Yo!
Happy New Year!
We have the first update for the year and that is for Change in Winds.
May the year bring you Joy and Prosperity!
Please check my Project 2025 to get a good idea of what I have planned for the year.
Without further ado, let's jump in.
Enjoy!
Change in Winds
Chapter 19
The Bloody Spiral
With Naruto
"Uzumaki Naruto, you are deemed worthy to be the heir to the legacy of Ninshu. The fate of the world hangs in the balance."
Suddenly, Naruto felt a strange sensation wash over him. It started as a tingling at the base of his skull, quickly spreading throughout his body. His vision began to blur, the edges of his sight darkening as if a veil is being drawn over his eyes.
He tried to shake off the feeling, attempting to focus on the immediate danger posed by Orochimaru. But the more he fought against it, the stronger the sensation became. His limbs began to feel heavy, as if they were made of lead.
He tried to concentrate, to warn his clones about the sudden sensation or give some kind of signal, but nothing happened. His tongue felt thick and unresponsive in his mouth. His mind felt sluggish, as if he was drowning in a bottomless ocean. The world around him started to spin, colours blending into a dizzying whirl.
He staggered, his legs no longer able to support his weight. He fell losing balance, he made one last desperate attempt to reach out to his blood clone, to send a warning, but the connection seemed fuzzy and distant, like trying to grasp smoke with his bare hands.
A voice echoed in his mind, speaking of legacies and responsibilities.
Confusion gave way to frustration and anger. 'What the hell?' Naruto growled internally. 'I don't have time for this! My team needs me!'
He fought against the heaviness in his limbs and the sluggishness in his mind. His body felt like lead, but his will burned hot as fire. 'Listen here,' Naruto snarled mentally, 'I don't care about legacies right now. My friends are in danger!'
Deep in his mind, the Kyuubi stirred, crimson eyes flicking open lazily as he observed the commotion. The fox's massive form shifted in his cage, tails curling in idle curiosity.
"What's this now?" the beast rumbled, his guttural voice echoing through the mindscape. Through Naruto's senses, he observed the boy faltering, his body struggling against some unseen force. "A new player in the game? Or just another distraction?"
The System's voice droned on, oblivious to Naruto's mounting frustration. "The Creator envisioned a world of peace and harmony, and you now hold the responsibility to make it possible. To protect this world—"
'Shut up!' Naruto snarled internally, his will igniting like a flame. 'I don't have time for this! My team needs me!'
"..."
"..." It paused as Naruto began to push back.
The Kyuubi's ears twitched in amusement as he felt Naruto's growing defiance. "Heh. The brat's got some fire left," he muttered, settling down to enjoy the show.
But as the struggle continued, Kyuubi's amusement waned. Naruto was pushing back, his chakra surging and straining against the System's grip. The fox tilted his head, observing the mental tug-of-war with growing boredom. The glowing presence of the System pulsed incessantly in the mindscape, its monologue relentless.
"Uzumaki Naruto, heir to the legacy of Ninshu, you must listen. The fate of the world—"
"Enough already!" Naruto's voice, both external and internal, thundered. His chakra flared, raw and unrefined, but unyielding. He clawed his way out of the darkness, his resolve burning brighter with each passing second.
The Kyuubi's grin widened as he leaned forward, resting his massive paws against the bars of its cage. "Not bad, brat. But you're still floundering like a newborn cub."
Naruto's chakra surged again, a violent pulse that momentarily staggered the System. Sensing his chance, the Kyuubi made his move.
A rumble filled the mindscape as the fox rose to his full height, his tails lashing behind him with explosive energy. The oppressive aura of his chakra flooded the space, the sheer magnitude of his presence eclipsing the System's golden glow.
"Oi, shiny," the Kyuubi growled, its crimson eyes narrowing dangerously. "You're hogging the spotlight. I won't allow that."
The System faltered, its voice briefly stuttering. "This… this is crucial! Naruto must awaken to—"
"Spare me your drivel," the fox snarled, his chakra whipping out like a tidal wave, slamming into the System's golden presence. The light flickered violently, its hold on Naruto breaking apart under the combined pressure of the boy's will and the Kyuubi's raw power.
