Chu Ran picked up the Scroll of Seals, carefully studying the cultivation process for the Flying Thunder God Technique.
After mentally rehearsing it once, he closed the scroll.
Lying back on the ground, he returned control of the body to Naruto Uzumaki.
At this moment, Naruto was in a deep sleep, his injuries healing rapidly thanks to the Nine-Tails' chakra.
This was well-known among many of the Hidden Leaf's Jonin, so it raised no major concerns.
As for how Chu Ran could take control, though he resided only in Naruto's subconscious, he could seize the body when Naruto's mind collapsed or he fell unconscious.
When the main consciousness weakened, Chu Ran could temporarily command the body through Naruto's subconscious.
[This time, I did you a huge favor, Naruto.]
Chu Ran's lips curled into a faint smile. In his subconscious, he lounged on a luxurious sofa he'd conjured, closing his eyes.
Time passed slowly, about ten minutes or so.
Several ninja dogs appeared near Mizuki's corpse, then approached the Scroll of Seals beside Naruto's body.
A figure's arrival made the dogs pause.
The newcomer had white hair, his face mostly covered by a black mask, with one eye concealed by a Hidden Leaf headband.
Chu Ran instantly recognized him as the renowned Copy Ninja of the Hidden Leaf, Kakashi Hatake.
In the future, Kakashi would not only become the Sixth Hokage but also Naruto's team leader and teacher.
"Mizuki, Iruka Umino, Naruto Uzumaki…"
"This is more complicated than it seems."
Kakashi surveyed the scene, his eyes narrowing with concern.
The battle traces were clear to a Special Jonin like him.
The area bore marks of Wind Release chakra, and Mizuki's death was caused by Wind Release.
Not far away lay Iruka Umino's body, dead only recently.
In Kakashi's mind, Naruto couldn't possibly be the culprit.
Whoosh!
As Kakashi pondered, several figures appeared behind him.
They were some of the Hidden Leaf's strongest Jonin: Asuma Sarutobi, son of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Might Guy, known as the Leaf's Blue Beast.
These three were among the village's elite Jonin, but the scene before them sobered their expressions.
"Kakashi, this doesn't look simple."
Might Guy, sharp-eyed, took in the scene and spoke gravely, standing by the Scroll of Seals.
Someone had injured Naruto and killed two Chunin teachers.
Yet they hadn't taken the Scroll of Seals—a glaring inconsistency.
"Asuma, what do you make of the traces?"
Kakashi sighed lightly, turning to Asuma Sarutobi.
Few in the Hidden Leaf mastered Wind chakra nature, and Asuma was among the best.
His insight would be the most reliable.
"The ninja who killed Mizuki was skilled. Their control of Wind Release chakra rivals, maybe surpasses, mine."
"But they didn't take the Scroll of Seals."
Asuma shook his head, examining Mizuki's body.
His expression grew puzzled.
"Forget it. Guy, take the Scroll of Seals back."
"I'll take him to the hospital. Asuma, go with Guy and report this."
Kakashi shook his head. This matter was outside their jurisdiction for now.
The Anbu would investigate the deaths and hunt the culprit.
Their duty was to secure the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the Scroll of Seals.
The three sprang into action.
…
In the Hidden Leaf Hospital, Kakashi stood by Naruto's bedside.
Naruto was comatose, his tattered clothes indicating prior injuries.
The wounds were likely severe, but Kakashi wasn't surprised.
He'd long known the boy was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
"Teacher Minato's son, huh?"
"He does look a lot like him."
Kakashi glanced at Naruto, one eye on his book, Make-Out Paradise.
But before he could linger, he closed the book and headed outside.
At the door stood Danzo Shimura, leaning on his cane, staring at Kakashi.
"Lord Danzo."
Kakashi, familiar with the former Anbu leader, bowed respectfully.
But Danzo ignored him.
Several Anbu—or rather, Root operatives—appeared behind him.
"What are you planning, Lord Danzo?"
Kakashi blocked the doorway, his tone calm but firm.
No longer an Anbu, he was outside Danzo's authority.
His loyalty was directly to the Hokage, and he disapproved of Danzo's actions, both personally and professionally.
"Step aside, Kakashi."
"With Hiruzen gone, I'm taking charge of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
"This is approved by the two village advisors. Until the Hokage returns, Root will handle it."
Danzo's brows furrowed, annoyed that his former subordinate dared question him.
Though irritated, as a village elder, he had to follow protocol.
Hearing the approval came from the other two advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, Kakashi's expression darkened.
He stepped aside, allowing the Root ninjas to enter.
They hoisted Naruto and left, right in front of Kakashi.
Though a Jonin, Kakashi held no real power in the village.
With Hiruzen absent, Danzo could act as his temporary superior.
"This is tricky, Third Hokage…"
Kakashi sighed. The matter was beyond his control.
He could only hope Hiruzen returned soon.
Danzo's reputation among Jonin was poor.
Worse, Naruto had committed a grave offense—stealing the Scroll of Seals, a crime warranting traitor status.
He could face secret execution. Kakashi hadn't expected Koharu and Homura to greenlight Danzo's actions.
Even wanting to protect his mentor's son, Kakashi was bound by the village's rules.
…
One day later, Naruto's consciousness slowly returned.
(End of Chapter)