---
Naruto POV
"Kid, are you sure you want to do this?"
Yeah, it's for the best.
I took a deep breath as I made my decision—I was going to learn under Danzo. I know, I know. Sounds like a terrible choice, right? But hear me out.
I could learn so much from him. Danzo's experience as the leader of Root and his manipulative tactics could give me strategic insight and skills that are invaluable in a world full of political intrigue and deception. Plus, he could help me understand the darker side of the village—how to navigate it, survive it, maybe even fix it. I can't afford to be naïve anymore.
"Mr. Shimura, I'll take you up on that offer."
The old man smirked and extended his hand. I gripped it.
"Pleasure to work with you, Uzumaki-san. Let us discuss the terms of your tutorship under me."
With that, I gave a quick nod to Hiruzen and left with Danzo. But don't worry—I don't plan on joining Root.
---
Hiruzen POV (after Naruto and Danzo leave)
No... no... no...
I could feel the weight of Minato and Kushina's disappointment pressing on my shoulders. My head slumped as I puffed on my pipe.
This decision... it could change everything. Naruto—so full of potential, of light—choosing Danzo... I can only imagine the consequences. Sure, Danzo's methods will sharpen him into a formidable ninja. But at what cost?
His wonder... his innocence... his empathy...
Gone.
Sigh.
"Boar, bring me some sake," I muttered to the ANBU nearby.
Danzo will turn him into a shadow. A tool. A ghost of the boy I knew.
...No.
No, I must have faith. Naruto is strong. He's the son of the Fourth Hokage, and dare I say, perhaps a future Hokage himself.
---
Naruto POV
"So, where to, Mr. Shimura?" I asked the old crow, walking beside him, hands in my pockets, playing it cool and shi—
{Such diverse vocabulary, good job Naru~}
Sarcasm?
'Obviously, brat. Your slang, as you say, is absolutely horrendous.'
Haters gonna hate. I blocked them both out.
"We're going to the place where your training will begin. Don't worry, while it will push you to your absolute limit, you'll have time to rest."
"I wasn't worried about that. I meant them."
I jerked my thumb toward a group of villagers glaring at us.
"What's he doing with Danzo-sama?"
"Maybe Danzo-sama is finally getting rid of him."
"Yes! That makes sense."
I deadpanned at their not-so-quiet whispers. Danzo smirked.
"This is a good opportunity. Come."
Confused, I followed him as he stepped in front of the crowd.
He raised one hand, and just like that, silence. That's... some serious aura, not gonna lie.
'I'm going to kill myself.' I almost snorted at Kurama's muttering, but held it in as Danzo began to speak.
"Konoha! I come before you with an announcement of utmost importance. From this day forth, Naruto Uzumaki is my student. Spread the word. I will not tolerate disrespect toward my pupil. Any such behavior is equivalent to questioning my judgment—and I trust none of you would do that. Thank you."
Mic. Dropped.
Honestly? I was impressed. He handled that better than the old man ever could. He smirked at me as the crowd dispersed.
"Well, that's what you were after, wasn't it? You wanted me to announce your apprenticeship. Quite cunning. A vital trait for a ninja. You continue to impress me. Come. We're nearly there."
I raised a brow. I had hoped for something like that, yeah. Smart guy.
After about ten minutes, we reached a tall fortress-like building. Inside, he keyed my chakra into a seal at the door and led us deep underground. Like... terrifyingly deep.
Eventually, we reached a huge open area covered in scrolls and weapons. My eyes sparkled—there's no way I'd ever have gotten access to these techniques on my own!
"Hehehe…"
"Naruto, create 800 shadow clones."
I blinked. Then did it. The area filled with my copies.
"What will we be doing, sensei?"
He smirked.
"You, my boy, need knowledge. I will mold you into the perfect shinobi."
He then unsealed hundreds of books.
...So I'm going to be reading all of that with my clones.
...Fuck it. Reading's cool anyway.
