Naruto: Reborn with the Template System

Author Note:

Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!

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While passing by Konoha Hospital, Guts and Namikaze Minato parted ways.

Minato needed to temporarily settle Kushina and Naruto. Though they had managed to reseal the Nine Tails within Kushina, the damage done to her body when the beast was forcibly extracted by Obito had been severe.

She had narrowly escaped death, but her condition remained critical.

Tsunade, worried for her old friend, decided to personally head to the hospital to monitor Kushina's condition.

But before leaving, much to everyone's shock, Tsunade planted a bold five-second kiss on Guts right in front of everyone.

The entire group froze.

Though everyone had known about the secret relationship between the two, watching Tsunade publicly display affection like that left many wide-eyed and speechless.

Guts only smiled lightly, watching her back as she walked away. Then he turned to Kurenai and Anko.

"Go on back. I'm going to get some rest."

"Oh~"

Kurenai responded with a slight pout, already aware of their relationship, but seeing it so directly still irked her.

Anko watched with a sly grin, playfully nudging Kurenai. Yet when she saw the kiss, her own heart beat just a little faster.

A Few Days Later...

Per Tsunade's diagnosis, Kushina had suffered internal damage to the core of her chakra network.

While her life was out of danger, she could no longer continue her ninja career.

Compared to the anime, the damage from the Nine Tails attack this time was far less.

Only the outer areas of the village were impacted.

Reconstruction had already begun under Tsunade's orders, and the Uchiha clan had not been relocated to the outskirts this time.

Still, rumors had begun to spread.

The man who had attacked Konoha possessed the Sharingan and had controlled the Nine Tails with it, just like the legendary Uchiha Madara.

This naturally cast suspicion on the Uchiha clan.

Shisui, acting in secret, reported the growing unrest to Guts. But Guts had already done all he could by trusting Tsunade with political matters.

He wasn't built for politics.

If the Uchiha clan still ended up rebelling, it would be on them.

At Guts Courtyard

Knock knock.

At the gate, an ANBU appeared.

"Lord Guts, Hokage-sama requests your presence in the highest council chamber."

"Understood."

Guts stood up from where he'd been resting, his head in Kurenai's lap, and stretched.

After bidding a casual goodbye to Kurenai and Anko, he began making his way toward the Hokage building.

Compared to how it had been two years ago when the old council summoned him, this walk felt different.

"Guts! Your youth is blooming beautifully!!"

Even without Observation Haki, Guts knew who it was just from the voice.

Turning, he grinned. "Yo, Guy! Been a while."

Might Guy, in his signature green jumpsuit, gave him a thumbs-up while Kakashi followed quietly behind.

Seeing Kakashi reminded Guts of Obito.

Back in the Academy, the three of them had their fair share of antics—sometimes fighting, sometimes standing together.

But the Obito now… was gone. Replaced by a man whose killing intent had been all too real.

"Congratulations," Kakashi said blandly.

Guts tilted his head, unimpressed.

"Saying that with dead-fish eyes really doesn't sell it."

Kakashi paused, then added

"Thank you... for helping Minato-sensei and Kushina-san."

Guts scratched his head.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll accept the thanks...reluctantly."

Guy was still all smiles. Kakashi remained awkward. Guts said his goodbyes and continued on.

As he entered the Hokage building, villagers greeted him.

"Lord Guts!"

"You were amazing during the Nine Tails fight! I can't believe what I saw!"

"The title of [Strongest Taijutsu Ninja] doesn't do you justice anymore. Soon it'll be [Strongest Ninja in the World]!"

Inside the Council Room

The room was buzzing. Clan heads like Akimichi Chōza stood up as Guts entered.

They all wore warm smiles...some relieved.

They had backed Tsunade as Hokage. Their gamble had paid off.

Guts scanned the room. Something was off.

Neither Utatane Koharu nor Mitokado Homura were present.

Instead, Namikaze Minato and Yuhi Shinku sat in their places.

He turned to Tsunade.

"What happened?"

"Yesterday, those two geezers resigned"

She said, almost too casually.

"So I let Minato and Shinku take their seats."

Guts raised an eyebrow. "Smart move."

It must've been Obito's words during the attack, fear does funny things to people.

Those two had sensed what was coming. They knew if they kept meddling, Guts would eventually end them.

So, they bowed out. Smart and cowardly.

Just as he sat down, Guts noticed another figure at the far end of the table.

Danzo.

Wrapped in his usual long robe and bandages.

"Weird"

Guts said casually

"Why's this old fossil still here?"

Danzo scowled. "What did you say?"

Guts leaned forward, smile widening.

"Oh, just wondering... where were you when Nine Tails was tearing the village apart? Sleeping? If so, maybe you should go home and nap properly."

He turned to the others in the room.

"Don't you all agree?"

The room went silent.

After a moment of hesitation, one by one, the clan leaders began to speak:

"Yes, yes. Lord Danzo does look a bit... tired."

"He's not as young as he used to be. Best to get some rest."

"The Nara clan still has that calming herbal remedy. We'll send a box to Lord Danzo later."

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