One week later.
Early morning.
In a small forest near Naruto Uzumaki's house.
After gaining further access to the power of the tailed beast, Naruto Uzumaki had spent the past seven days training here.
The forest wasn't large, but it was more than enough space for him to unleash his full strength.
Rumbling sounds echoed continuously.
Naruto Uzumaki moved through the trees at incredible speed.
Soon, dust filled the air.
When several trees snapped and were brutally shattered into pieces, Naruto Uzumaki nodded with satisfaction.
His movements were crude.
His techniques strange.
Yet none of that could hide the destructive power behind them.
After watching Naruto Uzumaki train for an entire week, Kurama had long since stopped mocking him.
Now, it simply remained silent.
After all, Naruto Uzumaki had not even entered the Ninja Academy yet.
There was no way he could have learned proper taijutsu.
Every kick and strike he threw was completely instinctive.
They looked exaggerated and clumsy.
Yet—
Boom!
A one-meter-wide stone exploded into fragments under a single punch.
Naruto Uzumaki stopped moving.
Perhaps he needed something even harder to continue refining his skills.
As the shattered stone scattered across the ground, Naruto Uzumaki felt extremely pleased.
Kurama lazily watched everything from behind the sealed iron gate.
It had noticed something.
Naruto Uzumaki had completely ignored the fact that he needed a weapon.
While the tailed beast's Chakra greatly enhanced a jinchuriki's destructive power, weapons like kunai or short blades would make killing far more efficient in combat.
"Perhaps you need a weapon," Kurama suggested.
Most enemies ninja faced were other humans.
Summoning beasts, tailed beasts, or jinchuriki were rare opponents.
Kurama could not predict Naruto Uzumaki's response.
Because it had realized something.
It could not understand this brat at all.
There was no way to predict what Naruto Uzumaki would do next.
That unpredictability…
Perhaps it was inherited from his mother, Kushina Uzumaki.
Kurama could also vaguely sense that Naruto Uzumaki was preparing for something.
Something big.
Something that would happen soon.
"Maybe."
Naruto Uzumaki looked around at the devastated forest.
If he caused even more destruction, people would surely come to investigate.
Next time, he would have to train somewhere else.
"A weapon…"
Naturally, weapons could be purchased in the most crowded place in Konoha.
The shopping district.
The center of the village.
The busiest place in Konoha.
But appearing there would mean enduring the hostile stares reserved for the so-called demon fox.
When the "demon fox" appeared openly in public…
How would people react?
Naruto Uzumaki had already experienced that countless times.
So it didn't matter.
More importantly—
As Hinata Hyuga's birthday approached, several major events would begin unfolding.
"I am the child of destiny—Naruto Uzumaki."
"The man who will become the Seventh Hokage and change the tragedies of this world."
Naruto Uzumaki thought proudly.
The first tragedy he intended to change was already approaching.
And besides—
It was finally time to see some blood.
At the same time…
At the edge of Konoha, within the Uchiha Clan compound.
Birds chirped, announcing the arrival of morning.
Sako stretched lazily as she climbed out of bed.
She quickly ran into the bathroom.
After washing up, she stood in front of the mirror and adjusted her clothes before hurrying to the living room.
Early in the morning, her father sat in the living room as usual, reading the day's newspaper.
Her mother, wearing an apron, carried breakfast out from the kitchen.
Her older brother returned from the backyard after finishing his morning training.
After greeting everyone with a bright smile, Sako sat down in her seat, enjoying the warmth of family.
"Big brother, you didn't wake me up for training again today…"
Sako complained playfully.
In her eyes, her brother was the most perfect role model.
And ever since becoming a ninja, he had grown busier and busier.
"Sako, you're still young. Getting enough sleep is important for your growth."
Itachi Uchiha looked at his adorable younger sister.
Even his usually expressionless face softened with a smile.
He had watched her grow from the moment she was born.
He had raised her.
Taught her.
To Itachi Uchiha, his sister was a treasure sent by heaven.
The most precious girl in the world.
Sako pouted at his answer.
Uchiha Fugaku lowered the newspaper and looked at his daughter.
