Author's Note: This is the beginning of the Academy Graduation Arc (3 chapters in this arc, 2 main and 1 filler). This arc will take place seven years in the future and is the 'beginning' of the Naruto Manga/Anime. The Konoha 12 are fourteen (two years older than their canon counterparts). I wanted them to be older so I could be more brutal/mature with what happens in the story (I don't like the premise of subjecting 12-year-olds to what I will do). Anyway, the relationships in this story will develop organically and be 'realistic' for each character (aside: Sasuke and Hinata will not be together. I didn't think that Hinata would have a crush on 'this' Naruto so Sasuke seemed more realistic. Also, it won't be Sasuke and Karin for obvious reasons). I'm not writing any smut scenes or describing underage characters in inappropriate manners, doing stuff like that is never okay. Romance isn't even a priority in Part I, Part II will focus on these relationships (they will be hinted at in Part I). I don't write weird stuff, so go somewhere else with your fetishes. I messed up in this chapter with the 'Genin Exams', I forgot that this already exists in the canon story so it is redundant, but I left it in, for continuity, so flame away if you want. Also, please let me know if you want shorter or longer chapters. I think ~15k word chapters are a bit too much but if y'all like that I'll continue to do it. I want to keep chapters ~8k to 12k but that messes with the story and I don't like spacing the story or scenes longer than they need to be. But let me know what YOU want. Enough of my rambles, enjoy and please, leave some constructive criticism.

Chapter 5: Academy Graduation Arc, Part 1 – New Beginnings

AUGUST 12TH KONOHA – Seven Years Later

The sun hung high in a clear, light blue sky, its rays illuminating the village below. Seven years had passed, and the village had undergone a significant transformation. Increased security and infrastructure were a byproduct of repeated attacks and infiltrations against the village. These events pushed the Hokage to personally oversee improvements to the village's defenses and shinobi training, particularly in the methods used to cultivate its warriors.

Amidst these changes, a teenage boy sat quietly on a bench, blending into the serene surroundings of bushes and trees. His long, straight raven hair was tied back in a low ponytail, with bangs hanging low over his forehead, partially obscuring his sharp, focused eyes. He wore a dark blue robe that fell just below his knees, wide sleeves draping loosely over his arms, and a high collar that covered most of his neck. The robe was cinched at his waist with a grey sash, and beneath it, dark grey pants were neatly tucked into his leg wrappings. White bandages wrapped around his lower legs, just above his dark, open-toed sandals. On the back of his robe, the red and white Uchiha crest stood out proudly.

Sasuke had been sitting there for a while, waiting for someone. His stern gaze, however, was fixed on the old book in front of him—a book he had found one day while wandering through the Konoha marketplace after the academy. The book was rugged, bland, and so old that the kanji on the cover had nearly faded away. Yet, he had felt an inexplicable pull toward it and purchased it from the vendor for 5 ryō.

So far, the book had been an enjoyable read—cliché and simple at times, but the premise intrigued him. It told the story of a shinobi striving to break the cycle of war and hatred that plagued the world, although the main character had yet to be named.

"Yo!" a familiar voice cried out to him.

Sasuke turned his gaze to the sound of the voice and was met with white hair, a sly grin, and pitched-out glasses staring at him. The teenage boy wore a dark, sleek, and fitted design jacket, with a high collar. His sleeves were slightly loose, stopping just before his wrists, and on the upper left sleeve, there was a silver spiral symbol, the Uzumaki clan emblem. He wore matching dark pants with white bandages wrapped around his ankles and had black shinobi sandals.

"Naruto," Sasuke sighed, closing his book, and standing upright, before he approached him. "You're late," he muttered, not even glancing at Naruto as he walked past him. "You're lucky I didn't leave you. I don't have all day to wait for idiots."

Naruto stepped beside Sasuke, "Come on, it's not my fault. I swear! There was this massive group of girls that kept following me." He waved his hands dramatically. "They were all like, 'Oh, Naruto-kun, please me marry me! I love you, Naruto-kun!' What was I supposed to do? It's a curse, really, being this good-looking. I try to be humble, but even that's a talent of mine."

Must be tough being this humble, huh? Sasuke rolled his eyes and kept walking.

Naruto's grin widened as he nudged Sasuke playfully with his elbow. "You know, I was thinking—once we graduate, I could show you how to get a girlfriend. You've got the looks, but your personality is about as exciting as a brick wall."

Sasuke shot him a sidelong glance, his expression flat. "I don't want your help," he said, his voice calm but with an edge of irritation. Who is he to offer help? I don't think he's actually talked to a girl. And why would I even want to follow his advice, when all he does is annoy people until they either run away or start yelling?

Naruto let out a loud laugh, his eyes crinkling behind his glasses. "Oh, come on, who wouldn't want my help! I'm a catch, ya know," he said, dramatically tossing his hair. "But don't worry, I'll make sure you learn all I know. I'm the perfect sensei." He leaned closer, his grin turning mischievous. "Don't deny it."

Sasuke sighed, his gaze fixed straight ahead. "If you keep talking—"

"—you'll leave me behind? Yeah, yeah, you've said that before. You love having me around, admit it," Naruto interrupted, though he didn't back off, his grin unwavering.

He stuffed his hands into his pockets and glanced forward, taking in the scenery around them. "But for today's it. Graduation day. About time too, ya know. I can't believe those old fossils stopped me from graduating early," Naruto scoffed. "Bureaucrats and their precious rules. It's like they enjoy holding back talent."

Sasuke silently nodded, tracking how many times Naruto said, 'ya know' and hoping he wouldn't start another rant.

For a moment, Naruto was silent, his usual playful air softening into something almost thoughtful. "You ready for it?" he asked, glancing at Sasuke. "

Sasuke didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Naruto's grin returned, bright as ever. "Well, just make sure you don't fall behind, yeah?"

"Sure…" He replied. Although the two had grown closer, over the years, Sasuke had yet to learn why Naruto hung around him.

They continued to walk through the village before a thought popped into Sasuke's head. He glanced at Naruto, "Where's Karin? I thought she was going to participate in the Academy's Graduation?"

A short groan emanated from Naruto, and he tilted his head, his grin fading slightly. "Karin? I think she's at Konoha Hospital, but I couldn't care less about whether she will come to the graduation. She's a big girl and I'm not her babysitter."

Sasuke frowned. "You talk about her like she doesn't matter."

Naruto shrugged nonchalantly. "She doesn't, not really, besides political purposes. Outside of her status as an Uzumaki, she's weak." He paused, then added, "I mean, she's got some usefulness with reverse chakra techniques and fūinjutsu, but besides that—" He waved a dismissive hand, "she isn't strong."

Sasuke's expression hardened. "Strength doesn't matter when it comes to family. They're supposed to be more than just convenience. If you're not willing to protect her, then what's the point?"

Naruto snorted, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "I never said I wouldn't protect her if push came to shove. It's just not my job to protect her at every waking moment. If she gets in trouble, that's what her training is for, right?"

That's not what I—" Before Sasuke could finish his thought, he sudden impact, a small body crashing into his side. He heard an audible groan and the sharp clatter of pebbles scattering across the path.

"Huh?" Naruto commented as they looked down to see a young girl, no older than twelve.

She wore a simple, knee-length dark green tunic, the color blending in with her surroundings. The tunic had minimal decoration, with subtle wave-like stitching in dark brown that hinted at a unique design but without drawing much attention. She paired it with fitted black pants, practical for moving quickly, and plain dark sandals. A dark brown hooded cloak was draped over her shoulders, the hood currently down, and beneath it, a crimson scarf peeked out slightly, though most of it was concealed. Her dark hair was loosely tied back with a simple brown ribbon, and her eyes were closed.

Why does this kid look so weird? Naruto questioned, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. It's like she's trying to hide something. That attire isn't anything like what villagers wear. Who is she?

Where did she come from? Is there someone after her? Sasuke wondered. "Excuse me miss, are you alright?" he called out, shaking her shoulder but the girl was unresponsive. He was starting to get worried.

Naruto slightly lowered his glasses, "Oh, don't worry, Sasuke. She's just taking a nap—probably bored by your thrilling conversation."

Sasuke nodded feeling slightly better, before he picked her off the hard pavement and moved to the soft grass. He looked down at her as she lay in his arms. "What should we do?"

"Don't look at me," Naruto replied, shrugging his shoulders. "I saw we leave her here and move on."

"We can't just leave out here" Sasuke turned his head as he felt her move in his arms. "She's waking up."

Naruto raised an eyebrow as Sasuke moved the girl to the grass. "Really, Sasuke? We're on a schedule here. If we start rescuing every random kid who bumps into you, we'll never get anywhere. Let someone else handle this. It's not our responsibility."

"It is our responsibility," Sasuke refuted, looking over the unconscious girl. "We should've been more careful."

Naruto rolled his eyes behind his glasses, realizing this conversation was going nowhere. "When this goes bad, don't say I didn't warn you."

Sasuke ignored his comment and turned to the girl who was beginning to open her eyes. He watched as she blinked a couple of times and then squinted up at him. "Are you alright?"

She felt her body numb and face turn red, before launching a devasting slap across Sasuke's face. "Pervert!" she screeched.

"Urgh," Sasuke groaned, feeling the sting across his face.

She scrambled backward, eyes wide and fists raised, almost tripping over her cloak. "Stay back, you pervert!" she yelled, trying to appear braver than she felt. "I won't let you take me!"

Naruto burst into laughter at the whole situation and a wide grin appeared on his face as he glanced over at Sasuke. "I think she likes you, Sasuke," he said. "But you gotta play it cool. Try bringing flowers next time. That might help you avoid getting slapped next time, ya know?"

Sasuke took a deep breath, trying to suppress the irritation bubbling up as he rubbed the now red slap mark. This isn't worth getting worked up over.

She then huffed as she steadied herself, brushing dirt off her tunic. "Is this supposed to be a game or something? What do you two want?" she snapped, her voice carrying an edge that betrayed her young age.

Naruto turned to the girl, a playful smirk in place. "Ya know, you should be more careful, kid. You never know who you could run into."

The girl shot him a glare, crossing her arms. "Who are you calling kid?! And what are you talking about… blindy? I demand to know who you are?"

