Naruto - Leader of Kusagakure

"Alright, we're off to school." Naruto declared confidently, his chest puffed out as he prepared to leave. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to look out for Karin with Sasuke. And if that jerk tries to bully her, I will teach him a lesson he won't forget!"

But instead of the reassurance he was hoping for, Kushina frowned, her arms crossed. "I've told you a thousand times, no fighting at school. Why can't you be more like your mom?" she scolded.

Naruto rolled his eyes, raising a finger to protest. "But Mom, I heard that when you were younger, you—OW!" He winced, clutching his head after Kushina landed a swift punch on it.

"Shut up! Hurry up and get to school!" Kushina barked, her face flushed with a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head, still feeling the sting. "Hmph! Starting today, I, Naruto Uzumaki, am no longer a first-year." He muttered to himself, determined. I'll make him call me senpai. And even if it turns into a group fight, I won't back down. I'm way stronger now."

Sasuke, who had been standing quietly beside him, shook his head in disbelief. "Idiot," he muttered under his breath.

Naruto, hearing Sasuke's comment, snorted and shot him a glare. "Hmph! You're the idiot!" he retorted, clearly not bothered by his friend's disapproval.

Early in the morning, the atmosphere in Grass Village was bustling with its usual liveliness. Akihiko, standing by the window, watched as the children made their way to school. His gaze lingered on Naruto and Sasuke, the two boys full of energy. A slight narrowing of his eyes betrayed his curiosity. What will be Naruto's reaction when he finds out Black Zetsu has moved up to second year this term?

Akihiko couldn't help but smile inwardly at the thought. Of course, it was all in the best interest of the children. As their uncle, he had no ulterior motives.

After a moment, he glanced at the clock. It was nearly time to leave. He turned to Mikoto, who was already dressed in her work attire, ready for another busy day. Together, they left the house, heading toward the office. Work awaited, and there were tasks to be handled.

…

Naruto, Sasuke, and Karin were making their way to the academy, chatting as they walked. Before long, they arrived at the school, the familiar grounds buzzing with students.

As the self-proclaimed "older brother," Naruto led Karin to her class before heading to his own. However, he was immediately disappointed when he didn't spot Black Zetsu in his old classroom. It turned out that Karin had been placed in the same class Naruto had been in the previous year.

"Where's that guy today?" Naruto muttered, glancing around. "He's usually here so early, it's like he practically lives at the academy." With his hands behind his head, he continued on his way to his new second-year class. "I wanted to mess with him today, make him call me 'Naruto-senpai.' Is he scared I'll tease him? Is that why he's late?"

Just as Naruto reached the door to his new classroom, a familiar, mocking voice rang out from behind him, "Senpai? Call who? You, the idiot?"

Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at the familiar figure standing before him. "You... you... why are you in this class?" he stammered, genuinely shocked.

Black Zetsu, seeing the surprise on Naruto's face, couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction. The feeling of throwing off these two was always so rewarding.

A smug grin spread across his face as he casually waved a hand, and just like that, a dozen of his followers appeared behind him. Turning his back to Naruto, he spoke with icy authority, "Me? Well, from today onward… I, Black Zetsu, am also a second-year student. So, you'll have to start calling me 'Boss' again."

As if rehearsed, his followers immediately bent down in unison, their voices rising in exaggerated reverence. "Welcome, Black Zetsu-sama! After eight long years, he's finally been promoted to second year! How joyous and fitting!"

The loud cheers reverberated through the classroom, snapping Naruto back to reality. His eyes widened as he watched Black Zetsu stroll confidently into the second-year class.

This guy, who had been stuck in the same grade for seven years, actually made it to the second year this time? Was he cheating his way through, or had he used some sort of connection to get promoted?

But as Naruto took in Black Zetsu's smug expression, his anger reignited. "So what if you made it to second year? I have gotten stronger too! This time, I'll beat you!"

With a fierce glare, he clenched his fist and raised it high. "Bring it on! Don't you dare run away after school!"

His challenge rang out through the halls, causing the students nearby to freeze in anticipation. All eyes were on the two rivals, sensing the inevitable clash. It was clear… A storm of 'chaos' and 'bloodshed' was about to descend upon the academy once more.

…

Meanwhile, Akihiko sat back, leisurely sipping his tea. After taking a slow, deliberate sip, he sighed contentedly and mused, "Ah, to be young is truly a wonderful thing."

