Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

03:30 a.m. — Konoha

Boom!

A deafening explosion shattered the silence of the night as the main gate of Root—Konoha's most secretive division, personally commanded by Danzo Shimura—was blasted open. Wall and metal collapsed in a cloud of debris.

Danzo and his elite Root operatives instantly mobilized, prepared to face what they assumed was an invasion.

But what met them was far more shocking than any enemy nation's shinobi.

It was Tsunade Senju, the newly appointed Fifth Hokage.

Surrounding her was a full squad of elite Anbu—veterans loyal to the late Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. They formed a perimeter around the entire Root compound, making the message clear:

This was no friendly visit.

Danzo's expression turned pitch black with fury. "Tsunade… what is the meaning of this?"

But Tsunade didn't respond immediately. Her gaze passed over Danzo like he was just another bureaucrat standing in her way.

Then she waved her hand. "Search the compound."

Her words were calm, but the authority behind them shook the air.

Danzo slammed his cane into the ground, killing intent radiating from his body like a wildfire. "Who dares?!" he growled.

Tsunade released a wave of chakra, effortlessly neutralizing the oppressive aura Danzo had conjured.

"I'll give you one chance," she said coldly. "Step aside."

Danzo's gaze darkened further. "Is this how the new Hokage treats Konoha's war heroes? I demand an explanation."

Tsunade smirked.

"The daughter of the Kazekage has vanished," she said flatly. "Anbu is performing a routine investigation. Step aside."

Danzo's jaw clenched. He knew it was a ridiculous excuse. It wasn't about Temari—it was about the secrets hidden in Root's walls.

Secrets that couldn't survive the light of day.

Tsunade didn't need confirmation. The fact that Temari had disappeared from the Interrogation Department—one of Konoha's most secure facilities—meant only someone on the inside could be responsible. Someone with the access, knowledge, and the nerve to pull it off.

Only one name came to mind.

Danzo.

This was no ordinary political power play. Tsunade knew exactly how Danzo operated. If she let this go, it wouldn't stop here. He'd cover his tracks, lay the blame on her, and then begin dismantling her from within.

But Danzo had forgotten something crucial.

This wasn't the Third Hokage, a man of compromise and shadow diplomacy.

This was Tsunade. And she wasn't playing his game.

"You think I'll let you worm your way back into power?" she said, her voice like a thunderclap. "I'm the Hokage now. And this is a lawful search."

Danzo's grip tightened around his cane, cracks splintering beneath him. "You'll regret this," he hissed.

The entire Root unit readied for combat.

But the Anbu didn't flinch. Their loyalty was absolute.

Danzo's mind raced. His Sharingan, hidden beneath the bandages on his eye, began to activate.

He had one final card to play—Kotoamatsukami, the ultimate genjutsu.

If he could kill the Anbu and control Tsunade's mind, this would all go away.

Then… he'd win.

But he saw something in her eyes.

And he knew—this wasn't the day.

"…Fine," he said, stepping aside. "Search. But remember… you've made an enemy."

In the sealed space

Mao Yue Xiyan stood frozen, cheeks burning bright red.

She had just witnessed Naruto and Temari in a compromising situation inside the classroom. Stumbling away, she ran from the room, flustered and overwhelmed.

Inside, Temari was biting her lower lip in annoyance.

"You looked way too into that woman just now," she pouted, cheeks flushed.

Naruto laughed. "Didn't you hear the announcement? If we want out of here, I need to make her a disciple. That's all."

"Yeah right," Temari muttered.

Naruto leaned in and wrapped his arms around her. "Just explain it to her later."

"Why do I have to explain it?" Temari huffed. She tried to squirm away, but without chakra in this strange space, she was powerless against Naruto's grip.

"Come on, you know how I am," Naruto murmured against her ear. "Be good."

"…Fine," she sighed, shoulders slumping. "I'll do it."

After over a year trapped here, Temari had stopped fighting. At first, she resisted Naruto's stubborn will, but slowly… she gave in.

Now, her tone was obedient.