Naruto felt the weight on his limbs lift, clarity returning to his senses. He blinked, gasping as the oppressive darkness receded, leaving him kneeling on the forest floor. His hands dug into the dirt as he tried to steady his breathing.
"I'll deal with you later," he muttered under his breath, addressing the now-silent System. "Whatever this is, it can wait."
The Kyuubi chuckled darkly, settling back into its coiled position. "Good choice, brat. Now let's see what you can really do."
As Naruto's chakra flared with renewed determination, the fox's amusement gave way to something sharper, an edge of excitement. The boy charged toward the source of danger, Orochimaru. His blood clone stood its ground, a silent, unmoving sentinel keeping the snake-nin's attention locked.
The Kyuubi's grin widened, his fangs gleaming in the dim light of the mindscape. "Ah, now this is entertainment," he mused, his massive head lowering as if to get a better view. "Don't disappoint me, Naruto. Show that snake who's really in charge."
And as the confrontation unfolded in the real world, the Kyuubi watched, his tails curling in anticipation. He didn't care about legacies or balance or fate. All he wanted was the thrill of the fight—and in Naruto, he saw a kindred spirit.
Naruto let out a breath, relief washing over him as the oppressive weight of that irritating voice finally faded. His mind cleared, allowing him to focus. Whatever had silenced the annoying System, he was grateful. For the first time in what felt like forever, he could think clearly.
"Finally," he muttered, clenching his fists as his gaze swept the forest ahead. "Now I can actually deal with the real problem."
Wasting no time, Naruto gathered chakra into his legs and launched himself through the trees, each movement precise and silent. His heart pounded in rhythm with his footsteps, the urgency to reach his friends driving him forward. The air felt heavier the closer he got, the malevolent chakra of Orochimaru pressing down on the surrounding area like a suffocating fog.
Naruto landed softly on a thick branch overlooking the clearing. He crouched low, letting the shadows conceal his presence as his gaze swept the scene in front of him.
The sight was grim.
Sasuke knelt on the ground, his entire body trembling as jagged black markings crept across his neck and shoulders, pulsing like a living virus. His face was pale, his teeth gritted as sweat dripped down his brow. Beside him, Sakura knelt with trembling hands, a faint green glow emanating from her palms as she desperately used basic healing jutsu to ease his pain. Her breath came in short gasps, fear flickering in her green eyes, but she didn't falter. She stayed close, her kunai within reach as she tried to protect Sasuke.
Naruto's blood clone stood between them and Orochimaru. His stance was firm, his arms spread slightly to shield Sasuke and Sakura. The clone's gaze locked onto the Snake Sannin with fierce defiance, his eyes burning with determination. But Naruto could feel his struggle—the strain of suppressing the urge to scream in pain as his body trembled faintly, resisting the overwhelming chakra radiating from Orochimaru. He was holding on, refusing to pop despite the temptation to give in.
And then there was Orochimaru.
The Rogue Sannin exuded a chilling confidence, standing tall and composed with the casual ease of a predator savoring its prey. His serpentine grin widened as he watched the scene before him, his golden eyes gleaming with dark amusement. His chakra coiled around him like a living thing—dense, writhing, and malevolent. Though his hands rested lazily at his sides, the atmosphere screamed of danger. Every moment, every motion felt like the calm before the storm.
Naruto clenched his fists. His jaw tightened as anger flared inside him. Orochimaru wasn't just a threat—he was a monster enjoying his sick game, feeding off his friends' pain and helplessness.
Then there were the ANBU. Their cold, calculating presence in the treetops felt like a silent judgment passed over the clearing. Naruto's wind pulse had made it clear—they weren't here to help. ROOT, he thought bitterly, their ruthless intent focused entirely on Sasuke like wolves circling a wounded prey. These people didn't care who got hurt or who was left behind. To them, Sasuke was just a tool, another chess piece to be claimed.
His jaw clenched tighter. ROOT had to go. All of it.Naruto had encountered them enough times to know the depths of their conniving schemes—their ruthless tactics, their manipulation from the shadows. Their presence here, of all places, only solidified his suspicions. They were in cohorts with the Snake Sannin.There was no other explanation. If they were truly against Orochimaru, they wouldn't have waited in the shadows while he toyed with the last Uchiha and Konoha's so-called "precious weapon." No, their silence wasn't neutrality—it was complicity. Their timing and methods reeked of opportunism, and Naruto had had enough. He couldn't allow this kind of manipulation to continue, not in Konoha, and certainly not when it endangered his team.
