HINATA IS BROKEN

...is no forgiveness. He sees the Forest of Death as the perfect stage to unleash his vengeance and hone his team's skills. Each attack and escape serves as a calculated move, not just to weaken the competition but to make a statement.

The message is clear: Naruto Uzumaki is no longer the powerless, mocked child of Konoha. He is a predator, and this forest is his hunting ground.

---

Naruto's Calculations

As the team advanced deeper into the forest, Uzumaki Naruto's sharp perception allowed him to pinpoint the positions of their next targets. He looked at Sasuke and Sakura with a sly grin.

"Let's keep this momentum. Next time, I want you two to engage before I intervene. Show me that you've learned something from this."

Sasuke's crimson Sharingan glowed fiercely. "I don't need your approval, Naruto. I'll prove my strength."

Sakura hesitated for a moment but then nodded firmly. "I won't back down. I understand what it means to be a ninja now."

Naruto chuckled softly. "Good. Then let's continue."

---

A Cold Encounter

Suddenly, the team stumbled upon a squad of three from Konoha they hadn't encountered before. These were older Genin with more experience, their eyes filled with determination as they recognized Naruto and his team.

"Naruto," the leader growled, stepping forward. "Your actions have dishonored the village. Turn yourself in, or we'll be forced to take you down."

Naruto tilted his head, his expression one of mock curiosity. "Dishonor the village? You mean the same village that left me to be the Nine-Tails' scapegoat? The same village that treated me like dirt?"

The other Genin didn't waver. "No excuses. You're still part of the Leaf. Stand down, or face the consequences."

Naruto's grin turned sinister. "Face the consequences? Funny, that's what I was about to say to you."

---

The Fight Begins

Before the leader could react, Sasuke blurred forward, his Sharingan predicting their every move. In a fluid motion, he disarmed one opponent and sent them sprawling with a precise kick.

The other two tried to flank him, but Sakura was there. Her chakra-enhanced punch sent one crashing into a tree, while the third was forced to retreat, their kunai shaking in their grip.

Naruto watched with amusement. "You're learning. Good."

Just as the fight seemed over, the leader lunged at Naruto with a kunai aimed straight for his throat. Naruto didn't even flinch.

With a casual motion, he sidestepped and grabbed the leader's wrist, applying just enough pressure to make the kunai drop. Then, with a swift kick, he sent the leader flying backward.

"You're out of your league," Naruto said coldly. "Go back to the village and tell them what you've seen here. Tell them that Uzumaki Naruto is done playing by their rules."

---

Aftermath

As the team regrouped, Sakura glanced nervously at Naruto. "Do you think they'll come after us?"

Naruto shrugged. "Let them try. This isn't about them anymore. This is about proving we're stronger—proving we're not the victims they think we are."

Sasuke nodded in agreement. "Anyone who underestimates us will regret it."

For a moment, the three stood in silence, the weight of their actions settling over them. But rather than fear or regret, there was a shared sense of purpose.

Naruto turned to his team with a determined look. "Let's keep moving. The Forest of Death still has more lessons to teach us—and more enemies to crush."

And with that, they disappeared into the shadows, their bond growing stronger with each step.

---

Meanwhile, Orochimaru's Pursuit

From a distance, Orochimaru observed the trio's movements, his interest in Sasuke growing with each passing moment.

"Impressive," he muttered, his serpentine eyes narrowing. "Naruto Uzumaki… You're shaping up to be far more dangerous than I anticipated. But Sasuke... you're the real prize. Soon, you'll be mine."

Licking his lips, Orochimaru faded into the trees, his pursuit relentless.

---

Reflection in Konoha

Back in Konoha, the footage of Naruto and his team's brutal efficiency sent shockwaves through the village.

Some were horrified.

"How could they kill their own?" one ninja whispered.

Others, like Uchiha Sasuke's contemporaries, found themselves questioning their own loyalties.

"Naruto… he's not the same as before," Shikamaru said, deep in thought. "But he's not wrong, either. The system failed him."

In the crowd, Hinata Hyuga clutched her hands tightly, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Naruto-kun… Are you really beyond saving?"

----------------–––--––--------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Samurai492