Entrance to the Hyūga complex.
The gates of the territory opened, allowing Naruto and his other companions to pass through, while the guards behind them collapsed to the ground—still alive, but defeated. Mikoto contemplated this in silence, truly intrigued by her lover. Kushina raised an eyebrow at all the commotion within the clan until several eyes focused on them, or more specifically on Naruto, and the Hyūgas' faces paled as he approached.
"A-and… and… and… and…"
Naruto frowned.
Mikoto: We came to see Hitomi… —she said quickly, saving the poor man who looked like he was about to have an anxiety attack.
Hizashi nodded fearfully and glanced at some Hyūgas around him, but before he could speak, a voice came from behind him.
"Don't worry, Hizashi, I'll take care of it from here. Go help your brother; after all, today is his coronation as our leader."
A soft and pleasant female voice sounded behind the Hyūga as a beautiful black-haired woman, her hair tied in a ponytail, appeared wearing the distinctive Hyūga battle outfit. This was none other than Hitomi, who focused her Byakugan on the trio.
Hizashi simply withdrew in silence, as did the nearby Hyūgas, who looked at Naruto and Kushina—one being a strange void-like black hole, and the other a walking beacon of pure power.
Hitomi crossed her arms with a scrutinizing expression as she looked at the trio.
Hitomi: How did you end up in a wheelchair, Kushina?… —she asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.
Mikoto's shoulders trembled.
Kushina glanced to her side before lifting her gaze to meet the eyes of the bastard who placed his hand on her shoulder.
Naruto raised an amused eyebrow.
Kushina gritted her teeth and turned to look at Hitomi.
Kushina: T-there was an accident… —trying to change the subject and lie.
"Hahahahahahahahahahaha…"
Mikoto couldn't contain herself and burst out laughing, as did Hitomi, who was informed by Mikoto with just a glance. Hitomi's laughter was not very Hyūga-like.
Kushina's face turned red and she clenched her fists, embarrassed. Hitomi simply couldn't believe it—the strong Kushina, the one who never needed the hospital, the one who never got sick… Miss Perfect Health in a wheelchair. Now THAT was funny and would be remembered.
Naruto understood the joke and sweated.
Kushina: W-well, Mikoto was in a coma for two whole days… —she said vengefully.
Mikoto smiled.
Mikoto: But at least I can walk… —she replied amusedly, leaving Kushina stunned.
Naruto grimaced, stubbornly.
Hitomi clutched her stomach as she tried to stop laughing; even she felt the pain… Mikoto, as always, was relentless.
Naruto: Well, I'll let you catch up… I'll be around if anything happens… —he said calmly as he let go of Kushina's shoulder and approached Mikoto, kissing her on the lips.
Mikoto blinked but did not move away and returned the soft kiss until it broke.
Naruto approached Kushina and bent down.
Kushina snorted and turned her face to the side.
Naruto didn't argue and kissed her cheek under Hitomi's watchful gaze.
Hitomi hummed. She knew Mikoto was single, waiting for an arranged marriage like herself, but Kushina—wasn't she supposed to be with Minato?
Maybe she shouldn't have missed her farewell party with Kushina, but it had been in Uchiha territory, and the elders somehow found out and started causing trouble. It was a relief that all of them were dead now, including Hiashi's father and Hizashi, who were rising to power.
The two brothers loved each other, and it seemed the Hyūga would change their ways.
Naruto said goodbye and left calmly. He knew that if he accompanied them, he would end up killing many people here—not a good image when he was trying to win over these beauties. Killing indiscriminately would make them more cautious around him… if they ever saw him. They weren't that psychopathic.
Naruto sighed as he left Hyūga territory and quickly entered the main street, noticing how backward this era was.
The Hyūga guards looked fearfully at Naruto's back; he had no chakra network.
Streets.
Naruto walked calmly, observing his surroundings. He ignored the glances of the women around him; they weren't that… sexy, just plain.
"It's him…"
"So sexy…"
"Yes… it's not normal, he doesn't have a single blemish on his face…"
"No beard or dull eyes…"
"No one can be that handsome and his outfit is unique…"
Naruto sweated slightly, contemplating… they were women too, and even if simple, they had their charms—maybe their daughters would, too.
A faint smile spread across Naruto's face when he bumped into someone.
"Kyaa… ufff… I'm sorry…"
Naruto looked ahead at the girl he had bumped into as he turned a corner. He sighed and offered his hand. He was a demon, but he wasn't like Rizevim, that truly vile, cruel, and evil monstrosity… No, he was more like that modern term: a ruthless bastard. It was his nature, and he actually felt good about it. He didn't care what others thought, so he didn't go around in Rizevim mode, laughing maniacally as he crossed the street.
The stranger took his hand, accepting the help. She stood up and looked up, meeting a pair of unique, beautiful golden eyes. She blushed when she saw the face of the boy in front of her—he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
Naruto: Naruto. Nice to meet you… —he introduced himself with a smile.
