BOOM!!!
At the moment she lost consciousness, an explosion rang out.
As if a meteor had struck the river.
With three tails unleashed, Naruto—though not as powerful as his 14-year-old self in the original story—possessed colossal strength.
An unstoppable force split the waters.
The crushing pressure made Jūzō's hideout implode.
Jūzō: "Gh...!"
Thanks to his hardened body, he wasn't injured, but he lost his balance.
He barely had time to raise his Kubikiribōchō before he saw...
Scarlet, dilated pupils that pierced right through him.
BOOOOOOM!!!
The water boiled, like a geyser erupting from beneath.
Then... silence.
Slowly... a fragment of metal surfaced.
A piece of the Kubikiribōchō.
And a trail of blood.
The red mixed with the water, spreading slowly.
Hayate: "..."
Splash.
Naruto emerged from the water.
The mist had vanished.
The sun was shining again.
Hayate remained silent, watching the scene unfold.
---
Swish!
Swish!
Several figures darted through the forest.
Late, Yūgao and the reinforcements finally arrived.
It wasn't until her report to the Hokage that Nara Shikaku grasped the severity of the situation.
The target wasn't classified documents—
It was Uchiha blood... and the Kyūbi!
The theory that the Sharingan could control Bijū was well known among the higher-ups.
And other villages were aware of it too.
Kirigakure, after obtaining the Byakugan, now aimed for the Sharingan and the Nine-Tailed Demon!
Their objective was clear.
But what had happened to Naruto and Sako?
The riverbank, ravaged by winds, was unrecognizable.
The Konoha shinobi were stunned.
Seeing Naruto alive and well, Shikaku let out a sigh of relief.
Shikaku: "Medical team! Treat them immediately!"
Hayate, leaning against a tree, seriously wounded, was quickly taken care of.
As for Naruto...
Itachi: "LET GO OF MY SISTER!!!"
His cry rang out like an explosion.
Everyone: "Huh?!"
All eyes turned to him, surprised by his outburst.
Naruto held Sako in his arms, peacefully asleep.
For Itachi, it was unacceptable.
His face twisted with pure rage.
His sister...
Not only had she disobeyed him by getting close to Naruto...
But she had also risked her life because of him!
He... had nearly gotten her killed!
"..."
Naruto, looking innocent, narrowed his eyes.
Itachi yanked Sako from his arms violently.
Without a word, he walked off, holding her tightly.
It was only much farther away that he allowed the medical team to examine her.
"..."
Behind his half-closed lids, Naruto's eyes were sharp.
Kyūbi (snickering): "You saved his sister, and he thanks you by treating you like a dog."
Itachi was beyond saving.
Just like Shisui.
In that case...
Only one path remained.
Naruto (thought): "Rely on my own genius to save the Uchiha... save Izumi... save Sasuko... and her mother."
Some people would never change.
And he wasn't going to waste his time trying to convince them.
Shikaku: "Naruto, are you alright?"
He approached, looking serious.
His son, Shikamaru, had mentioned Naruto.
Despite his unusual circumstances, Shikamaru had chosen to remain his friend.
Naruto: "Shikaku-san, are Shikamaru and Chōji okay?"
"They're safe. But you..."
Shikaku saw through his act, but appreciated his kindness.
"Now, tell us what happened."
His gaze landed on the fragment of Kubikiribōchō.
The blade had been shattered.
This kid was impressive.
Had he unleashed the Kyūbi's power?
As the elders had predicted, could he really control it?
And Itachi... his reaction had been extreme.
Typical of an Uchiha awakening the Sharingan?
Shikaku shook his head. These matters were above his rank.
This was a job for the top brass.
---
One hour later...
All the information was laid out before the four high-ranking officials, including Hiruzen Sarutobi.
A matter of this scale couldn't be covered up, even if Hiruzen had wanted to.
— What nonsense!
Homura Mitokado clenched his teeth in rage after reading the report.
First Kumo, now Kiri...
Are they all after Konoha's Kyūbi?
Oh, and let's not forget the chaos caused by the Kyūbi a few years ago...
Wonderful. Just wonderful...
The Uchiha set the tone.
Homura, Koharu, and Danzō were convinced the Uchiha had released the Kyūbi back then.
And now others dared follow their example.
Does everyone know by now that Naruto Uzumaki is the Kyūbi's host?
— We must strengthen protective measures.
Koharu Utatane frowned, determined to increase Naruto's security.
First, assign him a reinforced ANBU squad...
— Hohoho... I don't think that's necessary.
Hiruzen flipped through the report with a satisfied smile.
Naruto's feats spoke for themselves.
Eight Kumo shinobi, including a Jōnin-level squad leader.
Then six Kiri shinobi, accompanied by Jūzō Biwa, an Elite Jōnin.
Sure, Jūzō's body hadn't been recovered—which was unfortunate.
But the fact that Naruto had shattered Samehada and defeated its wielder was already impressive.
— Naruto is now capable of protecting himself...
According to Hiruzen, what Naruto needed now was to strengthen his ties with the village.
Apparently, the Uchiha girl had awakened her Sharingan during the incident.
Thanks to her guidance and the observation of the Sharingan, they'd been able to defeat Jūzō.
The more allies Naruto had, the more secure he would be.