"Good morning, Naruto-kun!"
As the soft morning sunlight filtered through the window, Uzuki Yugao—already dressed and radiant—smiled warmly at the just-awakened Naruto. She stood by the kitchen, ready with breakfast, her purple hair swaying slightly as she turned.
Naruto yawned, rubbing his eyes. This scene had become familiar over the past two weeks. He was no longer surprised by her presence in his room, in his space, in his life.
Yes, in the daytime, Yugao worked diligently.
And at night…
Well, their "arrangement" was crystal clear by now. The division of labor was smooth, and both were more than satisfied. Their futures—though uncertain—seemed aligned, burning with promise.
"Today's the day of the Chūnin Exams!" Yugao reminded him with enthusiasm, setting a bowl of rice and miso soup in front of him. "You must do your best, Naruto!"
Naruto nodded. "Of course."
He could feel the change in her aura—less melancholic, more optimistic. Ever since he helped her eliminate Baki of the Sand, her lingering sorrow from the death of Gekkou Hayate had faded. Her heart, once shackled by vengeance, had found new purpose—and new companionship.
Now, she was with Naruto willingly. Not out of duty. Not out of sadness. But desire.
In him, she found strength, passion, and an overwhelming power—especially when the Nine Tails stirred. That monstrous chakra alone was enough to make even an elite shinobi tremble. But to Yugao… it was exhilarating.
As Naruto sat down to eat the meal she lovingly prepared, she gazed at him with tender eyes. Their relationship wasn't public yet, but she didn't care. She would be by his side, no matter the future.
"This is the day," Naruto said quietly as he ate, "when the daimyō from all the ninja nations gather in Konoha."
Yugao nodded. "Yes, that's right. The Third Hokage mentioned it. This Chūnin Exam holds deep political significance. Many nobles and powerful figures have been invited to witness it."
"I see…" Naruto smiled slightly.
Everything was unfolding according to plan.
The Collapse of Konoha—Operation Konoha Crush—was about to begin.
But before that…
Yugao suddenly approached and sat on Naruto's lap, wrapping her delicate arms around his neck. Her soft purple hair brushed against his cheeks as she leaned in.
It was clear—before Konoha collapsed, she already had.
"Sister Yugao," Naruto chuckled softly, "if you're going to act like this, then I'll have to handle you first before handling Konoha."
With a grin, Naruto picked her up in his arms. As his chakra gently flared, he made sure to scan the surroundings—ensuring no one was spying or eavesdropping.
"It seems like this is going to be a great morning for… special training."
"…!"
---
[Meanwhile, outside…]
Hatake Kakashi: "As much as I don't want to admit it… Naruto's stamina is ridiculous. Wasn't it just last night—?"
Tenten: "Ahem! Even if we only heard a little of what went on… they must be exchanging 'chakra' techniques every night! His physical endurance is top-tier!"
Uzumaki Kushina: "Of course! That's my Naruto! What's the big deal? This is totally normal."
Terumi Mei: "I can't wait to meet that Naruto from this alternate world~ He sounds deliciously interesting."
Haruno Sakura: "Ugh! Why didn't that Naruto fall for me?!"
Yamanaka Ino: "Maybe he did… but you just weren't good enough to catch him!"
Sakura: "???"
Gekkou Hayate (ghostly voice): "Xiyan… my Xiyan…"
Uzuki Yugao: "…"
---
With breakfast complete and his gear packed, Naruto stood up, straightened his jacket, and stretched lazily. "Alright… time to head out."
Outside, the village of Konoha was already buzzing with life. Today was the final round of the Chūnin Exams, and the village was at its most festive.
The streets were packed. Vendors were shouting, children were laughing, and shinobi from other villages mingled cautiously with Konoha's own.
In the grand stadium, dignitaries from across the Five Great Nations had already gathered in the VIP stands. They sat in lavish robes, whispering among themselves, their eyes focused more on gossip and wagers than the ninja themselves.