"R… Rin Nohara… genin of Konoha…"
The girl had short, straight, dark brown hair cut in a blunt style framing her face. She wore a forehead protector with the Leaf Village symbol. Her skin was fair, and she had two dark purple marks on her cheeks, one on each side. She wore a long-sleeved black blouse, a short dark blue skirt, burgundy stockings, and the typical blue ninja sandals. She also had a white apron tied around her waist, giving her a domestic, kitchen-like look… very interesting.
Naruto: Nice name, just like you… —he said with a smile.
Rin's already flushed face deepened in red, as did her ears, as she lowered her gaze, noticing they were still holding hands.
Naruto: How about you join me for something to eat?… —he whispered softly.
Although they didn't know each other, Rin nodded slightly, willing to spend time with him.
Naruto smiled and let go of her hand, placing his arm around her back, and they both began to walk. Naruto glanced back.
The hidden ANBU dispersed; their orders were to protect him, but it seemed unnecessary.
Hokage Mansion – Hokage Office.
Controlling Konoha from the Hokage Mansion until the Hokage Tower was restored, Kenji Uchiha sat on the throne all his ancestors had desired. He was finally an Uchiha, and without a doubt, controlling a mass of thousands was both pleasing and addictive.
He understood Sarutobi a little, but he wasn't a coward like the one who hid behind the seat and sent children to the battlefield. He did so now with teenagers—and even himself, if necessary. The future was youth… not old men.
Kenji: But it seems that didn't apply to the Sarutobi and the other elders… —he thought, having received the financial reports of those four clans. Thousands of funds allocated to clans without a Kekkei Genkai; they had been silently amassing a private army, undoubtedly planning to rename the village the Sarutobi Village, not Konoha. Tobirama had been wrong… He hadn't even been Hokage for long, but he was already so corrupt—and he used to talk about the Uchiha.
Kenji scoffed.
Kenji: Well, to restore, control, and later choose candidates for the position… —he said aloud, knowing that the boy Naruto didn't like him, but he was the law. He would help his clan and be Hokage for about three years—just to say an Uchiha had been Hokage. Nothing more. He knew that power corrupted.
Kenji: A law where the Hokage is re-elected every four years… and can only serve twice if they choose… just eight years, and only if the public wants them again… —he contemplated. This way, the position wouldn't be monopolized, and if someone became corrupt, in four years they were out—not like Sarutobi, who intended to die as Hokage.
Kenji scoffed again. He would order that the monkey's face on the Hokage Monument not be rebuilt, and he needed to talk to Naruto about it before proposing it to the clans. They would surely accept the proposal, and it would improve relations with the Uchiha who had made such a revolutionary change.
Kenji smiled, but then lost his smile when a shadow appeared in front of him.
Kenji's eyes widened.
Kenji: T… Tsunade… —he exclaimed in surprise.
"Tell me what's happening here, and you better not lie to me."
Yes, Tsunade had arrived in Konoha and gone straight to the most powerful figure in the village.
IT Department
From here, one could see Shikaku Nara, the new leader of the Nara clan after the death of his father. Shikaku sighed. Konoha's recovery was progressing rapidly, as was the capture of spies—especially with the letters containing the money the village owed the various clans, delivered by Kenji, undoubtedly the next Hokage.
But that wasn't what disturbed him.
Shikaku refused to believe it, but it wasn't the current crisis that bothered him—it was the lack of goodwill and help from the retired Hokage. It was as if half the population had rid themselves of an evil presence and could finally live in peace. The ones who rioted for Sarutobi were the ones who died—no one else. The rest of the population was calm, and civilians continued their lives as if nothing had happened. No one advocated for Sarutobi, nor for the literal coup d'état.
Shikaku felt relieved that he hadn't joined the others in handing over the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance relic to a Sarutobi. That would have severed an alliance and harmed them. In fact, he had once intended to support the Sarutobi, but he never knew of their bad reputation among the population.
They had to move on now and show goodwill toward the Uchiha. After all, they had founded the village along with the Senju… and the Senju were the ones who had included the Sarutobi in leadership. Was this some kind of revenge against the Uchiha?
Shikaku dismissed the thought. They had been poor allies. If he had been an Uchiha, he would have brought them down as well—but it hadn't even been necessary. The Senju clan was practically nothing now, ever since Sarutobi rose to power. According to his father's research, Sarutobi had practically eliminated them.
After all, Shikaku couldn't be an ignorant leader without knowing the history leading up to his birth.
Shikaku walked calmly toward his territory to invite his two allies and discuss the next steps, especially since his parents had also died for being allies of the Sarutobi—but so be it.
Not far from Shikaku, a toad could be seen silently following him.
Land of Fire – Capital.
Having arrived here recently, Minato could be seen walking calmly through the capital, since he did not possess the rank required to participate in the meeting with the daimyo. That meeting was between the elders, the daimyo, and Jiraiya-sensei.
Minato sighed and clenched his fists, frustrated by everything and by how badly this would affect his and Kushina's dream of becoming Hokage.