Naruto's grin didn't falter. "You're feisty yet so weak." Instead, he casually adjusted his glasses. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto, the strongest shinobi you'll ever meet," he teased, giving her a wink. "As for my associate over here, the one you so kindly slapped, he's Uchiha Sasuke, a member of the Uchiha Clan."

Uzumaki and Uchiha? Aren't those clans in this village? The girl slightly relaxed and lowered her guard, realizing these two were probably leaf shinobi.

"But that still doesn't explain why your friend was holding me like that," she shouted back, pointing at Sasuke.

"Maybe because he was trying to be nice and help you out," Naruto mocked. "You were unconscious."

The girl's eyes widened as the memories flashed into her brain. She stood still for some seconds before turning to Sasuke and bowing. "I apologize for slapping you. I thought you were trying to kidnap me. Forgive me for my errors."

Sasuke stopped rubbing his face, his irritation becoming subdued by her apology. He turned towards her and returned the bow. "There's no need to apologize. I should've put you on the ground first," he said, his voice steady though he could feel the awkwardness prickling at the back of his neck.

"Apologize my ass, you come here, run into us, berate us and expect to be forgiven by this shit—" Naruto's words were muffled by Sasuke's hand.

A confused expression shot across her face as she watched Naruto push Sasuke's hand in annoyance. What is up with these two?

Sasuke spoke up, breaking her thoughts, "Anyway, what's your name?"

She stared at Sasuke for a moment, as if sizing him up. Before she could answer, Naruto interjected, sounding annoyed, "And where are you from? I've never seen you around the village before."

Sasuke shot Naruto an exasperated glance before elbowing him in the side, muttering under his breath, "Stop being such a jerk."

Naruto winced slightly but shrugged it off, still watching Riko with a sharp gaze.

The girl looked between them, letting out a small sigh. "My name is Shijimi Riko, and yes… I'm not from this village. My father and I are visiting from Keishi. It's my first time in this village actually."

Naruto raised an eyebrow at that. Shijimi? The name sounded familiar. Where have I heard that family name before? He thought back for a moment before it clicked in his brain. He had seen that name in a History of the Land of Fire Textbook. Aren't they connected to the Fire Daimyō? His eyes narrowed slightly. She's got to be a noble or something.

"But why are you out here by yourself?" Sasuke asked, his voice softer this time. "Where's your father?"

Riko shifted uncomfortably, her gaze dropping to the ground. "He's… busy. Doing important work." She paused, her tone wavering just slightly. "He rarely speaks to me—always has things to handle. So, I decided to go for a walk by myself. Needed some air, I guess."

For a moment, Sasuke's expression softened. He could relate all too well to the feeling of being distanced from a father—to having that relationship tainted by expectations, responsibilities, and silence. The unspoken weight hung between them, and he felt a pang of sympathy.

Naruto crossed his arms and frowned. His sensory abilities allowed him to get a good feeling about someone's emotion and he could tell she was being honest and truthful.

What's up with everyone having daddy issues? He chuckled to himself then drifted into seriousness. This loneliness she feels… It's… Naruto shook his head suppressing his feelings. Although he was telling the truth he felt a prickle of doubt. He might be too hard on her but, something about this situation felt off.

He scoffed suddenly, irritation bubbling over, breaking the moment. Riko and Sasuke both looked at him, Riko's brow furrowed, and Sasuke's gaze narrowing.

Naruto gave an exaggerated shrug, his grin laced with mockery. "Don't play dumb here. I hate it when people act like idiots." His eyes gleamed as he leaned forward slightly. "What's someone like you doing out here?"

Riko glared at him, her lips pressing into a thin line. Before she could retort, Naruto's expression shifted. His gaze flickered to the side, and his demeanor grew serious. "Wait," he said, his voice dropping. "There are ten shinobi moving this way fast."

Sasuke tensed, his eyes narrowing. "Are they from the village?"

Naruto shook his head, his senses sharpened. "No… they aren't like anyone I've sensed around here before." He turned his eyes to Riko, a hint of suspicion returning. "They must be your friends, huh?"

Riko looked nervous for a split second before straightening up, her eyes meeting theirs. "You two should leave," she said, her voice a little shaky but firm. "I don't want any trouble. Just go."

Naruto grinned, almost relieved. "Gladly. I'm getting bored here anyway." He glanced at Sasuke, giving a nonchalant wave. "Come on, let's bounce."

Sasuke, however, hesitated, looking at Riko. "Are you sure you'll be alright?" he asked, his voice softer.

Riko forced a smile, nodding. "Yeah, I'll be fine," she replied, though her eyes seemed to betray a flicker of uncertainty.

Naruto grabbed Sasuke's arm, and in a flash, the two disappeared, leaving Riko alone. She watched the spot where they had stood, her expression dropping into something more solemn.

A moment later, ten figures materialized around her, dressed in red armor with the Fire Daimyō's crest emblazoned on their uniforms. One of them, the apparent leader, stepped forward, his tone formal but tinged with concern. "Lady Shijimi, it is not wise for you to be out here by yourself. Although we are within the Land of Fire, you must stay vigilant. Come along now—your father has instructed us to escort you to your next destination. He will rejoin you later." He paused, glancing at her attire. "But first, you need to get into better attire that highlights your status."

Riko looked down, her fingers gripping the edge of her tunic. She let out a small sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Of course," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. The leader gestured for her to follow, and she fell in line, her expression unreadable as they moved.

As they walked, Riko's gaze remained distant, her thoughts lingering on the words spoken earlier and the two individuals she had just met. Although their conversation was brief and that Naruto guy had been a jerk it was nice to talk to people around her age. She had felt free. Naruto Uzumaki… Sasuke Uchiha… I wonder if I'll see you two again.

KONOHA BARRIER TEAM HEADQUARTERS

The Konoha Barrier Team Headquarters sat nestled within a secure compound, a network of finely tuned chakra sensors, seals, and sensory-type shinobi monitoring the invisible barriers that surrounded the village. Within the main chamber, Yamanaka Ryuu sat cross-legged, his hands pressed together in the traditional hand seal used to focus his chakra. His eyes were closed, but his mind was fully alert, sensing the barrier's vast expanse as it pulsed with energy, ensuring no foreign chakra entered unnoticed.

Around him, several other members of the Barrier Team were similarly positioned, quietly communicating through mental links, scanning the perimeter with the precision and discipline required for such a delicate task. The atmosphere was calm, typical of routine surveillance.

Then, a flicker.

Ryuu's eyes snapped open. For a brief second, he had felt something—an irregularity—a ripple in the otherwise smooth chakra flow. His brows furrowed as he focused harder, reaching out with his chakra senses to the specific location where the disturbance had occurred.

"Did anyone else feel that?" Ryuu asked, his voice steady but cautious.

Another Yamanaka, positioned near him, shook his head. "No… nothing here. You sure it wasn't just the wind causing a fluctuation? The barrier's been stable for hours."

Ryuu hesitated, his instincts telling him otherwise. But after another deep scan, he found nothing more. The barrier was steady once again, undisturbed. He exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing as he tried to dismiss the feeling.

"Yeah… maybe you're right," Ryuu muttered, leaning back slightly. "Probably just my mind playing tricks."

Unbeknownst to them, the sensory screen flickered once more before returning to its normal state.

Far beyond the compound, hidden in the trees, eight figures darted through the shadows with practiced ease. Their movements were precise, silent, and deliberate, their chakra signatures suppressed to avoid detection. They had already slipped past the barrier unnoticed, aided by a specialized seal crafted by a very dangerous man.

One of the shinobi, a tall, lean man with a scar running down his jaw, smirked as they entered the village perimeter. "Lord Orochimaru's seal worked perfectly," he whispered, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. "Konoha won't even know we're here."

The leader of the group, cloaked in dark robes, gave a curt nod. His eyes were cold and calculating, focused on the mission at hand. "We split up here. You three," he gestured to the scarred man and two others, "head to the hospital. Our target is the Uzumaki girl, Karin. Make sure there's no trace of your presence. We can't afford to fail."

The three men nodded and immediately veered off, heading in the direction of Konoha Hospital, their footsteps light as they moved swiftly through the darkened streets.

The leader turned to the remaining five shinobi. "The rest of us will take the academy. The Fire Princess is our secondary target. Capture her alive. No unnecessary bloodshed."

They all nodded in understanding, their expressions hardening. With their orders given, the group separated, disappearing into the village like wraiths, their silent footsteps echoing through the forest.

HOKAGE'S OFFICE

"As you all know, today is the Academy graduation. This year's class is shaping up to be an extraordinary group," Hiruzen's old voice echoed from behind his desk. "The future of this village could not be in better hands."

He had a calm yet commanding posture, the weight of his years of leadership clear in his eyes. Hiruzen watched the faces of the soon-to-be Jōnin instructors of this year's graduating academy class.

I wonder if they can handle these students. he mused looking at the blank faces around him. If ever a generation held the future of Konoha, it's this one…

However, there he found faces unlike the others spotting his son, Kakashi Hatake, and Kurenai Yuhi. Kakashi's single eye held its usual unreadable look, betraying no hint of emotion. Asuma stood at attention, already, ready and focused. While the young kunoichi, Kurenai, occasionally glanced at his son. She was greenest out of the entire room and had recently been promoted to Jōnin.

A small smile formed on his face. "However, new threats and dangers have been appearing more frequently. Within the past 20 years, we have seen more attacks in the village unlike ever before. We need to ensure that this next generation is ready. And more importantly… prepared to face challenges we cannot yet foresee."

"This year's Academy graduation will be more rigorous than ever before," Hiruzen began, his voice steady. "With the growing threats around us, we can no longer afford to graduate students based solely on standard criteria. Instead, we'll be conducting a new test—an early 'Genin Exams.'"

Kakashi's single visible eye lifted slightly in curiosity, while Asuma shifted his stance, arms crossed. Kurenai remained quiet but attentive, her sharp gaze fixed on the Hokage.

"This will be a lighter version of the Chūnin Exams," Hiruzen explained. "Teams will compete to demonstrate their proficiency in ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, medical ninjutsu, survival skills, and intelligence. The purpose is simple: weeding out those who are unfit to become shinobi. We cannot risk sending unprepared students into the field."

