As Naruto reminisced about his bonds, his eyes landed on the boy with fang markings on his cheeks and a small puppy perched on his head. The boy was Inuzuka Kiba of the Inuzuka clan, known for using dogs—ninken—as companions in battle. Naruto remembered how they became friends.
"Iruka-sensei, Naruto versus Kiba!" the instructor called out. Two boys stepped into the sparring ground—Naruto and Kiba.
Kiba sneered and glared at Naruto, mocking him. "I'm going to kick your ass today, dead last."
Naruto said nothing, taking a silent martial stance. Iruka gave the signal to begin. Kiba crouched low, mimicking the stance of a dog before charging. As he neared, Naruto suddenly moved—vanished from his sight.
Gasps and murmurs filled the air. The students stared in disbelief. To them, Naruto had disappeared and reappeared in another position, leaving behind only a golden trail of hair. A moment later, his kick connected cleanly with Kiba's stomach, sending him flying. Kiba collapsed unconscious from the shock.
Naruto had befriended Shino in an odd but memorable moment. Because of Shino's low presence, Naruto had never even noticed him. One day, while Naruto dozed off at his desk, a small bug crawled onto his cheek and woke him. Startled, Naruto opened his eyes just in time to see Iruka about to call his name during roll call. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a quiet boy gesturing toward him—Shino. That small act sparked a friendship.
"...to...uto...ruto… Naruto!" Iruka's voice snapped Naruto out of his trance. He looked up, standing slowly as the teacher called him forward to perform the Clone Technique for his test.
Some students snickered, expecting him to fail. But they were about to be proven wrong.
Naruto stepped up onto the podium. He raised his middle and index fingers to his chest. In a puff of smoke, an exact replica of himself appeared. Every detail was perfect.
Silence fell over the class. Then came gasps, followed by whispers. Some students smiled. Others wore expressions of jealousy. A few stared at him in a mix of awe and confusion. But one thing was clear—Naruto had changed.
And he was being watched.
On the desk of the Hokage, a sealed document lay open.
---
Classified Document — ANBU Intelligence Division
Subject: Naruto Uzumaki
Classification: Confidential | Restricted Access – Level 3 and above
Date: Year 61, Leaf Village Calendar
Reporting Officer: ANBU Operative Codename "Crow"
Behavioral Summary:
Naruto Uzumaki, male, age 10. Orphan of the Fourth Hokage. Host of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Subject has recently displayed abnormal behavioral shifts inconsistent with previously recorded psychological profiles.
Observations:
* Physical Changes: Sudden increase in muscle density, improved posture, and refined movement. Subject now moves with unnatural grace, resembling trained ANBU operatives or shinobi with advanced chakra control.
* Mental Acuity: Displays advanced tactical thought. Recent incident at the park included the use of a precise combat stance resembling martial styles unknown to current records. Engaged and defeated four older students with minimal effort.
* Aura Perception: Multiple operatives reported feeling "pressure" from the subject's gaze. Aura described as calm, commanding, and cold—unnatural for his age and prior records.
* Tool Use: Subject carries a handcrafted shogi board inscribed with an unknown formation array. Analysis suggests potential exposure to foreign or lost arts.
* Social Ties: Forming unexpected bonds with students of high-profile families—Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi. Displays protective behavior and persuasive leadership qualities.
* Speech Pattern Shift: Now speaks formally, often using archaic honorifics. Examples include "Sister Ino," "You may attend my training ground," and "Maggots live peaceful lives because we protect them."
Assessment:
Subject no longer fits the psychological mold of a lonely, orphaned pariah. His presence, demeanor, and potential influence are becoming politically concerning—particularly given his jinchuriki status and the historical volatility of the Uzumaki lineage.
Recommendation:
Increase surveillance. Assign permanent Root agents within the Academy and dormitories. Monitor all interactions, especially with children of clan heads. Recommend review of sealing protocols in case of emergency.
---
Night had fallen over the Hokage Tower. The office was quiet, the only light coming from a flickering candle. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat behind his desk, eyes heavy with worry as he studied the file. Across from him stood Danzo Shimura, cloaked in bandages, his cane tapping against the wooden floor.
"You've read the report," Danzo said flatly. "He's changing, Hiruzen. And not like other children. This boy… he's no longer one of them. He's becoming something else."
Hiruzen exhaled slowly, his hands folded beneath his chin. "Naruto has always carried the burden of the Nine-Tails. His growth may simply be him maturing—perhaps under guidance we've yet to identify."
Danzo's eye narrowed. "Do you believe in coincidence? Physical enhancements, ancient techniques, a commanding presence? He's manipulating the heirs of powerful clans. Inoichi's daughter, Shikaku's son, the Akimichi heir. He's gathering influence—whether he means to or not."
"He's a child," Hiruzen replied. "A lonely one."
"So was Itachi… once," Danzo murmured, the silence that followed more damning than his words.
Danzo stepped forward and dropped the report onto the desk. "You're too kind, old friend. But sentiment doesn't protect a village. Root will monitor him. Every hour. Every movement. If he interacts with anyone suspicious, if he displays any dangerous ability, I will act."
"You will not move without my order," Hiruzen said firmly. "I am the Hokage."
Danzo stood still, as if weighing the value of pushing further. "Still clinging to your idealistic nonsense. The Will of Fire, compassion, freedom… These are weaknesses, Hiruzen. Not virtues."
He stepped back, his grip on the cane tightening. The open file lay between them like a cracked seal, exposing a dangerous truth.
"Mark my words—he is no longer just a jinchuriki. He's a variable. A threat. The changes are too drastic. If someone is training him from the shadows… we may already be too late."
Hiruzen rose from his chair, his aging body straightening with resolve. "I will not treat a loyal child as a weapon, Danzo. He has suffered more than most shinobi ever will. I'll watch him myself—but I won't let Root destroy what future he has left."
Danzo's cane slammed against the floor as he took a step forward. "Then you are a fool."
He turned, walking toward the door. Just before exiting, he stopped and spoke without looking back. His voice was hard as steel.
"You will regret this, Hiruzen. Your compassion has always been your weakness. When that boy turns against you… don't expect Root to clean up your mess."
The door slammed shut behind him, the sound echoing like a war drum.
Hiruzen stood still, the silence in the room deep and solemn. He lit his pipe, drawing in a long breath as the smoke curled up toward the ceiling like a silent prayer.
"Naruto… my boy… please don't prove him right."
To Be Continued….