PS: Sliding and kneeling in advance ~ Writing multiple perspectives at once is a weakness...
"Naruto, can I really say that?"
"Go ahead, don't worry. It's inevitable that Hiashi will come looking for you in the locker room. Just don't forget to convince him after our match."
After answering Neji's question, Naruto patted Tenten's head lightly.
"You'll get a bye this round, just like Kankuro. Once the entrance ceremony is over, you can head up and join Ino and the others."
"Mm~"
The contestants were all familiar faces. Even the proctor, Genma Shiranui, was one of their own.
Meanwhile, Gaara and Kankuro exchanged complicated glances upon learning of the Fourth Kazekage's death. Behind them, Sasuke observed Naruto intently, his eyes gleaming with something between admiration and determination.
"Sasuke, do you admire Uzumaki Naruto?" Gaara asked abruptly.
"Yes. His abilities and mindset are far beyond those of our generation." Sasuke's tone was calm but firm. "A large part of my strength comes from training with him. If you intend to kill him, I'll take you down before you ever get the chance."
Gaara fell silent. In the sealed space, Shukaku scoffed. "Just a mere Uchiha, how arrogant."
As the participants followed Genma Shiranui to the main arena, Shikamaru groaned, hands stuffed in his pockets.
"This is such a drag."
"Shikamaru, you can't slack off today." Shino, ever composed, adjusted his glasses. "I'm excited. Nervous, even. Today, we don't just witness history—we become part of it."
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Shino, don't say it like that. Now you're making me nervous too."
Genma handed out the match-up list. "Tenten, Kankuro, you'll draw lots in the second round. For now, you can watch from the stands."
"Alright, I'll head up first." Tenten waved as she made her way to the spectator seats.
"Naruto~ Come on~!"
"Darling~!"
From the stands, Sakura and Ino had already transformed into cheerleaders. Nearby, Temari and Hinata sat together, conversing quietly. Hanabi, however, was more focused on Naruto, her large eyes filled with curiosity.
"So… he's the one who took my sister away?"
Not far from them, Hiashi Hyuga sat in silence. His eyes narrowed as he picked up on the conversation nearby.
Meanwhile, Minato and Kushina had arrived at the locker room.
"Minato, let's use a transformation jutsu and go up. If we stay here, we'll miss Naruto's match."
"Uh… alright."
With a swirl of chakra, two figures—one clad in yellow, the other in red—appeared in the spectator stands. By sheer coincidence, they ended up seated right next to Hiashi Hyuga.
Elsewhere, Kakashi leaned against the railing, completely unfazed. "Guy, what big event do you think will happen today?"
"Hmm… Kakashi, if you don't stop acting mysterious, I swear I'll—"
Kakashi sighed. Might Guy was beyond pretending now, completely engrossed in the latest volume of Icha Icha Paradise.
Surprisingly, Asuma Sarutobi also pulled out a copy.
"You too? Seriously?" Kakashi muttered under his breath.
With introductions complete, Genma called for the participants to clear the field, leaving only the two competitors for the first match.
In the VIP section, the daimyo and village leaders took their seats. The Fourth Kazekage—Orochimaru in disguise—sat beside the Hokage, his face completely concealed.
"Welcome, Lord Kazekage~" The Hokage greeted warmly, smiling despite his inner suspicions.
Orochimaru returned a polite nod, but his eyes gleamed with something unreadable. Why does he look even more exhausted than before?
Watching from behind, Gaara's eyes were icy cold, while his guardian, Baki, sighed heavily.
Kankuro's expression darkened with thinly veiled hostility.
"Hokage, you should rest. Though still young, prolonged stress isn't good for you. Perhaps it's time to consider selecting the Fifth Hokage?" Orochimaru suggested slyly.
The Hokage laughed. "Young? I'm already an old man. But Konoha still needs me. These old bones can hold out for a few more years."
His grip on the Hokage's chair tightened. He had no intention of stepping down—especially not before ensuring Asuma's path was clear.
"Hokage-sama, it's time."
The advisors signaled their readiness. The Hokage looked down at the arena and saw the first match: Naruto versus Neji. He smiled.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome…"
He spoke proudly, subtly emphasizing the fact that six of the nine competitors hailed from Konoha. With Sand Village's limited presence, the difference in strength was obvious.
"Let's begin the first match. Uzumaki Naruto versus Hyuga Neji!"
As Genma's voice rang out, the crowd erupted.
"What?!"
"I thought Uchiha Sasuke would be first!"
"Damn it, it's that brat!"
Sasuke, seated in the stands, scowled at the murmuring villagers. Being the last Uchiha in Konoha, he was used to their scrutiny. But today, all eyes were on Naruto.
Down below, Neji took the chance to expose the dark side of the Hyuga clan, much like in the original events. His words left many guests deep in thought.
"Haha, that kid's got guts." A foreign dignitary chuckled awkwardly.
