You Regret My Shadow! Hiruzen Sarutobi's Gift

Training Ground 44, a deserted corner.

"I just realized something," Naruto looked in the direction of a few Grass Ninjas. "If I follow the original story, I'll most likely get the Five Elements Seal from Orochimaru."

Sakura frowned. "Doesn't that basically disqualify you? We definitely can't have that."

Being sealed at this point wouldn't just mean being unconscious for a while.

"But that would also mean Sasuke loses an early-game cheat," Naruto said calmly. "If I were a Transmigrator hostile to Konoha, I could have just taken Sasuke's eyes and armed myself."

"Then what do you plan to do?"

"Let's stick to the original plan for now. I can avoid fighting Orochimaru, and you can help keep an eye out for any Transmigrators."

Sakura's brows remained furrowed as she mulled over Naruto's proposal.

Naruto thought for a moment and added, "Orochimaru is definitely after Sasuke. Even if I avoid him this time, he'll still relentlessly pursue him later. It might be better to face him head-on from the start; that way, we'll have the informational advantage."

Hearing this, Sakura slowly nodded.

The two briefly rehearsed a few emergency plans and devised a code before heading towards Sasuke together.

The trio had received the Book of Heaven, and they needed to pair it with the Book of Earth to pass. Just like in the original story, Naruto signaled for Sasuke to keep it, which would allow him to confront Orochimaru.

"Alright, the second stage of the Chunin Exams begins!"

The thick iron chains were unlocked, hitting the ground with a clang. A faintly salty, humid wind blew from the forest, striking Naruto's face and sending his adrenaline soaring.

From here on, the examinees could freely kill each other...

The three began to move rapidly through the forest.

Konohagakure, Hokage Building.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been observing intently through his crystal ball, slowly exhaled a ring of smoke. Ibiki approached him and bowed respectfully.

"Lord Hokage, this is information obtained from interrogating a Kirigakure ninja. Please review it." Ibiki handed a scroll to Hiruzen.

Hiruzen took the scroll and unrolled it, browsing for a moment.

"Hmm," he set his pipe aside. "Did they make any demands?"

"That young man named Haku wished not to be handed over to Kirigakure. He stated he could offer his Kekkei Genkai as an exchange, serving Konoha directly."

Hiruzen remained noncommittal. "I need to think about this matter further."

The abilities of a Kekkei Genkai were naturally precious, but perhaps not more so than Konoha's diplomatic relations with Kirigakure.

"Oh, right. Did you notice any potential newcomers during this Chunin Exam?" Hiruzen asked casually.

Ibiki's heart tightened. The Lord Hokage seemed to have something more in mind.

He pondered for a moment and decided to tell the truth. "The newcomers from the Sand Ninja and Sound Ninja performed quite well. From Konoha's side, Naruto Uzumaki of Kakashi's Team stood out... ah, that's the boy who harbors the Nine-Tails."

To Ibiki's surprise, Hiruzen slowly nodded. "You noticed Naruto as well... Kakashi had reported on Naruto before. His growth is astonishing."

"However, the Nine-Tails has been constantly influencing him. I worry he might come to resent the village because of it, which would be a huge hidden danger for Konoha."

Hiruzen's gaze remained calm, as if he were merely discussing a trivial matter.

"Then, Lord Hokage, what is your intention...?"

"After the second stage of the exam concludes, have Naruto come see me," Hiruzen's eyes held a hint of sharpness. "I will personally guide him and teach him how to coexist with the Nine-Tails."

Ibiki's eyes widened. He understood the immense value behind those words.

As a renowned ninjutsu master in the ninja world, battle-hardened and with disciples who were the legendary Sannin, receiving guidance directly from Hiruzen Sarutobi would undoubtedly be incredibly beneficial.

Furthermore, "personally guide him" – Hiruzen's words were subtly conveying a signal: he intended to heavily cultivate Naruto!

Ibiki hesitated. "But, troubling you to personally guide this child, isn't that a bit..."

"I know what you're thinking. Perhaps increasing surveillance is the correct approach. But hearts are made of flesh and blood. Naruto has also rendered service to Konoha this time. If we continue to treat him with hostility, it's hard to guarantee he won't lose his balance. It's better to guide him positively from the start."

Hiruzen stood up, placing his hands behind his back, and gazed out the window meaningfully.

"Ibiki, do not be swayed by some of the anti-Jinchuriki sentiments within the village."

Ibiki froze, as if struck by lightning. He instantly grasped the deeper meaning behind Hiruzen's words.

How to deal with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki had always been a persistent topic among Konoha's higher-ups. The hawks, led by Danzo, were hostile towards Jinchuriki, while Hiruzen and Tsunade's faction were the opposite.

Ibiki had previously overheard heated arguments outside the Hokage's office, with angry remarks like "Hiruzen, you will definitely regret this!" and "Danzo, I am the Hokage!" and so on.

If Hiruzen could effectively manage Naruto's relationship with Konoha, he could decisively shut down Danzo and the others, increasing his own influence. It was a win-win situation.

Given this, Ibiki had no further doubts. "I understand, Lord Hokage."

"Good, you may go."

"Since we're here, you can just stay here."

Naruto sneered, transforming the Nine-Tails Chakra into countless tentacles. He reached into his ninja tool pouch, pulled out handfuls of kunai, and hurled them all at the enemies before him.

Not long after entering the Forest of Death, they had encountered the Rain Ninja who, in the original story, had impersonated Naruto and worn a breathing mask.

However, unlike in the original story where Naruto was tied up like a caterpillar, he instead flipped the ninja over with a backhand punch. He then rapidly pulled out his long, thick Nine-Tails Chakra, preparing to counterattack.

"What rotten luck..." The Amegakure ninja weaved rapidly through the thick tree trunks, throwing kunai attached with explosive tags towards Sasuke and Sakura.

"Water Style: Water Clone!" Sakura conjured a water clone. The clone grabbed the kunai and quickly created distance between themselves and the trio.

"Bang!!!"

"Bang!!!"

Thick smoke billowed, obscuring their figures as they chased each other. This continued until a roar shattered the silence:

"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

Fireballs rained down on the Amegakure ninja. He dodged frantically but caught a glimpse of a figure in blue and black hair appearing before him!

"Pfft!" Sasuke plunged a kunai fiercely into his chest!

The Amegakure ninja retreated again, but he didn't notice Naruto behind him transforming his Nine-Tails Chakra into a pair of giant hands. They crossed and clenched into fists, smashing straight down!

"Bang!!"

The Amegakure ninja was smashed into the ground like a ball. His body was completely pinned, leaving him with only a sliver of consciousness.

The three stood to the side. Naruto stretched his arms, signaling for everyone to back away, and summoned a shadow clone to search the ninja.

"So, unlucky... Ah!"

Naruto's shadow clone punched him expressionlessly, causing his eyes to roll back before he passed out.

"Next, it's time to deal with Orochimaru," Naruto muttered softly.

He began to pay attention to his surroundings.