HINATA IS BROKEN

Naruto Uzumaki in the alternate black-framed Naruto world seemed to harbor vengeful thoughts toward Konoha Village, a sentiment that shocked even the most hardened shinobi across the ninja world.

What once seemed like a joke—a harmless divergence in character—was now veering toward a grim reality. Observers couldn't help but wonder: how much does one's environment shape who they become? After all, the two Narutos shared the same DNA, the same initial circumstances, and even the same dreams. The difference lay in their experiences.

Naruto in the black frame had developed a sharper, more self-reliant perspective, whereas the Naruto of the white-framed world still clung to the ideals instilled in him by others—dreams of becoming Hokage and a staunch dedication to protecting his friends.

This white-framed Naruto was the product of years of influence: Iruka's bond, Kakashi's famous motto, "Those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum," and the wisdom of adversaries like Haku, who believed strength emerged when protecting precious things.

But what if these ideals were shaken? What if Naruto—after seeing the black-framed world's outcomes—began to question his own path? Worse yet, what if others in the ninja world did the same, inspired by the raw power and calculated ruthlessness of the alternate Naruto?

The black-framed Naruto's journey painted a chilling picture. He demonstrated that recognition wasn't necessary; power brought people to your side. Even the Kyuubi—once his greatest foe—was now an ally, their bond deepening daily. It was only a matter of time before their partnership reached perfect harmony.

For the Naruto of the white-framed world, catching up to such strength seemed almost impossible.

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Kage Reactions

As debates raged, key figures voiced their concerns:

Hashirama Senju: "Everyone, don't jump to conclusions. I don't think the Naruto from the other world is entirely hostile to Konoha Village."

Tobirama Senju: "Brother, his thinking is dangerous. Who knows what he'll do next?"

Madara Uchiha: "Tobirama, don't be ridiculous. This outcome is the fault of Konoha itself. The village suppresses and mistreats him, yet you expect him not to fight back? Hypocrisy!"

Ohnoki: "Madara, while I agree Konoha failed him, if Naruto truly turns against his village, he risks being branded a traitor. And if he can betray Konoha, what's stopping him from attacking other villages?"

Mei Terumi: "Onoki, I disagree. The black-framed Naruto doesn't act indiscriminately. If other villages treat him with kindness, I doubt he'd attack them."

Orochimaru: "If that's the case, he's welcome to join me. My doors are always open."

Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Silence, Orochimaru! You forget the Chunin Exams in the Forest of Death. If Naruto turns on anyone, he might target you first."

Orochimaru fell silent, briefly reminded of his vulnerability.

Through all this discussion, the white-framed Naruto observed quietly, pondering his counterpart's actions. A smile flickered across his face, masking his unease.

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The Bell Test

The next morning, Team 7 gathered late, thanks to Kakashi's infamous tardiness.

"Good morning," Kakashi drawled lazily, brushing off Haruno Sakura's protests about his lateness.

When Kakashi introduced the infamous bell test, Naruto's analytical mind went into overdrive.

"There are three of us," Sakura pointed out nervously. "Why are there only two bells?"

"It means one of us will be sent back to the Academy," Sasuke said grimly, sizing up his teammates.

Without hesitation, Sasuke concluded Sakura would be the one eliminated.

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Inner Reflections

Naruto, however, wasn't so sure. While the others panicked, he observed Kakashi closely, assessing the man who had been his father's student.

"How could someone mentored by my dad look so lifeless?" Naruto wondered. "He's nothing like the strong, charismatic figure my father was."

In the spiritual realm, the Kyuubi cackled. "Your analysis is hilarious, brat! You've managed to completely misinterpret the test's true purpose."

"True purpose?"

"The bell test is about teamwork," the Kyuubi explained. "Not individual competition."

Naruto frowned. "Three people, two bells, and one person tied to a stake... How does that promote teamwork? It feels like a deliberate attempt to sow discord."

His thoughts echoed outward: "If teamwork was truly the goal, they should either give us one bell and test how we share it, or three bells and see how we strategize together."

Kakashi, overhearing fragments of Naruto's analysis, felt a chill run down his spine. "This kid... His thought process is completely off-track!"

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Chaos Unfolds

As the test began, Naruto quickly noticed his teammates' glaring weaknesses.

Sasuke, despite his arrogance, had overlooked the importance of conserving energy. Sakura, distracted by her infatuation, was even less reliable.

"I can't believe these two skipped breakfast," Naruto muttered in disbelief, watching them stumble through the exercise. "How do they expect to fight on empty stomachs?"

Naruto sighed. "Looks like I'll have to carry this team."

Employing a clever mix of shadow clones and strategic misdirection, Naruto managed to snatch one of the bells. But instead of keeping it, he handed it to Sakura, much to her surprise.

"Why are you giving this to me?" she asked hesitantly.

"Because you're the most likely to fail," Naruto replied bluntly. "If you're eliminated, Sasuke and I can't pass the teamwork aspect either."

His words stung, but Sakura couldn't deny their logic.

Meanwhile, Sasuke watched from a distance, conflicted. For the first time, he felt overshadowed by the so-called "dead last."

---

Lessons Learned

By the end of the test, Kakashi revealed the true purpose behind the exercise.

"This wasn't about grabbing the bells," Kakashi explained. "It was about seeing if you could work as a team."

Naruto smirked. "Figures. Though your methods could use some improvement, sensei."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what would you suggest?"

"If teamwork is the goal, you should've designed a test that encourages collaboration from the start," Naruto replied. "Pitting us against each other with uneven resources only breeds mistrust."

Kakashi was taken aback. Naruto's insight was far beyond his years.

For Sasuke and Sakura, the experience was equally humbling. They realized their preconceived notions about Naruto no longer held weight. He wasn't just the loud, brash boy they'd underestimated—he was a force to be reckoned with.

---

Future Challenges

As the team walked away from the exercise, Naruto couldn't shake the thought of his counterpart in the black-framed world.

"If he were here, would he have handled things differently?"

The Kyuubi's voice rumbled in his mind. "That version of you wouldn't waste time on fools. He'd focus on strength, not camaraderie."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Maybe... But I'm not him."

Only time would tell which Naruto's path was truly the right one.

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