"Excuse me Lord Third," Kurenai spoke, her voice tinged with concern as she caught Hiruzen's attention. "Isn't this too much for fresh Academy graduates? I know we're dealing with a lot of clan heirs in this year's class, but even they have yet to see actual combat."

Hiruzen gave a gentle chuckle, appreciating her concerns. "You're right to question it, Kurenai. But with the mounting threats around us, we can't afford to wait. This test is a bridge they must cross."

After a pause, he scanned the room. "Are there any more questions?"

Silence filled the space, and Hiruzen gave a nod. "You are dismissed."

As the Jōnin began to leave, Hiruzen's voice cut through the movement. "Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai. I need a word with you."

The trio stopped, waiting as the room emptied. Kakashi's gaze shifted toward Hiruzen. "What's this about, Lord Third?"

Hiruzen rubbed his chin, deep in thought before answering. "Your team assignments. As you know, many of this year's students are clan heirs, and given recent events at the Academy, the Council has decided to hand craft these genin teams."

Interesting. So they're expecting trouble, huh? Kakashi weighed the Council's motives, knowing this would complicate his own plans for the team. This isn't going to be simple babysitting.

So much for letting them just be kids for a bit longer, Asuma thought, feeling a flicker of protectiveness. Guess things are worser than I thought.

This could be too much too soon, Kurenai worried. But if the Hokage thinks it's necessary… then I'll make sure my team is ready.

"Team 10 will be Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, and Ino Yamanaka. Team 8 will be Shino Aburame, Kiba Inzuka, and Hinata Hyūga," Hiruzen stated. "And lastly, Team 7 will be Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Karin Uzumaki."

Kakashi's mind drifted to the interaction he had with them all those years ago. I wonder how they've grown. Especially Naruto. He couldn't get the full read on him but from what he heard the child was an enigma.

Asuma raised an eyebrow and nudged Kurenai. "Looks like Kakashi's getting an unusual bunch."

Hiruzen ignored Asuma's remark and continued onward. "Are there any questions?"

"Yes, Lord Third," Kakashi spoke. "Why am I being assigned this team?"

The old Hokage leaned back in his chair and took out his pipe. He brought the lip of the pipe to his mouth and inhaled. After a short moment, he brought it down and blew out a puff of smoke.

"The Konoha Council has deemed that you will teach Team for three reasons," he stated. "The first is to train Sasuke Uchiha, the second is to protect Karin Uzumaki, and the third…"

Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma waited.

"…is to report on Naruto Uzumaki," Hiruzen stated with a stern expression. "He has been deemed by the Council as a 'threat to the village's safety.' They want you to uncover his desires, motives, abilities, and to ensure that he does not jeopardize this village."

Asuma and Kurenai looked at each other before looking at Hiruzen's unchanging face.

Wow, so the old man is telling the truth…, Asuma thought. Why do they want to spy on that kid? Kurenai pondered.

"Hmmm," Kakashi said, his expression unreadable. Report on Naruto… The thought left him uneasy; why were they afraid of him? Was it because of the Nine-Tailed beast inside of him? No, if they had been, they would have assigned Tenzo to this team. His gaze narrowed. I'll ensure Naruto gets a fair chance.

"However, I am ordering you to forgo the council's request and to train Naruto like any other student," the Hokage said. "Much isn't known about him but I can vouch for him. He is extremely gifted." Although he has a tendency to get over confidence, Hiruzen mused inwardly. "I believe having him under your wing will be extremely beneficial. Not only for his growth but also for your team." The Hokage gave an old smile to the three Jōnin before him. "Is there anything else Kakashi?"

Kakashi shook his head, "No, Lord Third. That was all."

Hiruzen's grin widened, "That's good to hear… before I let you go, there is one more thing you should now."

The three listened closely and stood at attention.

"The Fire Daimyō and his daughter will be in attendance for these Genin Exams. Along with some of his Shugonin Jūnishi (Guardian Ninja)"

"Hmm, the Fire Daimyō will be attending?" Asuma asked, his voice holding a note of surprise. He started to rub his beard in contemplation. "Isn't it unusual for him to take interest in something like this?"

Hiruzen nodded gravely. "Yes, the Daimyō has expressed a keen interest in this new class of students. He said that he has a feeling that this new generation is special. I tried to dissuade him but once he learned of the clan heirs graduating this year, it only heightened his curiosity. He will be present at the stadium, along with the Shinobi Council, to observe the proceedings."

The room fell into a brief silence as the Jōnin processed the weight of the situation.

Kurenai glanced at Asuma, concern in her eyes. How much could a team of genin handle in the Daimyō's presence? Especially with such young clan heirs… Asuma noticed her worry, giving a reassuring nod as if to say, We'll handle this.

Asuma's mind then shifted to his time with the Shugonin. I wonder if Chiriku is still around. Him and Kitane were the only ones who liked me. This is going to be interesting. Some of them didn't trust him anymore, and their presence would only add pressure. Still, protecting the next generation came first.

Political implications were interwoven with the upcoming trials, and each of them understood the pressure that would be placed on both students and teachers alike.

Hiruzen leaned forward slightly. "As their Jōnin instructors, your job is not just to train them, but to evaluate them during these exams. Pay close attention to their performance—every move they make will be watched. The Daimyō's Shugonin will be present to ensure his safety, and I've already arranged for a small task force to assist in case of any unforeseen threats. It's Yūgao's old three-man squad that consists of Kaori Uchiha, Hana Inuzuka, and Sai."

Kakashi's expression shifted subtly beneath his mask, though he kept his tone casual. "What about the academy itself? Will it be guarded?" he asked, the question seemingly innocent.

Hiruzen's gaze sharpened momentarily before giving a curt nod. "Yes, Kakashi. We have taken measures to ensure the academy's security. The situation is under control."

Kurenai noticed Kakashi's fleeting glance at the academy grounds through the office window—a look almost too brief to catch. She felt a question rise but held back, a twinge of curiosity lingering as Asuma's subtle nod promised he'd explain later.

"The next step is to meet with the Daimyō," Hiruzen continued, his tone signaling a shift in the conversation. "He wants to see the Jōnin who will be shaping the next generation of shinobi. After the meeting, we'll head to the stadium where your teams will be waiting. Make sure to prepare yourselves for what lies ahead. If there are no further questions, you are dismissed."

The three Jōnin bowed before exiting the Hokage's Office. Hiruzen watched as the figures crept beyond the door and all he was left with was the still room.

He slowly spun around in his chair, turning his view toward the massive window which served as his gateway to the village below him.

Hopefully Kakashi can do a good job with Naruto. I believe those two have a lot in common, Hiruzen silently chuckled to himself thinking about Naruto's antics and Kakashi's carefree nature clashing head on.

His smile faded, his thoughts shifting to a different student, a child prodigy with unparalleled potential who shared a similar beginning to Naruto.

If I'd only seen the darkness in him sooner… But with Naruto, maybe I could still set things right. He's on a dangerous path, but he also has the potential for greatness. Hiruzen clenched his pipe, silently vowing, I won't lose another student to ambition.

The Hokage let out a low sigh before getting ready for his meeting with Daimyō.

KONOHA NINJA ACADEMY

Naruto and Sasuke moved quickly down the path, weaving through the scattered crowds of villagers. Despite Naruto's earlier attempt to shorten the trip with his teleportation technique, the academy was still a little way off. The faint glow of the morning sun peeked over the village's rooftops, casting long shadows as they hurried onward.

"I thought your teleportation would get us all the way there," Sasuke said, breaking the silence.

Naruto adjusted his glasses, his grin easygoing but laced with mild frustration. "Yeah, yeah, I'm still working on it. Fūinjutsu's a pain, ya know? The seals are quite complex, if not done right I could tear myself in half. But give me time, and I'll have it mastered." He glanced at Sasuke, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Besides, you should be grateful I got us this far. If it weren't for me, you'd still be dragging your feet."

Sasuke hummed in response, his mind drifting to Riko and those men. "That girl... Riko. Do you really think she was telling the truth about running away? And why were those men after her? I think we should've stayed back—just in case they tried something."

Naruto waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, don't worry about it. Those guys were a part of the Shugonin Jūnishi (Guardian Ninja). High-end bodyguards who are loyal to the Daimyō. If she's with them, then she's royalty. If I was abetting man, I would say she's the Daimyō's daughter." His grin shifted into something a little more cynical. "But she's not to be trusted. Authority types are all the same. They smile, they lie, and they think they're so smart. Fools."

Sasuke frowned, processing the statement. "So why was she trying to run if she's got all that protection?"

Naruto shrugged, his tone light but dismissive. "Who cares? She's probably just another spoiled brat playing rebel. Or maybe she's got daddy issues like half the people around here." He let out a small chuckle, though there was an edge to his voice. "Honestly, I don't trust anyone connected to the Daimyō. That guy? Total idiot. Weak, useless, and somehow, he's in charge of the whole damn Land of Fire? It's a joke."

Sasuke glanced over at him, surprised by the venom in Naruto's words. "You really think that low of him?"

Naruto stopped walking for a second, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he turned to Sasuke. "Why wouldn't I?" he asked, his voice carrying a dismissive edge. "People like the Daimyō sit on their thrones and make decisions that accomplish nothing. They're the reason this shinobi system is the way it is, where fools control everything. They never fight, never risk anything, but get to control everything. It's pathetic."

Sasuke watched as Naruto grew silent.

Naruto then shrugged as if the whole thing was a joke. "I don't get how someone that weak is in charge of a place like the Land of Fire." His tone wasn't as cold as before, but a quiet bitterness remained underneath. "The shinobi system should cater to the strong, not the weak."

Sasuke frowned, but he didn't immediately argue. He wasn't blind to the flaws of the system either, but Naruto's perspective was a little too dismissive. "Yeah, maybe," Sasuke muttered, his voice thoughtful. "But even if they're not strong, there needs to be some system to protect people. Not everyone's born a fighter. There will always be innocents who can't defend themselves."

