Chapter 7 Naruto's Birthday Revelations: Bonds, Secrets, and Ambitions.

On the morning of October 1, at around 10:37 AM, Naruto and his peers were in the Academy, attending a history class taught by the chunin, Umino Iruka. As Iruka explained the history of the Konoha Village, he decided to test his students' knowledge by asking them questions.

"Sakura!" he called out to one of the students. The named student immediately became alert, focusing her attention on Iruka. "Yes, Iruka-Sensei," she responded.

"List the names of all four Hokages of Konoha and tell me the special ability of at least one of them," said Iruka, posing a straightforward question to Sakura.

"Yes, Sensei. The names of the four Hokages are: the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama; the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama; the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen; and the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato. As for the special ability, the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, was known for his Kekkei Genkai, Wood Release, and his renowned Medical Ninjutsu," Sakura answered diligently while standing, showcasing her expertise in the theoretical portion of their studies.

"Very good, you may sit down, Sakura," Iruka said with a proud expression. Then, his expression changed to a more serious one as he turned his attention to another student who was known for being quite silent and somewhat dense.

"Naruto, can you tell me what the Fourth Hokage specialized in?" Iruka asked, directing the question to Naruto.

Naruto, caught a bit off guard, responded hesitantly, "Um, well... he had learned all the Jutsus of our village, Sensei?"

Iruka sighed, realizing that Naruto still had much to learn.

"NO! That was the Third Hokage, not the Fourth," Iruka said, his face contorting with anger. "Naruto, by tomorrow I expect you to learn everything about all the Hokages. Am I clear?"

Naruto nodded simply as he sat down, thinking to himself, 'I wonder what Hinata's up to. She did say she'd train extra hard for passing the trial of the Fox clan. Well, that means it's about time I started training too. After all, the main battle is about to begin.'

"Sigh! Alright, class. Now I will explain to you about..." Iruka began as he moved on to another topic. After some time, he finished his lecture and announced the end of the class for the day.

After glancing at Hinata, Naruto left the classroom, musing, 'Although she glanced back at me, she seemed a little nervous about something. Though it's not like I can't guess what it's about. Come to think of it, it's right after ten days, I guess.'

Naruto then headed towards a tree, where he transformed into the appearance of a random citizen. Disguised, he walked towards his chosen destination for the day. Upon arrival, he was greeted by the usual welcome.

"Ah! Welcome. Naruto, I presume?" said Teuchi, the old man and owner of Ichiraku Ramen.

"Yeah! It seems there's no way I can fool you. Two bowls of miso," said Naruto, still in disguise, as he ordered his ramen.

After a short wait, a young girl a few years older than Naruto brought his order. It was Ayame, Teuchi's daughter. "Here you go, Naruto-kun. How's the Academy going? Are you keeping up with the others?"

"Yeah. Although with some difficulty, I'm managing somehow. Hinata helps me a lot, so there are no problems for now," Naruto replied as he slurped his noodles.

"I see. You can't always rely on her, okay? You need to take action more often yourself, alright?" Ayame said, to which Naruto replied, "Yeah, I know that. I always work extra hard." Internally, he thought, 'Though it's me who is actually helping her.'

"I see. Well, have a nice day," said Ayame as she took away the empty bowl and the payment for the ramen from Naruto. He bid farewell to both of them as he walked away towards his home.

As he reached home, Naruto headed straight to his room and retrieved his old notes on a project he'd been working on for some time.

'If I'm correct, this should be the one I wrote about three months ago, where I successfully created a basic explosive tag using Fuinjutsu. Well, it's time to take this small project to a whole new level,' thought Naruto as he grabbed the notebook and began reflecting on his past records to reconnect with the topic.

After finishing his review, he started writing new notes. This time, he pushed his brain extra hard to further improve his explosive sealing tag. By carefully adding notes and inventing a new sealing formula, he enhanced its power and incorporated new features. He worked on this throughout the entire night. Before sleeping, he reviewed his work, thinking, 'Tomorrow, I should go to that training ground owned by Hiashi Hyuga. There, no one can know what I'm doing.'

The Next Day After the Academy

After having his meal at Ichiraku Ramen, Teuchi and Ayame wondered why Naruto was eating ramen twice a day. Naruto just shrugged it off, saying he simply felt like it.

