[Naruto Grandfather] Chapter 101 - 105

Chapter 101

Looks like I’ll have to deal with this ninja dog first, Naruto thought, his gaze fixed on the ninja dog sniffing the ground below.

His hand moved cautiously, a small Rasengan beginning to form in his palm. He couldn’t afford to gather too much chakra—any sudden surge in energy would surely alert the Inuzuka team to his presence.

“Akamamaru, what’s the situation?” Inuzuka Kenta asked impatiently, watching his ninja dog closely.

Akamamaru tilted its head, sniffing the air with increasing intensity. Something felt off. The scent it was tracking seemed to linger in one place, as if its target hadn’t moved at all.

“This doesn’t make sense,” Inuzuka Kenta muttered, his brows furrowing in concern. Could it be that we’ve lost Naruto Uzumaki?

Akamamaru hesitated, circling the area beneath Naruto’s hiding spot. The ninja dog’s instincts told it the trail was fresh, but the scent’s static nature created a sense of confusion.

Above them, Naruto’s eyes gleamed with determination. This is my chance.

The Rasengan in his hand solidified, and with a swift movement, he launched it toward his unsuspecting target.

Inuzuka Kenta’s instincts flared, and he shouted in alarm, “Akamamaru, get out of the way!”

But it was too late. The Rasengan struck with precision, colliding with the ninja dog before it could react.

The miniature Rasengan lacked raw destructive power, but its concentrated force was highly penetrative. It tore through Akamamaru’s body, leaving a deep wound that bled profusely.

Akamamaru let out a pained whimper as it collapsed to the ground, its body trembling. Blood pooled beneath it, and its breathing grew shallow.

Naruto didn’t linger. His goal was clear: incapacitate the dog to sever its ability to track him. Without the dog, the Inuzuka team would lose their edge.

With a cold sneer, Naruto leapt away, vanishing into the dense forest.

Inuzuka Kenta knelt beside his fallen companion, his hands trembling as he assessed the damage. His heart burned with anger as he watched Naruto’s figure disappear into the distance.

“Damn you, Naruto Uzumaki!” he roared, his voice echoing through the woods.

To the Inuzuka clan, their ninja dogs were more than just tools—they were trusted partners, comrades they entrusted with their lives. Seeing Akamamaru injured so gravely ignited a fury that burned brighter than any professional obligation.

Yet despite his rage, Inuzuka Kenta knew the situation was beyond his control. Akamamaru needed immediate medical attention, and the team’s mission to delay Naruto could no longer continue.

But don’t think this is over, Naruto Uzumaki, he thought bitterly. Konoha won’t rely on just one team to stop you.

Cradling Akamamaru in his arms, Inuzuka Kenta retreated toward a nearby supply point, where the dog’s wounds could be treated.

Naruto moved swiftly through the forest, putting as much distance as possible between himself and his pursuers. Though he had escaped for now, he knew his troubles were far from over.

Konoha will have more defenses up ahead, he thought grimly. Getting to the Daimyō’s mansion won’t be easy.

Meanwhile, Uzumaki Chito observed the unfolding events through his talisman jade, his sharp eyes carefully analyzing Naruto’s decisions and movements.

He nodded to himself, impressed. Naruto had handled the situation well, avoiding unnecessary reliance on external help. His tactical decision to incapacitate the ninja dog had been both efficient and effective.

“He’s growing,” Chito murmured, a hint of pride in his voice.

Initially, he had anticipated that Naruto might use the talisman jade to request assistance, but his resolve to handle the situation on his own spoke volumes about his development.

Chito turned his attention to the others in the room. “Tsunade, Kakashi,” he called, motioning for them to step forward. “Take a look at this.”

Tsunade folded her arms as she studied the talisman jade’s projections. “Konoha’s tactics are… strange,” she remarked. “Delaying Naruto’s progress like this—do they really think it’ll stop Shin-Konoha from gaining legitimacy?”

Kakashi, holding his own ninja dog, Obito, in his arms, scratched his head thoughtfully. “To be honest, it feels unnecessary. But knowing Konoha, this kind of strategy has the Nara clan written all over it.”

Tsunade nodded in agreement. “That does sound like something Shikaku would come up with. Still, there’s a sense of desperation in their actions. It makes me wonder if they’re hiding something more.”