His gaze flicked to his blood clone. Even as he watched, he could feel its determination shining through their mental link. Pride swelled in his chest. 'Good job, partner. You've done better than I could have hoped.'
Naruto sent a quick mental command to the clone, his tone filled with both gratitude and instruction. "Hang in there a little longer. Distract him for me. However you do it, keep his focus on you."
The blood clone's acknowledgment was immediate—a wordless ripple of agreement tinged with the faintest sense of exhaustion. Still, it stood tall, unwavering.
The clone leapt into action, its voice cutting through the tense silence. "Hey, snake face!" he called out, his voice carrying the same cocky defiance Naruto was known for. "You think you've won? Watch this."
Orochimaru's golden eyes flicked to the clone, his grin widening further. His tongue flicked out, tasting the air like a predator testing the wind. "Oh? And what trick are you planning to entertain me with, little fox?" His tone was light, almost playful, but the malice beneath it was palpable.
The clone spun a kunai between his fingers, his smirk deepening. "Why don't you stick around and find out?" he taunted, his eyes sharp and calculating despite the casual tone.
From his concealed position, Naruto exhaled slowly. With Orochimaru's attention momentarily diverted, he moved silently through the foliage, his focus shifting to the hidden ANBU. Their presence felt like a coiled spring, ready to snap, and Naruto had no intention of letting them get that chance.
His mind sharpened as he prepared to strike, his resolve unwavering. Orochimaru was dangerous, but the ANBU couldn't be ignored. Every move needed to be precise. The stakes were too high, and failure wasn't an option.
With Blood Clone
The blood clone gritted his teeth, his vision swimming as waves of pain crashed through his body. Orochimaru's chakra was a poison, a writhing storm of malevolence that seemed to seep into his very being. The clone's form flickered for a moment, nearly dispelling, but he clenched his fists and held on. Boss gave him a command. He couldn't fail.
'Distract him, huh?' the blood clone muttered under his breath, forcing a smirk onto his face. His defiant gaze locked onto Orochimaru's slitted golden eyes. 'Fine, let's see if the snake can keep up.'
He quickly formed a hand seal, summoning a shadow clone with a puff of smoke beside him. The clone barely had time to take form before the intense pain coursing through the blood clone's system surged into it. The shadow clone staggered, its face contorting in agony before it dispelled in another puff of smoke. The feedback of pain slammed into the blood clone's mind, nearly making him collapse.
"Damn it," he hissed, his knees buckling slightly. But he pushed through. His fingers flew into the seal again, creating a second shadow clone. This one barely lasted a few seconds before it too crumpled under the excruciating pain and vanished. The feedback hit harder this time, and for a moment, the blood clone's vision darkened.
But he gritted his teeth and tried again. This time, his hands moved slower, steadier, forming the seal with precision. Another shadow clone appeared, and though it stumbled under the pain, it stayed. The blood clone exhaled sharply, relief flooding him as he felt the pain in his body ease slightly. The dispelled pain still burned in his brain, but the physical torment had lessened, allowing him to focus.
The shadow clone straightened, meeting the blood clone's gaze with a nod. There was no need for words. Both understood what had to be done.
The shadow clone darted toward Sakura. The faint green glow of her healing jutsu still emanated from her trembling hands as she worked to relieve Sasuke's pain. Before she could react, the shadow clone delivered a swift, calculated chop to the back of her neck. Sakura crumpled, unconscious, her kunai slipping from her grasp.
"Resorting to such crude tactics, are we?" Orochimaru drawled, his mocking tone dripping with amusement. "How very Uzumaki of you."
The shadow clone ignored him. Moving with purpose, it began forming a series of intricate hand seals. Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed, his mocking grin fading into a look of curiosity as he observed the seals.
"What's this?" the Sannin murmured, his serpentine tongue flicking out. "Sealing jutsu? Oh, this might actually be worth watching."
The shadow clone worked quickly, its hands moving in a blur. The seals were precise, deliberate, carrying the unmistakable complexity of Uzumaki craftsmanship. As the final seal was formed, the shadow clone slapped his palm onto the blood clone's neck.
