Naruto stood at Konoha's gates, his backpack slung over his shoulder, his grin as loud as ever. "Ready for an adventure, Pervy Sage!" he shouted, punching the air as Jiraiya smirked beside him. The village bustled behind them, rebuilding after Orochimaru's invasion, but Naruto felt no attachment. Konoha was a cage of lies, its people whispering demon behind his back, its leaders hiding why the Fourth made him the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki. He'd played the hero in the Land of Waves and the Chunin Exams, but for what? Their cheers were hollow, their glares constant. His goal now was power—enough to break free, to roam the world, to find answers without bowing to anyone.Jiraiya's mission was to find Tsunade, the next Hokage, but Naruto didn't care about Konoha's leadership. Tsunade was a Sannin, like Orochimaru, like Jiraiya—powerful, knowledgeable, maybe even a key to the truth. He'd tag along, learn what he could, and grow stronger. The Scroll of Sealing, still hidden in his apartment, was his secret weapon, its notes on Tailed Beast control a map to the power he needed. But Jiraiya's training was a faster path, and Naruto would milk it for every ounce of strength.As they left Konoha, Naruto kept his grin, joking about becoming "the world's greatest ninja," but his eyes were cold. The village had betrayed him, lied to him, and he owed it nothing. The Nine-Tails' chakra, his shadow clones, the techniques he'd learn—they were for him, not Konoha. He'd seen what bonds did: Haku died for Zabuza, Gaara suffered for his village's fear. Bonds were chains, and Naruto wanted freedom.They stopped at a roadside inn, and Jiraiya tossed him a scroll about advanced chakra control. "You've got potential, kid," the Sannin said, his eyes sharp. "But you're raw. Let's see what you can do." Naruto laughed, calling him "Pervy Sage," but his distrust flared. Jiraiya knew about the Nine-Tails—his hints were too pointed—but he wasn't talking. Naruto would play the eager student, but he'd keep his secrets close. Power was his ticket out, and he'd take it from anyone, even a Sannin.
