Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

It was a major event destined to reshape the course of human history.

The eras of most frequent warfare also marked the periods of the ninja world's greatest advancement.

From the earliest chakra training to the development of sealing arts, space-time ninjutsu, reconnaissance techniques, and support-style jutsu, countless schools of thought had emerged.

It was tragic—but also a testament to the pinnacle of human ingenuity.

During the peaceful years that followed, with more than a decade of relative comfort, innovation slowed to a crawl. Nothing particularly revolutionary had emerged.

But now, with war returning, countless people trembled with fear—while others looked forward to what it might bring.

In mid-December, the first large-scale conflict broke out between Hidden Cloud Village and Konoha's forces at the border between the Land of the Moon and the Land of Hot Springs.

The battle involved more than two thousand ninjas.

Konoha's First Battalion was led by Kakashi Hatake, while the Third Battalion of the Hidden Cloud was led by Darui. The two sides clashed ferociously, both suffering hundreds of casualties. But in the end, neither achieved a decisive victory. Both retreated to their respective base camps.

The very next day, a 20-man Konoha reconnaissance team led by Hyuga Hiashi, head of the Hyuga clan, was ambushed in a valley by Killer Bee—the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

Only Hiashi survived and returned to camp. The rest were lost.

On the third day, the tide shifted slightly when a team led by Might Guy captured a special jōnin from Kumogakure alive, restoring some of Konoha's lost morale.

Then came the fourth day after the initial clash.

Following a brief skirmish, the daimyos of the Land of the Moon and the Land of Hot Springs sent envoys to each other in hopes of halting the war.

These were small nations. They had no desire to get caught in the conflicts of the great powers.

But their secret negotiations were discovered—by both Konoha and Kumogakure.

The Land of the Moon bordered the Land of Lightning, and the Land of Hot Springs bordered the Land of Fire. In truth, these two countries had long served as buffer zones, intentionally maintained by Konoha and Hidden Cloud.

So when their daimyos dared to make their own moves, it was no surprise the great powers didn't take it lightly.

Tsunade personally visited the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Springs—using her fists to drive the message home.

Troops weren't needed. But he would increase logistical support to Konoha. And after the war, Konoha would return the favor.

A slap and a sweet date—it was the carrot and stick approach.

Even so, the Daimyo of the Land of Hot Springs was nearly scared to death, repeatedly swearing loyalty to Konoha.

After Tsunade left, the daimyo sat trembling and murmured, "Konoha is terrifying…"

"These great nations are too unreasonable. What does their war have to do with us?"

"Can't they just fight at sea?"

"Why drag us into this on land?"

He kept grumbling—unaware that Tsunade's treatment of him had been gentle compared to what happened elsewhere.

On the other side, the Raikage didn't bother with polite persuasion.

He had the Daimyo of the Land of the Moon captured and dragged before him.

Eyes blazing, he thundered, "Why did you send people to Konoha? Trying to leak our plans, you bastard?!"

"N-no, Lord Raikage! I would never dare!"

"Oh? So you want to surrender to Konoha?"

"Absolutely not! I fully support you in this war! I only sent messengers to the Land of Hot Springs to try and persuade their daimyo to surrender to you and stop resisting! Please investigate the matter!"

"Hmph. Since you're being sensible… double the supply shipment tomorrow, and we'll let this slide."

"Y-yes, Raikage-sama! Thank you!"

Once released, the Daimyo of the Moon fled the Hidden Cloud camp in a cold sweat.

Escaping, he sighed bitterly:

"What a miserable life for the daimyo of a small country. If only the Moon had its own powerful ninja village, they wouldn't dare treat me like this…"

What he didn't know was that even the mighty daimyos of the Fire and Lightning countries were feeling the pressure.

After receiving Konoha's request for supplies, the Fire Daimyo flew into a rage in his palace.

"That damned Hokage! Starting a war without even discussing it with me—and now she wants supplies?!"

"Does she take me for a wallet?!"

"I'm the daimyo of this country! I have pride too, you know!"

As the elderly ruler continued ranting, Naruto Uzumaki stood nearby, leaning forward out of boredom.

The war report had reached Konoha three days ago. Tsunade had named Sarutobi Hazuki as commander of the defensive force in her letter.

Naruto, recently promoted to jōnin, was assigned by Ye Yue to oversee a supply transport unit—commanding a thousand chūnin. It was his first time leading such a large group.

