I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Naruto was stunned when he heard the attacker's words.

He couldn't understand why this middle-aged man bore such intense hatred toward him, going so far as to attempt an assassination. When had he provoked someone like this? At most, Naruto had fought back against villagers who bullied him, and even then, only on the same level.

Sure, organizations like Akatsuki or individuals like Konoha's Danzo had reasons to target him—they sought the Nine-Tails sealed within him. But this man? His unprovoked attempt to kill Naruto seemed completely irrational.

What perplexed Naruto further was the man's weakness. How could an assassin targeting him, a Jinchuriki, be this incompetent? It ruled out the possibility of him being affiliated with Akatsuki. They would never send someone this unimpressive.

On the other hand, Tianfeng, the would-be assassin, was equally shocked. Gritting his teeth, he yanked out the fruit knife from his foot, his eyes wide in disbelief. To him, Naruto was just a child, not yet even a ninja academy graduate—someone with no real combat ability. He had meticulously planned this assassination, including luring away Konoha's Anbu guards. How, then, had Naruto not only anticipated his arrival but also laid a trap?

His injury was worse than he thought, and the paralysis spreading from the poison on the blade made it clear he had little time left. Escape was unlikely, and once Konoha ninjas discovered the situation, his fate would be sealed.

Naruto's voice broke his panicked thoughts. "Who are you? A ninja from another village?"

Tianfeng didn't respond immediately. His eyes darted around the room, scanning for any opportunity. Was the Naruto before him real or just a shadow clone? He couldn't be sure. Shadow clones guarded the windows and doors, and it would take precious seconds to form seals. Surrounded, Tianfeng realized his end was near.

Yet, in his despair, he smiled bitterly. If he was going to die, he would at least leave behind some chaos for Naruto. "Who I am doesn't matter," he said coldly. "But Uzumaki Naruto, do you even know your true identity? Or why the villagers treat you like a demon fox?"

Naruto frowned. He already knew who he was.

Seeing no reaction, Tianfeng sneered. "You're not just anyone. You're the son of the Fourth Hokage—the Hokage who saved this village! And yet, his son is treated like a monster. Isn't that hilarious?"

Tianfeng's voice dripped with malice as he stared, waiting for Naruto's reaction.

Naruto, however, looked at him like he was an idiot. "I'm the son of the Fourth Hokage. So what? What's your point? Should I be angry because of that?"

Tianfeng's expression twisted with frustration. "Why aren't you angry?! You're the Fourth's son, yet you're treated like a demon fox! Shouldn't you hate the world for this?!"

Naruto shook his head and gestured for his shadow clones to approach. "Honestly, I'm more interested in your identity. Are you working for the Third Hokage, a spy from another village, or maybe one of Danzo's lackeys?"

The mention of Danzo startled Tianfeng. How did a child like Naruto know about someone like Danzo? Most Chunin didn't even know of his existence. And Naruto's calm demeanor—it was unnerving.

Naruto scrutinized Tianfeng's face and suddenly recognized him. He was the same middle-aged man Naruto had seen before at Ichiraku Ramen. Was this guy really just an ordinary Chunin?

Naruto sighed. No point overthinking. He formed a hand seal, summoning several more shadow clones. Without hesitation, the clones rushed Tianfeng and restrained him, using a soft fist strike to paralyze his movements.

Tianfeng's terror grew. The soft fist technique? Wasn't that exclusive to the Hyuga clan? How could Naruto—a child—know it? Was this truly the Fourth Hokage's son, or was the boy possessed by the demon fox?

Realizing resistance was futile, Tianfeng confessed everything under interrogation. Naruto's expression shifted from confusion to disbelief as the story unfolded.

Tianfeng wasn't a spy, nor was he working for Danzo. He was just an ordinary Konoha Chunin, resentful of his failures. He blamed the Fourth Hokage's death for his inability to rise in the ranks, and he despised Naruto for existing. It was this bitterness that drove him to spread malicious rumors about Naruto being a demon fox. When the rumors failed to break Naruto's spirit, he resorted to assassination.

Naruto listened in stunned silence. This wasn't a grand conspiracy or an attack orchestrated by some powerful organization. This was just petty, self-centered revenge.

After a long pause, Naruto scoffed. "So, you're just bitter. Instead of fighting back against the higher-ups who sent you on dangerous missions, you chose to target me—an orphan who's done nothing to you. That's pathetic."

With a cold look, Naruto struck Tianfeng's heart chakra with a soft fist, leaving him paralyzed on the floor.

Naruto stared at the lifeless body for a moment. He felt no guilt over the killing, only a hollow sense of discomfort. Tianfeng had once been one of his father's subordinates, yet here he was, targeting the son of the man he owed his loyalty to.

Kyuubi's voice echoed in Naruto's mind. "Hey, brat, don't let this shake you. You're my Jinchuriki. You can't afford to get weak."

Naruto smirked. "Weak? Killing someone like this is no different than gutting a fish."

Kyuubi stared at Naruto for a moment, then shook his head. "That's not what I meant. That man called you the son of the Fourth Hokage… Doesn't it bother you? The son of a hero, treated like a demon?"

Naruto's smile turned bitter. "Of course I've known all along. Uzumaki is a rare surname. My hair and face are identical to his. And the way the Third Hokage treats me… it was obvious."

Naruto paused and glanced at Kyuubi. "But you of all beings should understand, right? You've always been treated the same way."

Kyuubi went silent, surprised by Naruto's words.

Breaking the silence, Naruto picked up a kunai and slashed his own arm. Blood dripped to the floor as he turned to Kyuubi. "I need your strength. Lend me your power, big fox."