The road back to Konoha was lined with quiet.
Naruto walked ahead of the group, hands in his pockets, eyes low. His system pulsed gently in his mind, offering status updates and new options, but for once, he didn't care.
He kept thinking about Zabuza.
About Haku.
About the way real strength didn't always come with hatred — sometimes, it came from love. From loyalty.
Even when it killed you.
Behind him, Sakura and Sasuke whispered to one another. Kakashi walked slowly, still not fully recovered. But no one wanted to break the silence.
They all felt it.
They weren't kids anymore.
---
> Quest Complete: Escort Mission – Land of Waves
Final XP Bonus: +1,500
Bonus Trait Progress:
Leadership (Lv. 1) → 68%
Tactical Instinct → 54%
New Notification:
Skill Option Available: Path Selection
You are approaching a Rank Shift. Choose your path:
→ Warlord: Combat focus, clone control, AoE jutsu
→ Strategist: Tactics, terrain, battlefield command
→ Sage Initiate: Chakra control, elemental mastery, spiritual resilience
Confirm choice?
Naruto blinked.
So soon? He hadn't expected something like this before at least Chūnin-level missions.
But the system had already reshaped the rules. Every decision mattered.
He hovered his finger over Strategist, tempted by the idea of leading squads, but—
Then he remembered Zabuza. And Haku. And standing alone with four clones against overwhelming odds.
He chose:
> Warlord
Confirmed.
Unique Perk Gained: Clone Saturation
→ You can maintain more clones in active combat without chakra drain penalties
Bonus Skill Unlocked: Chakra Pulse – Disruption Field
→ Release a pulse of unstable chakra from your body
→ Disorients clones, illusions, and weak genjutsu within 10m
→ Cooldown: 90 seconds
Stat Growth Bias Applied: +1 Strength, +1 Endurance per level
Naruto felt the surge instantly — a warmth in his chest and spine. His body tingled. Stronger. Denser.
A true foundation for power.
---
By the time they reached the village gates, the sun had dipped low in the sky.
Konoha looked the same. Bustling. Calm.
But Naruto saw it differently now.
As they passed the gates, a group of Chūnin recognized them. Their expressions turned from surprise to disbelief.
"You're back," one muttered. "Already?"
Kakashi nodded, one hand in his pocket. "Mission completed. Target neutralized."
Another ninja blinked. "That was an A-rank missing-nin."
"Yeah," Kakashi said, giving a tired smile. "Turns out these kids are fast learners."
---
The Hokage tower loomed ahead.
Inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi — the Third Hokage — stood at the window, pipe between his lips. He turned as Kakashi entered with his team.
"I received word from the Wave outpost. Zabuza Momochi… is dead?"
Kakashi nodded. "Confirmed. Haku as well."
The Hokage's brows furrowed. "How?"
"Team 7 fought them. I was taken out of commission during the first encounter. Naruto led the defense. Sasuke provided critical disruption. Sakura protected the target."
Sarutobi's gaze turned to Naruto.
His face was unreadable.
"You were… the one in command?"
Naruto nodded stiffly. "I didn't plan to be. It just happened."
There was silence.
Then the Hokage smiled, a little sadly.
"You've grown."
---
After the debrief, the team was dismissed.
Kakashi remained behind, murmuring something in private to the Hokage.
Naruto turned to leave, but before he could take a step—
> New Notification: System Ping from External Source
Warning: A foreign chakra presence is attempting to interface with your system
Defensive protocols activated. Source blocked.
Naruto froze.
What the hell?
He quickly ducked into a quiet alley, eyes darting.
"System — who tried to access me?"
> Unknown Origin. Probable proximity: 100–150 meters.
Nature: Passive probe, not hostile.
Threat Level: Medium
Recommendation: Remain alert.
His heart pounded. Someone — or something — had tried to read him.
Not attack. Just observe.
But that was almost worse.
---
Elsewhere, far above the rooftops of Konoha, a figure stood in the shadows of a tall radio tower.
Their eyes glowed faintly with a tracking seal.
"Target anomaly resisted scan," they muttered.
Another figure — taller, wrapped in a thick black cloak — stepped forward.
"So it's true," the voice rasped. "The boy isn't just a Jinchūriki anymore. He's something else."
"Do we inform Danzo?"
The taller man remained silent.
Then he turned and vanished into the shadows.
---
That night, Naruto lay in bed, eyes wide.
He couldn't sleep.
The system had changed his life — but now others knew. Others felt it.
And if the wrong people figured out just how powerful it could make him…
He'd be hunted.
---
> System Alert: Path Progression – Warlord
Current Skill Tree Unlocked:
1. Clone Saturation (Active)
2. Chakra Pulse – Disruption Field (Lv. 1)
3. Brutal Reflex (Locked – requires 3 intense melee engagements)
4. Battle Meditation (Locked – requires 3+ minute sustained battle leadership)
Passive Buff: Warlord's Will
→ You take 10% less mental debuff from genjutsu, fear, or despair-type effects
Naruto sat up and looked out the window at the Hokage Monument.
"I won't be a weapon," he whispered.
"I'll be a storm."