Naruto - Leader of Kusagakure

"Hmph! Go ahead and bully me now, but you'll regret it next year!" Naruto, bundled in a heavy coat, stood firm against the cold wind, glaring at Black Zetsu. "Next year, I'll be a sophomore, and things will be different!"

His confident declaration drew the attention of nearby students. They were used to seeing the blonde-haired kid causing a scene. Ever since he fought on the first day of school and kept challenging Black Zetsu, he had become infamous as a troublemaker.

Naruto, hands on his hips and flanked by Sasuke and Jugo, continued, "By then, you'll have to call me Senior Naruto!"

Sasuke, trying to hide his embarrassment under the scrutiny of many eyes, muttered, "This idiot..."

Jugo chuckled awkwardly, "Naruto never changes, does he?"

Black Zetsu glared at Naruto, his frustration boiling over as he waved a hand, summoning several of his underlings to join him. They all fixed their steely gazes on Naruto, their hostility palpable.

Does this kid ever learn? All he had to do was call him 'Big Bro.' Is that too much to ask? Yet here he is, still poking the bear.

With his status, Black Zetsu was practically an uncle-grandfather to Naruto and Sasuke. If it weren't for his mother, he wouldn't even have to put up with this nonsense. As a millennium-old mastermind, he had faced greater challenges than some brat's defiance.

Yet, he reminded himself of his goal—to recruit them as his underlings. However, even after nearly a year, he hadn't made any progress. The descendants of Hagoromo were incredibly stubborn.

Black Zetsu sighed, feeling a pang of melancholy as he thought about Naruto and Sasuke advancing to the second year. It wasn't that he couldn't advance; it was that even if he did, what difference would it make? Despite being his mother's will, he hadn't inherited any of her powers. As these two progressed, he was bound to be left behind eventually.

Especially since Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke were students of that cursed man... they were destined to become even stronger.

Why was that man so lucky? Admired by their mothers, he had managed to take in Nagato, Uzumaki Naruto, and Uchiha Sasuke as his disciples.

Glancing at Naruto and Sasuke, Black Zetsu's lips curled with disdain. When his mother emerged, they would all see who the real strongest was.

Despite his inner turmoil, as the seven-time reigning boss of the academy's first grade, he wouldn't back down so easily.

"You only won because Gaara helped you. Otherwise, I'd have already beaten you!" he shouted, his voice dripping with bitterness. With that, he turned and left, ignoring Naruto's furious expression. He couldn't afford to stay any longer.

"Damn it! If you have the guts, then don't bring so many people next time!" Naruto shouted, his frustration boiling over as he watched Black Zetsu walk away. "And what do you mean I'm weak? I, Uzumaki Naruto, am strong!"

He fished out his exam papers from his bag, brandishing them triumphantly. "Look at this! Outstanding Ninja Award! Do you have one?"

Before he could bask in his own glory, Black Zetsu suddenly spread his arms wide, revealing a towering stack of certificates. "I stopped caring about those ages ago!" he retorted coolly.

"Star of Progress Award, Helpful Student Award, Outstanding Ninja Cadre Award..." The pile of accolades tumbled out in the chilly wind, leaving the nearby kids in stunned silence. Murmurs of awe spread among them. "No wonder Black Zetsu has ruled the first grade for seven years. He has so many awards!"

Although he deliberately kept his academic performance under the radar for various reasons, Black Zetsu was well-regarded in the academy. He often helped others, assisted teachers, maintained politeness, and served as the class representative. Over the years, he had amassed quite the collection of awards. But in the end, what did they really mean?

Without turning back, Black Zetsu let out a heavy sigh at Naruto's shocked expression and the whispers of the crowd, his figure growing distant as he walked away, feeling a sense of desolation.

"Damn it! How does that guy, who picks on new students, have so many awards?" Naruto fumed, gripping his certificate tightly, his eyes blazing with frustration. He looked every bit like a child who had just been picked on and was ready to run to his parents for support. "He must have bought them! I'm telling Uncle Akihiko!"

"Idiot!" Sasuke couldn't help but facepalm at Naruto's ridiculousness.

"Hey, Arrogant Sasuke! Whose side are you on?" Naruto shot back, unaware that his own words had sparked Sasuke's annoyance.

"Actually, Black Zetsu doesn't really bully anyone; he sometimes helps his classmates. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been chosen as the class representative." Jugo interjected quickly, trying to defuse the escalating tension. "But don't be fooled by those certificates; they're just the result of years of hard work."

Beside them, Gaara nodded thoughtfully. "Auntie Pakura said the same thing."

After all the encouragement he had received from Naruto and the absence of those strange voices, Gaara was no longer the gloomy figure he had been when he first arrived. He had begun to blossom into a good friend, and the camaraderie he shared with Naruto only added to his newfound warmth.

"Really? Is that how it is?" Naruto paused, then pouted and said, "Alright, I guess I'll go a little easier on him next time. But..."

He clenched his fists, his eyes shining with determination. "I, Uzumaki Naruto, am going to graduate with even more certificates and become the top student in the academy! That's my ninja way!"

"This guy is such an idiot," Sasuke shook his head in exasperation.

"What's with you, Sasuke? Always calling me an idiot!" Naruto snapped back, frustration bubbling up again. Why did this guy always have to get under his skin?!

…

At that moment, in another part of the village, Black Zetsu returned to the underground hideout, carefully tucking away the certificates with a melancholic expression.

His eyes drifted off as he murmured, "The plan has failed."

He had deliberately remained in the same grade, hoping to recruit stronger 'allies', but this attempt had completely backfired.

He couldn't fathom why Uzumaki Naruto seemed to hold a grudge against him. After all, all he did was give Naruto a few beatings and report him to the teacher a couple of times. Why was Naruto so intent on retaliating? Why were they so fixated on challenging him?

"Maybe I should apologize next school year? I've gotten used to being a subordinate," Black Zetsu pondered, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I can manage being a lackey for a kid."

As long as it meant saving his mother, he was willing to do whatever it took. Given Naruto's personality, a little humility on his part would probably go a long way in helping them get along. Then, he just has to bide his time and wait for the right moment.

With this thought in mind, Black Zetsu clenched his fists again. "Once Mom returns, I'll make sure they pay for this—especially that Grass Village leader who got me into this mess…"

However, before he could finish his sentence, a voice echoed through the hideout. "Hmm? Did someone call me?"

At the unexpected familiar words, Black Zetsu's expression stiffened. He turned around to see a familiar figure smiling at him from inside. How did he get here?

Quickly, he forced a smile. "Ah, Leader Akihiko! Sorry about the lack of hospitality; I just got out of school."

"No worries. School is important," Akihiko replied, waving off the concern. He then patted Black Zetsu on the shoulder, his demeanor shifting to something more serious.

Black Zetsu felt a chill run down his spine. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Leader Akihiko, is there something you need from me?"

"Yes, there is," Akihiko said, looking intently at Black Zetsu, who was nervously swallowing. "The organization has an important task for you."

At his words, Black Zetsu froze completely. What? What organization? What task?