Naruto: A New Life with Tsunade

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The Chūnin Exams were divided into three stages.

The first stage was a written test, designed to assess a ninja's knowledge and decision-making skills.

Natsume, Kabuto Yakushi, and Hana Inuzuka weren't particularly inclined toward academic subjects, but they breezed through the written exam. Unlike Uchiha Sasuke and others during the original Chūnin Exams, there was no need for flashy displays of prowess or cheating strategies.

"The exam is over. All candidates, please hand in your papers," Jiraiya's booming voice echoed over the loudspeaker.

Natsume had anticipated a final, trick question—like the one in the original exams—but it never came. The proctors simply collected the test papers, and the candidates began filing out of the classroom.

The second stage was scheduled for the following morning at eight o'clock: the notorious Forest of Death, where they would battle for the Heaven and Earth scrolls. Until then, they could only wait as the proctors graded their exams.

"Natsume!" a familiar voice called out.

Natsume turned and spotted Tsunade waving at him from under a tree. The sunlight filtering through the leaves gave her a radiant, almost ethereal glow.

"Have you been waiting for me?" Natsume asked, surprised and a little touched.

Tsunade rolled her eyes, a teasing smirk on her lips. "No, I'm waiting for my three apprentices," she replied, though she gestured for Kabuto and Hana to join them as well.

Despite her tone, Natsume could tell she was pleased. He smiled but refrained from calling her out.

At the academy gate, the group eventually split up, with Kabuto and Hana heading their separate ways.

As Natsume and Tsunade walked home together, Natsume took her hand, finding comfort in the familiar warmth. Her Yin Seal maintained her youthful appearance and vitality, a fact he admired silently.

Tsunade gave him a sidelong glance, ready to shake his hand off. But seeing his innocent expression, she let it slide, though she muttered something about him being "too old for this."

They strolled through the village, passing bustling shops and villagers going about their day. Suddenly, a squad of Uchiha police officers rushed past, their expressions tense.

"Move aside! The Konoha Police Force is on official business!" one officer barked, prompting the villagers to quickly clear the way.

"They're almost as feared as Uzumaki Naruto," Natsume murmured, noting the anxious looks from the crowd.

The Uchiha Police Force had a reputation for heavy-handedness, which often alienated the villagers. Leadership in Konoha required understanding people—something the Uchiha Police Force seemed to lack.

"The Second Hokage giving them control of the police force was a setup," Natsume said thoughtfully. "If they'd integrated better, it might've worked. But isolating them only deepened the divide."

Tsunade frowned, her brow furrowed. "Something's going on. We should head to the Hokage's office and check."

Natsume nodded, his mind racing. Was this Orochimaru's doing? Or perhaps Danzo?

When they arrived at the Hokage Building, the tension was palpable. Staff members hurried in and out, their expressions grim. Tsunade stopped one of them.

"What's happening?" she asked.

The staff member hesitated before answering. "Uchiha Sasuke is missing."

Natsume's heart sank. He could already piece together the likely scenario—Orochimaru had taken Sasuke to bait Uchiha Itachi or pressure Uchiha Shisui.

Inside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was even heavier.

"The Konoha Police Force is not a private army for the Uchiha clan," Danzo said, his voice calm but firm. "Their reaction to this situation is reckless. What exactly are they trying to accomplish by stirring up chaos?"

"I agree with Danzo on this," Homura Mitokado added. "The Uchiha are pushing their limits. We should've been informed of this sooner."

"This is understandable," Hiruzen countered, puffing on his pipe. "What concerns me more is how Sasuke disappeared. It takes considerable skill to abduct the son of the Uchiha clan head."

"Or perhaps this is a ploy," Danzo suggested, his expression unreadable. "An attempt by the Uchiha to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the village leadership."

"Fugaku would never risk his son like that," Hiruzen replied, shaking his head. "This was no simple abduction."

"Regardless, finding Sasuke must be our priority," Hiruzen continued. "Mobilize both the ANBU and Root divisions immediately."

Danzo's expression remained neutral, but Natsume knew better. This was the opening Danzo had been waiting for—a chance to gain more control over Konoha's military assets.

Tsunade and Natsume decided against involving themselves directly. They had no desire to get caught up in the political infighting.

Instead, Tsunade invited Uchiha Mikoto over, hoping to provide some comfort. The once-poised woman was now visibly distraught, her graceful composure replaced by worry.

Shizune sent regular updates from the field, but the news was grim. The Uchiha clan, frustrated and desperate, had begun searching other clan compounds—starting with the Hyūga. It was only thanks to Hiruzen's intervention that they hadn't escalated further.

"The Uchiha are nearing a breaking point," Natsume said, watching Mikoto sip her tea with trembling hands. "Fugaku's grip on the clan is slipping, and the radicals are gaining more influence. If this keeps up, the coup may happen sooner than expected."

