NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Meet with Kuruma; A dark outfit
After the graduation test, Naruto headed home, feeling the weight of his recent accomplishments and planning his next steps.
He lay down, intending only to take a quick nap, but as he drifted into sleep, he unexpectedly found himself standing in a dark, cold corridor filled with an oppressive, sinister energy.
In the distance, he saw a massive gate, sealed with intricate markings and paper talismans. Behind it, a pair of blazing, fierce red eyes stared at him.
It was the Nine-Tailed Fox—Kurama.
The enormous fox loomed, its sharp teeth glinting, each one larger than Naruto himself. The powerful aura of demonic chakra rolled off Kurama in waves, thick and oppressive, designed to instill fear in anyone who dared approach.
But Naruto simply stared back, unwavering.
Kurama's gaze narrowed, a flicker of intrigue crossing its face.
"You're… different," the beast growled. "Every human who sees me trembles, cowers… yet you stand here, unshaken. Aren't you afraid, boy?"
Naruto met its gaze with calm resolve. "Afraid? Of you?" He let out a scoff. "Maybe it's because of you that everyone fears me… but that works just fine for me."
Kurama's eyes gleamed with surprise, but Naruto was already retreating, pulling his consciousness away. His connection to this immense creature, the very source of the fear people had toward him, was fascinating—and something he planned to explore further.
Outfitting for his New Self
Naruto awoke at late afternoon, sun casting shadows across his small, empty apartment. He checked the time and decided to head out to prepare for tomorrow's photo session. Scouring his home for any money, he managed to scrape together 500 Ryos it was all he has until now. It was modest, but enough for what he needed: a new outfit that would better suit his demeanor—dark and commanding.
However, he knew the villagers' animosity towards him all too well; they wouldn't sell him anything or treat him as they did others. He could already picture the wary looks and closed doors.
Then, an idea struck him. If they respected anyone, it was Sasuke Uchiha, the last member of the famed Uchiha clan.
Naruto knows that Sauske not only get respected but also given huge discounts.
With a smirk, Naruto performed the Transformation Jutsu, molding his appearance into Sasuke's familiar figure. Adjusting his stance, he made his way to a grand clothing store.
As he approached the store and entered, Naruto-as-Sasuke was spotted by Ino Yamanaka.
Ino eyes lit up, and she greeted him eagerly. "Sasuke! I didn't expect to see you here!" She flashed a bright smile, moving beside him with a friendly ease.
Naruto maintained his silence, nodding subtly as Ino continued to chatter, unaware of his true identity.
"I came here to pick out a new outfit for the photo session tomorrow, and i had already picked one, wanna see it" she said excitedly, then took his hand, pulling him further into the store.
Naruto remained calm as his plan turned into something else.
They reached Ino's father. Inoichi Yamanaka, who looked up, sensing something was amiss.
His eyes fixed on "Sasuke," and a brief but scrutinizing look crossed his face. With a careful tone, he spoke. "Ino, dear, that's not Sasuke."
Ino turned, confused. "What do you mean, Dad? He's right—"
Inoichi stepped closer, his gaze sharp as he looked directly at Naruto. "Undo the transformation," he said calmly, "or I'll do it myself for you."
Realizing his cover was blown, Naruto says, "I can do it myself"
Naruto dropped the transformation, letting his usual form return.
Ino's mouth fell open, her shock quickly replaced by annoyance. "Naruto! What do you think you're doing, pretending to be Sasuke and transforming like him?"
Before Naruto could reply, Inoichi placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice even. "Ino, calm down. Naruto, impersonating others, especially within the village is not a good thing to do, it can be seen as a crime.
After Inoichi says it Naruto gets angry he clenched his fists.
(...to be continued)