Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

Back at the hospital…

Back when she was still at the Ninja Academy, Sakura had always topped the class in theoretical subjects. She may not have been the best at practical skills, but no one had ever called her useless—until now. Naruto was the first.

The words hit her too hard, too fast. She was left stunned, her mind momentarily blank. Then she forced a smile, but the more she tried to hold it in, the uglier the smile became—until tears finally began to slip down her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Naruto sat by the window, munching on an apple. The fruit was sweet, and the view outside was even sweeter. From the hospital window, he could clearly see groups of women walking by in fishnet stockings and short skirts, their long legs catching the light as they moved.

It had taken a few months, but Naruto had come to realize something strange—this world didn't seem too fond of regular stockings. Most women either wore nothing on their legs or opted for fishnets.

"Sakura, don't cry. Come over here. Check out the long white legs on those older sisters—it'll cheer you up," Naruto said, attempting to comfort her the way he used to console his close friends in his previous life.

Sakura began crying even harder.

"You disgusting pervert! You really think that's going to cheer me up? Look for yourself if you want to!"

"Okay then."

Naruto grabbed a chair and positioned it near the window, watching the passersby with great interest. Women here were definitely polarized in style.

Some, like Hinata, dressed modestly—she'd wear a thick cotton jacket even in the summer. Others, like Ino, wouldn't hesitate to rock a mini skirt in the dead of winter.

As for Sakura… she landed somewhere in the middle. Not overly modest, but far from daring.

"You're actually looking?!" Sakura yelled, outraged.

"You told me to," Naruto replied simply.

That response left Sakura blinking in confusion, her emotions caught between frustration and disbelief.

"...Naruto," she murmured.

"Yeah?"

"You've changed."

"Haven't I always been like this?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No," Sakura shook her head, a trace of sadness in her voice. "The old Naruto… he always comforted me when I was sad. He'd never deliberately say things to hurt me."

The sun had started to shift westward, casting long shadows across the room. A cool northwest breeze blew through the window, gently rustling their hair.

Naruto turned to look at her, saw the red puffiness in her eyes, and casually tossed the apple core into the trash can with perfect aim.

"But isn't that version of Naruto—the one you used to hate the most?" he asked with a grin.

Sakura's eyes widened slightly. Her heart dropped. Her pink hair fluttered in the breeze, as tangled and disheveled as her emotions.

"I didn't—" she began, but the words caught in her throat. She lowered her head, ashamed. "I'm sorry, Naruto."

Because it was true.

She had always pushed him away when he was kind to her. So what right did she have now to mourn the version of Naruto she had helped push away?

It was me… I lost that Naruto.

"You don't have to apologize," Naruto said, leaning back against the wall. "You didn't do anything to me. Instead of dwelling on the past, maybe try thinking about the future."

"The future?" Sakura echoed, wiping her eyes.

"Yeah," Naruto said, as if it were obvious. "Like what we were just talking about—you really were useless today."

That hit hard again. Sakura dropped her gaze, clearly hurt, not knowing how to respond. Her instinct was to flee.

"I want to help, too," she muttered.

"I know you mean well," Naruto said sincerely. "But it's about knowing your place on the team. Kakashi's already arranged for you to train at the hospital. You're not cut out for front-line combat."

Naruto looked her in the eye.

"When I'm fighting, you need to stay back. Hide if you have to. And when I'm injured, that's when you come out—to heal me."

Sakura's expression twisted with conflicting emotions.

After a pause, she finally asked, "So… do you want me to become a good medical ninja?"

"You're asking the wrong person," Naruto replied. "You should be asking yourself whether you want to be one. People can give you advice—but at the end of the day, it's your life. You have to choose your own path."

With that, Naruto turned and leapt out of the window.

He knew that now was a moment for Sakura to reflect. If he stayed any longer, his presence might influence her decision—and later, she might even blame him for it.

Naruto Uzumaki wasn't ready to take responsibility for someone else's life decisions.

Sakura stared after him, stunned. She had just been about to say: If it's what you want, Naruto, then I'll do it. I'll study and become a great medical ninja.

But Naruto hadn't given her the chance.

Later that evening…

Naruto wandered the streets after grabbing a quick bite to eat, letting the walk help digest his food. By the time he returned home, the sky was dark.

He threw himself into bed, pulled the blanket up to his neck, tucked his arms under the covers, and waited for "One" to emerge so he could call Haku.

No matter how good the Anbu were, they didn't have super-hearing. As long as Naruto whispered softly enough, no one could hear him. And no matter how powerful the Third Hokage's crystal ball jutsu was, it couldn't see what he was doing under the covers.

Although… from the outside, it might look a little suspicious—like he was doing something else with both hands.

But this was the most secure way Naruto could think of to communicate for now.

"Lord Naruto, did you need me for something?" Haku's voice came softly through the mental connection—calm, sweet, and without a hint of the killer she'd once been trained to be.

"Any updates on Akatsuki?"

Naruto didn't waste words. Ever since the reports about Asuma and Sasuke, he had instructed Haku to use the money they seized from Cardo to start a quiet investigation.

"Two people recently went to the Land of Hot Springs to follow up on the rumors we planted," Haku reported.

As expected.

That'll be Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame, Naruto thought.Itachi wouldn't just sit still after hearing about his little brother being publicly humiliated. He would investigate in person.

The rumors had originated in the Land of Hot Springs, so of course Itachi would start there.

"Make sure they don't find you. And don't do anything yourself," Naruto warned. "Like I told you before—if money can solve the problem, then throw money at it. I want this to stay as a rumor with no trail."

"Yes, sir," Haku replied with practiced calm.

As long as the source of the leak stayed hidden, Itachi would eventually make his way to Konoha. What happened after that? Naruto didn't plan to get involved.

He checked the time mentally.

"Also, you can start leaking a few more rumors. Try to delay them from entering the Land of Fire for at least a month—but don't take unnecessary risks. Prioritize your safety."

"Yes."

"I mean it, Haku. If things get dangerous, abort the mission. Don't be stubborn."

In truth, Naruto valued Haku more than the money. She was a vital piece on the board—someone who could act for him in secret, outside the village's reach.

On the other side of the connection, Haku's lips curled into a soft smile. She twirled a strand of hair around her finger, cheeks faintly flushed.

She always looked forward to these moments, when Naruto reached out and spoke to her. Hearing his voice made her forget the weariness of her long missions.

Ahhh~ When can I see Lord Naruto again? I really want him to step on me…