Naruto: A Soul Rewoven

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**Third Person POV**

We see our protagonist walking toward the arena, his expression unreadable and his mind seemingly elsewhere. Was it guilt we saw flickering in his eyes?

**Naruto POV**

"As I made my way to the exam venue, my thoughts wandered to the Chunin Exams. A part of me felt guilty for allowing Hiruzen to die, but deep down, I knew it was for the best. Hiruzen, despite his kindness toward me, was not entirely a being of light—he ran the village hand in hand with its darkest element, Danzo.

"I don't harbor any personal grudge against Hiruzen, and I honestly don't care about whatever misdeeds he may have committed. After all, he treated me kindly and even agreed to reveal my legacy.

"But in my opinion, Konoha will flourish brighter under Tsunade's rule. If Hiruzen remained alive, I doubt we'd ever have the opportunity to deal with Danzo properly.

"Thinking of Danzo's death wiped away any hesitation I felt about Hiruzen's demise. The benefits outweigh the disadvantages. I'll stick to the plot, but I won't hold back. And of course, I'll be the star of this show—the center of attention in the entire arena."

**Third Person POV**

With this resolve, Naruto arrived at the arena. As he stepped inside, all eyes turned to him. Most shinobi recognized him immediately, while the civilians took a moment before one pointed out the distinctive whisker marks on his cheeks.

The crowd's reactions ranged from shock and disbelief to outright denial.

**Kurenai POV**

*It's that loudmouthed blonde idiot from a month ago. What happened? How could he change so much in just a month? And why does he look like a carbon copy of the Fourth Hokage?*

**Kiba POV**

*Hmph, whatever. I'm still better-looking and stronger than that weakling.*

**Shino POV**

*Interesting.*

**Asuma POV**

*I can sense it—the aura he's giving off is almost as strong as mine. But didn't Kakashi refuse to train him? How could he have gotten this strong in such a short time?*

**Shikamaru POV**

*Troublesome... So, I was right—the Fourth Hokage...*

**Choji POV**

*Naruto looks so different... and handsome. He must've eaten a lot this past month for such a drastic change.*

**Ino POV**

*Is that really Naruto? How did he get so handsome? And why does he look so much like the Fourth?*

**Guy POV**

*He's wearing weights—probably around 700 kilograms. His physique confirms intense physical training. Ah, this is the power of youth!*

**Tenten POV**

*That idiot... He seems so different now.*

**Lee POV**

"Yosh! Show them the power of your youth, Naruto-kun!"

**Neji POV**

*This isn't the same Naruto. He radiates confidence now. This will be interesting, but... nah, I'll still win.*

**Temari POV**

*How is this possible? Why does Konoha get all the handsome guys?*

**Kankuro POV**

*Hmph. I'll enjoy wiping that smirk off his face.*

**Gaara POV**

*Mother... wants his blood...*

**Sakura POV**

*He's just trying to get more attention.*

**Civilian POV**

Some civilians with at least a shred of intelligence began to understand why Naruto resembled the Fourth Hokage. Others, still blinded by prejudice, thought the "demon" was impersonating their beloved Fourth. However, they remained silent, powerless to voice their suspicions here.

**Third Person POV**

Hayate was the first to recover from the collective shock and announced, "First Match: Hyuga Neji vs. Namikaze Naruto."

A tense silence fell over the arena. The surname "Namikaze" rang loudly in everyone's ears. From the spies scattered in the crowd to Orochimaru disguised as the Kazekage, and even the civilians—all were stunned. But they chose to stay quiet, knowing that a name alone wouldn't mean much unless Naruto could prove his strength.

Soon, both competitors entered the arena. Neji wasted no time.

**Neji POV**

"So, you're the Fourth's son? How disappointed he must be in the afterlife to have such a stupid, weak child."

**Third Person POV**

Before Neji could continue, Naruto vanished from his spot. A split second later, Neji was sent flying by a devastating punch. As Neji emerged from the debris, he realized the danger Naruto posed.

**Neji POV**

*He removed his weights... I need to stay on guard. But still, I taunted, "That won't happen aga—"*

**Third Person POV**

Before he could finish, Neji was sent flying again. Growling, he shouted, "How dare you?! Fate has already decided me the victor. You are destined to lose!"

