Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 37: "Formation of the Outcasts"

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Author's Note:

Hello, dear readers! I'm thrilled to bring you this chapter—a lengthy 5.5K words. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the new dynamics and the direction the story is taking. I'm reading all your comments, but I've been caught up with a bit of work. As promised, I will be addressing your comments soon, either through PMs or in the next chapter.

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Chapter 38: Web of Influence IS OUT!

Chapter 39: Power Shifts and Rising Storms IS OUT!

Chapter 40: Choices? IS OUT!

Chapter 41: Confronting the Snake Sannin IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHS Chapter 42: The Fires Of The Uzumaki IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHOS: Chapter 43: Mother Daughter Duo IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 44 - The Stage Is Set IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 45: The Gambit Unveiled IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 46: Changing Allegiance IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 47- The Gathering Storm Clouds IS OUT!!!!

"True strength is not just about power, but in bringing together those who have been cast aside and forging them into something greater."

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Last Time on NTLHOS:

But the fact remains that Iruma owed the elders and Hokage a debt, which they cashed in at the end of the Kyuubi's attack, cloaked as welfare for the village. Fugaku had to give in, which showed weakness and presumed guilt and suspicion."

Mahiro's eyes met Naruto's, filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "This is the burden we carry, Naruto. The clan politics, the betrayals, the sacrifices—we endure them all for the sake of our people. Remember this, and tread carefully. You have allies here, but also many who would see you fall."

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Now:

Naruto was a man on a mission. He had just one week to assemble his own ANBU unit, and the pressure was mounting. Six more members were needed to complete his team, and if he couldn't find suitable candidates in time, the slots would be filled with fresh recruits from the ANBU academy. Though he himself had been placed into such a team straight out of the academy, the thought of relying on untested rookies for the dangerous missions ahead filled him with unease. Unlike Team Agis, which enjoyed first preference for the top graduates, his unit wouldn't have that luxury. The recruits he would likely receive were those who had just barely passed.

People often spoke of the legendary "dead last" shinobi who went on to achieve greatness, citing examples like Lord Jiraiya of the Sannin. But Naruto knew this wasn't the regular forces where there would be time to train his team and carefully select missions suited to their abilities. His unit would be thrust into some of the most difficult and perilous assignments right from the start. After the hellish experience of the Mist mission and his already strained relationship with the higher-ups, Naruto couldn't afford to have a rookie's death—or worse, the failure of his entire team—on his conscience.

As he pondered his options, one name kept coming to mind: Nono Yakushi, the kind matron of an orphanage and one of the most skilled medic-nin in the village. Over the past six months, as Naruto had climbed the ranks within the ANBU, a particular incident involving Nono stood out as a turning point—one that revealed more about the woman than he had ever imagined.

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Flashback:

It was a late evening, and Naruto was dragging his feet toward home after a particularly harrowing mission—a borderline suicide mission, as he liked to think of it. The night was cool, the village bathed in the soft glow of street lanterns, but Naruto felt none of it. His body ached with fatigue, his senses dulled by the close call with death he had narrowly escaped. His thoughts were scattered, lost in the fog of exhaustion, which is why he didn't notice the approaching figure until they were almost within striking distance.

Naruto's instincts flared to life, and his hand reflexively moved toward the kunai holster at his side. But just as his fingers brushed the handle of the weapon, a familiar voice reached his ears—a voice that was both gentle and strained.

Naruto exhaled a sigh of relief as the figure pulled back their hood, revealing the familiar face of Nono Yakushi. The soft light of the lanterns played across her features, highlighting the lines of worry etched into her usually calm and nurturing expression. The gentle matron he had come to know seemed burdened with something far heavier than the weight of the day.

"Nono," Naruto greeted her, his voice tinged with concern, though he forced a tired smile onto his face. "If I didn't recognize you, I'd say I'm more exhausted than I thought."

Nono managed a small, strained smile in return. But the usual warmth in her eyes was replaced with a shadow of unease, something that didn't sit right with Naruto. This wasn't the same woman who had taught him about medical practices, who had patiently guided him with a kindness few in the village offered. Something had changed.