Kakashi’s masked face revealed little, but his tone carried a hint of unease. “It’s possible. Konoha might have a deeper plan in motion—something we haven’t seen yet.”

At that moment, Obito barked softly, trying to interject. “Woo woo!”

Chito chuckled, his lips curving into a rare smile. “What is it? You have something to say?”

Obito barked again, wagging his tail with determination.

Chapter 102

Obito that had been transformed into a Ninja Dog barked incessantly at Uzumaki Chito’s side, its tone carrying an air of urgency.

Kakashi scratched the back of his head, his expression betraying a mix of embarrassment and concern. He leaned down and tried to cover Obito’s mouth, but the dog playfully nipped at his hand, causing Kakashi to jerk it away.

“Chito-sama, this…” Kakashi hesitated, worried that the ninja dog’s antics might annoy him. He knew all too well that Uzumaki Chito’s patience had limits, and he feared the consequences if he decided to dismantle Obito on a whim.

“It’s fine,” Uzumaki Chito said with a faint smile, waving off Kakashi’s concerns. “This ninja dog is rather amusing.”

Kakashi blinked in surprise. It was rare for Chito to show such leniency, let alone humor, in a situation like this.

What Obito was saying, however, wasn’t entirely nonsensical. Uzumaki Chito, through his abilities, could hear Obito’s barks translated into coherent human speech.

“Konoha has two options,” Obito explained, his voice resonating in Chito’s mind. “They can either stop Shin-Konoha directly or prevent the Daimyō of the Land of Fire from approving. The latter could be achieved through the Daimyō’s disappearance or incapacitation.”

“Of course,” he continued, “killing the Daimyō outright wouldn’t be as effective. There would simply be a successor to take his place. But if he were to vanish mysteriously, things could become far more complicated.”

Uzumaki Chito nodded thoughtfully, his sharp mind piecing together the strategy Konoha was likely to employ. Obito’s analysis was surprisingly precise, and he couldn’t help but acknowledge its clarity.

“Well done, Obito,” Chito said communicated with Obito with his power, his tone carrying a hint of approval. “For this, I’ll reduce your punishment time by one month.”

Obito barked excitedly, wagging his tail in gratitude. “Woo woo woo!”

Chito chuckled softly. “Yes, yes, you’re welcome. Now, let’s move on. Kakashi, Tsunade, you’re dismissed for now. We’ll monitor the situation and intervene only if necessary.”

Kakashi and Tsunade exchanged confused glances but chose to trust Chito’s judgment. As Kakashi picked up Obito and prepared to leave, a thought struck the transformed ninja dog.

Wait… How long is my punishment in the first place? Obito wondered, his ears twitching nervously. He realized Chito hadn’t specified the total duration, leaving him uncertain if the reduction was significant at all. He wouldn’t extend it randomly… would he? He tried to reassure himself, though his doubts lingered.

Elsewhere, Naruto continued his journey, only to encounter another group of pursuers. This time, it was another team from the Inuzuka clan.

They must have sent them because of the earlier incident with Inuzuka Kenta, Naruto thought grimly.

The Inuzuka clan had fortified their defensive efforts, leaving little room for Naruto to maneuver. To make matters worse, this team wasn’t acting alone—they were accompanied by a sealing squad specifically trained to counter the power of tailed beasts.

Their strategy was clear. Even if they couldn’t overpower Naruto, they aimed to stall him long enough for reinforcements to arrive or for other plans to unfold.

They’re not trying to win—they just want to delay me.

The relentless chase began anew. Naruto weaved through the dense forest, dodging traps and evading attacks. But no matter how far he ran, the pursuers were never far behind.

“Nine tail,” Naruto called out to the Nine-Tails sealed within him, “is there anything you can do to help?”

The Nine-Tails chuckled darkly, its deep voice echoing in Naruto’s mind. “If you unleash all my power, you’ll crush them easily. And with Chito around, you won’t need to worry about the consequences.”

Naruto frowned, his expression serious. “I’m not going to trouble Chito-sama over something like this. I need to handle this myself.”

The Nine-Tails snorted but said nothing.

This brat… Always so stubborn, it thought.

Naruto’s resolve burned brightly. “I want to become Hokage someday. That means I can’t always rely on others to fight my battles for me. If I can’t handle these small challenges, how can I face greater ones?”

The Nine-Tails muttered under its breath but didn’t argue further.

