If Naruto Uzumaki proved harmless to the Hidden Leaf Village, Hiruzen Sarutobi would likely continue to let him grow freely, at least for now.
But if Naruto showed any signs of potential resentment toward the village, Hiruzen would eliminate him without hesitation.
As Hokage, his kindly facade masked a willingness to make any sacrifice for the village's sake. The annihilation of the Uchiha clan was a prime example.
"Alright, Naruto, head home and rest."
"Thank you for the grilled fish today."
"Oh, and I've enrolled you in the Ninja Academy. You can start the day after tomorrow."
Hiruzen was about to leave when he seemed to remember something and turned back to Naruto.
As a Jinchuriki, Naruto should attend the Ninja Academy to learn.
Though many of the Hidden Leaf's higher-ups had opposed letting Naruto enroll, Hiruzen overruled them. He believed that in the Academy, this lonely boy might find friends to form meaningful bonds with.
"The Ninja Academy? So I can learn ninjutsu and become a ninja, right?"
"And make lots of friends…"
Naruto's face lit up, his fists clenching with excitement as he looked at Hiruzen.
His dream of becoming Hokage was, at its core, about escaping loneliness and earning acceptance.
Naruto's reaction pleased Hiruzen, reinforcing his belief that his judgment was correct.
"Don't be late on that day."
Hiruzen smiled, then vanished with a Body Flicker Technique.
Naruto scooped dirt to smother the fire, then headed home.
Meanwhile, in Naruto's subconscious space, Chu Ran's expression shifted.
When Hiruzen mentioned the Ninja Academy, a smile crept across Chu Ran's face.
"It's finally beginning."
"Let's show them what a genius Naruto Uzumaki looks like."
"A pitiful monster without talent might be pitied by kind people."
"But what happens when the monster you all fear is an undeniable genius?"
Chu Ran's lips curled upward as he watched Naruto's lingering smile.
His plan was taking its first step.
The goal was to let Naruto, who had yet to shine, begin to radiate his brilliance at the Ninja Academy.
When that brilliance led to even greater isolation, it would be exactly what Chu Ran wanted.
His physique and soul attributes could stack onto Naruto's, and his soul strength could enhance Naruto's innate talent.
Naruto didn't need many bonds—just a few meaningful ones would suffice.
And when those bonds inevitably shattered, that would be the moment Naruto truly darkened, the moment he began to hate the Hidden Leaf Village.
…
Two days passed quickly.
For once, Naruto didn't oversleep. The moment his alarm rang, he sprang out of bed.
He put on what he considered his cleanest clothes and headed out.
The streets bustled with people.
Their gazes, filled with disdain and hatred, still followed Naruto.
But by now, Naruto had learned to mostly ignore them.
He knew he couldn't make everyone like him yet.
But there were a few people willing to stand by him, like Izumi Uchiha and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
However, when Naruto arrived at the Ninja Academy alone, his expression grew somber.
The academy entrance was crowded.
Most of the people weren't students but their parents.
Every child had someone to drop them off, their mothers and fathers escorting them to school.
Compared to the hateful stares on the streets, the lively scene at the Ninja Academy weighed heavily on Naruto's heart.
He envied these children, each with parents by their side.
But he had come to the academy alone, with no one to escort him, no parents to accompany him.
"Why don't I have a mom or dad?"
"I'm so jealous of them."
Naruto watched his peers, his face betraying a pang of envy.
With his hands behind his head, he started walking forward.
"Look, it's that kid. Why is he here?"
"How can the demon fox be allowed to attend the Ninja Academy?"
"It must be the Third Hokage's decision."
"What if something goes wrong?"
"Make sure you stay away from that blond boy, got it?"
The parents around him noticed Naruto.
The joyful scenes of parental affection soured as Naruto's presence darkened their moods.
Their eyes filled with disgust and worry, some even considering transferring their children.
But the Hidden Leaf had only one Ninja Academy.
All they could do was warn their children to keep their distance from Naruto.
These warnings, overheard by Naruto, cut deeper than anything else.
He lowered his head, quickening his pace.
As he hurried forward, head down, he suddenly collided with something.
Thud!
Naruto felt a slight pain in his head, rubbing it as he looked up.
A young girl was also rubbing her head, having fallen to the ground.
She had fair skin, short, ear-length hair, and strikingly, pure white pupils.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you."
"Are you okay?"
Naruto extended a hand to the girl. Hearing his voice, she looked up.
Seeing Naruto's face, a memory flashed in her mind.
It was a snowy winter day. She was being bullied by some older kids.
A boy in a yellow jacket and red scarf had stepped in front of her, shielding her.
That incident had happened just over a year ago, and the boy was none other than the one standing before her now.
"I-I'm Hinata Hyuga."
Hinata timidly reached out, her head lowered, her hands fidgeting as she avoided Naruto's gaze.
Naturally shy and introverted, she struggled to talk with her peers.
Especially with this boy—the first person who had ever helped her.
Despite getting beaten up that day, he had worn a carefree attitude.
His radiant smile had etched itself deeply into Hinata's heart.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the guy who's gonna become Hokage!"
"Really sorry about that, Hinata."
Naruto rubbed his nose, offering a sheepish introduction.
But calling her "Hinata" made her cheeks and ears flush bright red.