IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

One year later.

In the dense forest behind Konoha, a blond boy with whisker-like marks on his face was locked in battle with a striking young man. This was none other than Naruto Uzumaki sparring against his enigmatic teacher, Shiro, also known as White Raccoon.

Shiro smirked at the determined boy in front of him and teased, "You've barely set foot back home, and you're already dreaming of defeating me?"

Naruto didn't waste time replying. Instead, a shadow clone silently appeared behind Shiro, its hand crackling with a Wind Release: Rasengan, aimed directly at his master's back.

Without flinching, Shiro turned his head slightly, still smiling. "Too predictable, kid." With an almost lazy movement, he grabbed the clone by the neck just before the attack connected.

Bang!

The clone dispersed into a puff of smoke.

Naruto, however, grinned mischievously. "You've fallen for it, Master."

"Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique!" Two Narutos erupted from the ground beneath Shiro, grabbing his legs in an unrelenting grip. Dirt and debris flew as the clones emerged, binding their master in place. From all sides, five more shadow clones surrounded Shiro, each wielding a different elemental Rasengan—fire, water, wind, lightning, and earth.

Shiro raised an eyebrow at the display. "Not bad, Naruto. You've grown," he admitted with a smile. "But you're still far from ready."

With a sharp stomp, an invisible shockwave burst from Shiro's feet, obliterating the two clones anchoring him. The wave expanded outward, shattering the surrounding clones like fragile glass.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

As the dust settled, Shiro scanned the area. "Hmm? None of them were the real you?" His smirk widened as he turned. "Clever."

Suddenly, Shiro reached out and grabbed a figure hiding in a tree. "Got you!" he declared, yanking down what appeared to be Kakashi Hatake.

The "Kakashi" let out a sheepish laugh, transforming midair into Naruto. The boy dangled in Shiro's grip, kicking and laughing. "You caught me again, Master!"

Shiro glanced down, noticing the real Kakashi unconscious in the grass below, blood trickling from his nose. He sighed. "What did this brat do now?"

Naruto chuckled nervously. "Nothing serious! Just a little Genjutsu..."

Shiro shook his head, letting Kakashi wake with a wave of chakra. The moment Kakashi stirred, he jumped to his feet, glaring at Naruto. "You little punk! Using illusions to steal my Icha Icha Paradise? Have you no respect for your elders?"

Naruto, still dangling from Shiro's grip, grinned mischievously. "Hey, Kakashi-sensei! You're too slow to stop me!"

Kakashi grumbled, pulling his mask higher before leaping back onto a tree branch.

Shiro glanced sternly at Naruto. "You're too young to be reading trash like that. Focus on your training. Your father wouldn't approve."

Naruto's lively demeanor faltered, and he muttered, "Alright, Master…"

With that, Shiro's body dissolved into a puff of smoke. "A clone?!" Naruto shouted in frustration. "You promised not to use clones during training!"

Shiro's voice echoed from afar. "Promises mean nothing in battle. Let's head back. It's time for dinner."

---

Naruto's Cabin

Inside the modest house, Shiro stood before Naruto and Kakashi, his expression stern. "Naruto, you're six now. It's time for you to start at the academy."

Naruto's eyes lit up, but Shiro's tone turned serious. "But listen carefully. Your current strength must remain a secret. The academy isn't just a place for learning; it's where you'll form bonds with future comrades. These relationships will be vital. Even though your power surpasses many, you lack the influence and connections to match Konoha's strongest."

Naruto nodded solemnly. "I understand, Master."

Before they could continue, there was a knock at the door. Standing outside was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. His warm smile greeted Naruto. "Naruto, do you miss your old grandpa?"

Naruto grinned brightly. "Of course! I miss you all the time, Grandpa Third!"

Hiruzen chuckled and ruffled Naruto's hair. "You're six now, Naruto. It's time for you to attend the ninja academy. Do you want to join?"

Naruto hesitated, his expression dimming. "Do you think… everyone will like me? Even though I'm the… the demon fox?"

Hiruzen's smile faltered for just a moment before he reassured the boy. "Nonsense! Everyone will see how wonderful you are. You'll make lots of friends, Naruto."

Naruto's face lit up, and he began jumping around the room. "I can go to school! Oh yeah!"

As Hiruzen left the cabin, his cheerful demeanor faded. Standing outside, he clenched his fists. Danzo… you bastard. How could you torment this innocent boy? He's done nothing wrong.

Far away in his own quarters, Danzo Shimura sneezed violently. "Someone must be cursing me," he muttered, rubbing his nose.

Back inside Naruto's cabin, Shiro watched from the shadows. His sharp gaze drifted toward the Uchiha Compound, his expression grim. "Fugaku… have you made your choice yet?"