"Should we… continue?" she asked softly, gazing into Naruto's eyes.

Naruto didn't answer with words. He kissed her again, a warm current passing between them.

Elsewhere, Uzuki Yugao stood silently beside a flower bed, feeling cold despite the warm sun overhead.

She was dressed strangely—a white shirt, black pencil skirt, sheer stockings, and heels she had no memory of putting on.

What is this place? she thought, trying to piece together what was happening.

She had fallen asleep next to Naruto. So why was she here now, and why was Temari with him?

And more importantly… why had Naruto kissed her?

Wasn't Temari an enemy? Didn't he nearly kill her?

Confused and disturbed, Yugao searched the area for hours, but she found no exit and no sign of illusion.

Her chakra was gone. This was real.

And that scared her.

When she finally returned to the classroom, Temari was walking out, legs wobbling as if she could barely stand.

Something was off.

"What did you do to Naruto?!" Yugao demanded, voice shaking with fury.

Temari blinked, visibly confused. "…He didn't do anything to me. If anything, I'm the one who—"

She caught herself, then smiled mysteriously.

"In this place, no one has chakra. You'll find out soon enough."

Yugao frowned. That confirmed it.

Temari knew more than she did.

"Where are we?"

"A space-time barrier, I think," Temari said. "I didn't make it. I'm just another victim, same as you."

"Then what's going on with you and Naruto?"

Temari shrugged. "Trying to escape. The announcement said there's only one way out."

"You expect me to believe that?"

Temari raised an eyebrow. "Believe what you want. But if you want to leave, you'll need to do the same."

"Like hell I will!" Yugao snapped and stormed back into the classroom.

She needed answers—from Naruto himself.

She kicked open the door.

There was Naruto, slumped in the corner, looking drained and weak.

"Xiyan… long time no see," he whispered, his voice hoarse.

Her heart clenched. This is him. This is really Naruto.

"I'm sorry," she said, grabbing his hand. "I didn't know."

"I'm fine," Naruto smiled faintly, though his expression was haunted.

Behind them, Temari entered the room with a smug smile.

"If you're going to blame someone, blame this place," she said. "Not me."

"You manipulative little—!" Yugao began, furious.

But Naruto stopped her. "Don't blame her, Sister Xiyan. We're all just trying to survive."

"…Fine," Yugao said, her tone icy. "I'll get you out of here. No matter what."

She scooped him up and left the classroom in a storm of frustration.

Temari watched them leave and shook her head. "She'll be back."

Time passed. Days became weeks.

Still no escape.

Yugao returned one day, pale and tense.

"Are you sure—both of us have to…?" she asked Temari.

"That's what the announcement said," Temari replied with a knowing smile. "Your choice."

Yugao stared at the sky.

Warm light filled the space, but her heart felt cold.

Hayate… I'm sorry.

She had to bring Naruto home—whatever the cost.

Naruto lay sprawled on the floor, flipping through a comic book, when the door slammed open.

Temari strutted in, wearing a seductive outfit and a pout.

"So now that you have a new girl, you've forgotten about me?"

Naruto sighed. "I was waiting for you to come find me."

"You told me not to act without orders," she huffed. "I thought you'd beat me again."

"When have I ever—?"

Temari raised an eyebrow. "Chūnin Exams. Twice. Remember the bushes?"

"…Fair."

"You've mistreated me more times than I can count," she said, pushing him to the ground and climbing on top of him. "Time to pay me back."

Just as things were heating up—again—

Knock knock.

Uzuki Yugao pushed the door open and scowled. "What. Are. You. Doing?"

Temari smirked. "Trying to leave."

Slamming the door behind her, Yugao stormed off.

She didn't want to believe Temari, but the logic was relentless.

Naruto needed to get out. No matter how much it hurt, she'd do what it took.

A few days later

Yugao stood beneath the morning sun.

"Are you sure?" she asked Temari again.

Temari gave her a sly grin. "That's the rule. Believe it or not."

Yugao closed her eyes.

Forgive me, Hayate.

She turned and walked toward Naruto's room.

It was time.