NARUTO: Demon's rebirth in Naruto

Three days had passed since the fierce battle in the forest. Naruto—no, Xuan Tian—had remained in a deep coma, his body healing while his mind adjusted to the strange world around him. The Hidden Leaf Village ninjas had been in turmoil, whispers spreading about the boy who has taken a secret jutsu had collapsed after defeating Mizuki. However, it was not Naruto who would awaken, but the demonic cultivator who had absorbed him completely.

As Xuan Tian opened his eyes, he blinked against the harsh light filtering through the hospital window. He could feel the remnants of Naruto's memories, vague and disjointed, giving him a scattered understanding of this strange ninja world. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he realized he was now inhabiting the body of a child, in a world filled with power and strength rule system.

"Interesting," he thought.

"But I'll need to play this carefully." He remembers how the strong heavenly Demon cult had became to its brink and how he one of the strong cultivator died because of righteous alliance. He understood strength itself can't save him always, he needed to be cunning, manipulative and smart to live a great life and rule this world. 

The door creaked open, and Xuan Tian's expression shifted into one of confusion and uncertainty. A group of people entered the room, led by the Third Hokage himself, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Behind him stood Inoichi Yamanaka, the village's top mind-reader.

"Naruto," the Hokage spoke gently, his old eyes watching carefully. "How do you feel?"

Xuan Tian gave a carefully rehearsed frown, rubbing his temple. "I… I don't remember everything," he muttered, his voice deliberately shaky. "Some things are still there, but other things… It's all fuzzy."

Hiruzen exchanged a look with Inoichi, who stepped forward. "Naruto, we need to make sure everything is alright. Do you mind if I check your mind? It will only take a moment."

Xuan Tian nodded, his internal amusement hidden behind a mask of innocence. "Do what you need to," he thought, confident they would find only the fragments he wanted them to see.

Inoichi placed his hand on Naruto's head, his chakra gently probing the young boy's mind. He searched through memories, finding the scattered remnants of Naruto's life. Some details were intact—the pranks, the loneliness—but large portions were missing, replaced by a faint darkness.

Inoichi's brows furrowed in concentration as he pulled back, turning to the Hokage.

"He's telling the truth. Most of his memories seem fragmented, like a puzzle with missing pieces. But this is Naruto… there's no mistaking it."

Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "And the Nine-Tails?"

Inoichi took a deep breath. "It's still sealed inside him. The boy is still Naruto , though his demeanor seems different."

The Hokage regarded Naruto—or rather, Xuan Tian—with deep suspicion, but there was no concrete evidence to suggest the boy wasn't who he claimed to be. "Very well. Naruto, rest for now, and once you've recovered, you'll return to your normal lifeandv d the academy."

After being released from the hospital, Xuan Tian began exploring the Hidden Leaf Village. His steps were slow and deliberate, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He walked with the swagger of someone in control, yet careful to maintain the guise of an uncertain child.

The streets of Konoha were bustling, but despite the activity, there was a distance between him and the villagers. Mothers pulled their children away as he passed, men gave him cautious looks, and some even glared openly. The fragments of Naruto's memories told Xuan Tian that this treatment had always been part of the boy's life, but now, with his own keen awareness, he saw the depth of their disdain.

"They fear you," Xuan Tian thought with dark satisfaction. "Good. Let them."

He walked past the academy where children his age were training, their laughter and chatter barely registering in his mind. The park nearby was filled with other kids playing, but none of them acknowledged him. In fact, they avoided his gaze altogether. The houses near his residence, humble and worn, were all too familiar yet foreign at the same time. Each person he passed seemed to either avoid eye contact or look at him with open disgust.

This village was weak, full of people who were blind to his true nature. But for now, he needed to blend in, to observe. And then he saw it—the Ichiraku Ramen stand.

His stomach growled, reminding him that this body still had basic needs, even if it was now under the control of a demonic soul. He approached the stand, his senses piquing as the scent of broth and noodles filled the air.

Behind the counter, Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, looked up and smiled warmly. Unlike the others, there was no fear or disdain in his eyes. "Hey, Naruto!" he greeted cheerfully. "It's been a while! What can I get you?"

Xuan Tian's eyebrows raised slightly. The kindness was unexpected, and it felt… good. He slid onto one of the stools and gave a small nod.

"Ramen, please."

As Teuchi prepared the dish, Xuan Tian looked around the small stand. It was humble, but well-kept, with wooden stools and a few decorations lining the counter. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the rest of the village. This man treated him like any other customer, and Xuan Tian could sense the sincerity behind his smile.

When the bowl was placed in front of him, Xuan Tian took a careful sip of the broth, feeling the warmth spread through his body. Just then, the curtain leading to the back of the stand parted, and Ayame, Teuchi's daughter, stepped out.

She was a slender young woman, her long brown hair tied back in a simple ponytail. Her bright eyes glanced at him with a gentle smile, and she wore the standard white apron over her casual outfit. "Oh, Naruto! You're back!" she said sweetly. "It's good to see you again. How have you been?"

Xuan Tian looked at her for a moment, taking in her simple yet graceful appearance. There was no malice, no hidden agenda in her gaze. He smirked internally but returned her smile with an awkward nod. "I've… been better," he replied softly, playing the role of a confused child. "But your ramen is helping."

Ayame chuckled, her soft laugh easing some of the tension he hadn't realized he was carrying. "Well, enjoy as much as you want. You're always welcome here."

As Xuan Tian ate, he felt a small connection with the ramen stand, something he hadn't expected. In this cold, unfriendly village, there was a place that felt... different. He would have to nurture that connection in the future, especially with Ayame. For now, he was content to eat in peace and observe.

But deep down, Xuan Tian knew—this was just the beginning. He had to familiarize himself with this world, gather allies, and carefully navigate the relationships around him to build his influence.

The Hidden Leaf Village had no idea who they were really dealing with.

(To be continued…)