HINATA IS BROKEN

Is it possible that this guy is really going to challenge Kado?

The ninja world fell into a tense silence as the thought took hold.

In the world of shinobi, the status of a ninja isn't as exalted as it appears. Their so-called transcendence exists only in the eyes of ordinary citizens. In truth, when faced with powerful figures from various factions, ninjas often become tools to satisfy their masters' desires.

Particularly in the established ninja villages, strict rules bind the shinobi, restraining them from acting out against influential figures. Even in the face of injustice, anger must be swallowed.

---

"Naruto..."

"Our mission is to protect Mr. Dazna and ensure the successful completion of the bridge. Anything beyond that..."

Hatake Kakashi's voice was filled with urgency, trying to steer his team back on track.

If Kado's hired killers showed up, dealing with them would be straightforward. But taking direct action against Kado himself? That was a different beast altogether. The man's wealth and influence could easily bring immense political pressure to bear on Konoha Village.

"Naruto, you're still young," Kakashi pleaded. "You don't understand the consequences of acting rashly in situations like this."

But Uzumaki Naruto's expression remained indifferent. His resolve was unshaken.

"Everyone knows," Naruto replied firmly, "that as long as Kado is alive, the Land of Waves has no future. When we leave, he'll come after Mr. Dazna's family and continue his tyranny over the people."

"Besides, our mission to protect Mr. Dazna isn't over yet."

---

Dazna stood frozen, overwhelmed by emotion. Who would have thought that this young, brash ninja was so compassionate and righteous?

Even Haruno Sakura and Sasuke were moved, their eyes turning to Kakashi, silently urging him to reconsider.

---

Meanwhile, inside Naruto's mind, the Nine-Tails chuckled.

"Boy, have you changed your ways?"

"What do you mean, changed?" Naruto replied. "I just want to use Kado's lackeys as a warm-up for my new techniques. I've realized during this mission that if I want to get stronger, I need real combat experience."

"And besides, I really hate these ridiculous ninja rules."

---

The audience observing Naruto's bold declarations could hardly contain their surprise.

Just when they were about to be moved by his speech, Naruto shattered the mood with his practical and unyielding attitude. He was fearless—defiant even.

Whether it was Kado or any other figure of authority, Uzumaki Naruto's resolve was unshakable. If the daimyo himself had stood in his way, Naruto would have likely confronted him too.

He was, simply put, unstoppable.

---

At the Chūnin Exam venue, the present-day Uzumaki Naruto stood in awe of his past self as portrayed in the black frame.

He never realized how captivating he looked when he took things seriously.

Even Haruno Sakura couldn't hide her blush. Uchiha Sasuke, too, seemed dwarfed by Naruto's unyielding charisma. It was clear that everyone, even Sasuke, was beginning to acknowledge his growth.

---

"Naruto!"

Kakashi's stern voice broke through the tension. "Don't even think about confronting Kado directly!"

But Naruto was already moving. The scene shifted to the bridge, where the young ninja found himself facing a daunting sight—a horde of armed men led by a smug, short, middle-aged man with a Mediterranean haircut, sunglasses, and a cane.

---

"Kill them all!" Kado's voice boomed as he gestured toward the Konoha ninjas. "Leave no one alive!"

He sneered, mocking the infamous Zabuza: "Some Mist ninja he turned out to be. Nothing more than a coward!"

Behind Kado, the hired thugs chuckled cruelly, their mismatched armor and crude weapons reflecting their status as black market mercenaries.

---

"Naruto!"

Kakashi stepped forward, his face tense. "Listen to me—"

But Naruto cut him off.

"Mr. Kakashi, save your breath. When these guys are shouting about killing us, you expect me to swallow my anger? That's impossible."

Sasuke and Sakura immediately flanked Naruto, standing resolutely by his side.

"We're a team," Sasuke declared firmly.

Kakashi was momentarily stunned, his protests caught in his throat. Was his team really displaying this much cohesion?

---

Even Sasuke, with his usual aloof demeanor, turned to Naruto with a request: "Naruto, once we're done here, teach me that Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu you used to save Kakashi-sensei."

Naruto glanced at him with mild annoyance. "If you help me fight, I'll teach it to you later," Sasuke added.

Naruto smirked. "Sasuke, if you want to learn it, I'll teach you when we get back to Konoha. But for now, just stand back and watch. If I fail, you can step in."

Sasuke, eager to learn the jutsu, nodded without hesitation.

---

"Shadow Clone Technique!"

In an instant, the bridge was filled with hundreds of identical Naruto clones, each one standing ready for battle.

The sight left everyone speechless.

Dazna's jaw dropped in disbelief.

Haruno Sakura and Sasuke stood frozen, wide-eyed.

Even Kakashi, ever composed, could only hang his head in resignation. "What have I gotten myself into?" he muttered.

---

Naruto's voice rang out over the bridge, confident and commanding.

"You want to overwhelm us with numbers? Fine. I can form an army of my own."

With a wave of his hand, the clones advanced.

"Follow me!" Naruto shouted. "Not a single one of these scum gets to leave!"

The sheer determination in his voice sent chills down the spines of everyone present.

---

As the battle began, Naruto's clones overwhelmed the hired mercenaries, their formation quickly collapsing under the relentless assault.

Despite their earlier bravado, Kado's thugs were no match for the determined young ninja.

Amid the chaos, Naruto confronted Kado himself. The once-arrogant businessman cowered, realizing too late that he had underestimated the boy he'd mocked.

---

"You... you can't do this!" Kado stammered. "I'm... I'm untouchable! You'll regret this!"

Naruto's gaze was cold as steel. "People like you don't deserve power. You've caused enough suffering."

With a swift motion, Naruto incapacitated Kado, ensuring he would no longer be a threat to the Land of Waves.

---

By the time the dust settled, the bridge was quiet.

Naruto's clones disappeared one by one, leaving the original standing tall amidst the fallen mercenaries.

Dazna approached him hesitantly, his voice trembling. "Naruto... Thank you. Because of you, my family and the people of this country can finally hope for a better future."

---

Kakashi watched the scene unfold, his emotions conflicted. Naruto's actions had defied every rule, yet there was no denying the results.

As the team regrouped and prepared to leave the Land of Waves, Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"You did well," he admitted quietly.

Naruto grinned, his usual mischievous spark returning. "Of course, I did. Now, let's get back to Konoha—I've got more training to do."

---

For the first time, the members of Team 7 truly felt like a team.

And for Uzumaki Naruto, this was just the beginning of his journey to greatness.

-------------–––--––--------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Samurai492