Their journey to Kumogakure was smooth.
As they passed through towns, Hagane Kotetsu and Izumo found themselves on familiar ground—they'd visited Kumogakure before during the Chunin Exams—but were surprised that Naruto didn't bother glancing around to get his bearings.
What they didn't know was that Danzo had ordered all his ninja to memorize the layout of every major shinobi village.
Kotetsu asked,
"Hey, Naruto, this is your first time so far north, right? How are you adjusting to the weather?"
In truth, Naruto had been here before, but there was no need for them to know that.
"The weather's fine. It's springtime here."
Izumo glanced at Naruto.
"Naruto, it's only ten degrees right now. Don't you feel cold in a sleeveless jacket?"
Naruto shrugged.
On their way to the inn, Mitokado had booked a suite—split into two rooms. Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu shared one, while Yuugao and Naruto took the other.
After settling in, Naruto asked,
"Yuugao, what exactly are we supposed to do now?"
Yuugao replied,
"Well, we're going to accompany Mitokado to meet with the Raikage." Noticing Naruto already standing ready to leave, she added, "I mean me, Kotetsu, and Izumo."
Naruto stiffened.
"Then why can't I go?"
"It's Mitokado's order, not mine. Believe me."
Naruto shook his head.
"What do I have to do for that old man to realize I'm not a demon?"
Yuugao nodded.
"I understand how you feel, but some things just can't be said, especially to superiors. Calm down, rest. We'll come find you if we need anything."
"Fine…"
Yuugao stood up, preparing to escort Mitokado to the meeting.
After she left, Naruto grabbed the key Yuugao had left on the nightstand, slipped out the door, and headed onto the streets.
******
Yawning, Naruto strolled through the streets of Kumogakure.
As he wandered toward the outskirts of the village, he discovered an open area carved from the mountainside. He noticed two shinobi sparring and realized he had wandered into a training ground.
As he turned to leave, a cold voice cut through the air:
"This place is off-limits to civilians."
Naruto slowly turned around, frowning.
"Then tell me if you spot any civilians around."
The girl noticed his forehead protector.
"A Konoha ninja?"
Standing before him was a blonde girl slightly older than him, her hair reaching her shoulders, and like him, she also had blue eyes.
Naruto couldn't help but notice her impressive chest.
"Man... stop staring, idiot! You're just begging for trouble!"
Naruto forced himself to lift his gaze to meet hers.
"I accidentally found this place. I didn't know it was a training ground. I'll leave now—I don't want any trouble..."
"I'm Samui," the blonde girl said.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I'm here on a mission and had some free time—I figured I'd walk around a bit."
At that moment, the two shinobi who had been fighting earlier walked over. The first was a dark-skinned boy a few years older than Naruto, with wild white spiked hair.
Beside him stood an ebony-skinned girl with amber eyes and long red hair.
The boy eyed him warily:
"Maybe he's trying to report Kumogakure's secrets to Konoha and just ran into us while escaping?"
Naruto saw the situation could get out of control anytime, and all he wanted was to leave.
The girl took out a lollipop and put it in her mouth:
"What mission brings a Konoha ninja out here?"
Naruto shrugged:
"How should I know? They left me behind."
Omoi scratched his head, glancing at his teammates:
"Maybe we should let this kid go. He doesn't seem threatening."
Karui circled Naruto, sizing him up:
"Don't let looks fool you. Look at his gear—he's not carrying a sword just for show."
Samui spoke up:
"Maybe we should take him with us, just to be safe."
The other two shrugged and agreed with the plan.
"What are you guys doing?"
Everyone turned their gaze to the top of the hill where another blond figure had appeared.
Karui's eyes widened:
"Yugito! We just caught this Konoha ninja wandering around. We don't know what he's up to."
Naruto said impatiently:
"I already told you—I ended up here by accident."
Yugito looked down at them:
"Take him to the Raikage."
"Damn it!" Naruto thought bitterly.
"Whatever. If that'll get you off my back, sure."
Yugito nodded:
"Good choice. Not like you'd make it far."
Naruto's hands were tied.
As the boy dragged Naruto along, he felt the rope was too loose. When he turned back, the rope was on the ground and Naruto was rubbing his wrists.
Naruto coldly stared at all of them:
"What? Don't look at me—it's not my fault you tied them like crap."
Karui frowned at Naruto's tone:
"You're not in Konoha anymore. You don't get to run wild here."
Tired of talking with them, Naruto walked past the group toward the hilltop.
When he reached the summit, he glanced at Yugito.
He couldn't explain it, but there was something oddly familiar about her.
Then came the growl of the Nine-Tails' voice.
Naruto blinked, disoriented:
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