Naruto: A New Life with Tsunade

---

Spring was the season of blooming flowers.

After many years away, Natsume returned to Konoha's Ninja Academy, his eyes taking in the familiar grounds.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he noticed a lone figure on the swing set.

"...Naruto."

The boy turned his head in surprise. "Big brother? What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that. Why aren't you in class?" Natsume approached, his voice carrying a note of gentle confusion.

Naruto looked down, his expression tense. "It's… after school."

Natsume raised an eyebrow. He recognized Naruto's uneasy expression—it wasn't just about a break. It was likely those familiar stares, the ones labeling him the "demon fox."

Despite his talent and hard work, Naruto still carried the stigma of being the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki.

"How's school going?" Natsume asked, shifting the conversation.

Naruto perked up, forcing a proud grin. "I'm doing great, big bro! I'm the top of my class now! Believe it! Old man Hokage says I'll be Hokage someday!"

Natsume couldn't help but smile. Top of his class? Without the Nine-Tails disrupting his chakra control, Naruto's natural abilities truly shone through.

And the Hokage's praise wasn't empty words. As the son of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki—and with Jiraiya as a potential mentor—Naruto had an extraordinary legacy and talent. But Natsume also understood the other side: that Naruto's Asura Chakra might nudge him toward the path of a hero, no matter what.

"Amazing, Naruto," Natsume said, patting his shoulder. "Made any friends yet?"

Naruto hesitated, the proud smile slipping slightly. "Not yet… but it's still early, right? I'm sure they'll warm up to me soon."

Natsume's heart ached. Two months, and still no friends? Children usually bonded quickly, but Naruto's stigma cast a long shadow.

Deciding to change the subject, he asked, "Did you hear about the Chūnin Exams going on today?"

"Yeah, we were told to stay away from the Sarutobi Building so we don't disturb the exams." Naruto's curiosity piqued, his eyes brightening. "Wait… are you here for the exams?"

"Yep!" Natsume replied with a grin. "Want to come watch?"

Naruto's face lit up, but then he hesitated. "I have class..."

Natsume chuckled, leaning in conspiratorially. "Just use the Clone Jutsu. Later, when you learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu, you'll be able to have one do all your schoolwork for you."

"Eh?" Naruto's eyes went wide, the possibilities dawning on him. "Wait… I can really do that?!"

The door to a new world had just opened.

The Clone Technique was basic, but with Naruto's large chakra reserves and determination, it was easy to imagine him mastering it.

Together, they walked toward the exam hall. Naruto's presence immediately drew attention; many genin stared with mixed reactions of fear and distrust. Naruto shrank under their gazes, his regret for tagging along evident.

He didn't notice the looks of pity on some faces, particularly the jōnin who had once served under Minato Namikaze. They knew the truth about Naruto's heritage.

Natsume glanced around. His teammates, Inuzuka Hana and Yakushi Kabuto, hadn't arrived yet. Tsunade had been called by Hiruzen Sarutobi earlier—likely to serve as a proctor.

He recognized some familiar faces in the crowd—Uchiha Itachi, Mitarashi Anko, and Uzuki Yugao. While Itachi and Anko seemed unchanged, Yugao's cold demeanor reminded him of Orochimaru. Natsume raised an eyebrow at the sight.

Nearby, Itachi was standing with a young boy. For once, Natsume saw him smiling and laughing, almost like a normal big brother.

"Looks like even the coldest have their warm spots," Natsume mused, glancing at Naruto. "Hey, want to meet someone?"

Naruto nodded eagerly.

They approached Itachi, who noticed them and nodded in greeting.

"Itachi," Natsume said with a smile, glancing at the young boy by his side. "Is this your little brother?"

"Yes, this is my younger brother, Sasuke," Itachi replied with a rare softness.

Natsume bent down slightly to introduce Naruto. "This is Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto and Sasuke stared at each other, a subtle sense of rivalry flickering between them. Sasuke looked curious, studying Naruto's face.

Hearing Naruto's name, Itachi's expression tightened for just a moment. The Uchiha clan was proud, and Naruto's presence wasn't something he could ignore, given their clan's disdain for the Nine-Tails.

"Hey, Sasuke," Natsume said, fanning the tension just a bit, "have you started at the academy yet? Naruto here is already top of his class."

Sasuke's eyes widened, a flicker of competitiveness sparking in his gaze. He hadn't yet started school, but learning that someone his age was already excelling, especially someone outside his clan, clearly caught his attention.

Before Sasuke could respond, Itachi gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Sasuke, it's time to go. Mother's waiting."

Natsume noticed Uchiha Mikoto waiting nearby and nodded politely. There was no need to push things further.

