Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

Rainy days made outdoor work nearly impossible, and for shinobi, the impact was just as severe.

The downpour washed away scent trails, rendering Akamaru's nose and Shino's insects largely useless. As a result, Team 8 had to suspend their reconnaissance mission for the day.

To warm up and recharge, Yuhi Kurenai led her three tired students to Ichiraku Ramen. To her surprise, they bumped into Team Guy—who had also gathered to eat. Sitting among them was none other than Hatake Kakashi.

After placing an order for four bowls of ramen, Kurenai glanced at Kakashi, who sat conspicuously alone.

"Kakashi, where are your students?" she asked. "Didn't bring them with you?"

Both the Guy and Kurenai squads had their students present, but Kakashi sat off to the side, giving the impression that he wasn't even a team leader.

"They all have their own jobs today," Kakashi replied with a shrug.

Guy let out a laugh, pointing at Kakashi with his chopsticks. "I think you've forgotten all about them! No wonder Naruto was so resentful toward you last time."

Kakashi choked on his tea and waved his hand. "That's not it. Really. Sakura's still helping at the hospital, and Naruto's been assigned to protect Asuma's sister-in-law."

At the mention of Naruto, Hinata's hands trembled slightly. Her ears perked up, and she listened intently to the jonin's conversation.

Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "Didn't the Sarutobi clan send out all their shinobi? Why would Naruto be the one protecting her?"

Kakashi nodded solemnly. "There's no one left at the estate. Asuma's critically injured in the hospital, so Naruto is probably the strongest person available to guard Lady Sarutobi right now."

"Asuma's seriously injured?" Guy's smile faded, his expression turning grim.

Kurenai was also stunned.

"It seems someone infiltrated the village during the chaos," Kakashi continued. "ROOT is already searching. Hopefully it doesn't escalate."

Just as he finished speaking, loud explosions echoed from both the east and west.

The eastern side was where Konoha's wall had been breached.

The western side—closer to the hospital—was more populated but further from their current location.

The three jonin instantly tensed.

Sasuke was helping repair the wall. Without hesitation, Kakashi took command.

"I'll head east. Kurenai, Guy—you two check the west. Genin, stay here. Do not move on your own."

His division was smart. Kurenai specialized in genjutsu, Guy in taijutsu, and Kakashi—being balanced in all areas—could handle any type of threat. Without delay, the three jonin vanished into the night rain.

Kakashi sprinted through the storm, heart pounding.

If Sasuke was in trouble, he had to act fast.

When he arrived at the source of the noise, he found that the outer wall of a local inn had been completely destroyed.

Screams rang out as frightened guests—men and women alike—wrapped themselves in quilts or ran out half-naked, trying to escape.

"Chidori!"

A sharp crackle split the air.

A streak of electric blue surged through the structure, startling more fleeing couples.

Kakashi rushed in, just as the lightning began to fade—and froze at what he saw.

Uchiha Itachi, his former comrade, was holding Sasuke by the neck. With his other hand, he drove a brutal punch into Sasuke's gut.

Kakashi immediately understood who had left Asuma gravely injured.

His hand reached for his forehead protector, lifting it to activate the Sharingan.

"Uchiha Itachi—let him go!"

Itachi released his grip, letting Sasuke collapse to the ground like a ragdoll. Then he turned toward Kakashi, calm and composed.

"Kakashi-senpai," he greeted politely.

Kakashi narrowed his eye. "Did you come here to cause trouble?"

"If that's how you want to see it," Itachi replied coolly.

"Then I won't let you continue."

Itachi looked briefly at his brother, lying broken on the ground. Displeasure flickered in his eyes—but the Uchiha's strength stemmed from hatred.

Sasuke's hatred still needed to grow deeper.

His gaze returned to Kakashi.

You taught Sasuke Chidori. That must mean you're close.

"Then let's do this, Kakashi-senpai," Itachi said softly.

Let me show you both the power of the Sharingan.

Elsewhere, on the western street...

The wind howled. Rain battered the rooftops.

An umbrella flew into the sky.

But for Hoshigaki Kisame, being soaked meant nothing.

He stood tall, water dripping down his face, as if the storm only made him stronger.

Raising his arms, he flexed his fingers, drawing Samehada—the great bandaged blade—from his back. He glanced at the Konoha ninjas closing in around him and chuckled quietly.

"Well, well. When did you notice me? I didn't release any hostility."

His sharp eyes settled on one target—Naruto Uzumaki.

Why had the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki attacked him without warning?

Should I tell him I recognized his cloak?

Naruto didn't bother answering.

Instead, he summoned two shadow clones and charged forward, joined by a dozen Sarutobi-clan ninjas.

The real Naruto, however, hung back behind the group.

Samehada was dangerous against chakra-heavy opponents like him.

He wasn't confident he could go toe-to-toe with Kisame alone.

Fortunately, Naruto had already noticed he was being followed earlier that day—likely bodyguards assigned under the pretense of him protecting Lady Sarutobi.

But the real reason? Hazuki likely suspected someone would come looking for the masked figure Naruto had once impersonated.

Now, with Kisame showing up ahead of schedule, Naruto was certain:

This wasn't a coincidence.

Kisame had come for him.

The Sarutobi clan didn't know that—but that was fine.

Naruto made his move first, using a Big Ball Rasengan to create a massive shockwave. The goal wasn't to injure Kisame, but to draw out every nearby Sarutobi ninja into the open.

The fight began.

Naruto stood in front of Hazuki and Konohamaru, kunai at the ready.

Though it looked like he was protecting them, he was really observing Kisame's fighting style.

And fierce was the only word that fit.

In a single swing, Kisame shattered Naruto's two clones.

Another wide arc of his sword knocked a Sarutobi ninja flying.

Bam!

The strength of Hazuki's guards was abysmal.

They couldn't last even a single exchange with Kisame.

With each blow, Samehada drained their chakra, and Kisame hadn't even used ninjutsu yet. He was toying with them.

Naruto's expression darkened. He didn't know how long they could last.

[Passive Selector Triggered!]

Hoshigaki Kisame is here to capture the Nine-Tails. As a Jinchūriki, you're his target. If captured, your life is in imminent danger. What will you do?

[Choice 1: Stay Friendly]

For the sake of village peace, surrender yourself voluntarily.

Reward: 1,000,000 Ryō

[Choice 2: Be Rational]

Escape with Sarutobi Hazuki and Konohamaru. Let the Sarutobi ninjas draw attention while you flee successfully.

Reward: +5% control over the Nine-Tails

[Choice 3: Be Reckless]

You've never experienced a "shark man" before, but you're intrigued. Restrain him and do something indecent.

Reward: Nude sketch of Hoshigaki Kisame

[Choice 4: Be Ruthless]

Kill him.

Reward: 50% mastery of Samehada