clan's proxy and her commitment to teaching at the academy to restore lost Uzumaki knowledge, Naruto felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. Yet, he welcomed it. This was his life now, and he would not falter.

Tensions rose a few days later when the Kazekage arrived in Konoha, accompanied by Gaara, Kankuro, Temari, and Lady Chiyo. His expression was grim as he met with Minato, Jiraiya, and Naruto. "You were right to warn me," he said darkly. "Danzo and Orochimaru ambushed me not long after I finalized my son's early departure. I barely escaped with my life." His words sent a heavy silence through the room. Minato's jaw clenched, and Jiraiya swore under his breath, while Naruto crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. "They're getting bolder." The Kazekage nodded. "I feared as much. That is why I came personally. If they are willing to strike at me, then Gaara is at even greater risk. I'd rather not leave him in Suna until this situation is under control." Minato, after a brief pause, nodded in understanding. "We'll ensure his safety."

With that, Gaara followed Naruto, Jiraiya, and Lady Chiyo to a secured training ground where the sealing ritual would take place. Gaara, ever composed, lay on the prepared sealing array while Naruto positioned himself over the old seal. "This will be over soon," Naruto assured him. As his hands moved through precise seals, golden Uzumaki chains emerged, interweaving with the existing mark, strengthening it while creating a bridge between Gaara and Shukaku that prevented the beast from overwhelming him. Sensing the shift, Shukaku thrashed within the seal, but Naruto smirked and pressed down with his chakra. "Not this time." Power pulsed through the clearing, and even Jiraiya watched in awe as the new design locked into place. Gaara's body jerked once before stilling, and after a long pause, he sat up, eyes wide. "It's… quiet," he said, his voice laced with unfamiliar emotion. Naruto grinned. "Give it time. You'll be able to use his power, but he won't be able to take over." As Gaara absorbed this, Naruto stood, stretching his arms before Jiraiya clapped him on the back. "Well, kid, looks like you've got another title to add to the list: Konoha's best fūinjutsu master." Naruto rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his satisfaction. In truth, he had already surpassed Jiraiya long ago—and even Kushina in his own timeline. In this world, where his knowledge had expanded even further, he was well beyond them both.

With Gaara's seal stabilized, attention turned back to the Chunin Exams. In recognition of his skill, leadership, and combat prowess, Naruto was formally named as the proctor for the final rounds—a decision that sent murmurs through the ranks of Konoha's shinobi. Some whispered that it was unprecedented for someone of Naruto's caliber to be given such a role, but those who had been warned about Oto and Danzo knew why Naruto had been chosen. As Naruto stood in the Hokage's office, Minato handing him the official notice, he felt a strange sense of anticipation. This exam would be interesting. He could feel it.

Naruto stood in the Hokage's chambers, shifting his weight as he glanced between his parents, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. He and Jiraiya had no idea what this meeting was about, and the serious expressions on Minato and Tsunade's faces weren't helping. The atmosphere was thick with something unspoken, and for once, even Jiraiya wasn't making a joke to break the tension. Finally, Tsunade exhaled heavily, crossing her arms as she looked at Naruto. "How much do you know about your family in your original timeline?" she asked.

Naruto frowned, taken off guard by the question. "Not much," he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "I only know about my mom and dad because of them being within my seal. My dad was an orphan, and the only Uzumaki I ever heard about were a few that raised me after Konoha's fall. None of them were directly related to her, but they called her 'princess' sometimes." He shrugged, not wanting to think much of it. The Uzumaki were scattered, destroyed. The remnants of them had been long lost to time in his world sending him to find new hope. But something about the way Tsunade's lips pressed into a thin line made his stomach twist. "Why?"

Tsunade inhaled deeply before speaking, her voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "Because I've been looking into our lineage, Naruto. And what I've found changes everything." She turned to Jiraiya, her eyes flickering with something unreadable before she focused again on the papers in front of her. "I was going to tell you too, Jiraiya. But then the hospital was destroyed during the war, and… it broke me." Her hands clenched into fists. "That's why I left the moment the war was over. I couldn't tell you."

"I was testing your blood, Naruto, when I noticed something odd and compared it other records we had: my own. I realized you were my biological grandchild. Meaning at least in your world, Minato was my child. I confirmed it was true in this world too. I'd had a child and was coming back to get him after I'd foolishly ran off to battle. The hospital was gone. I don't know how Minato survived or came to be at Konoha's outskirts. I'm so sorry, Jiraiya. I should have told you a long time ago." Tsunade said.

Jiraiya's face softened, the usual mischief in his eyes replaced with something far more somber. "Tsunade…" He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "I get it. You don't have to explain. I always saw Minato like a son, anyway." His eyes flicked to Minato, who gave a small, knowing smile.

"I thought the same of you, Jiraiya," Minato admitted, his voice warm. "You were more of a father to me than anyone else."