"What's wrong, Nono?" he asked, his tone shifting from casual to serious as he straightened up, alert despite his fatigue.

Nono hesitated, her gaze flickering around the empty street as if searching for unseen eyes and ears. The village seemed unusually quiet tonight, the only sounds coming from the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional creak of a wooden sign swinging in the breeze. The stillness was almost oppressive.

"Can we discuss this somewhere private?" Nono's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes pleading. "Or should I come another time?"

Naruto's expression hardened with resolve. It wasn't often that Nono asked for anything, let alone something that required secrecy. Her request set off alarms in his mind, and he knew this was not something to be delayed. "No, no need for that," he replied, his voice firm. "Why don't we head to my place? It's private enough there."

They walked in silence, the tension between them thickening with each step. Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that whatever Nono had to say, it was going to be serious—perhaps even dangerous. He led her through the winding streets until they reached the high walls of his compound, an area that was remarkably secluded. Nono's eyes widened slightly as they approached, her surprise evident.

"You have a big home," she remarked quietly, her voice carrying a mix of admiration and something else—perhaps sadness. "It's bordering on a mansion, really."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "It's not as grand as it seems," he said with a sheepish grin. "I bought it with the money Lord Daimyo gave me after I saved him. Because of the damage from the Kyuubi attack, two years ago the area was still mostly abandoned when I made the purchase. The shops and districts around here were gone, so I managed to get the land for a lot less than what it's worth now."

Nono chuckled softly, though her eyes remained clouded with whatever troubled her. "You have a keen eye for real estate, Naruto."

Naruto shook his head, still feeling a bit awkward about the conversation. "It's not like that. I just always wanted a house of my own, so I used to ask the price of every property that was for sale, even when I couldn't imagine ever having that kind of money. Then, out of nowhere, I had enough to buy a place, and I thought, why not go for the best? I knew some people who were planning to turn this area into a shopping district with a housing area nearby, so I picked the spot that would be close to the market. It's a bit of luck, really."

As they reached the front door, Naruto glanced at Nono, noting the way she seemed to be holding herself together with visible effort. Whatever was on her mind, it was weighing heavily on her. He unlocked the door and gestured for her to enter, the warmth of the interior offering a stark contrast to the coolness of the night outside.

The inside of Naruto's home was spacious yet modest, with a simplicity that reflected his practical nature. The furniture was sturdy and well-made, but without any unnecessary frills. The living area, where he led Nono, was a comfortable space with a low table and cushions for seating, the walls adorned with a few personal touches—a set of kunai displayed proudly, a photo of his ANBU team, and a scroll containing the words of his personal mantra.

Naruto quickly busied himself preparing tea, a habit he had picked up to calm his nerves and those of his guests. As the kettle began to steam, he caught sight of Nono's hands trembling slightly as she reached for her cup.

He set the cup down in front of her, his eyes narrowing in concern. "So, how have you been?" he asked, trying to ease into the conversation. "I've been busy with the academy and missions since I got back to the village, but I haven't heard much from you."

Nono took a sip of her tea, the warmth seeming to steady her, though the worry lines on her face remained. "I knew you were on a long mission," she replied, her voice more composed now. "I was ANBU myself, Naruto. I know the signs, even when someone is trying to hide them."

Naruto blinked, caught off guard by her words. The idea of the gentle, kind-hearted Nono being an ANBU operative was something he had never considered. But the confidence in her tone, the way she held herself—it left no room for doubt. "You were ANBU?" he asked, still processing the revelation.

Nono nodded, her eyes distant, as if she were recalling memories from a different life. "Yes, but that's not what I came here to talk about."

Naruto's curiosity was piqued, but he sensed now was not the time for questions about her past. "What brought you here, Nono?" he asked, leaning forward, his tone gentle yet serious.

Nono hesitated, her eyes scanning the room as if seeking hidden threats. "Is it safe to talk here?"