Sasuke, however, hesitated, casting one last glance back at Naruto, his eyes silently declaring a challenge. Then, with a determined look, he turned to his mother.

"Mom," he asked as they walked away, "can I go to school soon?"

---

Hokage's Office

"Hiruzen! Uzumaki Naruto has been wasting time at the Ninja Academy for two months!"

Shimura Danzo's voice was sharp, his frustration evident. "Why are you indulging in such pointless endeavors?"

Initially, Danzo had paid little mind to Naruto's enrollment in the Academy. He knew Hiruzen Sarutobi all too well—there was no chance the Third Hokage would relinquish control of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.

But Danzo's indifference didn't last long. To his surprise, Naruto had demonstrated remarkable talent.

The Three Academy Techniques, which took most students years to master, had been child's play for Naruto. Combined with his massive chakra reserves, it was clear the boy possessed extraordinary potential—potential that reminded Danzo of Namikaze Minato, Konoha's Yellow Flash.

If Danzo could guide Naruto, mold him into a weapon of Root, Konoha's future would be secure—and so would his own ambitions.

"Hiruzen," Danzo continued, his tone softening as he paced, "this boy's power is beyond comprehension. Under my guidance, he could become Konoha's greatest asset. The Academy is a waste of his potential."

Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke from his pipe, his gaze steady but weary. "Naruto belongs at the Academy. He needs to learn more than jutsu, Danzo. He must understand the Will of Fire—our village's guiding principle. Bonds with his peers will give him a reason to protect Konoha."

Danzo's eyes narrowed. "The Will of Fire?" he scoffed. "Hiruzen, ideals won't protect this village. Strength will. And Naruto's strength can only be honed in Root. You know this."

Hiruzen frowned but did not interrupt. Danzo pressed on. "What if he befriends the Uchiha? Can you guarantee he won't be led astray? The Uchiha are dangerous—always have been."

"The Uchiha are our comrades, Danzo," Hiruzen retorted firmly. "Do not let your prejudices blind you."

"Prejudices?" Danzo's voice rose, his restraint faltering. "Have you forgotten the Nine-Tails' attack? The Uchiha's ability to control the beast? How can you ignore the possibility that they were involved?"

The room grew tense as Danzo's accusations hung in the air. Hiruzen's grip on his pipe tightened, his thoughts drifting to the Uchiha clan's Sharingan and its history of manipulating tailed beasts.

Danzo sensed his advantage and pressed further. "Naruto cannot be left to his own devices, Hiruzen. He must be disciplined, molded. Under my care, he will serve Konoha with unwavering loyalty."

Hiruzen's hand slammed onto the desk, silencing Danzo. "Enough!" he declared, his voice resolute. "Naruto is a child—not a weapon. My decision is final."

Danzo's face darkened. "You'll regret this, Hiruzen." Without another word, he stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

---

Moments Later

The doorframe rattled as Jiraiya sauntered in, his usual carefree grin in place. "Whoa, old man! Did someone rob your office, or was that just Danzo being Danzo?"

Hiruzen sighed, taking a slow drag from his pipe. "…What do you want, Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya flopped onto the couch, crossing his arms behind his head. "I heard you assigned Tsunade to oversee the upcoming Chūnin Exams. Sign me up too—I want in."

"Examiner?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "You've been investigating the Uchiha and Hyūga clans since you returned. Why the sudden interest in the Exams?"

Jiraiya shrugged. "Just a hunch," he said casually, though his eyes betrayed a deeper intent.

Hiruzen leaned back, studying his former student. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Mount Myōboku, would it? Has the Great Toad Sage given you another prophecy?"

Jiraiya hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. Something about 'special eyes.'"

Hiruzen's expression grew somber. Special eyes? Between the Uchiha's Sharingan and the Hyūga's Byakugan, such a prophecy was unsettling—especially given Danzo's earlier concerns.

"You suspect Uchiha Itachi?"

"Not just Itachi," Jiraiya replied. "I've been keeping tabs on Uchiha Shisui as well. Both of them have already awakened their Sharingan, and their growth is... alarming. I need to see for myself what they're capable of—and what kind of shinobi they might become."

Hiruzen nodded. "Very well. You may serve as an examiner. I, too, am curious about the future of those two."

---

Time Rewind: Danzo's Departure

As Shimura Danzo stormed out of the Hokage's office, he was intercepted by a kunoichi clad in Root attire.

"Lord Danzo, Lord Orochimaru requests your presence," she said, bowing respectfully.

Danzo's brow furrowed. "Orochimaru? What does he want?"

"He didn't say, but he assured me it would be worth your time."

Danzo's irritation simmered beneath the surface, but he masked it with a calm nod. "Lead the way."

