Ding!
[Congratulations to Onoki, Gaara, and Fourth Raikage for their correct answers in this prize quiz!]
[Rewards distributed as follows:
1. Onoki: Ten years younger.
2. Gaara: Immunity to Shukaku's rampages while sleeping.
3. Fourth Raikage: Strengthened physical skills.]
---
Nani?!
The revelation caused shockwaves across the audience.
Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, had grown ten years younger. His once stooped figure now stood upright, radiating vitality. On the other hand, Sarutobi Hiruzen, standing on the high platform, trembled in frustration.
"Ten years younger..." Sarutobi murmured, envy etched on his face.
Orochimaru, ever perceptive, scoffed. "Look at your pathetic reaction, Sensei. Getting excited over a mere ten years is beneath you."
---
The Rewards
Senju Hashirama was the first to break the silence. "So, it turns out that answering questions correctly leads to actual rewards!"
Senju Tobirama, his ever-skeptical brother, frowned. "Brother, let's not jump to conclusions so quickly."
But Onoki interjected. "Second Hokage, believe it or not, I've regained my youth! My back doesn't ache, and my legs feel as sturdy as ever."
The Fourth Raikage laughed heartily. "Haha! I can already feel the power surging through my body. This is incredible!"
Gaara, however, remained silent.
Shukaku, the One-Tailed Beast sealed within Gaara, growled in frustration. "Damn it! If Gaara doesn't fall asleep, I can't take control. This is unacceptable!"
Gaara's father, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, was equally dismayed. "This... this weakens Gaara's usefulness as a weapon! How could this happen?!"
But amidst the chaos of rewards and reactions, all eyes turned back to Uzumaki Naruto.
---
A Question of Revenge
At the Chūnin exam site, someone couldn't help but ask:
"Naruto, have you ever thought about taking revenge on the villagers?"
Naruto paused, touching his chin as if deep in thought.
"I was disappointed at first," he admitted. "I tried to fit in with everyone by playing pranks... It was my way of coping."
The admission carried a weight that silenced the crowd.
---
The Crowd's Doubt
The audience couldn't help but glance back at the screen.
Perhaps the Naruto in the black frame was the real Naruto, while the lively, cheerful boy standing before them was just a façade.
Sensing their unease, Naruto broke into a smile.
"Don't worry, everyone! The Naruto in the black frame is still me. I believe in him, and I trust that as he grows older, he'll find his way."
His words, though optimistic, left many unconvinced.
---
Jiraiya's Arrival
Suddenly, a boisterous laugh echoed across the arena.
"As expected of my apprentice!"
Naruto turned, grinning. "Pervy Sage! You're here?"
Jiraiya placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I was chasing Orochimaru when I caught wind of this chaos. It seems the viewing system has attracted a lot of attention—even from the likes of the Sand and Sound villages."
He glanced at Orochimaru and Sarutobi Hiruzen on the high platform, then turned his gaze to the sky.
"But don't worry, Naruto. I believe the two versions of you will find their paths. Let's watch and see."
---
Flashback to Naruto's Mischief
The screen lit up with a white-framed timeline of Naruto's childhood in Konoha.
[Time passed, and Uzumaki Naruto enrolled in Konoha's Ninja Academy.]
[In a few short years, Naruto transformed from a naive child into a notorious troublemaker.]
---
The Pranks
Naruto's antics filled the streets of Konoha:
"Ah! My shop!"
"My flowers, ruined again!"
"This entire street is covered in paint!"
"Look! Even the Hokage Rock has been defaced!"
The villagers were furious.
Groups of citizens petitioned the Third Hokage, demanding punishment for Naruto.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, however, dismissed their complaints with a smile. "He's just a mischievous child. Give him time to grow out of it."
---
Different Reactions
Senju Hashirama chuckled. "Naruto is just a lively, energetic boy."
Senju Tobirama frowned. "Brother, this isn't just 'energy.' This is outright chaos."
Meanwhile, Uzumaki Kushina wiped away a tear. "My poor Naruto... This is how you've tried to connect with others."
Namikaze Minato, ever optimistic, smiled faintly. "Even in his mischief, Naruto shows resilience. He's still our son, Kushina."
But doubts began to creep into Minato's mind.
---
The Mystery of the Leak
In the Shinigami's domain, Minato reflected on the events leading up to Naruto's pain.
"Who revealed Naruto's status as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?" he wondered aloud.
He recalled the fateful night of the Nine-Tails attack. Only Sarutobi Hiruzen and two Anbu had witnessed the sealing process.
"The Eight Trigrams Seal was flawless. The secret should have been safe..."
Minato's eyes narrowed. Could it have been the masked man who attacked Konoha that night? Or someone else entirely?
----------------------------------------------------------
Visit our Patreon for more:
patreon.com/Samurai492
Extra Content Already Available