Chapter 3 Unleashed
The atmosphere in the academy's training ground was unusually tense that day. Whispered rumors about Naruto's erratic behavior had spread like wildfire among the students and instructors alike. Nonetheless, Naruto, fueled by his secretive night practices and the cryptic warnings of Kurama, found himself more eager than before to push his limits.
As he stepped onto the training ground, his peers instinctively gave him a wide berth. Naruto's eyes, usually bright with defiance, now held a darker gleam of anticipation. He was testing a new sealing technique today, one he had concocted from fragmented knowledge and sheer intuition. It was riskier, possibly more powerful, and certainly more unstable.
"Uzumaki Naruto," called out the instructor, a stern woman named Toka, who eyed him with a mix of concern and curiosity. "You're up first for sparring."
Naruto nodded, stepping forward with a confident stride. His opponent, a sturdy boy named Daichi, looked visibly nervous. The rumors, it seemed, had reached everyone.
As they faced each other, Toka gave the signal to begin. Naruto wasted no time. He channeled a small fraction of Kurama's chakra, feeling the familiar fiery energy coursing through his veins, the seal on his stomach burning lightly under his shirt. His eyes flickered with red, a sign he was treading dangerously close to the beast's power.
Daichi attacked first, launching a series of well-practiced punches and kicks. Naruto dodged with unnatural speed, his movements a blur to the onlooking students. Whispers and gasps filled the air, but Naruto barely registered them.
He counterattacked, his fists charged with a glowing red chakra. Each strike he delivered was parried or dodged, but he was gradually herding Daichi towards the edge of the ring. Just as he prepared to deliver a chakra-infused push, the power surged uncontrollably.
The burst of energy that erupted from Naruto was not a push but a shockwave. It struck Daichi and sent him flying back with such force that he crashed into the training ground barrier, which trembled under the impact.
Silence fell over the training ground. All eyes were on Naruto, whose chest heaved with heavy breaths, his gaze fixed on Daichi, who lay groaning, thankfully conscious, against the barrier.
"Control, Naruto! You must learn control!" Toka shouted, rushing over to Daichi to assess his condition. She shot a worried look back at Naruto, who was still processing the raw power he had just unleashed.
Instead of concern, a thrill ran through Naruto. He had felt the beast's power at his fingertips, wild and formidable. It was terrifying and exhilarating.
"I…I'm fine," Daichi managed to say, aided by Toka as he stood up, wincing.
"This spar is over," Toka declared sternly, helping Daichi walk away. She then turned to Naruto. "We need to talk. Now."
In the instructor's office, Toka's expression was severe. "What happened out there?" she demanded.
Naruto's eyes were alight with a fierce energy. "I was trying a new technique," he confessed, not mentioning the Nine-Tails. "I didn't expect it to… explode like that."
"Explode? Naruto, you could have seriously hurt Daichi or worse. This isn't a game. These are your classmates," Toka scolded.
Naruto nodded, but his thoughts were elsewhere. The power had responded to his call; it was unruly, yes, but it was also potent. He needed to refine it, control it, not suppress it.
"I understand, sensei," he said, his voice low. "It won't happen again."
Toka eyed him dubiously. "See that it doesn't. We can't have incidents like this. You're here to learn, not to endanger others."
"Of course, sensei," Naruto replied, though his mind was already racing with ideas on how to harness the power more effectively.
As he left the office, the whispers resumed, now tinged with a mix of fear and awe. Naruto ignored them, his thoughts consumed by the possibilities. He walked back to the training area, replaying the moment of the explosion in his mind, analyzing every detail.
He spent the next few days secluded in his apartment, working feverishly on refining the seal. He sketched, calculated, and channeled small amounts of Kurama's chakra, each time a controlled experiment. The seal burned occasionally, a stark reminder of the danger, but Naruto was undeterred.
His next test was more calculated, conducted in the dead of night away from prying eyes. Naruto pressed a modified talisman to his palm, channeling chakra into it. This time, the energy swirled and condensed, forming a visible orb of red chakra that pulsated with power.