But Natsume had no intention of letting the situation spiral out of control. With a deep breath, he focused inwardly, accessing his destiny points.

"I'll spend ten points," he thought, "to track one of the key players: Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Shisui, Orochimaru, or Danzo."

The tension was rising, and Natsume was ready. With destiny on his side, the chaos would unfold to his advantage.

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"Karin, don't move."

Natsume extended his hand and pressed it against her abdomen, channeling chakra into her body. A moment later, he nodded in satisfaction.

"As expected of the Uzumaki clan. Your chakra reserves are far greater than most shinobi your age."

He mused silently about Karin's abilities. From what he recalled of the original timeline, she had incredible potential. Despite her lack of formal training, she could use Kagura's Mind Eye for sensory detection and even the Adamantine Sealing Chains, a signature Uzumaki technique.

"To think that following Uchiha Sasuke brought her so much unnecessary trouble," Natsume thought, his gaze softening.

He also remembered that Karin was capable of tapping into Sage Mode, making her a formidable ninja with sensory abilities, medical ninjutsu, and sealing techniques. If given proper guidance, she could easily rise to the rank of elite jōnin.

After finishing his assessment, Natsume sat cross-legged and began refining his own chakra. The steady rhythm of energy flowing through him brought a sense of calm, though his thoughts remained sharp.

Satisfied with his chakra control, he stood and made his way to Uzumaki Ena's room. Inside, she was practicing the Yin Seal, the intricate chakra control technique requiring absolute precision. Watching her intense focus, Natsume couldn't help but admire her determination.

"You're doing well," he said as he entered the room. His voice startled Ena slightly, and she looked up, her pale pink lips parting in surprise. Her fair skin was tinged with the faintest blush, and she shivered slightly in the cool air.

"You're cold," Natsume noted, stepping closer and wrapping his arms around her waist to share his warmth. "You should put on something warmer."

Ena's blush deepened, but she didn't pull away. She looked up at him with gentle eyes, her lips curving into a small smile.

After a moment, Natsume stepped back, giving her some space. "Go ahead. Change into warmer clothes."

Ena hesitated, glancing at him nervously. "Can I leave the socks off?"

Natsume smirked, stroking his chin in mock thought. "Sure, why not?"

Obliging, Ena slipped off her socks, revealing her flawless legs and delicate feet. Natsume chuckled softly to himself, finding the simple moment oddly amusing.

The moment was interrupted by a sudden burst of energy as Karin rushed into the room, her face beaming with excitement.

"Brother, I did it!"

Natsume turned to her, maintaining his composure, though Uzumaki Ena turned red with embarrassment.

"I can refine my chakra now!" Karin declared proudly.

"Good." Natsume smiled, ruffling her vibrant red hair. "You're a natural at this. Keep up the hard work."

"I will!" Karin clenched her fists with determination. "Anyone who tries to hurt you will regret it. I'll crush them!"

Natsume chuckled. "Looks like I'll need to make you read The Analects of Confucius again. You still haven't absorbed the lessons."

He gave her cheek a playful pinch before turning back to Ena. "Look after her for a while. I have something to take care of."

As he exited the room, the Ring of Fate pulsed faintly, warning him of movement. Orochimaru was making his move—planning to meet Uchiha Itachi in the Forest of Death.

Natsume hurried to leave Konoha, employing a Transformation Jutsu to take on the appearance he typically used in dealings with Orochimaru. This time, however, he wasn't sending a clone. He was going in person.

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In the depths of the Forest of Death, Orochimaru stood waiting, his serpentine smile unwavering. Before long, Uchiha Itachi emerged from the shadows, his crimson Sharingan glinting in the dim light.

"Sensei," Itachi greeted, his voice formal but distant. Despite their differences, he remained outwardly respectful; Orochimaru's influence within Konoha was not something to take lightly.

Orochimaru studied him, his golden eyes narrowing with intrigue. "You've seen the power of the Cursed Seal I gave to Uzuki Yugao," he began, his voice dripping with sinister intent. "Now, as a participant in the Chūnin Exams, I've decided to offer you the same gift. With it, your strength will surpass even your wildest imagination."

Itachi's gaze hardened. "I decline."

Unperturbed, Orochimaru's lips curled into a wider grin. "You misunderstand. This is not for the exams but for the future. Even someone as gifted as you will face limits. The Heavenly Cursed Seal will break those limits."

"I said no," Itachi replied firmly. He had seen the curse's effects on Uzuki Yugao, turning her into a puppet for Orochimaru. There was no way he would allow himself to fall into the same trap.

"What a pity," Orochimaru murmured, his voice now laced with mock disappointment. "Then perhaps I'll offer it to your younger brother, Sasuke."

