Naruto: Not a Ninja, the System

When Danzo made up his mind about something, he didn't hesitate.

Without sparing Hiruzen Sarutobi a second glance, he turned around and walked straight out of the Hokage's office, his footsteps heavy with intent.

"Sigh… Danzo…" Hiruzen muttered under his breath, watching the back of his longtime comrade disappear through the doorway.

He didn't stop him—not because he agreed, but because he understood.

After all these years working together, how could he not know what Danzo was planning?

But Hiruzen had always been pragmatic.

If Danzo succeeds, the credit is his. If he fails, the blame is his as well. That's the kind of game we play now.

---

Outside the Hokage Building

"Jaxon, you're finally out! The Hokage didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

Xuanwo Yunnai rushed up to him the moment he stepped outside, her voice filled with concern and her brows furrowed with worry.

Whirlpool True stood a short distance away, arms crossed and eyes scanning the area with practiced calm.

Despite his composed appearance, his heart was uneasy. Coming to Konoha at a time like this wasn't a good move. Not for Jaxon, not for any of them.

Konoha Village was a powerful force, yes—but also unpredictable, with its leaders shrouded in schemes and unspoken agendas. Everyone in their group knew they were now walking on a blade's edge.

"I'm fine," Jaxon said with a relaxed smile, lifting a hand to signal calm. "We've been on the road too long. Let's rest. Konoha may be dangerous, but it's also full of good food. We'll talk business tomorrow."

There were eight people in his group—including himself. Seven trusted protectors: two from the Whirlpool Clan, and five Elite Jonin he had personally recruited over the years. Each of them had fought beside him through many battles. The loyalty between them was forged through fire and time.

"If you're looking to explore," came a familiar voice, "I can show you around the village."

Minato Namikaze approached with a warm smile. His golden hair gleamed in the sunlight, and he gave off the same gentle aura he always did. However, his body language betrayed a certain guardedness—he kept a slight distance from Jaxon, like someone cautious around fire.

Before Jaxon could respond, Yunnai leaned in and whispered, "There are quite a few people watching us… and several of them don't have good intentions."

Her senses were sharp—an intuitive gift of the Whirlpool Clan.

Jaxon didn't turn his head, didn't glance around. He just smiled. "Don't worry."

Then, with practiced ease, he stepped past Yunnai and threw an arm around Minato's shoulders.

Before the latter could react, Jaxon grinned. "So tell me, what's good to eat around here these days? Last time I came to Konoha, I didn't get the chance to explore."

"Uh… ramen?" Minato offered hesitantly.

"Don't worry. My treat."

Minato brightened immediately. He'd been inwardly worried about the cost—there were a lot of mouths to feed, and his own budget as a young shinobi wasn't anything to brag about.

"If you're treating," he said with sudden enthusiasm, "then we should go for barbecue! The Akimichi Clan just opened a new place, and the food's supposed to be amazing."

Jaxon chuckled. Watching the other boy nearly drool was amusing. "No problem. Eat as much as you want. Bring your friends too, if you like."

Minato hesitated at first, but realizing they were still within the safety of Konoha, he nodded with a smile.

He was a genius in cultivation and battle strategy, but when it came to social interactions… he was almost charmingly naïve.

His warmth could melt the defenses of almost anyone he met. It was no wonder Jaxon liked being around him.

Still, the tension hadn't left.

Whirlpool True came up beside Jaxon and lowered his voice. "You sure about this? The Hokage and Danzo definitely have thoughts about us being here so openly."

"Of course they do," Jaxon replied. "They're calculating everything already. But they won't act just yet. Not while I still have leverage."

---

Later That Evening – Akimichi Barbecue Restaurant

The restaurant was packed, buzzing with chatter and the aroma of sizzling meat.

Jaxon, Yunnai, and Whirlpool True sat together on the second floor, looking out over the bustling Konoha streets through the window.

The long table in front of them was already stacked with raw meat and vegetables, though the grills remained untouched. They were still waiting for their guests to arrive.

"Jaxon… do you think Big Sister Kushina will really come?" Yunnai asked quietly, her voice filled with hopeful uncertainty.

She sat closest to the window, legs folded neatly beneath her. Though her posture was composed, her eyes betrayed a flicker of nervous anticipation.

Around them, the restaurant was filled with civilians, merchants, and shinobi alike—laughing, eating, drinking.

It was as if the Second Shinobi World War outside didn't exist. The people of Konoha had such confidence in their village's strength, they could afford to pretend peace still reigned.

"She should come," Jaxon answered after a moment, his tone casual—but inside, even he wasn't sure.

Still, logic told him that Minato would bring her. It only made sense.

Sure enough, as if summoned by those very thoughts, three figures ascended the stairs like whispers in the wind.

Minato led the way, light on his feet and filled with boyish energy. He spotted the group and rushed forward, his face red with embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to make you wait so long!"

Jaxon rose gracefully from his seat, brushing nonexistent lint from his robes. "It's alright," he said with a smile. "Don't worry."

But his gaze slipped past Minato, falling on the figure behind him.

She was unmistakable.

Long, crimson hair flowed behind her like a silk curtain, framing skin as pale and flawless as porcelain. She was no older than fourteen or fifteen, but her presence was magnetic.

She had the aura of someone who had already seen too much—and yet carried herself like she had something left to prove.

Her black eyes sparkled with excitement, though she tried to hide it. Her cheeks were lightly dusted with blush, and her lips were tinted with just enough color to accentuate her beauty without being ostentatious.

She had clearly dressed up for this.

So this is Uzumaki Kushina, Jaxon thought. The Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki.

Though he was nearly certain of her identity, Jaxon didn't dare say her name aloud.

There were too many unknowns. A Jinchuriki was no ordinary person—especially not one carrying the most destructive of all Tailed Beasts.

Better to observe in silence than risk misstepping.

As he studied her, a sudden warmth surged through his body.

It wasn't chakra. It wasn't adrenaline. It was something more subtle—like tension draining from his limbs.

Was it her aura? Or perhaps it was simply the relief of the day's dangers passing without conflict.

Either way, it gave him a moment of peace.

For the first time since arriving in Konoha, Jaxon allowed himself to relax.

Even just a little.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

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