(Hey. Miss me? How many times have I asked that now? You're probably wondering where I've been. Well, my little brother broke my phone. Yeah—weeks ago. I was making fun of the little gremlin, and he kicked it right out of my hands. Now I'm writing on my sister's phone, which took weeks of begging to borrow. It's been exhausting. I should be getting a new phone sometime in April… I think? Anyway, enjoy the chapter.)
——————————————————————————————————————
Naruto – POV
The ANBU knocked, and an elderly voice answered, "Come in."
We stepped inside.
The room was filled with old people—Hiruzen, Danzo, and the village advisors. Great. Probably scheming something. I'd need to tread carefully.
The ANBU dropped to one knee.
"Good day, elders. I've brought Naruto Uzumaki as instructed."
Ugh. Am I supposed to kneel too? Bowing my head, sure—but kneeling? Nah, miss me with that.
"Thank you. You're dismissed, Vulture," Hiruzen said.
The ANBU nodded and vanished in a flicker of motion. The room went silent.
Then Hiruzen spoke.
"How have you been, Naruto?"
I raised an eyebrow. He definitely had something up his sleeve.
"It's been alright. Old man, why'd you really call me here? If this was just about my wellbeing, the elders wouldn't be here."
Hiruzen chuckled. "As expected."
So it was a test.
Danzo stepped forward, his voice as greasy as I remembered from the anime.
"Naruto Uzumaki. I am Danzo Shimura. A village elder—and one of the reasons you've been summoned."
Not surprising. Probably something about Root or ANBU.
"Is that so? I apologize for my impudence… but why? I'm pretty sure I'm not that important."
> 'Don't be like that, Naru-chan~ You're the most important person there is ♡'
…She can speak directly into my thoughts. She's always teasing me.
Hiruzen chuckled again. "Perceptive as always. Both Danzo and I have propositions for you."
> 'Fufufu~ This is your chance to milk it, Naru.'
You're ridiculously conniving, y'know that?
'It's part of my charm, love~'
I mentally sighed and tuned her out. "Please elaborate, old man."
——————————————————————————————————————
Danzo – POV
So this is the Jinchūriki…
He's above expectations. Composed, observant—he picked up on our intentions instantly.
My judgment was correct.
"Let me train you, Naruto."
He is the future of Konoha.
——————————————————————————————————————
Naruto – POV
…Eh?
I should've seen that coming. These aren't just anime characters—they have real thoughts and feelings. But that doesn't mean I trust him.
"That's your proposal, Mr. Shimura? What about you, old man?" I turned to Hiruzen.
He smiled softly.
"I want you to join the ANBU. You're well beyond the level of the average Genin squad. What you need now… is experience."
Ughhh. He has a point. Time to weigh the options.
Hiruzen's offer means high-level missions, actual combat experience, and steady income.
Danzo's offer, though… it's a bigger gamble. But long-term? It might pay off—if he doesn't try anything shady. He seems to respect me so far. If I play it right, learning under him could even improve my standing.
Being known as "the student of an elder" has its perks.
What do you think, Nine-Tails?
Bura?
---
(Yo, sorry for the short chap—my inspiration's been dodging me lately.)
---