Naruto gave him a sidelong glance but didn't respond right away. He didn't look particularly convinced. "That's the problem, though," he finally said, a smirk forming on his lips. "The weak cling to the strong, hoping they'll save them. You can't wait for someone to save you; you need to save yourself. Be greedy and get stronger."

Sasuke's brows furrowed as he considered Naruto's words. He didn't completely disagree; you shouldn't wait on others to save you, but there was something off about how Naruto spoke about people. It was too calculated, detached, and dismissive.

Sometimes I wonder what's really going on inside your head, he questioned. He decided not to press into it any further and continued silently to the academy.

Naruto adverted his gaze to the clouds above him and smoothly placed his hands into his pockets.

They continued walking, the conversation lingering in the air between them.

After walking for what seemed like an eternity, Sasuke and Naruto eventually arrived at their desired destination. They were greeted by a lot of academy students and their parents standing outside the academy building.

As Naruto and Sasuke approached the academy, they noticed a small gathering near the entrance, a familiar cluster of faces in the mix. Shikamaru stood slouched against the large tree, his hands stuffed lazily into his pockets, a look of mild disinterest on his face, while Choji munched on a bag of chips beside him, offering the occasional nod. Ino, as lively as ever, was talking to Hinata, who responded with shy smiles, Kiba was roughhousing with Akamaru at his feet with Shino watching silently through his dark glasses.

Naruto's lips curled into a sly grin as he neared the group, his eyes sweeping over them with a mix of amusement and disdain. "Look at this—everyone decided to show up. Didn't know it was a day for slackers," he sneered, his gaze settling briefly on Kiba.

Kiba scoffed, flashing a challenging grin. "Look who's talking! Thought you'd be too 'elite' to hang around us regular folk," he shot back, giving Naruto a light shove.

Naruto barely flinched, his expression turning colder. "Please, like I need to waste my time with a mutt who can't even keep up without his dog." His tone was biting, dismissive. "Maybe try to stand on your own before you talk about carrying weight."

Kiba's smile faded, his fists clenching as he glared back. "Don't push it, Naruto," he growled.

Naruto merely smirked, turning his attention elsewhere, unbothered. "Maybe if you focused less on barking and more on training, you'd actually matter around here."

Akamaru and Kiba growled. "What did you say, you four-eyed bastard—"

"Will you two stop the bickering? I'm trying to sleep over here." Shikamaru's raspy voice pierced through the tension. "Don't pick a fight you can't win, Kiba but I didn't think the 'strongest' needed to graduate from the Academy."

Kiba scoffed and moved away from the group.

"You are right on that last statement, but I'd never miss the chance to watch all you slackers sweat," Naruto retorted with a smirk, glancing at Sasuke, who rolled his eyes. "So here I am."

Sasuke kept quiet, not wanting to get involved in a silly back-and-forth. He rather not waste his time on something so trivial. He gave a slight nod to Shino who returned the gesture but mostly kept quiet until he heard someone call his name.

"Hi… um, Sasuke," Hinata quietly said offering a small wave.

Sasuke returned the wave with his own causing Hinata to turn red and quickly turn her face away. The Uchiha raised an eyebrow confused at the exchange.

Idiot, was the collective thought of Shikamaru, Ino, Shino, and Kiba. Naruto noticed but didn't care while Choji was too busy stuffing his face.

Shikamaru yawned breaking the awkwardness and stretching his arms over his head. "Troublesome… they've even dragged the first-years into this," he said, nodding toward the younger children who gathered nearby, looking excited and a bit nervous.

"It's because of the graduation. This year is shaping up to be the most attended," Shino stated in a monotone voice.

Naruto barely glanced at Shino. "Whatever you say, bug-boy." He then followed Shikamaru's gaze, taking in the sight of the youngest students clustered in small groups, their wide eyes darting around. It was a mix of anticipation and fear.

"Pathetic," he muttered under his breath. "They won't last a day out in the real world."

His attention settled on a few of the interesting kids. A spiky-haired boy, Konohamaru, the old man's grandson, was whispering conspiratorially with two other kids, looking ready to charge into whatever awaited them. Naruto's eyes then shifted to a small Hyūga girl, Hanabi, whose white eyes gave her lineage away instantly. She stood with a poised, calm air, but Naruto caught the slight fidgeting of her fingers, betraying her nerves.

Then, two boys caught his eye, standing close together and talking in low voices. One had silvery-white hair, almost glowing in the sunlight, while the other had dark, raven-black hair with the unmistakable Uchiha crest on his back.

Naruto slightly lowered his glasses, Rikugan ablaze as he eyed the two boys. "Huh… they seem familiar," he murmured, nudging Sasuke. "Who's that Uchiha kid? Didn't know there were any survivors besides you."

Sasuke's face tensed as he glanced at pained for a brief moment, his gaze lingering on the boy with the Uchiha crest. "He's… the son of a family friend," he replied, his voice low. "His name is Kaito and he lives with his grandmother near the village outskirts."

"Why doesn't he live near you?" Naruto asked.

Sasuke shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know."

"Is there anything else you know?"

"No."

Naruto raised a brow, unimpressed. "That's it?"

"I don't speak to him much so that's all I know," Sasuke responded, trying to control his annoyance. "I knew his mom… but she didn't survive the massacre."

Naruto paused, catching Sasuke's tone but shrugged it off. "Alright, relax." He turned his attention back to the kids, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Still, they might be fun to mess with. Think they're up for it?"

Sasuke watched Naruto, irritation flickering in his eyes. "You'd know if you stopped thinking everyone's just a 'target.'"

Naruto chuckled, brushing off Sasuke's words. "Guess we'll see soon enough. Hey emo junior—"

"What are you doing?" a familiar voice cried out, interrupting Naruto.

They turned to see a young woman with short dark hair, tied in a ponytail, with two long bangs swaying as she walked up to them, arms crossed, sharp eyes, and a neutral expression on her face. She was above average height and wore a dark, long-sleeved, fitted shirt under her Chūnin flak with a matching dark skirt. She had on dark pants with bandages wrapped around her ankles, connecting to her shinobi sandals. On her right shoulder was the Konoha Military Police Force crest—the red and white Uchiha symbol with a green shuriken surrounding it.

"What were you about to do?" Kaori asked.

"Oh, Kaori-san," Naruto grinned, unbothered. "I'm just killing time," Naruto quipped. "There isn't much to do out here while we wait."

Kaori eyed him up and down. "Sure…" she then shot a glare at Sasuke. "Are you not going to say anything?"

"Sorry, obasan— " Kaori's put her hand on his lips, cutting him off.

"I told you to stop calling me that! I'm only 17! I don't need anyone to hear that and start spreading rumors that I'm some old hag" she hissed in a quiet but firm tone. "I already look older for my age."

Kaori removed her hand from Sasuke's mouth, letting out a frustrated sigh. Naruto watched with a smirk.

"Ya know, Kaori-san, you really do act like an old lady sometimes," he teased.

Kaori narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "And you act like a brat who's never been disciplined."

Naruto's grin widened, unfazed as he took a step near her. "Oh, you want to discipline me? Think you can handle me?"

She leaned forward slightly, meeting his gaze with a challenging smirk. "You're the same boy I met all those years ago. All bite no bark. Try me."

For a second, neither backed down, their eyes locked in playful defiance. What the hell is happening? Sasuke thought. He felt… weird watching this interaction. It didn't sit right with him on how weird those two were being and how close they were getting.

Sasuke cleared his throat, breaking you two out of their trance. "Are you two done?"

Kaori straightened up, a hint of amusement on her face. "Yeah, we're done," she replied, giving Naruto one last glance before returning her attention to Sasuke.

Sasuke watched as Naruto flashed a devious smile. Yeah, I don't like this at all. "What are you doing here?" he asked, suppressing his emotions. "Did ojiisan send you?"

"No, why would he care about this? I'm here because of the Genin Exams and my mission."

"Genin Exams? What's that?" Sasuke asked.

"I'm not completely sure. It's something Lord Third constructed but there should be an instructor here who knows. But my team has been assigned to watch over the Daimyō's daughter." Kaori explained. She glanced over her shoulder, motioning toward her teammates, a hint of pride in her voice.

There was a kunoichi with long brown hair which she wears in a ponytail with two locks of hair framing her face over her large, black eyes. She had on a light shade of lipstick with two fang-like tattoos underneath her eyes. She wore a standard Konoha flak jacket but kept the front partially unzipped, exposing some, unnecessary, cleavage. She was Hana Inuzuka, the older sister of Kiba Inuzuka, and member of the Inuzuka Clan. Next to her was an old fellow with short, straight black hair, dark eyes, and translucent-looking pale skin. He wore a standard Konoha flak with his hitai-ate across his forehead but also carried a tip-less tantō on his back. This was Sai.

Hana caught sight of her younger brother, approaching with Akamaru. Her lips curled into a grin. She crossed her arms, nodding in approval. "You're actually on time for once, little brother. Color me surprised."

Kiba snarled, scratching Akamaru's head, though a small smirk betrayed his composure. "Yeah, yeah. Don't act like you're perfect, Hana. I'm here, aren't I?"

She smirked, reaching over to ruffle his hair playfully. "Just try not to embarrass the clan, alright?"

Kiba batted her hand away, scowling but smiling. "Like you're one to talk! Leaving your flak jacket unzipped like that, you look like a—" A loud thump was heard before Kiba cried out in pain. Akamaru could only whimper for his master.

Nearby, Ino leaned close to Hinata, her gaze fixed on Sai. "Oh my gosh, he's so cute!" she whispered, her eyes practically sparkling. Her classmates chuckled, catching on to her sudden interest. Ino spun around, giving them a death stare.

Shikamaru sighed, shifting his gaze upward. What a drag, he thought, watching clouds drift lazily across the sky. Why did I get stuck with all these weirdos?

"What's her name… the Daimyō's daughter?" Sasuke asked.

"Riko Shijimi," Kaori replied, gesturing toward a small procession approaching the academy gates. "That's her over there," she said. "She'll be spending some time with the first-year academy students."

Sasuke squinted, seeing the outline of the girl from earlier that morning. Looks like Naruto was right.

