Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm
 
Chapter 60: The Storm Emperor.
 

Author's Note:

This chapter is almost 5k words! 📜 Although it may seem shorter content-wise, I had to do quite a bit of research and referencing from previous chapters to accurately sum up the Bingo Book entry. I initially thought it would be easy, but giving a Bingo Book entry the justice it deserves turned out to be quite the challenge. 💪

Please comment and like—your feedback means a lot to me, and I'd love to hear your thoughts. 🙏❤️ Thank you for your patience and support, and I hope you enjoy the result! 😊🔥

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Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

NTLHOS: Chapter 61: Where id the world heading? !

NTLHOS: Chapter 62: The Great Escape is out!

NTLHOS: Chapter 63: The Bound Path And World Around IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 64- The Silence Of Wind Or Is It Life? IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 65: Realisation And Transformation IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 66: The Game Is ONN IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 67: A Storm Is Always Remains A Storm. IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 68: New threads of Influence is out!

NTLHOS: Chapter 69: Strategy- The Great Heist IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 70: Wrath of Darkness IS OUT!!!!! 

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"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."— Confucius

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Happy Reading:

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Last time on NLHOS:

Itachi closed his eyes briefly, a conflicted expression crossing his face. "If this is the will of the clan," he thought, "then I will do what I must to protect it."

Mikoto approached her son, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We all must make difficult choices; that is the duty of a clan head, and it should be yours as clan heir, Itachi."

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Now:

The forest loomed around them, a fortress of shadows and silence. Zabuza Momochi moved like a wraith, his immense sword, the Kubikiribōchō, resting against his back as though it weighed no more than a feather. His eyes were fixed on the Bingo Book in his hands, scanning its pages with an intensity that carved deep lines into his hardened face. Behind him, Haku Yuki followed, her footsteps as soft as the breath of the wind, but her gaze keen, attentive to every flicker of movement in the trees. They were on a contract, tracking a quarry in the Land of Fangs—a trivial job, barely worth the weight of their blades but very rewarding.

Yet, Zabuza was distracted. The pages of the Bingo Book seemed to have captured him entirely, and his silence was thicker than usual, charged with a tension that even Haku could feel. She studied his back, the way his shoulders hunched over the book, his grip firm.

"Is there anything I should know, Zabuza-sama?" Haku's voice was soft, like a ripple on a still pond, but it cut through the silence between them.

Zabuza didn't answer immediately. Instead, he continued to read, his eyes narrowing as if the words on the page were more than ink and paper, as if they were a riddle that twisted and tightened with every line. Finally, he looked up, casting a glance over his shoulder, his eyes dark and storm-filled.

"Another monster has broken its chains," he said, his voice low, almost a growl. "And now, it's loose."

Haku's eyebrows arched slightly, her usual calm cracking with a hint of intrigue. "Who, Zabuza-sama?"

Zabuza's lips curled into a sardonic smile, a bitter edge to his expression. "The son of the Yellow Flash and the Hot-Blooded Habanero. A cursed lineage if ever there was one."

Haku's eyes widened, her composed mask slipping as recognition dawned. She knew those names. Everyone did. The Yellow Flash, whose name alone was enough to paralyze armies, and the Hot-Blooded Habanero, a tempest in human form, feared across nations. "Loose, as in… a missing-nin?" she asked, her voice almost disbelieving. "Why?"

Zabuza let out a dark, mirthless chuckle, the sound like steel scraping over stone. "Yes, missing-nin. Word has it, the Fire Daimyo himself had a hand in it. Politics, most likely. Maybe they couldn't stomach the boy's bloodline any longer, or maybe his mother's sins are too heavy for them to bear. Either way, he's gone rogue. And they say his bounty's high enough actually one of the highest to make even the bravest shinobi think twice."

He tossed the Bingo Book to Haku, who caught it with practiced ease. She flipped through the pages until she found the entry, her eyes scanning over Uzumaki Naruto's face, the list of his skills, the staggering bounty sums attached to his name. The more she read, the more her pulse quickened, a faint shiver tracing her spine.

