Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

Silence fell over the field.

Whether it was the crowd of Sasuke's fangirls surrounding the training ground, or the jonin observing through the Third Hokage's crystal ball, everyone stared in stunned disbelief as Uchiha Sasuke was knocked across the air by Naruto Uzumaki's punch.

It would've been one thing if Naruto had taken out Kiba in a single hit—but Sasuke? The top student? The pride of the class?

This was beyond shocking. It was terrifying.

Just as Sasuke's body flew through the air, a masked, silver-haired man in a Konoha flak vest appeared in a flash and caught him mid-fall.

"So he's already able to control the Nine-Tails' chakra this well?" Hatake Kakashi thought, deeply impressed.

Minato's son, indeed.

Still… that punch had been brutal. Kakashi glanced down at Sasuke—completely unconscious in his arms—and sighed. "Let's hope this doesn't break his spirit." Without another word, he disappeared with Sasuke in his arms, headed straight for the hospital.

"Sasuke-kun… even he lost to Naruto?"

"No way. I must be dreaming."

"This can't be real. There's no way!"

Over the years, Sasuke had built an untouchable image in the eyes of his classmates. Seeing him fall like that—instantly, without a fight—was more than his devoted fans could process. It wasn't just a loss. It was a crushing defeat that left no room for debate.

"Even Sasuke couldn't avoid the same fate as Kiba?"

Shikamaru swallowed hard, his mind spinning.

Choji's bag of potato chips slipped from his hand and spilled onto the ground.

Then both boys flinched as a sharp pain shot through their arms.

"Ow! Ino, what was that for?"

"I needed to make sure I wasn't dreaming."

"Well, pinch yourself next time!"

Shikamaru quickly pulled Choji away from the clearly shaken Ino, who stood motionless, staring at Naruto as the other students surrounded him.

Her thoughts raced.

How could Naruto be this strong?

Had he been faking weakness all this time?

Was the loudmouthed, immature boy who teased girls and talked big just an act?

"Tch."

So much for the genius of the Uchiha clan.

Naruto sighed, clearly disappointed. He'd been hoping for a proper fight, but Sasuke went down in one hit.

[Ding! Congratulations, host. You have completed Option 2. Reward: Fire Attribute Chakra has been granted.]

In that moment, Naruto felt a wave of heat surge through his body. His chakra pathways glowed with warmth, and even his internal organs seemed to hum with energy.

He had just gained another elemental chakra—Fire.

Combined with his already existing Wind chakra, Naruto now had the potential to develop a powerful Kekkei Genkai: Scorch Release.

Something to experiment with in the future.

The stronger he became, the better his chances of survival.

After all, as the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, Naruto's life would never be simple. Whether it was Danzo and his mind-controlling Kotoamatsukami, the rising threat of Akatsuki, or Madara Uchiha's insane dream of the Infinite Tsukuyomi—Naruto would need overwhelming power to survive.

Not to mention all the unresolved grudges and hidden dangers yet to emerge.

He would not let anyone, ever again, have the power to harm him.

Naruto's eyes flicked toward Kiba, still in the crowd. "Kiba," he said calmly, "didn't you say you wanted a fight? Come on. Let's do it now, while there's still time."

Kiba froze.

"N-Naruto, let's just forget it," he said, backing away with a nervous smile.

"Why?" Naruto narrowed his eyes, still smiling. He pointed at himself and said lightly, "Didn't you just say you absolutely had to fight me today? I even rushed through my fight with Sasuke to give you that opportunity. Don't waste it."

His tone was gentle, almost playful.

But to everyone who heard it, it sent a chill straight down their spine.

At this point, only a complete fool would doubt Naruto's strength. Even Kiba wasn't that stupid.

If Naruto had obliterated Sasuke in a single hit… what chance did he have?

The former bottom-of-the-class loser had returned in force—and taken the top spot with a vengeance.

No… Naruto had never been a loser. He must have been hiding his strength all this time, playing the fool. It was the only explanation that made sense now.

Kiba bowed his head. "Naruto, I'm sorry. I was being stupid earlier. I hope you'll forgive me."

It was the right move. Better to apologize than end up unconscious again. There was no shame in surrendering to someone stronger than even Sasuke.

Naruto stared at Kiba without responding. A strange irritation bubbled up in his chest.

It wasn't Kiba himself that annoyed him—it was everything else.

The Third Hokage was still watching his every move. Kakashi had reappeared out of nowhere. Anbu were probably lurking nearby. If he ignored the apology and beat Kiba down anyway, there would be consequences.

[Passive selection triggered!]

You're furious right now. You need to vent. Choose your target:

Target 1: Yamanaka Ino — Pinch her cheeks and insult her in public. Reward: 200,000 Ryo.

Target 2: Hyuga Hinata — Confess to her in front of everyone, and once she accepts, laugh and say it was a joke. Reward: 500,000 Ryo.

Target 3: Haruno Sakura — Drag her to your house and beat her black and blue. Reward: 1 million Ryo.

...What the hell? Why are all the rewards money this time?

Naruto frowned. Did he look like he was desperate for cash?

Well… if he was being honest with himself, he was a little broke.

Since arriving in this world, he had burned through nearly all the original Naruto's savings—buying snacks, drinks, and over ten sets of clothes.

So, yeah. Maybe he could use some money.

But still...

"Never mind," Naruto muttered under his breath. He glanced at Kiba and thought, You're lucky. Smart move, apologizing first.

As soon as Naruto spoke, Kiba let out a deep breath and relaxed, his body finally unclenching.

"Don't worry, Naruto. Next time, I'll be stronger!" he said, offering a fist bump in peace.

Naruto stepped around him without acknowledging the gesture and said coldly, "Then come back when you are."

And with that, he walked toward the crowd on the left side of the field.

Kiba clenched his fists in frustration. "Why's that guy so arrogant?! One day, I'll beat him."

At that moment, Ino stood directly in Naruto's path. She stiffened slightly but didn't back down. Her emerald eyes narrowed in defiance.

Even if Sasuke couldn't beat Naruto, she wasn't scared.

If Naruto wanted to start something—she'd give him hell, win or lose.

"Naruto," she said, squaring her shoulders, "what do you want?"

The spring air was damp, fluttering her soft blonde bangs and draping a light mist over her hair. Her elegant face was poised, proud.

Naruto looked at her for a moment.

I don't want to do this, he thought. But I'm broke. If I had enough cash for some proper gear—kunai, explosive tags—I'd pass on the mission. But I don't.

So I'm sorry, Ino.

With a sigh, he reached out…

…and pinched her cheek.

Soft. Delicate.

Perfect.