The steady rhythm of armored boots reverberated through the academy grounds, silencing the buzzing chatter as the anticipation in the air grew thick. Kaori, Hana, Sai, along with other academy teachers moved to meet the procession, positioning themselves to receive the Shugonin and the princess.

While this was happening, Sasuke moved closer to Naruto and whispered to him. "Do you think they remember us?"

Naruto's gaze lingered on Riko as she was escorted by the Shugonin. "Who knows?" he said, his amusement evident. "But let's find out?"

As the procession neared, Riko's eyes scanned the area until she spotted two familiar faces. Without hesitation, she pointed directly at Naruto and Sasuke. "You two!" she called out, her voice loud enough to draw attention.

Kiba blinked in confusion, looking between Riko and the boys. "Wait, how do you know the Fire Daimyō's daughter?" he asked, voicing what everyone was thinking.

Naruto just grinned, stepping forward. "Riko-chan! You missed me already?" he teased, clearly enjoying the situation.

Sasuke tried to quietly walk away but Naruto put his arm over his shoulder, dragging him along.

Shikamaru face-palmed and shook his head. "What the hell is that idiot doing?"

Kiba silently prayed Naruto would get squashed, Shino watched curiously, Ino was irritated, while Hinata was concerned for Sasuke. Meanwhile, Choji continued munching on his snacks.

Riko's cheeks flushed with annoyance. "You don't get the right to call me that! It's Riko-sama to you, idiot!" she snapped, but there was a hint of exasperated familiarity in her tone that only deepened everyone else's confusion.

One of the Shugonin guards stepped forward, his expression stern as he turned to Riko. "Princess Shijimi, someone of your status shouldn't get so riled up over a commoner's words," he said, his voice edged with disapproval.

Riko fell quiet, her expression shifting into a more reserved look. Naruto's grin softened slightly, noticing the change. Who does this guy think he is? He mused.

The guard then glanced at Naruto, his tone dripping with disdain. "Do you even know this commoner, Princess?" he asked, before adding with a sneer, "He certainly lacks the decorum to speak to someone of your stature."

Naruto's grin returned, wider than ever. "Oh, you must be new around here if you think I'm the problem," he quipped, crossing his arms. "You know, you'd be a lot less grumpy if you stopped trying to guard that massive stick up your ass. Venting your frustration out on a young girl? You're definitely making up for something. I bet the helmet's just there to keep your ego in check."

"Watch your mouth, brat!" the guard snapped, his face reddening as Naruto chuckled at his reaction.

Naruto leaned in with a mock-concerned smile. "Easy there, big guy. Don't strain something. I'd hate for Riko-sama to lose such a charming bodyguard."

The guard's eyes blazed with anger, fists clenched as he took a step forward. "You think you can challenge me!"

Naruto only laughed harder, his amused snickering echoing around them. His expression then turned manically and deadly. He left one of his eyes to peer through his glasses.

The guard saw the sea of blue in Naruto's eyes. He felt calm but also terrified.

"No. I know I can destroy you. You're nothing," Naruto stated.

The guard tightened the grip on his weapon while Naruto's grin widened. But, with a swift motion, Kaori's hand connected with Naruto's head, sending him stumbling forward like a fool onto the ground. She then bent down and whispered in Naruto's ear.

"If you keep acting like an idiot, I'm going to hang you from the Hokage monument," she chided, before bowing to the guard with a fake smile. "Please forgive his behavior; he's still working on his manners."

Naruto gave Kaori an annoyed look, rubbing the back of his head and mumbling something about women and always having his 'Infinity' on. He slowly got up and moved to the side.

Why did he get involved? He could've just walked away. Riko glanced at him, frowning in confusion. "What's your problem? You didn't have to go that far."

Naruto shrugged, his grin unfazed. "Just thought someone should knock that guy down a peg."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange. That was different Since when did Naruto care about knocking down people for others' sake?

The Uchiha shook these thoughts off and moved along, not wanting to get involved any further. He quietly slipped away from the group and made his way over to Iruka-sensei, who was overseeing the gathering of students. "Iruka-sensei," Sasuke said, catching his attention. "Is Karin going to be here today?"

Iruka nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Yes, she's going to be taking the graduation exam. She should be arriving shortly."

As Sasuke processed this information, the sound of Riko and Naruto's bickering grew louder. Naruto had leaned in closer, a playful grin on his face. "Aww, don't be like that, Riko-chan. We're practically best friends now."

"Absolutely not!" Riko shot back, crossing her arms defiantly. "Don't get any weird ideas!"

Before Naruto could say anything else, Kaori stepped in, slipping between them with a playful shove. "Alright, that's enough, Naruto," she said, pushing him aside lightly but effectively. "I was serious when I said I was going to hang you."

Kaori turned back to speak with the Shugonin escorts, her demeanor shifting from playful to professional in an instant.

Naruto was about to resume his banter with her, a teasing comment on the tip of his tongue, when something else caught his eye. Near the academy entrance, a small memorial stood—worn but lovingly maintained. The names of children who had died seven years ago were inscribed on it, a somber reminder of the village's past.

His gaze drifted to the scene unfolding in front of the memorial. Two figures, a man and a woman, stood there, their shoulders slumped, hands clasped together. Tears streamed down the woman's face as she silently read the names, while the man's grip tightened, his expression rigid. Naruto recognized them instantly—Sakura Haruno's parents. Their grief was still raw, still fresh, as if the loss had happened just yesterday.

Naruto felt his chest tighten, a familiar, suffocating pressure that made it hard to breathe. The image of Sakura's parents mourning stirred something deep within him, something he tried to keep buried. He could still remember the smell of burnt flesh and the charred faces of those girls. He felt uncomfortable… and before he realized it, his legs were already moving.

He turned away from the group, his eyes hidden behind his glasses, and began away. "I'm out," he muttered, heading towards Sasuke and Iruka. "I need to find Karin. She's going to be late."

Sasuke looked at him with a mix of confusion and concern at this sudden and irrational behavior. "Naruto, what are you—"

"Naruto!" Iruka's voice cut through, sharp and authoritative. "The exams are starting soon. Where do you think you're going?"

Naruto stopped but didn't turn around. "This whole exam is a joke, Iruka-sensei. There's no way I'm failing. I'll be back when it matters."

Before Iruka could respond, Kiba's voice rang out, loud and mocking. "Running away, huh? Guess you're not as confident as you make yourself out to be."

Naruto's lips curled back into a smirk as he finally turned back to face them. "Oh, don't worry, dog breath," he shot back, his tone as light as ever. "I'm just heading out on a date with your sister. She's been begging me, after all."

Kiba's eyes widened in shock, and his face turned red with indignation. "You—!"

Naruto's laughter echoed through the academy courtyard, carefree and loud, almost as if nothing was wrong. He raised a hand in a mock salute, his grin widening as he called back, "See you later, Kiba!" He quickly weaved through a series of hand signs before disappearing.

As the others watched him vanish, the atmosphere felt slightly heavier, the laughter ringing hollow to those who knew Naruto a bit better. Iruka sighed, shaking his head, while Kiba clenched his fists, still fuming.

"Usuratonkachi," Sasuke muttered under his breath, but there was no malice in his tone—only a hint of worry.

At that moment, a loud ring was heard emanating from the school building. "Alright everyone, today is a busy day and we all need to be on our best behavior. Got it!" Iruka shouted.

"Hai, Iruka-sensei!" the students responded.

"Good. First, second, third, and fourth years, follow your teacher's instructions. As for the rest, you know what to do," he finished. Teachers herded the younger students inside, while the older ones followed their friends.

Sasuke turned to head in, along with the rest of his class, but felt a tug on his sleeve. Raising an eyebrow, he turned to see Riko looking up at him with a determined expression. "Hm?"

"You're going to watch over me today," she said firmly.

Kaori blinked, caught off-guard. "But… we're the ones assigned to protect you," she said, glancing at Hana and Sai, who nodded. "He's not even a shinobi yet."

"I don't care," Riko said, her grip tightening. "I want Sasuke."

Kaori wanted to protest but Sasuke interrupted her. "I'll be fine Kaori-san. I'll make sure nothing happens to her."

"Fine," one of the Shugonin said impatiently. "We've wasted enough time. Let's move."

Kaori realized that there was nothing else she could say, finally relented, and gave Sasuke a slight nod before giving a bow to the princess.

"We'll accompany you to the Hokage's office," another Shugonin added firmly.

"Will any of you guard the academy?" Kaori asked.

"Our priority is the Daimyō. If anything happened to him, the Land of Fire would fall into chaos."

Riko's expression faltered, her gaze dropping. Sasuke noticed her unease, but Kaori kept her face neutral.

"Alright, let's go," Kaori said, leading the group toward the Hokage's office with Hana and Sai close behind.

Sasuke leaned down to Riko. "Let's keep moving so we don't miss anything. Long day ahead."

She nodded, "R-right," and took the lead, moving forward with a smirk. Sasuke followed her, glancing over his shoulder as they made their way into the academy building.

However, they remained unaware of several eyes watching them from the shadows, lurking just out of sight, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

KONOHA HOSPITAL

The Konoha Hospital was a place of constant motion and calm efficiency, with bright, clean corridors filled with the soft murmur of voices and the quiet hum of machines. Medical staff moved between rooms, their white coats fluttering as they attended to patients, offering smiles and comforting words. Nurses attending to patients and staying by their bedsides, along with the scent of antiseptic lingering in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh flowers brought by visiting families.

In one of the rooms, a girl with long red hair and brown glasses gently adjusted a bandage on an elderly patient's arm. She worked with practiced hands, her expression focused yet kind. The patient, a frail woman with a tired but warm smile, looked up at her with grateful eyes.

"Thank you, dear," the woman said softly, her voice cracking. "I don't think I've seen you around here before. What's your name?"

Karin's lips curled into a small, reassuring smile. "It's Karin," she replied, her voice gentle but confident. "And I'm glad I could help."

The woman nodded, her expression softening. "Well, thank you, Karin. You're a good girl."

Karin finished tending to the woman, her red hair falling around her face as she worked. It was moments like these that made her feel truly free, a stark contrast to the past she had left behind. She had grown so much over the years—she was no longer the scared girl who had to rely on others to survive. Now, she could stand on her own, and she chose to use her skills to heal, not harm.