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Bingo Book Entry

Name: Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze

Aliases:

o Arashi no Kōtei – Emperor of Storms- Orochimaru of the Sanin (Primary Moniker)

o Arashi no Reikon – Spirit of the Storm – Iwa

o Arashi no Maebure – The Harbinger of Storm - Kusa

Age: 16

Classification: Missing-nin

Affiliation: Formerly Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village)

Rank: Mid S-Rank Threat

Chakra Level: High S to Low SS Rank (Uzumaki Gene)

Threat Level: Extremely High

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Bounties:

Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village):140 million ryō (Dead)Kumogakure (Hidden Cloud Village):101 million ryō (Dead or Alive)Kusagakure (Hidden Grass Village):15 million ryō (Dead)Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village):Standing bounty under the alias "Ray"Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village):Kill on Sight Order

Physical Description and Weaponry:

Appearance:Hair: Spiky red hair, a hallmark of the Uzumaki clan, often untamed and flowing.Eyes: Striking azure blue eyes that can pierce through the bravest of souls.Height: Approximately 6 feet (183 cm).Build: Muscular yet lean, embodying both strength and agility.Attire: Alternates between modified ANBU armor and traditional Uzumaki robes adorned with clan symbols. Often wears a cloak that billows like a storm cloud.Notable Characteristics:Weaponry:Wields the legendary Uzumaki sword Arashi no Megami (Goddess of Storms), last held by His Grace Lord Ashina Uzumaki. Rumored to have acquired Orochimaru's Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Grass Cutting Sword) as a spoil of victory.

Tattoos/Markings:Speculation of intricate sealing formulas tattooed along his arms and back, glowing when activated.

Aura:Exudes a powerful chakra aura reminiscent of a brewing storm and know to have red aura and very potent killing intent.

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Background: Heritage and Lineage

Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze is the son of two legendary figures. His father, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage of Konohagakure, was widely feared and revered as the Yellow Flash, a shinobi of unprecedented speed and skill, classified as the third SSS-Rank shinobi following Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.

His mother, Kushina Uzumaki, known as the Red-Hot Habanero and the She-Devil, was infamous throughout the elemental nations for her crimes, which included assassinations of various noble and non-noble figures alike. As the inheritor of both Uzumaki and Namikaze legacies, His lineage grants him immense potential and a blend of both fierce intellect and raw power.

Father:

o Name: Minato Namikaze

o Alias: The Yellow Flash (Konoha no Kiiroi Senkō)

o Rank: SSS-Rank Shinobi

o Position: Fourth Hokage of Konoha

o Entry: 89113

Mother:

o Name: Kushina Uzumaki

o Aliases: Red-Hot Habanero, She-Devil

o Rank: S-Rank Shinobi

o Crimes: Wanted for orchestrating assassinations and attacks against various dignitaries across the nations.

o Entry: 89268

Ancestor:

o Name: Ashina Uzumaki (Great-great-grandfather)

o Rank: SSS-Rank (Posthumous Legend)

o Achievements: One of the greatest seal masters and leader of Uzushiogakure no Sato, reputed to have decimated over 100 battalions through self-sacrifice.

o Entry: 12

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Accreditations:

Prodigious Talent:

He graduated from the Ninja Academy at theage of 6, demonstrating abilities far beyond his years.

Promotion:

Promoted directly to Special Jōnin by the age of nine, a decision endorsed by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire himself. He reached the rank of Jonin by age fifteen, a rare and remarkable feat but not unheard of in Konoha's history.

ANBU Service:

Uzumaki became an ANBU captain at fifteen, commanding elite squads on high-risk, covert missions. He wielded considerable influence within Konoha's power structures, often involved in high-level dealings. His reputation as a political force rivalled that of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, marking him as one of the most influential figures within the Leaf Village.

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Crimes and Notable Activities:

Defection from Konoha:

Naruto Uzumaki's banishment came following accusations of assaulting the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, resulting in a five-year exile. However, he did not simply leave—he renounced his allegiance, taking with him critical intelligence and resources.

o Banishment Decree:

Issued by the Fire Court, his banishment was meant to strip him of power, yet his departure only served to heighten his mystique and influence.

o Acts of Treason - Konoha:

Theft:Stole many valuable scrolls and information from Konoha's archives during his departure.Sabotage:Caused substantial property damage, dismantling seals and systems crucial to the village's operations.Public Renunciation:Denounced his allegiance.

