Fixed the format issue on this one as well. I guess I saved it wrong and it screwed up the layout.
Flames erupted into a massive fireball explosion: birds chirped in fear and flew away for safety. Smoke trailed heavily into the air.
Naruto backflipped out of the brush he was hiding in, the bells jingling as he slid to a stop. There was brief silence, the jonin kept a watchful eye for the others. He waited for them to attack him. This was their drill after all.
Another fireball burned through the vegetation, causing another explosion. Naruto dashed around the flames, his natural speed outmaneuvering the fire.
Dozens of shuriken appeared through the flames, making Katsuro lose his balance and fall off the branch he perched on. He was able to correct himself and land on his feet. Before he could try and regroup, his master appeared before him.
"Sorry, Katsuro. You're done."
"Oh, darn it."
The boy wasn't bothered at all. Something was up.
A massive log came flying down like a trap, causing Naruto to jump away before being crushed. Katsuro tossed down a pair of smoke bombs to cover his escape.
Not bad. Good strategy.
Konohamaru and Katsuro stood side by side. A united front against their opposition. "Look, Katsuro. Four o'clock."
"I got 'em."
A third flurry of hand seals. Katsuro's proficiency with his clan's techniques was improving greatly. Fire gathered in the young Uchiha's mouth.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
The flames consumed all things, burning it all to ash. By the genin's eyes, the fireball consumed their master. They believed they had won their bout, despite the objective being to get the bells.
"Almost had me there."
The two heads dropped instantly; disappointment clear as day. The jonin pulled a kunai out from the brush. He had tossed it earlier without either of them realizing it.
"Oh c'mon..." Katsuro groaned.
Konohamaru was equally frustrated. "Sensei, that's not fair! Using that technique total outmatches us!"
"That's the point, Konohamaru. If you can't get the bells by beating me fair and square, how do you expect to beat anyone out there?"
Naruto felt pride in his students. Throughout the thirty-day confinement, he expected more push back from them over their third teammate. These two wanted to see the world, forge their own paths. But they took the time to refine skills and learn new skills.
You two have grown. I'm proud.
Speaking of the third teammate.
It was a quick deflect with his knife. The shuriken bounced off into the brush.
Her timing has gotten better.
Kai dropped out of nowhere, attacking with her newly acquired weapon. A tip-less tanto blade. Naruto and his student engaged in a high paced fight with their blades.
"This is new."
"I've been saving it for even we did the bell test again. Because today is the day we finally get those bells!"
There's been a strategy this whole time. That's why there were only two at first.
It was like a dance; sparks flew with each clash. Naruto opted to dodge Kai's strikes rather than block them. He was downplaying his skill to match her level of swordplay, which he had to admit was above what a genin should have.
Someone was teaching her. And for her to have this kind of skill at her age, they were extremely proficient with it.
A kunai knife with a paper bomb flew past his head, barely slicing a hair off his head. The explosion erupted behind Naruto as he leapt away. His landing was interrupted by dozens more paper bombs that were laid on the ground.
This is where the Flying Raijin came in most handy.
For normal shinobi, unless one had the ability to shield themselves from sequencing explosions or the tactful mind to figure out an escape, this would be the end. It was apparent that his students learned from pervious bell tests to finally fight for real.
Their teamwork has truly improved. Preplaced explosive tags are smart.
The three-pronged kunai pierced into the branch; Naruto appeared with it thereafter. The heat from the explosion felt like a roaring flame. All three of his students surrounded him like wolves.
"It seems like you three are finally getting serious about these tests. Took ya a few times."
"We're just serious about winning!"
It was a coordinated attack. All three came in from different directions. It was truly something to watch. It felt rehearsed but that meant his team was practicing without him. They are beginning to be a more cohesive team.
"We got you this time, sensei!"
Konohamaru was the attacker. He had the best taijutsu out of all three. Kai and Katsuro used him as a diversion to get in close for better, more precise attacks. Similarly, Katsuro used his Sharingan to predict Naruto's movements, eyeing the best angle for a swipe at the bells. He used ninjutsu the best, and it wasn't even close. And, at the end of it all, Kai was the best all-around fighter. She fit in and handled the rest where the other two lacked. No shockingly, she was the one that was able to graze the bells with her fingertips.
They're learning that with teamwork, they are much stronger than just by themselves. Not bad kids.