Naruto chuckled, breaking the moment with a grin. "Even my Jiraiya treated me like a grandkid sometimes. And you, Grandma, were always Grandma." He shot a teasing look at Tsunade, whose eyebrow twitched before she huffed.

Jiraiya, however, wasn't laughing. His expression was unusually solemn as he looked at Tsunade, his eyes searching hers. "You took all of this burden by yourself while I was off playing the fool." His voice was thick with regret, and before Tsunade could speak, he moved toward her, his large hand coming to rest on her shoulder. She stiffened slightly at first, but then, in a rare display of vulnerability, she let her forehead rest against his chest. The room fell silent as she closed her eyes, exhaling shakily. "You idiot," she muttered.

Jiraiya chuckled, the sound softer than usual, and before anyone could react, Tsunade tilted her head up and kissed him. It was brief—hesitant, even—but it was enough to make Jiraiya freeze in shock. Then, realizing what she had done, Tsunade's face turned beet red, and she quickly stepped back, scowling at the amused looks Minato and Naruto were giving her. "Say a word and I'll knock you through the damn wall," she warned.

Minato coughed pointedly, drawing the attention back to the matter at hand. "So… what does this mean, politically speaking?"

Tsunade straightened, regaining her composure. "It means the Senju Clan has heirs again," she said, glancing between Minato and Naruto. "The name may have fallen into obscurity, but with both of you here, that changes."

Naruto tilted his head thoughtfully. "At least in my world, the Uzumaki and Senju were cousins, so really, the new Senju line is kind of a restoration of an old one." He frowned slightly. "Honestly, you guys have denser chakra than even the Uzumaki I knew."

Kushina folded her arms, nodding. "I was special because I was a jinchūriki, but I do agree that our kids are unusual. I guess we will confirm with this baby if the lack of Kyūbi's impact on my system, makes their chakra any… different," She trailed off before suddenly stiffening, eyes widening in realization.

Naruto blinked. "Mom?"

Minato turned to her, confused. "Kushina?"

Kushina, caught off guard, waved her hands quickly. "I—nothing! Forget I—"

"You're pregnant," Naruto stated flatly.

A heavy silence filled the room before Minato's eyes widened in pure joy. "You're pregnant?!" He beamed, stepping forward, but before he could get too carried away, Kushina smacked him on the head. "Focus on this first!" she scolded, though there was no real heat behind her words.

Jiraiya, still chuckling at the scene, suddenly grinned. "Well, that makes Minato Senju the official clan heir. And with that…" His smirk widened mischievously. "He's now eligible for the Clan Restoration Act."

The statement was followed by a sharp whack as Tsunade smacked him upside the head. "Don't start."

Once the room settled, the conversation turned to official matters. The decision was made that Naruto would remain the Uzumaki Clan Head, continuing that lineage, while Minato would take up the Senju name and officially revive the clan. The announcement would be made at the Chunin Exam finals when Minato was formally introduced. But before that, the Shinobi Council had to be informed.

When the council convened, the reactions were mixed. Some were in awe, others in disbelief. Fugaku hesitated before speaking. "Have you tried to see if you have the Mokuton?"

Minato frowned. "No, I haven't."

Naruto, suddenly grinning, stepped forward. "I have been testing my elemental affinities more since the mission in Wave, though." He raised his hands, one glowing with water and the other with wind. Bringing them together, a cold mist spread, and in an instant, a perfect spike of ice formed in his palm. The room fell silent.

"That's…" One of the council members swallowed. "Ice Release?"

Minato, intrigued, decided to test it. Summoning a small portion of chakra, he channeled both wind and lightning, expecting nothing special. Instead, a small typhoon-like rotation formed in his palm, the energies swirling in tandem. The council murmured amongst themselves: Typhoon Release.

Then, Tsunade stepped forward, her expression unreadable as she extended her hands, channeling her own chakra. Earth and fire twisted together—and molten rock dripped from her fingertips.

Tsunade's eyes widened, "Lava Release. Interesting. But the Senju's true ability was never just Mokuton—it was the ability to combine elements. No wonder why we couldn't perform the Mokuton. My natural affinities were different. "

Yamato nodded slowly, realization dawning. "That explains why I survived Orochimaru's experiment. I have the same affinities but I feel like I have to force the elements together, while yours seem to flow naturally."

Naruto smirked, crossing his arms. "Well, looks like we just proved the Senju are back in more ways than one."

Naruto leaned casually against the railing of the observation platform, arms crossed as he watched the ongoing first exam with a mixture of amusement and analysis. The room was filled with jōnin and special jōnin from various villages, all observing their own students' progress while making quiet comments amongst themselves. Though the written portion of the exam was typically more of a formality—designed to test the genin's ability to gather information rather than pure intelligence—it was still an opportunity to gauge which teams had the cunning and resilience to advance further. Naruto's sharp eyes flickered from team to team, already making note of which genin were standing out. Some were too obvious in their attempts to cheat, others were surprisingly smooth in their deception, and a select few were completely unfazed, either confident in their own abilities or incredibly well-prepared.

