The day passed without incident.
The Cloud Shinobi delegation continued their negotiations with Konoha, digging seriously into the details of the treaty.
That night, the welcome banquet was lively.
By the next day, progress was clear—the peace talks were nearing conclusion, and the mood in Konoha lightened. For the first time in a long while, villagers were openly hopeful.
Peace, free from the shadow of war.
It was the dream of countless people. Nobody truly wanted war.
The people of Konoha rejoiced, waiting eagerly for the promise of tomorrow's treaty.
"Good. The conditions are settled. All that's left is tomorrow's signing, and then peace will be ours. Konoha can finally breathe easy again."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stretched with relief.
But across from him, Danzo's face was cold. "You conceded too much, Hiruzen. You've weakened us and humiliated our nation. Those Cloud savages are laughing behind our backs."
Hiruzen shook his head. "You have to understand—the Leaf can't withstand more conflict. If this drags on, we'll only weaken further. Peace now gives us a chance to recover."
"You're too naïve," Danzo snapped. "Those barbarians don't look like men who seek peace. Who knows what they're planning?"
Scowling, he stormed out.
As the darkness of the village, Danzo already smelled danger. But Hokage was Hiruzen—not him. All he could do was wait in the shadows.
Meanwhile, Naruto sat perched on the branch of a tall tree, his gaze fixed on the Hyuga compound.
"It's Hinata's birthday. Everyone must be celebrating inside."
He had slipped past Anbu by using a clone, sneaking his real body here.
Watching the brightly lit Hyuga estate, his lips curved in a small smile. Happy birthday, Hinata.
He intended to stay the night, just to keep watch. Something in his gut told him tonight would not be ordinary.
The Byakugan can see chakra, but it shouldn't pierce the bedrock armor. They won't see my real body inside it.
Hmm… maybe I should give this form a name. How about 'Kira'?
He adjusted the armor to look taller, less like a child. No one would ever suspect the figure inside was only three years old.
Still, unease gnawed at him. Excitement too.
He'd tested the bedrock armor in secret, but never in real combat. If something happened tonight, he would have to fight for real.
His thoughts raced. If I get hurt, how do I explain it? If I'm seen, how do I hide my identity?
Then—
There!
Naruto stiffened, all stray thoughts vanishing.
The lights in the Hyuga compound had dimmed. Most of the household was asleep.
And in the silence, a black figure slipped over the wall and into the estate.
Naruto dropped silently from the tree, taking cover in the shadows outside.
Do I rush in and grab him? Or wait for the Hyuga to respond? They're one of the Leaf's great clans—surely they won't be caught unprepared… right?
Before he could decide—swish!
Two more figures landed nearby, cloaked in secrecy.
Naruto held his breath, sinking deeper into the darkness until he almost disappeared into it.
"Lord Danzo," one whispered, "Cloud shinobi left their inn and went straight to the Hyuga estate. Their intent is obvious. Shouldn't we warn them?"
"No. Let it happen."
"But, my lord—if it spirals out of control, tomorrow's peace talks—"
"Just watch. Hiruzen's too soft. Unless he's cornered, he'll never act. These Cloud brutes have ulterior motives. The peace talks are nothing but a cover."
A pause.
"Still… Cloud might already be preparing for war. I'll alert the border to stay sharp. You remain here—record everything. If it comes to a critical moment, proof may be our only weapon."
With that, the bandaged man vanished into the night, leaving his subordinate behind.
Naruto's heart pounded. He had overheard every word.
A simple break-in… could lead to war between two great nations?
The thought chilled him.
"Peace talks? War?" His fists tightened. "Did Hinata's uncle die because of things like this?"
He could barely breathe, his chest tight with adrenaline.
War. The word was too big, too heavy for a three-year-old—but it thrilled him all the same.
"Thief! Intruder!"
The shout split the night from inside the Hyuga estate.
Lights blazed to life. Shinobi rushed awake.
Naruto turned his head—and his eyes widened in rage.
Hinata dangled limp in the arms of a masked man dressed in black, her body lifeless, head tilted.
"Bastard!"
Before his mind even caught up, Naruto's body was already moving.
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