Mikoto, sitting beside him, raised an eyebrow in confusion. She couldn't quite understand why Akihiko would make such a remark out of nowhere. Still, she didn't linger on it and shifted her focus. "Lady Tsunade's been wandering around Grass Village lately. I heard a few days ago she visited the Uzumaki clan. She went to see Elder Yoshinori but left in the afternoon without staying too long."

"Is that so? I see," Akihiko nodded thoughtfully. The presence of Tsunade in Grass Village was no small matter. As one of Konoha's legendary Sannin, her every move was significant, and they couldn't afford to let her wander around without oversight. Akihiko was well aware of her visit to the Uzumaki clan.

After all, Tsunade's grandmother had been a crucial figure in the Uzumaki clan's history. Though the clan had been nearly wiped out, their legacy had survived, and with the Uzumaki still maintaining roots in Grass Village, it was only natural for Tsunade to pay a visit when she was in the area.

Unfortunately, Tsunade had arrived a few years too late for Akihiko's interest. Had she come earlier, he might have been intrigued, but now, Tsunade was so broke that she was practically on the brink of desperation. There was little to gain from her anymore.

As for other matters, Grass Village had already mastered the One Hundred Healings Technique and other advanced medical ninjutsu. What piqued Akihiko's interest more was Kushina's recent visit to Tsunade.

He couldn't help but wonder what they had discussed. When Kushina returned, she seemed different—her face was flushed, and she wasn't her usual cheerful, lively self. It took her several days to return to normal, and Akihiko couldn't shake the thought of what had transpired during that meeting.

His eyes narrowed as he leaned back, hands folded under his chin. What exactly had they talked about?

Mikoto, noticing Akihiko lost in thought, assumed he was simply worried about his daughter. After all, today was Karin's first day at school. That little girl had a personality that reminded Mikoto so much of Kushina's younger self.

If she didn't know any better, Mikoto would have thought Karin was just another one of Kushina's children. She had no doubt that no one at school would dare to bully the girl.

The morning passed quietly with few tasks to attend to. As time went on, it neared the end of the school day. Akihiko stretched and stood up, ready to leave. Just as he was about to speak to Mikoto, who was busy with her work, she smiled and beat him to it.

"Akihiko, are you planning to go to the academy?" she asked, her tone light.

Akihiko blinked, surprised. How did she know? Before he could ask, Mikoto continued, "I understand. Don't worry about me, I'll head home on my own later. Just be careful on your way."

"...Okay..." Akihiko responded, still slightly stunned. He nodded in acknowledgment before walking toward the door. It wasn't until he stood in the doorway that he paused, blinking in realization. Wait... did Mikoto somehow figure out what I arranged for Naruto and Sasuke?

He shook his head, muttering to himself, "Seems like I'll have to find a quiet moment to talk to her about this. After all, I'm doing it for the kids." With that, he left, heading toward the academy's back hill.

Back in the office, Mikoto watched him go, shaking her head with a faint smile. "After all, Akihiko... is a father."

…

On the other side, after school, the two groups had arranged to meet in the small forest behind the academy.

As the day neared dusk, the atmosphere grew tense. Both groups stood on opposite sides, their faces set with determination. The remaining rays of sunlight bathed the scene in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows across the ground. A soft breeze swept through the trees, rustling the leaves and brushing gently against their youthful yet serious expressions. The wind picked up slightly, the trees swaying in time with the rhythm of anticipation. It felt as if the stage had been set for an epic showdown.

Despite the grand setup, one side stood with a commanding presence: Black Zetsu and his dozen or so followers. On the other side, Naruto's team appeared smaller, with only four members standing ready.

"I didn't expect you wouldn't call a teacher today." Naruto Uzumaki stood with his hands on his hips, glaring fiercely at Black Zetsu. "This time, I'll show you the true power of Naruto Uzumaki!"

With a determined shout, he charged forward, ready to engage. The tension in the air was palpable, as the battle teetered on the edge of eruption. However, Black Zetsu remained calm, unmoving. He casually patted the belt at his waist and smirked, "Foolish guy. Today, I'll show you what I am capable of."

And with those words, a sudden crackling sound pierced the air—"Zap~!" It echoed through the entire forest, startling everyone. Instantly, Black Zetsu's body began to glow with a brilliant, fiery light, casting an almost ethereal aura around him.

The kids stood frozen, eyes wide with shock. Even Naruto halted in his tracks, staring at the sight in disbelief. His expression shifted, a mix of awe and envy creeping onto his face. "This... This is... the Flame Dragon Armor?!"