The arrival of Shimura Danzō made Sarutobi Hiruzen feel increasingly uneasy. How could he not know what Danzō had in mind? He was certain that Danzō would use illusions to brainwash Uzumaki Naruto, turning him into a war machine who would obey only his orders. Once that happened, Danzō would surely provoke a war.
However, Uzumaki Naruto, at least for now, couldn't use the power of the Nine-Tails. The road to controlling him was long and uncertain. But no matter the circumstances, holding onto a Jinchūriki was vital for the stability of Konoha.
"Danzō..." Sarutobi muttered, his thoughts racing. "Your methods are still almost perfect."
Sarutobi Hiruzen activated the Telescope Technique, focusing on the crystal ball where Uzumaki Naruto was visible. As expected, Naruto had headed to the back mountain to practice his shuriken throwing.
---
Uzumaki Naruto: "Why do I feel like something's off?"
Naruto was confused. It was strange. He didn't know that the Naruto from this world had been under constant surveillance by the Third Hokage.
Uzumaki Naruto: "And did that one-eyed old man with the cane send someone to watch me?"
Shimura Danzō: "..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "..."
Shimura Danzō: "Ahem, Naruto, you are Konoha's secret weapon. This is for your safety."
Uzumaki Kushina: "Cut it out! Just because I'm dead doesn't mean I don't know what's going on. Surveillance is surveillance, no matter how prettily you try to dress it up."
Uzumaki Naruto: "So, when I was a kid, I was always watched like this?"
Gaara: "You're luckier than me. At least you got to go to school. My father tried to assassinate me."
Uzumaki Naruto: "Your father tried to kill you because you're a Jinchūriki, but I didn't even do anything wrong."
While Naruto hadn't done anything wrong, Gaara was a different case. He often went berserk because of the instability of Sunagakure's sealing technique. To test Gaara's control over the beast within him, his father, Rasa, would purposely provoke him, leading to mental instability and violent outbursts. No Jinchūriki would want that life.
---
Meanwhile, in the back mountain of Konoha Village, Naruto had finished his shuriken throwing practice. He was planning to cook himself a nice dinner.
Naruto (to himself): "Hehehe…"
A voice suddenly echoed in his ears.
"Heh, your boy is here."
Naruto froze and immediately looked up.
"Master Third Hokage?"
Naruto quickly switched to an honorific tone, but inside, he couldn't hide his disdain for the old man in front of him. As the Third Hokage of Konoha, how dare he come here to steal food? It was shameless.
Uzumaki Naruto (in his mind): This old man… he's really something. I should've known it was him when he sneaked in for my grilled fish last time. Now, he's come for more!
---
Senju Tobirama: "Hah! Monkeys are real, aren't they? Do they really enjoy picking up scraps from others? It's disgusting, honestly."
Senju Hashirama (laughing): "Hahaha, Tobirama, you can't be serious. It's hilarious!"
Uchiha Madara: "What's so funny, Hashirama? Just look at Konoha now, paying so much attention to the Nine-Tails. Isn't it all about the Nine-Tails?"
Senju Tobirama: "Are you implying Konoha's weak without the Tailed Beasts, Madara? You think only my older brother could hold this place together?"
Uchiha Madara: "Huh! It doesn't matter what I say. Your village will fall apart without the Tailed Beasts, especially without your apprentice."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "I'm sorry, sensei. I've embarrassed you."
Shimura Danzō (quietly): "..."
Danzō seethed internally, his thoughts a storm. "Sinister and cunning Sarutobi Hiruzen. So this is what it means to be Hokage? You've forgotten about us!"
---
"It smells good."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled, taking in the scent of the food.
Naruto rolled his eyes. "You're here for the food again, huh?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, unfazed, leaned in. "Naruto, you've been doing well in school lately."
Naruto, knowing this wasn't just a casual visit, gave him a skeptical look.
"I'm here to give you something," the Hokage continued. "A scroll. It's a powerful ninjutsu technique that'll make you even stronger."
Naruto's eyes widened at the mention of a scroll.
"Ninjutsu!" Naruto thought excitedly. He may not have known much about scrolls, but he'd seen enough ninjas use them to understand their value.
"What kind of scroll?" Naruto asked eagerly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen produced the scroll. "It's the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique."
Naruto's excitement was palpable. Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique! The ability to create clones of shurikens! Every ninja dreamed of mastering such a powerful technique. His eyes sparkled with excitement.
---
As Naruto considered the technique, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and suspicion. Was the Hokage trying to make him into a tool of the village? The old man had always kept a close eye on him, and the past few days made it clear that Konoha had plans for Naruto. But this scroll, this technique… It could change everything.
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the village, the citizens were watching closely. Some looked on in awe, while others were silently skeptical. The battle for Naruto's loyalty, or rather, his obedience, was ongoing. The other Jinchūriki, like Gaara, watched with envy.
Gaara: "Naruto, you're lucky. At least you had a chance to choose your path."
Naruto blinked, not fully understanding. "Choose my path? I don't get it."
Gaara: "You're not alone. I was never given the option. I was forced into my role as a Jinchūriki from the start."
It was an unspoken truth among Jinchūriki. Every one of them, whether in Konoha or Sunagakure, carried a heavy burden. But Naruto had the chance to shape his future.
---
Ohnoki: "Is this a result of being excluded from childhood? He's too smart for his age."
Fourth Raikage: "I agree. He's not like the other kids, but he's also incredibly observant."
Killer Bee: "Yeah! He's better than most grown-ups!"
The audience watching Naruto's actions was captivated. They had seen many young Jinchūriki, but few were as sharp and calculated as Naruto.
---
Back in the classroom, Yamanaka Ino couldn't help but compare the two Narutos: "It's unbelievable… Our Naruto isn't like this one over there. They're so different."
Uzumaki Naruto: "Hey! What do you mean by that? Are you saying I'm dumber than him?"
Hatake Kakashi: "At least, when it comes to food, he has a better nutrition plan than you, Naruto."
Uzumaki Naruto (grumbling): "Hmph! At least I understand instant noodles! He probably doesn't even know what they are."
Uzumaki Kushina (from the afterlife): "Naruto, you better not brag. Instant noodles aren't healthy. Take care of yourself!"
---
"Ho Ho Ho..."
Naruto blinked in surprise. The old man was here for something other than food today?
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled warmly. "Naruto, today I didn't come for your grilled fish."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. This old man didn't come for food? It was hard to believe.
"Then why are you here?" Naruto asked suspiciously.
"I've got something for you. Something powerful. It's a ninjutsu scroll," the Hokage replied, handing over the scroll. "Learn this, and you'll become stronger than ever."
Naruto's eyes lit up at the thought of mastering a new technique. The Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique. This could be his big break.
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