Narrator's Perspective
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Later that evening.
Inside one of the hideouts of the Breakers gang, an emergency gathering had been called for all executives by order of their leader. Familiar faces filled the room.
A large table stood at the center, with a chair resembling a throne prepared especially for the gang's leader. Seated there, with one leg crossed over the other and a calm expression upon his handsome face, was Naruto.
Among those present were Shino, the acting commander, Rock Lee, and the former Red Devil, Lucian, all counted among the executives of Konoha High.
There were also Lily, Carol, and Kon, representing their school.
Kojiro and Ringo were present as representatives of their own institution.
And finally, two figures from the former Tiger gang stood in attendance, representing their school as well.
"My apologies for calling you here on such short notice. I imagine some of you were busy," Naruto said quietly, his gaze sweeping the room. He received only simple, understanding nods from his executives in return, which made him sigh silently.
"You all know of my condition after the fight with Tiger. While I was recovering, I left everything in Shino's hands." His eyes scanned the room before settling on Lily as he continued, "But not once did I hear word that the Breakers had absorbed the Hasuno gang and unified the others beneath our banner. I only learned of this recently from the—" he corrected himself quickly, "—from Lucian."
Then, he turned his gaze toward both Shino and Rock Lee, certain that the two of them had deliberately kept this from him.
Rock Lee raised his hand, asking permission to speak. Shino, arms crossed, remained cold and indifferent, as if none of it concerned him. Naruto's annoyance grew, but he allowed Lee to speak.
"Leader, you were resting, and you personally entrusted things to Shino. So, I thought it best to wait until this gathering to let Lily make her official declaration. Unfortunately, the news reached you before the coronation could be held properly."
"There was no need to make it such a spectacle…"
"Leader," Shino spoke suddenly, drawing Naruto's eyes toward him. His cold, serious tone sent a chill through the room, leaving Naruto with the impression something was amiss. Still, Naruto trusted his right-hand man enough to hear him out.
"If this were only about the Breakers, then yes, we could skip such formalities. But this is no longer the case. We're no longer just kids playing at being a gang. The larger organizations have begun to treat us seriously. I need you to become more aware of your position, and of the reality that you now lead a major syndicate that rivals even adult gangs in size."
Naruto closed his eyes, a bead of sweat sliding down his cheek. Shino's words were sharp, but true—and Naruto had no rebuttal.
"I apologize for leaving you ignorant of recent developments. But the coronation is essential. We've already decided it will take place one week from now. I hope you'll prepare yourself properly for that day."
"…Very well. I understand."
His reply was brief, but inwardly, Naruto was struck deeply. He had thought of his comrades as nothing more than children—but were they truly? The realization stung.
"What are the most notable gangs that have approached us?" he asked calmly, redirecting the discussion. The others exhaled in relief, fearful the tension between leader and lieutenant would escalate further.
"After the fall of the White Fang gang, many others began expanding their influence into our territory, which White Fang had loosely protected. The most significant of them is the Awakening gang—a newly formed syndicate born from the union of three rival factions in southern Japan. They reached out to us with great respect, declaring their intent to extend their operations into the central regions. Their leader even offered us thirty percent of their profits here. I believe it's a profitable deal, and it's clear they bear us no ill will."
"That is acceptable. Approve their request and allow them to distribute their goods here. You and Lily will handle the negotiations," Naruto ordered.
"As you command," Shino and Lily replied in unison.
For them—for everyone present—Naruto's strength and authority were beyond question. He had defeated the indomitable Shino, then the reigning King Jin, and finally Tiger himself, whose name was feared across all gangs in Japan. Challenging the Breakers was foolish, and even within the gang, respect—or fear—toward Naruto ran deep.
The meeting continued for some time, the executives discussing nearly every matter at hand. Eventually, Naruto dismissed them. One by one, they departed, until only Naruto, Shino, and Rock Lee remained.
The powerful aura surrounding Naruto dissipated. He exhaled heavily, lips tightening as he asked, "Shino, was it really necessary for me to act like some kind of villain?"
"Yes," Shino replied flatly. "Your strength is undeniable, but you lack the aura. Even if it's an act, it's what inspires fear—and obedience. A gentle leader may be loved, but in our current state, love alone will not hold this gang together. You must project power, even if it's a mask."
Naruto understood. Cruel though it was, such measures were necessary to keep the volatile ones under control.
"With the coronation a week away, we should invite certain adult gangs. It's vital they see our presence. Within a year or two, we'll be in direct competition with them. For now, they won't openly target minors."
"Do you think we'll be able to hold our ground when that time comes?"
"Yes. By then, those about to graduate will form their own special forces. And the year after, we'll be ready to face any gang that dares to move against us."
Naruto gave a simple nod. "Good. Because by that time, it won't just be minor groups—we'll face the very organization that annihilated White Fang in a single night."
At the mention of Zabuza, Tsunade, and Kakashi—the overwhelming power those names carried—both Shino and Rock Lee felt unease stirring within them.
"We must grow stronger. Otherwise, our end will be certain."
"I'll do everything I can to fortify us," Rock Lee promised.
"Two years… that's all we have."
"It's more than enough—if we begin now."
"Then I'll be counting on you both—Shino, Lee."
"As you command."
And so, the very first council of the Breakers executives ended, their sights fixed on the unknown danger looming ahead.
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On the way home.
