Sealing techniques, when taken to their limit, still adhere to the same fundamental principles.
Being unable to use Chakra doesn't mean he can't use the system. The Kyubi's Chakra originally belonged to the system, so even if Naruto's own Chakra was sealed, it didn't prevent him from using Ninjutsu.
At the very worst, the system also had techniques that didn't require Chakra.
Besides, Kakashi likely had a backup plan. For now, he had only received the order to be imprisoned, so there was probably more to come… maybe some kind of prison drama?
Safety wasn't an issue, and more importantly, the Hozuki Castle had something he wanted. It wasn't the Box of Ultimate Bliss, after all, with the system, what use did he have for that thing?
Wish fulfillment wasn't realistic, it was just a box of sin.
What he needed most right now were the materials, for the Jashin's followers, and Naruto felt that Kusagakure's Anbu, Ryuzetsu, was a decent candidate.
His Mission Line III progress was only three short, and if he could recruit Ryuzetsu, that would work out well.
Seeing Tenten's worried expression, Naruto waved his hand dismissively.
"Let's see how things go first. I might not necessarily end up in prison."
"Isn't this already set in stone?" Tenten said helplessly, tugging at his sleeve again, "This isn't something to joke about!"
"Well, I've got it under control," Naruto said, suddenly placing a hand on her shoulder and lowering his voice, "Once I find the bastard who framed me, I'll dig up their ancestors' graves."
Tenten broke out in a cold sweat: "..."
'That was so very Naruto… holding grudges like no one else.'
Since the person in question had agreed, the matter was basically settled. Shino's team's mission was changed mid-assignment, from investigating Yamato's whereabouts to escorting Naruto to the Hozuki Castle.
'Escort' was a strong word, as it was more like accompanying him there. It was a rare sight to see someone chatting and laughing before being locked up.
The closer they got to the coastline of Hozuki Castle, the more uneasy Tenten became. Unable to hold back, she tugged at Naruto's sleeve again and asked as soon as he turned to her, "Are you really confident about this?"
"I don't have a 100% guarantee, but it should be fine." Naruto answered honestly.
'It was as good as saying nothing.' Tenten was speechless for a moment. Whenever this guy started being evasive, he'd resort to nonsense, so she decided not to ask anymore.
Hozuki Castle, coastline.
Tenten watched with deep concern as the prisoner transport airship slowly approached.
Hozuki Castle was located on an island surrounded by turbulent whirlpools and treacherous undercurrents. If someone fell in, survival was nearly impossible.
The prison was named after the hozuki plant that grew along the coast. When the wind blew, the fruit of the hozuki plant would fly over the high walls. The red fruit could be eaten, while the white fruit had a numbing effect.
"Go back, I'm off to prison now." Naruto said lazily, waving his hand with no enthusiasm.
The three of them were momentarily at a loss for words but could do nothing about it. They turned to leave slowly. Before leaving, Tenten paused and gave him a long, deep look.
Naruto didn't react, turning instead to watch the prison airship approach. Suddenly, a sharp cry rang out in the sky as a black hawk flew overhead.
A small white slip of paper silently drifted down in front of him. Naruto reached out and caught it. Confirming that the airship still had some distance to cover, he unfolded the note.
[The mission objective is to stop Kusagakure's elders from opening the Box of Ultimate Bliss. Adapt as needed… there will be no reinforcements. Once it's done, you can claim to have turned against the village, and I'll help you with a small favor. For example, I might have a solution to the issue you've been struggling with, your relationship with Inoichi and Hiashi.
-Kakashi.]
Glancing at it, his eyes stopped at the words 'no reinforcements', and a vein throbbed on his forehead.
'Fighting alone, huh?'
As he pondered, the Hozuki Castle's personnel arrived. A pair of fierce-looking jailers stepped forward without a word and immediately slapped handcuffs on Naruto.
With a snap, Naruto casually flexed his wrists, and the handcuffs broke with a crisp sound, clattering to the ground in an awkward silence.
While the jailers were arrogant, they're not blind. Realizing this was someone not to be trifled with, especially since Naruto hadn't yet been sealed with the warden's Heavenly Prison Seal, they decided to endure it for now.
So, the two jailers forced an apologetic smile.
"Sir, entering the prison requires wearing handcuffs. It's the rule of Hozuki Castle."
"I've never heard of that rule, and I don't feel like wearing them right now." Naruto said, glancing at them with an uncooperative expression, speaking boldly.
The jailers were at a loss, but for now, they had no choice but to coax him inside. They had seen plenty of arrogant prisoners before… some brought in shackled, others sealed in cages. But someone with no restraints at all was rare.
These types of people usually hold high status in their original villages and place great importance on their dignity. Perhaps they arrived believing their villages would clear their names, but once they enter Hozuki Island Prison… There's no more.
"No problem, sir. Please come with us first." The jailer forced a smile and stepped aside.
Naruto didn't continue giving them a hard time, toning down his attitude slightly. He just spat on the ground before boarding the airship.
Though it's called an airship, it's actually a simple motorboat used to transport prisoners. Generally, it brought in far more than it took out, as very few prisoners ever left Hozuki Castle's Island.
Admission, registration, assembly, the warden's inspection speech, and the Heavenly Prison Seal… all done in one smooth process.
Looking at the long line of incoming prisoners, Naruto realized just how massive Hozuki Castle's Island was. The entire island fell within the prison's boundaries, except for the rocky shoreline.
But that was only because the shore was made of hard stone, making excavation and modification extremely difficult. Despite the harsh environment, plants still grew there… hozuki plant.