Now to actually unlock my chakra.
Taking a steady breath, I close my eyes once more, shutting out the sounds of my classmates fidgeting around me. Some are whispering, some sighing in frustration, and others—like Sasuke—remain eerily silent, completely focused.
I reach within myself again, trying to recapture that odd sensation from before—the pull at my navel, the strange weightlessness that had yanked me into my mindscape. This time, however, I don't let myself get distracted. No talking foxes, no existential crises—just me and this energy inside me.
I focus.
At first, it's like grasping at smoke, slipping through my mental fingers before I can hold onto it. It's frustrating, but I don't let that deter me. Meditation has never been my strong suit—patience even less so—but if I'm going to survive in this world, I need to get a grip on this now.
I take another deep breath, slowing my heartbeat, clearing my mind. I search deeper, peeling away distractions.
Then, finally—there it is.
A warmth, a hum, a presence thrumming deep within me, coiling through my body like a current of energy I had never truly noticed before. It's subtle at first, like a gentle breeze brushing against my skin, but as I focus, it grows stronger, pulsing like a heartbeat.
Chakra.
My eyes snap open as a tingling sensation spreads through my limbs, like static electricity dancing just beneath my skin. It feels incredible, like I had just tapped into a power source I hadn't known existed.
I clench my fist, marveling at the newfound awareness of my own energy. This… this is amazing.
Across the clearing, Iruka walks between students, offering encouragement. Some kids are frowning, clearly struggling to feel anything at all. A few, like Shikamaru, look like they couldn't be bothered to even try. Meanwhile, Sasuke and Hinata both seem completely absorbed in their own progress.
I grin to myself.
Oh yeah. This is just the beginning.
Rather stupidly, I decided to bring out the energy. I had barely tapped into it, and already, I was trying to show off.
The moment I willed the chakra to the surface, a rush of warmth spread through my entire body, like stepping into a hot spring on a freezing day. It wasn't overwhelming—it was comforting. Like being wrapped in a warm, weighted blanket, sinking into the perfect equilibrium between energy and calm.
For the first time in both of my lives, I felt truly at ease.
Safe.
As if this power had always been there, waiting for me to claim it.
I open my eyes to see a bluish aura flickering around me, dancing like flames yet feeling as smooth as flowing water. The sensation is surreal, like I've stepped outside of reality for a moment.
The clearing is silent.
Every pair of eyes is locked onto me—students, even the clan kids, staring in wide-eyed shock. I catch glimpses of Sasuke's furrowed brows, Shikamaru's slightly raised head from his usual lazy posture, and even Kiba's mouth hanging open.
And then there's Iruka.
His expression is a mixture of surprise and something else—concern? Awe? Maybe both. His brows knit together as he takes a cautious step forward, as if assessing whether this is normal or something he should intervene in.
I blink, my mind catching up to the situation. Oh. Right. This isn't normal.
It's like I'm walking on water—well, bad analogy, since ninjas can actually do that, but you get what I mean.
I've barely tapped into my chakra, and already, I've drawn a crowd.
Iruka blinks, his mouth opening as if to say something, but no words come out at first. The silence stretches for a moment before he clears his throat, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well… technically yes, Naruto," he says, his voice laced with uncertainty. "But that's way more chakra than a first-timer should be able to bring out."
The other students continue to stare, some whispering amongst themselves. Even the usually unbothered Shikamaru looks mildly intrigued.
I tilt my head, still feeling the energy thrumming through me, and grin. "So… I passed?"
Iruka sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, but I don't miss the small, reluctant smile forming on his lips. "Yeah, you passed… but maybe try not to explode with chakra next time?"
I nod, though I can't help but feel a small swell of pride. For the first time since waking up in this world, I've done something undeniably cool.
I shut off the flow of chakra as easily as turning off a faucet, the glowing aura around me fading instantly. It was like flipping a switch—one moment, I was bathed in energy, and the next, I was just me again.
The clan kids were visibly surprised, their expressions ranging from shock to suspicion. I could almost hear their thoughts. Why isn't he exhausted? Shouldn't that much chakra drain him? Even Sasuke, who had been brooding in his usual corner, was now watching me with narrowed eyes.
Iruka, on the other hand, didn't seem nearly as surprised. If anything, he just let out a small sigh, like he expected this. Maybe he had long since accepted that I was an oddity. Or maybe he just chalked it up to Kyuubi. Either way, he moved on without making a big deal out of it.
"Alright, good work, Naruto," he said with a nod. "Now, let's see how the rest of the class does."
I sat back down, feeling a sense of satisfaction. This was just the beginning.
"I'll show you up, Naruto!" Kiba shouts with a confident grin, baring his fangs slightly in challenge. Clearly, he had already unlocked his chakra at home—being from the Inuzuka clan, that wasn't surprising.