Deep down, the Nine-Tails harbored its own thoughts. Hmph. This kid doesn’t even realize Chito left nine talisman jades with him. Each one can summon a clone. If he used even one, he’d be nearly unstoppable.

It clicked its tongue in frustration. I wouldn’t mind having one of those talismans myself… but this idiot doesn’t know how valuable they are.

Unbeknownst to Naruto, Uzumaki Chito was closely monitoring his progress. His talisman jade displayed a live projection of his movements and decisions.

He smiled faintly, impressed by his determination. “He’s growing into someone reliable,” he murmured.

The Nine-Tails, aware of Chito’s watchful gaze, muttered begrudgingly, “I get it. I get it. No need to remind me to stay quiet.”

Chapter 103

Alas, what a stubborn protector, the Nine-Tails sighed, its voice heavy with a mixture of exasperation and resignation. Uzumaki Chito’s protective nature spanned generations.
From Kushina to Naruto, Chito had always stood as an unwavering shield. His strength was legendary, and his determination to protect his “cubs” remained unparalleled, no matter the opposition.

Naruto, meanwhile, ignored the Nine-Tails’ grumblings and unfolded a map of the Land of Fire. His fingers traced possible routes, searching for a path that would allow him to evade Konoha’s ninja.
There has to be a way around them, he thought, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Elsewhere, Sasuke Uchiha was having his own troubles with the Konoha forces.

Standing on a ridge, he surveyed the area below, where a patrol of Konoha ninja moved with precision, their eyes scanning for any sign of their targets. Sasuke’s lips twisted into a grimace.
Why are there so many Konoha ninja here?

As he moved to avoid detection, one of the ninjas caught sight of him. Recognition flashed across their faces.

“That’s Sasuke Uchiha!” one of them shouted, and in an instant, the group prepared for confrontation.

Sasuke clicked his tongue in irritation. The moment he engaged with them, he knew they would label him a traitor. Still, he couldn’t afford to be delayed.
“This is such a pain,” he muttered under his breath, his eyes flashing red with the Sharingan. With swift movements, he dispatched the nearest pursuers, buying himself time to escape.

The news of Sasuke’s appearance quickly reached Konoha’s Hokage office, where Jiraiya sat reviewing reports.

“Sasuke Uchiha has officially abandoned the village,” Jiraiya announced, his tone laced with disappointment as he read the update aloud.

Danzo, seated nearby, leaned back in his chair with a smug expression. “I warned you this would happen,” he said. “The old man always had a soft spot for the Uchiha, but I knew they couldn’t be trusted, the lot of them.”

Jiraiya sighed, his frustration evident. “It’s pointless to dwell on the past, Danzo. What’s done is done. Right now, we have to focus on the present.”

Danzo took a leisurely sip of tea, his demeanor unbothered despite the gravity of the situation.

“According to the latest intelligence,” Jiraiya continued, “Sasuke’s strength may have reached quasi-Kage level.”

Danzo raised an eyebrow. “Quasi-Kage? Hmph. Impressive, but not unexpected. Given Naruto’s rapid growth, it’s only natural that Sasuke would reach a similar level.”

“What do you propose we do?” Jiraiya asked, his gaze narrowing as he studied Danzo’s relaxed posture.

Danzo placed his cup down with deliberate slowness. “Reports suggest Sasuke is heading toward Naruto. If they meet, the outcome could go one of two ways.”

“Friends or foes?” Jiraiya ventured, leaning forward.

Danzo’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Exactly. The question is whether they’ll join forces or fight each other. Either outcome has significant implications for Konoha.”

“And if they become allies?” Jiraiya pressed, his tone serious.

Danzo’s smile disappeared, replaced by a steely glint in his eyes. “If they join forces, Konoha’s situation will grow even worse. But if they’re enemies, Sasuke could be used as a weapon—a sword wielded against Naruto and Shin-Konoha.”

Jiraiya frowned, understanding the underlying ruthlessness in Danzo’s words. His disdain for the Uchiha clan was well known, and his willingness to exploit them remained unchanged.

“Sasuke’s Sharingan is a double-edged sword,” Danzo continued. “Dangerous, yes, but if controlled properly, it could become an asset to Konoha.”

Jiraiya remained silent, processing the implications. Danzo’s strategy was cold and calculating, but it was undeniably effective.