The sealing formula glowed a brilliant crimson, Uzumaki script spiraling outward in intricate patterns. The blood clone gasped as the seal activated, its effect immediate. Orochimaru's malevolent chakra, which had been spreading like a corrosive poison through his system, began to isolate itself. The sealing formula acted as a barrier, forcing the foreign chakra into a contained space within the blood clone's body.
The shadow clone didn't stop. Channeling more chakra into the intricate seal, it activated its secondary function—a purification process. The blood clone gritted his teeth as the seal began its work, the invasive, poisonous chakra within his body condensing under its power. The dark, writhing energy was forced into a tangible form, and a viscous, dark purple liquid began to seep from the blood clone's pores, pooling on the ground beneath him. The liquid hissed and sizzled as it touched the earth, releasing a foul, acrid stench that filled the clearing.
Orochimaru's golden eyes darkened as he watched the process unfold. The amusement that had danced on his face evaporated, replaced by an expression of irritation and calculation. "You…" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. "You learned this from the Uzumaki sealing scrolls, didn't you?" His tone carried a sharp edge of venom, the words practically spat out. "Impressive… but infuriating."
The blood clone exhaled shakily as the seal's barrier solidified, isolating and neutralizing Orochimaru's invasive chakra completely. The process left his body steadier, the trembling ceasing as the pain receded further. Sweat dripped down his face, but his defiant gaze burned brighter than ever as he slowly straightened, meeting Orochimaru's piercing eyes head-on.
The shadow clone stepped back, its task complete, watching as the purified chakra oozed out in the form of dark liquid, staining the ground in grotesque pools. The blood clone wiped the sweat from his brow with a smirk. "That's it? I was expecting more from you, snake bastard."
Orochimaru's sharp grin returned, though this time it carried a predatory edge. "Well, well," he said, his voice cold yet tinged with dangerous amusement. "It seems I underestimated your little tricks." He took a step forward, his aura growing darker as his chakra coiled visibly around him like serpents poised to strike. "But tricks won't save you, Uzumaki. I suppose I'll just have to play rougher."
The blood clone tensed, readying himself as Orochimaru raised a hand, dark chakra swirling around his fingers like smoke. The malice radiating from the Sannin was palpable, a suffocating weight that seemed to press down on the clearing.
But then Orochimaru paused, his golden eyes narrowing as he tilted his head slightly, his expression shifting. His gaze flicked briefly to the pools of purified chakra staining the ground, then back to the blood clone. A flicker of impatience crossed his face as if he were calculating his next move. The entertainment was over, and his demeanor had shifted to something colder, more deliberate.
"Well, I suppose that's enough playing around for one day," Orochimaru drawled finally, his voice low and venomous. "Let's see how well you fare without your tricks, little fox."
The blood clone grinned, though his body remained taut with readiness. "Bring it on, snake bastard."
The blood clone tensed, preparing for the inevitable attack. Orochimaru moved with blinding speed, closing the distance in an instant, his clawed hand slicing through the air toward the clone's chest.
But before the blow could land, a deafening explosion shook the clearing.
The ground trembled as a plume of smoke and fire erupted from the treetops, sending debris cascading down. The blast came from the direction of the ROOT ANBU's hiding spot. Orochimaru halted mid-strike, his head snapping toward the source of the explosion, his expression darkening. "What now?"
The blood clone used the distraction to steady himself, his hands twitching in readiness for the next move.
Meanwhile, With the Original
Naruto moved swiftly through the dense foliage, his movements fluid and deliberate. His shadow clone's dispersal hit him like a hammer blow, the phantom pain slamming into his chest and surging through his limbs. He gritted his teeth, his steps faltering for a brief moment as he adjusted to the sudden feedback.
'Damn… he's holding on.' Naruto's fist clenched as he forced himself to focus. He had given the blood clone full autonomy to execute the plan, knowing it would act decisively. 'Do what you need to do, partner. I'll handle things here.'
He slowed his breathing, letting his senses sharpen as he neared the hidden ROOT ANBU. His wind pulse earlier had given him their precise positions. Among the squad, one presence stood out—stronger, steadier, and exuding a subtle authority. The captain. Naruto zeroed in on the figure, whose tense posture and chakra reserves confirmed his identity.