"Control," Naruto whispered to himself, focusing intently. The orb remained stable, and this time, when he released it, it shot forward and struck a tree, leaving a scorched mark but not annihilating it.
A slow smile spread across Naruto's face. "Progress," he murmured.
His confidence growing, Naruto decided it was time to test his improved skills under more rigorous conditions. The next academy sparring session would be his proving ground.
As he prepared for bed that night, Naruto couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. The power of the Nine-Tails was within his grasp, and he was beginning to master it. The fear others felt, the whispers, they were just signs that he was on the verge of something great.
And he couldn't wait to show them just how much he had grown.
The next morning
The following morning at the academy heralded a palpable tension that rippled through the air like an impending storm. Students milled about the training grounds, casting wary glances towards Naruto who stood isolated, his gaze fixed intently on the sparring mats. His recent outbursts and unpredictable power had become the stuff of whispered legends among his peers.
As the sparring matches began, Naruto's turn came up quickly. Today, his opponent was a well-regarded student named Haruto, known for his disciplined approach and strong defensive techniques. It was supposed to be a routine spar, a way for both students to demonstrate skill and control. However, as they faced each other, something dark flickered across Naruto's features, a sinister shadow that went unnoticed by the instructors overseeing the match.
"Begin!" the overseeing teacher announced, stepping back to observe.
Haruto moved first, launching a series of calculated strikes intended to test Naruto's defense. Naruto dodged with a fluidity that belied a disturbing calmness. His movements were sharp, almost predatory. Without warning, his eyes flashed crimson, and his hands morphed, nails elongating into claw-like keratin, a clear sign of Kurama's chakra surfacing.
The match shifted violently. Naruto countered, his attacks fueled by a brutal intensity that had not been there moments before. He struck Haruto with a ferocity that stunned onlookers, sending the boy reeling back with a force that left him gasping for air.
Haruto tried to regain his footing, but Naruto was relentless. He advanced, each strike more vicious than the last, each block driving Haruto closer to the edge of the ring—and to physical collapse. A sickening crack resounded as Naruto's clawed hand connected with Haruto's arm, bending it unnaturally.
A collective gasp rose from the crowd as Haruto fell, his body hitting the ground hard, blood blossoming across his uniform from multiple cuts. Naruto stood over him, breathing heavily, blood splattered across his face and hands. The transformation receded slightly, his nails retracting, but the crimson in his eyes burned brightly.
"Interesting," Naruto murmured, his voice laced with a dark curiosity. He lifted his hand, examining the blood that dripped down his claws, then, unthinkably, he licked it off with a slow, deliberate motion. "Very interesting."
The teachers were upon him then. One, a burly man named Jirobo, seized Naruto roughly, pulling him away from Haruto's prone form. "Enough!" he bellowed, shock and horror etched across his features.
Naruto didn't resist. His gaze remained fixed on Haruto, a small smile playing on his lips. "So, this is my strength," he commented softly, almost to himself, but loud enough for Jirobo to hear. The teacher's grip tightened, a mix of fear and disgust in his eyes.
"You're out of control, Naruto!" Jirobo snapped, dragging him towards the academy's detention room. Other teachers rushed to Haruto's aid, their expressions a blend of concern and disbelief.
Interrogation room
Tied up in the detention room, Naruto sat calmly, the rope around his wrists seeming more a formality than a restraint. His smile never waned, even as the teachers questioned him.
"Just having some fun," Naruto replied breezily when asked about his actions. "Got a little carried away, but don't worry. I'm getting used to it."
The severity of the situation prompted an immediate call to the Hokage. Within the hour, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, arrived, his expression grave.
"Naruto, what you did today..." Hiruzen began, his voice heavy with disappointment and concern.
"I know," Naruto interrupted, his voice casual, almost dismissive. "I nearly killed a student. But he'll breathe. He'll walk again. So, there's no real problem. Injuries are part of our life, aren't they?"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "This isn't just about injuries, Naruto. What you did was not the act of a shinobi. It was reckless and cruel."
Naruto met Hiruzen's gaze squarely, his own eyes still tinged with red. "You're right. It isn't right. But who cares if the results speak for themselves?"
