Nine-Tails (Please Follow)

Kankuro had originally wanted to make a few sarcastic remarks, but then he thought about the dearest, bloodthirsty Jinchuriki brother standing beside him and immediately dismissed the unnecessary thought.

The topic thus came to an abrupt end.

Jinchuriki were comparable to human-shaped, self-propelled nuclear bombs; in short, anyone who used them was afraid.

Kankuro was scared, afraid of being killed by his own brother's Transformation Jutsu.

Gaara remained silent throughout, seemingly unfazed by their conversation.

As the three entered the streets of Konoha, their strange attire immediately drew the attention of passersby.

But it was only a second glance. It was the start of the Chunin Exams, so it wasn't unusual to see Genin from other villages on the street.

In the crowd, a young boy in a gray t-shirt was leisurely strolling around with a drink. His spiky blonde hair was particularly striking, and his face bore a lazy expression.

Naruto no longer needed to participate in the Chunin Exams. Kakashi was busy training Sasuke and also helping Sakura with her Taijutsu guidance.

In short, Naruto was free.

Besides wandering around the streets all day, his greatest hobby was entering the Konoha arcade and transforming into an adult using the Transformation Jutsu to play pachinko.

He wasn't wearing his Konoha forehead protector either, his smooth forehead exposed, his blonde hair a mess as he went around having fun.

Since the Third Hokage didn't want him to participate in the Chunin Exams, he decided to just let loose.

The only reason Naruto wanted to participate in the Chunin Exams was to trigger system prompts. If there weren't any, he wouldn't be too disappointed.

At worst, he could also take the opportunity to unlock the Nine-Tails' progress with Hinata. The feeling of getting stronger while flirting with girls was truly wonderful.

"You little Fox Demon, get lost! I'm not selling anything to you!" the mask shop owner glared at Naruto with a displeased look, saying with disgust.

Naruto, who was choosing a fox mask, turned his head upon hearing this. He first stared deeply at the owner, then unexpectedly put the fox mask on his face.

He walked towards the owner, step by step.

The mask shop owner was startled by Naruto, who stood silently with the fox mask on, and stumbled backward, falling onto the ground.

When he turned his head to look at Naruto, the spot where Naruto had been standing was empty.

"Are you looking for me?"

Naruto's voice suddenly sounded, but he was right behind the mask shop owner.

The owner, lying on the ground, propped himself up with his hands and looked up, seeing Naruto, wearing the fox mask, leaning over him and staring at him.

"Ah!!!!"

"A monster!"

"Hahaha, what's wrong, Uncle? Are you that timid?"

Screams of terror mixed with Naruto's unrestrained laughter. This drew the attention of the pedestrians on the street, who looked at the scene in the shop with shock.

Naruto, however, paid no mind. He walked directly in front of the owner, took off the mask, and asked with a bright smile.

"Uncle, are you selling masks?"

"Yes, yes!" The mask shop owner was already terrified and didn't dare to make any further sarcastic remarks.

"Oh." Naruto's smile suddenly vanished at that moment. He lightly threw the mask on the ground and said softly.

"But I don't want it now."

Saying this, he stomped on the fox mask on the ground, shattering it. Then he turned and kicked the mask stand beside him, sending it crashing down.

With such force, the masks on the stand instantly turned to dust with a loud bang.

The mask shop owner's face turned pale with fear. He stared with wide eyes as his mask stand shattered and collapsed.

However, Naruto merely glanced at the owner sitting on the ground, then tossed a wad of cash into the air, leaving with a smile.

Watching the villagers on the street cast looks of either fear or dread, Naruto smiled. He thought to himself that he was a Jinchuriki, he owed no one anything.

Why should he defer to those people?

They wanted him to be a nuclear weapon but wouldn't even give him a decent look, so why should he?

"Is that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?" Kankuro asked, nodding in the direction Naruto had left, from within the crowd.

"It should be," Temari nodded, her brow furrowed slightly.

"Let's go meet him," Kankuro suggested, his face showing an eager expression.

"Don't cause trouble!" Temari refused outright, lowering her voice. "Don't forget our mission. That Nine-Tails brat doesn't seem easy to deal with!"

But before Temari could finish speaking, Gaara, who had been silent all along, walked towards the direction Naruto had left.

"Gaara!" Temari reached out to grab him, but Kankuro stopped her with a snap.

Rarely, he looked at Temari with a serious expression and shook his head, saying.

"It's best not to interrupt him once he's made up his mind."

Temari fell silent, but could only retract her hand. With a sigh, Temari called Kankuro to follow her.

This time, the Sand Village's participation in the Chunin Exams hosted by Konoha was not just for the exams; they had also secretly devised the Leaf Village Destruction Plan.

And Temari and her two siblings were an important part of the plan, sent to Konoha in advance to participate in the exams and gather intelligence.

This was precisely why Temari didn't want any complications before the mission even began.

Naruto suddenly stopped in the alley.

[Nine-Tails' Recognition 13.2%]

During his last date with Hinata, the progress bar had shot up significantly in a short time, from 2.3% all the way to 6.7%, and then surged to 13.2% amidst the fireworks.

Compared to 2.3%, 13.2% meant Naruto could now wield one-ninth of the Nine-Tails' power, even able to unleash the One-Tail.

He turned around and saw the Sand Village trio standing outside the alley.

His gaze lingered for a moment on Temari's off-the-shoulder fishnet top. He mused that the Sand Village's customs were indeed more open, and he involuntarily recalled a fan art piece he'd seen before his transmigration, featuring Temari.

Gaara stared at the blond in front of him and spoke.

"I sense a kindred spirit in you."

What a chuunibyou opening, Naruto thought. He knew that Gaara was still in his rebellious phase, so he didn't bother arguing with him.

After all, Gaara was the legitimate Crown Prince of the Sand Village, with the Sand Princess Temari standing beside him, and Kankuro, a prince who had no interest in the throne.

The trio looked rather unconventional, which immediately made Naruto lose any desire to communicate.

He waved at Gaara, saying impatiently, "I'm not part of the 'Funeral Love' family, what kindred spirit are you talking about?"

"What family?" Kankuro asked, confused.

"You guys have fun, I'm leaving." Naruto waved his hand and turned to leave directly.

But as soon as he lifted his foot, a killing intent instantly enveloped him. This intense killing intent came from behind him, from Gaara, who loved playing with sand.

Naruto looked back, Nine-Tails' chakra surged to his face, and his features suddenly transformed into a half-human, half-fiery fox. He bared his teeth and roared at the Sand Village siblings.

"Scram, don't make me say it a second time."