“Very well,” Jiraiya said after a long pause. “I’ll instruct the Anbu Department to monitor Sasuke’s movements. We need to know the outcome of their meeting—whether they’ll stand together or clash as enemies.”

Chapter 104

Naruto had meticulously planned his route, choosing a long and winding path to avoid the blockade of Konoha’s ninja. Every step brought him closer to his goal—the Daimyō’s mansion—but the journey was far from uneventful.

As he moved through the forest, the sharp whistle of metal cutting through the air caught his attention. A shuriken landed mere inches from his feet, embedding itself into the ground with a cold, menacing gleam.

“Who’s there?” Naruto demanded, his senses heightened. The Tailed Beast cloak shimmered into existence, enveloping him in its protective aura. A Rasengan began forming in his palm, its energy humming with potential.

From the shadows of the trees, a figure stepped forward, the faint smirk on their lips betraying a mix of arrogance and amusement.

Naruto’s eyes widened. “Sasuke…?”

Sasuke stood there, exuding an aura that was both familiar and entirely foreign. His expression was one of cold indifference, but there was something darker, more menacing about him now.

“I finally found you,” Sasuke said, his voice carrying an unsettling calm. “This time, Naruto, I’m going to defeat you.”

Naruto took a cautious step back, studying his former classmate. The aura surrounding Sasuke was far more intense than it had been the last time they met. Beneath his calm exterior, Naruto could sense a terrifying power, one that hadn’t been there before.

“What are you doing here, Sasuke? Why now?” Naruto asked, his tone a mix of confusion and suspicion.

Sasuke’s smirk deepened. “Why? To test my power, of course. Orochimaru has given me something… special. Something that makes me stronger than ever.”

As he spoke, black markings began to spread across his skin, crawling like living veins from the Curse Mark on his neck. The transformation was unsettling, the dark energy radiating from him palpable.

“I had this power transplanted in Orochimaru’s lab,” Sasuke continued, his voice laced with malice. “Now I’m stronger than you could ever imagine. Come on, Naruto. Fight me!”

Before Naruto could respond, Sasuke moved. His speed was blinding, far beyond anything Naruto had anticipated. In an instant, he closed the distance between them and delivered a punch to Naruto’s Tailed Beast cloak.

Though the attack didn’t pierce the cloak’s defense, the sheer force of it sent Naruto skidding backward.

“You’ve improved,” Naruto admitted, his voice steady despite the situation. “But you’re not the only one who’s gotten stronger.”

Naruto’s mind raced. He didn’t want to waste time in a meaningless fight, not when the mission was so critical. Yet Sasuke’s presence made it clear he wasn’t going to let him pass easily.

I need to find a way around him. Fighting here will only delay me further, Naruto thought.

With a quick series of hand seals, Naruto unleashed his signature technique. “Shadow Clone Jutsu!”

A swarm of clones erupted from his body, scattering in every direction. Naruto mixed himself among them, hoping to slip past Sasuke unnoticed.

But Sasuke had anticipated this. He raised his hand, and arcs of electricity began crackling around him. In a flash, the air was filled with a dense web of lightning, each strand sizzling with lethal energy.

One by one, Naruto’s clones disintegrated as they touched the web. The forest echoed with the sounds of dissipating shadow clones, leaving the real Naruto standing amidst the chaos.

“Damn it,” Naruto muttered. Holding the Rasengan in his hand, he charged at the web, smashing through it with sheer force. The lightning dispersed, but Sasuke was already preparing his next move.

Naruto’s eyes narrowed. It was clear there would be no avoiding this fight.

“If I don’t take you down, I’ll never get past you,” Naruto said, his voice cold and resolute.

Sasuke smirked, his own resolve equally firm. “Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes, Naruto. I’m not the same person I was six months ago.”

The tension between them reached its peak. Without another word, Naruto lunged forward, his Rasengan aimed at Sasuke.

But Sasuke was faster. With lightning-fast reflexes, he dodged the attack, leaving Naruto’s Rasengan to slam into the ground where he had just stood.

Chapter 105

Sasuke stared at the crater left by Naruto’s Rasengan, his Sharingan glowing faintly as he shifted his gaze to Naruto. His expression was indifferent, his voice laced with disdain.

“A sneak attack? Is that all you’ve got?”

