IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

In an instant, Shiro's figure vanished, reappearing inside the secret chamber of the Uchiha Clan Leader's residence. The room was dark and filled with the faint smell of parchment and incense. Before he could take another step, the cold edge of a kunai pressed against his throat.

"Who are you?"

The voice was calm yet piercing, filled with calculated resolve. From the shadows, a young figure emerged, his Sharingan spinning. It was Uchiha Itachi, the prodigious heir of the Uchiha clan and the disciple of the famed Uchiha Shisui.

"Tsk, such a sharp instinct for someone so young," Shiro muttered, unfazed by the weapon at his throat. His gaze rested on Itachi's youthful but resolute face, his eyes filled with intrigue.

But Itachi wasn't interested in idle talk. He pressed the kunai closer and stepped forward, his voice firm. "Stop talking and answer me. Who are you, and why have you entered the Uchiha Clan Leader's secret chamber?"

Shiro frowned, his amusement fading. "You're quite an unpleasant child." He raised his hand, prepared to defend himself, but was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Itachi."

The authoritative tone belonged to Uchiha Fugaku, who stepped out from the shadows. His expression was calm but carried a weight of experience and weariness.

"Father," Itachi said, lowering his weapon but keeping a wary eye on Shiro.

"You may leave," Fugaku commanded. "I need to speak with this man privately."

Itachi hesitated but eventually nodded. "Yes, Father." As he retreated into the shadows, his movements were silent, almost ghost-like.

Fugaku faced Shiro, his face lined with worry and exhaustion. "You were right," he admitted after a moment of silence. "But in the end, I made the wrong choice." His voice cracked slightly, the weight of his decisions evident in his tone. His shoulders slumped, and his once-proud posture bent under the burden of his clan's future.

Shiro sighed, his gaze shifting toward the lone window in the room. "If you continue to hesitate, chaos will consume everything. Mark my words: your indecision will cost the Uchiha dearly. If you do nothing, a fifth of your clan will perish."

Fugaku staggered backward, clutching his head. His mind spiraled with regret and despair. He had devoted his life to the Uchiha's rise, but now his failures threatened to destroy everything. "I'm the reason for this," he muttered. "I'm the Uchiha's greatest sinner."

Shiro's frown deepened. He grabbed Fugaku by the collar and pulled him upright. "Is this how the leader of the Uchiha Clan behaves? Yes, you've made mistakes, but if you crumble now, the entire clan will be annihilated!"

Suddenly, the faint sound of a blade slicing through air filled the room. A sharp glint of light passed near Shiro's neck.

"Let go of the clan leader."

The voice was cold and unwavering. Uchiha Izumi, her three-tomoe Sharingan spinning, stepped forward, her blade aimed at Shiro. She stood firm, her protective instincts guiding her.

Shiro glared at her. "Foolish." With a single roar, a wave of chakra pressure exploded from him, shattering Izumi's blade and sending her flying backward.

"No!" Fugaku shouted in alarm, his voice cracking under the strain.

Before Izumi could hit the ground, Itachi appeared, catching her midair. He shielded her from the lingering pressure with his body. "Izumi, are you alright?"

Coughing, Izumi nodded. "I'm fine. What about the clan leader?"

Itachi helped her to her feet and turned toward Fugaku, who remained rooted in place, his face pale. "Father, this man is—"

"Enough," Fugaku interrupted, his voice firm despite his shaken demeanor. He waved them off and began walking toward his chambers, his gait unsteady. "Don't ask questions. Just leave."

Itachi and Izumi exchanged a glance. The silence between them was heavy, and their faces flushed when their eyes met. Izumi quickly looked away, embarrassed, while Itachi turned his attention back to Fugaku's retreating figure.

---

Shiro reappeared in the sealed space, where Minato Namikaze stood waiting.

"How is Naruto doing in school?" Shiro asked casually.

Minato's usually calm expression twisted with frustration. "The Third Hokage is handling it," he replied, though the veins on his forehead and his clenched fists betrayed his anger.

Shiro sighed. "That old man is still preaching the 'Will of Fire,' isn't he? Tireless, as always."

Under the blazing afternoon sun, Naruto Uzumaki sat in the academy courtyard, trying his best to stay awake. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, stood on a podium, passionately delivering a speech about the importance of unity and the Will of Fire. Naruto yawned loudly, his eyes drooping as sleep threatened to overtake him.

Nearby, Hinata Hyuga stole glances at Naruto. She clenched her fists, silently encouraging herself. Naruto-kun, I will catch up to you! I believe in you!

When the speech finally ended, Naruto made his way to the classroom. His eyes immediately caught sight of Uchiha Sasuke, who sat in a corner, his arms crossed and his face set in a permanent scowl. Naruto grinned and plopped down next to him.

Sasuke glanced at him with a look of mild irritation but said nothing. Is this the son of the hero my brother spoke of? He seems annoying. But for my brother's sake, I'll endure it.

As the class settled, Haruno Sakura, a girl with bright pink hair, approached Sasuke. "Hi, I'm Haruno Sakura. Would you like to have lunch with me? I brought a bento."

Sasuke didn't bother looking at her. "No, I'll eat alone."

Why are women always so troublesome? Sasuke thought, recalling how Uchiha Izumi often hovered around his older brother.

Naruto observed the scene quietly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. When Sakura turned toward him, her temper flared. She slammed her hand on his desk. "What are you laughing at? Someone like you doesn't deserve to talk to me!"

Naruto's expression darkened. His eyes sharpened, and the air around him grew cold. "I'd advise you to move your hand, or I'll move it for you."

The sudden surge of killing intent froze Sakura in place. Her body trembled as the weight of his aura bore down on her. But she quickly masked her fear with indignation. "Fine! Who cares anyway?" She huffed and stomped off to her seat.

"Control yourself, Naruto," Shiro's voice echoed in his mind, calm but firm. "You cannot afford mistakes now."

Naruto took a deep breath and whispered, "Yes, Master. I understand."