[Naruto Grandfather] Chapter 96 - 100

Chapter 96

Hyuga Neji stared at Sasuke's back, a mixture of shock and envy flickering in his pale eyes.

Neji had witnessed Sasuke’s power firsthand during their recent confrontation. Even from the sidelines, he could sense the immense energy surging within Sasuke’s body, an energy that seemed almost untouchable.

Orochimaru… that kind of power… can I have it too? Neji’s unrelenting pursuit of strength burned as fiercely as that of anyone else, and seeing Sasuke wield such overwhelming force sparked a deep yearning within him.

However, when Neji voiced his thoughts aloud, Orochimaru shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips.

“That power is far too dangerous. I wouldn’t dare use it on you,” Orochimaru replied, his tone tinged with both caution and mockery. “Besides, if I did, Lord Chito would come after me herself.”

At the mention of Uzumaki Chito, Orochimaru’s eyes flickered with something akin to fear. The mere thought of his strength was enough to dissuade him from entertaining such a reckless experiment.

“You’d best focus on the path Lord Chito has already laid out for you,” Orochimaru advised, his gaze narrowing as he scrutinized Neji’s eyes. “There’s immense potential in the Byakugan. I can feel it. In time, it might rival, if not surpass, the Sharingan.”

Neji listened in silence, his pride slightly soothed by Orochimaru’s words. His Byakugan, which had been subjected to countless experiments, were now more than just a tool—they were a gateway to something far greater.

“How are your eyes feeling now?” Orochimaru asked, tilting his head as he observed Neji’s reaction.

“There’s no discomfort,” Neji replied confidently. “The rejection tests seem to be stabilizing.”

For months, Neji had undergone grueling experiments to replicate the power of the Byakugan. The process was painstaking, but at last, it seemed to bear fruit. The replicated Byakugan worked seamlessly, or so it seemed.

“Have you noticed any irregularities when using them?” Orochimaru probed further, his curiosity evident.

“The replicated Byakugan’s power is weaker than the original,” Neji admitted, his tone laced with frustration. “I can’t tell if it’s a limitation of the replication process or something else entirely.”

Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully, jotting down Neji’s observations in a worn notebook. This was the third journal he had dedicated solely to Neji’s experiments, a testament to the sheer volume of data collected.

“Understood. I’ll refine the replication process and test a fusion of the Byakugan to see if the results improve,” Orochimaru said, closing the notebook with a sharp snap.

The room fell silent as Neji mulled over his next steps. The power he sought was within reach, but the journey to claim it was fraught with obstacles.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Fire, Naruto Uzumaki set foot on familiar soil. The last time he had been here was during the Chūnin Exams, but much had changed since then.

Naruto was no longer the same boy who had left Konoha. His strength had grown exponentially, and his presence now carried a weight that was impossible to ignore.

As he disembarked from the boat, Naruto headed straight for the Daimyō’s mansion. His steps were purposeful, his resolve unshakable. Yet, unknown to him, his arrival had already been reported to Konoha by the Anbu stationed at the port.

“He’s alone… as expected of the son of the Fourth Hokage,” Jiraiya mused aloud, a mix of pride and worry etched on his face. The thought of Uzumaki Chito, the powerful figure backing Naruto, tempered his concern.

“With a guardian like him, it’s no wonder he’s so fearless,” Jiraiya added with a resigned sigh.

Danzo, standing nearby, scoffed. “No matter how strong Uzumaki Chito is, he can’t shield him forever. One day, Naruto will be vulnerable, and that’s when we strike.”

A third voice interrupted, its tone seething with resentment. “A clone can only protect him for so long. Uzumaki Chito won’t always be there to save him.”

The speaker was none other than the spirit of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Though trapped in the ethereal plane, his hatred for the Uzumaki Chito had not diminished. His translucent form hovered near the others, his frustration evident as he slammed a phantom fist onto an invisible surface.

“All of this is his fault,” Hiruzen growled, his spectral eyes burning with malice.

Danzo, sensing an opportunity, suggested a plan. “Let the Inuzuka clan take the lead. Inuzuka Kiba Injuries and subsequent death happen by Naruto’s hand. They have every reason to act, and their involvement will shield us from direct suspicion.”