He then went straight home and created a shadow clone, thinking, 'Shadow clones are really useful for fooling those Anbu. Also, with the original plot, I should get the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu with no problems at all.'

Both the clone and the original Naruto nodded at each other before Naruto transformed into an ant and moved away from his home. Once he had traveled a suitable distance, he transformed back into his human form and proceeded towards the training ground.

Once he reached the training ground, it took Naruto only ten minutes to complete the seal for the experimental version of the explosive tag he planned to test. He attached it to a kunai and threw it, thinking, 'Since I spent all of yesterday theorizing about this, the results definitely won't disappoint me.'

As the kunai reached a suitable distance, he inwardly commanded, 'Explode!'

BOOM!

In the next moment, a massive blast erupted, sending a strong gust of wind in all directions. Seeing the explosion, Naruto said, "Great! The results are just as expected. This explosive tag packs a lot of power, almost equivalent to ten times that of a normal explosive tag. And just as I anticipated, its range is impressive for a wide area."

Surveying the destruction, Naruto was highly pleased. The explosion had a radius of exactly 23 meters, far beyond that of a typical explosive tag.

Naruto then took out the second explosive tag he had prepared for the day. Unlike the previous one, it had a lesser explosive trait but possessed a unique feature. He attached it to another kunai and threw it, muttering, "Explode!"

Boom!

Immediately after the blast, Naruto quickly glanced at four specific locations and muttered again, "Explode!"

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Seeing the results, Naruto was once again highly pleased. "This one was great too. I added four extra tags with a unique sealing formula trait, and it worked just as I expected. After the initial blast, it flew to four different directions where I wanted it to go and exploded again. Though the range can definitely be improved next time, it will be very useful for surprise attacks."

With that, Naruto created more explosive tags based on his theories from the previous day. He threw them, observing the results, and most of them were successful with no flaws. He continued this experimentation for the next few days.

While Naruto was busy experimenting with his creations, someone else was also working on something big.

In the Hyuga Mansion:

"So, it's finally done, huh?" Hinata pushed the sweat away from her face, surveying the room filled with decorations she had meticulously arranged. Beside her, her father remarked, "Indeed, it's finally completed. Now, the only thing left is to finalize the preparations just before the event, right, Hinata?"

"Yes, father. This time, I plan to make Naruto-kun very happy on his birthday with a surprise party. Though I suspect he already knows about it," Hinata replied. The topic of discussion between Hinata and her father revolved around Naruto's upcoming birthday, just a few days away.

"Yeah, considering his intellect, he probably does know about it already. After all, it's his birthday. But he should still be thrilled, considering all the efforts you've put in for him. So, don't worry about that. Also, this time, I shall personally invite Lord Third to the party," Hiashi assured his daughter, reflecting, 'Sometimes, these days aren't so bad, I guess.'

October 10, Academy...

As the day at the academy came to an end, Iruka finished teaching the students about their path to becoming shinobi. The students began to prepare to head home, and just as Naruto was about to leave, he was stopped by someone with raven hair.

And it wasn't Hinata.

'What could he want from me? Is it about that? No, that can't be possible. Then, what? I suppose I should talk to him,' Naruto thought as he asked, "Um, is there something you want from me? Sasuke, was it?"

"Yeah, something like that. Let's talk outside," Sasuke Uchiha replied, leading Naruto outside, surprising the remaining students in the classroom. Among them, one thought, 'What does that Uchiha want with my Naruto-kun? I must follow them.'

Soon, they reached a bench near the academy. Naruto asked, "So, what do you want from me?" Sasuke's expression shifted slightly as he asked, "Are you friends with Hyuga Hinata?"

Hearing Sasuke's question, Naruto caught on to the situation. "Yes, I am. Are you wondering why she's stronger than you?" Sasuke's face darkened at Naruto's words.

"While I acknowledge her strengths, do you know what kind of training she undergoes?" Sasuke inquired, expressing his concern about his second position in the class. Naruto thought, 'It seems my hunch was correct.'

"Well, firstly, she has built a very proficient foundation and her chakra control is truly remarkable. Hinata has also already awakened her Byakugan, and she's being tutored by a very special shinobi on various things. I can only reveal their identity after we graduate," Naruto replied, casting a calculating gaze at Sasuke. He thought, 'So this is Sasuke Uchiha. Since that incident hasn't happened yet, he doesn't seem surrounded by darkness, but I fear it will happen soon.'

