Chapter 3 — The Book of Sealing
Yes, the thing Naruto thought of was the Book of Sealing (Fūinjutsu no Sho), the Hokage's most confidential scroll that contained countless forbidden techniques—from the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique (Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu) to advanced sealing arts like the Dead Demon Consuming Seal (Shiki Fūjin) used by the Fourth Hokage. However, stealing the Book of Sealing was no small matter, as it was locked within the Hokage's residence and guarded by ANBU.
Naruto remembered clearly that, in the original timeline, he had stolen the Book of Sealing with surprising ease. Thinking back, it now seemed less like coincidence and more like a plan of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Perhaps Hiruzen deliberately turned a blind eye, hoping that Naruto could strengthen himself, just as his father, Minato Namikaze, once did. After all, as the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, being too weak was not only dangerous but also irresponsible. Maybe Hiruzen wanted to give him a secret chance to grow.
Thinking of this, Naruto realized that the Book of Sealing might not be so unreachable after all.
However, there was one crucial figure tied to this event — Mizuki, the Chūnin instructor.
That night, Naruto went to bed early, conserving his energy for what was to come. The next morning, he approached Mizuki's office, pretending to be innocent yet curious. "Mr. Mizuki," he began seriously, "I heard that the Book of Sealing contains many powerful jutsu. But I don't know where it's kept."
As soon as the words left Naruto's mouth, Mizuki's eyes darkened slightly. He forced a smile and said in a low voice, "Naruto, I know where the Sealed Book is… but you mustn't tell anyone that I told you." Naruto nearly laughed internally. Just as he expected, Mizuki had long coveted the Book. Outwardly, however, he nodded obediently. "I understand, Mr. Mizuki." Believing Naruto's act completely, Mizuki revealed the Book's secret location, planning to use Naruto as a pawn in his own betrayal.
That night, Naruto made his move. As the moonlight filtered through Konoha's rooftops, he slipped silently toward the Hokage Residence. He knew the Third Hokage likely sensed his movements through the crystal ball, yet he pressed on. Even if discovered, he would likely face no severe punishment—after all, he was just a child, and Mizuki would take the blame once his plot was exposed.
The Book was heavily guarded by Konoha-nin, yet fortune seemed on Naruto's side. With stealth aided by chakra control and a bit of luck, he managed to seize the Scroll of Seals without immediate detection. Soon, however, the alarm spread through the village. Naruto darted into the forest, clutching the enormous scroll tightly to his chest. "I can't hold onto this for long," he thought. "Mizuki will come soon. I need to learn at least one powerful jutsu before that."
Hiding deep within the woods, Naruto unrolled the scroll and his eyes widened. The very first jutsu recorded was the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. "So it was this one…" he muttered. The notes described it as a forbidden variation of the ordinary Clone Technique, converting large chakra reserves directly into tangible bodies. The main reason it was forbidden: it consumed a massive amount of chakra, potentially killing ordinary shinobi. But Naruto, with his immense reserves and the Nine-Tails' chakra, was different.
Sitting cross-legged, Naruto began practicing the seals. After several tries, he felt the chakra flow synchronize perfectly, and with a burst of energy—Boom!—dozens of clones appeared, identical and solid. "Heh, I actually did it," he whispered, amazed by how natural it felt. With his new jutsu, he knew he stood a real chance.
Naruto skimmed the scroll further, committing the Rasengan's development notes and the Flying Thunder God Technique formulas to memory, though he knew they were far beyond his current level. Before he could continue, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Naruto!" It was Iruka Umino, panting as he approached. "You've caused a big commotion. Come back with me now."
Naruto turned slowly, tightening his grip on the scroll. He knew what was coming next — Mizuki's betrayal, Iruka's test of trust, and his own awakening as a true ninja of Konoha. With calm eyes, he thought,
"So… it begins."
(End of chapter 3)