Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

After Naruto left, Sasuke lay on the floor, covering his blackened eye.

"That guy was too cruel…"

"But it's all worth it."

"With this power, I'll be able to take my revenge—sooner or later."

He slowly raised his left hand. On the back of it, a glowing number "Two" appeared. As he concentrated, a surge of powerful chakra and stamina rushed through his body, bringing an excited glint to his eyes.

So that's why Naruto is so strong… It all comes from this.

I'm "Two." Then is Naruto "One"? Hmph!

Naruto… once I become stronger, I'll challenge you for that spot.

The Next Morning — Hokage Building Conference Room

The main seat at the long meeting table remained temporarily empty. Sitting in the first chair on the left was Jiraiya. Beside him were Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura.

Across from them sat representatives from Konoha's major clans. Leading the right side was Sarutobi Hazuki, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Third Hokage. Although Asuma Sarutobi was currently the strongest member of the Sarutobi clan, Hazuki, by seniority and standing, spoke on behalf of the clan until Asuma officially took over as head.

The meeting didn't last long.

Jiraiya's main purpose was to ask the clans to mobilize their family forces to help with Konoha's reconstruction and assist in taking on more missions to ease the village's burden.

Everyone present understood the situation. Once the Sarutobi and Hyuga clans voiced their agreement, the rest of the clans followed without hesitation.

After the meeting concluded, Sarutobi Hazuki requested to speak with Jiraiya alone.

She bowed slightly. "Lord Jiraiya, I have a favor to ask of you."

Preparations for the Third Hokage's funeral were underway outside, and the Sarutobi clan had been doing their part. Although Jiraiya didn't want to be pulled into clan matters, he found it hard to refuse given Hazuki's respectful approach.

"No need to be so formal. Please, go ahead."

Hazuki straightened and spoke solemnly. "I would like to request a few ninjas to protect me for a short time."

Jiraiya blinked. "The Sarutobi clan is short on ninja?"

"Not exactly. I plan to send all of our ninja out on missions."

"Why?" Jiraiya asked, clearly puzzled.

Hazuki lowered her voice. "Yesterday, someone broke into my home. A very strong individual. We don't know whether they succeeded in their goal or not. As a precaution, I want to leave a trap—have someone lay low while we try to catch him if he returns."

Jiraiya's expression darkened. "Danzo's men? If he's behind this, I'll deal with him myself."

Hazuki gave a noncommittal smile. "Who knows?"

From what Asuma had told her, the enemy who infiltrated their home had the strength of a Jōnin and was incredibly cunning. Even Asuma hadn't been sure he could handle him.

What worried Hazuki most was the man's apparent interest in her. She feared that if he returned, she might lose not just her secrets, but her dignity.

She was hoping to lure him in and deal with him once and for all.

Jiraiya met her eyes, then gave a slow nod. "Understood. I'll help. Actually, I do know someone perfect for this. Deceptive, strong, and unassuming. Officially, he's still a Genin—but his power easily rivals a Jōnin."

Hazuki raised a brow. "The Hyuga prodigy? Or the Uchiha orphan?"

She had heard stories about Hyuga Neji and Uchiha Sasuke, both hailed as child prodigies.

Jiraiya shook his head. "They're not at his level. If yesterday hadn't been so chaotic, the entire village would be talking about him right now."

Hazuki looked intrigued. "Who is it? What has he done?"

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "He's the Fourth Hokage's son. He singlehandedly defeated every remaining participant in the Chūnin Exams. Then, last night, he took out four enemy invaders by himself."

Hazuki's eyes widened in surprise. "That boy? Kurenai-sensei mentioned him to me… I didn't expect him to be that powerful."

That Afternoon — Sarutobi Clan Compound

Naruto was assigned a mission: protect Konohamaru and his mother, Sarutobi Hazuki.

Fate worked in strange ways. Just yesterday, they were under the same roof. Today, they would meet again—on official duty.

Naruto took his hygiene seriously this time. He showered carefully, switched to a different scent of body wash and shampoo to avoid any familiar scent lingering, then packed his ninja tools and set off for the Sarutobi estate.

Compared to the usual Genin missions, this one was a dream.

Sakura had been stuck at Konoha Hospital helping the overworked medics since yesterday. Sasuke, despite his injuries, was sent to help rebuild the village—he'd been hauling cement all morning.

Ino-Shika-Cho were helping recover bodies and perform burials, while Kurenai and Team 8 were searching for leftover threats across the village.

In contrast, Naruto's assignment was simple: play bodyguard.

"I'm a security guard~ and I like my boss, Xiao Dan~" he hummed jokingly as he arrived at the Sarutobi compound for the third time.

He knocked on the gate of the largest residence. A maid soon opened the door. After verifying his identity, she led him through the courtyard.

She gently knocked on one of the inner doors. "Madam, a shinobi-sama has arrived."

"Let him in."

"Yes, ma'am."

The maid bowed respectfully, opened the door, and gestured to Naruto.

Naruto straightened his back and walked inside, once again laying eyes on the pale, elegant beauty from the other night—Sarutobi Hazuki.

Even seeing her again, he was struck by her presence. She looked like a fragile character from a classic novel—delicate brows, expressive eyes, a touch of melancholy in her smile.

The only downside? There was a brat beside her.

Mother and son were having tea and pastries.

"Uzumaki Naruto? Why are you here?" Konohamaru looked up and shouted excitedly, "Mom! That's the guy who saved me last time!"

Hazuki turned to Naruto with newfound warmth. He seemed like a cheerful, sunny child—a far cry from what she'd feared.

"Come, Naruto-kun. Have some cake."

Naruto smiled slyly, blinked his bright blue eyes, and appeared beside her in an instant. But he didn't eat the pastry. Instead, he stared intently at her face.

"What are you looking at, Uzumaki Naruto?" Konohamaru asked suspiciously.

Naruto frowned thoughtfully. "Madam, I can read faces. And I can tell—something good is about to happen to you."

"Oh? What good thing?" Hazuki asked, clearly amused.

Naruto smiled and replied, "I like you. That's a great thing, isn't it?"

"???" Konohamaru's eye twitched. He had a strange feeling—but couldn't quite put it into words.

Hazuki burst out laughing, her eyes turning to little crescent moons as she covered her mouth. "Kurenai was right—you really are a charming boy."

Elsewhere…

Jingle… jingle…

Two figures dressed in black cloaks with red clouds slowly approached Konoha. One wore a straw hat adorned with bells that rang softly as he walked.

The thinner of the two gently tilted his hat upward, gazing at his old hometown with distant, unreadable eyes.

Behind him, Hoshigaki Kisame grinned. "Mr. Itachi, you wanna take a stroll first, or get straight to business?"

Uchiha Itachi's Sharingan slowly spun into life.

"You go ahead. I have… personal matters to handle first."

Somewhere deep in the village, Sasuke wished with all his heart that none of this was real.