Root Headquarters
Deep beneath Konoha.
Dark. Silent. Oppressive.
An ANBU operative appeared beside Shimura Danzō in a flicker of the Body Flicker Technique and whispered a report into his ear.
Danzō's expression shifted slightly.
Medical-nin talent?
The Jinchūriki possessed aptitude comparable to Tsunade's potential?
Interesting.
Very interesting.
His solitary left eye gleamed coldly.
"If that is the case… he must belong to Root."
A thin, sinister smile formed.
"As for Yakushi Nono…"
"Hmph. Attempting to step away?"
"Once Root… always Root."
Earlier
After giving a few brief instructions, Yakushi Nono hurried toward the Hokage Tower, leaving Naruto and Hinata alone.
Naruto looked at the small Hyūga heiress beside him.
"I'll walk you home. What's your name?"
Though he already knew.
"H-Hinata…"
Her pale fingers nervously poked at each other.
Standing so close to him made her head feel light.
She had never felt like this—even when sparring with Neji-niisan.
Thinking of Hyūga Neji, who had once been so close to her… and how distant he had become in recent years…
Tears gathered in her Byakugan.
Naruto sighed inwardly.
He gently patted her back and wiped the corner of her eye.
"Hinata's not that little anymore. Still crying?"
Her ears flushed pink.
Color spread down her slender neck.
Since childhood, her father had strictly emphasized proper conduct befitting the Hyūga heiress.
Such closeness with a boy was improper.
Yet Naruto's touch felt… warm.
Calming.
He stopped at the outer perimeter of the Hyūga compound.
Going deeper would mean countless Byakugan watching.
"Thank you very much, Naruto-kun."
Hinata bowed with impeccable etiquette.
Naruto waved casually and turned away.
She stood there, watching his small figure disappear into the fading light.
"Goodbye… Naruto-kun."
He's brave.
Kind.
If only I were stronger…
Father wouldn't look at me with such disappointment.
To her, Naruto's appearance was like dawn breaking through a long night.
A soft voice spoke beside her.
"Young Mistress, Naruto-kun is quite an impressive boy, isn't he?"
Hinata jumped slightly.
"Na-Natsu-nee-san…"
Hyūga Natsu stood beside her in a white maid uniform, smiling gently.
As a branch family member bearing the Caged Bird Seal, Natsu understood cages better than most.
Even the main family's heiress was not truly free.
Yamanaka Residence
At the entrance hall, Yamanaka Ino slipped off her shoes, golden hair cascading over her shoulders.
Yamanaka Inoichi watched his daughter return home.
"Ino… have you made any new friends recently?"
Ino brightened immediately.
"Yes! Naruto-kun!"
Her cheeks pinkened as she enthusiastically recounted the events of the day.
Her tone turned indignant.
"The villagers are terrible! He's just an orphan!"
"He's so pitiful…"
Inoichi's expression grew complicated.
Naruto.
As head of the Yamanaka clan—and one of the Ino–Shika–Chō trio—he knew the truth.
Uzumaki Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
And the son of Namikaze Minato.
He had once served under Minato.
The Ino–Shika–Chō had always been loyal to the Hokage.
But loyalty required caution.
The Third Hokage's stance toward Naruto was… ambiguous.
If Ino grew too close—
It might appear that the Yamanaka clan was taking a political position regarding the Jinchūriki.
That could invite suspicion from the higher-ups.
"Ino," he said gently but firmly, "it would be best if you kept some distance from that child."
Ino froze.
Her father rarely denied her anything.
She opened her mouth to protest—
But the seriousness in his eyes silenced her.
"…I understand."
She walked inside quietly.
Inoichi sighed.
Being loyal to the Hokage was not always simple.
Naruto's Apartment
"I'm back."
The small apartment answered with silence.
Naruto lay back on the sofa, staring at the familiar ceiling.
Then he closed his eyes.
His consciousness sank.
Darkness.
Moist stone corridors.
The steady drip of water.
He stepped forward across the shallow water of the sewer-like chamber.
Ripples spread outward from his feet.
"I've come to see you again… Nine-Tails."
Two enormous crimson eyes opened in the darkness.
Burning like twin lanterns.
A deep, thunderous voice echoed through the cage.
"Insolent human brat…"