I Am a Konoha Villager

Haku showed a troubled expression, and he did not dare look at Naruto, as though he had something difficult to say.

Naruto knew that Haku was actually a very gentle person. There were countless weapons in the ninja world, yet the steel needles Haku used were among the least efficient for killing. No one knew how many needles it would take to kill a person.

Compared to steel needles, kunai and shuriken were far more like weapons of murder.

Haku hated killing, which was why he chose steel needles as his weapon. It was the last shred of innocence he retained in this cruel ninja world, and proof of his stubborn resolve.

In a grave tone, Naruto said, "I want you to start new lives in Konoha Village, but each of you has an unbearable past. Who do you think would oppose your presence in Konoha Village?"

Haku, Zabuza, and Karin all fell silent.

"If the Third Hokage does not want wanted rogue ninja entering Konoha, then at most the Hokage ranks second." Naruto spoke in the most solemn tone possible. "The one who least wants to see you appear in Konoha is Danzo Shimura."

"Danzo Shimura is our greatest obstacle," Naruto said. "If we do not get rid of him, this family of ours cannot be established."

"Hahahaha." Zabuza Momochi laughed loudly. "Naruto, I have no interest in becoming your family, but I have spent a few peaceful days in Konoha. If anyone wants to ruin that, I can only send him to his death."

"Haku," Naruto urged, "there are still a few days until the final round of the Chunin Ninja Exams. I hope you practice your swordsmanship properly. Besides, Zabuza himself is a master with a blade."

Haku was still resisting inwardly.

Naruto sighed. All he could do now was give Haku time to think it over. Then Naruto took Karin and left the house.

Karin followed beside Naruto, feeling uneasy. She felt that Naruto was about the same age as her, yet she could never see through him.

As they walked through Konoha Village's bustling shopping district, the frustration in Karin's heart was swept away. She grabbed Naruto and wandered from stall to stall.

"Takoyaki! Freshly made takoyaki!" a vendor called out.

"Wow—" Karin's eyes sparkled as she stared fixedly at the steaming takoyaki.

Naruto immediately handed over the money. "Boss, one serving of takoyaki."

"Coming right up, customer. Here's your takoyaki." The vendor packed up a serving and handed it to Karin, who accepted it happily.

As she savored the delicious food, Karin's tense nerves finally relaxed. Hidden Grass Village was a very poor place, nowhere near as prosperous as the Land of Fire. It did not even have a proper shopping street, and every day was spent either frightened or on edge.

I'll need Karin's help with my future training anyway. Consider this her wages.

"But I have to stay alert," Naruto muttered. "If Hinata sees this, even Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique probably would not wash it clean. If Hinata misunderstands, I'm done for."

Naruto continued taking Karin around the streets. His main purpose was to let Karin experience the benefits of Konoha Village, so she could integrate into Konoha as soon as possible.

At that moment, several ninja lurked in the shadows along the street, seemingly observing Karin in secret.

"Hmph, they're here?" Naruto noticed them as well and knew they were ninja from Hidden Grass Village.

After Karin disappeared, Hidden Grass Village would surely discover it. Karin had value to them, and they were unwilling to lose her. Had they not come looking for her now?

The Hidden Grass Village ninja noticed that Karin was with Naruto. Realizing Naruto was an obstacle, they decided to lure him away first before abducting Karin.

Transformation Technique. A Hidden Grass Village ninja transformed into Kakashi's appearance, intending to use Kakashi's face to trick Naruto away.

Kakashi was Naruto's teacher. That information was not secret, so the Hidden Grass Village ninja could easily obtain it.

"Naruto, why are you still here? Hurry and come with me to train at the back mountain." The Hidden Grass Village ninja disguised as Kakashi stepped out.

Naruto looked at him as if he were an idiot. After Sasuke was hit by the Curse Mark, Kakashi has been guarding him without leaving his side. He's probably teaching Sasuke Lightning Release: Chidori right now. How could he possibly be standing in front of me?

"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said, putting on an act, "where have you been? I've been looking for you forever. I was hoping you could teach me a new ninjutsu."

"I'll take you to train in a new ninjutsu right now."

"Awesome! I can finally learn a new ninjutsu!" Naruto cheered excitedly.

Too easy. He took the bait just like that... the Hidden Grass Village ninja disguised as Kakashi thought.

The fake Kakashi turned and left, and Naruto followed. At the same time, Naruto secretly formed hand seals and released a Shadow Clone Technique in an inconspicuous corner, quickly switching places with his clone.

Naruto's shadow clone followed the fake Kakashi away, while Naruto's real body remained hidden.

Karin was still wandering among the stalls without a care in the world. Just as she became completely absorbed, the other Hidden Grass Village ninja rushed out, seized Karin, and vanished from the street in an instant. None of the passersby noticed a girl disappearing.

"Hmph." Naruto took in the entire scene and hurried after them.

The Hidden Grass Village ninja brought Karin to a secluded estate in the wilderness. There were at least twenty people there, all of them ninja from Hidden Grass Village.

Karin was thrown viciously to the ground, dirtying the new clothes she had only recently bought.

A Chunin from Hidden Grass Village stepped forward. He was huge, with arms as thick as buckets. Grabbing Karin by the hair, he said, "Where the hell have you been these past few days? Some of our people were injured in the Chunin Ninja Exams, and we've been waiting for you to heal them!"

"Get over there and heal them!" The Hidden Grass Village Chunin viciously kicked Karin.

Karin's face was filled with fear. She did not dare disobey them and obediently walked into the courtyard. With practiced movements, she rolled up her sleeves, exposing her fair, slender arms.

A severely injured Genin from Hidden Grass Village bit down on Karin's arm without the slightest hesitation, greedily consuming her chakra. His previously listless spirit became energized, and the force of his bite kept increasing. In a short time, the heavily injured Genin actually recovered completely.

"I'm alive again!" The Hidden Grass Village Genin was overjoyed. Rather than thanking Karin, he glared at her and said, "There are other wounded people over there. Get moving. Don't waste time."

At that moment, the Konoha Village forehead protector Naruto had given Karin fell to the ground with a particularly loud clang.

"Why do you have a Konoha Village forehead protector?" The Hidden Grass Village Chunin spoke expressionlessly. "Did you betray us?"

At that moment, Karin remembered Naruto's words: Konoha Village will be your home from now on, and I will be your family. From this day forward, no one will dare bully you again!

Karin tightly gripped the Konoha Village forehead protector. She was afraid of the Hidden Grass Village people before her, and she remembered her mother, who had been bitten to death by them.

"Why do you have a Konoha Village forehead protector? What does it mean for you to wear that forehead protector?"

The emotions Karin had suppressed for far too long finally erupted. "I am a Konoha Villager!"

"What?" the Hidden Grass Village Chunin roared. "Are you looking to die?"

"You're the ones looking to die!" Naruto Uzumaki appeared out of thin air. No one noticed when he had arrived. Naruto said to Karin, "You said that very well. Leave the rest to me."