The room fell silent, the tension thick. Hiruzen sighed deeply, the weight of his office and his affection for Naruto battling within him.
"This isn't just about controlling your power, Naruto. It's about controlling yourself. Your actions have consequences, ones that extend beyond just you."
Naruto laughed softly, a sound devoid of humor. "Consequences," he mused. "I'm ready for them. Are you?"
Hiruzen looked at the young ninja, his heart heavy. "I must consider what to do with you, Naruto. This... this isn't something I can overlook."
Naruto slowly turned his head, eyes glinting, not with fear, but amusement—bitter and sharp. "Oh no, you can't overlook this," he repeated, "but you could overlook every time I was mistreated. Every time they spat at me. Every time they raised their prices when I came to shop. You overlooked all of that."
The words hit like a kunai to the gut.
Hiruzen froze, as if a genjutsu had taken hold. "What… what do you mean?" he asked softly.
Naruto lifted his eyes to meet the Hokage's, and for a moment, they didn't seem like the eyes of a boy—they were cold, knowing, weary far beyond his years. "You want to talk about unacceptable? Let's talk about how a five-year-old had to fish to eat, because the vendor doubled the price of rice when he saw my face."
"Let's talk about how the ramen stand is the only place that sells to me without fear or disgust in their eyes. Let's talk about how I've been alone, hated, starved, and watched—all under your leadership. So don't act like this is the first time something's gone wrong."
The silence in the room was deafening. Hiruzen's hands trembled slightly as they clenched into fists. He closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and exhaled a long, shaky breath. "I… I see," he muttered. "I've been a fool."
He looked at Naruto again, eyes softening. "You said… some of the shopkeepers have been overcharging you? Can you remember who?"
Naruto tilted his head, a cruel smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "The whole village."
That answer made Hiruzen flinch. He knew, in part, the truth of those words. He had always assumed it was mild. Harsh stares, some whispering behind Naruto's back—but never this. Never open hostility. He had trusted the village… to be better.
"I think it's time for us to have a talk," the Hokage said at last. He knelt beside the boy, carefully undoing the ropes from Naruto's wrists. "Come. Sit."
Naruto sat down across from him, cross-legged on the wooden floor, as if nothing unusual had occurred. His face remained stoic, but he watched the old man carefully, like a cat waiting for the next movement from its prey.
Hiruzen laced his fingers together in front of him and looked into Naruto's eyes. "Do you know… why the village hates you?"
Naruto nodded slowly. "I already know."
Hiruzen blinked in surprise. "You… do?"
"I've known for a while," Naruto said flatly. "The Nine-Tailed Fox is sealed inside of me. I carry the beast that almost destroyed this place. I've read enough between the lines. And… he told me himself."
"What do you mean he told you?" Hiruzen asked, leaning forward, eyes narrowing.
Naruto shrugged. "We had a little chat. Kurama—that's his name, by the way. Not 'beast.' Not 'thing.' He's not thrilled with me. Kinda wants to kill me, actually."
"You've… spoken to the Nine-Tails?" Hiruzen repeated, his voice edged with disbelief.
"Yes. He's not very quiet these days," Naruto said, chuckling darkly. "Wasn't exactly tea and cookies, but we had words."
A knot formed in the Hokage's stomach. If Naruto could communicate with Kurama, then that meant the seal was destabilizing. A wave of dread washed over him.
"Was… that why today happened?" he asked, his voice more cautious now. "Your outburst. The violence. Was it… the Fox?"
Naruto looked thoughtful for a moment. Then he nodded slowly. "I think so. His chakra influenced me. Made me lose control." The lie was smooth, practiced even. He had rehearsed it in his mind a dozen times before this conversation. He had enjoyed every second of that fight, but he wasn't about to admit that—not yet.
Hiruzen sighed and leaned back slightly. "Then… this wasn't your fault. It's the seal. It's leaking. If the influence is affecting your emotions this much already, we may have a serious problem."
He wiped a hand across his brow, sweat collecting under the brim of his hat. "We'll need to reinforce the seal. I'll call someone—Jiraiya, perhaps. Or a sealing team from ANBU."