As she stepped back, a nurse entered the room, interrupting the quiet moment. "Karin, you've done more than enough for today. If you don't leave now, you'll be late for the academy graduation," the nurse said, giving her a knowing smile. "We can handle things from here."

Karin hesitated, looking at the patient one last time. "I was just finishing up anyway," she said, nodding. "But thank you." The nurse's words reminded her that she had made a difference, even if it was just for a short while.

"It's going to be sad not having you around here," the nurse added. "But hopefully, you'll come back someday."

Karin offered a small smile, touched by the sentiment. "We'll see," she said, her tone warm but noncommittal. As the nurse left, Karin turned to wash her hands, glancing up at the clock. It was getting close to the time she needed to head to the academy.

As she finished drying her hands, a sudden chill swept through the room, raising goosebumps on her skin. She turned, eyes narrowing, but the room was too quiet—eerily still. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as a thick mist began to creep in, curling around the room like a ghostly shroud, bringing with it an ominous sense of foreboding.

Karin's heart raced, and she instinctively moved to call for help, but before she could utter a sound, shadows emerged from the mist. Figures clad in dark, concealing attire approached her with silent, deadly precision. Panic surged through her as a bag was thrust over her head, and a sharp smack to her neck sent a wave of numbness through her body. Her limbs grew heavy, and her vision blurred as she fought to stay conscious.

"Move quickly," one of the masked shinobi ordered, his voice low. "We need to leave before anyone notices that she's gone." The mist swallowed the room and moved out into the hallway, blocking all sound and sight.

The last thing she heard was the attackers' voice and felt her breath shorten. Moments later, the room was empty, with no trace of what had transpired, save for the lingering chill of the mist.

Naruto arrived at the hospital, striding in with an air of casual confidence. He scanned the bustling lobby, glancing at the nurses and patients, his eyes searching for a familiar red-haired figure. "Oi, have you seen Karin?" he asked, stopping a nurse who looked slightly flustered by his abruptness.

The nurse paused, thinking for a moment. "The last I saw her, she was on the fourth floor," she replied. "But that was a while ago. Maybe she's still there?"

Naruto tilted his head to the side and had a bored look on his face. He nodded at the nurse and headed for the staircase. He went up to the fourth floor, taking in the sterile surroundings and sensing the coldness around him. He could see nurses shuffling in and out of doors, smell the stench, and hear the wails of the weak, frail.

A faint frown tugged at his lips. Why does she put herself in a place like this? he thought, perplexed. Why bother to help these people?

As if to mock him, his mind flashed back to the burnt and seared corpse of Sakura Haruno and those academy girls once again.

"Feeling guilty, are we?" A deep, ominous chuckle reverberated from Naruto's mindscape. "I didn't take you for one to get hung up over others."

Naruto's expression remained neutral as he continued walking. "I wondered when you going to say something," he responded, internally. "You've been uncharacteristically chatty. What's the deal with that? Are you starting to care about people?" Naruto mocked, still avoiding the question. "Even care about me?"

Kurama's presence loomed larger, a mix of amusement and boredom. "I don't. But watching you squirm is the only entertainment I've got. Like when you felt the need to stand up for that girl earlier. What was her name? Riko?" Kurama's chuckle turned into a low growl. "And now you're having flashbacks to those children's deaths. Interesting."

Naruto brushed his comments off. "Don't think that you know me," he muttered.

"I know you better than anyone else. I know your feelings, your dreams, and your fears." Kurama responded. "As much as you try to deny or hide it from others, I'll always know."

"So, what? Why does it matter to you?"

Kurama's eyes glowed, reflecting the depth of his centuries-old disdain and curiosity. "It doesn't, brat. I have nothing to do and no one to talk to besides you. But don't forget, you've yet to fulfill our agreement."

Naruto's frown deepened. "I'm still working on it. My father was a genius, and the seal is difficult to crack, even with knowing how it works. Plus, the village has sensors that can detect your chakra. So, if you don't want to be immediately recaptured, then you can shut up."

Kurama's laughter echoed through Naruto's mind. "You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. When I'm released, I may not kill you."

"Sure, whatever you say, ~Kurama-chan~" Naruto mocked. "Don't forget that I know you too. You're a big softie."

Kurama growled before going quiet. Naruto smirked, feeling satisfied that he 'won' their bantering session.

Reaching the spot where the nurse had indicated, Naruto stopped, his eyes narrowing as he glanced around. Karin was nowhere to be seen. But a strange mist lingered, curling around the room's corners like tendrils.

Naruto's senses sharpened, and he tilted his head, curious. "Now, what's this?" he muttered, a glint of interest sparking in his eyes. He tried to sense Karin's chakra, but it was faint, almost as if it was being masked. He smirked, his earlier boredom giving way to excitement. "Looks like the day just got interesting."

Naruto took off his glasses, revealing the subtle, eerie glow of his Rikugan. The mist around him seemed to shift and break down, revealing faint, wispy, and tiny particle trails of chakra. "Kirigakure no Jutsu", he muttered, the technique's secrets unraveling in his mind.

His gaze sharpened as he scanned the area, catching a small, thin strand of red clinging to a corner. He bent down, picking it up with a curious, almost amused smile. "Jackpot," he said quietly, rolling the strand between his fingers. It was unmistakably Karin's hair.

Using the faint residual chakra on the strand, Naruto locked onto a weak trace of her energy. "There you are," he murmured, eyes narrowing. Whoever had taken her was already moving fast, heading south. He stretched his senses, calculating the distance. They're outside my range already... Jōnin-level speed. Two, maybe three of them.

He slid his glasses back on, his smirk growing wider. "Finally, something interesting," he said, excitement in his voice. Naruto disappeared, leaving the hospital floor eerily silent behind him.

KONOHA NINJA ACADEMY

Iruka stood at the front of the academy classroom, his voice echoing through the room as he addressed the students. "Today marks an important day for all of you," he began, beaming with pride. "These exams are not just about testing your skills, but also about showcasing the hard work and dedication you've put in over the years. I do not doubt that you all will make fine shinobi."

As the students filled into the classroom, a mixture of nerves and excitement filled the air. Some exchanged quick glances, while others whispered strategies. Iruka watched them go, his expression softening in approval.

Meanwhile, Sasuke glanced around the room, noticing the empty seats where Naruto and Karin should have been. He frowned slightly, Where are those two? I'm guessing Naruto either decided to lie and skip or he can't find Karin… his thoughts were interrupted when a teacher handed him a sheet of paper and informed him the exams were about to begin.

They started with a written exam, followed by a series of practical tests: shuriken and kunai throwing, transformation jutsu, clone jutsu, and even a simple genjutsu test. For most of the students, the tasks were straightforward, and they passed with ease.

Iruka gathered the class again once the tests were complete, his expression warm and encouraging. The teachers and he left the class to grade them and then returned to the classroom about half an hour later to announce who passed.

Shino scored the highest on the written exam while Sasuke scored highest on the shuriken and kunai test. Hinata showed good skills, Choji did well, Ino got the fourth-highest score on the written exam, Shikamaru barely tried getting exactly in the middle, and Kiba nearly failed and got dead last.

"Congratulations to those who passed! You've all done exceptionally well and I'm proud of each of you. I'm confident that you will make Konoha proud as shinobi." The students smiled, a mix of relief and excitement buzzing in the room.

Kiba raised his hand, looking confused. "Hey, Iruka-sensei, what about our forehead protectors? Aren't we supposed to get them today?"

Iruka chuckled. "You'll receive them once you officially become a genin. For now, wait a little longer—your Jōnin instructors will be here shortly to meet you."

What does he mean by 'when we become a genin'? Sasuke questioned. Wasn't obasan talking about that? Do we get them once we pass the Genin Exams?

Other students seem to pick up on Iruka's statement and understand its implication. Some started to get antsy and anxious. Iruka noticed this and calmed them down. "Don't worry, you'll learn more when your Jōnin instructors arrive. Just make sure to believe in yourself and you'll be fine.."

"Also, what about Naruto? Shouldn't he automatically fail?" Kiba barked. "And that girl with the red hair?"

Iruka inwardly groaned, I wish I could punish him for not doing my test. I worked really hard on it! "The Hokage has excused Naruto and Karin from taking these exams."

Kiba scoffed, annoyed and jealous that Naruto got special privileges from the Hokage. He clenched his fists under the table, irritation burning in his chest. It wasn't fair. Naruto always seemed to get a free pass, while he had to fight for every inch of recognition.

"Speaking of which, listen closely to learn your team assignments," Iruka stated. He began to list out the teams and their sensei's. It took him a while before he got to the clan heirs. "Team 7 consists of Sasuke Uchiha, Karin Uzumaki, and Naruto Uzumaki. Your sensei will be Kakashi Hatake."

Sasuke didn't react. So, he's our sensei. His mind went back to that night when he met the non-Uchiha with a lone Sharingan. Did ojisan have anything to do with that?

Kiba shot out of his seat. "C'mon, that's not fair! How come both the people who failed to show up are on the same team!"

Hinata looked at where Sasuke was sitting. So, I'll be in a different team from Sasuke-kun, she thought.

"If you have an issue with it, you can bring it to Lord Third. Team 8 is Hinata Hyūga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame. Your Jōnin sensei is Kurenai Yūhi."

Shino was pleased with his team, although he felt it was silly to have three sensors/trackers on the same team. Hinata was hoping she could become friends with her teammates. Kiba was still pissed about Naruto being put on a team with Sasuke.

"Team 9 is already in commission. Team 10 will be Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi. Your Jōnin sensei is Asuma Sarutobi," Iruka finished.

"This is going to be troublesome," Shikamaru groaned.

"Now come on, Shikamaru. It's going to be fun," Choji said.

"NOOOOOO!" Ino cried out. She got put into an Ino-Shika-Cho team as part of the long-standing tradition, but her teammates were a lazy idiot and a fatso.

"Anyway, for those who did not pass, make sure to come to class tomorrow to learn about future opportunities for graduation," Iruka stated. "Don't think of this as the end, only an opportunity to grow and try again. To those who passed, wait here for your Jōnin instructors to arrive. For the rest, follow me."

