One week later, at dawn...
In a small grove near Naruto's home, he was training relentlessly.
Over the past seven days, he had been perfecting his use of the Nine-Tails' chakra.
Although the space was limited, it was enough for his needs.
Boom!
Loud thuds echoed as he moved at incredible speed.
Dust rose, trees shattered under his blows.
His movements were clumsy, strange... but remarkably effective.
After a week of observation, Kurama had stopped commenting.
He hasn't even joined the Academy yet...
His kicks, his punches… all instinctive, chaotic.
Crack!
A one-cubic-meter rock shattered under his fist.
Naruto stopped, satisfied.
He needed something harder.
Chunks of stone rolled to the ground, and Naruto beamed inwardly.
"You should probably get yourself a weapon," Kurama remarked.
The bijū's chakra enhanced his strength, but against humans, a blade would be much more effective.
"Maybe," Naruto replied.
He looked at the devastated grove.
Too much damage would attract attention.
He had to find a new place.
"Weapons... those are in town," he thought as he moved.
The shopping district, the heart of Konoha.
But going there meant facing the villagers' hateful glares.
The "Fox Demon" daring to show himself in public...
He had already experienced it.
It wasn't a problem.
Especially with Hinata's birthday approaching...
Naruto (inwardly): "I am the child of destiny, Uzumaki Naruto. The one who will become the Seventh Hokage and change all the tragedies."
The first attempt at rewriting fate was about to begin.
And it was time to spill blood.
...
Uchiha District, at the same time.
"Tweet-tweet!"
Birdsong announced the dawn.
Sako stretched, got out of bed, and dashed to the bathroom.
After getting ready, she checked her appearance in the mirror and joined the living room.
Her father, stoic, was reading the newspaper.
Her mother, in an apron, brought breakfast.
Her brother, Itachi, was just returning from his morning training.
Sako: "Itachi-nii! You didn't wake me up to train with you!"
She almost pouted.
Itachi, expressionless, smiled slightly.
Itachi: "You need sleep to grow, Sako."
His little sister was a treasure to him.
Fugaku: "Sako, you'll become a fine wife and mother, like your mom."
Mikoto smiled, touched.
Sako: "No! I want to join the Military Police and become an exceptional kunoichi!"
Amused, Itachi placed some vegetables in her bowl.
Itachi: "Eat. It'll help you grow."
Sako: "I'm not small!"
Mikoto chuckled softly.
But behind this happy family scene, Itachi was worried.
The tension between the clan and the village...
After breakfast, Fugaku left for work.
Mikoto went to the hairdresser.
Left alone, Itachi and Sako were interrupted by a familiar voice.
Shisui: "Itachiiii~!"
Sako: "...Shisui."
The famous "Shunshin no Shisui" appeared, beaming.
Shisui: "Hey, little Sako!"
Flick!
He gave her a flick on the forehead.
Sako: "Ouch!"
Shisui (laughing): "Come on, Itachi, let's go."
Sako: "Again... I never get to train with nii-san..."
Shisui: "Then find yourself a good partner."
A partner...?
The image of a certain blond flashed through her mind.
Itachi: "Buy the vegetables for tonight, Sako."
Shisui (teasing): "So, a housewife after all, huh?"
Sako: "Grrr...!"
She slammed the door and left, hands in her pockets.
The shopping district, like always...
...
Hyūga District.
Hinata: "I'm leaving, Mom."
Her mother, Hyūga Miyuki, smiled at her gently.
Miyuki: "Be careful."
Hinata: "Yes!"
Accompanied by her servant, Hyūga Aoi, Hinata headed toward the shopping district.
Maybe... I'll run into Naruto-kun there?
Her heart beat faster at the thought.