Naruto landed silently, emerging from the shadows and appearing directly in front of the captain. The man stiffened, his mask glinting faintly in the dim light as his sharp gaze locked onto Naruto. There was no hesitation in the captain's stance—only cold calculation. But Naruto was faster. Without a word, he surged forward, chakra pooling into his palm as it formed a razor-sharp icicle.
In one swift motion, Naruto drove the icicle through the captain's chest. The ROOT operative's body tensed, his breath catching as blood splattered onto the scorched ground. Naruto's icy weapon shattered inside the man's chest, the shards piercing his internal organs. The captain slumped forward, lifeless.
The remaining two ANBU reacted instantly, their movements precise and deadly. But Naruto was already on the move. He flickered to the nearest target, his hand pressing an explosive tag onto the operative's chest as he passed. The ANBU froze in shock for a split second before the tag detonated, obliterating him in a violent burst of fire and smoke.
The final ANBU stood his ground, his weapon raised as he prepared to counter. Naruto didn't slow. He closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye, his sword flashing out in a deadly arc. The blade sliced clean through the ANBU's weapon, and before the operative could react, Naruto drove the sword through his chest.
The man gasped, his mask cracking as blood dripped from his lips. Naruto twisted the blade sharply, ending it with ruthless efficiency. He stepped back, yanking the sword free as the ANBU crumpled to the ground.
Naruto's breathing was steady despite the tension thrumming through his body. He cast a glance toward the clearing where his blood clone was still facing Orochimaru. 'You've got this. Just a little longer.'
His focus returned to the remains of the ROOT squad. They were gone, but the knowledge of their presence left a bitter taste in his mouth. Their interference, their cold manipulation—they were a plague on Konoha. Naruto's eyes hardened. 'This ends here. All of it.'
He reached into his pouch, pulling out a handful of explosive tags. With a flick of his wrist, he scattered them across the area. Channeling wind chakra into his palm, he ignited the tags in unison.
The explosion roared to life behind him, engulfing the ROOT ANBU's concealed position in a massive plume of smoke and fire. The ground trembled as the shockwave tore through the forest, sending debris cascading down. Naruto didn't look back. He had neutralized the immediate threat, and now his attention returned to the clearing.
Orochimaru wasn't going to be distracted for long. Naruto steeled himself, the phantom pain of his clone's struggle still lingering in his mind. There was no time to waste. His friends were counting on him.
Back to the blood clone…
The blood clone barely had time to react as Orochimaru lunged toward him. The Sannin's hand, coiled with dark chakra, shot forward like a viper aiming to pierce his chest. The clone braced himself, ready to counter, when a sudden explosion rang out, shaking the clearing and causing Orochimaru to hesitate mid-strike.
Before the dust could settle, a burst of wind chakra swept through the area. The original Naruto appeared in a flash of movement, his arrival marked by a cutting gale that left the surrounding trees trembling. Orochimaru barely had time to turn before Naruto's blade, Mayuri, coated in razor-sharp wind chakra, slashed through the air.
With a clean, precise motion, Naruto severed Orochimaru's hands at the wrists.
The Sannin let out a hiss of pain, his golden eyes narrowing dangerously as he leaped back, his severed hands dropping to the ground with a sickening thud. Blood spattered the forest floor, but Orochimaru's expression quickly shifted from shock to amusement, his serpentine grin returning.
"Well, well," Orochimaru drawled, his voice laced with mockery. "You're full of surprises, Naruto-kun. I suppose I underestimated you."
Naruto didn't waste time responding. His sharp blue eyes locked onto the blood clone, giving a curt nod. The clone nodded back, understanding immediately.
The shadow clone that had been helping the blood clone stepped forward, its chakra stabilizing as it worked alongside the blood clone. Together, they quickly secured Sasuke and Sakura, both unconscious and vulnerable. Despite their exhaustion, the clones moved at high chunin speed, sprinting toward the Central Tower with their precious cargo.
Before they left, Naruto created another blood clone and sent it after them as backup. "Make sure they get there safe," he ordered sharply, his voice leaving no room for argument.