"I see. No wonder many adults emphasize the importance of these things... But can you really not tell me their identity?" Sasuke asked, inquiring about the mysterious shinobi. Naruto refused to comply, preferring to keep his capabilities hidden from Sasuke for now.

"Yeah, I really can't. Sorry, also I'm running late. Today's my birthday, and I can't afford to be late," Naruto said, glancing towards a certain tree where the sound of someone's head hitting the tree echoed.

"What? Why didn't you tell me?" Sasuke was surprised that it was Naruto's birthday today and he hadn't known anything about it. He thought, 'Well, since this boy seems a little lonely, I guess I can attend his birthday party. Plus, it will give me an opportunity to learn more about that girl.'

"Okay, since it's your birthday, I'll attend as your classmate. I'll even bring a good gift. Where's the party?" Sasuke offered, expressing his intentions to Naruto. Naruto replied, "Well, it's most likely at that house near the Hyuga Main House, I guess."

Thud!

Once again, the sound of someone's head hitting a tree could be heard from the same direction. With that, Sasuke left for his home to inform his parents and older brother about Naruto's birthday party, which he planned to attend. After he left,

"Naruto-kun, how did you guess we had prepared a birthday party for you?" Hinata asked Naruto. He replied, "Because it's my birthday?"

"Hahaha! Then how did you even guess the venue for the birthday party?" Hinata laughed nervously. Naruto simply said, "Because it was the place with the most possibility of being the party?"

"Yeah, yeah. No need to say more. Your deductive capability hasn't degraded in the slightest. Well then, let's head towards the destination," Hinata said as she took Naruto's hand and led him towards the party venue.

At the Uchiha Residence...

The door swung open swiftly as young Sasuke entered his house and spotted his elder brother, filling him with joy. "Hey, big brother, have you seen Mother and Father? I have something important to tell them, and I need to buy a gift," he asked Itachi.

"A gift? For whom?" Mikoto, their mother, interjected, joining the conversation between her two sons. Sasuke explained, "Ah! Today happens to be the birthday of that kid from our class. His name is Uzumaki Naruto. So, I would like to go to his party."

Hearing this, Mikoto felt a sense of satisfaction. Though she had some questions about the event, she was happy nonetheless. This was the moment she had been waiting for – an opportunity to provide love and care for Kushina and Minato's son. So, she gladly accepted her son's proposal and provided him with some money for the gift.

At the Birthday Party Location...

Finally, everyone had arrived at the venue for Naruto's birthday party, eagerly awaiting the guest of honor alongside Hinata. After a few minutes, Naruto and Hinata finally entered the venue.

The room was currently dimly lit, maintaining the surprise element of the party. "I see. They've kept up with the surprise element," Naruto thought as he entered the hall and stood for a moment. Then, suddenly, the lights flooded the room, dispelling the darkness.

"Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday Dear Naruto, Happy Birthday To You May God Bless You, May God Bless You. Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday To You," everyone sang a joyful birthday song for Naruto, ending with a round of applause. Then, crackers were popped, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"Once again, Happy Birthday, dear Naruto. I assume you've just turned seven. Keep working hard as an academy student; you'll surely become the strongest shinobi in the world. Also, take this book as a gift. It covers some advanced yet basic aspects of Fuinjutsu. I heard you have an interest in it," Hiruzen said as he approached Naruto, tapping his shoulder, then stepping back as others also began to present Naruto with a plethora of gifts.

Among the guests were Hinata's family, as well as Mikoto, Sasuke, and Itachi. Unfortunately, Fugaku Uchiha couldn't attend the birthday party due to other commitments. Mikoto and Itachi engaged in small talk with Naruto, while Sasuke, after conversing for some time, discreetly searched for clues about the mysterious person who trained Hinata.

After enjoying dinner and playing games with the other children, Naruto headed home accompanied by Mikoto, Itachi, and Sasuke, who had been instructed to do so by the Hokage himself.

"So, Naruto, like Lord Third said, do you dream of becoming the strongest shinobi in the world?" Mikoto asked curiously as they walked towards Naruto's home.

