Reflections on the Mission
For Naruto, the mission to the Land of Waves had been a resounding success. Not only had he completed his first experiment involving the fusion of spiritual pressure and chakra, but he had also successfully transformed Shiro into a Shinigami rather than a Hollow. As he reflected on the details, Naruto's brow furrowed slightly. "Does the strength of the ninja affect the success rate of the transformation?" he muttered to himself, intrigued by the possibilities.
This mission had ignited a newfound passion for research within him. In the past, Naruto had focused solely on training and combat, never delving into the realm of experimentation. But now, after witnessing the potential of combining spiritual pressure with chakra, he was eager to explore further. He hoped to find like-minded individuals in Konoha who shared his curiosity and drive.
To Naruto, fighting and killing shouldn't define a ninja's life. He admired figures like the Second Hokage, who had not only been a formidable leader but also a brilliant researcher, creating numerous forbidden techniques. Similarly, Aizen's relentless pursuit of the boundary between Shinigami and Hollow fascinated him. Naruto understood that researchers often faced scrutiny and criticism, their methods sometimes deemed cruel or unethical. Yet, their discoveries had the power to revolutionize the world.
He recalled Minato mentioning Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, who had been deeply involved in research before his defection. Naruto had once considered seeking Orochimaru's guidance, but the Sannin's betrayal had left a void in Konoha's scientific community. The thought saddened him—Konoha's once-great Sannin were now scattered, their legacy tarnished by betrayal and loss.
Naruto didn't need to dig deep to understand the role Konoha's leadership had played in their downfall. The village's politics were as murky as they were ruthless.
Return to Konoha
After several days of travel, Team 7 returned to Konoha under Kakashi's guidance. Kakashi promptly reported the details of their mission to the Third Hokage, who listened intently, his pipe emitting steady puffs of smoke. The Hokage's expression grew pensive, his brow furrowed in thought.
After a long silence, the Third Hokage finally spoke. "Naruto, you've grown too arrogant," he said sternly. "Kakashi, you've done well. You may leave now."
Once Kakashi had exited the room, the Third Hokage exhaled a cloud of smoke and muttered to himself, "The growth of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is crucial. Naruto's strength has improved too rapidly, and his Bloodline Limit has yet to reach its full potential. Kakashi can no longer guide him effectively."
He paused, his gaze distant. "This mission also revealed Naruto's greatest flaw—his arrogance. How can he understand the importance of teamwork and companionship if he continues to act alone? Perhaps it's time for Jiraiya to return. With his guidance, I can rest assured."
A Chance Encounter
Meanwhile, Naruto wandered the streets of Konoha, deliberately avoiding the bustling areas to enjoy a moment of peace. The quiet was interrupted by the rhythmic tapping of a cane against the cobblestones. Naruto's eyes narrowed as an elderly man came into view—his body wrapped in bandages, a long scar running beneath one eye. Despite his unassuming appearance, the man exuded an aura that made Naruto's instincts scream in warning.
The man stopped as they drew near, his cloudy eyes locking onto Naruto's. In those eyes, Naruto saw a darkness that sent a chill down his spine.
"Naruto, be careful. That's Danzo," Minato's voice echoed in Naruto's mind, filled with urgency.
Shimura Danzo—one of Konoha's elders, the founder of the shadowy organization known as Root, and a man whose very presence reeked of manipulation and deceit. Naruto's mind raced. Why had Danzo approached him? Was this sanctioned by the Third Hokage?
Despite his unease, Naruto maintained his composure, his face breaking into a polite smile. "Hello, do you know me?" he asked, his tone light and friendly.
Danzo's lips curled into a thin smile, his wrinkled face creasing further. "I am Shimura Danzo, one of Konoha's elders. Uzumaki Naruto, I've taken a keen interest in your Bloodline Limit."
Minato's voice grew tense. "How did Danzo bypass the Third Hokage to contact Naruto? Has he grown so bold?"
Naruto studied Danzo carefully, his smile fading as he sensed the gravity of the situation. Danzo continued, his voice calm but laced with authority. "In the Land of Waves, you demonstrated extraordinary power. Kyoka Suigetsu allowed you to control Uchiha Sasuke, a wielder of the Sharingan, and your mastery of Kidō showcased impressive destructive capabilities. However, your Bloodline Limit is far from reaching its full potential."
Danzo's gaze hardened. "Moreover, it has a significant weakness."
Naruto's eyes narrowed, but Danzo pressed on. "If you don't believe me, try using your Bloodline Limit on me."
Naruto hesitated, but the opportunity to test his abilities against someone of Danzo's caliber was too tempting to pass up. "Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu," he murmured.
The world around them seemed to ripple, but Danzo remained unfazed. A moment later, the illusion shattered, revealing Naruto's genuine surprise.
Danzo's smile widened. "You see? Your Bloodline Limit is ineffective against someone of my strength. Become my disciple, Naruto. I can give you the power and knowledge you seek."
With that, Danzo turned and walked away, leaving Naruto standing in silence. As the elder disappeared into the distance, Naruto's expression shifted, his gentle smile returning.
A Tense Meeting
Shortly after Danzo's departure, the Third Hokage's office was filled with tension. "You've crossed a line, Danzo," the Third Hokage said, his voice low but laced with anger. "I've already outlined a growth plan for Naruto. Your interference is unwelcome."
Danzo, unfazed, leaned on his cane. "Hiruzen, Naruto's performance in the Land of Waves was exceptional. His talent surpasses even Minato's. With proper guidance, he could elevate Konoha to new heights. Do you truly believe Kakashi is capable of nurturing such potential?"
The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed. "Naruto's progress has indeed exceeded expectations, but that doesn't justify your actions. I've decided to summon Jiraiya. He will guide Naruto from here on."
Danzo's expression darkened, a flicker of fear crossing his features. "Jiraiya? You would entrust Naruto to that fool?" He scoffed. "Let Naruto choose for himself. If he refuses my offer, I will not interfere further."
The room fell silent, the weight of their words hanging heavily in the air. The Third Hokage took a long drag from his pipe, his mind racing. Naruto's future was at stake, and the decisions made now would shape the destiny of Konoha itself.