Hiruzen nodded in agreement, his ghostly figure trembling with pent-up rage. “The Inuzuka clan will serve as the perfect pawns. Let them exact their revenge, and when the time is right, we will finish what they start.”

[EN*: They actually mention this earlier, but I thought it is translation error, since I wouldn’t imagined Naruto to straight up killed Kiba, so here I edit it again saying that Naruto injured Kiba and since there is no figure like Tsunade around, Kiba finally die]

Chapter 97

Jiraiya let out a weary sigh, running a hand through his untamed white hair. Despite officially holding the title of the Fifth Hokage, he often felt like little more than a messenger for Sarutobi Hiruzen, who still acted as if he were the true leader of Konoha.

This unspoken dynamic cast a shadow over the Hokage's office, an oppressive weight Jiraiya found difficult to shake.

He leaned back in his chair, his mind spinning as he considered the situation. After careful thought, he couldn’t find fault with Sarutobi’s decisions, even if they left him feeling sidelined.

“Call Shikaku,” Jiraiya finally instructed, his voice steady despite his internal frustration. “Let’s hear what he thinks about Shin-Konoha this time.”

The Nara clan had long been Konoha’s intellectual backbone, known for their unparalleled strategic minds. Shikaku Nara, the clan’s current leader, had served as a trusted advisor to Sarutobi during his tenure as Hokage. Jiraiya hoped Shikaku could provide the clarity he desperately needed.

Meanwhile, Naruto was making his way through the dense forests of the Land of Fire. His path was anything but smooth—hidden obstacles and ambushes had been meticulously laid by Konoha’s operatives, all aimed at derailing his mission.

Their goal was clear: to discredit Shin-Konoha and prevent its legitimacy from taking root.

Naruto had already encountered several groups of ninja from the ANBU and Root factions. While their individual strength didn’t pose much of a threat, their relentless attacks began to take a toll.

Wave after wave, they came at him with little regard for their own lives. Their sheer numbers and persistence were wearing him down.

This was supposed to be simple, Naruto thought, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he sent another ninja flying with a well-placed kick. Yet even as he struck, more appeared, seemingly endless.

He gritted his teeth and summoned a Rasengan, slamming it into the ground where the defeated ninja had vanished, leaving behind a crater.

“Surround him! His chakra reserves are running low!” one of the Konoha ninjas shouted, emboldened by Naruto’s visible exhaustion.

But by the time they advanced, Naruto had already vanished, leaving behind only a smoldering log.

“Substitution jutsu,” one of the ninjas muttered in frustration as they realized their target had slipped away yet again.

Back at the Hokage’s office, two clan leaders had arrived after being summoned for an urgent meeting.

Inazuka Tsume, the leader of the Inuzuka clan, lounged on the sofa, her arms crossed as she waited. She had always been outspoken and brash, traits that often clashed with the reserved and calculating Nara Shikaku, who entered the office moments later.

“Tsume, you’re here too?” Shikaku asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

“Of course,” Tsume replied, her voice booming. “Hokage-sama called me. Looks like we’re here for the same reason—Naruto Uzumaki.”

At the mention of Naruto’s name, Shikaku’s expression darkened. “Naruto…” he murmured, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. The regret in his tone was unmistakable.

Both leaders had recently visited Uzumaki Chito’s burgeoning village in the Land of Whirlpools. What they saw there had left a lasting impression.

Shin-Konoha was no ordinary settlement. Its infrastructure rivaled, and in some cases surpassed, that of Konoha itself. What was even more unsettling was the number of former Konoha ninjas who had defected to join Shin-Konoha’s ranks.

It was a slow but undeniable erosion of Konoha’s foundation.

“A thousand miles of embankments can crumble from an ant’s nest,” Shikaku muttered, his voice low but weighted with meaning.

He had come to this meeting not just to discuss Naruto, but to urge Jiraiya to take decisive action. The longer Konoha hesitated, the stronger Shin-Konoha would become.

As Shikaku’s thoughts churned, a cold wind swept through the office, signaling the arrival of Sarutobi Hiruzen’s spectral form.

The former Hokage’s translucent figure drifted into the room, followed closely by Jiraiya and Danzo.

Neither Shikaku nor Tsume appeared surprised by this spectral appearance. Uzumaki Chito’s resurrection of Sarutobi Hiruzen was an open secret in Konoha, one that carried its own set of controversies.