Naruto tilted his head, amused. "So I nearly kill someone, and now you're finally worried?"
"You're carrying a threat to the entire village inside of you," Hiruzen replied grimly. "It's not about worry, Naruto. It's about responsibility."
Naruto stared at the ceiling for a moment. "Thank you… for actually doing something," he said finally, his voice quieter, more sincere.
The old Hokage blinked, caught off guard. "You're… welcome."
"I mean it," Naruto added. "Everyone else ignores me. You're the only one even pretending to care."
There was silence again. Then Naruto straightened up and asked casually, "So… do I go back to class? Or am I being banished to my apartment again?"
Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I think it's best if you take the day off. Actually… take the week. Don't strain yourself too much. I'll send someone to evaluate the seal tomorrow morning."
Naruto blinked, surprised by the leniency. "The whole week, huh? That's new."
Hiruzen nodded. "And I'll make sure you're given some extra spending money for your trouble. We'll talk to the store owners too. If anyone overcharges you again, I want you to come straight to me."
Naruto smiled faintly. "You're actually going to punish them?"
"Yes," the Hokage said, his voice resolute. "It's time this village was reminded that their hatred cannot outweigh their humanity."
Naruto stood slowly. "Thanks, old man. That's… better than I expected."
"I'll walk you out," Hiruzen said, rising with a soft grunt.
As Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, escorted Naruto out of the academy building, they were joined by Jirobo and Toka, two of the instructors who had been deeply involved in monitoring Naruto's recent activities.
Hiruzen spoke with a grave tone, his words directed at Jirobo and Toka. "Naruto will be absent for a week for a thorough examination and observation. I need both of you to quell any concerns among the students and make sure no rumors escalate in his absence."
Toka, always perceptive and concerned, nodded understandingly. "Of course, Lord Hokage. We'll ensure the students remain focused on their training."
Jirobo, whose stern face rarely gave away his thoughts, added gruffly, "And if we're to continue sparring sessions, should we take any special precautions?"
"Yes," Hiruzen confirmed, glancing sideways at Naruto, whose expression was unreadable. "Naruto should spar only with one of the instructors for the time being. It seems he has... a special need for our guidance."
Naruto remained silent, his gaze fixed on the gravel path as they walked. When they reached the school gates, Hiruzen paused, placing a gentle hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Take this time seriously, Naruto. Use it to understand yourself and the power you wield. It's not just about control; it's about understanding."
Naruto nodded, a faint smile cracking his usual stoic demeanor. "Understood, old man. I'll do... whatever it takes."
With those parting words, Naruto stepped outside the gates and made his way to a familiar spot—the swing set near the academy. He sat down, the rope tightened slightly under his weight. To any passerby, he looked like a sad, lonely child. Internally, however, his mind was racing.
They know about Kurama now. Big deal. I had to make an excuse. Got careless, he mused, thinking back to the blood of his opponent that had sprayed during the spar. His smile widened, remembering the surge of power. Okay, but now, let's see what I can really do with this chakra.
Naruto placed a hand on his stomach, fingertips brushing against the seal that contained the mighty Nine-Tails. With a concentrated effort, he tried to channel a small amount of the fox's chakra, to tap into that immense reservoir just briefly.
The seal heated up, a sharp, intense warmth that made him wince, but it wasn't unbearable. The chakra flowed, a torrent of power that filled him, lighting up his veins with fire and fury for a mere few seconds before the seal flashed brightly and extinguished the flow.
"Damn," he muttered under his breath. The seal had burned out too quickly, but it hadn't hurt him. Progress, he thought.
As he swung gently, his mind churned with possibilities. What if I could harvest Kurama's chakra into another seal? Place it on someone else? Would it corrupt them? Make them lose control?
The idea was tantalizing. The ultimate weapon was not just the fox's power, but the ability to bestow it upon others, to create chaos at a whim. But the brief surge of power he'd experienced was also revealing, it made him angrier, more violent, yet he remained in control. Either he hadn't accessed enough chakra, or the influence was only partially effective on him.