Understanding the implication, Naruto stood and moved to the wall where he had meticulously inscribed a complex seal. With a swift motion, he activated it, and the intricate kanji spread across the walls, forming a barrier that would prevent anyone from eavesdropping.

As the seal took effect, Nono's eyes widened in awe. The complexity and craftsmanship of the seals were beyond anything she had ever seen, a testament to Naruto's growing mastery of fuinjutsu. "So, the rumors are true," she murmured, almost to herself. "You are the de facto leader of the Key Tower, and there is tension between you and the village leadership. And it is true that you are close to the Uchiha?"

Naruto wasn't completely shocked by her revelation. It was no secret within the ANBU that the residents of the Key Tower looked to him for guidance, and that his influence there had caused more than one argument with his former ANBU captain, Key. Naruto had also clashed with numerous civilian and shinobi bureaucrats in his efforts to lessen the restrictions placed on the Tower's residents.

The Key Tower had become a sanctuary for the survivors of Uzushiogakure, a place where they could rebuild and thrive, despite the mistrust they faced from the village leadership. It was also no secret that Naruto had allied with the Uchiha clan, who had opened their shopping and commerce district to the denizens of the Tower. In return, the Tower's residents had improved the Uchiha clan's security seals and signed a trade agreement for weapons and other goods crafted by the skilled artisans of the Tower.

The people of the Tower were some of the best artisans in the elemental nations—masters of various trades that went beyond the typical shinobi skills. These were the people who had survived the fall of Uzushiogakure, a village renowned not only for its formidable shinobi but also for its exceptional craftsmen. Unlike most of the elemental nations, Uzushiogakure's economy had not been based solely on missions and warfare. Their wealth came from their unique crafts and their seals, which were the most advanced in the world.

Even though only a fraction of these artisans had survived the destruction of their homeland, it was enough for Naruto to start a new avenue of business. For example, Lord Kammado's own clan, the Shura clan, had been one of the foremost smithing and weapon seal-making families in Uzushiogakure. Their craftsmanship could rival that of the famed Fuma clan of the Rice Paddies. What set them apart was their ability to infuse seals into weapons, a skill that had been passed down through generations.

Naruto remembered how Jinin, his mentor who had once apprenticed under one of the finest Shura clan members of his time, had often shared stories about their exceptional skills. The bond between the Akebino and Shura clans had been one of mutual respect and shared expertise in the art of weapon-making, forged through years of collaboration and understanding. These tales had left a lasting impression on Naruto, inspiring him to delve deeper into the craft himself.

Despite the immense potential within the Key Tower, the residents had been forced to suppress their true capabilities due to the restrictions and ongoing feud with the village leadership. The weapons they produced were of standard quality, as per their agreement with the village, and their primary focus remained on creating seals. However, Naruto saw an opportunity to change this dynamic. By leveraging the autonomy enjoyed by the Uchiha clan—thanks to their status as one of the founding members and the control of their own district—Naruto initiated a new flow of high-quality goods. These were eagerly bought by traveling merchants from across the elemental nations, often at rates slightly above standard, but with a guarantee of exceptional craftsmanship.

This influx of business breathed new life into both the Uchiha clan and the Tower. The Uchiha, who had been struggling under the weight of their own isolation and the suspicions cast upon them by other clans, began to see a resurgence in their economic standing. Many other prominent clans, such as the Hyuga and the Ino-Shika-Cho, had taken advantage of the Uchiha's decline, redirecting business opportunities to themselves, including the civilian merchants who had once thrived under Uchiha patronage. The Uchiha, once the largest market and producers due to their sizable population and open engagement with civilians, had been forced into a corner. Their population had dwindled, and while their police force provided a steady income, it wasn't enough to maintain the luxurious lifestyle they once enjoyed. They had been digging into their reserves to sustain their status, but Naruto's efforts began to change that.

Nono, with her keen understanding of business and village economics, had a deep insight into the situation. "Naruto," she began, her gaze softening as she watched him, "what you've done has given the Uchiha and the Tower a new lease on life. But this hasn't come without consequences. Your actions, however well-intentioned, have inadvertently caused a depression in Konoha's markets."