Alliance Formation:

It is suspected that Naruto Uzumaki has united remnants of the Uzumaki clan scattered across the nations and has begun forging alliances with rogue factions, as part of his bid to regain Uzumaki influence.Infiltration:

operated covertly under the alias "Ray" within Kirigakure, where he is believed to have gathered valuable intelligence and established connections with rebel forces.Massacre in Kusagakure:

He is held responsible for the deaths of multiple Jōnin and Chūnin shinobi, as well as the destruction of a hospital, which led to civilian casualties. This act solidified his notoriety and resulted in a substantial bounty issued by Kusagakure.

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Battle with Orochimaru:

Naruto Uzumaki engaged the infamous Sannin in an intense battle, reportedly nearly eliminating Orochimaru, forcing him into a rare strategic retreat. Rumors suggest he claimed Orochimaru's legendary Kusanagi sword as a trophy from this confrontation.Possible Involvement in Kirigakure's Rebellion:

Reports from various intelligence networks imply Naruto Uzumaki may have played a part in the Mist Village's internal strife during his covert operations under the alias "Ray." Konoha officially denies any involvement in the alleged infiltration, yet suspicion lingers.

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Abilities and Skills:

Kekkei Genkai — Storm Release (Ranton):

Nature Transformation:

Naruto Uzumaki known to wields the purest form of Storm Release, a true bloodline limit of the Uzumaki clan, distinct from the imitation Storm Release used by Kumogakure. His control over this Kekkei Genkai allows him to fuse water and lightning at a fundamental level, resulting in unparalleled destructive capabilities.

Capabilities:

o Storm Manipulation: Generates and directs thunderstorms, capable of devastating entire battlefields with his unique techniques.

o Techniques: A Kusagakure shinobis have reported witnessing Naruto Uzumaki use a high S-rank Storm Release jutsu, summoning dark storm clouds crackling with red lightning. This attack devastated the landscape and created an intense atmosphere, demonstrating his mastery over the elements. The aftermath was visible from kilometers away, solidifying his reputation as a force of nature.

Legacy Knowledge:

Naruto Uzumaki has accessed the Uchiha archives regarding Storm Release, enabling him to surpass the imitations crafted by Kumogakure's shinobi and innovate upon the ancient Uzumaki techniques.

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Master of Kenjutsu:

Weapons:

Naruto Uzumaki wields the legendary Uzumaki sword Arashi no Megami(Goddess of Storms), last held by Lord Ashina Uzumaki himself. This sword allows him to channel his Storm Release into close-combat strikes, increasing his lethality at close range. It is rumored that he has also acquired the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, the famed Grass Cutter sword, as a spoil from his battle with Orochimaru.Training Lineage:

Naruto Uzumaki is speculated to have trained under Jinin Akebino, one of the original members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. His combat style reflects the brutal efficiency of the Mist's renowned sword techniques, paired with his own unique innovations in blending kenjutsu and elemental ninjutsu.

Sealing Mastery (Fūinjutsu):

Level 9 Seal Master:

Naruto Uzumaki is considered a Level 9 Seal Master, just one rank below his father, the Fourth Hokage. This level of mastery places him among the most skilled sealing practitioners in history, capable of deploying some of the most complex and dangerous seals known to shinobi.Expertise:

o Barrier Ninjutsu:

Naruto Uzumaki can create and manipulate barriers that are nearly impenetrable, capable of containing or repelling even high-level attacks. He is also adept at deciphering and disabling enemy seals, which has proven invaluable in combat.

o Sealing Arrays:

His ability to deploy advanced sealing arrays mid-combat makes him exceptionally dangerous. He can immobilize foes, drain chakra, and even seal away entire individuals with precision, leaving them powerless.

o Custom Seals:

Naruto Uzumaki has created unique seals, such as time-delayed explosive tags and chakra-draining seals with enhanced effects. His innovations reveal a deep understanding of both the theory and application of sealing arts, as well as a willingness to experiment with unconventional techniques.

o Combat Seals:

He has developed unique seal matrixes for combat-specific, enhancing his short- and mid-range capabilities. These seals allow him to alter the flow of battle, making him particularly formidable in close-quarters combat.

