Naruto:Dark Return

Ichiro's voice echoed again, calm yet icy.

"I am the part of you that carries these painful memories and emotions. Do you understand now?"

His tone was as cold as a winter wind, sending a shiver through Naruto. It wasn't a tone unfamiliar to him—it was one he had heard from countless others who looked at him with disdain.

Naruto's breathing grew heavier, and his expression darkened.

"I... I understand," he said, his voice trembling. "And... I... I'm sorry... I didn't know..."

Deep down, Naruto had always felt there was something—someone—bearing the weight of the emotions he refused to face. That unshakable feeling made it easier for him to accept the existence of another personality within him.

As guilt flooded his face, Naruto stammered, "I won't let you go through this alone anymore. I'll help you... I'll help you carry the pain..."

"And how do you plan to do that?" Ichiro interrupted with a sneer. "By letting me take over as the main personality while you hide away as a sub-personality?"

Naruto froze, his words dying in his throat. The memories Ichiro had shared with him made one thing abundantly clear—someone had to bear the brunt of the pain. But the idea of enduring that darkness day and night made him recoil.

Yet, the thought of relinquishing control of his body to Ichiro frightened him even more. The anger and resentment in those memories burned with an intensity that seemed capable of destroying everything.

For a moment, Naruto considered a compromise. Maybe he could let Ichiro take over his body occasionally? But then doubt crept in—would he ever regain control? And in the time Ichiro had control, would he be consumed by those same memories and emotions?

Naruto's mind swirled with confusion and guilt.

---

Ichiro, observing Naruto's turmoil, was quietly satisfied.

Naruto's guilt was the key. It would make him easier to manipulate and sway.

With the help of the system, Ichiro could block Naruto's access to certain truths. But Naruto lacked such tools, leaving him vulnerable to persuasion.

Now was the time to act. Ichiro's strategy was clear—ease Naruto's concerns, gain his trust, and slowly build dependence. Once Naruto trusted him enough, reaching the 10% threshold needed to speak with him freely at any time would be a simple matter.

Softening his tone, Ichiro continued, "Naruto, I'm not trying to take over your body right now."

"Remember what I said? I am you, and you are me. We're two sides of the same coin. We share the same goals and interests. Fighting each other will only harm this body—and neither of us wants that."

"If we work together, we can make this body's life better. And that means less suffering for both of us."

"You're the main personality, Naruto. Even if I take temporary control of the body, you can take it back anytime. Right now, my purpose is to bear those emotions and memories so that you can stay strong."

---

Ichiro's words were true—mostly.

He wasn't lying about his current intentions. For now, he didn't plan to take over Naruto's body permanently. First, he needed Naruto's trust and dependence. He could think about dominance later.

It was also true that with a low trust level, the main personality retained the most control. Even if Ichiro became emotional, Naruto could reclaim his body.

As for his "purpose," it was a half-truth. While it was true that he existed because Asura's chakra had suppressed Naruto's pain and guided him down the path of the Child of Destiny, Ichiro's ultimate goals were his own.

While speaking, Ichiro subtly opened additional permissions, allowing Naruto to sense the sincerity behind his words.

Naruto's expression softened, the gloom and anxiety lifting from his face.

A smile spread across his lips as he exclaimed, "I get it now! Then we'll be friends from now on!"

"I'll let you out to play sometimes—just don't hurt anyone!"

---

At that moment, the system chimed.

Host Personality Dependence/Trust: 21%

---

Ichiro blinked in surprise. "Twenty-one percent already?"

He noticed that the oppressive darkness of the subconscious had lightened, and the overwhelming sense of suppression had lessened significantly.

But then, the system provided a warning:

---

Gaining initial trust is easy but fragile. It can quickly fall back to zero if the Host acts against the main personality's values.

Trust alone cannot reach 100%. Dependence must also grow to achieve the goal. Focusing on both metrics together is the most efficient path.

---

Ichiro smirked, understanding the implications.

Trust was easiest to build early but also easy to lose. It couldn't be the sole focus—dependence had to grow alongside it.

---

"Twenty-one percent? What's that about?"

Naruto's curious voice interrupted Ichiro's thoughts.

Ichiro responded casually, "I'm just counting something good for both of us."

"And don't call me Naruto No. 2. I've decided to name myself Uzumaki Ichiro."

Naruto tilted his head thoughtfully. "Ichiro... like 'the first son'? That's so cool!"

Naruto beamed. "As expected of the other me—you're so smart!"

But then, his enthusiasm shifted as he pressed, "Wait, what's this 'good for us' thing? Do you have a way to make me Hokage or get everyone in the village to like me?"

Ichiro hesitated. "You think too highly of me. I don't have that kind of power."

The system chimed again:

Host Personality Dependence/Trust: 11%

---

Ichiro quickly shifted the topic.

"The good thing I'm talking about is helping you pass the Academy's graduation exam."

Naruto's eyes widened. "You're serious?!"

Ichiro nodded. "The exam will test the Three Basic Jutsu. Do you really think you can pass and become a Genin on your own?"

Naruto froze, realizing he'd completely forgotten about the exam in all the chaos.

---

The system chimed once more:

Host Personality Dependence/Trust: 30%

---

"Help me pass the exam?! Really?!" Naruto's excitement bubbled over, and he jumped up in joy.

He'd failed the graduation exam twice before and had already been held back two years. Now he was in the same class as Sasuke, who had entered two years later than him.

---

"Of course," Ichiro said confidently. "But first, go find the cleaning supplies for the Hokage Rock. I'll explain everything on the way."

Ichiro glanced at the sky. If his timing was right, Iruka would arrive soon.

"Okay! I'm on it!"

Naruto dashed off, his earlier reluctance about cleaning forgotten. Right now, all he cared about was learning how to pass the exam and finally achieve his dream of becoming a Genin.

End of Chapter.