Genius Uzumaki Naruto

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The peace negotiations between Konoha and Kumogakure had concluded successfully under the Third Hokage's guidance. Sarutobi Hiruzen had managed to secure a considerable amount of reparations for Konoha, a victory that only strengthened his reputation as the "God of Shinobi."

As Natsume wandered through the village, memories of the Konoha Crush resurfaced. He recalled the events where Orochimaru's assault on the village had left the Third Hokage isolated, believing himself invincible even as danger closed in.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar, enthusiastic voice.

"Big brother!" Uzumaki Naruto called, waving from across the street with a broad grin.

However, as Naruto approached, the villagers around him began to clear away, leaving an uncomfortable silence in their wake.

Watching the scene, Natsume thought to himself, *Someday, when the streets are crowded again, I'll make sure Naruto walks among them with pride. His presence alone will command respect.*

Naruto's smile dimmed as he noticed the villagers' reactions, and he looked down apologetically. "Sorry, big brother…"

Natsume smiled, unfazed. "Why should you care what they think? If you let their opinions bother you, you lose your own strength."

Naruto looked up, scratching his head. "You always say things that make sense, but sometimes I don't really understand, big brother."

Natsume chuckled. "That's alright. Once you start school, it'll all make more sense. Just study hard."

Internally, Natsume recognized that many of Naruto's struggles could be traced back to the isolation he faced and his lack of guidance. No matter how strong one becomes, strength without wisdom and knowledge is incomplete. He knew that Naruto would someday become Hokage, but he also wanted to ensure Naruto was prepared to lead with wisdom.

"Grandpa Hokage said the same thing," Naruto responded, his eyes brightening. "He told me I should start at the Academy next month!"

"You're only three! Isn't that a little early?" Natsume asked, surprised. He then remembered that Naruto in the original timeline had entered the Academy early and had to repeat the graduation exam multiple times.

"Grandpa said that if I start early, I'll get stronger faster!" Naruto explained, beaming with enthusiasm.

Natsume smiled knowingly. Of course, the Third Hokage would be inclined to send Naruto to the Academy early. *The old fox knows how to make use of Naruto's potential.* However, this also opened a chance for Natsume to guide Naruto and perhaps alter his destiny.

"Academy training will definitely help you grow stronger," Natsume agreed, though he kept in mind that the Nine-Tails' chakra interference was a significant obstacle Naruto would have to overcome. If Naruto could learn to manage the Nine-Tails' chakra, his natural talent would shine through.

"Are you heading to buy something?" Natsume asked, changing the subject.

"Yeah! I'm getting some instant ramen! Wanna come with me?" Naruto asked, his hopeful eyes fixed on him.

"I have a few things to do, but I'll catch up with you at the store later," Natsume said, patting Naruto on the head. He then headed toward Tanshu Street, where the Gunma Casino was located.

He didn't know much about Fuinjutsu, but Uzumaki Ena, an expert in the Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques, could reinforce Naruto's Four Symbols Seal without drawing attention. With ANBU constantly watching Naruto, Natsume would need to be cautious to avoid detection.

As he approached the casino, a familiar voice greeted him. "Big brother!"

Turning, Natsume saw Uzumaki Karin waving, her face lighting up as she saw him.

He gently pinched her cheek. "Where's your mom?"

Karin pointed down the hall. "She's in the training room."

Natsume followed her gesture and quietly opened the door. Inside, Uzumaki Ena was immersed in her training, activating the intricate Yin Seal markings on her body. Watching her, he was reminded of Tsunade's strength and the mastery required to wield such power.

He quietly closed the door and waited with Karin until Ena emerged, her expression brightening as she saw him.

"Did you wait long?" she asked, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"Not at all," Natsume replied. Ena had always been a motherly figure to him, someone he could rely on. "Next time, let me know when you're practicing the Yin Seal. You should have someone nearby in case anything happens."

Ena smiled, touched by his concern, and nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

Natsume then shifted the conversation. "Would it be possible for you to reinforce Naruto's Four Symbols Seal without anyone noticing?"

Ena thought for a moment. "It's difficult, but if it's just a minor reinforcement, I can do it."

"Perfect," Natsume said, his face lighting up. "Let's head to the market—Naruto should be waiting for us."

After ensuring Karin was comfortable, Natsume and Ena made their way to the market, where Naruto was eagerly waiting. Disguised with a Transformation Jutsu, Ena handed Naruto a bag of sweets as a small gift and, in the exchange, subtly reinforced the Nine-Tails' seal.

As they walked away, a message echoed in Natsume's mind:

*Because of your actions, Uzumaki Naruto's fate has changed. You have gained 58 destiny points.*

*Because of your actions, Haruno Sakura's fate has changed. You have gained 99 destiny points.*

*Because of your actions, Hatake Kakashi's fate has changed. You have gained 99 destiny points.*

*Because of your actions, Kurama's fate has changed. You have gained 7 destiny points.*

Natsume blinked, surprised. It seemed his small intervention had caused ripples far greater than he had anticipated. *Looks like my influence is beginning to take root.*

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The fate of Uzumaki Naruto and Kurama, the Nine-Tails, had shifted in unexpected ways.