Beside him, Kurenai leaned in just enough for her breath to tickle his ear, a teasing smirk on her lips. "You know, Naruto, if you ever get tired of your current situation, I do enjoy younger men," she purred playfully, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.

Before Naruto could even respond, Yugao—who was standing a short distance away with her arms crossed—decided to chime in, her tone laced with similar mischief. "Careful, Kurenai, I might just take him first. After all, I do wield a sword. Maybe Naruto appreciates a woman with a more… refined approach?" She shot a smirk at Hayate, who let out a soft sigh, clearly used to her antics.

Asuma, standing beside Kurenai, rolled his eyes. "You two really have nothing better to do, huh?"

Kurenai shot him a sly grin. "Oh, lighten up, Asuma. It's just a little fun."

Naruto chuckled, amused by the banter. "Ladies, ladies, please. As much as I appreciate the attention, I'm afraid my hands are already full."

"Oh? And just how full are they?" came a new voice.

Naruto turned his head to see Hana Inuzuka step up beside him, her sharp, canine-like grin revealing that she wasn't about to back down so easily. Unlike Kurenai and Yugao, who were just teasing to get a rise out of their own boyfriends, Hana's eyes carried something else—genuine interest. She was watching him intently, assessing him in a way that made Naruto realize she wasn't just playing around.

"I'd say pretty full," Naruto replied, a smirk playing at his lips. "But that hasn't stopped people from trying to test their luck before."

Hana tilted her head, her dark eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Maybe it's not about luck," she replied smoothly. "Maybe I just know what I want."

That made Naruto pause for a fraction of a second. She wasn't subtle about it, that was for sure. And unlike the others, she wasn't just trying to poke fun at him. No, Hana was serious.

The teasing exchange earned chuckles from those nearby, but Naruto merely smirked, shaking his head. "Nice try, Hana. But I'm afraid you'll have to take that up with my girlfriends."

Hana's grin widened. "I'd be happy to."

That was not the answer he was expecting, and it lingered in his mind for a moment before a loud boom echoed throughout the room as the doors to the first exam were thrown open with a dramatic burst of wind. A familiar figure strode confidently inside, her crimson hair cascading down her back as she carried herself with effortless authority. Every head in the room turned as she made her entrance, and as she reached the front of the exam hall, she paused, a smirk playing on her lips.

"I am your next proctor," she declared, her voice carrying across the stunned genin. "And before any of you get any ideas—" she shifted slightly, making sure the Uzumaki clan crest on her uniform was very visible "—I'm already happily taken. So for those of you hoping to impress me, too bad."

The collective groans from some of the hopeful genin, both boys and girls alike, had Naruto outright chuckling from the observation deck. "Damn, she really knows how to make an entrance," he muttered, mostly to himself, though those nearby certainly heard him.

Kurenai grinned. "Looks like your multiple women just staked their claim pretty hard."

Hana whistled lowly. "Alright, I'll admit—that was pretty impressive."

Yugao smirked. "I suppose I'll have to withdraw from the competition. I'm not about to challenge an Uzumaki woman in a fight for her man."

As Naruto continued watching, his girlfriend transitioned effortlessly into her explanation of the second exam, her tone shifting from playful to commanding as she detailed the grueling trial that awaited the participants. The moment the second phase officially began, Naruto disappeared in a flicker of motion, reappearing at her side just as the first teams were sent into the infamous training grounds.

She smirked at him. "Took you long enough."

Naruto grinned. "Had to make a dramatic entrance, right?"

They exchanged a quick kiss before vanishing once more, reappearing high above in the proctor's observatory. The room was filled with high-ranking shinobi, each one monitoring the various teams as they navigated the treacherous terrain below. Through the advanced seal-based surveillance system Naruto had developed, they were able to track every participant's movements, ensuring that no one met an unnecessary fate. The Forest of Death had always been a brutal test, but with Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri present, extra precautions were necessary.

"This system is incredible," one of the proctors muttered as they watched the seals relay real-time visuals of the genin. "We'll be able to intervene much faster if something goes wrong."

Naruto nodded. "That's the idea. I don't mind a tough exam, but I'd rather not have an international incident because some Kumo brat decided to kill a Konoha genin out of spite." His eyes narrowed slightly as he observed one of the Kiri teams. "Besides… some of these kids aren't just here to test their skills. Some of them are here to make a statement."

His girlfriend crossed her arms. "Then let's make sure they know Konoha's watching."

Naruto nodded, but as his attention returned to the monitors, his thoughts briefly drifted back to Hana. Unlike the others who had teased him, she hadn't been joking. She was a clan heiress, a skilled tracker, and more than capable of standing her ground. She wasn't just looking to test the waters—she was making her intentions clear. And that… was something Naruto would have to think about.

For now, though, the exams came first.