He focuses for a moment, his body tensing as he releases his chakra. A faint aura flickers around him, wild and untamed, much like his personality. It's there, but compared to what I had just displayed, it's tiny.
The difference is obvious.
A few of the other students glance between us, whispering under their breaths. Even Kiba's grin falters slightly as he looks at my now-dormant form, realizing just how much more chakra I had released than him.
"Well…" he huffs, crossing his arms. "Mine's just more refined! You were just dumping yours out all over the place."
I snort, shrugging. "Maybe."
Iruka, sensing the growing tension, claps his hands together. "Alright, alright, good effort, Kiba! Let's keep going—everyone will have a chance to try."
Kiba huffs but seems to accept it for now, though I can already tell this won't be the last time he tries to one-up me. Fine by me. This just means I'll have to stay ahead.
The day finally comes to an end, and I take the familiar path to Naruto's apartment, relying on the memories ingrained in this body. The streets are just as I remember them—worn-down buildings, dim lanterns flickering as the sun sets, and the ever-present hush of whispers when I pass by.
The villagers don't glare outright, but their fear is palpable. Mothers pull their children closer, shopkeepers tense behind their counters, and the few shinobi I pass give me wary glances, their hands subconsciously twitching toward their weapons. It's not the seething hatred often exaggerated in fanfictions—it's something quieter, colder. A deep-seated fear.
I sigh, stuffing my hands into my pockets. It makes sense, really. The Kyuubi tore through this village not too long ago. And now, they see its vessel—me—walking among them, laughing, eating, existing.
I want to say something, to change how they see me. But words won't do anything. Not yet.
So, I just keep walking, letting the quiet judgment roll off my shoulders. For now, I have bigger things to worry about.
How am I going to fix my chakra control?
The academy teaches chakra control, sure, but at a snail's pace. And while I do want to stay in school to make friends, I also need to get strong—fast. This world is dangerous. I'm not some overpowered isekai protagonist who can just brute force my way through every problem. No, I need to be smart about this.
The solution is simple: why not both?
I'll attend classes, play along with the academy's lessons, and build the bonds I so desperately lacked in my old life. But outside of that? I'll train relentlessly, pushing myself to master chakra control as quickly as possible. Tree climbing, water walking, leaf balancing—anything that will give me an edge. I need to be prepared for what's coming.
But there's a more pressing issue. How am I supposed to act normal?
I may be Naruto, but I'm also me. I'm not the same loudmouthed prankster he was—not entirely, anyway. If I suddenly become reserved and studious, it'll raise eyebrows. At the same time, I can't exactly act like an obnoxious, impulsive troublemaker. That's just not me.
I need to find balance. Play up Naruto's energy and enthusiasm, but dial it back just enough to not be too over the top. Still crack jokes, still pull the occasional prank—but make them more calculated. Less reckless, more intentional. If I can slowly shift his reputation from "village idiot" to "clever but mischievous," then maybe—just maybe—I can start changing how people see me.
I exhale and glance around my small, dingy apartment. Right now, all I have is a plan. Tomorrow? The real work begins.
I step into Naruto's apartment, and—yep—it's just as much of a mess as you'd expect from a kid living alone. Clothes haphazardly thrown around, instant ramen cups stacked in precarious towers, and a general air of neglect hanging over everything. It smells faintly of old broth and damp fabric. Lovely.
But before I get too distracted, a more pressing thought crosses my mind. How old am I?
I pause, running through Naruto's memories. Based on where we are in the timeline—still in the academy, Sasuke already brooding, and the Uchiha Massacre behind us—I'm around eight years old. Give or take. Which means I have 4 years before the main story kicks in.
4 years to train.
4 years to grow.
4 years to prepare for the chaos that's coming.
I let out a breath, stepping further into the apartment. First things first—time to clean this disaster zone. No way am I plotting my rise to power while surrounded by old ramen cups.
I grab a few trash bags from one of the cabinets and get to work. The apartment isn't exactly large, so the cleaning process is straightforward—just tedious. I start with the obvious trash first, tossing out the countless empty ramen cups, crumpled food wrappers, and whatever else Naruto had been hoarding. The place smells so much better once I get rid of the old leftovers.
After that, I move on to the clothes. Most of them are wrinkled and tossed around carelessly, so I fold what's salvageable and set the rest aside for washing. It's only now that I realize Naruto doesn't seem to own much beyond his usual orange jumpsuit. I'll need to fix that at some point.
Once the floors are cleared, I wipe down the surfaces, dust the shelves, and even take a damp rag to the walls. By the time I'm done, the apartment feels less like a neglected storage room and more like an actual living space. Small, sure, but clean.