Thinking about it, Minato looked down, worried for Kushina's fate—both because she was his girlfriend and because she was Konoha's greatest asset and could be kidnapped. She was strong, but against many S-rank enemies, she would undoubtedly struggle, especially since she didn't know how to use the Kyuubi's power.
Minato shook his head, pushing aside his sadness and worry. What mattered now was focusing on reclaiming Konoha and eliminating its enemies—that Naruto who had appeared among the Uchiha, and the Uchiha themselves, who might be involved.
He had no prejudice against the Uchiha; he had noticed that their real issue was their immense strength, which worried the higher-ups. He didn't like that idea, either. Eliminating a comrade and fellow Konoha member simply because they were strong?
If that became known, no one would trust Konoha. But he wasn't the one to interfere in higher decisions.
Right now, he had to help stabilize Konoha and reclaim it. In the future, he would become Hokage and question the Uchiha. They were literally one of Konoha's arms. He would always antagonize them.
Minato had never understood how the founders of Konoha had marginalized the Uchiha simply for being stronger than the other clans.
Minato shook his head again—his thoughts were wandering too much.
He had to trust and help.
Minato continued walking calmly, ignoring the Sarutobi ninjas watching him and believing he was unaware. They themselves created their enemies with their methods.
Konohagakure no Sato – North Gate.
Eye*.
"BOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM…"
A powerful explosion resounded at the north gate of Konoha, alarming its residents and alerting the ANBU, who quickly acted.
Hokage Mansion – Hokage Office.
Still arguing, Tsunade and Kenji seemed to have reached some sort of understanding when they both heard the explosion not far away.
Tsunade stood up with a serious expression. Kenji did the same as an ANBU appeared beside him, informing him of an enemy attack at the north gate—led by none other than the elderly Danzō Shimura.
Kenji: I was wondering where he'd been hiding all this time… Call the clan leaders and have them provide assistance… —he ordered the ANBU, who nodded and disappeared.
Tsunade noticed this with surprise; she had thought the ANBU would rebel or something, but it seemed the few who remained had submitted.
Tsunade: I'll help, and we'll continue this conversation later… —she said seriously, and Kenji nodded calmly.
Nohara House.
Naruto, who was sitting comfortably in an armchair, blinked at the explosion as a cute face appeared from between his legs.
Rin: An enemy attack?… —she wondered as Naruto placed his hand on her head and helped her submerge again.
Naruto sighed as a clone appeared behind him and quickly vanished.
Naruto leaned back on the couch as choking sounds echoed through the lonely house.
Konoha North Gate
Danzō could be seen leading his forces to reclaim Konoha. He would not run away like Sarutobi… No, he would reclaim Konoha and become Hokage.
He waited for those foolish clan leaders to answer his call.
The ROOT ninjas clashed without hesitation against the surrounding ANBU and ninjas as civilians fled.
"BOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM…"
Explosions echoed as jutsu began to fly.
Danzō surveyed the scene coldly, flanked by two of his most loyal and powerful ROOT ANBU.
Danzō: You two go to the—
He didn't finish, because he felt something soft hit his face.
Danzō: Water?… —he wondered, moving his hand only to see a red liquid. His eyes widened when he no longer saw his ANBU beside him—only liquid on the ground.
"Fliiish…"
The liquid dripped to the ground, staining it, but no bodies were seen.
"As I suspected. Weak…"
Danzō froze; that voice came from his side. He slowly moved his eyes, not making any sudden movements, and saw the intelligent boy standing there.
Naruto: Did you come to offer me your life? You've been a great sinner, Danzō… You'll go to my personal hell to be judged. I haven't sent anyone to my stomach in years… You know, souls get bored of tearing each other apart… They want new souls to look down on and taste… —he said with a gentle smile.
Danzō activated his chakra—only to disappear instantly. No blood, nothing.
Naruto hummed. He had sent him to the nine circles in his stomach.
Naruto blinked when he felt that strange gaze again. He turned, looking through the forest into the distance.
White Zetsu shrieked and began to sink into a tree—only to feel a hand around his neck and a pair of red eyes staring at him.
Naruto: What are you, strange thing?… —he asked curiously, looking at this faceless white creature trying to liquefy.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH—!!"
White Zetsu shrieked in pain as he felt himself burning, forced into physical form again as Naruto lifted him higher, cracking the tree behind him.
Two wings of fire emerged from Naruto's back, stabilizing him as he observed the strange creature. For some reason, it felt like his mother—and it angered him.
Naruto: Don't you have a mouth to speak with?… —he asked, though he had heard that squeal, so this thing could speak, but didn't want to.
Naruto slowly began to open his mouth—to White Zetsu's horror—as it tore open monstrously.
"No—no, not that— AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH—!!"
Cemetery Mountain.
In the infinite darkness of the cave, a whisper echoed.
"Rinne Tensei."
Minutes passed when a strange laugh began to resonate.
"Hmhmhm… hmhm…"
"Hahahahahahaha…"
A loud laugh echoed in the darkness as a strange green glow appeared, revealing a pair of eyes.
"Hahahahahahahahahaha…."
.
.
.
.
TO BE CONTINUED.