Training Ground 44, an empty corner.
"I suddenly realized something." Naruto looked toward the Grass Ninja. "If things follow the original plot, Orochimaru will most likely place the Five Elements Seal on me."
Sakura frowned. "Wouldn't that be the same as having your abilities sealed? That definitely won't do."
Being sealed at this juncture would be far more serious than simply being unconscious for a while.
"But that would also deprive Sasuke of one of his early-game cheats," Naruto said calmly. "If I were a transmigrator hostile to Konoha, I could simply gouge out Sasuke's eyes and arm myself with them."
"Then what do you plan to do?"
"Let's follow the original plot for now. I can avoid fighting Orochimaru. Keep an eye out for any signs of transmigrators."
Sakura's brows remained knitted as she repeatedly mulled over Naruto's plan.
After thinking for a moment, Naruto added, "Orochimaru is definitely after Sasuke. Even if we avoid him this time, he'll continue pursuing us relentlessly. It might be better to face him head-on from the start. That way, we'll actually have the information advantage."
Only then did Sakura slowly nod.
The two of them quickly rehearsed a few emergency plans and devised some signals before walking toward Sasuke together.
The trio had obtained the [Book of Heaven]. They needed to pair it with the [Book of Earth] to pass, just as in the original plot. Naruto signaled for Sasuke to keep it, since that was the only way they could stand a chance against Orochimaru.
"Then, the second round of the Chunin Ninja Exams begins!"
The thick iron chains were unlocked and crashed onto the ground with a loud clang. A faintly salty, damp wind blew out from the forest and struck Naruto's cheeks, sending his adrenaline surging.
From this point onward, the examinees were free to kill...
The three began darting rapidly through the forest.
Konoha, the Hokage Building.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been carefully observing through a crystal ball, slowly exhaled a smoke ring. Just then, Ibiki walked over and respectfully saluted him.
"Lord Hokage, this is the information we interrogated from the Mist Ninja. Please look it over." Ibiki handed a scroll to Hiruzen.
Hiruzen took the scroll and unfolded it, scanning it for a moment.
"Hmm." He set his pipe aside. "Did they make any requests?"
"The boy named Haku hopes you won't hand Zabuza over to the Mist. He says he can offer his Kekkei Genkai in exchange, and he's even willing to serve Konoha directly."
Hiruzen neither agreed nor refused. "I'll need to think about this."
The power of a Kekkei Genkai was naturally precious, but it might not be more important than Konoha's diplomatic relationship with the Mist.
"By the way, have you noticed any promising newcomers in this Chunin exam?" Hiruzen suddenly asked casually.
Ibiki's heart tightened. It seemed Lord Hokage's words carried a deeper meaning.
After thinking for a moment, he decided to answer honestly. "The newcomers from the Sand Ninja and Grass Ninja have performed quite well. As for Konoha, Naruto Uzumaki of Kakashi's Team has stood out... Ah, the boy who has the Nine-Tails sealed inside him."
To Ibiki's surprise, Hiruzen slowly nodded. "You noticed Naruto too... Kakashi reported Naruto's situation to me earlier. His growth is astonishing."
"However, the Nine-Tails has constantly been influencing him. I'm worried that this may cause him to grow hostile toward the village. That would be a tremendous hidden danger for Konoha."
Hiruzen's gaze remained calm, as though he were merely discussing a minor matter.
"Then, Lord Hokage, you mean..."
"After the second exam ends, have Naruto come see me." A sharp glint hid in Hiruzen's eyes. "I'll personally guide him and teach him how to coexist with the Nine-Tails."
Ibiki's eyes widened. He knew exactly how much those words were worth.
As a renowned ninjutsu master in the shinobi world who had survived countless battles, with disciples who included the Legendary Sannin, receiving guidance from Hiruzen Sarutobi himself would undoubtedly bring immense benefits.
Moreover, "personally guide him" was Hiruzen's way of quietly conveying a signal: he intended to vigorously cultivate Naruto!
Ibiki hesitated. "But, having you personally guide this child... wouldn't that be a little..."
"I know what you want to say. Perhaps increasing the intensity of our surveillance would be the proper solution. But people are made of flesh and blood. Naruto has also rendered meritorious service to Konoha this time. If we continue treating him with hostility, there's no guarantee he won't lose control of his emotions. It's better to guide him positively from the very beginning."
Hiruzen rose to his feet, clasped his hands behind his back, and gazed out the window. He said meaningfully,
"Listen, Ibiki. Don't let the village's hostile rhetoric toward Jinchuriki influence you."
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 long-standing topic of debate among Konoha's higher-ups. The hawkish faction led by Danzo was hostile toward Jinchuriki, while Hiruzen and Tsunade's faction held the opposite view.
Ibiki had previously heard heated arguments outside the Hokage's office. Similar angry remarks included, "Hiruzen, you'll definitely regret this!" and "Danzo, I'm the Hokage!" among others...
If Hiruzen could properly manage Naruto's relationship with Konoha, he could slap Danzo and the others in the face while increasing his own authority. It would be killing two birds with one stone.
In light of that, Ibiki had no more doubts. "I understand, Lord Hokage."
"Mm. Go."
"Since you've come, you might as well stay here."
Naruto let out a cold laugh. He transformed the Nine-Tails Chakra into countless tentacles, sent them into his ninja pouch to pull out handfuls of kunai, and hurled them all at the enemy in front of him.
Not long after entering the Forest of Death, they encountered the Amegakure ninja from the original plot—the one who had impersonated Naruto and worn a breathing mask.
However, unlike in the original plot, Naruto hadn't been tied up like a caterpillar. Instead, he had countered with a punch that knocked the man over, then swiftly drawn out a long, thick mass of Nine-Tails Chakra, preparing to kill him.
"Talk about bad luck..." The Amegakure ninja flew through the air between the thick tree trunks and threw kunai fitted with Explosive Tags at Sasuke and Sakura.
"Water Style: Water Clone!" Sakura created a Water Clone. It caught the kunai in one hand and quickly put some distance between itself and the trio.
"Boom!!!"
"Boom!!!"
Thick smoke billowed everywhere. Only vague figures could be seen chasing one another inside it, until a booming shout shattered the chaos:
"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
One fireball after another slammed toward the Amegakure ninja. He hurriedly dodged, only to catch sight of a blue-clad, black-haired figure already standing in front of him!
"Pfft!" Sasuke viciously drove a kunai into his chest!
The Amegakure ninja retreated explosively once more, but he failed to notice that Naruto behind him had transformed the Nine-Tails Chakra into a pair of enormous hands. The hands crossed and clenched into fists before smashing straight downward!
"Boom!!"
The Amegakure ninja was slammed into the ground like a rubber ball. His body was completely pinned, leaving him with only a sliver of consciousness.
The three stood to one side. Naruto rolled his shoulders, signaling for the others to retreat, then summoned a Shadow Clone to search the man.
"Truly... unlucky... ah!"
Naruto's Shadow Clone expressionlessly punched him once, making his eyes roll back as he passed out.
"Next, we deal with Orochimaru, right?" Naruto murmured softly.
He began paying closer attention to his surroundings.
Before you continue