I step back, stretching my arms with a satisfied nod. It's not much, but it's home. At least for now.
By the time I'm done, the sun has started to dip below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of orange and purple. My stomach growls in protest, reminding me that I haven't eaten since lunch. I glance around the now spotless apartment, feeling somewhat accomplished—only to realize that my food options are… severely limited.
The cabinets are practically barren aside from a few expired condiments and, of course, the one staple of Naruto Uzumaki's diet—instant ramen. Figures. But after spending all that time cleaning, I don't feel like settling for the bland, processed stuff. No, if I'm going to eat ramen, I might as well do it right.
With that thought, I step outside and make my way toward Ichiraku Ramen, following the familiar path from Naruto's memories. The streets are relatively empty at this hour, save for a few villagers giving me wary glances. I pointedly ignore them. Their fear isn't my problem tonight.
Ichiraku comes into view, the warm glow of its lanterns standing out against the darkening streets. The scent of rich broth and perfectly seasoned noodles fills the air, making my mouth water. Food of the gods, indeed.
I slide onto one of the stools, already feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. The warmth of the ramen stand, the smell of broth simmering, and the friendly faces of Teuchi Ichiraku and his daughter Ayame make this place feel like a safe haven.
"Naruto! How was the academy today?" Teuchi asks, his voice full of genuine warmth.
I blink, momentarily caught off guard by the kindness. After spending the day under the wary gazes of the villagers, it's refreshing to be treated normally—or rather, fondly.
I muster up a small smile. "It was… interesting. We started learning about chakra today."
Ayame leans on the counter, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Oh? Did you get the hang of it?"
I grin, a bit of my Naruto side seeping into my expression. "You bet! I was practically glowing!"
Teuchi chuckles as he starts preparing my usual. "Well, that calls for a celebration then. One big miso ramen, coming right up!"
Hearing those words, I relaxed fully for the first time today. Yeah… this place really is special.
As I step out of the warmly lit ramen stand and into the cool night air, my stomach full and my mind buzzing with the day's events, I almost don't notice the shadowed figure waiting for me. Almost.
A flicker of movement catches my eye, and before I can react, a masked figure in dark clothing steps into my path. My muscles tense instinctively.
Anbu.
I gulp. Even without Naruto's memories, I know exactly what they are—Konoha's elite black ops. They don't just wander the streets for casual chats.
"Uzumaki Naruto," the Anbu says, his voice muffled by the mask. It's not a question.
I stand straighter, my mind racing through possible reasons for this encounter. Did I mess up? Was my chakra display too abnormal? Or—
"The Hokage wishes to see you."
I blink. My tension doesn't lessen, but I nod stiffly. "Uh… now?"
The Anbu tilts his head slightly, as if the answer should be obvious. "Now."
Welp. There goes my quiet night.
The sudden shift in scenery leaves my stomach lurching. One second, I'm outside Ichiraku's, the next, I'm standing in the Hokage's office, the dim lighting casting long shadows across the room. Papers are stacked high on his desk, the faint scent of ink and tobacco lingering in the air.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sits before me, his wise, weathered eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and contemplation. His hat rests slightly askew, as if he had removed it and put it back on absentmindedly, too lost in thought to care about appearances.
I shift on my feet, feeling the weight of his gaze. Does he suspect something? Did my chakra stunt earlier tip him off?
"Naruto," he says finally, his voice calm yet firm. "Or… should I say, who are you?"
My breath catches. Ah. So that's how we're starting this conversation.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself. Lying is out of the question. They've likely had Anbu monitoring me my entire life, and my sudden change in demeanor must have set off alarms. If the Hokage is personally questioning me, then that means this isn't just casual suspicion—it's serious.
I glance around the room, noting the Anbu positioned in the corners, silent and unmoving. If they have a Yamanaka nearby, any attempt at deception will be pointless. That leaves me with only one real option—the truth. Or at least, as much of it as I can safely reveal.
I meet the Hokage's gaze and exhale. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," I say honestly. "But I'll prove it."
His expression remains unreadable, but he leans forward slightly, as if intrigued. "Go on."
I close my eyes, reaching inward, and with a practiced ease, I summon my chakra. Unlike the chaotic bursts Naruto had as a child, mine is controlled, precise. I let it coat my body in a visible aura, steady and unwavering.
Hiruzen's eyes widen just slightly. That's the first sign of surprise I've seen from him. Even the Anbu shift subtly. This isn't something a child should be capable of—not without years of training.
"I remember everything, Hokage-sama," I say, my voice calm but firm. "More than just this life."
Hiruzen's eyes widen—just a fraction—but I catch it. The slight twitch of his fingers as they rest atop his desk, the almost imperceptible intake of breath. That tells me everything. I just confirmed something only a handful of people in the entire world should know.
