Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

Because the Land of Waves is surrounded by sea, thick fog settles over the region every morning. The insects buzzed lazily, birds chirped quietly, and the drifting clouds basked in the peacefulness of dawn. Sunlight pierced the mist and landed gently on Naruto Uzumaki, making him look like a radiant beacon amid the gray.

Sakura sat quietly on the front steps of Tazuna's house, watching Naruto walk off into the distance. For a moment, she seemed lost in thought.

Noticing the dried blood on Naruto's arm, the ever-alert Uchiha Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Naruto… did you fight someone?"

"Yeah," Naruto replied without hesitation. "Just took care of a few lowlifes."

The short exchange snapped Sakura out of her daze. She rushed over to Naruto. "You're hurt! Let me bandage you!"

Naruto shook his head. "No need. It's not my blood." He plopped down on the ground carelessly. "Is Kakashi-sensei still not awake?"

The mention of their team leader brought a moment of silence.

Kakashi had been out cold for a whole day. Exhausted and drained of chakra, he hadn't stirred once. His prolonged unconsciousness left Sakura and Sasuke deeply uneasy.

They wanted to return to Konoha immediately and report, but Naruto had argued, "The most dangerous place is often the safest." So they waited.

Sasuke didn't agree with Naruto's logic, but since he couldn't beat him in a fight, he had no choice but to follow orders.

"Why didn't you call me?" Sasuke demanded, his voice sharp. His gaze darkened. "Do you think I'm too weak to be of any use?"

"Uh…" Naruto blinked, clearly confused. He didn't get why Sasuke was acting so tense. Is this guy going through some kind of teenage phase?

"Sasuke, what are you saying?" Sakura tried to de-escalate. "Naruto would never—"

A cool morning breeze swept through, brushing Sasuke's bangs aside. His eyes had turned scarlet—his Sharingan now fully awakened, marked with two tomoe in each eye. Yesterday's emotional turmoil and a fierce sense of powerlessness had unlocked a new level in his visual prowess.

Sasuke locked eyes with Naruto. "Fight me again. This time, I'll prove I'm not weak."

His serious tone made Naruto burst out laughing.

"Let's go then!" Naruto grinned. He was curious to see just how strong the new and improved Sharingan Sasuke had become.

Without another word, both of them took off toward a clearing nearby.

Sakura's face twisted with concern. "Stop it, both of you!" she yelled. But neither of them listened.

Especially Sasuke—he was carrying a heavy chip on his shoulder. The last time Naruto knocked him out and landed him in the hospital was a major blow to his pride. And yesterday, while Naruto effortlessly fought enemy ninja, Sasuke had struggled. That humiliation still burned in his chest.

But now, with the Sharingan fully active, he felt a renewed sense of confidence.

The pride of the Uchiha clan never loses.

"Do you know why the Uchiha clan produces so many geniuses?" Sasuke taunted.

"Ugh, are you starting to monologue now? Great, you've developed the most annoying habit," Naruto sighed. "You know, villains always die because they talk too much."

"Tsk." Sasuke clicked his tongue, then charged at Naruto full force.

His speed and power had clearly improved—but to Naruto, every movement looked like it was in slow motion.

"This is the power of the Uchiha Sharingan," Sasuke thought. "I can keep up with him now!"

Naruto yawned and casually rolled up his sleeves. "Tch. I only brought three outfits on this trip. Better not ruin another one."

"Arrogant bastard," Sasuke muttered. Fueled by frustration, he closed the distance and drew back his right fist. "You'll regret underestimating me!"

Sakura panicked. "Naruto, move!"

But Naruto didn't flinch.

In the blink of an eye, his right arm—from elbow to fist—glowed red hot, radiating waves of heat that scorched the air. Sasuke's black hair curled slightly from the sudden temperature shift. His eyes widened in shock.

"I'm done for," Sasuke thought, unable to stop his own momentum.

But just then, Naruto pivoted to the side and delivered a clean, powerful kick to Sasuke's waist, sending him flying across the clearing until he crashed into a wall.

"Young man," Naruto said calmly, dusting off his hands, "no matter how strong you are, always leave yourself room to stop. Otherwise, you'll end up dead."

He smiled at Sasuke, sprawled against the wall. "Not bad. You've improved a lot. Definitely worthy of being called a genius."

Naruto was genuinely impressed. Sasuke was growing stronger fast—clearly visible even to the naked eye.

But to Sasuke, those words stung worse than any injury.

"Damn it!" he shouted. Pain and frustration flooded his chest as he slammed his fist against the ground. "He beat me again… with a single move!"

"Am I really this weak?" he thought bitterly. "How can I ever avenge the Uchiha clan? How can I ever defeat Itachi?!"

He grabbed Naruto's collar and screamed, "Next time, I'll win! I swear it!"

"I'll be waiting," Naruto said, smirking. In his heart, he added, I'll be waiting with my devil's contract. You're the one who craves power most, Uchiha Sasuke—the fastest rising genius.

Time to complete my quests and claim what I want.

Once my power reaches a certain point, no one in Konoha will be able to stop me.

The wind was born to be free. No chains will ever hold me. Any that try—will be broken.

Inside the mansion, the floor was littered with corpses—over twenty mercenary thugs lay lifeless in pools of blood. The corrupt tycoon Gato knelt in front of Bai, who stood silently in her Hunter-nin mask.

"Please, noble ninja! Spare me! I'll do whatever you say, I swear! Just let me live!" Gato cried, tears and snot dripping down his face.

Bai remained still, glancing around at the carnage. She hadn't killed these men. She was simply summoned by Naruto to take control of the situation.

She didn't ask questions. She trusted Naruto would explain if necessary.

She raised her arm, revealing a strange mark etched into her skin—a single character, "一" (One). Naruto had called it the Soul Seal. It granted her a powerful boost in strength and allowed a long-distance link between them.

Lightly touching the seal, she asked softly, "Lord Naruto, Gato begs for his life. Shall I let him live?"

"Kill him. Then take his place."

"As you command."

Gato had long been a menace to the innocent—extorting, killing, and exploiting the weak without remorse. With Naruto's order, Bai didn't hesitate. She calmly drove a senbon needle straight into Gato's forehead.

Just like that, one of the most despicable men in the Land of Waves was no more.

A new era had begun.