"Your teleportation-based fighting style... even your shadow clone was broken?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen set down the detailed report and looked at Kakashi with a contemplative expression.
"Yes," Kakashi admitted. "My execution is still a bit clumsy, and I lack combat experience, but with more practice, I believe I can restore the Phantom Teleport to its former glory."
"Shadow Clone? Do you think it's suitable?" Hiruzen asked, his gaze sharp.
Kakashi's heart trembled slightly as he replied in a steady voice, "The combination of Shadow Clone and Phantom Instant Body can yield unexpected results—essentially a double illusion. Naruto may not possess the Sharingan's genjutsu, but he can still create deception through his clones."
"And the prerequisites for mastering Shadow Clone are chakra reserves and mental endurance."
"For Naruto... chakra is no concern, and neither is endurance."
Kakashi's voice carried a weight of conviction. After all, Naruto had survived trials that would have broken lesser individuals.
"Within Team 7, he has naturally taken the lead. In future missions, he might very well become our true backbone. A child who embodies the Will of Fire will not disappoint us."
"So, despite his... special circumstances, I firmly believe the Shadow Clone Technique should be taught to him."
Hiruzen closed his eyes in contemplation. A long silence passed before he finally spoke.
"Very well. I understand. I will teach him a technique more suited to his nature. Dismissed. We are all one team—I cannot favor only one member."
Kakashi gave a nod before vanishing in a blur of movement, utilizing the Instant Body Technique.
Once alone, Hiruzen sighed. "The Multi-Shadow Clone Technique is ideal for him."
"Exceptional mental endurance, an Uzumaki's physique, and a Jinchūriki's stamina."
"But once he masters it, he will be harder to monitor. If he ever turns against us... it will be an uprising."
Hiruzen turned toward the window, gazing out at Konoha. A faint smile played on his lips.
"His talent for space-time ninjutsu is promising. Perhaps he could truly learn the Flying Thunder God."
"Asuma... Perhaps Naruto's push will shape him into someone akin to me and Minato."
"Someone, come."
Whoosh—
An Anbu ninja appeared behind him, kneeling on one knee. His masked face betrayed silent reverence.
"Hokage-sama."
"Summon Shinnosuke. Have him deliver the Book of Seals."
"Yes!"
Hiruzen's thoughts turned inward. If Asuma were to inherit the title of Fifth Hokage, then his eldest son, Shinnosuke, and his wife could oversee the Anbu. Danzo would handle the necessary... unpleasant tasks. The Konoha Guard, once under the Uchiha, would fall under the Sarutobi. A smoother, more controlled system.
The Will of Fire would command an army of shinobi.
Including Jinchūriki.
The next generation of clan heirs—Asuma and Yuhi Kurenai's subordinates—were being molded to ensure the village's stability. Perhaps, when Konohamaru grew older, Naruto could guide him.
With Naruto as Hokage's right hand, how could they possibly lose?
Now, all that remained was to bring Yuhi Kurenai back to Asuma.
The bell-stealing exercise was a standard field test for all genin teams.
It wasn't exclusive to Team 7.
Yuhi Kurenai had only recently become a special jōnin. She lacked experience in such assessments, and her leadership was still developing.
Her team was composed of:
The eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan, Hinata.
The young chief of the Inuzuka clan, Kiba.
The prodigy of the Aburame clan, Shino.
The pressure was immense.
Despite coming from a reputable lineage—her father, Yuhi Shinku, had been a high-ranking Konoha official—Kurenai still felt a sense of inferiority when compared to the heirs of the great ninja clans.
Fortunately, her students were disciplined. No troublemakers. That was a relief.
But it was also... frustrating.
She had grown up with Asuma's persistent affections. She had never outright rejected him, aware of the significance of his lineage.
She wasn't naive. She understood that her promotion to special jōnin—thanks to her skill in genjutsu—was partially due to the village's interests.
Becoming a jōnin instructor sealed her fate.