But they still had a long way to go before they would ever get the bells.
Naruto quickly dispatched them one by one, sending them in different directions. Their teamwork has improved greatly, yet there were still flaws.
In the blink of an eye, even faster than that, Naruto appeared behind each of them with clones. Kunai knives drawn to their throats.
"You're done. Game over."
The three Genin couldn't believe it. They had him perfectly in place for the win. And he still beat them.
"H-How?" Konohamaru stuttered.
"When did you mark us?" Kai questioned.
"Your three-on-one attack was very well coordinated. Together, you'd definitely be able to fight against a chunin. But, when against a superior opponent, there can be no wasted movements. I was able to mark you all in the midst of battle."
It was as if lightbulbs flickered on: the realization of how their sensei beat them. Naruto wasn't simply dodging their attacks because he could but because he was waiting for the perfect moment to counter and mark them with his jutsu formula. While they thought they were thinking one step ahead, Naruto was already three steps ahead of them.
Naruto Namikaze was in a master class of his own. Mere genin couldn't touch him. Simple chunin couldn't graze him. And seasoned jonin couldn't challenge him. Even the Sannin combined were considered weaker.
The bells jingled as they hung from his belt loop. "You were a lot closer to getting the bells this time."
"Last time we did get them!" Konohmaru shouted. "It was just off your stupid clone!"
"I don't see them hanging from your beltloop."
The Sarutobi heir, for once, had nothing to say.
Katsuro just sunk into his disappointment. "Man...I thought we really had you this time. We spent all week preparing for this."
"That's good. Preparation is the key to winning any battle. The more you prepare and train, the better you'll be."
Kai dusted herself off, getting used to the sting of defeat to her master. "I touched the bells this time, at least."
Naruto smiled. "That, you did, Kai." His eyes rested on the tanto that was strapped to her shoulder. "So...what's the deal with the new tool? Took on a new hobby?"
"...Yeah, something like that." Kai stated nonchalantly. "It's been a new interest of mine."
The smile disappeared. His hunch was correct. Kai was being taught by someone in their off time. In Konoha Regulation, there is nothing wrong with training with other shinobi. In fact, it's encouraged. But it was in the regulation to inform the sensei of the genin.
Naruto wasn't a stickler for the rules, for obvious reasons, but he would like to know if one of his students is receiving extra training from another entity. He felt a bit disrespected.
"Yeah, when do you have the time for that, Kai? We've been running those stupid D-Rank missions and training drills morning, noon, and night for the last month!"
"I make time." The girl simply stated.
Short answers. Seemed to have a shorter temper. Naruto didn't like this. There was something else going on. Perhaps he would need to speak to her privately.
"...Well, I'd say congratulations are in order. We made it through this month. Even though it was my punishment, you three took it in stride. Thank you for that. I couldn't be prouder. I think some type of reward is in order. Tomorrow morning when I have my meeting with Lord Hokage, I'll push for a good mission."
"Good mission?" Katsuro perked up, hoping that meant seeing more of the world.
"Can we please get out of the village?!" Konohamaru groaned. "I need a change of scenery."
Naruto smirked. "I've been hearing some rumors about a document transfer mission between us and one of our allies, Amegakure. It would be a great opportunity for us. Don't you think?"
Both Konohamaru and Katsuro jolted with excitement. After a grueling month of mind-numbing, simplistic missions, they were ready for a real challenge again. They needed the thrill of a fresh mission, and nothing to do with painting fences or chasing cats. And despite her newfound sternness, Kai was ready for a change of pace as well.
"I'll follow up with you three sometime tomorrow. For now, take the rest of the day. But Kai, a word please."
As the two were left alone, there was growing tension.
"What is it, sensei?"
"Those were some impressive skills with that tanto. Tell me, where did you acquire such a weapon? And the time to properly train with it?"
"I make time, sensei. I've been doing a lot of extra training with my dad in my off time. He's been hard on me, but it's paid off." She pulled out the blade to show her mentor. "This was his blade."
Naruto examined the blade. Kai was a better liar than Naruto expected. He almost believed her.
"Kai...just tell me the truth. Please, it will save us both the trouble. What's going on here?"
"...Am I in trouble?"
"No. It's just customary that when a genin begins learning from another sensei, they need to let their current sensei know. It's not a rule or written anywhere, it's just a common courtesy."
