Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Nine-Tails Incident
The Nine-Tails?!
Seeing the beast rampaging through the village, Kirito immediately recognized its familiar outline—it was the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, Kurama, the most iconic tailed beasts from the Naruto series.
Kurama, the strongest of the nine tailed beasts, was created by the Sage of Six Paths from the Ten-Tails' chakra. As Kirito recalled from his past life's knowledge, if the storyline hadn't changed, this event must be the Nine-Tails attack on Konoha, which coincided with Naruto's birth.
The root of the incident was Obito Uchiha. During Kushina Uzumaki's labor, Obito exploited her weakened state to release the Nine-Tails from its seal, unleashing destruction upon Konoha Village, his long-standing target of vengeance.
I didn't expect to be born in the same era as Naruto… What a coincidence. But on the bright side, I'm in Konoha. Despite its darkness, it's a familiar place, offering a relatively peaceful environment to grow in. Once I grow up, it won't matter how dark it is.
With the 360-degree view of his Byakugan, Kirito could track the Nine-Tails' movements without turning his head. In addition to the rampaging tailed beast, Kirito noticed Hokage Rock, featuring the faces of the first four Hokage, and the Konoha ninjas desperately trying to hold the beast back.
Kurama's chakra flow is chaotic. It must be under Obito's control.
The Byakugan's heightened perception allowed Kirito to observe Kurama's chakra pathways and detect the interference. He also spotted a ninja wielding a chakra-infused staff, forcing the beast away from the village's core.
That must be the Third Hokage, Kirito deduced.
To his surprise, the Third Hokage and his forces were driving Kurama toward his direction. The battlefield shifted rapidly, and within moments, the house where Kirito lay became dangerously close to the action. He braced for impact, but the fighting stopped unexpectedly as the Fourth Hokage appeared and teleported Kurama away.
Though spared direct harm, Kirito's house shook violently during the ordeal. As calm returned, the Third Hokage began issuing orders to search the area.
"Huff…" Kirito exhaled deeply, relaxing his clenched fists. Though his Byakugan didn't require physical effort to maintain, his habit of tensing up was a form of self-discipline.
They'll come this way soon. What if they find me?
Though he had longed for contact with the outside world, the thought of being discovered by ninjas, especially during such a sensitive time, filled him with unease.
I'll just take it as it comes.
Kirito shut off the Rinnegan on his forehead, its glowing eye fading to avoid suspicion. Stroking Little Leopard's head, he mentally commanded, Close your eye. Don't open it without my order.
Little Leopard obediently complied, curling up into a small pillow, its Rinnegan hidden. Though its perception wasn't hindered, the sight of the eye might have drawn dangerous attention. Kirito could only hope this precaution would prevent any complications.
Lying still on the wooden bed with Little Leopard nestled against him, Kirito prepared to face the arrival of Konoha's search party.
Soon, two ninjas entered the dilapidated house. Their hushed voices reflected surprise at finding a baby alone in such a desolate place. Kirito didn't react to their prodding, opting to hold Little Leopard tightly and stay silent.
The ninjas attempted to separate Kirito from Little Leopard, but the baby's fierce grip and the creature's wild resistance convinced them to abandon the effort. Deciding it was best to report the discovery, one ninja carried Kirito toward the village, leaving the other to continue searching the area.
The crisp night air and the moonlit sky greeted Kirito as he left the confines of his crumbling home for the first time. Despite the lingering chaos from Kurama's rampage, the open world felt refreshing.
The ninja carried him to the Hokage Building, where a tense atmosphere prevailed. The Third Hokage stood at the center of the room, holding a baby in his arms—Naruto Uzumaki.
When the ninja presented Kirito, even the experienced Third Hokage seemed momentarily taken aback. After a brief exchange, he ordered both babies to be taken to the medical wing for care.
Lying in a crib beside Naruto, Kirito chose not to eavesdrop on the ongoing discussions. Surveillance in the Hokage Building was too pervasive to risk exposing his abilities. For now, he remained passive, observing and waiting.
The realization that he couldn't understand the local language came as an unpleasant surprise. Without subtitles or prior preparation, Kirito couldn't follow their words, relying instead on context and actions.
Well, life's full of surprises, he thought wryly.
Turning his gaze to Naruto, Kirito noted the swirl-shaped seal on the baby's abdomen, subtly rising and falling with each breath. There was no doubt—this was the protagonist of the Naruto world.
Kirito's mind buzzed with thoughts about Naruto's lineage and future. The reincarnation of Asura, son of the Fourth Hokage, descendant of the Uzumaki clan, future Seventh Hokage… and the perfect Jinchuriki.
Reflecting on Naruto's incredible "cheat codes"—Kurama, his sage Uzumaki body, Asura's chakra, and innate resilience—Kirito couldn't help but compare himself.
I used to joke about Naruto being a "bloodline ninja," but now… the real clown is me.
Still, Kirito wasn't envious. His Ōtsutsuki lineage and the power of the Chakra Fruit granted him potential far beyond ordinary ninjas. Though most of his abilities remained dormant, the sheer volume of chakra within him was unrivaled.
My chakra exceeds everyone else's combined, Kirito mused, though he knew chakra alone didn't guarantee victory. Even Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, with her infinite chakra, had been defeated by strategy and teamwork. Combat skills and awareness mattered far more than raw power.
Curiosity piqued, Kirito nudged Little Leopard toward Naruto, wondering if his Ten Tails-like creation would react to Kurama. Little Leopard, misunderstanding the gesture, clung tightly to Kirito, refusing to leave.
So much for that idea, Kirito sighed, leaning back against Little Leopard's pliable form.
I wonder what the Third Hokage plans for me…
With no ability to control his fate for now, Kirito resigned himself to the uncertainty of his future. Whatever came next, he would face it head-on.
(End of Chapter 2)