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Back to the present
Deep within the shadows of the underground lair, dim torches flickered along the walls, casting long and eerie shadows. The scent of damp stone and snake musk lingered in the air.
Naruto stood with his arms folded, his cloak fluttering softly in the cave's gentle airflow.
Across from him, Orochimaru leaned over a stone table where a large, detailed map of Konoha's structure was laid out.
"Soā¦ we proceed during the ChÅ«nin Exams," Naruto said, his voice smooth, deep, and deliberate. "The invasion commences during the final rounds. Everything falls into place then."
Orochimaru nodded, his forked tongue briefly flicking out.
"Yes, the moment of distraction will be perfect. The crowd's eyes will be on the arenaā¦ no one will notice until it's too late." His lips curled into a serpent's smile. "And Hiruzen... the old man will fall."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. "You are right. He will die by our plan. Konoha will remember this day. The death of their Hokage will mark the birth of something greater."
Orochimaru tilted his head slightly. "You speak with such venom, Naruto-kun."
Naruto's smirk deepened. "Hey, don't say that. I feel weird... Anyway, Konoha is a rotting tree that needs to be burned down to its roots. You get your revenge and I get my stage."
Orochimaru chuckled, his pale fingers steepling before his face. "Then we are alignedā¦ for now."
They went over the steps once more.
Naruto had already carved multiple Flying Thunder God marks throughout the stadium.
The Sand's Kazekage, Rasa, was being played like a puppet.
The Sound and Sand would attack from the outside while chaos erupted within.
Kabuto would release the Genjutsu signal. And Orochimaru would confront Hiruzen, disguised and poised for the killing blow.
Naruto's mind ran through the entire battle like a symphony. Every move, every twist, every scream was pre-written in his head. The plan was perfect. But he wanted more. He wanted Hiruzen to feel the betrayal, to see the despair in his eyes.
Tap... Tap... Tap..
A series of soft footsteps echoed from the shadows behind them. Orochimaru paused, glancing back toward the entrance of the cave.
Naruto didn't turn immediately. He already knew who it was. He could feel her chakra like a warm breeze against his skin. It was wild, fiery, and familiar.
"Karinā¦" He whispered to himself, a small, fond smile curling on his lips.
From the shadows emerged a girl, her red hair long and flowing, cascading down her back like a crimson waterfall. She wore a form-fitting black top with long sleeves that hugged her petite yet growing frame, a short violet skirt, and dark stockings that ended just above her knees.
Her glasses still perched on her nose, but her features had sharpened since he last saw her. She was no longer the little girl clinging to Orochimaru's robe. She had grown, blossomed into a charming young girl with a spark in her eyes and fire in her soul.
As soon as she saw him, her eyes widened with joy, and she broke into a run.
"Naruto!!!" She cried, practically leaping into his arms.
Naruto caught her effortlessly, his smile softening as her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
"You took so long this time," Karin mumbled into his chest, her voice muffled. "I thought you forgot about meā¦"
He laughed gently, his hand moving to rest on the top of her head, his fingers threading through her vibrant hair.
"Sorry, Princess. Got caught up building a little chaos," He teased. "But I didn't forget you. Not for a second."
She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with a mix of emotion, relief, affection, and longing. "You better not have."
Naruto stared at her for a long moment. She had truly grown. There was still innocence in her face, but also strength. His heart, usually so guarded, softened just a little more.
"Were you being bullied?" He asked, his tone dropping to something serious, protective. "Anyone mistreating you while I was gone?"
Before she could respond, a third voice joined the moment.
Kabuto leaned against the cave wall nearby, adjusting his glasses with a lazy smirk. "Heh, bully her? That's a good one. She's the terror of the base. Half the men run when she starts yelling."
Karin snapped her head toward Kabuto, eyes blazing. "Shut up, you four-eyed snake! You always twist the truth!"
"I just state the facts," Kabuto said, raising his hands in mock surrender.
Naruto chuckled, watching the exchange like an older brother amused by a sibling spat.
Karin pouted and turned back to Naruto, her voice turning sweet and exaggeratedly soft. "Don't listen to Kabuto. I'm very obedient. Always training, never causing trouble. Totally peaceful and polite."
Naruto raised a brow. "Totally, huh?"
She nodded, lips pursed in mock sincerity.
He leaned forward, his lips close to her ear.
"Liar," He whispered, smirking when she flushed and looked away quickly.
Still holding her close, Naruto pulled back just enough to get a good look at her. "So? How's your training going?"
At that, Karin perked up. "Amazing! I'm strong now! I can sense chakra from miles away. I even tracked a bird mid-flight just by its chakra signature! The Snake Uncle helped me a lot. Andā¦ I've been learning sealing too. Kushina-san's old notes helped."
"You're growing fast," Naruto said with pride. "That's good. You'll be unstoppable in a few more years."
Karin blushed, then beamed with happiness. His praise meant more to her than anything else in the world. For years, she'd idolized Narutoānot just because he had saved her, but because he believed in her when no one else did.
From the side, Orochimaru watched the two with narrowed eyes, saying nothing for the moment. There was an odd warmth between them, something he didn't often see in Naruto. Despite his power, his manipulative nature, and his terrifying strength, Naruto seemed to genuinely care for this girl, and that made her interesting.
Naruto finally turned back to Orochimaru. "The plan's locked. Don't screw it up."
Orochimaru inclined his head with an amused smile. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. I'll be in contact with Rasa by tomorrow. Everything will be ready."
"Good," Naruto said, nodding once. "I'm taking Karin with me for the day. She needs fresh air. I'll drop her back tomorrow."
Orochimaru waved a hand lazily. "By all means. She could use a change of scenery. Justā¦ don't spoil her too much."
Karin immediately puffed up. "He can spoil me if he wants! I deserve it!"
Kabuto muttered something under his breath about spoiled brats, but Naruto didn't hear it. He extended his hand to Karin.
She took it instantly.
"Hold tight," He said with a smirk, activating one of the numerous Flying Thunder God seals only he could access.
In a flash of light, wind, and distorted space, both figures vanished, leaving only silence and swaying torchlight behind.
--- ā¦ ā¦ ā¦ ---
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