"...I'm not allowed to say." She said, dejectedly. "I was told to say it was my dad teaching me to avoid suspicion."
That truly was not the answer that Naruto was expecting to hear. "You can't tell me?"
The girl responded with a simple shake of her head.
"And why is that?"
"Because I instructed her not to."
Emerging from the nearby brush, Danzō approached with guards in tow. His cane digging into the grass with each step.
"Lord Danzō? What are you doing out here?"
"Am I not allowed to watch my granddaughter participate in a training drill?"
For the first time in his life, Naruto could say that he was completely shocked. "G-Granddaughter?!" The instructor turned to his student. "Why didn't you tell me, Kai?"
The girl said nothing. She was feeling ashamed for lying.
"Because it was not your purview, Jonin Namikaze." Danzō said with conviction, stepping in for his granddaughter's lack of a backbone. "My granddaughter's training outside of your team drills is none of your concern. You are to teach them the basics of a shinobi and the needed skills to keep them alive during missions. You teach them to be a soldier. Outside of that, it is up to the students to learn from different masters to broaden their horizons."
"It is also the job of a jonin instructor to guide their students through their shinobi career and help them with the struggles of being a shinobi. I'm more than just a simple instructor. And they're kids, sir, not soldiers."
"They are whatever they Konoha needs them to be." Danzō stoically stood with his granddaughter. "This is your formal notice, per Konoha regulation, for a student learning from another instructor. Also, per regulation, she does not have to discuss her training with you. This will be the only time you are informed. Keep it that way."
Danzō, with his bodyguards in tow, left the training grounds. Kai remained, expecting to be chewed out by her instructor.
"So...Warhawk is your grandpa?" Never in a million years would he have guessed that.
Kai nervously chuckled. It felt odd to be related to someone with such reputation. "Yeah, I guess so. I had no idea until a few weeks ago. And, of course, my dad never said anything about it to me."
"Well, there was probably a reason. Danzo has quite the list when it comes to enemies. Your relation was probably kept secret to keep you safe." Naruto stated from experience.
A realization set in. Maybe there was another reason why she was chosen to be the jinchuriki. Danzō...did you offer your granddaughter for this?
Something that he would need to confirm. He hoped this wasn't another lie from the Hokage.
"Look Kai, I don't have a problem with you getting extra training. I, actually, implore you to do so. Just don't keep it a secret. Secrets only end up hurting you and your loved ones in the end."
"...I understand, sensei."
Truthfully, she didn't. This wasn't her sensei's business nor was her status as a jinchuriki was to her teammates. If she wanted to tell them, she would.
The Nine-Tails was her burden to carry, not theirs.
Naruto smiled. "Now, let's go get some ramen. Just you and I."
How could Kai say no?
-Outside Bamboo Village-
The head of the notorious bounty hunter rolled unceremoniously across the dirt, stopping at the feet of his apprentice. Blood and dirt mixed once again. Haku could only shutter in fear at the speed of which it all happened.
Haku blinked and his master was decapitated.
Zabuza had always told him that he had the potential to become one of the fastest shinobi to ever exist. Haku's natural speed was virtually unmatched because of how he could travel between his ice mirrors. While it felt slow to him; it was unbelievably fast to the naked eye of those who were trapped in his ice dome.
Haku thought he had the ultimate technique to serve Zabuza, to be his tool like he dreamed of.
But then, Naruto Namikaze came along.
Naruto was the first to, not only counter his technique but, to complete nullify Haku's tactics within the mirror dome. A completely impenetrable dome shield to block all attacks? That wasn't something Haku could predict.
Who could predict something like that?
There isn't another shinobi like him, Haku. I won't lie to you; I don't see us both coming out of this alive. I'll do my best to make sure you live but be prepared for what could happen.
"...H-How?"
Naruto was relaxed, unfazed by the act of violence he just committed. "I marked Zabuza's sword back in the warehouse just in case. You never know what kind of situations will arise."
"Y-You planned this far in advanced?!"
Shrugging, Naruto advanced. "Not particularly like this. I just marked a tool that I knew he used often and, if ever needed, I could use it to my advantage. Like what I just did, disarm him, or pull someone out harm's way."
Haku shakily stepped back. "P-Please spare me!"
"...I wish I could. But I can't take the chance of my presence out here. It needs to stay a secret."
"I won't tell a soul! I swear!"
