Black-Frame Naruto's performance naturally drew admiration.
This child—
would definitely achieve something in the future.
His composure rivaled that of a mature adult.
(This child's composure far exceeded what his age should allow.)
"I didn't expect Naruto-kun to identify the mastermind so quickly."
"Tsk tsk tsk… I'm really looking forward to Hiruzen-sensei's appearance now."
"Shut up, Orochimaru!" Hiruzen rubbed his temples. His head hurt.
Why does it feel like my reputation keeps getting worse?
Why does everyone suspect me first instead of Danzō?!
Uchiha Madara: "Hmph. This Jinchūriki already has thoughts of destroying Konoha. Hashirama, didn't you say you'd stop anyone who tried to destroy the village? Go on—do it."
Senju Hashirama: "Hahaha~ Madara, I'm already dead."
Senju Tobirama: "No. Black-Frame Naruto won't go that far."
"But at least—many people in Konoha will pay a price."
Tobirama: "There's another difference between him and Gold-Frame Naruto."
"When he bought the hooks and line, he felt genuine kindness."
"And when the shinobi incited the crowd, he noticed the shopkeeper's hesitation."
"Did you all miss it? When he threw things back, he avoided that shopkeeper."
Uchiha Izuna: "Tobirama, what fantasy are you living in?"
"Even if that's true, I think Black-Frame Naruto will send away those he cares about—then wipe out Konoha and rebuild it from scratch!"
Senju Tobirama: "Uchiha Izuna!"
Izuna: "Not convinced? Then let's bet!"
The two argued as the footage continued.
Just like the gold-framed world—
During the time Black-Frame Naruto went to the hospital,
the "demon fox" from the Nine-Tails incident spread again through Konoha.
[Uzumaki Naruto—blond hair, six whisker marks—the culprit who killed everyone's loved ones: the demon fox.]
[Konoha Hospital.]
[Naruto lies on a bed, expression calm, bloodstains still on him.]
[The medic-nin treating him wears open disgust.]
[His movements are rough.]
["Tch—!"]
[Naruto winces as the wound is pulled.]
["Hmph!" The medic glares at him.]
["Be quiet!"]
[Bang—]
[Without warning, Naruto kicks him in the lower back.]
["Tch—!"]
[Now it's the medic who howls.]
["If you don't want to treat me—get lost!"]
["Or kill me!"]
[Hatred flashes on Naruto's face—]
[Yet on closer inspection, his eyes are strangely calm.]
Mei Terumī: "Such a smart child! Truly outstanding."
Mei: "He's already testing the medic's attitude."
Mei: "If he were from Kirigakure, that'd be great."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Oh please. From Kirigakure? Through the Bloody Mist?"
Mei fell silent.
Hiruzen finally felt like he'd "won one back."
["Damn it!"]
[The medic is furious—but afraid.]
[He sneers weakly and resumes treatment—much gentler now.]
[Naruto ignores him. He already has his answer.]
['Huh?']
[He notices his small wound has completely healed.]
['Demon fox… am I really one?']
['Then why don't I know anything?']
[After glaring once more, the medic leaves.]
[The ANBU had said: 'Once you're treated, go home yourself.']
[Naruto washes his face and leaves alone.]
[Even in Konoha Hospital, he's met with countless glares.]
[At first he ignores them—until they start hurling insults.]
[Naruto stops. Glares back.]
[Then runs into a nearby restroom.]
[When he comes out, he's grinning.]
["If you've got guts—kill me!"]
["Damn fox—what is that—urk!!!"][]
["Urgh—!!!"][]
[Smack smack smack—]
[Mops strike faces again and again.]
Uzumaki Kushina: "YES!!!"
Kushina: "That's my Naruto! That's how you deal with them!"
Kushina: "Their mouths are already full of shit—might as well let them eat their fill!"
Many women awkwardly closed their eyes.
Sakura and Ino slapped their foreheads—
yet couldn't stop smiling.
Most people felt sick…
but still smiled.
Only Konoha's side went dark—
especially those who recognized themselves in the footage.
"Hahaha~"
In Tanzaku Town, Tsunade laughed until she doubled over.
"I like this kid! Hahaha~"
Shizune blushed, eyes shut.
[It took Naruto ten minutes to walk two hundred meters out of the hospital.]
["Hmph!" He imitates their sneers.]
[He tosses aside the now-clean mop and walks off proudly.]
[Gagging sounds follow behind him.]
[Suddenly, Naruto stops and glances behind a tree.]
[He rushes back, grabs the mop, and hurls it at the tree.]
[The ANBU behind it twitches and uses Body Flicker to dodge.]
"How did he notice that shinobi?"
"And why didn't the shinobi leave?"
Naruto looked confused.
"That was the ANBU monitoring you," Neji explained.
"Really? Why didn't I notice? And why monitor me?" Naruto asked blankly.
Smack—
Naruto clutched his head. "Hey! What was that for?!"
Neji replied seriously, "Did you forget what Shikamaru said earlier?"
"You mean… Black-Frame me preserved himself, and I became a slave to whispers?"
"So you remember."
"Then you should also remember—after the other you took a heavy blow to the head, he suddenly changed."
Naruto nodded… then shook his head.
Smack—
Neji slapped him again.
"Damn it, Neji!"
Neji rubbed his aching palm.
"I'm experimenting."
"Did you hear your mother's joyful voice earlier?"
"Don't you want her to be proud of the current you too?"
Naruto froze.
It was true.
That woman—Uzumaki Kushina, his mother—
always cheered excitedly when watching Black-Frame Naruto.
Her voice was full of joy and pride.
But…
Naruto rubbed his head, staring at Neji's serious face.
Something still felt… off.
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