This Naruto is too easily persuaded.

Inside the Hokage's office in the Hokage Building.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat behind a mountain of documents, holding Kakashi's report on the Land of Waves mission.

"...That's roughly the situation."

Kakashi stood in front of the table and calmly summarized:

"Our forces encountered Zabuza, a rogue ninja from Kirigakure, but after a fierce battle, we defeated him."

"Subsequently, an internal coup occurred within the Kado Group, Kado died, and an organization called the 'Wave Country Mutual Aid and Development Foundation' took over the Wave Country."

"Given the presence of rogue ninja during the mission, the Mutual Aid Association has proactively upgraded the mission level to A-rank. This is the mission authorization letter and the additional payment from the other party."

The third generation picked up the envelope on the table, weighed it in his hand, and glanced at the report.

Although everything seems reasonable on the surface.

The villains were brought to justice, the rogue ninjas were defeated, the country was rebuilt, and Konoha profited.

But as the Hokage who had been in power for many years, he instinctively sensed something unusual beneath this perfect facade.

That foundation... its timing is far too coincidental.

Moreover, their handling methods are sophisticated and efficient, something that not everyone can do.

The third generation squinted, looking at the peaceful village outside the window, and remained silent for a moment.

Ultimately, he didn't investigate further.

The ninja world is currently in turmoil, and Konoha needs allies as well as funds.

Regardless of the process.

The end result was that Konoha completed a highly difficult mission, not only earning a large commission but also gaining the friendship of the Land of Waves.

This is a perfect answer sheet.

"Thank you for your hard work, Kakashi."

The third generation put down his pipe, a hint of gentleness in his eyes, suppressing the slight doubt in his heart.

"Speaking of which, these three children seem to be growing up faster than expected."

"Yes."

Kakashi's mind flashed through Naruto's endless tactics and Sasuke's Sharingan.

Even Sakura, who seems the most ordinary, showed extraordinary talent when learning sealing techniques.

"They really are... a class of students that surprised me."

"Since that's the case..."

The Third Hokage took a document from the drawer and handed it to Kakashi:

"This is a notice for the Chunin Selection Exams."

"This time, not only Konoha, but also Sunagakure, Amegakure and other villages will send excellent genin to participate."

"This is not only a test, but also a demonstration and contest of the strength of various countries."

The Third Hokage stared intently at Kakashi:

"Kakashi, do you think Team 7... is qualified to participate?"

Kakashi took the document and glanced at it.

Chunin Exams...

That's a screening mechanism with an extremely high mortality rate, which is undoubtedly very dangerous for newcomers who have graduated less than half a year ago.

Logically, they should be allowed a year to reflect before taking the exam.

but……

Kakashi thought about how Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura had performed in the battle.

It's no longer appropriate to treat them like flowers in a greenhouse.

Kakashi closed the file, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes:

"It's a bit early..."

"But with their current strength, they can already be called qualified ninjas."

Kakashi put down the documents in his hand and said firmly:

"I, Kakashi, in the name of the Jonin Instructor of Team 7."

"I recommend Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno."

"Participate in the Chunin Exams!"

……

After the group disbanded, Naruto didn't rush home.

Instead, he walked alone on the streets of Konoha.

Although he has become a core member of Team 7, he still maintains the habit of being alone.

This time alone is when he reviews and reflects.

Just as he was preparing to go to the library to continue reading.

"Naruto-kun".

A gentle voice came from the alley entrance.

Naruto paused slightly, turned around, and gave a standard polite smile.

"Senior Dou, it's been a long time."

Kabuto, dressed in a purple outfit, leaned against the wall, seemingly waiting for something.

His eyes seemed different today than usual.

Gone were the usual tests and pretenses; instead, there was a new kind of pity.

"I heard you completed a high-level mission, that's really impressive."

Dou walked over and, without much small talk, went straight to the point.

"However, Naruto-kun, as you grow stronger, no matter how much you try to disguise it, some things will inevitably come out."

Naruto's eyes flickered slightly, but he still smiled and said:

"What do you mean by 'senior'?"

"It refers to... the malice that has accompanied you since you were a child."

Dou pushed up his glasses; the glare from the lenses obscured his eyes. He lowered his voice considerably.

"Don't you ever find it strange?"

"Why have the villagers disliked you for no reason since you can remember?"

"Why is it that even though you're an orphan, your chakra moves like a monster?"

"Or perhaps..."

Kabuto pointed to his abdomen, a strange smile curving his lips:

"Haven't you ever wondered... what that complicated mark on your stomach is for?"

Naruto's smile could no longer be maintained and slowly disappeared.

His hand, which was pushing up his glasses, froze in mid-air.

In fact, these problems had always been like dark clouds hanging over his mind.

However, he lacked sufficient information in the past, and Mizuki died too quickly, so he didn't have time to reveal the truth.

When asked, Kakashi gave vague answers.

He vaguely guessed that there was something inside him, and that it might be related to the Nine-Tails.

But he was always missing a piece of the puzzle.

Why is this thing inside my body? And what am I anyway?

Seeing Naruto's silence, Kabuto leaned closer, like a demon whispering in his ear:

"Twelve years ago, the Nine-Tailed Fox attacked Konoha, but tailed beasts are aggregates of chakra and cannot be killed."

"Therefore, the Fourth Hokage had no choice but to seal him away."

"Sealed inside a newborn baby..."

Kabuto looked into Naruto's deep blue eyes and said, word by word:

"That baby is you, Naruto Uzumaki."

"You are not a demon fox; you are a sacrifice and a cage used to imprison demon foxes, that is, the so-called... Jinchūriki."

boom!

These words struck Naruto like a thunderbolt, connecting all the clues in his mind.

Why is it called a fox demon...?

Why does he have so much more chakra than others...?

Why did the third generation feel such complex guilt towards him...?

Why do I have advanced sealing techniques on my stomach since birth...?

"So...that's how it is?"

Naruto looked down at his abdomen.

He didn't fly into a rage as expected, nor did he break down, and he didn't even shed a tear.

The voice was eerily calm.

"I'm just... a sacrifice?"

"……more than."

Kabuto, who had been observing Naruto's expression and reaction, continued to press the issue:

"You were chosen as a sacrifice to protect the village."

"At the same time, you are also a potential bomb and weapon."

"But ironically, the very villagers you were protecting... treated you like a monster and wished you dead."

"Naruto-kun, knowing the truth, what will you do?"

Dou's words were full of persuasiveness.

After a long period of observation, Kabuto Yakushi discovered that Naruto's heart was not as bright as it appeared.

If it can be guided to fall.

He might be a perfect pawn in the Konoha Crush plan.

Moreover... Kabuto, who secretly regarded Naruto as one of his own kind, also wanted to see Naruto's true reaction.