He had been excited at first… but after a few uneventful days, it had become mind-numbingly dull.

The frontlines were still far off. Hidden Cloud couldn't just rocket over. A sneak attack would take them a month of detours at least.

So boring.

Once he returned to Konoha, Naruto resolved to request a frontline assignment from Lady Hazuki.

The Fire Daimyo's rage hadn't cooled. He suddenly pointed at Naruto and roared:

"Go back and tell Tsunade she's getting nothing from me!"

"Not even a single bag of rice!"

"Starting a war without my approval—is this some kind of joke?!"

Everyone turned to look at Naruto.

The guy funding the war had just declared he wouldn't send a single crumb. That couldn't stand.

Accompanying Naruto were two special jōnin—Sasuke Uchiha and Ebisu, Konohamaru's teacher.

Sasuke had already had enough of the daimyo's yelling. He was ready to reach for his sword and end the problem.

Naruto subtly raised a hand to stop him.

"Calm down."

Ebisu stepped forward, bowing deeply and speaking with humility.

"Lord Daimyo, please understand—this war wasn't initiated by Konoha. Hidden Cloud attacked first. We're only defending ourselves."

Ebisu was the one actually managing the request for supplies. Naruto's role was more symbolic—more like a heavily armed delivery captain.

And unlike Naruto or Sasuke, Ebisu had the patience and decorum to handle groveling before nobles.

Thanks to his diplomatic approach, the daimyo finally cooled down a bit.

"Hmph!" he snorted, slamming the table.

"Still—couldn't Tsunade have at least talked to me before going to war?!"

Talk to you… for what?

Besides handing out money and rice, what else could you even contribute?

All three men shared the same thought—but none said it aloud.

This was still the man writing their checks.

Ebisu bowed lower and said, "Lord Daimyo, Hokage-sama is newly appointed and may have made a hasty decision due to limited familiarity with the current situation. We beg your understanding."

The daimyo grunted and took a long sip of hot tea.

For a while, silence reigned.

Sasuke was practically shaking with restrained fury, hand once again inching toward his waist.

This old fool… an ordinary man, looking down on me?

Who does he think he is?

But Naruto stopped him again.

This wasn't about patience—it was strategy. With war looming, getting into conflict with the daimyo would only delay supplies, possibly costing lives on the battlefield.

Better to swallow their pride for now… and settle things later.

Outside, the rhythmic marching of the patrol echoed through the halls. The guards flanking the daimyo yawned, their belts—emblazoned with the "Fire" insignia—rustling against their uniforms.

Among the three from Konoha, each had their own demeanor:

Sasuke stared coldly at the ceiling.

Naruto lounged lazily, like he couldn't care less.

Ebisu remained bowed low, like a true bootlicker.

Only Ebisu looked the part of a proper Konoha representative. As for the other two—well, the Hokage clearly needed to discipline them.

Finally, the daimyo set down his empty tea cup.

With a harsh tone, he spoke:

"Fine. Since it was the Lightning Country that struck first, I might consider providing supplies—but only if you do three things."

Ebisu glanced at Naruto, silently cursing his useless superior, then bowed even lower.

"Please tell us your conditions, Daimyo-sama. Konoha will do its utmost."

The daimyo cleared his throat and said:

"First—during the war, Konoha must ensure my personal safety. Only then will I release funds and resources."

"Of course. We'll assign thousands of ninja to protect you," Ebisu assured.

The daimyo nodded, then jabbed a finger at Naruto and Sasuke.

"Second—don't let those two come here again. They annoy me."

"...?" Sasuke raised his head and glared. His killing intent flared instantly.

Two of the daimyo's guards stepped forward defensively, but Naruto quickly released a pulse of chakra to suppress Sasuke's murderous aura.

"Don't," Naruto whispered.

Sasuke relented—barely.

The daimyo had no idea how close he'd just come to death.

If Naruto hadn't been there, Sasuke would've happily added a new trophy to his collection.

Then came the third condition:

"Tell Hokage Tsunade that once the war ends, she must come here personally to apologize. Or else, I'll destroy Konoha and build a new ninja village in the Land of Fire!"

Naruto blinked.

Sasuke's fingers twitched.

Ebisu broke into a cold sweat.

This guy... is seriously asking for it.