Both leaders quickly stood out of respect as Jiraiya entered. Despite the tension in the room, it was clear that this was a critical moment for Konoha.

Chapter 98

“You’re all here, sit down!” Sarutobi Hiruzen commanded, his tone authoritative despite his spectral form.

His actions bordered on overstepping his bounds, a fact that didn’t escape Nara Shikaku. The strategist sighed inwardly, already anticipating this turn of events.

Sarutobi Hiruzen’s continued influence as a former Hokage, especially in his current resurrected state, had become a growing issue in Konoha. His presence represented an unspoken struggle for power, a lingering shadow over Jiraiya’s nominal leadership as the Fifth Hokage.

Yet Jiraiya, loyal to his teacher, continued to tolerate Sarutobi’s interference. Without this deference, the fragile balance within Konoha might have unraveled long ago.

Jiraiya cast a brief glance at the two clan leaders, nodding and gesturing for them to take their seats.

Sarutobi, however, paid no heed to Jiraiya’s gesture. Floating toward Inazuka Tsume and Nara Shikaku, he handed them a document.

“This village, built by traitors, is planning to apply to the Daimyō of the Land of Fire for official recognition,” Sarutobi announced coldly. “I want to know your thoughts on this matter.”

The document detailed Shin-Konoha’s motives, actions, and ultimate goals.

Shikaku’s brow furrowed as he skimmed the report. His worst fears were materializing sooner than expected.

He had known that, eventually, Shin-Konoha would seek legitimacy. Yet the speed with which the village had developed was astonishing. In just a year, its infrastructure was not only completed but already rivaled that of Konoha itself.

“Shikaku, what’s your take on this?” Sarutobi asked, his gaze sharp and piercing.

Shikaku smiled bitterly, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He knew that whenever complex issues arose, the village would look to him for answers. But with Shin-Konoha and Uzumaki Chito involved, even his intellect struggled to find a solution.

“Third Hokage-sama,” Shikaku began cautiously, “as long as Uzumaki Chito is backing Shin-Konoha, any attempts to obstruct them will likely be futile.”

Sarutobi’s expression darkened, and his tone turned harsh. “Forget about Uzumaki Chito! For now, pretend his name doesn’t exist.”

Shikaku hesitated before continuing. “Even if we set Uzumaki Chito aside, Naruto’s strength alone is formidable. Ordinary ninjas won’t stand a chance against him. Frankly, Hokage-sama, it might require your personal intervention to handle him.”

He paused, his voice growing more somber. “Judging by Naruto’s recent record, his abilities are already approaching Kage level. If he takes one more step forward, he could very well attain the strength to lead a village as its Kage.”

Shikaku’s assessment wasn’t exaggerated. In truth, Naruto’s rapid growth over the past year suggested he might already possess shadow-level combat capabilities.

Jiraiya, who had fought Naruto firsthand, silently nodded in agreement.

“So, you’re saying there’s no way to deal with him?” Sarutobi demanded, his eyes narrowing like a hawk’s. His tone carried an edge of frustration, clearly unwilling to accept defeat.

“It’s not impossible,” Shikaku admitted cautiously, “but our options are limited. Hyuga Hiashi, Hokage-sama, and Danzo-sama might stand a chance. Additionally, the combined efforts of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio could offer a viable strategy.”

Shikaku paused for a moment before adding, “But the odds are slim, even with our best efforts.”

At this, Inazuka Tsume’s temper flared. She slammed her palm onto the table, glaring at Shikaku. “Shikaku, are you saying the Inuzuka clan isn’t capable of handling this?”

Shikaku sighed, choosing his words carefully. “Tsume, you know as well as I do that the Inuzuka clan’s strengths lie in tracking, reconnaissance, and vigilance, not direct combat. This isn’t about undermining your clan’s value; it’s about assessing our resources realistically.”

Tsume growled under her breath but said no more, recognizing the truth in Shikaku’s statement, even if it stung her pride.

Sarutobi’s gaze shifted to Danzo, who had remained silent throughout the meeting.

“Danzo?” Sarutobi called, his voice sharp and commanding.

Danzo sat slumped in his chair, his eyes half-closed as if he were on the verge of dozing off. He barely acknowledged the question, his lack of urgency only adding to the tension in the room.

Chapter 99

Danzo, startled by the sudden sound, straightened instinctively, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.

