Future Plans
Lying on the hospital bed, eating fruit fed to him by Hinata herself, Naruto enjoyed the rare moment of leisure.
In his previous life, he had been alone, never knowing the warmth of another's care.
This was the first time in this life.
After sensing that Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kakashi Hatake had left the hospital, Naruto activated his keen perception ability to detect malice. Once he confirmed they were gone, he turned to Hinata, eager to understand what had happened over the past few days.
However, as Hinata hesitated in her responses, Naruto's expression darkened.
Despite his efforts to alter certain events, the Kumogakure Diplomatic Incident still unfolded. This time, however, instead of attempting to kidnap Hinata, the envoy targeted her younger sister, Hanabi, who was less than a year old. The rest of the story followed the same tragic path as he remembered.
To rescue his daughter, Hiashi Hyūga killed the leader of the Kumogakure delegation. In retaliation, the Hidden Cloud Village demanded justice, threatening to break the fragile peace treaty. Under pressure from Konoha's higher-ups, the Hyūga Clan was forced to hand over Hiashi's twin brother, Hizashi Hyūga, as a scapegoat. Hizashi, a Branch Clan member bound by the Caged Bird Seal, willingly accepted his fate to protect the clan and maintain peace.
Naruto, not being a Hyūga himself, refrained from commenting on the Caged Bird Seal system. However, what deeply disappointed him was the Third Hokage's response.
Through his connection with Kurama, Naruto learned that an ANBU had been secretly monitoring the Kumogakure delegation. The one who engaged them in combat that night was none other than a member of the envoy team—evidence that Kumogakure had more insidious intentions.
Yet, even after multiple threats—first against the Hyūga Clan and now potentially against himself as the Jinchūriki—Hiruzen Sarutobi had chosen compromise over action.
Did the village elders truly believe sacrificing their own shinobi was the key to preserving peace?
Or was the so-called peace just an illusion that the villagers clung to, willing to trade dignity for temporary stability?
Konoha, the strongest Hidden Village, had just been humiliated.
Pushing his thoughts aside, Naruto turned his gaze to the shy girl beside him.
"Hinata, your sister was kidnapped. Did you forget what I told you before and sneak out again?" he asked.
Hinata shook her head firmly. "No… I had my father's permission. After finishing my training and homework, I'm free to use my time as I please… as long as I return before dark."
Naruto noted the subtle change in her demeanor. Though still shy, she no longer hesitated when speaking.
It seemed that Hiashi Hyūga, despite his strict nature, had begun to acknowledge Hinata's strength and independence.
Was this his silent rebellion against the Third Hokage, a way of pushing back after being forced to sacrifice his own twin brother?
The peaceful time passed quickly. Naruto and Hinata talked at length, but they had to part ways in the end.
Watching her leave under the protection of the Hyūga clan guards, Naruto turned his attention to the stack of scrolls left behind by Hiruzen.
The scrolls contained C-rank Wind Release techniques—training methods to refine wind-natured chakra. The Third Hokage had never been stingy when it came to providing training resources, yet these techniques lacked the raw power of Rasengan.
Naruto preferred direct, overwhelming force over intricate techniques.
Placing the scrolls aside, he reminded himself that his training couldn't take place in a hospital.
That afternoon, the Third Hokage appeared again.
After confirming Naruto's recovery, Hiruzen arranged for his discharge and handed him a key.
His old apartment was deemed uninhabitable and was now under emergency repairs.
Stepping into his new home, Naruto felt out of place. The untidy room and the near-empty refrigerator gave him an odd sense of crisis.
This wouldn't do.
Determined to stock up, he stepped out into the village streets.
The roads were familiar. The people were familiar.
Yet something felt off.
Previously, the villagers had regarded him with disgust. Now, their expressions were filled with fear—an instinctive dread, as if he were a monster lurking in their midst.
Ignoring their gazes, Naruto entered a familiar shop.
The moment he greeted the shopkeeper—a notorious profiteer—the man flinched.
Instead of haggling as usual, Naruto was met with a pile of goods shoved into his arms.
"Demon fo—No, Naruto-sama! Please take these for free!" The merchant's hands trembled.
Naruto frowned.
This was the same man who used to overcharge him and sell him spoiled food.
Before Naruto could question him, the shopkeeper suddenly dropped to his knees, slapping himself in the face.
"Naruto-sama, I was wrong! I shouldn't have sold you fake goods! Please forgive me!"
Naruto's expression darkened.
During his time unconscious, had new rumors spread about him?
Was it because the villagers had witnessed his rampage?
Narrowing his eyes, he leaned forward. "Boss, what kind of rumors have been going around lately?"
"I—I dare not say. The villagers went too far."
"Are you sure you don't want to tell me?" Naruto asked, lowering his voice.
Under his silent pressure, the shopkeeper finally spilled everything.
After hearing the details, Naruto's grip on the shopping bag tightened. His expression soured as he placed money on the counter and walked out, leaving the trembling man behind.
Though Danzō's secret operative, Tenkū Fūma, had died, the incident had caused him considerable trouble.
His outburst had been seen by too many. Now, the villagers' fear had solidified into certainty—he was the Nine-Tails reborn.
And yet, how ironic.
When they only suspected he was a demon, they had mocked and ostracized him.
Now that they were certain, they bowed in fear.
Was this the reality of a Jinchūriki's existence?
Naruto chuckled. He wasn't sure if he was laughing at himself or at them.
Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind.
"Naruto, this is the fate of a Jinchūriki. This is the same treatment we tailed beasts have endured for centuries. Don't you feel the urge to destroy everything?"
The fox's laughter was deep and mocking. "Too bad that seal has been reinforced. Otherwise, you could've really put on a show."
"No," Naruto replied, shaking his head. "I don't want to destroy everything. I just find it… sad. And suddenly, I don't feel like staying in Konoha anymore."
Kurama's ears perked up. "Leave Konoha? With your strength? Don't make me laugh. The higher-ups won't let you leave. A Jinchūriki is too valuable."
"Unless, of course, you break the seal and fully accept my power."
Naruto smirked. "That's exactly why I need to get stronger. If I rely on small bursts of your chakra without control, I'll always be restrained."
Kurama narrowed his eyes. "And what makes you think I'll lend you my power?"
Naruto's grin widened. "Even a prisoner should want to see the world beyond his cage. I want to see the world beyond Konoha."
"Besides…" His eyes gleamed with determination.
"I might find a way to leave without needing your power at all."
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