Several masked Anbu respectfully blocked Lock's path.
They were patrol Anbu responsible for stopping and punishing ninja involved in street fights or damage to public property.
"You're asking me to pay a fine?" Lock showed a very strange expression.
Had he not killed enough people already?
These Anbu actually dared to approach him?
Inside his consciousness, Naruto also noticed Lock's thoughts.
He quickly shouted, "Lock, calm down! They're just enforcing the rules!"
"I'll pay it! Deduct the money from my ten percent royalty share!"
The book Young A-Ming had become extremely popular and earned a huge amount of money.
Although Naruto only received ten percent of the profits,
it was already more than his frog wallet could hold.
He eventually had to switch to a larger piggy bank to store the massive sum of over a million ryo.
With this money, Naruto achieved not only ramen freedom but also barbecue freedom.
Combined with Lock's methods of dealing with certain merchants, Naruto's life over the past few months had become quite comfortable.
Even his height, once stunted from long-term malnutrition, had increased noticeably, making him about as tall as Sakura.
His previously pale complexion now looked healthier, and together with Lock's natural temperament and style, he had become fairly handsome.
For a time, his catchphrase was even: "I can't spend it all — I really can't spend it all!"
This made Sakura, who came from an ordinary family, extremely envious.
So Naruto felt paying compensation was no big deal.
It was also a chance to guide Lock onto a better path, prevent unnecessary killing, and fulfill his duty as a positive personality.
Lock ignored Naruto's shouting.
Seeing the Anbu nod stiffly in a businesslike manner, he asked again,
"Then why didn't you chase that green watermelon-headed guy earlier?"
"What, do I look easy to bully?"
An invisible pressure spread with his words.
The patrol Anbu — only Chunin-level — immediately felt their legs weaken.
Their rank was low, and their daily duties involved safe street patrols, replacing the long-abolished Uchiha Police Force.
They knew nothing about Lock's past actions; they only knew the Jinchuriki had written a very profitable adult novel.
"S-Sir, we're just following regulations. You… you only need to pay half!"
Feeling the pressure firsthand and sensing Lock's complete disregard for authority,
the low-ranking Anbu instantly backed down, even changing their form of address to "Sir."
Sakura, who knew Lock's reputation well, saw their ignorance and quickly warned them kindly.
"You'd better leave quickly. Even Hokage-sama wouldn't make Lock pay."
The Anbu exchanged uncertain glances, unsure what to do.
Lock, meanwhile, had already lost interest in arguing with minor figures.
He definitely wasn't paying.
Even if it was Naruto's money, it still belonged to him.
There was no way he would hand it over to Konoha just to repair some useless buildings.
He raised his hand, faint Nine-Tails chakra extending from his arm.
But before Lock could act, the Anbu were suddenly sent flying by several loud slaps.
The force shattered their masks, revealing swollen faces beneath.
"You idiots, get lost! Have you forgotten the order not to provoke the Jinchuriki?"
An Anbu wearing a white hood stepped forward and blocked the way.
He cursed loudly, sounding angry but actually protecting them.
Then he turned respectfully and bowed to Lock.
"Master Lock, I am one of Hokage-sama's personal guards, code name Elephant."
"As for these blind fools, I will punish them later for offending you."
"Also, your exam is about to begin. Shall I escort you there?"
Those patrol Anbu didn't know,
but elite guards like him were fully aware.
The alternate personality Lock controlled the Nine-Tails' power, possessed Kage-level strength, was volatile and bloodthirsty, and had killed many Jonin along with Anbu and Root ninja. He was extremely dangerous.
One does not slap a smiling face.
Even so, Lock reached out and casually patted Elephant's mask.
"Not bad. I'm in a good mood today, so I won't pursue this."
"Lead the way."
As Lock tapped his mask, Elephant remained extremely tense, sweat forming on his forehead.
At the same time, he silently blamed Naruto for releasing this dangerous existence again.
But hearing Lock dismiss the matter, he quietly sighed in relief.
He quickly walked ahead, leading them with exaggerated politeness.
"Sir, and your two companions, I'll take you directly there. No need to submit applications."
…Thud! The elephant pushed open the doors and respectfully ushered the three into the examination room for the first test.
"Sir, this is the location of the first exam."
"Hm. You may leave." Lock nodded casually.
Because Elephant had brought them through the proctors' private passage,
They were not escorted by Kakashi like in the original scenario.
Lock wondered briefly whether Kakashi was still foolishly waiting outside.
The elephant hesitated, as if wanting to speak,
but ultimately said nothing and instead walked toward the proctors stationed outside.
His purpose was simple — warn them not to provoke Lock and treat him like a VIP.
The trio's late arrival, escorted respectfully by Anbu, immediately attracted attention.
"Which clan are those young masters from? Sarutobi? Shimura? Hyuga?"
"So lucky… born at the finish line we're still running toward."
"They're probably just here for prestige."
The whispers carried envy, disdain, and jealousy.
"You idiots, stop gossiping! Those three are my friends — just normal ninja!"
Inuzuka Kiba glared at the crowd and walked over.
He hadn't noticed from afar, but up close, Naruto's appearance shocked him.
"What the hell?!"
"He, you handsome guy… don't tell me you're Naruto!?"
Lock ignored him, glanced once, and went to find a seat.
Sasuke followed silently and sat beside Lock.
Sakura nodded frantically at Kiba.
"It is Naruto… but also not Naruto. Anyway, just treat him as Naruto!"
Kiba: "???"
Behind him, Hinata looked like a steaming kettle.
Her face flushed red to her ears as she leaned against the wall to avoid fainting.
"This version of Naruto is way too handsome…"
The members of Team Ten, including Shikamaru, also approached.
They stared at Lock with disbelief.
Ino, especially, kept comparing Sasuke and Lock, visibly questioning her own standards.
Because no danger had appeared during the last two months, Lock had never shown himself.
Seeing Lock and Sasuke arrive, Kabuto — who had been waiting — quickly approached.
Acting like an experienced senior, he attempted to get friendly and even pulled out character information cards.
Unfortunately, both Lock and Sasuke ignored him completely, while the others listened with curiosity.
---
A/N: 40+ Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded.
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San