Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

"Everyone, stop moving forward!"

Following Naruto's sudden command, the massive army of thousands came to a halt. Despite the appropriate spacing between units, some supplies clashed, and a few confused ninjas stumbled to the ground.

Though individual ninja excelled in personal combat, their overall military discipline could only be described as "questionable." But in a world where powerful individuals could destroy entire countries, the cohesion of a large unit wasn't considered critical. Small mistakes were tolerated. Naruto did not criticize them.

He simply announced, "I'm going to buy some oranges. Stay here and don't move."

The ones who heard this were stunned. There were no vendors in sight. When they looked again, Naruto was already gone.

"Naruto is so fast!" Inuzuka Hana blinked in awe. Then she noticed a flare in her hand, left by Naruto in case of emergency. Her lips curled in a soft smile. Could Naruto actually be interested in her?

No, that couldn't be. He was still so young. It must be the affectionate concern of a younger brother for his sister.

In the Forest

Naruto moved soundlessly through snow and sludge, chakra supporting his every step. From the intel gathered by his shadow clone, ten enemy Cloud Ninja were waiting in the forest ahead. Their positions were close enough to make a surprise attack possible.

But Naruto focused solely on one person: the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, Yugito Nii.

A perfect Jinchūriki.

While she was eventually defeated by Akatsuki's immortal duo in the original timeline, Naruto assumed it was due to being caught off guard. A Jinchūriki capable of using her tailed beast's chakra at will could not be underestimated.

Yugito was now waiting alone on a dead tree, her comrades hidden nearby. Her plan was to obliterate the approaching Konoha convoy with a Tailed Beast Ball, then gauge their strength and proceed accordingly.

As Naruto approached, his footsteps, though light, were picked up by Yugito's heightened senses. Her animal-like ears twitched atop her amber-blonde hair. She detected just one person—300 meters away.

She waved off radio requests for support. "Hide. Wait for my signal."

A blonde boy stepped into view. No forehead protector. Black boots, not ninja sandals. No signs of a trained shinobi.

She released her chakra seal and dropped from the tree. A kunai hidden behind her back, she offered a warm, sisterly smile. "Little brother, how did you get here alone?"

Naruto blinked. "Oh? Are you a ghost?!"

Yugito nearly laughed. Was she that scary?

"I'm not a ghost. But it's dangerous here, so you should leave."

Naruto didn't budge. Instead, he smiled shyly. "Pretty sister, do you like green peppers?"

"."

"Do you eat natto with green onions?"

"."

"Wanna go for a ride with me?"

Yugito was stunned. Was this kid brain-damaged?

Trying to stay calm, she warned, "Listen, kid, it's dangerous. You need to leave."

"Then, at least tell me your name?"

Yugito lost her patience. "We just met by chance. After this, we part ways. No names needed. Understand?"

She released a sliver of Tailed Beast chakra to intimidate him. The boy trembled.

Good. That should scare him off.

But then the boy grinned brightly. "I think we'll meet again, pretty sister."

Too late. She knew he was no ordinary child.

Naruto struck first, lightning-quick. His kunai slashed through the air, aimed at her left hand. She dodged in time, but he managed to cut her abdomen. Blood hit the snow.

Yugito leapt back and let out a roar. Blue flames of chakra erupted as her body transformed. Her wound began to heal instantly.

"How boring," Naruto smirked. "Already half-transformed? Let's see if the Nine-Tails is stronger than the Two-Tails."

With a flick of power, five crimson tails unfurled behind Naruto. His transformation was faster and more refined. Tailed Beast chakra enveloped him like a second skin.

Now the two great Jinchūriki stood against each other.

Nearby, Yugito's allies prepared to intervene, but they were intercepted by shadow clones wielding Nine-Tails chakra.

"Wind Release: Rasenshuriken!"

Two elite Cloud jonin were killed immediately.

The forest descended into chaos. Clones fought elites. Trees shattered. Ninjutsu clashed mid-air.

Yugito gritted her teeth. "Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, you actually tracked me? You fool! Coming here alone?!"

Naruto sighed. "Too many weaklings still don't get it. Quantity doesn't make up for quality. If that were the case, we'd just compare birth rates instead of chakra."

He added coldly, "I came alone because I can handle this."

Yugito roared, transforming further. Cat-like claws extended as she lunged at Naruto.

The battle began in earnest.

Neither side used a Tailed Beast Ball.

Yugito feared harming her comrades.

Naruto feared killing her.

After all, he didn't want to kill the Two-Tails Jinchūriki. He wanted to capture her and gain the Devil's Contract.

Capturing a Jinchūriki alive, especially one who suppressed their beast by will alone, was harder than killing them.

To match her, Naruto summoned 39% of the Nine-Tails' chakra he could control.

The sixth and seventh tails emerged. A skeletal structure formed around him.

Naruto's chakra now exceeded Yugito's.

The tide of battle was about to shift.