"What did you say?" Itachi's calm demeanor shattered, his Sharingan spinning with intensity. The entire Konoha Police Force, ANBU, and even ROOT had searched tirelessly for Sasuke, only to find nothing. Now, Orochimaru's words confirmed his suspicions.

"I could give Sasuke the Heavenly Cursed Seal," Orochimaru continued, his tone taunting. "Unless, of course, you reconsider."

Itachi's hands clenched. The Cursed Seal might grant power, but it came at a cost—it turned its bearer into a vessel for Orochimaru's resurrection. Before he could respond, another voice interrupted the tension.

"Don't listen to him!"

Uchiha Shisui stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Itachi. Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with amusement.

"How bold of you, Shisui," Orochimaru drawled, his tongue flicking out menacingly. "I suppose the fabled 'Shisui of the Body Flicker' couldn't resist meddling."

"Orochimaru," Shisui replied evenly, his Mangekyō Sharingan glowing ominously, "you've violated Konoha's laws far too many times. Aren't you afraid of Hokage-sama's punishment?"

"Afraid?" Orochimaru chuckled. "You Uchiha still cling to the Will of Fire. It's a pity your loyalty blinds you to the inevitable downfall of your clan."

Shisui's face tightened, his tone sharp. "The Hokage wouldn't allow such a thing. Konoha is stronger than you think, Orochimaru."

"Naive as ever." Orochimaru's smirk deepened, his sinister confidence unnerving.

Realizing negotiation was futile, Shisui prepared to activate Kotoamatsukami, the ultimate genjutsu capable of rewriting Orochimaru's will. However, there was a catch.

Shisui could use Kotoamatsukami in two ways: a permanent effect with a long cooldown or a temporary version with quicker reuse. He had reserved the permanent one for Uchiha Fugaku, leaving him only the temporary version for Orochimaru.

Before he could act, a new voice sliced through the forest's tension.

"What's going on here? Don't you know the Chūnin Exams have been postponed?"

Shimura Danzō entered the clearing, flanked by eight masked Root ANBU operatives. His presence was as unsettling as it was calculated.

"Danzō," Orochimaru hissed, his amusement fading. "This is none of your concern. Tell your puppets to stand down."

"As the official overseeing the Chūnin Exams, I won't allow you to sow chaos here," Danzō retorted.

He turned to Shisui, his tone cold but measured. "What's the situation here, Shisui?"

Shisui hesitated, his instincts warning him against trusting Danzō. In the past, he might have confided in the elder, but Orochimaru's machinations had taught him caution. He trusted only Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Danzō, sensing the tension, began unwrapping the bandages on his right arm. Many assumed his arm was disabled, but the truth was far more sinister. Orochimaru had implanted Hashirama Senju's cells into Danzō, granting him limited access to Wood Release.

"Wood Release: Great Spear Tree!"

From Danzō's arm, a massive tree erupted, its branches morphing into sharp, spear-like extensions aimed directly at Shisui.

Shisui reacted instantly, flickering away in a burst of speed, narrowly avoiding the deadly assault.

"You made a mistake, Danzō," Shisui muttered darkly, his Mangekyō Sharingan spinning. The elder's true goal was clear—Shisui's eyes.

Behind him, Itachi froze, his Sharingan flickering with a single tomoe as he struggled to suppress his fear. His young body wasn't ready for the Mangekyō, but the sight of betrayal and conflict etched itself into his soul.

Suddenly, a massive, green, spectral figure materialized around Shisui—the Susanoo. Its skeletal form loomed over the forest, radiating a raw, oppressive power that shook the ground.

"What… what is this?" Danzō's voice faltered.

From a distance, Jiraiya, who had been monitoring the area, narrowed his eyes. The air crackled with malevolent energy.

"This… this is what the Great Toad Sage warned about," Jiraiya muttered. The prophecy about a unique Sharingan capable of disrupting the world's balance felt frighteningly real.

Meanwhile, Natsume observed the scene from the shadows, a faint smirk on his face.

"Quite the spectacle," he mused. "Even Jiraiya showed up. The Toad Sage's predictions are impressively accurate. But… it doesn't change much for me."

As the chaos unfolded, Danzō turned furiously to Orochimaru.

"Why didn't you warn me about this?" Danzō demanded.

Orochimaru's smirk returned, his voice dripping with mockery. "Do you really think I'd hand you the ultimate prize, Danzō? You're here to be useful—not to take what's mine."

Danzō's fury surged, but before he could retaliate, Orochimaru acted.

"Eight Branches Technique!"

With a thunderous roar, Orochimaru transformed into a monstrous, eight-headed serpent. The Yamata no Orochi emerged, its sheer size and ferocity rivaling Shisui's Susanoo.

Danzō's eyes widened in horror. "You… you've actually mastered that forbidden technique?"

Orochimaru's serpentine heads hissed, their golden eyes gleaming. "Danzō, Shisui… let's see who survives this battlefield."

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