Orochimaru smirked in amusement, while Hiashi Hyuga shifted uncomfortably.
"Hiashi, Neji is about to lose. Let's go to the locker room," a familiar, gentle voice spoke beside him.
Hiashi turned sharply. The blond man beside him… his features changed slightly.
The red-haired woman next to him smiled knowingly.
"Yondaime?!"
Minato smiled. "Let's go, Hiashi. You probably have a lot to say to that boy."
On the battlefield, Neji lay defeated.
Genma Shiranui prepared to speak, but a sharp glance from Naruto made him pause. After a brief hesitation, he quickly announced:
"Winner: Uzumaki Naruto!"
For a moment, the stadium fell silent.
Then—
"So cool, darling~!"
"Naruto-kun!"
Sakura and Ino's cheers triggered a wave of applause. Only a few villagers and certain shinobi looked less than pleased.
Among them, Yamanaka Inoichi sighed, watching his daughter's adoration for Naruto.
"Something wrong?" his wife asked.
"No… he's fine. It's just…"
She smirked. "Weren't you grinning ear to ear earlier when Minato and Kushina showed up?"
Inoichi coughed, face flushing.
Meanwhile, Hiashi followed Minato and Kushina toward the locker room. Yamanaka Inoichi, Nara Shikaku, and Akimichi Choza exchanged knowing glances.
"You three, go join the others."
Their wives nodded and left. As the men sat in silence, they waited.
In the locker room, Hiashi Hyuga had already knelt before Neji.
Neji, there were too many people outside just now. But here… I kneel before you.
Elsewhere, Jiraiya slowly regained consciousness. His vision blurred before focusing on a familiar face.
"Tsunade… let me go."
Tsunade smirked. "Let you go?"
"Don't think about it."
Tsunade shot a disdainful glance before turning her attention to the ninja who carried the Nine-Tails Chakra Seed within him.
"Keep an eye on him. If he makes any unusual moves, beat him within an inch of his life. Just leave him breathing."
With that, Tsunade turned and left with Shizune.
At the entrance, two voices called out in unison.
"Lady Tsunade!"
Tsunade looked toward Mina and Karin. "Mina, you and Karin—watch this place."
"Leave it to us," Mina affirmed.
After patting Karin's head, Tsunade took Shizune and made her way to the Uchiha Clan district, where several hundred people had gathered.
"Does everyone understand Konoha's defensive layout?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Good. Shizune, I'll leave this to you."
Dressed in full ninja gear, Shizune nodded with a serious expression. "Tsunade-sama, leave it to me. You still need to meet with the other clans."
Tsunade gave a small nod, her twin ponytails swinging as she turned. Clad in armor once more, she radiated the same heroic presence as always.
Meanwhile, the clan heads of Konoha had gathered. Leading the discussions were the Aburame and Inuzuka clans.
"Lady Tsunade!" The assembled shinobi stood as she approached.
The discussion was spearheaded by the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans. The Hyuga Clan, represented by Hiashi Hyuga, had just concluded a private discussion with Neji before joining the others.
While the leaders conferred, Shizune and her team quietly replaced all the guards stationed throughout the village.
Beyond Konoha, a large force of recruited rogue ninjas and mercenaries had gathered. Once Shizune had completed the personnel swap, she addressed them.
"Everyone present?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Good. Cooperate and encircle Konoha. Nothing gets in or out—not even a fly."
Shizune's tone left no room for argument.
"Understood!" The chorus of voices was deafening.
At Naruto's house, Anko Mitarashi and Kurenai Yuhi were preparing for action.
"Yugao, are you ready?" Anko asked.
"Yes," Yugao Uzuki replied, eyes misty with emotion.
The three women donned their battle gear and moved out.
Meanwhile, deep within the Root base, Danzo Shimura smirked in the shadows.
"Hiruzen, Hiruzen… you will regret this."
He muttered under his breath before turning his thoughts to an old ally. "Orochimaru, don't disappoint me."
In the heart of Konoha, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu sat facing each other.
"Should we get involved?" Homura asked.
Koharu shook her head. "No. This is a battle between Danzo and Hiruzen. Our position remains unchanged, regardless of the outcome."
Despite their words, their door was heavily guarded—Root operatives, Anbu, and shinobi from the four great clans stood watch, effectively placing them under semi-surveillance.
What they didn't know was that a large force had already surrounded Konoha's central district, including the wealthiest clan compounds. Even the hidden Root base was encircled by the entire Hyuga combat division.
Yet Danzo, ever blind to his impending fate, remained fixated on his own ambition.
"Danzo-sama!" A Root shinobi reported. "We've found another potential method to awaken Wood Release!"
Danzo glanced at the agent, a recent recruit who had survived the brutal Root training regimen. After a long sigh, he asked, "Anything else?"
"Yes!" The subordinate's eyes were sharp and eager.
Danzo, suppressing his doubts, followed him to the experimental lab.