The class started to empty as those who had failed the exams followed Iruka and the other teachers outside. With that, the remaining students were left to wait, growing restless, and bored, and started to converse amongst themselves. The class soon wandered outside, mingling and observing the younger students, the academy grounds abuzz with chatter.

Riko eventually found Sasuke, sitting by himself and reading a worn-down book on the grass under a tree. "Hey, Sasuke," she greeted, tilting her head slightly.

"Riko," he acknowledged, glancing at her and closing his book before storing it away. "How are you doing? Do you need anything?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm fine… but to be honest I'm shocked at how kind everyone in this village has been to me."

Sasuke smiled, "I'm glad you feel welcome here."

"Do you mind if I join you?" she asked, pointing to an open space under the tree.

Sasuke shook his head, and she joined him on the cool grass. After a moment of silence, she spoke, "I had a question if you didn't mind?"

"What is it?"

"That guy with the white hair and black glasses, Naruto… why does he act like that? I'm guessing you two are friends, but you seem more gentler and kinder compared to him." Riko said.

Sasuke scratched the back of his head, thinking of a good and honest response. "Naruto… can be annoying at times but he's the only friend I've had." Sometimes he makes me wonder why we're friends, he mused to himself. "He's rude, arrogant, disrespects people, and is brash but sometimes… he's normal. Once you hang around him long enough you get used to it."

"Oh, I see," she quietly said.

There was a long moment of awkward silence before Sasuke spoke up. "I've got a question for you if you are comfortable sharing."

Riko blinked before looking at him. "Yeah, go ahead and ask."

"How's your relationship with your father? I mean, with everything going on, it must be... difficult."

Riko hesitated, her expression flickering with a mix of emotions. Her eyes trailed the grass around them. "It's complicated. He's always busy, and sometimes I feel like... I'm just not important to him."

Sasuke's gaze softened. "I know what it's like to have a strained relationship with family. But trust me, your father still loves you. Even if it doesn't always feel that way."

Riko looked at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. She wasn't used to seeing this empathetic side of Sasuke, and for a moment, she felt comforted. "Thanks, Sasuke."

Before they could continue, a Jōnin had arrived, gathering the attention of the students. He was a seasoned shinobi with a stern yet approachable demeanor, began to explain the logistics, his voice carrying over the chatter of the students.

"Everyone, listen up," he called out, his tone commanding yet reassuring. "First, congratulations to those who passed the exams. The plan for today has changed slightly. Due to the presence of the Daimyō's daughter, we have heightened security measures in place."

The students exchanged curious glances, the mention of extra security piquing their interest.

The instructor continued, "You will meet your assigned sensei at the stadium instead of the usual spot. This change is to ensure everyone's safety and to better manage the group dynamics."

A murmur of excitement and curiosity rippled through the students.

"To reiterate," the instructor added, "I'll be staying back as additional protection for the Daimyō's daughter. Follow the directions of your headmaster to the stadium in an orderly manner and wait for further instructions there."

A couple of academy teachers started organizing the students, guiding them toward the academy's exit.

"This is where we depart," Sasuke said with a smile. "Take care."

Riko nodded. "Thanks again, Sasuke. I appreciate your words," she smiled. "You're a kind person. I hope we see each other again."

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows surrounding the academy, masked figures watched intently. One of them shifted slightly, whispering, "Should we make our move now? We don't know if the others got the girl."

Another figure replied, "What about the kids?"

The leader's voice was calm and decisive. "They're just children. They won't stand a chance. Focus on the adults and teachers first. Once they're out of the way, we can pick off the rest. But we need to separate them and stop any interference. Most of us will stay here—one of you, go and use the gift from Lord Orochimaru. It'll serve as our deterrent from outside intervention."

The masked figures nodded, and one slipped away, heading off to enact their part of the plan. As the academy grounds continued to buzz with the energy of students, an ominous, almost invisible curtain of darkness began to slowly drift across the perimeter, shrouding the area in a creeping, eerie stillness.

HOKAGE'S OFFICE

"Oh my, Lord Hokage. Your village has been doing tremendously well." The Daimyō's voice was smooth yet piercing, a tone carefully cultivated over years of diplomatic dealings.

Hiruzen inclined his head respectfully, concealing a sigh behind a practiced smile. "Thank you, Daimyō-dono. I strive to honor Hashirama-sensei's vision for the village."

The office felt stifling. The late afternoon light filtered through the blinds, casting soft shadows across the room as the Daimyō leaned back, shifting slightly as he continued. His words filled the space, ranging from the latest political developments to the fragile alliances that balanced the region. Hiruzen listened, nodding occasionally, but the weariness in his eyes betrayed the hours spent placating the Daimyō's every concern. Hiruzen had mentioned the Genin Exams and tried to steer the conversation back to the main topic but failed.

The Daimyō's lips curved slightly as he spoke of the Konoha's elite Jōnin forces. "It must be reassuring," he commented, his tone laced with a subtle warning, "to have such power within your village. One can never be too careful when it comes to the security of the Land of Fire."

Hiruzen caught the implication, his gaze sharpening momentarily before he offered a diplomatic nod. "We understand the responsibility we hold, Daimyō-dono."

Rustling at the door drew their attention. The Shugonin entered with precise, deliberate steps, followed closely by Kaori, Hana, and Sai.

Hiruzen's gaze settled on Kaori, curiosity piqued. "Kaori, why is your team here?" he asked. "You are supposed to be guarding the Daimyō's daughter."

Kaori stepped forward, bowing slightly. "We were, Hokage-sama. That was until she specifically requested Sasuke Uchiha to watch over her for the remainder of her time there."

Hiruzen's eyebrow rose, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh? That's… interesting," he murmured, suppressing a chuckle. I wonder how Naobito will react when I tell him… but knowing him, he probably planned this.

One of the Shugonin clenched his jaw, eyes narrowing. "Interesting, perhaps," he grumbled, "but there is another matter. There was a white-haired brat outside—he was disrespectful, openly defying our orders and spewing insults at one of our guard."

The Daimyō's brow furrowed in confusion. "White-haired child?" he repeated, glancing at Hiruzen. "I don't remember seeing any shinobi with white hair." He paused, a flicker of memory passing over his face. "Although, my father used to meet with a man from Uzushiogakure with long white hair… he was a part of the Uzumaki clan, I believe. I know some of them would have white hair on occasion. I thought it was… peculiar as a child. It's a shame there aren't many of them left." He then turned to Hiruzen. "Is there any chance this child is a part of the Uzumaki clan?"

Hiruzen knew exactly whom they were talking about, but he nodded, steering the conversation forward. "Yes, he is… but his lineage is not the topic at hand," he remarked diplomatically.

"I would love to meet him one day," the Daimyō replied.

Hiruzen and Kaori exchanged a quick, wide-eyed glance. They knew exactly how Naruto viewed authority figures and politicians.

Another Shugonin crossed his arms, his expression hardening. "That child needs to learn respect," he said sharply.

Hiruzen's expression darkened, his tone growing authoritative. "That is enough," he commanded, silencing the room. "The situation is under control, and discipline among our own is a matter for Konoha alone. I trust you'll remember that."

The room fell silent, Hiruzen's words settling over them all. The Shugonin shifted, his gaze dropping as he turned his attention back to the Daimyō.

But the Daimyō's focus was now elsewhere, a faint line of concern appearing on his brow as he looked back at Hiruzen. "Perhaps it would be wise to send someone to check on the academy," he suggested, his voice softer now, almost thoughtful. "The children's safety is paramount, after all."

Hiruzen nodded, glancing at Kaori, who straightened and gave a subtle nod of understanding, ready to carry out the unspoken order.

Before she could act, however, a nearby seasoned Jōnin stepped forward, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "I'll check on the graduates and ensure everything at the academy is in order," he offered with quiet confidence.

Hiruzen gave him a curt nod, acknowledging the swift action. With that matter settled, Hiruzen gestured to Team Yūgao. "You three may leave. The Daimyō and I have another matter to discuss before the start of the Genin Exams."

Team Yūgao bowed respectfully before filing out of the office. The quiet of the hallway enveloped them as they made their way to the Jōnin chambers, their footsteps echoing softly through the corridor.

Kaori, Hana, and Sai made their way to the Jōnin Chambers to kill time while waiting for their next assignment. They opened the door to find Asuma, Kakashi, and Kurenai already lounging inside.

"Oh, hey there," Asuma waved. "Weren't you three supposed to be watching over the Daimyō's daughter?"

Kaori took a seat calmly, while Hana dropped onto a cushion, sprawling out comfortably. Sai, meanwhile, perched awkwardly on the edge of a chair, looking a bit out of place.

"We were," Hana said with a grin, "until she developed an obsession with Kaori's little Sasuke-kun. Apparently, she met him earlier today."

Kaori's expression morphed into the signature Uchiha annoyed face, while Sai continued to scan the room, trying to make sense of the easy banter.

Kurenai let out a soft laugh. "That's… unfortunate."

"I'm actually relieved," Hana claimed, stretching her arms out. "I'm exhausted."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, his visible eye narrowing playfully. "Exhausted? You three haven't even done anything yet." He looked them over with fake disapproval. "And are you aware this place is for Jōnin? Last I checked, you were still Chūnin."

Kaori smirked, folding her arms. "No need to be a buzzkill, Kakashi-san. We bring some much-needed youth to this room."

Hana nudged Sai, grinning. "Exactly! We're here to keep you old folks in check."

Kakashi sighed theatrically. "Youth, huh? Keep telling yourselves that when you're still here in five years, hoping to make Jōnin."

The group chuckled, settling into the relaxed atmosphere.

As the conversation turned casual, Kurenai, looking thoughtful, glanced over at Kakashi. "Kakashi, you asked about the academy earlier. I know you care about the village, but… what made you ask?"

Kaori and Hana exchanged a glance, stifling laughter. Sai, watching their reactions, tilted his head in confusion.

Asuma clapped a hand on Sai's shoulder with a grin. "Don't worry, Sai. Women have their own secret language. Figuring it out is like… well, an eternal genjutsu."

Kakashi rolled his visible-eye in exasperation. "You're all impossible," he muttered, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "My business is my business."