Elemental Proficiencies:

Water Release (Suiton):

o Grandmaster Level:

Naruto Uzumaki has a natural affinity for water release, similar to the Second Hokage. He can draw moisture from the atmosphere and surroundings, allowing him to create powerful water-based techniques at will. Reports indicate he may have adopted some techniques unique to the Mist Village.

o Techniques:

He has developed a range of unique water-based jutsu, including his own variant of the Hazuki Clan's famed water bullet technique, which he has adapted to enhance his kenjutsu.

Lightning Release (Raiton):

o Borderline Grandmaster:

Known for his red lightning techniques, Naruto Uzumaki wields lightning release with devastating proficiency, specializing in wide-area attacks capable of incapacitating multiple foes.

o Techniques:

He can generate blades of red lightning, an adaptation that complements his Storm Release. Uzumaki's use of lightning is distinctive, as he often combines it with other elemental releases for maximum effect.

Wind Release (Fūton):

o Mastery Level:

His control over wind allows him to augment both offense and defense, creating cutting winds and powerful gusts. Rumor has it he has dabbled in the rare Vacuum Style, under the tutelage of Mahiro Uchiha, a master of wind techniques.

Fire Release (Katon):

o Advanced Proficiency:

Trained by Mahiro Uchiha and other members of the Uchiha clan, Naruto Uzumaki is skilled in fire-based jutsu, which he uses primarily to complement his other elemental techniques.

Earth Release (Doton):

o Competent Use:

While not his primary affinity, Naruto Uzumaki has demonstrated a solid grasp of earth-based techniques, using them primarily for defense and creating traps in combat scenarios.

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Genjutsu Proficiency:

Adept User:

While not as specialized in genjutsu as an Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki has demonstrated surprising proficiency in using illusions to disorient and manipulate his opponents. His genjutsu techniques are often subtle, intended to deceive rather than to incapacitate outright, but he uses them with a cunning that belies his background in direct combat.

Shunshin Mastery — Mirage Flicker (Kagerō Shunshin):

Teleportation Mastery:

Naruto Uzumaki has perfected the Body Flicker Technique, known to be taught by Shisui Uchiha, enabling near-instantaneous movement over considerable distances. This technique, dubbed the Mirage Flicker, allows him to move unpredictably and leave behind afterimages that confound his opponents.Applications:

o Offensive:

Naruto Uzumaki uses Mirage Flicker to execute surprise attacks from unexpected angles, overwhelming foes with his speed.

o Defensive:

The technique allows for near-instant evasion, making it exceptionally difficult for enemies to land a hit.

o Afterimages:

By creating mirage-like images, he can momentarily deceive even experienced shinobi, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks.

Sensory Abilities:

Grandmaster Sensor:

o Kagura Shingan (Mind's Eye of Kagura):

Naruto Uzumaki can detect chakra signatures across vast distances and discern individual chakra natures, making him a master of sensory ninjutsu. This ability allows him to track movements and anticipate enemy actions long before they become a direct threat.

o Unique Sensing Techniques:

Beyond Kagura Shingan, Naruto Uzumaki is rumored to have developed personalized methods that enhance his detection capabilities, possibly allowing him to sense fluctuations in chakra flow or identify disguised individuals.

Innovative Techniques:

Naruto Uzumaki is known for his unpredictability, constantly developing new jutsu and methods that keep his adversaries off balance. His techniques are not recorded in standard bingo book entries, making it difficult for opponents to prepare defenses or strategies against him.

Unrecorded Methods:

Naruto Uzumaki's penchant for self-developed jutsu leaves many gaps in the knowledge surrounding his abilities. His combat style is unpredictable, often catching opponents off guard with unexpected moves and techniques.

Tactical Acumen:

Strategic Mastermind:

Naruto Uzumaki exhibits high-level strategic thinking, rivaling that of the Nara Clan. His tactical prowess extends beyond the battlefield, encompassing political maneuvering and psychological warfare. He exploits the weaknesses of both his enemies and allies, turning situations to his advantage through a mix of cunning and foresight.Psychological Warfare:

Naruto Uzumaki employs methods designed to unsettle his opponents, manipulating their emotions and exploiting their fears. His ability to read people, combined with his capacity for deception, makes him a dangerous adversary even before a single blow is struck.