Natsume understood that much.

But why were Haruno Sakura and Hatake Kakashi involved as well?

He considered it, formulating a theory. Naruto might have become a prodigy, possibly even graduating early, which could have reshuffled his team assignments. If that were true, Kakashi and Sakura might have missed the chance to be on his team. But Sasuke? That was a bond bound by fate, deeper than just teammates—destined, like Ashura and Indra's reincarnations. They couldn't be separated.

Natsume chuckled, recalling an old quote from his past life: *If Sasuke had been born a girl, neither Sakura nor Hinata would have stood a chance.*

Shaking off the thought, Natsume turned his attention back to the present as Naruto strolled away, happily clutching a bag of Ichiraku ramen.

When he returned to Tanshu Street with Uzumaki Ena, they shared a quick lunch before he resumed his training—perfecting his Wood Release, Water Release, and Earth Release techniques.

Reflecting for a moment, he smirked to himself: *If I don't work hard, how will I rise in rank, earn more money, marry a wealthy woman, become Hokage, and reach the pinnacle of my life?*

Later that night, Natsume used the Reverse Summoning Jutsu to discreetly deliver food to Hinata at the Hyuga compound.

"Guess who?" Natsume whispered, playfully covering her eyes.

"Um…Na...Natsume-kun?" she stuttered, her voice soft and uncertain.

He could already feel her cheeks warming beneath his palms. She was as shy as ever. Letting go, he pulled out the meal he'd brought.

"I brought you some ramen from Ichiraku," he said, setting the bowls before her. He remembered how, in the original timeline, Hinata had once devoured over forty bowls.This time, he'd only brought ten.

Hinata's eyes sparkled at the sight, like a squirrel finding a trove of nuts.

"Here, take the chopsticks. Eat up before it gets cold," he encouraged, smiling.

"Thank you, Natsume-kun," she whispered, bowing her head shyly before starting to eat.

"Have you been getting out much lately?" Natsume asked, concerned she might still be isolated due to her father's strictness.

Hinata paused, swallowing before she shook her head. "Father has been training me in the Gentle Fist technique... I don't have much free time."

A shadow crossed her face as she spoke, and Natsume could sense the tension. He knew well the high expectations Hiashi Hyuga imposed—a rigid "Eagle Dad" approach, not unlike Uchiha Fugaku's.

Sighing, Natsume made a mental note that such pressure might do her more harm than good.

"I'll take you out in a couple of days," he offered with a warm smile. "You could use some fresh air and a break."

"Really?" Hinata's face brightened, a hopeful smile breaking through.

"Of course! Have I ever let you down?" he grinned, watching her spirits lift.

She blushed, nodding. They ate in a companionable silence, Hinata visibly more at ease.

After they finished, Natsume marveled at her ability to devour all ten bowls. *How does she eat so much and stay so slender?* Unlike the Akimichi, Hinata never seemed to gain a pound despite her appetite.

"Are you really full?" he teased, tapping her forehead gently.

Hinata blushed and held up a shy finger. "Um… maybe... ten more bowls?"

Natsume was speechless but also impressed. Good thing he had the funds from Gunma Bank, or he'd be in trouble trying to feed her appetite!

"Alright, I'll bring you twenty tomorrow," he promised. "You'll need to keep your strength up."

Hinata nodded obediently, her smile soft but genuine.

"Alright, I won't keep you up. Rest well," he said, clearing the dishes and leaving a small slug to watch over her.

As he Reverse Summoned himself back to his room, he crawled into bed, unaware of Tsunade standing outside his door.

She had come to check on him, only to find his absence. After summoning a slug to find out where he'd been, she felt an unexpected pang of…bitterness.

*He has someone new now.*

She should have been happy for him. But she wasn't. Returning to her room, she lay awake for hours, finally making a decision: *It's time to set boundaries. From now on, we'll be just master and apprentice. Nothing more.*

The next morning, Tsunade approached Natsume casually, concealing her inner turmoil.

"Natsume, Rinka mentioned she'd like to treat you to dinner to thank you for your help. Hinata will be there too," she said, watching his reaction closely.

Natsume's face lit up. "Really? Sounds great!"

Tsunade felt a pang. *When you have a girl, you forget about your family.* Forcing a smile, she continued.

"And one more thing," she added. "You and Kabuto are both ready for the Chuunin Exams. I signed you up."

Natsume blinked, surprised but pleased. "The Chuunin Exams, huh? Alright, that's a good step."

"Shizune's already a Chuunin, so you'll need a third teammate," she added. "Have anyone in mind? If not, I can assign someone."

"What about Inuzuka Hana? She was my classmate, and I know her well enough," Natsume suggested.

Tsunade nodded. "I'll check with her, but you'll also need a sensory-type ninja to round out the team."

Meanwhile, at Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya stood at the summit, a nostalgic smile gracing his face. *It's been a while.*

Much of his life had been spent wandering, searching for the Child of Prophecy. Two had drawn his attention—Minato and Nagato. But Minato was gone, leaving only Nagato, the bearer of the Rinnegan, with the potential to change the world.

Jiraiya bowed his head. *But it's a shame he isn't from Konoha...*

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