---
Sasuke POV
The Academy was boring as usual. The two banshees were shrieking, the class was rowdy, and Iruka-sensei came in yelling to calm everyone down.
I raised my hand.
"Yes, Sasuke? Something wrong?"
"Where's Naruto, Iruka-sensei? He hasn't been in class for days. He's not the type to just skip."
"Why do you care?" Sakura rolled her eyes. "He doesn't matter."
"Shut up, Sakura. Naruto matters way more than you ever will." Ino snapped.
Iruka slammed his hand down.
"Ino! Sakura! No side comments."
He sighed.
"Sasuke, Naruto graduated early. It was approved by Lord Hokage."
What?
The class didn't even react. Like they expected it.
I'd been underestimating him. Again. Of course he would graduate early.
Time skip: After class
I went to the Hyuga girl. She was closest to him. That irked me a little.
"Hyuga. You're close with blondie, right? Why'd he leave early?"
"Oh, Sasuke. He told me the Academy was moving too slow for him."
"That so? Thanks, I guess." I turned to leave, then glanced over my shoulder. "Hey. Are you and him... dating?"
She blushed and shook her hands rapidly.
"N-No! We're just friends. Good friends. But just friends."
She tapped her fingers nervously. "...I wish we were more, though," she muttered.
"I see."
I left feeling... lighter.
---
Hiruzen POV
I took a sip of my coffee, looking across at my old friend.
"So, how's Naruto doing?"
Danzo raised a brow, then smirked. That alone said a lot.
"He's... remarkable. Truly. He has all the makings of a perfect shinobi. I won't be using my usual methods on him. But I can't promise to go easy, either."
I couldn't help the small grin that tugged at my lips.
"You like him, don't you? Danzo Shimura is fond of someone."
For the first time in decades, my old friend felt... human.
---
Naruto POV
I jumped over a sweep from my clone, countered with a feinted jab, then spun into a roundhouse kick—dispelling it.
Panting, I collapsed onto my back.
Danzo had made me read for hours, then fight all the clones who'd read with me.
Suddenly, I felt someone cradling my head. I opened my eyes and found myself resting on Bura's lap.
"Hi," I said.
She smiled and played with my hair. "Hello, Naru-chan~" She kissed my forehead. "You've been working so hard. It's admirable."
"Stop babying him," Kurama growled.
I lazily raised a hand and pointed. "Shut up, you fat piece of fur."
Bura giggled.
"Now, now, boys. Settle down. I have good news."
I sat up, intrigued.
"You've got my attention, Bura. Talk to me."
"Well~ Naru-chan, you're getting really close to learning my true name. I can't wait~!"
"Wait, actually?! That's awesome!"
She squealed, "Aww! You're so cute, Naru!" Then hugged me tight.
---
3rd POV
The camera pans to Kurama, fist clenched, growling.
"Let go of him! My host will not be babied! He'll be intimidating, you hear me!?"
---
Sasuke POV
Lying in bed after a long training session, fresh from a shower, my thoughts drifted.
To him.
Naruto.
He was an enigma. A contradiction. He moved through the world differently. Like he existed in a dimension parallel to ours.
Just like Itachi.
But Naruto wasn't robotic like him. Itachi always felt distant. Naruto... felt alive.
Why couldn't I stop thinking about that stupid blonde?
---
3rd POV
That night, Naruto spent hours exploring the limits of his mindscape, laughing and teasing with Kurama and Bura.
Meanwhile, Sasuke tossed and turned in bed, plagued by thoughts of the same boy—like a sickness he couldn't shake.
---
Author's Note
Hi! I just want to say—I have so much newfound respect for writers who consistently put out 1,000+ word chapters. Just getting to 1,400 took me like three hours. 😭
Also… is Sasuke in love with Naruto?
Is he gay?
Find out next time on Naruto: Reborn!
Next chapter drops: Late Sunday, late Monday… maybe Tuesday. It's my birthday on Monday, so y'know. 🎉
---