"Uh, yeah, I certainly have that dream. But currently, I'm not that capable. But I will surely achieve my dream," Naruto replied in a somewhat introverted tone. Observing this, Mikoto thought, 'It seems he hasn't inherited Minato's outgoing nature; he's quite introverted.'

"I see. Don't worry, Naruto-kun, knowing you, you will surely reach your dream. But you have to work very hard, just like how you've been working," Mikoto encouraged Naruto, praising his dedication.

"Although I feel ashamed of it. I'm not that hardworking, Aunt Mikoto," Naruto replied modestly, but Mikoto interjected, "Hmm, no need to be modest, Naruto. Your chakra reserves seem to be massive, and also..." Pausing, Mikoto activated her Sharingan and glanced towards Naruto. "Seeing your physique, I can say that you have worked very hard, unlike Sasuke, who doesn't bother to train that much. You can't fool these Uchiha eyes, Naruto-kun."

'Wow! Mother's Sharingan is awesome. It even has three tomoe. But what did she mean by me not training enough? Hmph!' Thought Sasuke after his mother displayed her Sharingan and made a remark.

'I see. So that's the Sharingan, huh. It sure is very handy.' Thought Naruto as Mikoto continued, "Also, since you seem to be close with the Hyugas, I bet you even follow their training regime for obtaining that physique. Am I correct?"

'No, I train on my own.' Thought Naruto as he replied, "Yeah, but taijutsu is my main focus, and I don't even possess a proper technique. And since my chakra reserves are tremendously huge, I have problems with chakra control, Aunt Mikoto," Naruto lied about the information he provided to them.

'Oh! How I wish I could teach all those things to you, Naruto-kun. Sigh! No wonder all those idiots want to perform a coup d'etat.' Thought Mikoto, lamenting for Naruto. Observing this, Naruto said, "But when the time comes, please do guide me. Aunt Mikoto. Oh, and my home seems to be here. I must go. Thank you very much for accompanying me, Aunt Mikoto, Itachi-san, and Sasuke. I truly had fun today."

"But you didn't even smile once. Did you really have fun?" Asked Sasuke skeptically, noticing Naruto's lack of smiles.

"Yeah, I truly had fun," Naruto replied, reminiscing about the events of the day and offering a small, genuine smile. Witnessing this, the three of them were shocked, likely thinking they were the first to see him smile.

"I see. Naruto-kun, do smile more like just now, okay? And here, take all your gifts," said Mikoto as she and Itachi opened a storage seal where they had kept all of Naruto's gifts. After assisting Naruto with gathering his gifts, the three of them walked back home.

As they headed home, Itachi suddenly spotted something and thought, 'Sure enough, it's that masked man. I wonder what his motives are. But if it must come to it, he will certainly be a good choice.'

Meanwhile, the same Masked Man pondered, 'I was nearly caught. That boy, Uchiha Itachi, is indeed a genius. He will be a valuable asset for my goals.' Suddenly, a creature emerged from the ground, prompting him to say, "Obito, nothing out of the ordinary occurred. They had a typical birthday celebration and returned home. However, there was one intriguing development."

"What?" Asked Obito, maintaining a cold demeanor even during casual conversations with his comrade.

"As you're aware, Naruto, the Jinchuriki, has formed a close bond with the Hyugas. Now, it seems he's forging a relationship with those three Uchihas you just observed. Except for Fugaku and Shisui, others may be out of reach," explained Black Zetsu.

"That's true. Anyway, what about Danzo's plans? Have you discovered when they'll unfold?" Inquired Obito Uchiha. Black Zetsu responded, "Hehehe! In July. Soon, the entire Uchiha clan will be wiped out, barring any unforeseen circumstances."

"I see," said Obito as he activated his Mangekyo Sharingan and utilized Kamui to teleport to another location.

In Naruto's bedroom...

As Naruto stored away his gifts, he laid down on his bed, contemplating, 'All the pieces are finally falling into place. Now, I just need to manipulate them according to my motives. Once Itachi joins the Akatsuki, it will be easier to dismantle them. But to achieve that, I must foster a close bond with him, starting with protecting his younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke.'

"But I must admit, today's birthday celebration, while initially unremarkable, turned out to be quite enjoyable. I hope I can continue safeguarding the peaceful life I've carved out for myself. Let's pray for it," muttered Naruto as he drifted off to sleep for the night.