With that, the room fell into focused silence as the second phase of the Chūnin Exams officially began. The survival test was underway, and as Naruto continued watching, he knew one thing for certain—this was going to be very interesting.

Naruto's sharp eyes scanned the screens, his gaze flickering between the various battles unfolding throughout the Forest of Death. Some genin were displaying impressive teamwork, while others were already faltering under the pressure of the exam. His arms were crossed as he leaned slightly against the console, idly taking in the performances of those he had been keeping an eye on. Shikamaru's team had already set up a defensive perimeter, the Nara heir clearly taking the time to assess his surroundings before committing to any action.

"Shikamaru's playing it smart," Naruto mused. "He's probably figured out a dozen ways to get through this already."

Kurenai smirked. "And letting Chōji do most of the work while Ino conserves her chakra. Smart girl."

Naruto nodded but quickly turned his attention elsewhere, watching as Hinata's Byakugan scanned the area for Team 8 while Kiba and Akamaru scouted ahead. Shino remained as ever the silent strategist, ensuring their movements were efficient and controlled.

"They're getting better," Yugao observed. "Kiba's listening for once."

Naruto chuckled. "Let's see how long that lasts."

A flicker of movement on another screen caught his eye—Rock Lee launching himself at an Iwa genin, his fists striking with precision and speed that left his opponent scrambling. Even without opening the gates, Lee's natural speed was overwhelming.

"Lee's got this," Naruto muttered with a smirk. "I almost feel bad for the guy… almost."

Before the conversation could continue, the door to the observation room swung open as a chūnin burst in, his face pale with urgency. "We have a situation," he announced. "Three dead genin found in the forest… their faces are gone."

Silence fell over the room. A chill crept through Naruto's spine, but before he could voice the name already forming in his mind, Anko's voice came out as a near-growl.

"Orochimaru."

Naruto turned to her, his expression darkening. "You're sure?"

Anko's fists clenched. "No one else would do something like this. I know his work."

Naruto didn't hesitate. He closed his eyes and let his senses expand, reaching through the chaotic mass of chakra signatures in the forest. His sensory ability, sharpened by his Uzumaki heritage and further refined through his years of training, sifted through the noise. He felt the presence of the genin, the proctors, the predators lurking within the forest… and then, there it was.

A presence that sent a wave of unease rippling through him.

His eyes snapped open just as the monitors revealed what he had sensed—Orochimaru had found Team 7.

His brother's team.

The decision was instant. "I'm going," he said, voice sharp with finality. His eyes flickered toward Anko. "He will pay for what he did to you."

Anko inhaled sharply, her lips twitching into a smirk, though her eyes betrayed something deeper—something raw. "Give him hell."

Naruto didn't answer. He vanished in a flash, reappearing within the dense trees of the Forest of Death near his brother's team, his chakra flaring subtly as he took in the scene before him.

Orochimaru stood in the clearing, his eerie golden eyes locked onto Sasuke, amusement flickering across his pale features as if toying with a particularly intriguing specimen. Sakura stood frozen in fear, while Sasuke held a kunai tightly, his Sharingan spinning but uncertain.

The moment Naruto appeared, Orochimaru's gaze snapped to him. There was a brief pause, a flicker of surprise, but it was quickly masked by a sly smile.

"Ah," Orochimaru mused, eyes trailing over Naruto's form. "Now this is interesting. You must be the one I've been hearing about."

Naruto's gaze was hard, his expression unreadable. "Team 7, move."

Sakura hesitated, but Sasuke clenched his fists. "Naruto-Sensei, who is this guy?"

"Not your concern," Naruto said sharply. "Now move."

Sasuke looked ready to argue, but something in Naruto's tone made him think twice. With a reluctant glance at Orochimaru, he nodded to Sakura, and the two of them grabbed Menma and took off into the trees, leaving Naruto alone with the Sannin.

Orochimaru tilted his head. "You didn't even let them fight. How protective of you."

Naruto's gaze remained cold. "They wouldn't have survived."

Orochimaru chuckled, taking a step closer. "And yet, you think you will?" His golden eyes gleamed with curiosity. "You're an anomaly… a shinobi I have no records of, yet one who has made quite the impression in a short time. The Uzumaki… the son of the Fourth Hokage…" His tongue flicked out, tasting the air. "And your age… curious. Even if Minato and Kushina had a secret child early, you should be much younger."

Naruto's expression didn't waver. "Seals can do many things."

Orochimaru's smirk widened. "Ah… how very Uzumaki of you." His gaze studied Naruto with an intensity that made it clear he was already forming theories. "You're not from this time, are you? Yet you are clearly not the same child that left with Sasuke-Kun."

Naruto exhaled slowly. "You're wasting your time trying to figure me out."

Orochimaru chuckled. "Perhaps. But tell me… what does a boy like you think he can do against me?" His voice turned silken, taunting. "I have lived through wars. I have shaped the fates of countless shinobi. And yet, you stand before me with all the confidence of someone who thinks they matter."