The clone gave a sharp nod, immediately trailing after the others to guard them. With his friends taken care of, Naruto turned back to Orochimaru, his grip tightening on Mayuri.
Meanwhile, With the Original
Orochimaru's severed hands writhed on the ground, dark chakra pooling around them as they began to regenerate, grotesque and snake-like. The Sannin's tongue flicked out, tasting the air as his golden eyes narrowed at Naruto.
"You're an intriguing one, Naruto-kun," Orochimaru said, his tone low and almost purring. "But you've made a grave mistake if you think you can stand against me."
Naruto's gaze was icy, his body tense and ready. "I don't care how strong you think you are," he replied. "You hurt my friends, and I'll make you regret it."
With a hiss, Orochimaru surged forward, his speed blinding. His chakra coiled like a serpent, striking with sharp, precise attacks. Naruto met him head-on, Mayuri flashing in the dim light as he parried Orochimaru's strikes, the blade singing with wind chakra.
The clash of their powers was ferocious. Orochimaru's movements were fluid and unpredictable, his strikes laced with a venomous chakra that crackled with malevolence. Naruto countered with the precision of a wind user, his strikes sharp and calculated. Mayuri's edge cut through the air, slicing into Orochimaru's summoned snakes and deflecting his attacks with deadly efficiency.
Orochimaru grinned, his body twisting unnaturally as he evaded a sweeping slash from Mayuri. "Impressive," he admitted. "You've grown far stronger than I expected."
Naruto didn't respond, his focus unshakable. He spun sharply, his blade coated in a spiraling wind that extended its reach, forcing Orochimaru to leap back. The wind tore into the ground, leaving deep gashes in its wake.
"You won't get away with what you've done," Naruto said, his voice low but filled with conviction. "Not to my team. Not to anyone."
Orochimaru chuckled darkly, his grin widening. "Such resolve. It's almost endearing. But resolve alone won't save you."
The Sannin formed a quick hand seal, and the ground beneath Naruto erupted as a massive snake lunged at him, its fangs dripping with venom. Naruto reacted instantly, leaping high into the air and sending a razor-sharp wind blade down at the serpent. The blade sliced cleanly through the creature, dispersing it in a cloud of smoke.
Orochimaru was already moving, his form flickering behind Naruto. "You're fast," he hissed, his clawed hand aiming for Naruto's back.
Naruto twisted mid-air, deflecting the strike with Mayuri. The force of the clash sent a shockwave through the clearing, scattering debris. Naruto landed lightly on his feet, his breathing steady despite the intensity of the fight.
"Is that all you've got?" he taunted, his eyes blazing with determination.
Orochimaru's grin faltered slightly, replaced by a calculating look. "Oh, I assure you, Uzumaki. I'm just getting started."
The clearing crackled with tension as Naruto and Orochimaru clashed again, their figures blurring with speed. Naruto's blade sang with wind chakra, carving through the air and forcing Orochimaru to twist and dodge with unnatural grace. Yet, for all his serpent-like agility, Orochimaru found himself on the defensive, each strike from Mayuri growing sharper, faster, and more calculated.
Orochimaru leapt back, his golden eyes narrowing as he observed Naruto with cold precision. The Uzumaki was proving more formidable than expected—his wind-enhanced strikes sharp and unrelenting, his movements precise despite the chaos of battle. The Sannin's regenerated hands still ached faintly, a reminder of the boy's growing prowess.
'Physical combat isn't enough,' Orochimaru mused, his gaze gleaming with malice. 'He's stronger than I anticipated… and annoyingly persistent.'
Still, Orochimaru's grin widened, his golden eyes flashing with something close to amusement. He straightened slightly, his stance shifting from aggressive to almost casual, as if the battle had become an intellectual puzzle. "Fascinating," he murmured, his voice low and silken. "You've certainly grown, Naruto. Strong, resourceful, and so very… determined."
Naruto didn't lower his guard, his stance steady as Mayuri remained pointed at the Sannin. "If you think I'm letting you stall, you're wrong. Whatever you're planning, it ends here."
Orochimaru chuckled softly, his tone suddenly conversational. "Oh, no games, my boy. Just a little curiosity. Tell me, Uzumaki Naruto—what drives you? Why do you fight so hard? Is it power? Recognition? Or perhaps…" His golden eyes gleamed with dark intent, "...family?"