Naruto towered over Haku. The fear drowning Haku into paralysis. It wasn't the presence of the man or even his ability that terrified him.
"...Sorry, kid."
It was his legend. The myth of Naruto Namikaze, the Chain Master.
Haku understood why his master was so afraid. The same fear was the last thing that passed through Haku's mind as the darkness took over. It was swift and surprisingly painless. Haku hoped Naruto did that purposefully.
As the life drained from his enemy, Naruto wondered if what he had done was the right thing. He often struggled with the idea of killing his opponents. He never enjoyed ending the life of his enemy, nor did he think it was unjust. Naruto had something to fight for, something that he needed to protect.
And if that meant ending his adversary's life to protect those precious, then that is what Naruto would do.
Alright, no more moral compass crisis. Gotta catch up to those guys.
-Konoha, undisclosed location-
"I would say the mission went without a hitch...for the most part."
The masked operative nodded slightly. "The Sannin was an unexpected disturbance. But, as luck would have it, you have turned into a huge asset. When the time is right, the Toad Sage will help us greatly."
The leader would agree. It was the biggest reason why he used his ability to turn him over to their side. There were not many that could stand against the power of one of the Sannin.
Except one of the other Sannin, for that matter.
"Have you spoken to Orochimaru? What is his stance with the Hokage?"
"Indifferent, as always. The Hokage only keeps him around for 'off-record' tasks. Jiraiya and Orochimaru operated similarly in that regard. Only Tsunade has ever openly pledged allegiance to him."
"Will she be a problem, do you think?"
"No, sir. She is strictly the Medical Director for the hospital now. I believe she gave up fighting years ago when her younger brother died." The operative was confident in his words. "I do not believe she will be an issue."
"Very good."
The leader was overjoyed. This had been years, decades, in the making. Every detail was plotted out, no stones were left unturned. Patience held strong against the angst of frustration and greed.
But now, everything was coming into focus. The manifestation of his idea that came from nothing was now something tangible, obtainable. There were no more distractions. No more roadblocks.
"What of Namikaze? Has he been approached? The relationship between him and the Hokage has been stressed, to say the least, as of late. You, of all people, would know that." The masked operative needed to know the status of that man. "He could be the linchpin in all of this."
The leader hummed. "The thought has crossed my mind more than once. Naruto is...special. You know it. I know it. The whole damn world knows it. Any attempt made on Konoha's livelihood will eventually end because of him. Logically, bringing him in close is the safest option...but also, the costliest."
The operative said nothing. Hearing the leader talk about Naruto Namikaze in such a way was odd, he held nothing but respect for the Chain Master. All his life, there was never a negative thing said about Naruto Namikaze, even when compared to him.
"Namikaze will be our biggest adversary when our plans our implemented. Despite our strengths, it will be extremely difficult to overcome his power. In my experience, when dealing with such an opponent, it is best to break him mentally rather than physically."
"How do you intend to do that?"
"Well, for starters, his mentor is now under our control. There is a chance he won't raise a hand against him in battle. But the ace in the hole for us is the most important person to him. We take her away from him..."
"...Are you referring to Ino Yamanaka?"
The leader nodded. "I've seen it personally. There is an unbelievable amount of love and admiration. I compare it to Kushina and Minato. He has not had an easy life, but Naruto Namikaze has made the most of the hand he was dealt."
"What are you saying, though? Would you...kill Ino?"
"...If it came to that, it would be a difficult decision. But, in the name of the mission, I would sanction it."
The masked operative said nothing, coming to terms with the stakes of all this. From birth, this has been his whole purpose. All the grueling training, the sleepiness nights, everything he had done was for the sole purpose of seeing his father's mission to the end. Even now, he had no idea what came after the takeover.
Was it world domination?
Keep control over the village?
He never dared to question. He was indoctrinated to not speak out against anything.
But now, with thousands of lives at stake, questions and doubts soaked in where they had not been before.
-With Team Thirteen-
"I see you've completely your disciplinary period for D-Rank missions, Team Thirteen." The Hokage couldn't hide the smirk under his pipe. "I am proud to see you take the punishment in stride and knuckle down for it."
"Hooah, sir!" Katsuro yelled out.
"It wasn't easy, but we knew we could do it as a team." Kai smiled.
"C'mon gramps. Was there any doubt?"
"Only for you, Kono."