Naruto didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he lifted a single hand and let his chakra flare just enough to shift the atmosphere. The weight of it pressed against the trees, stirring the air like an oncoming storm.

Orochimaru's smile faltered for just a fraction of a second.

"You talk too much," Naruto said simply. "Let's see if you live up to your own legend."

Orochimaru chuckled, but there was a glimmer of something in his expression now. Interest.

"Very well," the Sannin purred. "Let's see what makes you so special."

And with that, they moved.

The moment their battle began, Orochimaru realized this was no ordinary opponent. The air itself seemed to shift as Naruto moved—not with the telltale flicker of teleportation, nor with the blazing aura of the Body Flicker Technique, but with sheer, terrifying speed. There was no warning, no excess motion. One instant, Naruto was in front of him, and the next—

CRACK!

A fist drove into Orochimaru's midsection, folding him in half. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, cracking the tree behind him as the Sannin's body lurched backward, but before he could recover, another blow struck him square in the chest, launching him through the dense foliage.

Orochimaru twisted midair, his body bending unnaturally to regain control, only for Naruto to already be there, feet planted firmly on a branch, hand glowing with crimson-tinged chakra. A sharp, bladed edge of raw energy extended from his fingertips, and before Orochimaru could react, Naruto lashed out. The chakra scalpel—more refined and deadly than any medical-nin's—sliced cleanly across Orochimaru's shoulder, severing muscle and nearly taking the arm clean off.

The Sannin hissed, his body contorting grotesquely as he shed the damaged limb, emerging whole from his own gaping mouth in a writhing mass of flesh. "Fascinating…" Orochimaru murmured, golden eyes gleaming even as he panted. "You're not using the Flying Thunder God Technique… this is pure speed. Your speed."

Naruto didn't respond, merely tilting his head slightly. His expression was unreadable, eyes cold and detached as he calculated his next move. This wasn't a fight to test himself or indulge in a battle—this was an execution.

Orochimaru, however, was not so easily cowed. His hands flashed through a series of seals at a blinding pace. "Mandara no Jin!"

The forest erupted as a wave of massive serpents surged forward, their thick bodies slithering toward Naruto with fangs bared. The sheer number of them would have overwhelmed any normal shinobi.

Naruto moved.

To the untrained eye, it was almost as if he disappeared, but Orochimaru saw it—the way Naruto's body twisted at unnatural angles, his foot barely grazing the bark of a tree as he launched himself, weaving through the serpentine horde with inhuman precision. His blade-like chakra flared again, this time coating his entire forearm, and with a single sweeping arc, the sky lit up with flashes of steel and energy.

The wave of snakes collapsed in an instant—sliced apart with surgical accuracy, their massive bodies falling to the forest floor in writhing, lifeless pieces. Blood misted the air.

Orochimaru barely had time to register the destruction before Naruto was in front of him again. The Sannin barely managed to tilt his head to avoid a killing strike, but even then—

CRACK!

A brutal spinning backhand struck him across the jaw, sending his head snapping to the side, the force alone sending his body skidding across the forest floor. The moment he stopped, Naruto was already there, knee driving upward into his ribs. Orochimaru felt something break as he was lifted off the ground.

But Naruto wasn't done.

As the Sannin was sent airborne, Naruto twisted, his foot slamming into Orochimaru's torso and sending him crashing through multiple trees, his body leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

For the first time in decades, Orochimaru felt it.

Fear.

This wasn't Minato's son—at least, not just his son. This was something else. Someone who had spent years fighting wars beyond anything Orochimaru could imagine. Someone who wasn't simply fast but whose entire fighting style was built around utilizing that speed in ways no shinobi before him had.

Danzo had spoken of him with interest, of course. An unknown factor, one to be considered in the grand scheme of things. But Orochimaru had assumed, at worst, that Naruto would be a minor complication.

He had been wrong.

Naruto was not a complication.

He was a force of nature.

Orochimaru twisted his fingers into a quick series of hand seals, but Naruto was already reacting. The moment the snakes erupted from his sleeves, Naruto stepped forward—just a single step, but it was all he needed.

With a flick of his wrist, a flash of sealing script materialized around his fingers.

Fuinjutsu: Ketsugō Shibari!

The air hummed as chains of chakra lashed out, dragging the summoned snakes mid-air and pinning them to the surrounding trees with an audible thunk. Seals ignited along their scales, rendering them useless.

Orochimaru had no time to admire the skill.

Naruto's fingers twitched, and in a single blur of motion, his hand shot forward, palm open.

A vacuum formed.

It was as if the air itself was pulling Orochimaru in, an unseen force yanking him toward Naruto's grasp.

Too late, he realized his mistake.

Naruto's fingers wrapped around his throat.

And squeezed.

Orochimaru gagged, his airway completely cut off as his feet dangled inches from the ground. The sheer strength behind the grip was unreal. He struggled, but Naruto's chakra surged, lacing through his system, disrupting his own.