Naruto's expression didn't falter, but Orochimaru didn't miss the faintest twitch in his jaw, the subtle tightening of his grip on Mayuri. Encouraged, the Sannin pressed further, his voice dropping to a silken whisper. "You've never known them, have you? Your parents. Do you ever wonder what they'd think of you? Whether they'd be proud, or if they'd see this… crusade of yours as pointless?"
"Shut up," Naruto snapped, his voice low but firm. His chakra flickered around him, a sharp wind stirring the clearing.
Orochimaru smirked. "Touchy, are we? And what about the villagers? Do you ever wonder what they see when they look at you? Is it Uzumaki Naruto, the boy so desperate to prove himself? Or is it the monster lurking beneath, waiting to devour them all?"
Naruto's jaw clenched tightly. "You're wasting your breath," he growled.
"Am I?" Orochimaru's tone shifted, turning mocking. "What if I told you there was something better? Power beyond your wildest dreams, enough to make even daimyo tremble. Wealth, freedom—you could leave this wretched village behind. This place that's treated you like dirt, feared you, ostracized you. Why do you stay?"
Naruto's blue eyes burned with anger, but his voice remained steady. "Because Konoha is my home. I don't fight for people like you to understand. You don't know anything about me."
"Oh, but I do," Orochimaru replied smoothly, his tone shifting to something sharper, more cutting. "You Uzumaki should know better than anyone the cost of Konoha's so-called peace. Or have you forgotten how they let your clan burn? How they left Uzushiogakure defenseless?"
Naruto froze for half a second, his breath catching as the words hit him like a physical blow. Orochimaru's grin widened, sensing the shift. "There it is," he murmured. "You feel it, don't you? That doubt creeping in. They let your people—your family—be wiped out because it was easier, more convenient for their precious 'greater good.'"
Naruto's chakra flared violently, the air around him crackling with raw energy. "You don't know what you're talking about," he snapped, his voice hard and dangerous. But his narrowed eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt, of anger—emotions that Orochimaru caught and savored.
"Don't I?" Orochimaru said, his voice soft but razor-sharp. "Think about it, Naruto. Uzushiogakure, once Konoha's greatest ally, abandoned in its time of need. Sacrificed. You're an Uzumaki, and yet, they never told you, did they? They've hidden the truth from you all this time."
"You're lying," Naruto spat, his voice shaking with anger but also laced with conviction. "Konoha isn't perfect, but it's my home. The people there—they're my people. You think you can turn me against them with your twisted words?"
Orochimaru chuckled, his tone mocking. "Ah, such blind faith. It's almost adorable. But tell me, Uzumaki, does your faith waver when you think about Danzo? The man who stalks in the shadows of your village, wielding power like a dagger against his own people?"
Naruto faltered for a moment, his mind flashing back to the few times he had encountered Danzo. The man's presence had always been unsettling—the cold gaze, the wrapped arm, the heavy aura of secrets and manipulation. He remembered the unsettling sight of the Mangekyou Sharingan in Danzo's eye and the bandages that covered his entire arm. 'What was he hiding?' Naruto shook his head violently, dispelling the thought.
"Danzo's not Konoha," Naruto snapped, his grip tightening on Mayuri. "He's just one man. The village is more than him."
"But he's a symptom, isn't he?" Orochimaru countered smoothly, his golden eyes gleaming. "A reflection of what lies beneath the surface. You've seen it, haven't you? The corruption, the discrimination. Or do you still believe that Konoha has always treated you with kindness and fairness?"
Naruto gritted his teeth, memories flooding his mind—being chased, ostracized, whispered about behind his back. He remembered the cold glares, the fear in people's eyes when they looked at him. But he also remembered Iruka, Kakashi, Teuchi, Ayame and the bonds he had forged with his team. He shook his head again, his voice rising.
"Maybe Konoha isn't perfect, but it's my home! The people there—they're my family! No matter what you say, I'm not turning my back on them."
Orochimaru's grin sharpened. "Oh? And what about the Uzumaki clan? What about your real family? Do you still think Konoha deserves your loyalty after what they did to Uzushiogakure? After they let your clan burn?"