Naruto let out a deep sigh, slowing the swing to a stop. He was nowhere near mastering this. The complexities of the seal, the unpredictable nature of the chakra, and his own limited understanding of sealing techniques, all these were barriers he needed to overcome.
Maybe I need more than just brute force, he pondered. Maybe I need finesse. Precision. Maybe I need to study more, learn more about seals, about Kurama, about everything.
The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the playground. Naruto stood up, dusting off his pants. The week ahead would be critical. He had time, resources, and, thanks to the Third's intervention, a bit of room to breathe.
As he walked back towards his apartment, his steps were measured, his eyes focused.
Apartment
Naruto's apartment was quiet as he entered, the silence a stark contrast to the chaos of his thoughts. He shut the door behind him with a soft click and moved toward his bed, pulling the ancient Uzumaki clan scroll from his pocket. Unrolling it carefully on his bed, he contemplated the wealth of forbidden knowledge inked upon the parchment. Despite his extensive study, he felt he only grasped a fraction of its depth.
"There's a lot of knowledge here," Naruto mused aloud, his fingers tracing the intricate symbols and formulas. "But maybe I need to find more. I've got one piece of the puzzle, now I need to find the rest."
His eyes fell on a section about seals applied directly to the body. He had pored over this part time and again, yet the full understanding eluded him. "Maybe I need to learn more about the body," he thought, a plan beginning to form in his mind.
As a student, he did have access to the Hidden Leaf Village's grand library, which housed an extensive collection of texts on all ninja arts, including medical ninjutsu. The thought of using medical knowledge not just for healing, but to enhance his ability to apply precise, controlled damage sparked a new curiosity in him.
Smiling, Naruto stood up, a new resolve lighting his features. "This could work. Learning to heal could be useful. And knowing more about the human body could definitely help at night," he pondered, his mind racing with the possibilities of combining medical ninjutsu with his sealing techniques.
With a plan in mind, Naruto grabbed his temporary ninja ID from the drawer, a card given to all ninja trainees, and headed out to the village's grand library. The cool evening air felt refreshing as he made his way through the quiet streets, his steps quick with anticipation.
The library
Upon reaching the library, Naruto presented his ID to the librarian at the entrance. She took it, peering at the card through her glasses. After a brief inspection, she frowned. "This says it's expired," she remarked, handing it back to him.
Naruto grabbed the ID, his eyes scanning the date. It was still valid. An idea flashed through his mind—a mischievous plan to ensure his entry. He feigned a shocked expression, leaning closer. "Oh my god," he exclaimed loudly enough for others to hear. "What did you say? I have the Demon Fox inside of me? I gotta go tell the old man!"
The librarian's eyes widened in horror, realizing the implications of Naruto's words. If the Third Hokage thought she was responsible for revealing such a secret, her position, even her life, might be in jeopardy.
Coughing into her hand, she quickly corrected herself. "Oh, I'm sorry, I don't have my reading glasses. You're good to go," she stammered, waving him through hastily.
Naruto's smile widened, victorious. "That's what I'd like to see," he murmured as he passed the desk, entering the vast rows of bookshelves.
Navigating the library's labyrinthine aisles, Naruto felt a mix of determination and isolation. The staff, recognizing him, offered no assistance, their faces twisted in barely concealed disdain. This was nothing new for Naruto; he had long since learned to rely only on himself in the face of the village's cold shoulder.
Undeterred, Naruto scoured the shelves, his eyes darting from title to title until he found what he was seeking: texts on the human chakra system and medical ninjutsu. Despite the staff's attitude, he checked out the books he needed, their sneers fueling his resolve rather than deterring it.
Back at his apartment, Naruto spread the books out before him, diving into the complex diagrams and dense explanations about the body's chakra pathways and how they could be manipulated for healing, or harm. The information was complex, involving detailed descriptions of chakra flow and cellular interactions, but Naruto absorbed it eagerly. The potential applications of this knowledge were vast, and he understood that mastering it could give him an edge he desperately needed.