The kunoichi turned, and Danzo followed, his mind racing. Orochimaru rarely sought him out without reason. Whatever this was, it had the potential to alter the delicate balance of power within Konoha.

The two headed toward Orochimaru's hideout, their alliance fragile but mutually advantageous. Danzo had once handed over Tenzo—the boy infused with Hashirama's cells—in exchange for Orochimaru's support in his bid to become Hokage. But years had passed, and the seat of power remained out of reach.

Orochimaru always had his own agenda.

And Danzo intended to uncover it.

In the dimly lit chamber, Orochimaru observed Danzo Shimura with a chilling smile. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had stubbornly maintained his position, leaving Orochimaru with limited options. If Sarutobi refused to step down, external machinations wouldn't suffice.

"Guren, leave us," Orochimaru commanded, his tone sharp and unwavering.

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," Guren replied, bowing slightly before departing without hesitation.

Danzo's lone visible eye narrowed as he studied Orochimaru. "What exactly do you want from me?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

"I propose a collaboration," Orochimaru said, his serpentine tongue briefly flicking out. "I will assist you in eliminating the Uchiha clan. In return, I want the Sharingan of Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi."

Danzo's gaze hardened, the audacity of the offer taking him aback. "You're serious?" he asked coldly, skepticism evident.

Orochimaru nodded slowly. "You desire the Uchiha's eradication, and I want their Sharingan. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Danzo was silent, weighing the proposal. At this point, he was unaware of Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan, assuming both Shisui and Itachi possessed only standard three-tomoe Sharingan. Orochimaru's demand seemed manageable. Danzo believed that, should things go awry, his ROOT and his own strength would be sufficient to handle the Sannin.

"For the sake of Konoha's future and the Will of Fire, the Uchiha must be dealt with," Danzo said, feigning righteousness. Beneath the surface, his motives were far more self-serving.

Orochimaru smirked, seeing through Danzo's facade. The Will of Fire was nothing more than a convenient justification for Konoha's leadership to maintain their grip on power. Stagnation had infected the village, and Orochimaru was more than willing to fan the flames of change.

"How do you plan to proceed?" Danzo asked, his eagerness barely concealed.

"We need a pretext—something to justify our actions to the village," Orochimaru replied, his golden eyes gleaming. "I suggest ensuring Uchiha Sasuke's temporary disappearance. It will provoke a reaction from Itachi."

Orochimaru had spent years studying Uchiha Itachi. Though he had failed to sway the prodigy to his side, he had gleaned valuable insights. Itachi was driven by two forces: loyalty to the village and an unyielding love for his younger brother, Sasuke, and his best friend, Shisui.

"Tomorrow, I will invite Itachi for a discussion regarding the Chūnin Exams. Shisui will likely accompany him. When tensions rise, you can make your move," Orochimaru explained confidently.

Danzo's mind raced. Framing Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, for treason would give him leverage over even Hiruzen. This plan had potential.

---

At the Ninja Academy, Uchiha Itachi stood by as his mother, Mikoto, and his younger brother, Sasuke, prepared to leave.

"Bye brother," Sasuke said, tugging lightly on Itachi's sleeve.

"Go on," Natsume said, ruffling Naruto's hair gently.

As Naruto and Sasuke walked away, a strange feeling settled in Natsume's chest.

---

Notifications:

Because of your actions, Uchiha Sasuke's fate has changed. You have gained 19 fate points.

Because of your actions, Uzumaki Naruto's fate has changed. You have gained 8 fate points.

---

Moments later, Tsunade entered the academy grounds, her sharp eyes scanning for Natsume. She found him seated alone in a corner. With her usual commanding stride, she approached him.

"Big sister," Natsume greeted with a faint smile.

Tsunade plopped down beside him, her coat shifting as she adjusted. "Nervous?"

"A little," Natsume admitted, looking up at her. "But now that you're here, not so much."

Tsunade chuckled, pinching his cheek. "You're too cute for your own good."

Natsume grinned inwardly. Greedy woman. She's after my youthful face. But if she were truly bad… I might just let her do as she pleased.

Before he could respond, Jiraiya's booming voice echoed through the academy. "All candidates, return to your classrooms! The exam is about to begin!"

The lighthearted moment was over. Tsunade stood, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on Natsume's forehead.

"For luck," she said with a grin.

Natsume raised an eyebrow. Luck? Feels more like a curse.

"Not satisfied?" Tsunade teased, poking his forehead playfully. "Pass the exams, and I'll give you a real reward."

Her words ignited a fire in his eyes. "Just watch me, sis. I'll pass for sure!"

Tsunade smiled warmly as she watched him leave, her affection evident. Yet, as he disappeared into the academy, she rubbed her temples in embarrassment.

What am I doing? I'm acting like a love-struck teenager.

---