He really couldn't understand why the son of the Fourth Hokage was treated so badly.
Was he resentful of Konoha? Did he hate it?
Maybe…
But if someone told him to take revenge on the village, to destroy it with his own hands… he couldn't do it.
Despite growing up in loneliness and darkness, Naruto's heart still shone brightly.
That day, Kazuki came to see him. Naruto was genuinely happy.
Because in this world, Kazuki was the only person he could truly trust.
When Kazuki invited him for a walk, Naruto hesitated. Right now, he didn't want to have anything to do with Konoha.
"I don't know how to face the people of Konoha," Naruto admitted after a long silence.
Kazuki reached out and gently ruffled Naruto's golden hair.
"Naruto, there's something I need to tell you."
"Konoha… it's true that the village has been unfair to you, but that doesn't mean everyone here is your enemy. Most of the villagers were simply misled by those in power, causing them to misunderstand you."
"There are many good people in Konoha, but they're ignorant. Deceived. They don't know the truth."
"The ones you should hold accountable are those in power—the ones who made you suffer."
Kazuki paused before continuing.
"Don't worry, Naruto."
"It won't be long before Konoha is reshaped. Those who let the village rot… will soon face their downfall."
"They will be punished."
"And when the time comes… Naruto, I will make sure you get the justice you deserve."
"Really? Big Brother Kazuki, is what you said true?"
Naruto looked up, eyes filled with hope.
The pain he had kept buried for so long seemed to ease, and the light in his eyes, once dim, shone once more.
"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?" Kazuki replied with a smile.
Naruto nodded. "I believe in you, Big Brother Kazuki."
"Good. But for now, don't think too much about it. Your top priority is preparing for the Chunin Exams."
Kazuki smiled, patting Naruto's shoulder.
In the original story, Naruto never officially passed the Chunin Exams—not even after reaching Kage-level strength.
"Yes! Big Brother Kazuki!"
Naruto's face lit up with excitement as he clenched his fists with determination.
"Don't worry! I'll make sure I'm fully prepared for the exams! Hehe, I won't embarrass you, Big Brother Kazuki!"
"Just don't forget what I told you before," Kazuki reminded him.
"Hey, I won't forget!"
Naruto scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
"Ever since I learned about the Nine-Tails being sealed inside me, I've been trying to communicate with it… but that fox has a terrible attitude. He won't even talk to me."
"But I've followed your advice, Big Brother Kazuki. I've been training to draw chakra from the Nine-Tails. Though my control isn't great yet, I'm starting to get the hang of it."
Naruto spoke to Kazuki without holding anything back.
To him, Kazuki was the only person in the village he could trust. The only one who truly cared about him.
"It's normal," Kazuki said. "Right now, you're still too weak. That's why the Nine-Tails ignores you."
Kazuki had expected this.
With Kurama's prideful nature, Naruto's current level—barely that of a Genin—was not enough to earn his acknowledgment. It was only natural that Kurama wouldn't respond.
"…Too weak, huh?"
Naruto clenched his fists. His determination burned even brighter.
"Then I'll just have to get stronger! I'll make the Nine-Tails acknowledge me!"
…
Since Kazuki spoke with Naruto that day, Naruto has changed significantly.
Not only has he shed his negativity, but he has also become more diligent—leaving early in the morning, returning late at night, and training relentlessly at the practice grounds. Even his sensei, Kakashi Hatake, was surprised by his transformation and couldn't fathom how Kazuki had influenced him so profoundly.
As the Chunin Exams approached, Konoha saw an influx of shinobi from various villages. Walking through the streets, one could spot numerous foreign ninja donning forehead protectors from their respective villages. The already lively village became even more bustling, with an increase in both merchants and occasional conflicts between rival shinobi.
Kazuki was well aware that Orochimaru would use the Chunin Exams as an opportunity to infiltrate Konoha and execute the Konoha Crush plan in collaboration with Sunagakure. This meant that the village would soon become a dangerous battleground.
To ensure his parents' safety, Kazuki devised a plan. He claimed that an urgent shipment of supplies was needed and convinced his parents to travel to the Land of Iron, a neutral nation situated near the borders of the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning. Since neither of them were shinobi, and considering the length of their journey, they would be gone for approximately two months—long enough for the crisis in Konoha to pass.
With his parents away, Kazuki would have more freedom to act without restraint. The only family member remaining in Konoha was his younger sister, Tenten, who was also participating in the Chunin Exams. However, Kazuki was confident in his ability to protect her.
Despite some reluctance, their parents ultimately agreed. While they regretted not being able to support Tenten during the exams, they trusted Kazuki's judgment, especially since he insisted the materials were crucial. A few days before, Kazuki's parents—Mr. and Mrs. Tianxiong—had already departed under the escort of a team of shinobi.
At home, only Kazuki and Tenten remained. Determined to perform well in the exams, Tenten persistently asked Kazuki to train with her every day.
"Oh, brother, I'm still a little nervous!" she admitted one afternoon.
"Don't worry," Kazuki reassured her, ruffling her hair. "With your current skills, few of the participants can match you."
He playfully tugged at the two buns on her head. Despite being thirteen and looking more mature, to Kazuki, she was still the adorable little sister he had always known.
"Hehe, I just want to do my best!" Tenten grinned. "I want everyone to know that my brother Kazuki's sister is a strong ninja too!"
"Hey, let go of me!"
A loud voice suddenly interrupted their conversation.
"What kind of ninja picks on kids? If you're so tough, fight me instead!"
Kazuki turned toward the commotion and saw Naruto standing protectively in front of a small boy—Konohamaru. Nearby, a voice protested, "Stop it, Kankuro! You're going to get in trouble!"
Kazuki's eyes narrowed. Kankuro? So they've arrived.
Sure enough, a young man in a purple outfit with face paint stood in the street, carrying a large, bandaged object—his puppet, Crow. He had one hand gripping Konohamaru's collar.
Behind him stood a blonde girl with a large, folded fan strapped to her back—Temari.
At that moment, Sakura and Sasuke stepped forward.
"Who are you? How could you treat a child like that? That's too much!" Sakura protested.
The atmosphere grew tense, but before Kazuki could say anything, Tenten grabbed his sleeve excitedly.
"Come on, brother! Let's go check it out too!"
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