"Isn't that the demon fox kid? Why's he wearing a genin headband?"
"Didn't you hear? That kid applied for early graduation—he's officially a Genin now."
"What? He just started the academy this year! He already graduated?"
"So he's a prodigy?"
"I heard his instructor's that Kakashi guy. Two geniuses together—maybe that fox kid really will become something big."
"Wait, what was his name again?"
"Uzumaki Naruto."
"Ah, that's right. Uzumaki Naruto. I'll remember that."
Naruto strutted proudly down Konoha's main street, backpack slung over his shoulder, head held high.
The looks people gave him—those wide eyes full of surprise—made him grin ear to ear. It felt amazing, like biting into a popsicle on a cold winter morning.
Yeah, he thought. That's how it should be.
Once, they all looked down on him.
Now, he would make them look up.
After spending so much time playing the role of "Kira," Naruto's demeanor had split in two—his usual self was still cheerful and carefree, but when he took on Kira's mantle, he was calm, composed, and commanding.
Today, as he walked through the village, he couldn't help but remember the days when villagers scorned and cursed him—a lonely three-year-old shunned by everyone.
He understood something now.
When you're weak, beaten down, and desperate, no one will reach out to help. They'll just kick you deeper into the mud.
But once you rise, once you shine, they'll crowd around you with smiles and flattery.
That's just how the world works.
So be better. Be stronger.
"Being the best version of myself," he murmured, smirking, "that's the greatest revenge."
He gave a low whistle as he walked. Today, he was tall, confident, powerful—and he had a bright future ahead of him, with his mentor by his side and a certain beautiful girl waiting back in the village.
As for the people of Konoha?
Their gossip, their judgment—it meant nothing now.
"Oi, Naruto! Why are you dragging your feet? We agreed to meet at eight. It's half past already."
"Oh, sorry," Naruto replied with a smirk. "Got lost on the path of life."
Kakashi nearly choked.
That was his line.
This blond brat really was out to get under his skin—throwing his own excuses back at him like some kind of revenge prank.
Still, Kakashi couldn't help but smile behind his mask.
As the two walked out of Konoha and onto the open road, Naruto took a deep breath and stretched.
"Man, the air of freedom smells amazing!"
Even though he had roamed the ninja world before as Kira, this was the first time he'd left the village as Uzumaki Naruto.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes slightly, studying him.
There was more to this kid than met the eye.
Definitely more.
Meanwhile, deep within a hidden base…
"Uzumaki Naruto's leaving the village? Only Hatake Kakashi with him?"
"Track them. Record their route."
"Nine Tails Jinchūriki… Once I find a way to control the Nine Tails, I'll make my move."
"Kira of the Red Sun Society, Hiruzen—you'll both regret this."
"Because only I, Shimura Danzō, am the true Hokage—the one who can lead Konoha to greatness!"
Danzō's murmur echoed off the cold stone walls of his underground hideout, his eyes burning with ambition and madness. Even exiled from Konoha, he still had operatives embedded within the village—his roots digging deep, feeding him every secret.
He wasn't done yet. Not by a long shot.
Elsewhere, in a dark cavern draped in red clouds and black robes, Orochimaru read over a scroll and smiled thinly.
"So, the Nine Tails Jinchūriki has left Konoha… Interesting."
The report had come straight from Danzō.
Orochimaru's smile widened, mocking.
"Danzō… always preaching about loyalty to Konoha, yet selling its secrets like candy. What a fascinating contradiction. He really is a masterpiece of delusion."
He chuckled softly, his golden eyes gleaming in the shadows.
The news spread fast.
"Uzumaki Naruto—the Nine Tails Jinchūriki—has left Konoha."
"Only Kakashi with him?"
Within hours, intelligence networks in the other four great villages were buzzing. Orders were issued quietly, conversations whispered behind closed doors.
"Track Hatake Kakashi. Find their exact route."
"Leave it alone for now," another Kage decided. "Mist has no reason to get involved at the moment."
"Hold your forces, but keep an eye out. The Cloud will move first—they still haven't forgotten how badly Konoha humiliated them."
"Don't interfere. Konoha's still our ally—for now."
And so, beneath the surface of the shinobi world, shadows stirred.
Plans took root.
Eyes turned toward Naruto Uzumaki.
But out on the road, the boy himself had no idea—nor did he care.
He and Kakashi were too busy bickering, laughing, and marching forward toward their mission.
As for anyone plotting against them?
Naruto just grinned.
"Let them come. The more, the better."
Because to him, enemies weren't threats—
They were just one more chance to show the world how unstoppable he truly was.
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