BOOM! BOOM!
Thirty seconds later, Danzo emerged from the wreckage, covered in dust. Another failed experiment. However, scattered among the debris were several wooden stakes—evidence that progress, however slight, was being made.
"There's still hope for Wood Release…" Danzo muttered, inhaling deeply before barking out a new order. "Has anyone else achieved a bloodline-independent version?"
"I have!"
"Me too!"
Danzo's eye twitched slightly. "Fine. Then we test all of you."
He gritted his teeth. Soon, he would be Hokage. Resources wouldn't be an issue then.
BOOM! BOOM!
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Shikamaru Nara unleashed a massive fireball, blocking Shino Aburame's swarm of insects. Without missing a beat, he swiftly formed hand seals, manipulating the shadows cast by the bugs to extend the reach of his Shadow Imitation Jutsu.
The spectators erupted in awe.
"A Nara using Fire Style?"
"And on such a large scale?"
"Impressive!"
"As expected of a Konoha shinobi!"
The tournament continued.
Elsewhere, Zabuza Momochi and Haku stood guard.
"Kurama isn't back yet?" Zabuza asked.
"No, Mizukage-sama," Haku replied.
Minato Namikaze chuckled. "That fox is obsessed with money."
Kushina Uzumaki, crossing her arms, huffed. "Tch! Just like always!"
Minato shook his head. "Don't worry. Kurama will show up… Besides, his real body is still sealed inside Naruto. Naruto can enter Asura Mode with Nine-Tails' chakra at any time."
Hiashi Hyuga's eyes widened in shock. "Kurama… You mean the Nine-Tails inside Naruto?"
"That's right."
Hiashi took a deep breath before nodding resolutely. "Then the Hyuga Clan will fully support this coup."
A pause.
"Hiashi… Is there something else?"
Kushina's expression darkened.
Hiashi Hyuga sighed bitterly. "The Hyuga clan truly needs to change."
"But I have one condition."
"You dare to have conditions?!" Kushina snapped.
Just then, Tsunade arrived.
"Lady Tsunade!" Hiashi immediately bowed.
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "No need for that—not now, not ever."
Hiashi hesitated, taking a deep breath. Determination flickered in his eyes.
"My condition is simple. It concerns Naruto and Hinata—"
Before he could finish, Kushina tossed a storage scroll at him.
"We've already taken care of it. You're the last piece."
Hiashi frowned. "What do you mean?"
Minato chuckled. "Clan Head Hiashi, open it and see for yourself."
With a flick of his wrist, the scroll unfurled.
Gold. A cascade of golden treasures gleamed before him.
"This... What is the meaning of this? And what do you mean by 'taken care of'?"
"The bride price," Kushina stated, arms crossed, lips pursed.
Hiashi blinked in stunned silence.
After a long pause, he quietly rolled the scroll back up and tucked it into his robe.
"I am prepared to lay down my life."
"The fate of the Hyuga clan must change."
He turned to the three before him. "Even if you fail, promise me one thing—take Hinata, Hanabi, and Neji away. Preserve our bloodline."
"We won't fail," Minato assured him, his smile as bright as ever.
Yet, as he turned his gaze toward the Hokage Monument, his eyes grew cold.
"Now, we wait for Orochimaru to make his move."
Tsunade's gaze drifted to the storage scroll in Hiashi's hands, her expression complicated.
"Kushina!"
A voice erupted from within Naruto.
"You—You?!"
"My golden treasure!"
The presence of the Nine-Tails flared.
"What?" Kushina scoffed. "That's Hinata's betrothal gift. Do you have a problem with that?"
"Yes!"
The Nine-Tails' voice boomed.
"It's—too little!"
Both Tsunade and Hiashi gawked in disbelief.
"Who… is this?" Hiashi finally asked.
"Kurama, the Nine-Tails inside Naruto."
Hiashi's mind went blank.
A Tailed Beast?!
This elegant, sulking woman was the Nine-Tails?!
But wasn't it supposed to be sealed inside Naruto?
"Oi! You! Granddaughter of Hashirama Senju!"
Kurama turned to Tsunade.
"Your grandfather gave me hell back in the day, but I don't hold grudges. Give me the pendant on your chest, and we'll call it even."
Tsunade's fist clenched, her face darkening.
"This fox… who looks thirty percent like my grandmother… dares say that to me?!"
"The Senju clan still owns several mountains and an entire commercial district outside the village," she retorted.
"Do you want me to compensate you for those as well?"
Kurama flinched, his pupils shrinking.
Kushina's smile deepened.
It was that smile that sent a shiver down Kurama's spine.
A smart fox knew when to retreat.
"Forget it. You look better than your grandparents anyway."
"I'll let it slide."
With a huff, Kurama tossed a storage scroll of his own.
A cascade of gold spilled out—matching the amount Kushina had just given Hiashi.
Hmph! Outfoxed them all!