The Plan to Make Early Contact with Mizuki
Shuimu described the location he had investigated.
On the one hand, they had instilled in Naruto the idea that he could graduate once he learned the ninjutsu mentioned earlier. Following Fuuka's instructions, Naruto revealed to Mizuki his plan to steal the Scroll of Seals if he failed the exam the next day.
This made Shuimu's smile even brighter, his tone more intimate. He planned to kill Naruto and take the Scroll once Naruto stole it. If Naruto died, the demon fox from twelve years ago might be released. At that point, no one would have time to pay attention to him. He could escape unscathed with the Book of Seals.
---
Just as Naruto and Mizuki were discussing matters…
Inside the Hokage's office in the heart of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, eyes fixed on the crystal ball on the table with a calculating look.
The art of telescopes!
This technique allowed one to observe a person from a distance by memorizing their chakra. However, the area it covered was limited to the size of the entire Hidden Leaf Village.
"To think Naruto could discover my little tricks… Mizuki is really useless."
Hiruzen was already aware of Shuimu's recent inquiries about the Book of Seals. Of course, he hadn't taken them seriously. Shuimu was just an ordinary Chunin, not worth mentioning. No matter how much fuss he made, it wouldn't cause real trouble.
Still, Hiruzen saw an opportunity: he could test Naruto and also pass along ninjutsu Kushina had mastered. After all, Naruto was the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, a powerful weapon. Having raised him carefully, he couldn't just let his potential go to waste. Moreover, as Naruto's grandfather, sparing him punishment would help Naruto understand the meaning of his 'love.'
Hidden in the shadows behind Hiruzen was the Hokage's direct ANBU subordinate. Seeing Hiruzen's intense gaze at the crystal ball, he appeared immediately and asked in a low voice, "Lord Hokage, should we go and 'eliminate' him?"
"Konoha is like a large tree. If a branch or bud has a problem, we prune it," the ANBU continued, but Hiruzen shook his head.
"No need. Just have the ANBU keep watch."
"Oh, and get me a blank scroll." Hiruzen planned to create a fake Book of Seals. Naruto could practice on it with multiple shadow clones. With the Uzumaki clan's chakra reserves, he could naturally learn it as easily as his mother had.
The ANBU nodded, "Yes, Lord Hokage," and vanished in a flash.
---
Naruto, separated from Mizuki, quickly traversed the rooftops. Each step made a booming sound while he emitted cheerful giggles, immediately provoking a barrage of curses from villagers below.
Especially when they saw Naruto moving around—his mischief drew their most vicious and unrestrained insults. The cursing only stopped once he returned home.
[Darkness Value +1]
[Darkness Value +2]
…
[Current corruption level: 320]
At home, Naruto lay on his bed, and the smile vanished.
"Feng Xu, what time do we set off tonight?"
The idea of stealing the Scroll tomorrow was a lie for Shuimu. Only by acting tonight could Iruka be kept from interfering. Feng Xu was certain the Third Hokage had overheard Naruto and Mizuki's conversation. Tonight's plan was to find the real Scroll of Seals. He still coveted ninjutsu like the Flying Thunder God Technique, the imperfect Impure World Reincarnation, and the Reaper Death Seal.
---
"No rush. Let's go outside for a few more rounds, cause minor damage, and then go steal the Book of Seals."
Hearing Feng Xu, Naruto's face showed doubt and resistance.
"Huh? Didn't we already do that when we got back? I don't want to hear them insult me anymore; it's awful."
Getting scolded once or twice a day wasn't a big deal, but after it happened so often, Naruto feared he might develop those negative emotions again and pass them on to Feng Xu.
"It's okay, just face these things positively. You're only affected because you haven't been criticized enough. If it happened often, you'd naturally become numb to it."
Having just gained 200 Darkness Points, Feng Xu wasn't about to let this opportunity pass. Maybe if Naruto spun around a few more times, he could gain 2,000 points—enough to exchange directly for the One-Tailed Chakra Mode.
Feng Xu had no intention of touching the Nine-Tails chakra originally residing within Naruto. He wasn't the main personality; if the Nine-Tails attacked his soul, Minato and Kushina's chakra might not protect him.
---
"Okay, okay, you're right. I'll leave after I eat a bowl of instant noodles."
Naruto picked up the instant noodles and started boiling water, taking half a carton of milk from the fridge. From Naruto's perspective, Feng Xu could see clearly—the items were all expired months ago.
Those damned, ignorant villagers! Feng Xu fumed. They only knew how to take out their anger on children who knew nothing! And the Third Hokage and Danzo… I'll settle this later!
Recalling the stomach aches and diarrhea from eating expired food, Feng Xu intervened:
"Don't eat expired food. It's my body too. We still have money—let's go eat at Ichiraku Ramen."
Naruto hesitated, "But we don't have much money, and there's still half a month to live on. Besides, this food isn't necessarily spoiled; I've eaten it many times without getting sick…"
Feng Xu interrupted him:
"Don't worry about money. I'll handle it. Get me to Ichiraku Ramen—right now, immediately!"
Ichiraku Ramen's owner had always been kind to Naruto, so Feng Xu felt reassured. No one would feed him spoiled food.
"Mmm-hmm!" Naruto nodded happily and ran out the door. Besides his three generations of grandfathers, he now had another reliable ally.
[Master Personality Dependence/Trust Value: 31]
---
After happily finishing Ichiraku Ramen, following Feng Xu's advice, Naruto visited the stores that had sold him expired food. He did nothing special—he moved a small chair by the door and spoke to passersby while blocking entry.
The shop owner, naturally, wasn't going to tolerate him, cursing and grabbing a weapon to attack. Naruto, with his genin-level strength, dodged easily and shouted, "Boss, I understand! I have to put on a show for them!" while making exaggerated noises.
Fueled by these emotions, Feng Xu gained another 400 corruption points. He realized that it wasn't just sadness or pain that increased Naruto's darkening value—the pleasure of taking revenge also contributed. However, happiness or joy didn't increase it.
[Master Personality Trust/Dependence Score: 33]
[Current corruption level: 720]
Although still insufficient to exchange, Feng Xu didn't intend to waste time. He spoke to Naruto, who was about to drive the shop owner crazy:
"Naruto, it's time to act."
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