He couldn't mold chakra.

He couldn't breathe.

"You should've stayed in the shadows," Naruto said coolly, his grip tightening just enough to make Orochimaru's vision blur. "Because the moment you showed yourself, this became your execution."

Orochimaru's mind raced. He had underestimated this man—no, this monster. Naruto wasn't simply strong. He was fast, precise, and his sealing techniques were beyond anything Orochimaru had anticipated. He had never seen fuinjutsu used in this way—never seen it applied so seamlessly in combat.

And the worst part?

Naruto wasn't even trying.

His arms weren't strained. His breathing was even. His expression wasn't one of fury or exertion.

It was disinterest.

He wasn't fighting Orochimaru because he needed to.

He was doing it because Orochimaru had inconvenienced him.

That, more than anything, made Orochimaru's stomach twist.

Still, he wasn't the Legendary Sannin for nothing.

His lips twisted into a smirk—even as he suffocated. "You're… strong…" he rasped. "Stronger than I expected…" His body trembled—just for a moment—before collapsing in on itself.

Naruto's fingers closed around empty flesh.

The skin peeled away, a discarded husk, as a new body slithered out from beneath it, already retreating into the shadows.

Naruto narrowed his eyes but did not pursue. He could have. He should have.

But he smirked instead, exhaling through his nose. "Tch. Slippery snake."

He rolled his shoulders before cracking his neck. "At least you live up to your reputation."

The wind rustled the trees. Orochimaru was gone.

Naruto's smirk faded as he turned his gaze toward the horizon, his amusement laced with something else—something darker.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

The Hokage's office was more crowded than usual, the air thick with tension as the gathered shinobi watched the grainy but undeniable footage of Naruto's battle with Orochimaru. The scene played out in stark, brutal clarity—Naruto moving with impossible speed, his attacks landing with frightening precision, the legendary Sannin barely able to keep up. The shinobi council members sat in stunned silence, even the more skeptical elders unable to dismiss what they had witnessed. It wasn't just that Naruto had fought Orochimaru—it was that he had dominated him. If not for the snake's infamous escape techniques, he would have died right then and there.

Homura Mitokado, ever the pragmatist, was the first to speak. "Orochimaru was here for a reason. We cannot ignore that he infiltrated the exam. With an unknown agenda, the safest course of action would be to cancel the Chunin Exams altogether."

Koharu Utatane gave a slight nod, her expression sharp. "It would be wise to assume he will strike again. The exams provide too much opportunity for chaos. Konoha's security must be prioritized."

Minato, however, shook his head. "We will not cancel the exams. Orochimaru's presence changes things, but Konoha must not show weakness. If we fold now, we send a message to our enemies that we can be cowed by a single threat." His voice was firm, his gaze sweeping across the room, daring any to challenge him. "Besides, this is an international event. If we cancel without direct evidence of an imminent attack, it will create more instability, not less."

Hiashi Hyuga, arms crossed, let out a hum. "Hokage-sama is correct. The exams test more than our genin; they serve as a political tool. We gain insight into the strength of other villages while reaffirming our own. If we cancel, it may be seen as an admission that we lack the ability to protect our guests."

The murmurs of agreement silenced any further argument.

Shikaku Nara, ever the strategist, smirked slightly as he leaned back. "And with Naruto around, it seems even the worst-case scenario is manageable. Orochimaru himself barely escaped. That alone is a deterrent."

The conversation shifted, the council moving on to preparations to bolster security. It wasn't long before Minato turned toward his son, expression thoughtful. "Naruto," he said, his voice carrying just enough weight that the younger blond turned toward him curiously. "Have you ever considered taking the Hokage position in the future?"

Naruto blinked, not having expected the question. "Huh?"

Minato chuckled at the response but continued. "Your speed alone would help with the most infamous part of the job. I handle paperwork far faster than Hiruzen-sensei ever did, simply because of my efficiency."

Naruto stared at his father, brow furrowing. "What do you mean your speed helps with paperwork?"

Hiruzen chuckled, stroking his beard. "It's quite simple, Naruto-kun. Minato's reaction speed and processing capabilities allow him to handle the workload quickly, whereas I—"

Naruto, however, looked even more baffled. "Why didn't you just use Shadow Clones?"

Silence.

The room grew so still that even the sound of breathing seemed to pause.

"What?" Minato's voice was barely above a whisper.

Naruto tilted his head, now even more confused. "Shadow Clones return their memories to you when they dispel, right? Just have them handle the paperwork, then dispel them at the end of the day. Instant results, no extra effort."

The reaction was immediate.

Minato's face twitched, the color draining from his skin as the realization settled in. Hiruzen let out a strangled noise, gripping his chair as if the weight of a lifetime of unnecessary labor was crushing down on him all at once.