Realizing he needed a more practical understanding, Naruto decided to start with basic experiments. He needed something to practice on, something less risky than a human subject. Remembering the river nearby, he decided fish would be suitable test subjects for his initial trials. They were simple enough to handle and would provide a good foundation for his chakra control exercises.
He made his way to the river, the fresh air clearing his head as he set up by the bank with a makeshift tank, just a large, water-filled container he had brought along. Catching the fish was easy; manipulating them with chakra, however, was not. He needed to apply just enough chakra to sustain the fish out of water without harming them. It was a delicate balance, one that required precise control and concentration.
Day after day, Naruto practiced at the riverbank, his eyes focused, his brow furrowed in concentration. Passersby gave him curious glances, but he paid them no mind. His experiments gradually showed progress; the fish began to survive longer periods out of water under his careful chakra manipulation.
This was no small feat. Keeping a fish alive on dry land, even for a few minutes, demonstrated a level of chakra control that many seasoned medical ninja would find challenging. Naruto felt a surge of pride but tempered it with the knowledge that he was only scratching the surface.
One week after he started, Naruto managed to keep a fish alive on dry land for an extended period. The breakthrough was exhilarating. He watched as the fish, enveloped in a gentle chakra cocoon, gilled peacefully despite the absence of water. It was a testament to his growing skill and understanding of medical ninjutsu.
However, the idea of using human test subjects lingered in the back of his mind. He chuckled darkly at the thought of 'volunteers' from the academy. "Maybe one day," he mused aloud, "but for now, this is enough."
His success with the fish confirmed that he was ready for more complex studies, perhaps even moving on to larger, more complex organisms. But he knew the ethics of such experiments were murky at best. For now, he was content to push the boundaries of what he could achieve on his own, without risking the wrath of the village, or worse, causing real harm.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the river, Naruto packed up his equipment. He left the riverside with a new sense of purpose and power. Each step back to his apartment was light, filled with the potential of what he could achieve next. The knowledge he had gained wasn't just a tool for survival, it was a weapon, one that he would wield with precision and, when necessary, without mercy. As he closed the door behind him, the books on his desk awaited, brimming with secrets yet to be unlocked. And Naruto, with a mind sharp as a kunai, was ready to delve deeper.
The third's office
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind the grand oak desk in his office, his expression clouded with worry. It had been a week since he had sent word to Jiraiya, one of his most trusted shinobi and an old student, to return to the village urgently. Yet, there had been no response, no indication of his whereabouts or intentions. Each passing day deepened Hiruzen's concern—not just for Jiraiya's safety but also for the situation brewing with Naruto.
Naruto had been seen practicing by the river, seemingly harmless medical jutsu, according to reports from the Anbu operative Hiruzen had discreetly assigned to watch over him. Yet, the Third Hokage couldn't shake off a gnawing sense of unease. If Jiraiya were here, he could perhaps offer a fresh perspective on Naruto's training, or better yet, help reinforce the boy's seal himself.
Muttering under his breath about unreliable Sannin, Hiruzen pushed away from his desk, deciding that fretting in his office would do no good. He needed a break, a moment to gather his thoughts and perhaps a bit of solace to calm his nerves.
The village at dusk was quieter, the streets bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Hiruzen made his way to a small, nondescript bar known for its discretion and quality sake. As he entered, the familiar, warm scent of roasted barley and wood smoke was a small comfort.
He had just settled at the bar and ordered a drink when a raucous laughter broke through the relative calm of the evening. It was a laugh he knew all too well, accompanied by the disgruntled shouts of a waitress. Turning his head, Hiruzen's eyes narrowed at the sight.
Jiraiya, his wayward student, was indeed back in the village, very much alive and indulging in his less commendable habits, drinking, gambling, and flirting outrageously with several young women at a corner table.
Hiruzen's relief at seeing him safe was quickly overshadowed by irritation. He stood, his robes of office swishing softly as he approached the table where Jiraiya was currently entertaining—or more aptly, harassing, a group of clearly unimpressed waitresses.
"Jiraiya," Hiruzen called out sharply, his voice cutting through the noise like a kunai through silk.