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Threat Assessment:

Overall Danger:

Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze is classified as an extremely high-level threat due to his extensive abilities, combat versatility, and strategic intelligence. His skill set makes him equally formidable at close, mid, and long ranges, and his capacity for sealing and sensing renders him a versatile and unpredictable opponent.

All-Range Combatant:

Naruto Uzumaki seamlessly combines ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, kenjutsu, and fūinjutsu, adapting to the demands of each range with ease.

Close Range:

Kenjutsu Mastery:

With his legendary sword Arashi no Megami, Naruto Uzumaki excels in close-quarters combat, amplifying his swordsmanship with storm-infused strikes.Taijutsu:

His hand-to-hand combat skills are exceptional, bolstered by his teleportation and combat sealing abilities.

Mid-Range:

Sealing Techniques:

Naruto Uzumaki uses complex sealing arrays to trap or disable enemies, deploying explosive tags and chakra-draining seals in the midst of battle.Genjutsu:

His use of illusions creates openings, allowing him to press his advantage while his enemies are distracted.

Long Range:

Elemental Ninjutsu:

His mastery over Storm Release allows him to unleash large-scale attacks that control the battlefield and limit his opponents' movement options.Strategic Bombardment:

With his ability to manipulate wind and lightning, Naruto Uzumaki can engage from afar, keeping opponents at bay while weakening their defenses.

Defensive Capabilities:

Sealing Barriers:

Naruto Uzumaki can erect powerful defensive perimeters, utilizing seals that repel or immobilize enemies.Evasion:

His use of Shunshin, combined with his sensory abilities, makes him incredibly difficult to pin down.

Engagement Notes:

Unpredictability:

His unconventional techniques and diverse skill set make it difficult to predict his actions or counter his moves effectively.Versatility:

Naruto Uzumaki's broad mastery of different ninja arts allows him to adapt fluidly to combat situations, excelling at all ranges and engaging multiple opponents.

Directives for Engagement:

Immediate Reporting:

Any sightings or intelligence on Naruto Uzumaki's whereabouts should be immediately reported to village leadership. Substantial rewards are offered for reliable information.No Lone Engagements:

Do not engage without explicit orders and sufficient backup. Only highly skilled shinobi (Elite Jonin or higher) should attempt to confront him, and then only in teams.Containment Over Confrontation:

If possible, prioritize tracking and containment over direct confrontation to minimize risk.Seal Specialists Required:

Teams should include shinobi proficient in counter-sealing techniques to address his considerable fūinjutsu capabilities.

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Villages' Stance on Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze:

Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village):

Grievances:

Due to past conflicts with Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, Iwagakure harbors deep-seated resentment towards Naruto Uzumaki. His mother, Kushina Uzumaki, is also implicated in numerous crimes against Iwagakure, including high-profile assassinations and subterfuge. Naruto Uzumaki, as the son of both Minato and Kushina, is viewed as a threat with the potential to seek retribution.Order:

Termination on sight. Iwagakure has issued a substantial bounty of 140 million ryō for his death, underscoring their determination to eliminate him.

Kumogakure (Hidden Cloud Village):

Grievances:

Naruto Uzumaki is considered a high-priority target due to his Uzumaki heritage and his mother's criminal activities within Kumogakure's borders. His potential access to Uzumaki secrets and his ability to wield Storm Release makes him a unique threat. As the son of the Yellow Flash and Kushina, he also symbolizes lingering grudges tied to the Third Shinobi World War.Order:

Capture or kill, with a preference for capture due to his potential intelligence value. A reward of 101 million ryō is offered for either outcome.

Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village):

Grievances:

Naruto Uzumaki is deemed a traitor of the highest order, following his theft of classified information, sabotage, and renunciation of allegiance to Konoha. The public perception within Konoha has been heavily manipulated to paint him as a grave threat, further compounded by his severance of all Uzumaki ties with the village. He is viewed as a dangerous rogue shinobi with intimate knowledge of Konoha's inner workings.Order:

Kill on sight. While immediate termination is authorized, recovering him alive is preferred to facilitate intelligence retrieval. His status as a high-ranking missing-nin demands extreme caution.