She had seen what had happened to Anko Mitarashi.
She knew her limits.
"Well done, everyone. You've successfully passed the test."
"Ha! That was easy, right, Akamaru?"
Woof!
Kurenai smiled and turned her gaze to Hinata, who stood at the training ground's edge.
"Hinata, you performed exceptionally well. You're already a capable kunoichi."
She pulled Hinata aside for a quiet chat.
Kiba and Akamaru played together in celebration.
Shino, meanwhile, leaned against a tree, observing a tiny insect resting on his finger.
"Familiar chakra... Naruto is here."
Naruto, approaching the group, noticed a subtle shift in his surroundings.
A whisper reached his ears.
"Naruto-sama, there's a bug watching you."
Lately, he had been hearing strange voices.
After testing his abilities, he realized something astonishing—
He could hear the voices of plants.
The power of the Mori-Mori No Mi was developing.
Expanding his mental strength was now his top priority.
Meanwhile, Kurenai was advising Hinata.
"Female shinobi can stand strong on their own. You don't need to rely on a significant other."
"You have immense potential. One day, you'll make an exceptional jōnin."
"Your skills are already at the level required for the Chunin Exams."
Then her tone shifted.
"However, during our spar, I noticed you held back. Were you afraid of hurting me?"
Hinata hesitated before nodding.
"Naruto said that when sparring with teammates, we shouldn't use full strength."
Kurenai chuckled.
"Minato-sensei's child truly is different."
"What?"
Hinata tilted her head, confused.
Kurenai simply ruffled her hair, smiling.
"He's right. If you had used your full strength, I might have ended up—wait. Super strength?"
A realization struck Kurenai, her expression shifting to disbelief.
"Are you saying... it's the same power as Lady Tsunade?"
Hinata hesitated. "Um... I think so?"
"Show me."
Kurenai pulled out a kunai.
Hinata took it.
Snap—
The kunai was crushed into a ball.
Kurenai: "..."
Oh my god.
Who in my family understands?
My student could kill me with one punch.
And my genjutsu doesn't even work on her.
Kurenai swallowed hard. "Did Naruto teach you this? Wait... Does Naruto have Tsunade-sama's secret technique? That's the technique of eternal youth!"
Hinata shook her head, then looked up at Kurenai with a serious expression.
"I accidentally let it slip. Please keep it a secret. Otherwise... I'll have to—"
"Ow!"
"What else can you do?"
Naruto had appeared behind her, tapping her head lightly.
"Teacher Kurenai."
Kurenai stood frozen, staring at Naruto.
Golden-haired, sharp-eyed, and possessing the fastest speed in the village.
His smile was warm, reminiscent of the sun itself.
For a fleeting moment, she almost called him "Minato-sensei."
At first, she had been envious of Rin.
With Kakashi around, there was also another incredibly handsome jonin guiding her.
But now...
"It's Naruto."
Yuhi Kurenai forced a smile.
Unlike the ignorant villagers who resented him for the Nine-Tails, she understood the truth. The Fourth Hokage and his wife had sacrificed themselves to protect Konoha, sealing the Nine-Tails inside their own son.
Her father had also perished that night.
It took years, but she had finally moved on.
Still, when she first saw Naruto after his identity was revealed, the resemblance was undeniable.
Blonde hair, blue eyes...
Who would seal a monster inside their own child?
Now, she finally believed it.
"Since you're here, it means Team 7 passed Kakashi's assessment. That's impressive."
She smiled, then added, "Come celebrate with us over some barbecue. Kakashi is way too stingy to treat you guys."
She reached out, ruffling both Naruto and Hinata's hair.
"I touched it!"
A mini-version of Minato's head!
She grinned, making a mental note to find out if she could learn that secret technique.
After all, as a jonin instructor, it was embarrassing to realize that her students might surpass her on their second day. Not that she cared about the rumors regarding a certain secret technique that kept Lady Tsunade looking youthful—flawless skin, white as snow, and well-maintained... assets.