Naruto looked at her, puzzled. "How so?"

Nono sighed, leaning back slightly. "Konoha was meticulously planned by Tobirama Senju, a genius among geniuses. He ensured that the Uchiha and Senju compounds were at the heart of the village, with key locations like the Naka Shrine and their traditional lands strategically placed on opposite ends of the village's periphery. After the Kyuubi attack, the Uchiha were relocated to the outskirts, and with the absence of the Senju, other clans quickly took over the lucrative inner Senju business lands, leasing them from Lady Tsunade for hefty sums. However, the Uchiha lands were repurposed for village bureaucratic buildings, leased out at a fraction of the market value, for reasons no one fully understood. Some believe it was retribution, a way to compensate the village for the Uchiha's perceived responsibility in the Nine-Tails attack. This move effectively isolated the Uchiha, leaving them only in control of the police force headquarters. Meanwhile, the shift in land ownership led to a significant economic boom for the other clans and civilian merchants."

Naruto knew the real reason. The Third Hokage had collected a favor from Fugaku's father, carefully orchestrating the situation to avoid inciting a feud within the clan. He had wrapped the entire affair in the guise of protecting the village's interests, arguing that the police force would function more effectively from the periphery.

Nono paused, her expression growing more serious as she looked at Naruto. "Now, with the new flow of business you've directed towards the Uchiha, the economic center of gravity has shifted again. This has caused a significant drop in trade in other parts of the village, leading to substantial losses for those clans and the civilian businesses they support. It's a classic case of the butterfly effect—small changes leading to massive, unintended consequences."

Naruto frowned, processing the information carefully. He hadn't considered the broader implications of his actions. "So, by helping the Uchiha, I've inadvertently hurt others?"

Nono nodded, her eyes filled with both understanding and concern. "Yes, but that's the nature of politics and business. Every action has a ripple effect. And now, those who've lost out will be looking for someone to blame. Unfortunately, that someone is likely to be you, Naruto."

Naruto's frown deepened, his thoughts turning inward as he weighed the impact of his decisions. He had acted with the best intentions, but it seemed that his actions were creating new enemies just as quickly as they were helping his allies. "I didn't realize things would get this complicated," he admitted, more to himself than to Nono.

Nono leaned forward, her expression earnest. "Naruto, you have the potential to change things—to make a real difference. But you need to be careful. There are those who would see you fail, and they won't hesitate to use any means to bring you down."

Naruto looked into Nono's eyes and saw the depth of her concern, not just for him but for the village and the people she cared about. He knew she was right. "I understand, Nono," he said, his voice steady and resolute. "I've come to realize that politics can be just as deadly as any battlefield. But I won't let that stop me from doing what I believe is right."

Nono gave him a small, approving nod, but the worry in her eyes remained. She knew how dangerous the path Naruto was walking could be, and she feared for his safety as much as she admired his resolve. "So, what can I do for you, Nono?" Naruto asked, sensing there was more to her visit than just a conversation about village economics.

Nono hesitated, her gaze dropping to the table as she gathered her thoughts. When she looked back up at Naruto, there was a steely determination in her eyes that he hadn't seen before. "I need your help, Naruto," she said, her voice filled with quiet urgency. "I've knocked on every door I could, but none of them opened. You're my last hope."

Naruto's expression darkened slightly, recognizing the gravity of her words. "What's wrong?" he asked, leaning in closer.

Nono took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "You know the orphanage I run... It turns out that one of the elders, Danzo Shimura, has been using it as a recruitment ground for his version of ANBU, called Root."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger crossing his face. "I've heard of Root," he said, his voice low and tense.