“What were we talking about again? Oh, right, if it’s over, I’ll be taking my leave,” Danzo said with an air of indifference. He dusted off his robes and stood, clearly eager to extricate himself from the conversation.

He had no interest in getting involved in any plans to confront Shin-Konoha. The growing power of Uzumaki Chito and the strength of Naruto Uzumaki had made it clear that direct conflict was a gamble he wasn’t willing to take.

“Danzo, how about you personally handle Naruto Uzumaki?” Sarutobi’s tone sharpened, refusing to let Danzo slip away so easily.

The elder’s gaze bore into him. “When did you become so hesitant, Danzo? Since when have you avoided taking action?”

Danzo hesitated, his expression shifting to one of feigned regret. “Hiruzen, you know my old ailments are acting up again. My back pain has gotten unbearable.”

Sarutobi’s lips curled in a wry smile. “Shall I call for Konoha’s medics, then?”

“No, no, no need!” Danzo quickly countered, waving his hands dismissively. “I’ll just head home to rest. You all continue without me.”

Without waiting for a response, Danzo turned and strode toward the door, his movements brisk and deliberate. He pushed the office door open and exited without a backward glance, leaving the others behind.

The audacity of his departure hung in the air, leaving Sarutobi visibly irritated.

The remaining attendees—Jiraiya, Nara Shikaku, and Inazuka Tsume—exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and suppressed amusement. None dared to laugh outright, though the temptation was palpable.

Sarutobi exhaled heavily, shaking his head. “Coward,” he muttered under his breath, turning his attention back to the matter at hand.

The room grew quiet once more, the weight of the conversation returning. Sarutobi’s gaze lingered on Nara Shikaku, a hint of expectation in his eyes.

“Shikaku,” Sarutobi began, his voice calm but firm, “do you have any alternative strategies?”

Shikaku furrowed his brow, his mind working quickly. “There is one other option,” he admitted cautiously, “but it’s… unconventional.”

“Let’s hear it,” Sarutobi prompted, leaning forward slightly.

Shikaku hesitated before explaining. “If we can’t stop Naruto directly, we could focus on the Daimyō. Without the Daimyō’s approval, Shin-Konoha cannot gain official recognition. We could disrupt the Daimyō’s involvement to delay or even prevent their legitimization.”

Sarutobi shook his head almost immediately. “The agreement between Konoha and the Daimyō of the Land of Fire has stood since the founding of the village. We’ve always operated under a mutual non-interference policy. Tampering with the Daimyō could destabilize that delicate balance.”

“What if no one knows it’s Konoha’s doing?” Shikaku countered, his tone measured but deliberate.

Sarutobi raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself.

Shikaku continued, “The Akatsuki organization has been operating prominently in recent years, particularly in the Land of Rain. If we were to contract them, it could create plausible deniability. They’re known for taking on missions of all kinds, and their involvement would mask Konoha’s hand in the matter.”

Sarutobi’s eyes lit up with recognition. “The Akatsuki…” he mused.

The mention of the organization seemed to spark an idea. Sarutobi recalled that Uchiha Itachi, one of Konoha’s most skilled operatives, was embedded within the Akatsuki as a double agent. This connection made the plan even more appealing.

“That could work,” Sarutobi agreed after a moment’s consideration. “Shikaku, you’ll handle the arrangements. Contact the Akatsuki and ensure the Daimyō is temporarily… indisposed.”

The decision was made, and the weight of the directive hung heavily on Shikaku’s shoulders. What Sarutobi didn’t realize was that the Akatsuki had already formed an alliance with Shin-Konoha, rendering this plan far more complicated than he anticipated.

As the meeting concluded, Jiraiya lingered for a moment, his expression troubled.

“Shikaku,” he said quietly, “why did you suggest that plan?”

Shikaku turned to him, a faint, tired smile on his lips. “Jiraiya, do you really think the Third Hokage would have let me leave this room without offering a solution? If I hadn’t spoken up, we’d still be here debating, and I doubt any of us would have left unscathed.”

Chapter 100

There are some things you just can’t avoid.

The Nara clan is deeply rooted in Konoha. As long as they remain part of the village, there are responsibilities they cannot escape.

Nara Shikaku stood calmly, his expression steady but serious. "Jiraiya, my duty is to protect the daimyo and maintain the stability of Konoha."

