ANBU Headquarters, early morning...
After handling his paperwork, Danzō received a report on Itachi's performance during the exam.
First test: The written exam.
Itachi passed it without cheating, relying solely on his own abilities.
Second test: The Forest of Death.
Alone against three opponents, he overwhelmed them and retrieved both the Heaven and Earth scrolls in just five hours — breaking Namikaze Minato's record.
An absolute genius, an unmatched prodigy since the founding of Konoha...
All these titles made him the chosen one of this era.
"Considering the exam is usually taken in teams of three, Itachi's results are... impressive," a subordinate commented.
At that moment, Itachi was resting in the central tower.
For him, the wait was probably boring...
And if enough candidates remained, additional duels would be organized to eliminate the unworthy.
The survivors would then take part in the final test — under the watchful eyes of nobles and daimyōs, including the Kazekage of Suna.
A true spectacle.
"Hmm hmm hmm..."
Danzō suddenly began to laugh.
"Danzō-sama...?"
His subordinate didn't understand the sudden amusement.
"Of course... because the Uchiha have their uses," he muttered before regaining his impassive expression.
The day of their extermination is approaching...
How could I not rejoice?
"And Nonō?"
The masked ANBU reported her interactions with Naruto.
"The Yang Release...?"
Naruto's image flashed through Danzō's mind.
What is the demon fox plotting now?
Nothing good, obviously.
That boy had nothing of his parents — a true born demon.
Danzō, an expert in malevolence, saw it clearly.
But if Nonō could turn the Fourth's heir into a tool for Root...
What would Minato think if he knew his son belonged to us?
Kyūbi... will be mine.
---
A minute later, Naruto left the orphanage.
After a day of "re-education," he was released.
No one stopped him — especially after Shisui's escape.
Meanwhile, Yūgao and Hayate headed to the Hokage's office, sharing information.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Yūgao finally understood the necessity of monitoring the Uchiha.
The first time she saw the ANBU surveillance equipment, she was shocked.
Now, she understood.
If the Uchiha had truly caused the Kyūbi disaster...
Then the village's distrust was justified.
---
At Naruto's place...
At his door, he found Hinata... and a maid from the branch family.
Upon seeing him, Hyūga Aoba almost betrayed her fear.
She didn't want to be here.
But her mistress's orders were absolute.
"Go help Naruto-kun clean, take care of him…"
Wash his clothes, and so on.
If only she knew how demonic he was...
"Naruto-kun~!"
Hinata, dressed in a pure white kimono, waved at him joyfully.
She looked like a wife waiting for her husband.
Ever since the Hyūga crisis had been resolved, the whole clan could breathe again.
Clinging to Naruto, the Fourth's son, had revitalized the clan.
Even the strictest elders now smiled.
But...
All happiness has its shadow.
And for Aoba, tragedy was about to unfold.
"Hinata... and A-sa."
Naruto called her without honorifics.
She lowered her gaze, hiding her expression.
Since Naruto had become a benefactor of the clan, the Hyūga had elevated him to the rank of honored guest.
A title reserved for Sannin like Jiraiya or Tsunade.
What could she do, a simple maid, against the will of the clan?
Creak...
The door opened, revealing a bright interior.
But to Aoba, that entrance was nothing but a demon's den.
"Come in..."
Naruto's smile turned into a demonic grin in her eyes.
"Naruto-kun... have you grown?"
Hinata noticed his slightly taller frame but thought nothing of it.
As she stepped inside, Aoba trembled, sensing she was walking into the abyss...