Orochimaru lay lazily on his bed, eyes fixated on the screen in front of him.
"Naruto-kun... I'm becoming more and more interested in you," he murmured with a sly smile.
At first, Orochimaru had believed that the Uchiha clan's talent was already heaven-defying enough. Obtaining an Uchiha body had always been one of his lifelong ambitions.
As for the Sharingan? He never cared for the average ones. He wasn't a trash collector like Danzo, who hoarded eyes as if they were rare antiques. Orochimaru looked down on the many Sharingan scattered throughout the village. The only eyes he truly admired were Uchiha Itachi's. Even Sasuke, with all his potential, barely sparked his appreciation. At best, Sasuke was just a replacement for Itachi.
But now, the Naruto on the screen…
If he could use Naruto as a vessel, combined with the massive chakra reserves of the Uzumaki clan, Orochimaru would be free to use forbidden techniques without any limitation or worry about the burden on the body. The thought made his grin widen.
---
[As the assessment ended,]
[Team 7 in the alternate world began their string of low-level D-rank missions.]
["This is such a waste of time!"]
Naruto grumbled. These tasks were dull, repetitive, and the rewards were laughably low. Even when added up, they couldn't compare to one-tenth of the monthly stipend he received from the Third Hokage. This was a far cry from the exciting, dangerous, and heroic life he had imagined for a ninja.
Still, there was a silver lining—he had mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. Now, he could assign his clones to complete chores and missions while using the rest for ninjutsu training. At least his time wasn't completely wasted.
Finally, this morning, Team 7 received their first C-rank mission.
The mission was issued by a drunk old man with a scruffy beard, a white towel draped around his neck, and a rope tied around his forehead. His name? Dazna.
---
In the Commentary Dimension:
Zabuza: "Wait, does this mean I'm going to get humiliated by Kakashi all over again?"
Haku: "Mr. Zabuza… to be honest, the Naruto from this alternate world is really powerful. Maybe this time—"
Orochimaru: "Multiple insults? Delightful. I'm enjoying this already."
Zabuza: "Screw you all!"
Suigetsu Hozuki: "Well, well, isn't that Zabuza-senpai? If you die this time, remember to leave the Executioner's Blade to me. I've had my eyes on it for a while!"
Zabuza: "Where did this brat even come from?!"
Suigetsu: "The new generation always overtakes the old. Looks like Zabuza is about to get washed ashore again!"
Zabuza: "A punk from the Hozuki clan? Even your big brother Mangetsu never dared to talk to me like that. Watch yourself or I'll gut you!"
Suigetsu: "Aw, getting defensive already? It's just a repeat beating by Kakashi. Nothing new!"
Kakashi: "…"
Terumi Mei: "Who knew Zabuza would be this unlucky? No matter the world, he can't escape his fate."
Kisame: "In the end, it just means Zabuza isn't strong enough."
---
[Back in the alternate world…]
With their mission to escort Dazna, Team 7 stepped out of Konoha for the very first time.
As they walked down the dirt road surrounded by endless trees, Naruto appeared calm and composed. This wasn't his first time facing the unknown, but it was the first time officially leaving the village.
Even Kakashi was impressed. After all, as a Jinchūriki, Naruto had always been tightly monitored. He wasn't even allowed to roam freely within the village, let alone outside its borders.
"Hey, are those three brats you brought really reliable?" Dazna scoffed, clearly annoyed and skeptical.
Kakashi, ever the seasoned ninja, didn't take offense. "Don't worry. If we accepted the mission, we'll complete it."
Dazna remained unconvinced. The truth was, this wasn't just a simple C-rank mission. Because he couldn't afford the fees for a higher-ranked one, he had kept certain critical details hidden—like the fact that a dangerous man named Gato was after him.
Gato was the wealthiest and most powerful man in the Land of Waves, and the mercenaries and ninja he hired were ruthless.
---
The group continued walking. Outside the borders of Konoha, trees stretched endlessly in every direction. It was no wonder that the village was known as the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
Naruto, ever observant, suddenly noticed something odd.
Two puddles of water in the middle of the road.
"That's weird," he thought. "It hasn't rained in over a week. Where did these puddles come from?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"Could it be... a trap?"
Naruto immediately went on high alert. In his experience, if something seemed out of place, it usually meant trouble.
He casually exchanged glances with Kakashi and Sasuke, silently signaling them. Thanks to the days they had spent together, their team had developed a decent level of understanding and coordination. Only Sakura remained oblivious, too caught up admiring the forest scenery.
Naruto gave a subtle cough, then swiftly pulled out ten explosive tags from his pouch.
Without hesitation, he lunged toward the suspicious puddle!
Kakashi and Dazna instantly jumped back to safety. Sasuke quickly hid behind a large tree.
Only Sakura stood confused, "Huh? What's going on?"
Naruto grabbed her by the waist and launched them both into the air using a burst of chakra from his feet.
BOOM!!!
A massive explosion erupted beneath them.
Sakura paled in shock. Had it not been for Naruto, she might have been caught in the blast.
As they descended, Naruto continued observing the ground carefully. But suddenly, he realized something... awkward.
His hands had accidentally landed on Sakura's chest during the jump.
Sakura noticed it too, but surprisingly, she didn't get angry. Her cheeks flushed crimson instead.
Fortunately, Kakashi and Sasuke were facing away and didn't notice what had just happened.
Naruto awkwardly removed his hands, mentally noting the unusual feeling.
Even though Sakura appeared petite, she was actually quite... developed.
Youth was indeed a mysterious and wonderful thing!
When they landed, Naruto glanced at the spot where the explosion had gone off. The water had turned red—into a pool of blood.
As he suspected, someone had been lying in wait, ready to ambush them.
"N-Naruto… what happened?" Sakura stammered, still recovering from the shock. One moment things had been peaceful, and the next, there was blood on the ground.
Naruto replied calmly, "It seems like those were hidden assassins—probably from Kirigakure. That village specializes in surprise attacks."
Kakashi nodded in agreement. "The puddles were a disguise. This is a common tactic among their Hunter-nin."
As a seasoned Jonin, Kakashi had noticed it too, but chose not to act. He wanted to give his team an opportunity to experience danger firsthand.
He didn't expect Naruto to react so decisively—and generously—using ten explosive tags in one go!
"He really has money to burn," Kakashi thought. "Looks like the Third Hokage still has some conscience and didn't withhold the Fourth Hokage's son's benefits."
---
In the Commentary Dimension:
Tenten: "Oh my god! He actually killed someone with a detonating tag?!"
Konan: "Wait… detonating tags can really be lethal?"
Kakuzu: "Of course they can. But they're too expensive. Konan, instead of wasting tags, why not just hire me?"
Konan: "No need."
Kakuzu: "What? Why so formal? Don't worry, my rates are fair. Every client recommends me!"
Konan: "I already have my own methods. I just hope you don't mind, Kakuzu."
Kakuzu: "Not at all. Even if the business fails, friendship remains."
Konan: "Then we're good."
---
To be continued...