The Anbu around us remain statues, but I can feel their attention sharpen. A subtle shift in the air, like the moment before a blade is drawn. My words have changed something, even if they don't show it outright.
Hiruzen finally leans back, studying me with eyes that have seen far too much. He's weighing my words, not dismissing them outright—which means I still have his attention. That's a good sign.
"How do you know that?" he asks, his voice deceptively calm. But there's steel beneath it, a quiet command that demands an answer.
I keep my shoulders squared, my expression steady. "Because I remember," I say simply. "I remember the moment Minato Namikaze—the Fourth Hokage—sealed the Nine-Tails inside this body. I remember Kushina's final words to me, even though Naruto shouldn't. I know they loved me. I know they died protecting me. I know that my father was the one who made me a jinchūriki—not because he wanted to, but because he had no choice."
Another silence stretches between us, heavy and thick. The weight of my words fills the room like smoke, impossible to ignore.
Hiruzen's gaze sharpens, his lips pressing into a thin line. He's a seasoned shinobi, a leader who has ruled through war and peace alike. He's seen deception in all its forms, from spies and traitors to men willing to die for a cause. But this—this is something new.
"I won't ask you to believe me blindly," I continue, my voice firm but respectful. "I understand how absurd this all sounds. If I were in your position, I wouldn't trust me either. But you know I'm telling the truth about my parents."
Hiruzen steeples his fingers in front of his face, exhaling through his nose. "It is… highly classified information," he finally admits, choosing his words carefully. "Few know of your lineage, and I have ensured it remains that way to protect you. Yet you speak of it as if you witnessed it yourself."
I nod. "Because I did. Or rather, because the version of me from before read it, saw it unfold." I take a breath, willing my heartbeat to slow. "I know things I shouldn't. I know that Danzo has his own personal army of root Anbu, despite them being 'disbanded.' I know that Orochimaru is still out there, continuing his twisted experiments. I know the exact date and time that the Uchiha Clan will be massacred."
This time, the Hokage's reaction is far more visible. His fingers twitch, and for a brief second, I see something flicker in his expression. Shock? Concern? Suspicion? Maybe all three.
The Anbu in the room shift, barely noticeable, but I don't miss it. My words have officially crossed into dangerous territory.
I hold up my hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not saying this to threaten you, or to cause trouble. But you wanted proof—I'm giving it to you."
Hiruzen studies me for a long, drawn-out moment, the air in the office thick with unspoken thoughts. Then, he sighs, his gaze softening—just a little. "You are certainly not the same Naruto Uzumaki I have known," he murmurs. "That much is clear."
His eyes meet mine, and I see the weight of decades in them. "This is… an unprecedented situation," he admits. "If what you say is true, then you possess knowledge that could shape the future of the village—of the world itself. That is not something to take lightly."
I nod solemnly. "I understand. That's why I came clean. I don't want to be your enemy. I want to protect the people I care about. I want to be strong enough to survive in this world."
The Hokage hums in thought before finally nodding. "Then let us see where this path leads, Naruto Uzumaki… or should I say, Caelum Vance."
Hiruzen chuckles at my proclamation, though there's something unreadable in his gaze—like he's still trying to piece together the enigma that is me. His face softens just a bit, the hard lines of a battle-worn leader giving way to something almost grandfatherly.
"Very well… Naruto Uzumaki," he says with a small smile. "It seems some things truly never change."
I beam, letting that familiar energy—Naruto's energy—radiate off me. It's strange, really. A mix of two lives, two selves, and yet… it feels right. Caelum Vance might've been my past, but Naruto is my present and future.
Hiruzen leans forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "However, I must ask you to keep this knowledge to yourself. If word of your… unique situation were to spread, it could cause unrest. The fewer who know, the better."
I nod, already expecting this. "Makes sense. No one would believe me anyway."
The Hokage smiles knowingly. "Perhaps not. But there are always those who seek knowledge beyond their reach." His expression darkens for a brief moment before he shakes his head. "For now, continue as you have been. Attend the academy, make friends, learn all that you can. I will keep a watchful eye on you."
I smirk. "You mean have your Anbu stalk me?"
Hiruzen chuckles again. "Consider it… an extra layer of protection."
I roll my eyes but don't argue. After all, I'd be worried about me too.
With that, the conversation seems to reach its natural end. The Hokage dismisses me with a wave of his hand, and before I can even blink, an Anbu flickers to my side, gripping my shoulder.
And just like that, I'm gone from the Hokage's office, whisked away in a blur of motion.
Guess it's time to officially start this life.
A/N: What a long chapter! I had no idea how to end it so thats why. I feel the encounter with saroutobi was a little to soon but I knew there is now way a genius in narutos body could act normal and people wont notice. Anyways see ya!