To them, the Chūnin Exams were just a show—a form of entertainment.
Who won, who lost—it hardly mattered.
These elite figures had no plans to assign missions to Chūnin. In their eyes, they were mere foot soldiers, not worthy of their attention. Even the once-revered White Fang of Konoha had disappointed them.
On the main podium sat the aged Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, looking composed as ever. He had no long-winded speeches today—just quiet confidence in what was to come.
Due to the unfortunate death of Gekkou Hayate, the responsibility of referee had shifted to Shiranui Genma, who stood lazily on the battlefield with a senbon in his mouth, appearing disinterested but alert.
He raised a hand and spoke clearly: "The first match of the Chūnin Exams—Uzumaki Naruto versus Gaara of the Sand! Everyone else, please leave the arena!"
The rest of the genin candidates filed out quietly, heading to the observation stands.
Temari lingered for a moment, her brows furrowed. She knew her younger brother Gaara too well.
He was ruthless.
Cold. Unpredictable. Dangerous.
Although she wasn't fond of Konoha, her opponent this time—Naruto—left a strange impression on her. She couldn't shake the feeling. A sense of admiration… and worry.
If either of them got hurt today, she would feel conflicted.
Kankuro watched her out of the corner of his eye. He noticed her strange expression but chose not to speak.
Since arriving in Konoha, they had all been pawns in a much bigger game—unwitting tools for Orochimaru's scheme.
---
Gaara stood silently at the center of the field, his gourd resting on his back. His blood-red eyes searched, but Naruto had yet to appear.
"Where is he…?" he muttered.
"Don't tell me Naruto's chickened out?" barked Inuzuka Kiba from the stands.
Sakura shot up, enraged. "Shut it, mutt! Naruto would never back down from a fight!"
Ino stood in solidarity. "Yeah! Don't talk crap about Naruto!"
Uchiha Sasuke crossed his arms. "Naruto's not the type to run away. He'll come. I'm sure of it."
Thanks to Kakashi's guidance, and without the interference of Orochimaru's curse mark, Sasuke's training had gone exceptionally well.
He felt stronger than ever—and determined to prove it.
Whether it was Gaara or Naruto, he would defeat them both.
The Uchiha were the strongest clan. Today, he would prove it to all of Konoha.
Back at the VIP podium, Sarutobi Hiruzen continued watching, calm and composed.
He had immense faith in Naruto. With Jiraiya's seal training and the boy's rapid growth, he believed Naruto would shine today.
But beside him, the man dressed as the Fourth Kazekage—Orochimaru in disguise—smiled coldly beneath his veil.
"Tch… Sarutobi-sensei, you truly are unprepared," Orochimaru thought, gleeful. "You still have no idea what's coming."
This moment was perfect. From this divine vantage point, Orochimaru would witness the collapse of Konoha—and the humiliation of the Third Hokage.
---
Back in the arena, Shiranui Genma frowned. "If Uzumaki Naruto doesn't show up within the next minute, I'll have to delay the match—"
Suddenly, an eagle screeched overhead, drawing everyone's attention.
From its beak, a unique kunai dropped from the sky, stabbing the center of the battlefield.
Clink!
The moment the kunai hit the ground, a wave of chakra surged—and a golden flash burst through space.
A figure appeared beside the kunai, surrounded by a golden shimmer.
The crowd gasped.
The Third Hokage's eyes widened. "That kunai… that design…!"
Even in his old age, he remembered it well.
"That's… that's Minato's special kunai!"
Kakashi's eyes widened in realization. "It's… the Flying Thunder God!"
In a dazzling flash, Naruto stood tall, arms crossed, his golden hair gleaming in the sunlight.
The entire stadium fell silent.
He had arrived—not just as a genin, not as a Jinchūriki—but as a living shadow of the Fourth Hokage himself.
And behind that calm gaze… was the beginning of Konoha's downfall.
---
To be continued…
Next Chapter: "Uzumaki Naruto vs. Gaara! The Monster Within the Sand!"