Nono wasn't surprised by Naruto's knowledge. By now, he was deeply entrenched in the village's political landscape and likely had several encounters with the organization. "When ANBU and Root used to work together during the last war, I was part of those operations," she explained. "Root recruits young children from various orphanages in the village and subjects them to some of the harshest training imaginable. But what's truly troubling is the psychological conditioning they use to emotionally neuter these children. Initially, Danzo would come to the orphanage with the Snake Sannin to collect children—just a few at first. I turned a blind eye, as it was rare. But recently, I've learned that some of those children were handed over to Orochimaru for experimentation."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock, disbelief and anger warring within him. "What? Why haven't you reported this to the Hokage? Surely, he would—"

Nono shook her head, cutting him off. "It doesn't matter, Naruto. It would be my word against Danzo's, and the Hokage would never let this matter become public. If an elder, one of his closest advisors, is caught collaborating with one of his former students in such atrocities, it would be disastrous. Besides, I wouldn't live to see the next sunrise if I tried to expose him. The Third Hokage has always turned a blind eye to Danzo's deeds."

Naruto was stunned, struggling to process the gravity of what he was hearing. The very idea that children were being used in such a way made his blood boil, and the realization that even the Hokage might be powerless—or unwilling—to stop it only added to his frustration. "What can I do? He's an elder, and I'm just a lieutenant in the ANBU."

Nono looked at Naruto with a mix of desperation and determination, her voice trembling but resolute. "You're not just any shinobi of the Leaf, Naruto. Whether you realize it or not, you've pushed the elders more than anyone else in the last five decades with your so-called 'innocent' acts. The residents of the Key Tower consider you their leader, and the Uchiha follow your lead. Even though you're not officially on the council, you have a strong bloc supporting you. Never mind the close ties you've built with Kurama and the other isolated clans, especially with their heiress in protective custody. I was her doctor, Naruto; I monitored her for a long time, but you cured her by sealing the monster. You've even started doing business with them, and Uchihas are following suit. You're forming a bloc of your own. People fear you, Naruto. You go on missions with the Uchiha, yet no one has dared to challenge you. People have disappeared for doing far less."

For the first time, someone had held up a mirror to Naruto, showing him how much he had grown in influence and how deeply his actions had affected the village. It was a sobering moment, one that made him realize the full extent of the power he wielded. Still, he wasn't sure what he could do against someone as powerful and entrenched as Danzo. "I'll consult with Kammado and see what can be done," he finally said, his voice firm with resolve.

Nono nodded, her eyes filled with hope and gratitude. "Thank you, Naruto. I knew I could count on you."

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Naruto, after careful consideration and discussions with Lord Kammado and Lord Mahiro, devised a plan to protect the orphanage and its vulnerable children from Danzo's malevolent intentions. The solution they crafted was both strategic and bold: the Key Tower and the Uchiha clan would jointly purchase the orphanage and its surrounding lands, presenting it as an act of charity. This move effectively placed the orphanage under the protection of two powerful entities, making it impossible for Danzo to exert his influence there.

The following week, when Danzo arrived at the orphanage, his expression as unreadable as ever, but the calculating gleam in his eyes revealed his surprise when he saw Mahiro Uchiha and Lord Kammado standing side by side at the entrance. The air was thick with tension, and the very atmosphere seemed to crackle with the unspoken power these two men wielded. Their presence was formidable, their authority undeniable.

Mahiro, his voice steady and laced with an edge of warning, spoke first. "Danzo, what business brings you to this orphanage today?" His gaze was sharp, like a blade ready to strike, leaving no room for evasions.

Danzo, always the master of control, replied in his usual calm and measured tone. "I have business with the orphanage. Nothing that concerns you."

Kammado stepped forward, his demeanor equally imposing. "As of this week, the orphanage and its lands are under the joint protection of the Uchiha clan and the Key Tower. If you have business here, it concerns us directly."

Danzo's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind already calculating the implications of this unexpected alliance. He knew better than to provoke a direct confrontation with the radical Uchiha and the enigmatic leader of the Key Tower. Such a conflict could easily escalate, leading to a power struggle that could destabilize his position in the village.

After a tense moment of silence, Danzo gave a curt nod, his voice devoid of emotion. "I see. It seems my business here is no longer required. I will take my leave."

Mahiro and Kammado watched as Danzo turned and walked away, his cloak billowing behind him like a shadow retreating in the face of the light. The tension in the air lingered, but victory was clear. Nono, who had been watching from a distance with bated breath, approached Naruto with profound gratitude etched across her features.