"Fifty years…" Hiruzen muttered, eyes unfocused. "Decades of paperwork… the suffering… the wasted time…"

Minato paled further. "I could have spent more time at home…"

Tsunade, who had been sitting to the side, burst into laughter, slamming her fist on the table. "You idiots!" she howled, doubling over. "Decades of Hokage work, and none of you thought of that?! No wonder I never wanted the job!"

Naruto simply sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "This is why I wouldn't be a good Hokage," he muttered. "I don't think things through like that. I just act. Diplomacy isn't my thing—I'd rather be in the field."

That, oddly enough, was the moment when realization struck the rest of the council.

They all gave Naruto varying looks of exasperation and disbelief, clearly thinking the same thing at once.

"He's just like his father."

The words were spoken in unison by multiple people, and Naruto could only frown in confusion as the meeting was brought to a close, the decision to continue the exams final.

The second portion of the Chunin Exams came to a close, and with Orochimaru's direct interference effectively nullified, the stage was set for the highly anticipated preliminaries. Minato, ever mindful of the need for order and discipline, had chosen Naruto to proctor the event. His presence alone was enough to ensure that the proceedings would unfold smoothly and without incident. The watching crowd could sense that Naruto's authority was unquestioned, and that the exams would be a spectacle, a true test of the participants' growth.

And grow they did. The battles that followed were nothing short of extraordinary, each one showcasing the incredible progress of the competitors.

The first match was the clash between Neji Hyuga, the prodigious heir of the Hyuga clan, and his cousin Hinata Hyuga. From the outset, it was clear that the fight would be a momentous occasion—after all, it was a battle between two members of the same clan, each with their own mastery of the Hyuga family's Gentle Fist style. Neji's Byakugan flared to life, his strikes precise and unrelenting, aiming to target and cripple his opponent with calculated efficiency. But Hinata, who had long been overshadowed by her cousin's talent, had undergone a transformation. Her movements were no longer hesitant or unsure, but deliberate, refined, and determined. This wasn't the same timid Hinata who had struggled to keep up with her peers—this was a girl who had found strength within herself.

The fight raged on, with Neji pushing the pace, trying to land decisive blows on his cousin. But Hinata, drawing strength from a memory she had kept close to her heart, resisted. The words that Naruto had spoken to her years ago when Menma had introduced her to his "new" big brother echoed in her mind. The moment she had met Naruto after his return to Konoha—his encouraging smile, his kindness—had lit a fire inside her. It had been then that she realized she had far more potential than she had ever believed. Now, as she faced Neji in battle, that inner strength surged to the forefront.

With a grace and power that stunned the spectators, Hinata began to counter Neji's strikes, her movements fluid and precise, her confidence unwavering. Finally, with a forceful blow, she struck Neji at a key pressure point, sending him tumbling to the ground in defeat. The arena fell silent for a moment, and then the cheers erupted. Hinata, once regarded as weak and ineffectual, had just overcome one of the greatest prodigies of the Hyuga clan. She stood tall, her chest heaving with exertion, but her spirit was stronger than ever. The victory wasn't just hers over Neji; it was a triumph over her own doubts, her own insecurities.

The next fight saw Rock Lee face off against Gaara of the Desert. Lee, with his unmatched speed and power, attacked relentlessly, his strikes fast and powerful, hoping to break through Gaara's nearly impenetrable sand defense. But Gaara, for the first time, was not the same cold, unfeeling figure that had once terrorized opponents. The change in him was unmistakable: his sand moved with a fluidity and efficiency that suggested not just mastery, but enjoyment. There was a slight smile on Gaara's face as he engaged Lee, an expression that sent a ripple of surprise through the crowd. This was the first time anyone had seen Gaara truly enjoy a fight.

Lee, to his credit, pushed Gaara to his limits, unleashing his most powerful attacks, including the powerful Hidden Lotus technique. But Gaara was unshaken, his sand effortlessly absorbing each blow and then retaliating with equal precision. The efficiency with which Gaara wielded his sand left even Baki, his teacher, staring in astonishment. The restraint that Gaara exhibited was surprising—not in the sense of holding back, but in how precisely he controlled his sand. Every movement was deliberate, every action measured. Gaara had learned to harness the power of the One-Tails within him with ease, no longer driven by the manic, uncontrollable rage that had once consumed him. Naruto's seal had worked flawlessly as promised.

When the match finally ended, Lee was left unconscious on the ground, but he was still alive, his spirit intact. Gaara had won, but it was clear he had done so without malice. His eyes, once hollow and full of despair, now gleamed with a hint of satisfaction—a satisfaction that came not from defeating Lee, but from the enjoyment of the fight itself. For the first time, Gaara was truly in control.

