Naruto:Dark Return

"I'm Not the Nine-Tails Demon Fox!"

Naruto froze in place, his eyes wide with disbelief as he looked at the Third Hokage.

"But everyone hates me," Naruto murmured, his voice trembling. "No one's ever told me about my parents… or why I have these whisker marks on my face…"

The memory of Mizuki's taunting words cut deeply, reinforcing the belief that he was the Nine-Tails in human form.

"That's because they don't understand the truth," Sarutobi Hiruzen said gently, resting a comforting hand on Naruto's head.

"Twelve years ago, the Fourth Hokage sealed the Nine-Tails into your body at the cost of his life. You are not the Nine-Tails demon fox, Naruto. You are a hero who bears its burden for the sake of the village."

Naruto's eyes filled with tears, and they spilled over in torrents as the weight of Mizuki's accusations lifted from his shoulders.

"I'm not a demon fox… I'm not a demon fox!" he cried, his voice shaking with joy and relief.

Hiruzen watched Naruto's outburst with a gentle smile, waiting for the boy's emotions to settle. When Naruto finally stopped sobbing, the Hokage continued.

---

The Trial

"Listen carefully, Naruto," Hiruzen said. "All the pain and challenges you've faced so far were a trial—a trial to prepare you for mastering the power of the Nine-Tails."

Naruto sniffled, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. "A trial… to master its power?"

"That's right," Hiruzen replied solemnly. "The Fourth Hokage believed in you. I believe in you. You have the strength to turn the Nine-Tails' power into a force for good—a power that can protect the village and everyone in it."

Naruto hesitated. "But why me? Why not someone else?"

Hiruzen's expression softened. "Because you are special, Naruto. You have the heart and determination to endure and overcome this challenge. We believe you can succeed, just as the Fourth Hokage did."

Naruto's eyes lit up with hope. "So… if I master this power, I can become Hokage? Just like the Fourth?"

The Hokage's smile faltered for a split second but quickly returned. "If you use this power to protect the village, becoming Hokage could be in your future. But remember, Naruto, becoming Hokage isn't guaranteed—it's something you must earn."

Naruto didn't seem to catch the caveat. Instead, he grinned widely, his earlier sadness completely forgotten.

"Haha! I'll be Hokage one day!"

Hiruzen sighed inwardly, relieved that Naruto had taken his words so well. But he still had unanswered questions—questions about the transformation that had occurred during the fight with Mizuki.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's Inquiry

"Now that we've cleared that up," Hiruzen said, his tone growing serious, "I need you to explain something to me, Naruto. What was that… presence that helped you defeat Mizuki?"

Naruto's smile vanished, replaced by wide-eyed panic.

"Uh… what are you talking about, Grandpa Third?" Naruto stammered, his voice rising in pitch.

Hiruzen's sharp gaze didn't waver. "You know exactly what I mean, Naruto. Who or what was controlling you when you killed Mizuki?"

Naruto's thoughts spiraled as he mentally called out to Ichiro.

"Ichiro! What do I do? Should I tell him about you? What if he thinks we're a monster? What if he decides to dissect us or—"

"Relax," Ichiro interrupted calmly. "You won't be dissected. If anything, they'll see my existence as an asset."

"You really think so?" Naruto asked hesitantly.

"I know so," Ichiro replied firmly. "Tell him the truth, but don't forget to mention that I can control a small portion of the Nine-Tails' power. That'll make me too valuable to dismiss."

With Ichiro's reassurance, Naruto nodded and turned back to Hiruzen.

The Revelation

"Okay, Grandpa Third," Naruto began. "There's… someone else inside me. Another me. He was born because of all the painful memories I tried to ignore. He's really strong, and he can use a little bit of the Nine-Tails' power."

Hiruzen's eyes widened as Naruto continued.

"But he can't control my body unless I let him. I'm still the one in charge!"

The Third Hokage was stunned, his mouth slightly agape.

"Another… personality?" Hiruzen muttered, more to himself than to Naruto.

"Yes!" Naruto nodded earnestly. "He's like a big brother who protects me. He's the one who stopped Mizuki!"

Hiruzen's shock turned into cautious curiosity. "Naruto, are you absolutely sure you're the one in control?"

Naruto nodded again. "Totally! I even made him give my body back before. See?"

The Hokage leaned back, processing the information. If this "sub-personality" could truly be controlled, it might not be a threat. In fact, it could be an asset, especially if it could use the Nine-Tails' power.

Meeting Ichiro

"Can I speak to him?" Hiruzen asked after a moment.

Naruto hesitated, but Ichiro's calm voice reassured him.

"Let me handle this," Ichiro said.

Naruto nodded, and his expression shifted from warm to cold as Ichiro took over.

"Good evening, Lord Hokage," Ichiro said smoothly. "My name is Uzumaki Ichiro. I am Naruto's sub-personality."

Hiruzen regarded Ichiro carefully. The boy's demeanor was starkly different—calm, composed, and carrying a maturity far beyond Naruto's years.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ichiro," Hiruzen replied. "You've been protecting Naruto, haven't you?"

Ichiro nodded. "Of course. Naruto's well-being is my top priority."

"I see," Hiruzen said, his tone neutral. "Naruto mentioned you've mastered a small portion of the Nine-Tails' power. Can you demonstrate it?"

Ichiro didn't hesitate. "Certainly."

One Tail Chakra Mode

Ichiro's body glowed as a light red chakra enveloped him. The violent energy pulsed outward, filling the room with an oppressive aura of malice. A long, reddish chakra tail formed behind him, swaying ominously.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he observed the transformation. The chakra's power was undeniable, but it was also controlled—a stark contrast to the wild, destructive force of an uncontrolled Jinchūriki.

"This is the One Tail Chakra Mode," Ichiro explained. "I've mastered this form completely. It doesn't control me—I control it."

Hiruzen studied Ichiro carefully, his expression unreadable. The boy's confidence and mastery were impressive, but they also raised more questions.

End of the Chapter.

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