"Thank you, Naruto," Nono said, her voice trembling with relief and the weight of her gratitude. "You've saved those children from a fate I dare not imagine."

Naruto offered her a reassuring smile, his expression softening as he spoke. "It's nothing, Nono. I'm just glad I could help."

FLASHBACK END

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With the orphanage secured and new infrastructure and resources provided, Naruto turned his attention to another pressing matter: forming his ANBU team. It had been a month and a half since the incident with Danzo, and during that time, Naruto had been quietly assembling his team. Nono, who had already been approached by the higher-ups to join ANBU, seemed like the perfect candidate. Her medical expertise and her deep sense of compassion made her an invaluable asset.

"Nono," Naruto began, his tone serious yet hopeful, "the higher-ups want you to join the ANBU. I think you'd be a great fit for my team. What do you say?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Nono agreed. "I'd be honored, Captain."

With Nono, codenamed "Mole," on board, Naruto asked if she had any recommendations for other team members. It didn't take her long to suggest Carlos Uchiha, codenamed "Bat." Carlos was one of the few Uchihas outside of Shisui and Itachi in the ANBU force. At 22, he was a seasoned jonin in the regular forces, known for his bubbly personality—a stark contrast to the often stoic demeanor of his clan.

Carlos had been slated to join Team Ro, one of the most prestigious ANBU units. Nono, with a knowing smile, reassured Naruto, "If you extend the invitation, Carlos will surely accept."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, impressed. "How do you know so much personal info on ANBU personnel, Nono?"

She simply smiled and replied, "I'm part of ANBU and have worked with Root. I also handle their medical needs and give clearances from time to time."

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Taking her advice, Naruto approached Carlos with the offer. As predicted, Carlos immediately dropped his recommendation for Team Ro and agreed to join Naruto's team. Despite being older, Carlos admired Naruto for his efforts to mend the rift between the Uchiha clan and the village—a goal that Carlos himself shared. Although he was relatively new to ANBU, with only four months of experience, his dojutsu, close combat skills, and fire affinity made him an invaluable asset to the team.

Next on Naruto's list was Sheron Kurama, codenamed "Sea Horse," one of the foremost Genjutsu specialists in ANBU. Sheron had been forced to leave his previous team when tensions between the village and the Kurama clan escalated. His skills in Genjutsu were unparalleled, but the political climate had left him isolated, with few willing to work alongside him.

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Naruto found Sheron at the training grounds, venting his frustration through intense practice. The area around him was a testament to his skill—the ground was littered with kunai, some of which were still vibrating from the force with which they had been thrown. Illusory flames flickered around the clearing, remnants of the Genjutsu that had been unleashed moments before. The air itself seemed to shimmer with the aftereffects of his techniques, warping the landscape in subtle, almost imperceptible ways.

Naruto approached cautiously, not wanting to interrupt Sheron's focus. But as he drew closer, Sheron's sharp eyes caught sight of him, and the kunai in his hand paused mid-throw. The tension in his posture relaxed slightly as he recognized Naruto, though the wariness didn't leave his gaze entirely.

"Sheron—or should I call you Sea Horse," Naruto began, offering a small smile. "I've been watching you, and I think you're exactly what my team needs."

Sheron's brow furrowed as he studied Naruto, his eyes flickering with a mixture of respect and curiosity. "Captain Uzumaki," he acknowledged, lowering his arm and letting the kunai drop to the ground. "I've heard about you. The way you resolved the Kurama issue without bloodshed, how you handled the situation with the heiress—it earned you a lot of respect and admiration among those who know the weight of such decisions."

Naruto nodded, his expression serious. "Thank you. But this isn't just about respect. I want you on my team because I believe in your abilities. You've been dealt a rough hand, but together, we can make a difference."

Sheron's gaze softened, the frustration in his eyes gradually giving way to a spark of hope. For so long, he had been treated with suspicion, his abilities feared rather than appreciated. Naruto's words were a lifeline, offering him a chance to reclaim his purpose and to prove that he was more than the rumors that surrounded him.