He didn’t elaborate further. Some truths didn’t need explaining; they were simply understood. Yet, it was clear that Jiraiya hadn’t fully broken free from his rigid way of thinking.

Meanwhile, the Inuzuka clan had been mobilized. Their mission: intercept Naruto, hinder his advance, and buy time for Konoha to establish contact with the Akatsuki organization.

Naruto was growing increasingly frustrated. No matter how careful he was, it seemed like someone was always on his trail.

“What’s going on? Why do they always find me so easily?”

Once again, Naruto found himself evading a group of Konoha shinobi, his mind clouded with confusion. His movements, once calculated and elusive, now seemed predictable. The pursuers weren’t trying to fight him directly anymore—they were restricting his movements, closing in and confining him to a specific range.

"This isn’t right. They’re not trying to stop me outright. They’re just stalling."

Naruto’s sharp instincts told him something bigger was at play. He clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes.

“No, I can’t waste any more time. I need to reach the Land of Fire Daimyo Mansion before it’s too late. I won’t let them derail me.”

With his resolve strengthened, Naruto burst out of his hiding place.

Outside, several shadowy figures patrolled the area, their eyes scanning for any sign of him. Naruto’s sudden emergence startled them, but they recovered quickly.

“There he is! Don’t let him get away!” one of them shouted.

Within seconds, a barrage of ninjutsu and ninja tools was unleashed in Naruto’s direction.

Six tails of chakra materialized behind him, swaying ominously. A surge of power coursed through his body, and Naruto felt like he had entered a new state of being. The past days of constant skirmishes and near-escapes had helped him stabilize this form. Now, his strength was far more terrifying than before.

“Fine,” Naruto muttered coldly. “If they want to push me, I won’t hold back anymore.”

His expression hardened, his resolve unwavering. Naruto had initially hoped to one day merge Konoha into his vision of a new, unified village. But the relentless attacks from Konoha’s forces showed that they had no intention of working with him.

“Rasengan!”

Naruto charged at the shinobi, his Rasengan blazing with overwhelming energy. He slammed it into the nearest group of attackers, the spiraling chakra obliterating everything in its path.

The sheer force of the attack left nothing behind but devastation. The air was thick with the aftermath of his power, and Naruto himself stood momentarily stunned.

“I didn’t realize… the Rasengan could be this strong now,” he murmured, his eyes wide as he looked at the destruction he had caused.

The ninjas were paralyzed with fear, their confidence shattered. Taking advantage of the chaos, Naruto quickly vanished into the forest.

After circling back to the area and ensuring he hadn’t been followed, Naruto found a secluded spot to rest. His mind raced with questions. The enemy had been far too effective at tracking him lately, and he needed to uncover how they were doing it.

He didn’t have to wait long. Moments later, the faint sound of footsteps reached his ears. Someone was approaching.

Naruto concealed himself deeper in the shadows, his chakra suppressed to the bare minimum.

“What’s the situation? Weren’t we only supposed to delay him?” a rough voice asked.

Emerging into view was a sturdy man with two distinct fang-shaped markings on his cheeks. Naruto immediately recognized him as a member of the Inuzuka clan.

“It’s no longer just about delaying,” the man continued. “We need to ensure he doesn’t get anywhere near the daimyo.”

Beside him, a large ninja dog padded forward. The Inuzuka clan shinobi knelt down, gesturing toward the ground.

“Akamamaru, find his scent,” he commanded.

The canine, known as Akamamaru, lowered its snout to the earth, sniffing intently. Its ears twitched as it caught traces of Naruto’s presence.

“So, it’s the Inuzuka clan,” Naruto thought, his eyes narrowing. “No wonder they’ve been able to find me so easily.”

Having spent years in Konoha, Naruto was familiar with the strengths of its major clans. The Inuzuka clan, renowned for their ninja dogs, excelled in tracking and reconnaissance. Konoha’s security and search operations often relied heavily on their expertise.

Naruto cursed himself for not realizing this sooner. His hiding tactics had been futile against the Inuzuka’s sharp senses.

As Akamamaru sniffed the air, Naruto silently weighed his options. The situation was becoming more precarious by the minute. If he didn’t find a way to counter the Inuzuka’s tracking, his movements would remain predictable.