Naruto walked alongside Kiba, Sakura, Shino, and Rock Lee. It had become their new routine.
Kiba, as always, was rambling about Immoral Scarlet and her new song, which had become a hot topic everywhere.
Before long, they parted ways with Sakura near her home. Shino and Rock Lee soon departed as well, leaving only Naruto and Kiba to continue together, their paths running close.
"Hey, Naruto… how are things going with Sakura? Any progress?"
Naruto, still lost in thoughts of the Akatsuki, flushed red at the sudden question. "Nothing's happened… Sakura doesn't seem to see me that way. I said I'd pursue her seriously, but… what if she rejects me? What if Sasuke still lingers in her heart?"
His shy tone shifted into quiet sorrow. Since Sasuke's relationship with Ino had become public, Sakura had changed. Not in any overt way, but Naruto noticed—she seemed distant, distracted, even when smiling among them.
That was why he hesitated to confess properly again. His first attempt had been a disaster—taking advantage of her heartbreak over Sasuke's rejection, forcing his feelings on her, stealing a kiss, and nearly more. Sakura had stopped him, but even the kiss itself was disastrous enough. And not once, but twice—he had kissed her again the very next day.
Remembering this, Naruto buried his face in his hand, embarrassed. "I just hope she doesn't hate me for that…"
Kiba sighed deeply, his gaze dropping, sorrow flickering in his eyes. Hands shoved into his pockets, he muttered, "I envy you. You and Sakura are at least close enough to take that next step. The girl I like doesn't even know I exist…"
"You mean Hinata?"
"I tried talking to her once, but she ignored me as if I wasn't even there."
His voice cracked with sadness, his eyes glistening. Naruto felt a pang in his chest at the sight of his friend's despair.
Looking at him, Kiba whispered, "You promised to help me, remember? Please, Naruto… arrange a meeting for me with her. You're famous—even she knows you. If you told her you had a friend who wanted to meet, maybe she'd agree. So… what do you say?"
Naruto stood silent, his heart aching as he watched his dear friend plead.
"I won't promise anything… but I'll try."
Relief washed over Kiba's face. He quickly wiped his tears, smiling faintly. "I'm sure you can do it, Naruto."
Those words struck Naruto hard. It's been a year… maybe more… since he first asked me. And I forgot. He never once reminded me, not until he was desperate enough to break. How can I call myself his friend?
Naruto pressed his hand to his chest, determination hardening within him for the day to come.
The two friends parted ways, each heading home.
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Elsewhere, in a dingy bar thick with the stench of alcohol.
At the counter, two figures sat. One drank straight from the bottle as if it were water. Beside him, a blonde woman idly swirled her half-full glass.
"So it's true—that boy really is Minato's son? I suspected as much the moment I saw him. But to think Minato, of all people, would hide his own child from me… that's cold," the man muttered.
The blonde woman toyed with her glass, replying flatly, "He must have had a damn good reason. And if they targeted him, then the fact that boy was a secret makes perfect sense."
"How long do you think Minato can keep it hidden? After that brutal attack, I doubt it'll be long before they move again."
"Which is why we need to finish our preparations—before that organization achieves its goal."
She sighed, setting down her glass. "Any word from Orochimaru? It's been over a year."
"Nothing. His most secret lab was destroyed, all his work erased. I'm certain they captured him—or eliminated him outright. Wasn't he working with them for a time? Feeding them intel?"
"Even so, their leader never showed his face. All we know are fragments—like Kakuzu and Hidan, both orphans raised in some church, molded into living weapons."
"The frightening part is… we've got nothing else. No leads at all."
The man chuckled, suddenly lowering his hand to slap the woman's rear. "You're getting old, Tsunade. Don't tell me you're scared?"
Tsunade jolted at the harassment, then retaliated with a brutal strike to his head, slamming him face-first into the counter. "Of course I'm scared, you idiot! Strange that you're not, Jiraiya. Ten years ago, they tried to kill me. Do you know the hell I endured just to survive?"
Blood trickled from Jiraiya's nose, but he only laughed lazily. "Of course I'm afraid. I just don't want to lose you again, Tsunade."
Her cheeks flushed faintly, but Jiraiya went on. "That's why—even if I'm scared, even if we've no clue where to start—it doesn't change my goal. That bastard will pay for laying a hand on what's mine."
Tsunade closed her eyes, blushing, then sighed, pushing away her thoughts. "You haven't changed one bit. Why couldn't you have been this strong fifteen years ago? We might've had children by now…"
Jiraiya laughed, his face red—whether from alcohol or emotion was unclear. "What? We could still have one or two now… if we tried hard enough."
"It's far too late, fool. I wouldn't bother with a penniless old man who can't even support himself."
"What? My book sales could support us just fine. Come on, marry me."
"In your dreams, idiot. I won't live in a run-down apartment. I've got more than enough from my clinic, so I don't need you."
Jiraiya pouted, muttering "Tch…" before laying his head on the counter. Staring at his bottle, he whispered weakly, "If she were here… would she love what I've become? Driven by revenge… a poor old fool who gave up everything for vengeance. Would she still love me?"
Tsunade's heart clenched. This man—her man—didn't love her. He loved the Tsunade who had died ten years ago.
Tears stung her eyes as she whispered, "I'm sure she would love you madly. Just as I do."
"Ha… ha ha ha…"
Jiraiya laughed.
Tsunade wept.
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To Be Continued