These Root organization folks are straight-up wild, I gotta say. It's like they've got some serious screws loose up there.
Just think, four years back, Naruto was out there in Konoha Village, taking lives left and right. Not just anyone, mind you. He offed Obito, Danzo, a whole squad of Root guys, and even went toe-to-toe with some Anbu. And then he turns around and throws down in the village again. You don't just forget stuff like that.
But these dudes? They're on a whole 'nother level of crazy. They knew they were staring death in the face, yet they still went ahead and used their own deaths to pin the blame on Naruto. It's like they were drawn to trouble like moths to a flame.
And wouldn't you know it, they pulled it off. Naruto took 'em out, and then right on cue, the Anbu swooped in to nab him for questioning. I mean, killing folks in your own village? That's a golden opportunity right there.
Sure, Naruto might've thought he was doing the right thing by offing those guys who wronged Konoha, but deep down, he had to know it was a setup. Either they were gonna take him out or he was gonna take them out.
"When a guy's got nothin' to lose, that's when things get real interesting," Naruto quipped, shooting a smirk at Morino Ibiki, standing his ground.
Over the years, he'd only gotten stronger, pushing himself to the limit not 'cause he wanted trouble, but 'cause he refused to be anyone's punching bag.
"You still don't get it, do ya?" Naruto straightened up, shedding his casual demeanor. "When you're strong enough to play by your own rules, all those other rules? They're just for the regular folks, not us."
Leaning against a tree just moments ago, he now stood tall, his hands hovering near the hilts of his blades at his waist, staring down Morino Ibiki and his crew of Anbu like he owned the place.
So what if it's Konoha Village? So what if it's not his village anymore? What does it matter if it's the top spot in the Ninja World? Naruto wasn't backing down.
No one can make him compromise if he's not willing to do it.
The tension in the air became palpable on both sides in an instant. With just one look at Naruto's stance, it was evident that he wasn't going to budge, even in the face of conflict.
Morino Ibiki's forehead started to bead with cold sweat.
Naruto's strength was a bit intimidating. This was Konoha Village; how could he dare to act so arrogantly? Did he really believe that Konoha Village would still treat him as one of their own? Did he think they wouldn't take action?
Well, regardless, Naruto clearly didn't give a damn.
His disdain and disregard couldn't be more apparent.
"Trying to capture me? Then you better gather every ninja in the village because you're gonna need them all," Naruto remarked in a tone so flat it might have come off as arrogant to the other side.
But it was the truth.
At this stage in Konoha Village, Naruto wasn't just boasting; he could back it up.
There were only a handful of true masters left in Konoha Village now, and even Pain from the original storyline could deal a heavy blow to the village, let alone him.
Just when the tension seemed to settle a bit, Morino Ibiki was caught off guard.
Suddenly, a chuckle echoed from nearby. "Oh, I've heard about a little ghost in Konoha Village rumored to be the reincarnation of the Nine Tails demon fox. Seems pretty crafty. And now, here you are."
"Huh."
Another figure emerged from the forest, leaving both Naruto and Morino Ibiki stunned.
Tall and imposing, with long white hair cascading down to his waist, this figure also wore a forehead protector, but not one from any ninja village; it bore the inscription "oil."
It was him?
"Jiraiya?" Naruto couldn't help but blurt out, recognizing the newcomer. Indeed, it was Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, known as the Toad Sage.
Morino Ibiki also recognized him, feeling a sense of relief as he said, "Master Jiraiya, please help us restrain Naruto. He's turned against the village, killing these people here, including Master Danzo himself."
"What?" Jiraiya was taken aback. Wasn't Danzo killed by Uchiha Itachi?
Truth be told, Jiraiya was aware that Naruto had gone rogue. After all, there had been a bounty on his head.
But the original bounty didn't mention anything about this, putting the blame on Itachi instead.
It wasn't until today that he realized there was more to that story than he knew.
"Naruto? What's up?" Jiraiya's expression turned serious, mirroring Naruto's concern.
As a disciple of the Third Hokage, Jiraiya held a deep respect for the Third and his fellow Hokage advisors due to their shared history with Danzo. Despite any differences, they still saw eye to eye.
At least for now, Jiraiya regarded the elder generation with humanity.
But what about after the Third's passing? Would things change?
In response to Jiraiya's inquiry, Naruto shrugged, his tone challenging. "Hey, who are you to question me like this, old man? What makes you think you have the right?"
Wasn't it just a name call?
Jiraiya paused, caught off guard.
This was his first return to the village since Orochimaru's defection following the Fourth Hokage's death.
He had left the village upon hearing of Orochimaru's betrayal, dedicating years to tracking him down. Even when news of the Fourth's demise reached him, he stayed away.
Though he had learned of the Fourth Hokage's orphaned child from Miao 487 Mushan, he hadn't intervened or taken responsibility.
Jiraiya was Minato Namikaze's sensei.
Naruto, except for an initial slip, narrowed his eyes, assessing Jiraiya coldly.
What gave him the right to question Naruto?
Meeting Jiraiya's gaze, Naruto spoke frankly, "I know who you are, Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, teacher to my father, Minato Namikaze. But you've been absent for years, even after my parents' death."
"I'm not here to gripe, and I know I'm not your responsibility. So why approach me with such authority? Isn't that rude? Besides, I'm now a shinobi of the Rain Village, not Konoha."
"And as for the killings, didn't you see clearly? They attacked me first, including Danzo, who wanted my eyes. He's a despicable old man, and if given the chance, I'd do it again."
"Don't mistake me for who I was. Since I dared to oppose the village before, do you think I haven't grown? Believe me, I'll protect myself. Cross me, and I'll take you down."