Kusagakure (Hidden Grass Village):

Grievances:

Naruto Uzumaki is wanted for his role in the massacre of numerous high-ranking Kusagakure shinobi, along with accusations of civilian casualties. He allegedly targeted Kusagakure's medical infrastructure, which resulted in the deaths of multiple civilians and heightened the village's resolve to capture or eliminate him.Order:

Termination on sight. Kusagakure has issued a bounty of 15 million ryō for his death or capture, underscoring the severity with which they regard his actions.

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Final Notes:

Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze is an extremely powerful and unpredictable rogue shinobi. His combination of elemental mastery, sealing prowess, and strategic acumen makes him a threat of exceptional caliber. With multiple villages actively seeking his elimination, he remains a high-priority target, and his potential alliances only add to the complexity of confronting him.

Engagement Guidelines:

Do Not Engage Solo:

Given Naruto Uzumaki's versatility and power, solo engagements are strongly discouraged. Only Elite Jonin, S-rank shinobi, or specialized teams should consider approaching him.Maintain Vigilance:

His ability to remain hidden, utilize seals, and employ tactics beyond standard combat makes him a difficult target to track. Any intelligence regarding his location should be reported immediately, with rewards available from multiple villages.Seal Specialists on Standby:

To mitigate his fūinjutsu capabilities, all engagement teams should include shinobi well-versed in counter-sealing techniques.

Due to his high-threat status and the extensive bounties on his head, any information on Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze should be reported to village leadership at once. Substantial rewards are offered for those who contribute to his capture or termination, but caution is paramount. Only those prepared for high-risk engagements should consider seeking him out.

[End Entry]

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Zabuza watched her reaction with a faint smirk, his gaze predatory, sharp as the edge of his blade. "Don't let it shake you, Haku. We've tangled with monsters before. But this one… is not our usual run-inns " He paused, his eyes shifting to the darkened path ahead as though he could already sense the boy's presence in the distance, a shadow on the edge of the horizon. "This one's different. He's got his cursed mother's fire and his father's ruthlessness look in his eyes. And now, he's got no leash to hold him back."

Haku closed the book with a soft thud, its weight settling into her hands like the promise of a storm barely contained. She looked up at Zabuza, her gaze shadowed with a strange mixture of awe and unease. "If we're seeing this in the black market now, Zabuza-sama," she murmured, "then it's already been circulating for over a month. Half the shinobi world is probably on his trail."

Zabuza's chuckle was dark, almost hollow, as if dredged up from some deep place within him. "Anyone with even half a brain wouldn't dare go after someone who nearly took down the Snake Sannin," he replied, his voice a low, gravelly rumble that seemed to blend into the rustling leaves around them. He stared ahead, as if he could see the future stretching out in front of him like a path lined with peril. "Believe me, I thought I could take on anyone, once. With the right plan, a hidden blade, enough time—I thought I was unstoppable. But I've faced the Third Hokage. That old man? He stripped me of that arrogance real quick. There are some enemies you don't face. You just run and hope they don't notice you."

The trees around them were silent, as if listening in on a deadly secret. Zabuza's hand rested on the hilt of his massive sword, but even that legendary blade felt somehow diminished in the face of the unseen danger he spoke of. Just as the tension seemed poised to snap, a voice sliced through the silence, chilling and precise.

"Then you're wiser than most."

In an instant, both Zabuza and Haku sprang into action, dropping into defensive stances, weapons at the ready. The air thickened, the forest itself seeming to hold its breath. A figure materialized a few paces in front of them, his form flickering as though he were stepping out from another realm. Haku's hands were a blur, senbon needles poised between her fingers, while Zabuza's blade was already half-drawn, its edge glinting in the faint light that filtered through the trees.

Zabuza strained his senses, trying to catch a hint—a heartbeat, a breath, anything—but there was nothing. It was as though the man in front of them was a shadow, something beyond even Zabuza's honed skills. As the figure stepped forward, the truth crashed into them like a wave.

Naruto Uzumaki. The Emperor of Storms.

Those piercing blue eyes regarded them both, sharp and cold as steel, yet there was a flicker of something almost amused there. His presence was overwhelming, the kind of force that bent the world around it. In the stillness of the forest, he felt like a storm gathering on the horizon, barely contained yet crackling with latent power. Zabuza swallowed hard, and Haku's breath hitched as she took in the aura surrounding him, a tempest given human form.