Jiraiya looked up, his grin faltering slightly as he caught sight of his old teacher. "Ah, sensei!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of feigned cheer and genuine surprise. "What brings you to such a humble establishment?"
Hiruzen's gaze was stern. "I might ask you the same, considering the urgent message I sent you a week ago. Why haven't you responded?"
Scratching the back of his head, Jiraiya offered a sheepish look. "Well, about that... I was doing some... research." He gestured loosely at the giggling women beside him.
"Yes, heavy research, I can see. Enough to save what, exactly?" Hiruzen's tone was dry, his patience thin.
Jiraiya's expression turned serious, a rare shift from his usual frivolity. "Actually, sensei, I was tracking a lead on Orochimaru. I thought if I could find out where he's been lurking, we could get ahead of whatever scheme he's concocting."
Hiruzen paused, processing the information. Despite his antics, Jiraiya was a formidable shinobi with a network of informants that rivaled any intelligence unit in the village. "And? What have you found?"
"Not as much as I'd hoped," Jiraiya admitted, his face clouding over. "He's slippery, that one. But I have a few leads I'm still pulling on. I didn't want to return without something solid."
Hiruzen sighed, his anger subsiding into weary concern. "Your leads can wait. Right now, there's a more pressing issue at hand. Naruto is... experimenting. With the seal."
Jiraiya's posture stiffened, his usual joviality gone. "Naruto? What's he doing with the seal?"
"He's been trying to manipulate it, tap into the Nine-Tails' chakra for his jutsu practices. He's been successful to a disturbing degree," Hiruzen explained, watching Jiraiya closely.
The mention of Naruto experimenting with such dangerous powers visibly alarmed Jiraiya. "That's... not good. Not good at all. That seal wasn't designed for a kid to tamper with. It's delicate, unstable…"
"Yes, I know," Hiruzen interjected. "Which is why I need you back, not just for your information on Orochimaru but to help guide Naruto. Before he does something that cannot be undone."
Jiraiya nodded, his expression now somber. "I understand, sensei. I'll head to the academy first thing tomorrow. We need to assess how far he's gone and stabilize that seal."
Hiruzen clapped a hand on Jiraiya's shoulder, grateful despite his frustrations. "Thank you, Jiraiya. And try to keep your... research in check."
Jiraiya grinned, a flicker of his usual humor returning. "No promises, but I'll do my best."
Author's Notes:
Thank you all for reading and supporting this story, it seriously means the world to me. I'm having a blast writing it, and I'm glad you're enjoying the darker take on Naruto. As we move forward, I just want to give a heads-up: we're going to be doing some significant time skips throughout the years, so don't expect any romance right away. Naruto will be focusing on his development, mentally, physically, and emotionally, until around graduation. Once he reaches that point, that's when the romance will start coming into play.
Now, onto the fun part, pairings! I've already locked in one of the girls who'll be part of Naruto's future relationships. I won't say who just yet (I'm keeping that a secret for now), but there are still three more slots open. Some suggestions have been really interesting. One that came up was Kaguya, which I wasn't sure about at first, but I'm leaning toward doing a reincarnation twist. She wouldn't start out overpowered, more like a shadow of her former self, slowly regaining her strength (if Naruto doesn't take that power for himself first). I think that dynamic could be fun and tense.
Other suggestions I really liked include Tayuya, who fits thematically with this version of Naruto, someone with a sharp tongue and dark history. There's also the idea of using one of the monster girls from Legend of the Stone of Gelel, which honestly could be a cool world-building opportunity since those characters are super underrated. And a friend brought up Fubuki Kakuyoku from the first Naruto movie, the ice-style kunoichi. She's got that cool (pun intended) aesthetic and a lot of untapped potential in fan works. And of course, there's always Ayame, the ramen girl, who I think could offer a grounding, almost domestic contrast to the rest of the cast.
So to sum it up: four slots total, one is already chosen, and three are still open. I haven't made my final decision yet, so I'm open to feedback! Let me know what you think about Kaguya, Tayuya, the Gelel monster girl, Fubuki, or Ayame, and feel free to drop more suggestions too!