Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

Hokage Building, Konoha.

Inside the Hokage's office, Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen sat in his chair, the scent of tobacco swirling around him as he took a slow puff from his pipe. His eyes calmly observed the two individuals standing before him—Uzuki Yugao and Maki of the Sand Village—locked in silent confrontation.

"Yugao," Hiruzen said at last, breaking the tension. "Tell me exactly what happened."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."Uzuki Yugao gave a respectful nod and began her report."This is what occurred: Young Master Konohamaru was being harassed and threatened by the son of the Kazekage. He made explicit threats to kill him."

She continued, her voice steady."At that moment, our village's Genin, Uzumaki Naruto, happened to be nearby. He tried to deescalate the situation, but was mocked and provoked. With no other option, he took action to protect Konohamaru."

"That's not entirely accurate."Maki interrupted, stepping forward with narrowed eyes."The results of the medical report confirm that Lord Kazekage's son sustained serious injuries—broken ribs and other trauma. And according to multiple accounts, Uzumaki Naruto didn't even use a single ninjutsu technique. If this Anbu is trying to cover for him just because he's from the same village, that's a problem."

Yugao's expression darkened."It's true the Kazekage's son was badly injured. But that's his own fault. He lacked the strength to back up his provocations."

Maki's face twitched. The words hit a nerve—he had already heard the full account from Temari. In truth, it was indeed Kankuro who started the conflict.

But Kankuro wasn't just any Genin—he was the son of the Kazekage. He was also Maki's personal disciple. Regardless of who was at fault, Maki had a duty to defend him.

But before things escalated, Hiruzen raised his hand gently to intervene.

"Enough. I understand the general situation now," the Hokage said, exhaling another puff of smoke.

"Kankuro bullied Konohamaru, and Naruto overreacted in retaliation. Both sides share some blame here. Let's consider the matter closed."

"Yes, sir."

Uzuki Yugao lowered her head in obedience, though she was clearly dissatisfied. The Hokage's word was final, even if she disagreed.

She had hoped to report Naruto's actions in a better light—that he had saved Konohamaru from real danger. Perhaps even earn him a small commendation, something to chip away at the villagers' prejudice against him.

But the Hokage made no move to reward Naruto, nor did he acknowledge the courage he had shown.

Maki, meanwhile, couldn't help but smirk.

So, Lord Kazekage was right. This old man is weak—a spineless relic hiding behind diplomacy and excuses.

He recalled how, nine years ago, Konoha surrendered the Hyuga clan's leader to Kumogakure to avoid war, despite being the clear victims. A disgrace.

The village known as the strongest of the Five Great Nations bowed to a weaker power. What a joke.

Even today, the Hokage was avoiding confrontation, sweeping everything under the rug.

Maki no longer felt any hesitation.He had been unsure of Lord Kazekage's decision to break the alliance with Konoha and wage war. But after witnessing the weakness of this so-called Hokage firsthand, he now fully supported the plan.

Konoha would fall.And it would deserve it.

After both Maki and Yugao left, the Third Hokage remained seated, staring out the window as he fell into deep thought.

He was not just the leader of the village. He was also the head of the Sarutobi Clan.

Konoha must not fall into chaos. War must not erupt.The Sarutobi Clan has worked for generations to build and stabilize this village, and if war breaks out now, the casualties among our ninja ranks will be devastating.

If that happens, even the Hyuga, the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, and Danzo will turn against us.

In that case… does it even matter if we win a war against outsiders?

His eyes narrowed.That brat Naruto… I need to speak with him privately. There was no need to go so far. Just saving Konohamaru would have been enough—no need to nearly kill the Kazekage's son.

Still, the outcome wasn't terrible.The fact that Naruto acted to protect Konohamaru showed he cared. That was progress.

With over five thousand ninja under their command—and with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki on their side—perhaps one day, the Sarutobi name would rule Konoha in both spirit and strength.

Konoha Hospital.It was one of the few places in the village Naruto didn't mind. Unlike other hospitals, this one didn't smell overpoweringly of disinfectants—most treatments here used ninjutsu, not medicine.

As for why Naruto ended up here?

He hadn't come on his own. When he'd woken from his brief nap, he found himself being carried toward the hospital entrance by Yuhi Kurenai.

No matter how many times he insisted he was fine, Kurenai wouldn't hear it. She forced him to be examined. In the end, he was declared perfectly healthy—stronger than most full-grown men.

The only downside? He had to stay in the hospital for observation. At Kurenai's expense.

Now, Kurenai sat beside his bed, elegantly peeling an apple. She handed him a slice and asked with a puzzled expression,"The doctor said you're in perfect shape. So why did you suddenly collapse?"

"I didn't faint. I was just tired," Naruto replied casually. "I wanted a quick nap."

He munched on the apple while eyeing Kurenai's outfit. Today, she wore her forehead protector and a form-fitting bandage-style skirt that hugged her hips. It ended just at her thighs. When she sat with her legs crossed, it emphasized her curves.

Naruto quietly thought he preferred this look over her vacation clothes—though he did miss the high heels.

Kurenai noticed his gaze and frowned slightly.But when she looked closer, Naruto gave her an innocent, boyish smile.

"You little rascal," she said, trying to scold him, but unable to stop the warmth bubbling up inside.

He really is adorable, she thought. How does this brat make me care about him more than my own students?

Then, suddenly remembering, Kurenai jumped up.

"Oh no—I completely forgot! My team's waiting for me back on the street."

She'd been so focused on getting Naruto to the hospital that she'd abandoned Hinata, Shino, and Kiba without a word.

"I have to go now. Stay under observation for a bit. If everything's okay, let Sakura walk you home."

"Okay. Bye, Sensei!"

Naruto waved as Kurenai left, then turned to look at Sakura, who had been silently sitting in the corner.

Something felt off.

Normally, Sakura would've been lecturing him nonstop by now. But she hadn't said a word.

"Sakura, why are you so quiet all of a sudden?"

"...Naruto."

She looked up. Her eyes were red and puffy.

Her voice trembled with guilt. "Am I… really that useless? I couldn't do anything to help you earlier."

Sakura had been blaming herself ever since Naruto collapsed. She felt like a burden—a weakling who only got in the way.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on Naruto's face, making his features look unusually gentle. Sakura hoped for a few comforting words—something to reassure her.

Instead—

"Absolutely."

Naruto raised a hand to block the light and smiled brightly."You're super useless."