Kaori leaned over to Hana, whispering just loud enough for Kakashi to hear, "Speaking of which, I wonder if his business is the reason Yūgao sensei's not here."

Hana stifled a giggle, while Kakashi, catching her words, shook his head. "Really now. Can't I get a moment's peace?"

The others laughed, with Sai still glancing between them in mild bewilderment. Asuma leaned in, adding with a smirk, "If you want to understand women, you might want to ask Kakashi over there. I think he has a pretty good clue."

Kakashi groaned, half-rolling his eyes, earning another round of chuckles.

But before the banter could continue, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. A Jōnin burst into the room, his expression tense and urgent. "There's a situation. We need everyone's immediate attention," he announced, the urgency clear in his voice.

SOMEWHERE IN THE SOUTHERN FOREST

Karin's eyes fluttered open, her head pounding as she tried to shake off the fog clouding her senses. She blinked and groaned, struggling to remember what happened, only to find her hands bound tightly. Her gaze darted around, taking in her surroundings—a patch of barren ground near an abandoned building in one of Konoha's many forests. The ground beneath her was cold and empty, to the left the three shinobi, who had taken her, sat a short distance away, chatting among themselves, unconcerned.

Karin's heart pounded as she weighed her options. Only Naruto knows where I am, she thought bitterly. But he probably hasn't even noticed I've been gone. The thought stung more than she cared to admit. She needed a plan and needed it quickly.

She drew in a shaky breath, feeling the weight of her restraints as her mind reached an answer. She would have to get up, run, and make it to the building before they even realized what was happening. I have to move fast, she reminded herself, locking her eyes on the structure in front of her.

She forced herself to her feet, unsteady but determined. Her body still felt the lingering effects of being knocked unconscious, and her vision blurred for a moment. But adrenaline surged through her veins, pushing her forward. She sprinted toward the entrance of the abandoned building, each step more urgent than the last.

Karin then heard voices from behind. "Stop struggling," she turned to see the kidnappers standing near the building's entrance. "You're just making this harder for yourself."

Karin kept moving, ducking into a darkened hallway, her heart racing as she moved deeper into the building but she felt the presence of the kidnappers getting closer and closer. No, just a little—but then, just as she pushed herself to move faster, a strange sensation filled the air—the ground seemed to shudder beneath her, a low hum vibrating through her body.

The floor creaked, cracks splitting along the edges. She stumbled, but before she could steady herself, a deafening rumble filled the air. The ground beneath her feet gave way, and the walls seemed to warp, folding inwards as if the building itself was being pulled into a dark void.

Karin's eyes widened in horror. The shinobi behind her staggered, their expressions shifting to ones of great alarm. One of them tried to run away, but the floor beneath him collapsed first, and he disappeared into the growing darkness. The others tried to escape but met the same fate. Karin screamed, her voice barely audible over the cacophony.

She fell, tumbling beneath the crumbling floor, feeling debris rain down on her. She braced herself, expecting the worst. The weight of the rubble was suffocating, but somehow, when the dust settled, she was still alive, her body miraculously unharmed.

Coughing, Karin crawled from under the wreckage, her breath shallow. As she pulled herself upright, she froze. Standing amid the destruction, his blue eyes gleaming through dark shades, was Naruto. The land surrounding the building was completely decimated and flatten out.

"Thought you might need some saving," he said, his smug grin never wavering.

Karin blinked, still catching her breath. What… how did he— She stared, wide-eyed, disbelief and relief washing over her in equal measure. Her pulse quickened, and before she could stop herself, tears welled up in her eyes.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in mock surprise. "Are you crying, Karin? That's not very Uzumaki-like."

Karin quickly wiped her eyes, a flush creeping up her neck. "I'm not crying, idiot," she snapped, her voice thick with emotion she couldn't fully suppress.

Naruto's smirk deepened as he walked toward her, a lazy swagger in his step. "Good. Because I don't have time to babysit." He glanced around at the wreckage, his eyes scanning the collapsed structure with a detached interest. He raised his hand, and the rope binding her wrists was suddenly reduced to atoms. "There. Free to go."

Karin rubbed her wrists, relief flooding over her. "Thanks."

"Sure," Naruto replied, his tone casual. "We need to get back to the academy for that stupid test. I don't have time to waste on this nonsense."

Karin shot him a sharp look, a hint of disbelief in her expression. "Do you always have to be such a dick? You couldn't have acted like an empathetic person for more than two seconds?"

Naruto laughed. "It's a part of my charm. Plus, I need double the usual arrogance to keep our clan from falling off the political ladder while you're busy playing nurse." he paused, his gaze narrowing. "But seriously, what's the point of healing the weak? Patching up nobodies? Don't you have better things to do, like, I don't know, getting stronger or training?"

Karin's jaw tightened at his words but then she calmed herself, remembering that he was the only family she had left. "Not everything is about strength, Naruto," she said quietly. "Sometimes, it's about helping people, being kind, and sharing love. That's what makes a difference."

Naruto snorted, crossing his arms. "That's lame, and you know it. Strength is everything. Our clan was destroyed because they weren't strong enough."

Karin paused for a moment, then realized her relative still didn't get it. "Maybe you'll understand one day, Naruto."

"Maybe," he said, the skepticism in his voice thick. "But I didn't come here for a heart-to-heart. We've got those graduation exams to get through, and I'm not wasting any more time on this."

Karin didn't answer. She simply gave a small, knowing smile and finished helping the trapped person to their feet. "Fine. Let's go, then."

As she turned to leave, Naruto's expression shifted. He lowered his shades slightly, revealing one of his eyes—sharp and focused. A sudden stillness gripped him, his gaze shifting to the distance, toward the Ninja Academy. Karin noticed the change immediately, tension coiling in her gut.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice a whisper.

Naruto's lips curled into a smirk as he pushed his shades back up. "An opportunity," he said simply. "Looks like today just got a lot more fun."

KONOHA NINJA ACADEMY

The air around the academy was filled with excited chatter, buzzing with anticipation as the Jōnin veteran prepared to dismiss them.

"Alright, everyone. It's time to—" his eyes flicked upwards, narrowing as he saw something disturbing—a dark, black curtain slowly falling around the perimeter of the academy grounds. It was unnatural, moving like a shadowy shroud, cutting off the light and making it hard to see what lay beyond.

Shortly after he looked up, everyone noticed and pointed to the black 'veil' surrounding the school, encapsulating it and blotting out the blue sky, replacing it with a grey, dry, and oppressive sky.

"What the hell is that?" Kiba muttered, his voice tense as Akamaru barked nervously at the growing darkness.

Shikamaru's usual lazy expression hardened, his brow furrowing as he glanced up. "This looks like a drag but something's not right."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his sharp gaze trying to pierce through the dense veil. Riko instinctively moved behind Sasuke, her breath quickening.

"It'll be alright, just stay close to me," Sasuke stated, trying to calm her nerves.

Hinata's Byakugan activated instinctively, but even her vision seemed strained against the curtain's eerie obscurity. Ino and Choji exchanged worried glances, and Shino adjusted his glasses, trying to make sense of the situation. Iruka stepped forward, his stance protective as he scanned the area, trying to keep the students calm.

"What's going on?" Iruka's voice was a low rumble, but his protective stance betrayed the alarm rising within him. "Stay close to your teachers."

The Jōnin instructor, intent on investigating, took a step forward. But before he could react, a flash of movement—a blur, too fast to track—split the air. In an instant, the instructor was sliced in two, his body crumpling to the ground in a grotesque heap, blood spraying across the academy's now-silent courtyard.

Gasps rang out, some students frozen in place, others screaming in shock. Sasuke's hand instinctively reached for his kunai, his body tense and ready for whatever came next. The darkness loomed larger, encroaching further, blotting out the light entirely.

Riko, still behind Sasuke, held onto the back of his cloak, her fingers trembling.

From the thickening shadows emerged multiple figures—silhouettes draped in ominous black. Their calm, purposeful stride left no room for hesitation, and as they stepped over the lifeless body of the instructor, they spoke, their voice devoid of emotion but chilling nonetheless.

"You won't be going anywhere."

The words hung in the air, cold and final. The oppressive veil continued to close in around the academy, and with it, all sense of safety and security was swallowed. The only sound left was the beating of their hearts—the silence now deafening, suffocating, and full of dread.

/END OF CHAPTER/

Thanks be to God. It's been a while, my friends. I got busy with school and life so my time to write has been drastically cut down but I don't think I've forgotten about this story. I will finish it, even if it takes me a while. I hope the character interactions were okay in this chapter. I felt very rusty writing the dialogue and exploring character dynamics. Hopefully, I will get those skills back as this story is very ambitious (for fanfiction). Also, unlike last time this isn't going to be a copy-paste of JJK plot points into the Naruto universe. You'll have crossovers of other characters, but they won't be FULLY similar to their JJK counterparts. They may start that way but will develop in different directions (Example: Riko isn't going to die). Some parts are rushed or not as detailed as they can be. I lost the desire to fully flesh out everything as I want to move the story along and get to scenes that I've been waiting ages to write. But let me take some time to address Naruto (his characterization) as I feel like there are going to be some reviews moaning about his character. Naruto in these early chapters is supposed to be a big asshole. He's dismissive, arrogant, selfish, power-hungry, etc, etc, he's not supposed to be a good person (at this moment). His character arc is about him changing from this to someone who cares about others and learns how to love. He's the most difficult character to write for me in this story so hopefully I do the transformation justice. I want to set that straight before I see any braindead reviews, let your criticism just make it detailed, concise, and clear to help me understand what you're saying and improve if necessary. Nevertheless, thank you for reading, and may God guide your every step.

Ages (approximate range… I will probably forget so this should keep me accountable):

Konoha 12 – 14/15 years old

Team Guy – 15/16 years old

Sakuto, Kaito, Hanabi, Konohamaru, first-year academy students – 7/8 years old

Kaori – 17/18 years old

Hana – 21/22 years old

Sai – 17/18 years old

Kakashi – 26/27

Yūgao – 24/25

Asuma – 29/30

Kurenai – 29/30

Hiruzen – 70+

Naobito – 70+