"Sako, one day you'll get married. Becoming a good wife and mother like your mother would be enough."
Hearing her husband praise her, Mikoto Uchiha smiled gently.
Her eyes were filled with affection as she looked at him.
Even after many years of marriage, the two had not grown distant.
If anything, time had strengthened their bond.
"Dad! I've told you many times!"
"When I grow up, I'll join the Police Force and work together with you and big brother!"
"I'll become the most amazing ninja ever!"
Sako declared proudly.
A housewife?
She had absolutely no interest in that.
Watching the joyful family scene, Itachi Uchiha's smile deepened.
His family was happy.
He himself was steadily moving closer to his dream of becoming Hokage.
Everything seemed perfect.
Yet…
When he thought about the tension within the clan—
Especially the increasingly radical voices led by Yashiro Uchiha, Inabi Uchiha, and Tekka Uchiha—
Itachi Uchiha couldn't help feeling worried.
"I'm starting!"
Sako's cheerful voice pulled him back from his thoughts.
He placed some vegetables into her bowl.
"Sako, eat more vegetables if you want to grow taller."
"I'm not short!"
Mikoto Uchiha smiled warmly at the siblings.
After breakfast ended, Uchiha Fugaku left first.
As the captain of the Police Force, he had many responsibilities.
Next, Mikoto Uchiha left to visit a hair salon.
Only the siblings remained at home.
Just as Sako thought she might spend the day training with her brother—
Someone knocked on the door.
And the cheerful voice outside immediately ruined her mood.
"Itachiii~!"
Only one person spoke like that.
"Shisui."
Itachi Uchiha stood up and walked toward the entrance.
When the door opened, a man with narrow eyes and a friendly smile leaned against the doorway.
"Yo, little Sako."
This lively man was none other than the famous Shisui Uchiha.
Even ninja from enemy villages knew his name.
He was older than Itachi Uchiha and also his closest friend.
"Shisui…"
Sako already knew what this meant.
Once again, he was here to drag her brother away.
This round-nosed guy.
Just as Sako was silently complaining—
Flick!
Shisui Uchiha flicked her forehead.
"Ow!"
Sako grabbed her head.
"Hahaha!"
Shisui Uchiha laughed loudly.
"Itachi, let's go."
"Alright."
The two prepared to leave.
"Shisui! You always do this! How am I supposed to train with my brother?"
"Then find a talented friend and train together," Shisui Uchiha said with a playful wink.
"Hmph."
Sako turned her head away.
The Uchiha Clan was proud.
Ordinary people could never catch her attention.
But suddenly—
A blond-haired boy appeared in her mind.
"Sako, today's grocery shopping is your responsibility," Itachi Uchiha reminded her before leaving.
Their mother had gone out, so someone had to buy food.
"Looks like you'll end up a housewife after all, little Sako."
Shisui Uchiha's teasing laughter echoed as they walked away.
"Hmph!"
Angrily slamming the door, Sako shoved her hands into her pockets and left the house.
"Groceries…"
"Usually we go to the shopping district… so today will be the same."
Within the Hyuga Clan compound.
"Have a safe trip."
A beautiful woman stood at the entrance, seeing her daughter off.
She had long, smooth hair and the same gentle expression as Hinata Hyuga.
Her elegant robes could not hide her graceful figure.
She was Hinata Hyuga's mother.
Hazuki Hyuga, the wife of Hiashi Hyuga.
Hazuki Hyuga gently placed a hand on her stomach.
A new life was growing inside.
"Lady Hazuki, please rest assured. I will protect Lady Hinata Hyuga."
A serious-looking maid with dark green hair bowed respectfully.
She was Natsu Hyuga, a branch family member who served the main family.
Today she would accompany Hinata Hyuga to the busy shopping district to purchase daily necessities.
As the eldest daughter of the main family, Hinata Hyuga also needed to learn more about the outside world.
At the very least, she should know the locations of Konoha's major landmarks.
"Mother, we're leaving."
Hinata Hyuga waved to her mother before leaving the compound with the maid carrying an empty bag.