Naruto froze, his breath catching. The weight of the accusation slammed into him like a physical blow. No… that can't be true. But the words lingered, a seed of doubt digging into his mind. Why didn't they save them? Why is Uzushiogakure gone?
Before he could respond, the sound of rushing wind and movement from the trees broke through the tension. A dozen ROOT ANBU operatives leapt into the clearing, their presence cold and oppressive. Orochimaru's golden eyes flicked to them, his grin fading as his expression darkened.
"Well, it seems my time here is up," the Snake Sannin hissed, his voice low and irritated. "How convenient. It appears your precious Konoha doesn't want you learning too much, Uzumaki."
Naruto's gaze snapped to the ROOT ANBU, his mind racing. They're here… to silence him? The operatives moved in sync, their presence calculated and purposeful, forming a protective barrier that cut Orochimaru off from Naruto.
"Guess I'll leave you with your little friends," Orochimaru said, his tone light but his eyes glinting with venom. "Do think about what I said, Naruto. You might find the truth far more interesting than you expect."
With that, Orochimaru vanished, his body dissolving into snakes that slithered away into the shadows. Naruto's hand twitched, his anger surging as the man escaped. But his attention quickly shifted to the ROOT ANBU, who now turned their focus entirely on him.
"You're working with him, aren't you?" Naruto growled, his voice sharp and accusatory. "What the hell are you hiding?"
The ANBU didn't respond, their silence cold and deliberate. Their leader took a step forward, his blade glinting in the dim light as he raised it toward Naruto.
That was the final straw.
Naruto's anger boiled over, his chakra flaring into a wild storm of wind. The betrayal, the doubt, the frustration—it all exploded outward. Without waiting for them to act, Naruto charged.
The first ANBU didn't even have time to react. Mayuri, coated in wind chakra, sliced cleanly through his torso, sending blood spraying onto the forest floor. Naruto's movements were a blur as he turned to the second operative, planting an explosive tag on his chest before leaping away. The tag detonated in a deafening explosion, the force reducing the ANBU to ash.
The third ANBU managed to block Naruto's initial strike but faltered as Naruto's blade twisted in a sharp arc, slicing through his mask and plunging into his chest. Naruto's furious eyes locked onto his opponent as he yanked the blade free, letting the man crumple to the ground.
The remaining ROOT operatives tried to regroup, but Naruto's speed and raw anger overwhelmed them. He was relentless, cutting them down one by one, his strikes precise and merciless. Each blow carried the weight of his frustration and the doubts Orochimaru had sown in his mind.
By the time the last operative fell, the clearing was silent save for Naruto's heavy breathing. Blood dripped from Mayuri's edge, pooling around his feet as he stood amidst the carnage. His mind was a storm of conflicting emotions—anger, doubt, and a lingering sense of betrayal.
Naruto looked down at his bloodstained hands, the weight of the moment settling over him. Orochimaru was gone, but his words remained, echoing in the back of Naruto's mind. 'The Uzumaki. Uzushiogakure. Konoha. What's the truth?'
His grip on Mayuri tightened as he turned toward the direction of the Central Tower. For now, he had to focus on his team. But the seed of doubt Orochimaru had planted was growing, and Naruto knew it wouldn't be easy to ignore.
And Cut.
That's it for this Chapter folks.
AN:
It's a fun chapter, right? The Seeds of distrust have been planted. Orochimaru is one sly-bastard, huh. Naruto shut up the stupid system, what is its problem? Dumb thing.
Am I making this story into a Gamer Fic?
Maybe? Maybe not. But things are changing and this is not something that I didn't pull out of the blue, but there are hints since beginning. ;)
Hope the chapter filled the drama quota as expected. Next few chapters will be about the 'system' and Chunin exams, now that Orochimaru got a good taste for Naruto's power, do you think he will make any changes to his invasion plans?
And Danzo, our ever meddling Mummy. Naruto should just go to the root base and do a complete job of dismantling it completely.
As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!
I'm very delighted to share that you can now read 1 early chapters on my patron. My user name is same BlackInfinity1289 on patron website.
Note: They are early access only, they will be eventually released here as well.
Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.
link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b
Hope to see you there!
Thank you for reading.
Good Day!
Black Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.