As soon as he stepped into the Academy classroom, he knew something was not right.
He *felt* it.
Not as an instinct—by his new passive.
> **[Passive Skill Triggered: Mental Map (Lv 1)]**
> Range: 15 meters
> You are being watched. One target noted: [Hyūga Hinata – Lvl 2]
He didn't turn to look at her at first. That would have been strange, especially for a loud and clueless six-year-old Naruto.
But in his head, he smiled.
"Found you, shy princess."
He occupied his customary seat at the back, slouching sufficiently to fit the bill. Some of the students gossiped and pointed as usual, but he did not mind. *Gamer's Mind* suppressed the pain, and best of all, he was able to scan their data.
> [Inuzuka Kiba – Lvl 3]
> Affinity: Unknown
Disposition: Mild Disdain
[Aburame Shino – Lvl 3]
> Affinity: Bugs
Disposition: Neutral
> [Uchiha Sasuke – Lvl 4]
> Affinity: Fire
> Disposition: Indifferent, Competitive (Hidden)
>[Hyūga Hinata – Lvl 2]
> Affinity: Lightning
> Disposition: Curious, Nervous
Every student in the class was a future piece on the board, and he was already planning his next steps. He wouldn't seclude them. He'd *recruit* them.
> **[Quest Alert: Forge the Future]**
> Objective: Cultivate close relations with 5 or more eventual members of the Konoha 12 before graduating.
> Award: +1 All Stats, Skill Unlock: [Teamwork Lv 1]
> Bonus: Unlock an exclusive skill based on your highest relationship.
"All part of the plan," he growled.
---
**Later That Day – Academy Training Ground**
Iruka-sensei stood at the front of the class. "Alright, today we'll test your chakra potential. Everyone line up and come forward when called."
Naruto mentally grinned. This was it. The chakra paper test.
> **[Mini-Quest: Early Element Reveal]**
> Objective: Use chakra paper correctly.
> Reward: +50 EXP
> Bonus: If a rare affinity is revealed, gain +1 INT and Elemental Affinity Skill (Locked).
He stepped forward, pressed the paper between his fingers—and the paper crinkled instantly to ash.
Iruka nodded. "Fire. As one would expect of an Uchiha."
Hinata was next. The paper snapped in half neatly.
"Lightning," Iruka announced, raising his eyebrows. "Unusual for a Hyūga."
*Interesting,* Naruto thought. *So canon's already starting to sag.*
Then it was his turn.
He stepped forward, calm. Controlled. He pushed chakra into the paper—and blinked.
The document *split*, *wrinkled*, *smoked at the edge*… and the rest became *soaked*.
".What the—"
The class fell quiet.
Iruka's jaw dropped. "W-Wind… Lightning… Fire… and—Water? Four affinities?!">
**[Quest Complete: Early Element Reveal]**
> Bonus Achieved: +1 INT, +1 Stat Point
> Skill Unlocked: [Elemental Affinity – Wind (Lv 1)]
> Hidden Trait Revealed: Uzumaki Potential – Strong Elemental Flexibility
> **[New Passive: Versatile Conduit]**
>+10% efficiency when learning elemental jutsu.
Naruto taught his face into confusion. "Uh… is that good?"
Iruka scowled at him. "Naruto… it's *very* good."
Sasuke squinted.
And in an instant—
The class's gaze swiveled. Whispers changed from mockery to curiosity. Suspicion. Even a little fear.
> **Reputation Changed: Dead Last → Unknown Quantity**
> Some classmates will now reassess your potential.
> Uchiha Sasuke rivalry has begun.
He could already feel it: the story was changing. The wheel of fate was starting to turn in a different direction.
And he was the one pushing it.
---
Later That Night – Naruto's Apartment
He sat cross-legged on his floor, a candle flickering beside him, the burned chakra paper next to an open notebook.
"Four affinities," he growled. "That's not supposed to happen. Wind, fine. Maybe Water, if I accept the Uzumaki heritage. But Lightning and Fire?"
Kurama inside him stirred, an ancient rumble vibrating at the periphery of his awareness.
**"So… you're not the brat I remember."**
Naruto stood still.
> **[Warning: Kurama has awakened partially.]**
> Due to high chakra control and mental values, early contact is now possible.
> Quest Unlocked: [Bridge the Gap]
> Target: Forge a non-hostile relationship with the Nine-Tails.
> Reward: +1 Stat to all, Skill: [Chakra Shroud Lv 1],???
> Warning: Hostile speech can provoke backlash.
He closed his eyes and focused.
In his mindscape, he was standing in front of massive iron bars. Red chakra swirled behind them like seas.
And there, scowling with radiant malevolence—
Was the Nine-Tails.
Naruto stepped forward.
"I'm not here to fight you," he said calmly. "I'm here to change everything."
Kurama snarled. "Then you'd better be ready to survive the storm."
---