Naruto: I Am Uzumaki Naruto!?

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep puff from his pipe, eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he flipped through the fresh copy of Icha Icha Paradise he had just acquired.

"Now, where were we?" he asked, exhaling a slow stream of smoke.

Kakashi, his face darker than a thundercloud, forced himself to refocus. "It's about Naruto," he said. "His body is changing."

Hiruzen's casual demeanor stiffened. "Changing?"

Kakashi nodded. "He's growing. Gaining muscle. His posture is more stable, his steps heavier. I'd say he's developing a stronger physique than before."

Hiruzen's fingers tightened around his pipe. That shouldn't be possible.

For years, Naruto's growth had been intentionally stunted. The malnutrition, the neglect—he had ensured it all. Not out of cruelty, of course. It was necessary. If Naruto remained physically underdeveloped, then the dormant power of his Uzumaki lineage would never surface.

The Adamantine Sealing Chains—an ability feared across the ninja world, capable of suppressing even the Kyūbi itself.

If Naruto awakened them, he would eventually gain control over the Nine-Tails' chakra. Control—a dangerous word for someone Hiruzen preferred to keep in check.

His frown deepened. Had the suppression failed?

The old Hokage leaned back in his chair, eyes darkening. "Kakashi, leave for now," he said. "I'll deal with this personally."

Kakashi hesitated, glancing at his former sensei. There was an edge to Hiruzen's tone that he didn't like. But pressing the issue now wouldn't help.

"…Understood."

As the Copy Ninja departed, the Hokage remained seated, lost in thought.

"Naruto…" he muttered, gripping his hat. "For the sake of the village, this cannot be allowed."

He exhaled slowly, then rose from his chair, heading for the door.

Some sacrifices had to be made.

For Konoha.

For peace.

---

Naruto tapped his pencil against the worn-out desk, eyes flicking over the rough manuscript he had been scribbling.

A story.

Something from his past life.

One that would— probably—sell well.

[Taimanin Azaki: The Dark Battle Begins!]

The first few lines were already on paper, weaving a tale of warriors battling demonic forces, of treachery, of—

Naruto sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Writing is such a pain."

He had no real choice, though. Missions? Off the table. If he showed even a hint of his true strength, the old man and Danzo would throw him into a cage faster than he could say Ramen Ichiraku.

Until he was strong enough to fight back, he had to keep his head down.

For now.

Just as he picked up his pen again—

Knock. Knock.

Naruto froze.

His apartment was a dead zone. No visitors. No friends casually dropping by. So why—

Was it… an enemy?

His fingers twitched, chakra bubbling just beneath the surface.

"…Kyūbi?" he murmured.

The beast stirred within his mindscape, its voice low and lazy.

"Relax, brat," the Nine-Tails drawled. "It's just the old man and that silver-haired brat."

Naruto's expression darkened for a fraction of a second before smoothing back into its usual bright, innocent mask.

The Hokage.

What did he want?

…No. He couldn't afford to show his emotions. Not yet.

Naruto took a deep breath, forcing himself to smile.

Then, he walked over to a corner of the room.

Past the broken dresser.

Past the wobbly stool.

And straight to his secret weapon.

…Dozens of plastic ramen cups.

Each one filled with week-old, fermented broth.

With an extra bonus—a few insect corpses thrown in for good measure.

His biochemical masterpiece.

Lifting the basin carefully, Naruto smirked.

Alright, Jiji, let's see if you like my special welcome gift.

With a grin, he strode toward the door.

---

(A/N: Don't Forget To Add In Your Collection And Support via Powerstone)