At dawn, Konoha received a message delivered by Kabuto.
Danzo, examining the report Kabuto had sent, was thoroughly satisfied.
Kabuto was a useful pawn, a mind whose professionalism rivaled that of his adoptive mother, Nonō.
And if the Priestess could be brought to Konoha...
Just the ancient sealing techniques she mastered were enough to make one salivate.
Especially those capable of sealing demons. If used against the Nine-Tailed Fox or the other Tailed Beasts...
A sinister smile crept onto Danzo's dark face as he swiftly approved a secret mission to transfer the Priestess.
...
Hokage Building, Office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned at the sight of his youngest son, sporting an outrageously extravagant haircut.
His gaze then shifted to the young girl beside him.
"Asuma, Kurenai, Itachi..."
After listing their names, Hiruzen entrusted them with a secret mission.
Classified as A-rank.
Asuma was to be the leader, with Kurenai providing support.
As for Itachi, his exceptional talent earned him a place on this A-rank mission—a favor granted to his genius.
A dozen others joined them for this protection mission.
A crucial mission for the peace of the ninja world.
Considering the abilities of the ninjas from the Land of Demons, A-rank was more than enough.
Asuma, eager for recognition, listened attentively to his father's instructions before nodding firmly:
"Thank you so much, Lord Hokage! I will carry out this mission flawlessly!"
Sigh... Asuma, I hope you will truly understand the essence of the Will of Fire.
Hiruzen nodded, but worry gnawed at him.
...
Konoha streets, early morning.
Several days had passed since the mountain incident.
Sako had already been discharged from the hospital, while Gekkō Hayate was still there.
Naruto was running through the streets, starting his morning training.
The Uchiha ninjas, now used to his behavior, were no longer surprised.
Especially after hearing he had saved Sako—their kindness toward him had only grown.
Of course, the Uchiha, proud by nature, didn't engage in conversation easily. But the warmth in their eyes didn't lie.
Naruto had his reasons for this morning training.
First, to become known among the Uchiha. By making rounds through the village, he could encounter most of them and leave a lasting impression. A key step in his plan to save the clan.
Second, to approach certain people. For example... Uchiha Izumi. He couldn't just knock on her door. Accidental encounters were essential.
Today, Naruto spotted Izumi on patrol.
Despite being a genin, she had joined the Military Police. A sign of the clan's high regard for her.
She wore a short-sleeved top, signaling the coming of spring.
Just as he was about to approach her, pretending it was a chance encounter...
A large group drew his attention.
Asuma, with his rebellious hairstyle, was leading the way.
Beside him, the red-eyed, curly-haired girl—his childhood friend, Yūhi Kurenai.
Itachi was also part of the group.
Naruto wondered: what kind of mission required such an escort?
His eyes met Kurenai's and then Itachi's.
Kurenai, daughter of Yūhi Shinko and a master of genjutsu, had sharp perception.
As for Itachi...
It was a meeting between enemies.
Naruto assumed Itachi hated him for having "stolen" his sister.
After all, it was thanks to Naruto that Sako had awakened his Sharingan. An undeniable connection.
The big brother must be furious.
"And it'll only get worse."
Naruto held his gaze unflinchingly, until Itachi passed. Then he turned his attention back to Izumi.
"Izumi-neechan, good morning! What a coincidence!" Naruto instantly put on a naive smile.
"Uzumaki Naruto..."
Izumi recognized him from their previous encounter.
When Sako was in the hospital, she had visited and learned the details of the incident.
Knowing Naruto had protected Sako, she felt grateful toward him.
But for yūgao , watching from a distance, it was a concern.
The Uchiha might exploit the Kyūbi in Naruto.
He needed to be kept away from them...
"Izumi-neechan, I don't want to bother you during your patrol, see you later!"
A few exchanged words sealed their first official meeting.
Naruto waved and left.
"I didn't think that child had saved Sako..."
Izumi murmured as she watched Naruto walk away.
"The so-called demon boy... He's very different from the rumors."
Her father had died during the Kyūbi attack.
Yet kind-hearted Izumi felt no hatred toward Naruto.
They were both villagers of Konoha, and Naruto was one of them.
"He's not a demon..."
A clan member beside her commented.
Izumi: "Huh?"
"Well... You'll understand later."
Naruto's identity, son of the Fourth Hokage.
The Uchiha, who valued bloodlines, would eventually recognize his brilliance.
...
Shunshin!
yūgao appeared next to Naruto.
"Naruto."
Dressed in her ANBU uniform, she looked stunning once again.
Her slender figure beneath the uniform caught Naruto's eye.
Too bad... The last two times, he had only offered her "milk." Not enough to satisfy his desires.
Which was why he had shifted his ambitions to Hyūga Natsu.
"yūgao -neechan, is something wrong?"
Naruto wore an innocent expression.
This facade won him the sympathy of nearly everyone—yūgao included.
With his feats—saving Sako, defeating Kiri ninjas, taking down one of the Seven Swordsmen—Naruto was becoming an undeniable figure.
He shone like the sun, commanding respect.
Even one of the Seven Swordsmen had fallen to him.
In a few years, he would likely reach Kage level.
This thought gave yūgao chills.
Her parents, watching from the afterlife, would be proud.
The title of Fifth or Sixth Hokage seemed within reach...
A member of ANBU Team 6, once under Namikaze Minato's command, yūgao saw her position as an honor.
Maybe... someday she would become Naruto's subordinate...
She quickly shook her head:
"Naruto, you shouldn't get too close to the Uchiha..."
"Huh?"
Naruto feigned confusion.
"yūgao -neechan... I don't understand. Do you think some Uchiha want to hurt me?"
This boy is far more perceptive than he lets on...
yūgao smiled inwardly.
"There are good and bad people everywhere. In every country, village, and clan..."
Including among the Uchiha.
But the majority were good.
"Don't worry, yūgao -neechan, I'll be careful. Besides... you're here to protect me, right? By the way... how's Hayate-nii-san doing..."
Her heart softened at those words.
Beneath her cat mask, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.