The two genin stifled a laugh at their comrade's expense, even Naruto held back a chuckle.
"Now, there are some missions that need to be completed. I've got a list for them." The Hokage handed the list over to his assistant, who handed it over to Naruto. "Chose which ones you'd like."
A quick glance. "Where's the document transfer to Ame? That was supposed to be on the list for today."
"How do you know about that?" Shikamaru questioned instantly. "That's an A-Rank mission. That is not available to genin."
"I have the closest relationship with Amegakure. Why shouldn't me and my team be assigned?"
"You were just removed from disciplinary status." The Hokage stated. "That does not warrant such a high-level mission. Besides, that mission already has been assigned."
"To who?"
"Classified."
Naruto knew this was the Hokage's way of continuing the punishment. For years, Naruto and Jiraiya have been the liaisons for Amegakure. Their village leader did not trust Konoha outside of Naruto and Jiraiya.
"You know better than to send someone else to Amegakure." Frustrations were mounting again. "This could ruin the entire relationship."
"The decision is final. Take one of the missions or leave."
Naruto looked at Shikamaru, pleading silently to his friend for some help. The Nara shook his head, not wanting to get involved in their squabbling. Shikamaru understood Naruto's point, but this wasn't up to him.
For years, Naruto received special treatment from the Hokage on many occasions. There were more times than Shikamaru could count when Naruto was given the more lucrative assignment over someone else who was just as deserving, whether it was harder or easier. There was plenty of resentment buried for Naruto by some of their graduating class from the Academy because of the favoritism shown by the Hokage earlier in their careers.
Shikamaru was not one of those who resented Naruto. The Nara knew his life better than most and understood that hardships that Naruto endured. He knew there was a clear gap between Naruto and him, that was never misunderstood. It started to bother Shikamaru when situations like this came around, when Naruto looked for him to plead his case for him. He would always support Naruto but not like this.
Naruto just expected the Hokage bend over backwards, despite Naruto never admitting being treated differently. Shikamaru saw right through that facade.
"...Yes sir."
The jonin begrudgingly took the scroll and exited the office with his genin team in tow. The conference room fell silent, the bellowing of smoke filled the air.
Shikamaru's mouth spoke before his mind could stop it.
"...Lord Hokage..."
"Don't even start, Shikamaru. I am aware."
"...Yes, sir."
-With Team Thirteen-
The team assembled at the main gate, awaiting their briefing for the mission. Their sensei, disgruntled, said they would take on missions outside the village, they were just hoping for something a bit further away than across the field.
"Geez...I thought sensei said he wouldn't do that anymore." Katsuro was disappointed. "Why does he keep arguing with the Hokage like that?"
"Sensei is just looking out for us." Konohamaru believed. "He wants to get us the best missions out there, give us the best experiences on missions."
"That doesn't always mean the highest ranked, Konohamaru." Kai stated. "I'm all for those types of missions, but we can't just jump into those situations. We're genin, not seasoned shinobi. Just because we have Naruto Namikaze as a sensei doesn't mean we get special treatment."
"Since when did you become so cynical?" Konohamaru asked. "Our mission to the Land of Snow was upgraded to an A-Rank from a C-Rank. That's going to look great on our resumes! Plus, that upgrade in pay was great!"
"Konohamaru, we wouldn't have survived if it weren't for Naruto sensei." Katsuro stated flatly.
"And, technically, we weren't even supposed to be on that mission. We were only brough along because of our insistence and Naruto sensei's benevolence. It was not our mission."
"You guys aren't looking at the big picture! This will open so many doors for us! I can see it now! I'll be taking grandpa's place in no time!"
It was useless to argue with him the two genin surmised. Konohamaru was walking around his head in the clouds, that was one trait of his that would never change.
Suddenly, their sensei appeared in front of them. Clearly, he was extremely annoyed. "Let's go, we've got a lot of ground to cover." He turned and began walking away from the village.
"What's the mission, sensei?" Kai questioned
"Policing up the local areas." Naruto stated, trying to hide his annoyance. "Many of the surrounding smaller villages have bandit problems. It's our job to police the areas up and help where we need to."
"So, we get to fight bandits?" Katsuro clarified.
"Possibly. It's more about showing force and letting these bandits know that we're here and they'll be brought to justice if they try anything." Naruto didn't like the idea of this mission, but he felt this was the best one out of the bunch. It would give his student's a good dose of the real Land of Fire. Better than nothing.