Naruto’s lips curled into a smirk, holding another Rasengan in his hand. “By the time you take out my clone, the fight’s already started!”

With a swift motion, Naruto launched the Tasengan toward Sasuke.

Sasuke tilted his head slightly, dodging the attack with ease. “Still so reckless, Naruto.” His tone was cold, but there was a flicker of excitement in his eyes. “Let me show you what real strength looks like.”

A faint madness danced in Sasuke’s gaze as the Curse Mark on his body activated fully. The intricate black patterns surged and spread across his skin, pulsing with ominous energy.

Suddenly, wings erupted from Sasuke’s back, stretching wide. They resembled the leathery wings of a bat, or perhaps a clawless pterodactyl. As they flapped, a powerful gust swept through the forest, flattening the grass and shaking the trees.

“Feel the power I’ve gained!” Sasuke declared, his voice carrying an edge of triumph.

With a single powerful beat of his wings, Sasuke ascended into the air. Hovering briefly, he suddenly dove toward Naruto at blinding speed, his hands moving in a blur as he performed a sequence of hand seals.

“Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!”

A massive orb of flames erupted from Sasuke’s mouth, roaring toward Naruto with intense heat. Sasuke’s ability to simultaneously use his speed and perform ninjutsu demonstrated just how far he had progressed.

Naruto braced himself as the Tailed Beast cloak absorbed most of the damage, but the force of the attack pushed him back. Gasping slightly, he steadied himself, his gaze narrowing.

When did Sasuke get this strong? Naruto thought, his mind racing. He used to be someone I could beat without breaking a sweat. Now, he’s… different.

The realization gnawed at him. Orochimaru’s influence had clearly transformed Sasuke. The Curse Mark had granted him power far beyond what Naruto had anticipated.

Orochimaru… That guy has so many ways to make people stronger, Naruto mused, his thoughts briefly drifting to Neji, who was also working under Orochimaru’s guidance. I can’t underestimate Sasuke anymore.

Naruto’s initial frustration began to fade, replaced by a growing excitement. His competitive spirit ignited, and his focus sharpened.

“Fine,” Naruto said, a grin forming on his face. “If you want to see my strength, I’ll show you.”

With a series of rapid hand seals, Naruto summoned a swarm of shadow clones. The clones spread out in every direction, creating an overwhelming presence.

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. “Still planning to run away?” he taunted.

Naruto smirked, shaking his head. “No, Sasuke. This time, I’m coming straight for you.”

Sasuke responded by releasing a web of electricity, sending it outward in all directions. The lightning crackled and spread, destroying every shadow clone it touched. The forest filled with the sounds of clones dissipating one by one.

But Naruto’s real plan was already in motion. The clones weren’t meant to escape—they were there to distract Sasuke.

“Now!” Naruto shouted, his clones rushing toward Sasuke in a coordinated assault.

“Is this your big plan? Suicide attacks?” Sasuke sneered, flapping his wings. The gusts shattered the oncoming clones, dispersing them effortlessly.

Naruto, however, was unfazed. As Sasuke dealt with the clones, he prepared his real attack. Two shadow clones assisted him, focusing their chakra to help form a massive Rasengan.

“Let’s see you handle this!” Naruto roared, the colossal sphere of chakra in his hand radiating power.

“Odama Rasengan!”

The ground trembled as Naruto charged at Sasuke, the Rasengan’s force creating shockwaves with every step.

Sasuke’s eyes widened briefly, but he didn’t falter. Performing a series of rapid hand seals, he unleashed his own attack.

“Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bullet!”

Flames shaped like a roaring dragon surged toward Naruto’s Rasengan. The two powerful jutsus collided mid-air, creating a deafening explosion. The resulting shockwave flattened the surrounding forest, leaving a momentary vacuum at the center of the blast.

Both combatants were thrown backward, skidding across the ground as smoke and debris filled the air.

Sasuke coughed, struggling to his feet. “You’ve gotten stronger,” he admitted begrudgingly. “But it’s not enough to stop me.”

Before he could react further, six fiery tails from Naruto’s Tailed Beast cloak lashed out, wrapping around him with incredible speed.

“What the—?” Sasuke gasped, the tails constricting him tightly.

From within Naruto’s consciousness, the Nine-Tails chuckled darkly. “I call this move… Six-Tail Crimson Tail Bind. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”