After being confirmed by Tsunade to have no hidden injuries, Naruto was discharged from the hospital without issue.
On the day of his discharge, Orochimaru accompanied Kushina Uzumaki and Mikoto Uchiha to bring Naruto home.
Orochimaru handed Naruto a short sword.
"This..."
Naruto stared at the short sword, feeling a faint sense of familiarity, though he couldn't quite place it.
Orochimaru glanced sideways at him, his tone indifferent. "This is Dee's short sword. From now on, it's your trophy."
"Oh, so it's that blond guy's sword," Naruto said, realization dawning on him.
As the blade of a Kage-level ninja, it was naturally a fine weapon, its edge gleaming with a sharp, cold light.
However, Naruto casually tossed the sword back to Orochimaru without hesitation.
"Keep it, Orochimaru-sensei. I have my own sword and don't need this."
Naruto's lips curved into a slight smile as he said, "Let's go, Kushina, Mikoto. Time to celebrate my discharge with a good meal."
Orochimaru silently put the short sword away and nodded. "Very well. I happen to be in need of a blade."
After his last battle with Kakuzu, Orochimaru hadn't abandoned his search for a quality sword. Unfortunately, nothing he'd seen caught his eye—until now.
Though the short sword's design didn't suit his taste, he planned to commission the craftsmen of the Land of Artisans to reforge it.
---
Originally scheduled for seven days later, the Chunin Exams were postponed by three months for reasons classified as military secrets.
This was the official explanation...
Those who knew the truth merely chuckled and dismissed it.
With three extra months, Mikoto and Kushina asked Naruto to help them train and improve their skills.
Naruto was stumped. He wasn't much of a trainer—he only knew how to kill.
His methods were entirely unsuitable for the two women.
Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, was the real expert in this area.
Taking Naruto's suggestion to heart, the two approached Orochimaru with cautious hope.
In their impression, this eccentric-faced teacher was always busy with missions.
Yet, to their surprise, Orochimaru didn't refuse. Instead, he cleared his schedule and focused entirely on their training.
He subjected them to grueling, blood-and-iron drills tailored to their strengths and weaknesses.
Three months passed in the blink of an eye...
Both Kushina and Mikoto achieved significant breakthroughs in strength.
However, Orochimaru's training had little effect on Naruto, who only needed physical growth to improve.
It was unclear whether Orochimaru's suggestions influenced the Third Hokage, but Hiruzen Sarutobi eventually offered Naruto the Scroll of Seals as compensation.
---
Hokage's Office
Hiruzen stood by the window, gazing out as he said calmly, "On the desk is the forbidden technique directory from the Scroll of Seals. For the next three days, Uzumaki Naruto, you may choose any forbidden technique from it."
Three days later...
Under Hiruzen's watchful eye, Naruto chose the Flying Thunder God Technique.
This way, the technique could reenter the public eye without arousing suspicion.
The other techniques, such as the Dead Demon Consuming Seal and Edo Tensei, didn't appeal to him—they were simply too grotesque.
When Naruto brought the Flying Thunder God Technique scroll back to his residence, a familiar machine-like voice echoed in his mind:
[Ding! Detected S-Rank Ninjutsu scroll. Exchange for Dark Points?]
Naruto's blue eyes gleamed faintly as he asked, "System, how many Dark Points can I get for the S-Rank scroll?"
[Host, the scroll can be redeemed for 20,000 Dark Points.]
"Twenty thousand..."
Naruto gasped. This was significantly more than defeating a Kage-level opponent—by half, no less.
Perhaps collecting forbidden scrolls could become a new hobby.
[Exchange.]
Naruto silently gave the command.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on earning 20,000 Dark Points.]
Should he exchange the points for a technique or a bloodline fusion?
As Naruto debated, a loud knock suddenly startled him, snapping him back to reality.
Naruto, now wearing cotton slippers, scowled as he opened the door.
"Who's knocking like that? Don't you know it's basic manners to be gentle when knocking on someone's door?" he grumbled.
"Pfft. I'm inviting you for barbecue out of the goodness of my heart, and this is your attitude? So rude!"
Like a cat with its fur bristling, Kushina shot back without hesitation.
Behind them, Mikoto smiled awkwardly.
Somehow, these two had become increasingly fond of bickering, and their bond had grown stronger.
As ninjas, none of the three in Team Seven cooked much anymore, often opting for takeout.
Kushina had even dismissed her household servants, claiming that ordinary people were bound to suffer misfortune around her.
---
It was noon on the now-quiet commercial street, with most residents napping at home.
"Which barbecue place are we going to?" Naruto asked Kushina as they walked down the street.
"This one will do."
Kushina pointed to a moderately priced restaurant.
"Alright, then. I won't hold back," Naruto said with a grin.
Just as his words fell, a sharp voice rang out.
"Iron Sand Rain!"
Glinting iron sand, sharp as knives, shot toward the three members of Team Seven.
======================
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