Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

The leaves rustled gently in the breeze. Sunlight flickered through the canopy. The cicadas had gone silent, and grains of sand trickled to the ground.

The sand armor covering Gaara's entire body was cracking. Bits of sand and gravel fell from him and scattered at his feet.

Temari, who had caught Gaara mid-air, was panting heavily. The force of the impact had been so strong that she slid several meters back before managing to stop.

"Gaara, are you okay?" she asked anxiously, still holding him. Her eyes flicked over to Naruto, confused. He had clearly stopped himself from following through with the blow. She didn't know why—but it was a rare chance.

If the other side was willing to stop and talk, then there might be room to de-escalate things.

Temari was scared. Naruto had taken the three of them down like it was nothing. They were the strongest Genin in the Sand Village, yet this one boy from Konoha had overwhelmed them from the start. They had come expecting a challenge—not a nightmare.

"Hey, you!" Temari began, hoping to speak up and ease the tension.

But before she could say another word, Gaara shoved her aside. His sand surged again, shooting forward with renewed hostility.

Gaara's eyes were burning with obsession. That punch from earlier had thrilled him—it made him want more.

Watching the sand rush toward him, Naruto cursed silently. What's wrong with this red-haired gremlin? Does he actually want another beating?

"Oi! I said stop fighting already!" Naruto shouted, his tone bored.

He casually leaned back against a wall, eyelids drooping halfway, his body language completely relaxed—almost lazy.

To anyone watching, he looked calm and harmless.

Except to the three siblings he'd just thrashed.

Temari swallowed hard. That laid-back posture didn't fool her. If anything, it was worse—Naruto was acting like they weren't even worth his time.

Gaara, trembling with rage, let out a growl. With no hesitation, he unleashed another wave of sand and gravel from his gourd and hurled it at Naruto.

Up in the trees, Uzuki Yugao—who had been quietly observing everything—frowned. She couldn't understand it. Why had Naruto suddenly gone passive when he'd been completely dominating just moments ago?

Was this some twisted tactic? Was he playing with the Sand siblings?

Given Naruto's unpredictable personality shifts, it wouldn't be too surprising.

In truth, Naruto wasn't trying to show off. He was holding back because he didn't want to mess up Orochimaru's plan to assassinate the Third Hokage. If he defeated Gaara now, things might get too complicated.

Still, as the sand drew closer, Naruto's patience wore thin.

Alright… if he really wants to die that badly, I guess I'll just knock some sense into him.

He kept dodging Gaara's relentless attacks, still trying to talk him down—but Gaara was like a wild dog, unwilling to listen.

Once.Twice.Three times.

The fourth attack was already approaching when Naruto sighed inwardly. Guess I'll have to rough him up again… just enough to keep him alive.

Let's just pray it doesn't delay the old man's "trip west."

Naruto prepared to form a Rasengan.

But just then—

Clang!

A sharp metallic ring cut through the air. A sword cleaved the incoming sand in half. In the blink of an eye, a masked ANBU with flowing purple hair appeared in front of Naruto.

It was Uzuki Yugao.

Despite her confidence in Naruto's strength, his sudden choice to stop fighting had made her nervous. When he didn't retaliate at all, she panicked and stepped in to protect him—against her ANBU instincts.

She didn't quite understand what she was feeling.

An ANBU was supposed to remain detached. But seeing Naruto standing there, almost daring Gaara to hit him, she couldn't stay still.

Maybe… I've been following him too long. Maybe I've developed feelings?

Now that Yugao had intervened, Naruto let out a small sigh of relief.

Perfect. Now I can just leave it to her. That's one more life saved, Third Hokage.

Gaara prepared to launch another attack, but this time, another ninja appeared—Maki, the leader of the Sand Village jonin. He stepped in quickly.

"Konoha really is the cradle of geniuses," Maki said, his face half-covered in white cloth. He glanced around, realizing other Konoha shinobi would likely show up soon. Their plan—Lord Kazekage's plan—couldn't be jeopardized.

Yugao sheathed her sword without saying a word. Maki gave her a sidelong glance, then barked at his subordinates:

"Stop making trouble and embarrassing the village. Pick up Kankuro and let's go."

"Got it," Temari answered, the only sibling not seriously injured.

She let out a sigh of relief and cast a wary look at Naruto before turning away.

Gaara, however, wasn't ready to let things go.

He stared coldly at Naruto and asked, "What's your name? I'm interested in you."

Naruto replied lazily, "I'm not interested in you. Weaklings like you aren't worth remembering. Now beat it."

Gaara scowled and stepped forward, but Maki blocked him with an arm. The red-haired Genin growled, "This isn't over. I'll find you after the Chunin Exams. Remember—my name is Gaara."

Once the Sand team finally left, Naruto pulled up his system interface and checked his reward.

Physical Enhancement: Upon activation, the host will fall asleep for 3–5 minutes. Internal organs, limbs, and body functions will be upgraded. No changes will be visible on the outside.

Only a few minutes? Great. I'll just find a quiet spot nearby. No need to head home.

He glanced around the street, looking for a shady spot. Then, feigning exhaustion, he yawned.

"Thanks, sis, for what you did just now. I'm kinda beat, so I'll just lean on you for a bit," he mumbled to Yugao.

Inwardly, he said: Confirm reward claim.

And with that, Naruto's body tilted sideways and collapsed.

Damn. I should've laid down under a tree instead. This is going to look ridiculous.

He expected to crash onto the ground, but instead, he landed in something soft.

Yugao had opened her arms and gently caught him, cradling him against her chest.

She blinked down at his peaceful, sleeping face, momentarily stunned.

What just happened?

Did the battle use up all his chakra?

Yeah… that makes sense. He just graduated from the Academy. Even geniuses have limits.

She scolded herself for forgetting that. Naruto had taken on three strong opponents back-to-back. No matter how talented he was, that kind of exertion would drain anyone.

She whispered softly to herself as if trying to justify it. The sound of her voice was calming—like a lullaby.

Naruto, nestled in her arms, slowly drifted into unconsciousness, lulled by her scent and warmth.

His last thought before falling asleep was, What a soft, sweet pillow. I want to hold it forever…

[Beginning physical enhancement...][Left arm successfully strengthened.][Right arm successfully strengthened.][Internal organs strengthening in progress...]

His breathing slowed to a gentle rhythm. His cheeks were soft and youthful, still showing traces of childish innocence.

"How cute," Yugao murmured. Her maternal instinct kicked in. She gently poked Naruto's cheek with her finger. "You sleep so soundly…"

"Naruto!!"

Just then, Sakura came running with backup.

Along the way, she had bumped into Yuhi Kurenai, who was walking with Team 8, and a constantly coughing, half-reliable ninja—Gekko Hayate.

Kurenai and Hayate arrived just behind her—only to freeze in shock at the scene before them.

There, in the middle of the sun-dappled road, Naruto was sleeping peacefully in the arms of an ANBU.

The wind rustled through the trees, blowing green leaves down. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a green glow over Gekko Hayate's hair.

Sakura was stunned.

How… how is that idiot Naruto already cuddling another woman after just a few minutes!?

Men… they're all the same!