Naruto remained silent, his gaze impassive, and got into a fighting stance. Enraged, Neji charged at him.

The ensuing battle was a blur of taijutsu exchanges. Despite holding back, Naruto's superior skill was evident as he repeatedly pushed Neji onto the defensive.

Frustration grew in Neji as the fight dragged on. Sensing it was time to end things, Naruto accelerated, aiming for a decisive blow. But Neji's instincts kicked in, and he activated *Revolving Heaven*.

**Third Person POV**

The Hyuga clan members watching were stunned. Seeing a branch member master *Revolving Heaven* on his own was unheard of.

**Hiashi POV**

*Neji... what a tragic fate you bear. Hizashi would have been proud of you if he were alive.*

**Hanabi POV**

"Don't lose, Naruto. I believe in you!"

**Neji POV**

I smirked and taunted him, "Do you see it now? Fate has already decided that I am the victor. You are destined to lose today."

Naruto's expression remained cold and emotionless as he finally spoke for the first time.

**Naruto POV**

"You know, Neji, if it weren't for Hinata, I would've killed you by now for insulting not just me, but my father."

Neji chuckled at the statement. "As if you could."

**Third Person POV**

Suddenly, Naruto vanished again, moving at Jonin-level speed. Neji, using his Byakugan, caught the trail of chakra enhancement in Naruto's body and instinctively activated *Revolving Heaven* just in time to block the attack.

Neji scoffed, "This is the true power of the Hyuga clan. This is the impenetrable defense of the *Revolving Heaven*. You cannot win against me! How does it feel to despair? How does it feel to be judged by fate?"

Neji paused, expecting a reaction, but Naruto's gaze stayed calm and calculating. He began to approach Neji, speaking evenly as he did.

**Naruto POV**

"Your defense is impenetrable? Who decided that? I can't defeat you? Who decided that? Fate determines my destiny? Who decided that?"

**Third Person POV**

Naruto stopped just a step away from Neji, raising his hand. A swirling mass of chakra formed instantly.

"𝘎𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 Rasengan," Naruto muttered, and a giant blue orb of spinning chakra took shape in his palm.

Neji once again activated *Revolving Heaven*, hoping to block it. However, the *Rasengan* tore through his defense as if it didn't exist, sending Neji flying into the boundary of the arena. Severely injured, Neji struggled to stand, his body trembling.

He managed to weakly mutter, "Fate has declared me the victor... I won't lose to a dead last."

For the first time, Naruto's face showed emotion—not ridicule, but understanding.

**Naruto POV**

"You keep going on and on about fate. But if you truly believe in it, why do you fight so hard against it? Why don't you accept your 'fate' and admit defeat?

"You're blind, Neji. You keep blaming fate for everything. You blamed Hinata for your suffering, but can you recall a single time she treated you poorly? Can you remember a moment when she used her status to humiliate you? Hinata has always seen you as her older brother. It wasn't her fault—it was you who chose to hold onto your hatred and bitterness."

**Third Person POV**

Neji froze, Naruto's words striking deep. Memories of Hinata flashed in his mind—her small gestures of kindness, her unwavering respect, and her attempts to connect with him. He remembered how she would greet him every morning before the academy and wait for him after training, despite his bruised and battered state. And yet, he had ignored her every time.

Tears welled up in Neji's eyes as he thought, *She was never the one at fault. It was me. I'm the one who wronged her... How can I ever make amends for all the pain I caused her?*

The memory of their previous battle resurfaced, and Neji felt a pang of regret. *I will repay her kindness, even if it costs me my life.*

With that thought, Neji lost consciousness, his body slumping to the ground.

**Third Person POV**

The crowd was silent, still processing what they had just witnessed. The Hyuga clan members were particularly affected, many reflecting on the harsh treatment of the branch family.

Hayate stepped forward, raising his hand. "The winner of the first match: Namikaze Naruto!"

Naruto turned, leaving the arena without a glance back at his fallen opponent. As he walked, his thoughts swirled once more.

**Naruto POV**

*This is just the beginning. If the world underestimates me, I'll use that to my advantage. But no matter what, I'll shine brighter than anyone.*

A/N: so how was it, please leave comments to let me know about the chapter..

*Peace*

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