Naruto's mind buzzed with the system's sharp, insistent warning. The alarms weren't subtle—they were loud, urgent, almost pleading. But he ignored them."System big brother… all your warnings, all your strict rules… they're meant for my own good, I know!" Naruto muttered to himself.He remembered the time the system had stopped him from sneaking into the Hokage's house. He had been grateful then. But now…"Iruka-sensei… he might be in danger!"That thought alone made his blood boil. This time, nothing could stop him.[Warning! Lightning Release's Baptism! Countdown 5…]Naruto clenched his fists. His body was flying through the dense Forest of Death, dodging branches and leaping over roots, his speed almost blurring him into an afterimage.[Physical Strength Monster] activated!Every fiber of his being pulsed with raw energy. His muscles strained, veins standing out, as he poured every ounce of strength into forward momentum.[4…]"It's useless!" he yelled, ignoring the searing pain that began crawling across his body.[3…]"I… I will save him!"[2…]"I will atone for all my mistakes!"[1…]"I will never let Iruka-sensei be harmed!"[0!]In an instant, lightning descended from above like a vengeful storm. Only Naruto could feel it—a violent, scorching force that slammed into him with relentless power."Aahhhhh!"Pain lanced through every nerve, bone, and muscle. The current of Lightning Release made his body twitch uncontrollably. He collapsed among the tangled branches, the earth beneath him stained with the impression of his body hitting hard. But even in agony, a fire burned in his chest."Even like this… I must save Iruka-sensei!"His face twisted with determination. The sharp markings on his cheeks, like slashes from the Nine-Tailed Fox, seemed to flare with his unyielding will. Bloodshot eyes glimmered with fury, teeth clenched, and every ounce of energy was pushed to the limit.Step by agonizing step, Naruto rose, his body quivering from the shock. He advanced deeper into the jungle, ignoring the pain as if sheer will alone could carry him forward.---The Lightning Release's Baptism was merciless. Continuous, unrelenting, it tore through Naruto's body and refused to pause. Each strike brought agony, a numbing effect that made even the simplest movement impossible. Skin, muscles, bones, internal organs—they all twitched uncontrollably under the electric assault.Yet Naruto refused to falter. Overwhelmed by guilt, fear, and determination, he refused to give in."Iruka… sensei…"Every syllable was soaked with desperation and conviction. He groaned, fell, crawled, and pushed forward again. His hands sank into the mud, gripping with raw resolve. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to stop, to surrender. But he couldn't.[Warning! Please host…]"Shut your mouth!" Naruto roared back, forcing his body onward despite the endless torment.Suddenly, a voice, sharp and furious, rang in his ears:"You damn brat! Stop right now!"Naruto froze mid-motion, recognizing it—yet not fully. It was unfamiliar, yet strangely familiar. The voice came from deep within, from the beast sealed inside him—the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, Kurama.Kurama was furious. The lightning pounded him too, forcing him to endure pain alongside Naruto. Fur bristled and shimmered, red eyes slitted in rage."What do you want to do?!" Kurama roared.But Naruto's gaze didn't waver."Iruka-sensei is in danger… I'm going to save him!"Kurama snapped, furious:"With your current strength, who can you save?!""I don't care!" Naruto shot back, ignoring the beast."Then leave my body!"Kurama's laugh was bitter, edged with pain:"Do you think I like being sealed inside you?! If I could leave, I wouldn't stay to suffer!"Lightning tore through them again. The pain was indescribable, every strike threatening to break them completely. But Naruto ignored it. His focus was singular, absolute."[Warning! Warning! War…]""Shut up too!" he shouted.The system, Kurama, and Naruto—all had their own objectives. The system wanted him to stop and train. Naruto wanted to save Iruka. Kurama only wanted relief. But in the eye of this storm, none could sway the others.---Finally, Kurama made a decision."There's only one way…" he growled. "I'll lend you my power temporarily. Save Iruka, then return immediately to training!"Naruto felt a surge within him. Strength. Energy. Willpower renewed. A portion of Kurama's Nine-Tailed Chakra flowed into him, and the boy, barely standing moments ago, rose with newfound determination.Pain still coursed through him, searing and numbing, but it no longer broke his resolve. Every step forward was hard-earned, every movement a battle of will. One step… two steps…---The Forest of Death stretched endlessly before him, twisted shadows hiding dangers, roots waiting to trip him. But Naruto pressed on. Each heartbeat matched the crackle of electricity surrounding him. Sweat mixed with blood, his body trembling violently with every strike. Yet he crawled, stumbled, and staggered onward."I… I will never give up!" he whispered, almost to himself, almost to the forest.Step by agonizing step, he moved closer to the source of danger. The thought of Iruka's life in jeopardy lent him strength he didn't know he had. Pain, fatigue, and despair were mere obstacles, dwarfed by the fire in his heart.The system continued its barrage of warnings, its cold, mechanical voice relentless. Kurama growled and thrashed within, furious at the strain. But Naruto—resolute, determined, unyielding—kept moving forward.Every nerve screamed, every muscle threatened to fail, but he refused to yield. The forest seemed alive with the crackle of electricity, the clash of willpower, and the roar of determination.Finally, though battered and exhausted, Naruto felt the first glimmer of progress. Each step, though small, brought him closer to Iruka. Kurama's chakra lent him speed and resilience, each pulse of energy helping him endure another strike.The boy who had been alone, feared, and shunned, now surged forward with courage born of love, loyalty, and unwavering determination. Lightning could strike him down again and again, but he would never stop. Not now. Not ever."I… will save Iruka-sensei… no matter what!"And with that, Naruto surged forward, a storm of resolve amid the chaos of the Forest of Death, unwilling to let pain, fear, or even death itself stand in his way.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)