Naruto leaned against a training post in Konoha's outskirts, tossing a kunai up and catching it with a wide grin. "Gonna be the strongest ninja ever!" he shouted, his voice carrying to a group of kids watching nearby. They cheered, but Naruto's eyes were distant, fixed on the horizon beyond the village walls. Konoha was a prison of lies, its new Hokage, Tsunade, just another gatekeeper of the truth about why he was the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki. He didn't care about protecting the village or becoming Hokage anymore. His dream was power—enough to roam the world, to chase answers about the Fourth's choice, to live free of Konoha's chains.Training with Tsunade's medics had sharpened his chakra control, but Naruto's real work happened in secret. At night, he slipped into his forest clearing, summoning thousands of shadow clones to spar, their movements a blur. The Nine-Tails' chakra burned hotter, more controlled, its red pulse fueling his attacks. "You're mine," he whispered, pushing back the fox's snarling presence. The Rasengan, mastered with Jiraiya, spun in his hand, a weapon for the road ahead. The Scroll of Sealing, still hidden, held more secrets he'd unlock once he was strong enough to leave.Team 7's missions were routine—escorts, cleanups—but Naruto noticed Sasuke's growing distance. His rival's eyes were colder, his curse mark flaring during fights. Naruto kept his grin, taunting Sasuke—"What's with the grumpy face, teme?"—but his distrust spiked. Sasuke was chasing power, like him, but for what? Orochimaru's shadow loomed, and Naruto's gut twisted. If Sasuke knew about the Nine-Tails, would he use it against him? Bonds were risks, and Naruto wanted none.That evening, Tsunade summoned him, her eyes sharp. "You're getting stronger, kid," she said. "But don't get cocky." Naruto laughed, scratching his head—"Me? Cocky? Never!"—but her gaze unnerved him. She knew his secret, like Jiraiya, like the Third. He'd play the loyal genin, but his heart was elsewhere—on the world beyond Konoha, where answers waited. He'd grow stronger, leave the village's lies behind, and roam free, no matter who tried to stop him.