"Simple enough." Konohamaru trotted along. "Any experience is good experience, even if it's against bandits."
"Don't get it twisted, Konohamaru. Bandits aren't pushovers. There are some that are hardened criminals, some with more fight experience and skill than chunin and jonin. Don't underestimate someone just because they didn't have the same opportunities as you did."
"Are you defending criminals, master?" Kai questioned.
"No, Kai. I'm just saying no matter how hard you train, there will be someone out there training harder. Underestimating your opponent, shinobi or bandit, will ultimately lead to your downfall." The sensei continued to walk. "That's why you never stop training. Pushing yourself to the limit in our drills is what will save you when all else fails. Remember, building blocks."
"Yes, sir."
Team Thirteen traveled a bit further towards some of surrounding smaller towns in the Land of Fire. Many of these smaller towns and villagers were extremely close to Konoha, often traveling to the great village for most of their supplies. In exchange for these economic advantages, Konoha offered their services for protection at little or no cost.
The Land of Fire was more cohesive within itself than some of the other Great Nations, choosing to band together to create a stronger system. Other lands, like Land of Rock, continued to be isolationists. Each village, no matter how big or small, had to fend for itself. Iwagakure was the first village in the land to rise into power, then it quickly began the only power.
The team made their way to the village that put in for the mission request. This was the closest town to Konoha. Naruto took note the state the small town was in. Deserted, hardly any foot traffic. It was certainly odd, not normal for this place. This village, specifically, was home to many retired shinobi and their families.
A lone man exited a nearby building. "Are you the shinobi from Konoha?"
The man was wearing unusual garbs for someone of this area. Naruto didn't like that. He wasn't liking any of this.
"Yes, sir!" Konohamaru announced loudly. "The name is Konohamaru Sarutobi! We're to take care of your bandit problem."
"Sarutobi you say? Then you're related to the Hokage, no?"
"I'm his grandson, so no need to worry about these bandits!"
It was faint, ever so slight, but there was smirk curling at the corner of the man's lips. Something was definitely off.
"Please, allow me to introduce the rest of our team." Kai quickly interrupted. "My name is Kai, this is my teammate Katsuro, and that's our Jonin Instructor, Naruto."
"Oh? The prestigious Naruto Namikaze has heeded our call? I will rest easy tonight knowing that our group's biggest problem will be taken care of."
Our group's biggest problem?
Shit.
Dozens upon dozens of bandits and rouge shinobi appeared from hidden spots and behind buildings. Within moments, Team Thirteen was surrounded. This was a set up.
Thirty-seven. I think I can take them fairly easily. I can keep them at bay to get the genin to safety.
"Oh, Chain Master, I bet you are looking at the escape routes or ways to take us all on. But, let me put this idea in your head. Where are the townspeople? The ones who live here?"
To the bandit's credit, Naruto had not thought about the missing people. He was ready to fight.
"Okay, I'll bite. Where are the villagers? Where have you taken them?"
"An undisclosed location. And if I don't check in to my basecamp here soon, my jailer has been ordered to execute one of them."
There were gasps escaping from all three of his genin. Even Naruto was shocked that these bandits were willing to kill innocent lives to achieve their goal, whatever it may be.
"If I were you, I'd lay down your weapons and surrender to us." The man twirled a knife between his fingers. "What say you, Namikaze?"
The genin eagerly awaited their sensei's orders. They were frozen, completely lost on what to do. Despite their fighting stances, they were not ready for this battle.
"Master?" Katsuro dared to speak through the tension.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto moved to a neutral stance. "Fine. We surrender. Just...don't hurt any of the villagers."
The bandit, who was shaping up to be the leader, gave a wave of the hand, the signal for all the others to move in on Team Thirteen's position. Immediately, all four were slammed to the ground and had ropes binding their hands.
"Take it easy on them!" Naruto shouted. "They're just kids!"
"Oh, I wouldn't dare hurt any of you." The leader knelt, towering over Naruto's head. "You four are my ticket to getting Konoha to bend to me."
Naruto position his head to look the man in the eye. "Who are you? What do you want from Konoha?"
"...My name is Hiruko. Your three legendary Sannin tried to kill me and forced me out of Konoha because they feared what I could become. Because of their actions on my life, I'm taking revenge on them by making sure Konoha will bend to my will, my power!"