As the battles continued, the list of finalists began to take shape. Sasuke, Menma, Sakura, Shikamaru, Hinata, Kurotsuchi, Gaara, and Temari all advanced to the finals, their growth evident in every move, every strategy they employed. Team 7, in particular, had shown remarkable improvement. Kakashi, watching from the sidelines, was proud of what his students had accomplished. "Naruto was the catalyst for their growth," he explained to the jonin around him. "His determination in training them during the Wave mission, pushed them to break their limits. They've trained relentlessly since then, never allowing themselves to stagnate." It was clear to anyone who watched that Naruto had played a key role in shaping the next generation into the formidable shinobi they had become.

The Sound team had been dismantled, their weaknesses exposed without Orochimaru's direct influence. With their leader absent, the members of the Sound were left scrambling, easily defeated by the stronger competitors. The Oto jonin, who was actually Kabuto in disguise, could only watch in growing frustration as his team faltered. Orochimaru had chosen to stay away, unwilling to risk facing Naruto again, knowing full well that his power was far beyond what he had anticipated.

Finally, as the list of names for the final round was read aloud, Naruto crossed his arms and allowed a smirk to form on his face. "Alright," he said, his voice filled with quiet amusement. "Now this is going to be interesting."

The Hokage's office was filled with an air of tension and expectation as Minato, Kushina, Naruto, Haku, Sayaka, and Anko all gathered around the polished wooden table. The room, usually a place of calm and order, now held a more intimate atmosphere as the topic of the day was anything but ordinary. Naruto sat at the center, his posture rigid as he exchanged glances with the women in the room, each of them watching him with varying degrees of anticipation.

Kushina, her hands folded calmly in her lap, leaned forward slightly. "Naruto, we wanted to speak with you about something important." Her voice, though warm and steady, carried an undertone of seriousness that immediately caught his attention. "It's about the Mizukage's request." Minato, who had been standing by the window, turned to face his son, his usual calm demeanor still intact but with a trace of concern. "The Mizukage has officially requested your hand in marriage, Naruto."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Naruto blinked, his mind racing to process what had just been said. The Mizukage—his mind stumbled at the thought. He remembered her kiss during her coronation and he had known of the political and diplomatic relationships between villages, but this? He hadn't expected it to come to his doorstep. He opened his mouth, but Kushina continued before he could speak.

"You don't have to accept, Naruto," she said gently, but firmly. "This is your decision, and you are not being forced into anything. But if you do choose to accept her offer, there's something we need to address. The other women here—Haku, Sayaka, Anko—will also need to move forward with their own marriages to you as well."

Naruto's heart skipped a beat as he turned to look at each of them, trying to read their expressions. Haku, usually so composed, offered him a small, almost knowing smile. Sayaka's gaze was steady, as if this conversation was something they had all been expecting. And Anko, ever the unpredictable one, raised an eyebrow as if to say, Well?

Before he could voice his confusion or any objections, Haku spoke, her voice soft but sure. "We've discussed it with Kushina," she explained, meeting his gaze with a quiet intensity. "This is something we're all prepared for, Naruto. We've accepted it."

Sayaka nodded in agreement, her usual reserve giving way to a sense of understanding. "It's not something we would have ever imagined, but in this world, we've come to accept that certain bonds are inevitable. We'll support you, whatever your decision is."

Anko, leaning back in her chair with a smirk, added with her usual mischievous tone, "They've already come to terms with it, Naruto. And you know me, I'm always game. Besides, it's not a question of if, it's more a matter of when. We've got your back." She raised a finger and pointed at him, emphasizing her words. "And there's one more thing you should know."

Naruto looked at her, confused, but Anko's grin only widened. "We've approved of Hana," she said, the words cutting through the air like a thunderclap. "You know, the Inuzuka girl?" Naruto's eyes widened as the full weight of her statement settled in.

"Hana?!" he repeated, his voice rising slightly. "But how—why? "

Anko gave him a pointed look, her eyes sharp with a knowing gleam. "Hana's the kind of woman who knows exactly what she wants, Naruto. She's not one to back down from what she feels is right, and she's already made it clear where she stands. That's why she's my friend. She took your statement during the first part of the exams quite seriously and asked to meet with us."

Kushina smiled, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Anko's right. Hana's not someone who takes no for an answer, but she's also fiercely loyal. She'll fit right in with the Uzumaki too."

Naruto sat there, stunned. His mind was spinning. His initial reaction was to protest, to ask how they could all so easily accept something so drastic, so... monumental. But as he looked around the room, at the faces of the women who had become an integral part of his life, he realized something. He was the only one who was struggling with this "change". This was a new world for him after all. This was normal for them.

His gaze drifted to Minato, his father's unwavering calm providing the final piece to the puzzle. Minato simply nodded, as if this were part of the path that had already been laid before them. As if he could read his thoughts, he said, "it's a different world, Naruto. This is common in our world, son."

Naruto took a deep breath, and with a reluctant but understanding nod, he accepted the reality of it all. "Alright," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "I accept. It's... it's the way things are. I'm just surprised by how comfortable you are all about this." He was in a new world, one that would require him to adapt, to grow, and to accept things he never would have imagined in his previous world.