"I would be honored to work under you, Captain," Sheron replied, his voice steady and resolute. "If you're willing to trust me, then I'll give you everything I've got."

Naruto smiled, genuinely pleased. "That's all I ask, Sheron."

Sheron nodded, his resolve strengthening. There was something about Naruto's presence—an aura of leadership and sincerity—that made it easy to trust him follow.

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With Sheron on board, Naruto turned his attention to his next potential recruit: Anko Mitarashi. Anko had recently been promoted to lieutenant but had been demoted due to what was officially termed "insubordination." However, Naruto suspected that the real reason for her demotion was the lingering suspicion and bias surrounding her due to her past association with Orochimaru and the cursed seal she bore. Despite these challenges, Naruto knew Anko's potential. She had been a part of Team Agis and was known for her fierce combat skills and unwavering loyalty, even in the face of overwhelming doubt.

Naruto found Anko at a familiar dango shop, joyously devouring a plate of dango. The sweet aroma of the sticky rice dumplings filled the air, blending with the chatter of the shop's other patrons. Anko's carefree demeanor was in full force, a wide grin on her face as she popped another piece of dango into her mouth. But despite the outward display of happiness, Naruto could see the tension in her eyes, the way she glanced around, ever aware of the lingering stares and whispers that followed her wherever she went.

Naruto took a seat across from her, watching as her grin faltered slightly when she noticed his presence. "Anko, your acting doesn't fool me. The happiness is a facade."

Anko paused, the dango halfway to her mouth, and then let out a sigh. "You got me, Naruto. What do you want?"

Naruto leaned forward, his expression serious and direct. "I want you on my team. I know what you're capable of, and I trust you. This is a fresh start, a chance to prove everyone wrong."

Anko blinked, her surprise evident as she processed his words. "When did you become a captain? You were my junior in ANBU."

Naruto smiled wryly. "Just three days ago. And I'm offering you a place on my team because I think you deserve it."

For a moment, Anko stared at him, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of disbelief. Slowly, a genuine smile spread across her face—a smile that reached her eyes for the first time in a long while. "You really mean that?"

"Of course," Naruto replied, his voice firm and sincere. "With me, you'll be given a fair chance. No judgment, no bias. Just a team that trusts each other."

Anko, codenamed "Serpent," accepted the offer with a sense of gratitude and determination. "Aye, Captain," she said, her voice filled with newfound resolve. For the first time in years, she felt like she had found a place where she could belong without the constant shadow of doubt hanging over her. With Naruto, she knew she would be given a fair chance—a chance to prove herself not just to the village, but to herself as well.

Despite assembling a strong team, Naruto was still two members short. Word quickly spread that he was creating a team of outcasts—individuals who had one issue or another with the higher-ups. Although it was not by choice, the last member would come from the ANBU Academy, leaving it up to fate to see who would join his unconventional but formidable team.

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Captain: Naruto Uzumaki - Code Name: Wolf

Medic-Nin: Nono Yakushi - Code Name: Mole

Lieutenant: Anko Mitarashi - Code Name: Serpent

Genjutsu Specialist: Sheron Kurama - Code Name: Sea Horse

Combat Specialist: Carlos Uchiha - Code Name: Bat

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Chapter 38: Web of Influence IS OUT!

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Chapter 40: Choices? IS OUT!

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NTLHS Chapter 42: The Fires Of The Uzumaki IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHOS: Chapter 43: Mother Daughter Duo IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 44 - The Stage Is Set IS OUT!

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Early access to new chapters. Exclusive, detailed lemon scenes. High-quality artwork and illustrations. Voting rights to influence the story's direction. The opportunity to provide suggestions and feedback.

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Since this is my first fan fiction, I am eagerly looking forward to your thoughts and feedback. Your comments and suggestions are invaluable to me as they will help me improve and grow as a writer. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Your support means the world to me, and I am grateful for every reader who joins me on this journey.

I will post every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Thank You