Naruto's gaze swept over them, appraising, weighing, as though deciding their fate in that single moment. His voice, when it came, was as smooth and cold as polished stone. "I'm impressed by your assessment of me," he said. "But I'm not here for pleasantries. We need to talk."

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Back in Konoha, the council room was a battleground of a different kind. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at the head of the table, his face set in a grim mask, the lines of age etched deep into his skin. Around him, the elder council members were gathered, their expressions a mix of frustration and unease. Jiraiya stood before them, arms crossed, his gaze unwavering as it met the Hokage's.

"Did you help him, Jiraiya?" Hiruzen's voice was like the crack of a whip, sharp and accusing, his eyes narrowing as they bore into his former student.

Jiraiya didn't flinch, his posture steady. "No," he replied, his tone calm but carrying an edge of defiance. "You know as well as I do that without our combined seals, no one could breach the Namikaze mansion's vaults. Only you and I have individual access—to the outer rooms and the grounds. But the vault itself? That required Minato's seal key and the seal with his blood matrix. I have the key with a blood matrix substitute, but only the Hokage's seal in that hat of yours could have allowed full access."

Danzo leaned forward, his voice a low, menacing growl. "Then how is it," he demanded, "that after the order to confiscate all Namikaze and Uzumaki assets by the Daimyo, we found the vault empty? All that was left was a single piece of paper with a smiley face on it."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, a spark of contempt flaring as he met Danzo's glare. "Unlike some people here, My hands were forced by the official decree. I didn't let my personal beliefs cloud my loyalty. That vault was untouched until it was legal to open it, and I certainly wasn't going to let anyone rob Minato's son if I had any say in it."

Aluraya's voice was a rough, poisonous whisper as he leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with suspicion. "You seem almost pleased, Jiraiya. As if you expected this outcome."

A slow, humorless smile spread across Jiraiya's face. "Damn right, I'm pleased. You tried to strip Naruto of his legacy, and you ended up with nothing. Minato was like a son to me. I might put the village first, but that doesn't mean I can't take some satisfaction in seeing you thwarted. I'm not one of Danzo's emotionless drones."

He turned to leave, his shoulders tense, but Hiruzen's voice stopped him cold. "If not you, then who?" the Hokage asked, his tone softer but laced with desperation. "Who emptied the vault?"

Jiraiya paused, his hand on the door, but he didn't look back. "My guess? Kushina. She never trusted you—not completely. Maybe she left backdoors in her seals, ways for Naruto to access his inheritance without anyone else knowing. Or perhaps Minato himself anticipated this which is u likely since, he gave me half of the key, likely because he didn't trust you fully. He wanted Naruto to have his due when the time was right. I was going to tell him after the Fire Court." He hesitated, then added, "Or maybe Naruto is a better seal master than any of you ever imagined."

With that, he slammed the door behind him, the echo reverberating through the room like the tolling of a bell. The council was left in stunned silence, each elder exchanging wary glances, the weight of Jiraiya's words pressing down like a vice.

For a long moment, Hiruzen simply stared at the door, his mind racing. The implications were vast, the consequences potentially catastrophic. But one thing was certain—Naruto had outmaneuvered them all, and the legacy of the Namikaze clan lay firmly out of their reach.

Sukino's voice broke the silence, cold and sharp. "We assumed Kushina or Naruto breached the mansion vault. But what about the Namikaze accounts at the bank? Surely he couldn't have accessed those as well."

Hiruzen's gaze darkened, his eyes glinting with a rare fury as the realization set in. Their control over Naruto had been an illusion, and now they were facing the backlash of a storm they themselves had unleashed.

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Stay tuned for the next chapter of NTLHOS.

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NTLHOS: Chapter 61: Where id the world heading? !

NTLHOS: Chapter 62: The Great Escape is out!

NTLHOS: Chapter 63: The Bound Path And World Around IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 64- The Silence Of Wind Or Is It Life? IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 65: Realisation And Transformation IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 66: The Game Is ONN IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 67: A Storm Is Always Remains A Storm. IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 68: New threads of Influence is out!

NTLHOS: Chapter 69: Strategy- The Great Heist IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 70: Wrath of Darkness IS OUT!!!!!

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