"Sorry, Naruto… Sensei isn't—" Hinata stammered, looking like a child who had done something wrong.
"Hinata, do I look like a gossip?" Kurenai feigned anger.
"Of course not! But, Sensei, please keep this a secret." Hinata pleaded.
Naruto chuckled but gently declined Kurenai's invitation. "Maybe next time, Sensei. When Team 8 finishes a mission, you can treat us then."
Then he smirked. "Oh, and you might want to prepare yourself. Hinata can eat more than you'd expect— Ugh!"
"D-Don't say it!" Hinata panicked, clamping a hand over his mouth.
Although Ichiraku's ramen was Naruto's favorite, barbecue was also a major source of food for them. And since Kurenai was treating, they had to be considerate.
Yuhi Kurenai's eyes widened at Hinata's embarrassed reaction. It didn't seem fake.
Her hand unconsciously reached for her wallet.
Once she extended an invitation, she couldn't back out.
"Do I look broke?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
She patted Hinata's head. "It's okay. Eat as much as you want."
Woo woo woo—
Steam Girl was online.
"You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing a lamb. For the sake of the secret technique, I'll take the risk!" Kurenai resolved.
However, before she could insist further, Naruto grabbed Hinata, who was on the verge of fainting, and made a swift exit.
"No, Sensei. Maybe next time."
"We have a dinner gathering today, so we should go."
Then, he added politely, "Sensei, if it's not too much trouble, you can come to my place sometime."
"Alright."
She agreed without hesitation, as if she had been waiting for him to say that.
"I'm curious to see just how much Hinata can eat."
Hinata covered her face. "I'm so embarrassed… let's just destroy everything… Naruto, you big bully!"
Just then, someone appeared right on cue.
"Kurenai~"
She sighed. "Asuma, I'm sorry, but we're not a good match. If you keep doing this, people might get the wrong idea."
Silence.
The entire Konoha 12, plus Akamaru, turned to stare at Asuma.
Oops. I got too excited and spoke too harshly.
Under the weight of nine children and a dog's judgmental gazes, Asuma forced an awkward smile.
"Haha… Well, I should get going."
Yuhi Kurenai let out a small sigh, then shot Naruto a glare.
???
What does this have to do with me?!
In the end, she boldly decided to go home with Naruto.
On the way, they ran into Tenten and her teammates, fresh from a mission.
With all twelve of them gathered, the house became livelier than ever.
The once desolate old building now felt full of life.
Rejecting Asuma might cause some trouble later.
But Kurenai felt utterly refreshed. She had finally said it.
So, she bought some sake on the way.
One drink led to another.
And before she knew it, she had sent a message to her best friend.
Then—
Mitarashi Anko arrived, carrying a bag full of dango and red bean paste, along with a few more bottles of sake.
Naruto observed the lively gathering.
Some were grilling meat. Ino was learning to make pancakes with Sakura. Lee was standing on his hands, drinking water until his eyes teared up. Neji and Shikamaru were locked in a silent battle of who looks cooler.
He smiled.
"This kind of life is pretty good."
"After so many years, I've grown used to the noise."
"What?!"
A sudden cry of disbelief rang from behind him.
"Naruto, come here and explain about Fatty!"
Mitarashi Anko grabbed him mid-grill, pulling him aside to face a slightly flushed and curious Kurenai.
"Haa…"
Naruto exhaled deeply.
Can we talk about this later? Don't you know how strong you are? I almost suffocated!
But before he could escape, Anko grabbed his face and scrutinized him up close.
"It's real. He really looks like him. So much alike!"
...
Meanwhile.
A certain masked figure had just received the stolen Scroll of Seals from Shinnosuke.
Little did he know—
A crucial piece of his plan had already been shattered by Naruto.
Asuma's hopes of winning over Kurenai?
Gone.
And Sarutobi's future?
Well… A certain yellow-haired troublemaker might just bring about his downfall.