NARUTO: GOD LEVEL FORGING SYSTEM

A sudden surge of insight flashed through Kazuki's mind.

He had grasped a crucial detail!

The system's previous task—

Since Naruto's chakra had long been infused with the Nine-Tails' energy,

Did that mean extracting Naruto's chakra would also extract the Kyuubi's chakra at the same time?

Could the system bypass the need for Naruto's mission in the Land of Waves altogether?

As he considered this possibility, Kazuki's heart pounded with excitement.

It felt entirely feasible!

Even if refining the Nine-Tails' chakra this way took longer, it would still be far quicker than waiting six years.

And the reward—

The Multi-Shadow Clone Shuriken blueprint!

A ninja tool with the devastating force of A-rank ninjutsu!

Kazuki reached into his pouch and retrieved a scroll.

"Naruto, take this," he said, offering it to him. "It contains a chakra refinement method. Study it well when you get home."

"The entrance exam for the Academy is just around the corner. You may not master chakra extraction in time, but if the examiner recognizes your potential, they might let you pass anyway."

Naruto's eyes gleamed as he eagerly accepted the scroll.

"Wow, Kazuki, you're the best!"

With renewed determination, he sprang to his feet.

"I'm heading back to train right away!" Naruto declared, his voice brimming with confidence.

"I'm going to be Hokage—there's no way I'll fail the entrance exam! Just wait, I'll be a ninja student just like you!"

Kazuki smiled. "Then give it your all."

Meanwhile…

Beneath the looming Hokage Rock, within the dimly lit office of the Third Hokage…

Sarutobi Hiruzen observed the scene through his crystal ball.

As Naruto and Kazuki parted ways, he waved his sleeve, and the sphere's image faded.

Slowly, he exhaled a wisp of smoke from his pipe, his gaze settling on a neatly arranged file on his desk—

A detailed report on Kazuki.

"Diligent, highly praised by Might Guy."

"Possesses exceptional forging skills, capable of crafting unique ninja tools."

"Kind-hearted. Close to Naruto."

A knowing smile formed on Hiruzen's lips.

"Perhaps… a valuable asset."

Closing the report, he muttered under his breath, his eyes shifting to a shadowed corner of the room.

"But for now, we must handle the Uchiha matter."

"…Isn't that right, Danzo?"

A low, mirthless chuckle echoed from the darkness.

"So, you noticed me."

Emerging from the shadows, a man stepped forward—his right eye concealed behind bandages, a cane tapping against the wooden floor.

Shimura Danzo.

"It's time to end this, Hiruzen."

"I warned you long ago—your hesitation has allowed the Uchiha clan to grow too powerful."

Hiruzen sighed, the weight of his indecision evident.

"Is there truly no other way?"

Danzo scoffed.

"Spare me your sentimentality. This is necessary."

"Itachi has already agreed to our plan. My men from Root will handle the purge."

He spoke with cold assurance.

"We'll wipe out the Uchiha to protect the village. This hidden threat must be eradicated."

Hiruzen's expression darkened.

"Itachi insists he will do it alone," he countered.

"We only need to manage the aftermath."

His voice softened.

"He made one request—his younger brother, Sasuke, must be spared."

Danzo's eyes narrowed.

"You trust him to do it alone?"

Hiruzen inhaled deeply from his pipe.

"Itachi said he would use 'their' power to complete the task."

Danzo remained silent, but a gleam of understanding flickered in his eye.

"Hmph, Sarutobi, you always hesitate like this."

Shimura Danzo's single visible eye narrowed with disdain, his bandaged face as unreadable as ever. He spoke with a cold edge.

"An untrustworthy partner? You should remember that your esteemed apprentice, Orochimaru, is among their ranks."

"Enough, Danzo!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's grip on his pipe tightened as his brow furrowed. The mention of Orochimaru clearly struck a nerve, his voice suddenly firm.

"For now, the Akatsuki are not our enemies."

He exhaled deeply, a weary resignation in his tone. "Konoha has spent too much of its strength maintaining internal stability. We cannot afford to provoke them. With our current situation, we cannot sustain another conflict."

"Hmph, Sarutobi, always looking ahead and hesitating."

Danzo's cold stare lingered on the Hokage before he spoke again, his irritation evident.

"If that fool Hanzo of the Salamander had done his job and eliminated Akatsuki when he had the chance, we wouldn't be in this situation."

Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, his mind weighed down by the intelligence Uchiha Itachi had provided him. The names associated with Akatsuki troubled him deeply.

It wasn't just Orochimaru.

Each member was an S-rank rogue ninja, powerful enough to give the Kage of Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure sleepless nights.

Even with limited intelligence, it was clear that this organization harbored terrifying strength.

Why had such formidable shinobi gathered together? Did they intend to challenge the authority of the Five Great Nations?

The thought left a bitter taste in Hiruzen's mouth.

But Konoha, in its current state, could not afford to confront them.

Before resolving the Uchiha crisis and stabilizing Konoha's internal affairs, antagonizing Akatsuki would only bring unnecessary losses.

The village was too weak.

With Orochimaru's defection, Jiraiya's constant travels, and Tsunade's disappearance due to her hemophobia, Konoha had no active Sannin to rely on.

The devastation of the Nine-Tails' attack six years ago was still felt.

The loss of the Fourth Hokage, along with dozens of elite Jōnin, had crippled Konoha's military strength.

Even now, the village was still recovering.

What mattered most was maintaining internal stability.

They needed time. Time to nurture the next generation, to find a new shinobi of Kage-level strength.

Only then could Hiruzen retire in peace.

After a long silence, Sarutobi finally spoke.

"Danzo, please understand. Konoha must rebuild its strength. We cannot afford reckless moves."

"As for Akatsuki, we lack sufficient intelligence. We should allow Uchiha Itachi to continue infiltrating their ranks. Once we have more information, we will act accordingly."

For once, Danzo did not immediately argue.

After a moment, he gave a slow nod, accepting the decision.

"By the way, I've heard of a young boy in Konoha with a talent for ninja tools. Why not assign him to me?" Danzo's voice carried a calculating edge.

"If he trains under my Root, he could become a valuable asset."

Sarutobi's eyes narrowed.

"No. Abandon that thought, Danzo."

"Kazuki is not some war orphan for you to mold into one of your emotionless soldiers."

"His father, Takeshi, is a well-respected merchant in the Land of Fire. Konoha still relies on his supply of ninja tools and strategic resources. With tensions already high, I will not risk creating unnecessary problems."

Danzo chuckled darkly.

"Hmph. Just a passing thought."

Yet, beneath his calm exterior, his mind was already at work.

He had long heard whispers about Kazuki's unique ninja tools.

His operatives would gather more intelligence on the boy.

However, as he sifted through reports, disappointment set in.

Mass-producing enhanced ninja tools to bolster shinobi strength was unrealistic.

For now, the boy held no strategic value.

The more pressing matter was the Uchiha clan.

If things proceeded as planned…

If the clan's downfall fell into his hands…

Then, the Sharingan—perhaps even the Mangekyō Sharingan—would be within his grasp.

And with Orochimaru's past research into Hashirama Senju's cells…

Perhaps…

Danzo's lone eye gleamed with ambition.

If he obtained that power, the power to rival Uchiha Madara…

He could handle Akatsuki.

And more importantly—

He could become the Hokage.

Breaking from his thoughts, Danzo turned back to Hiruzen.

"Very well. I will leave this matter alone for now. But know this—when the time comes, my Root will ensure everything is handled that night."

With that, he turned and left, his presence fading into the shadows.

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