Naruto: Reborn with the Template System

Author Note:

Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!

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That night, Guts finally visited the legendary Ichiraku Ramen shop, accompanied by Anko and Tsunade.

Under the famed hospitality of the "Ōtsutsuki Ichiraku," he tried the very ramen that would later become Naruto's favorite.

So, how was it?

The noodles were excellent, springy and rich with flavor but there was something more.

Something subtle that made them taste special.

It wasn't just food; it was nostalgia served in a bowl. Guts wasn't nearly as addicted as Naruto would be in the future, but even so...

The Monkey-D talent awakened in him. Bowl after bowl, he devoured with relentless speed, stacking them into a small hill.

The other diners watched, slack-jawed and stunned.

Anko and Tsunade, on the other hand, were completely unfazed.

They already knew about his monstrous appetite.

On their way back, however, they ran into someone unexpected.

A petite girl with striking purple hair and delicate features Yugao Uzuki.

Currently just a student at the Ninja Academy.

"Anko-chan, Lady Tsunade, Lord Guts,"

Yugao greeted, her voice respectful and composed.

But the moment she said Guts, there was awe in her tone. His reputation in the village was undeniable.

Everyone knew better than to act casually around him.

"Oh? Yugao! Long time no see!"

Anko beamed and pulled the girl into a hug.

"How's life treating you?"

"I'm still at the Academy. Doing alright, I guess."

Yugao offered a small smile, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to Anko's bubbly energy.

It was always strange to Guts how two people with such different personalities could get along so naturally.

Then, stepping forward, Guts gently pressed a hand on Yugao's head.

"Listen, girl. Don't waste your time chasing after weak ninjas. Fall for one of them, and you'll only be mourning early."

There was no hidden intent behind his words just a memory. Tsunade had once followed the same path, and he'd seen what it cost her.

Yugao blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness, but nodded.

"T-Thank you, Lord Guts. I'll... keep that in mind."

"Guts!"

Anko waved dramatically.

"I'm staying over with Yugao tonight. I'll be back tomorrow!"

With that, she whisked Yugao away, hand-in-hand.

Guts watched them disappear into the distance.

"They're total opposites"

Tsunade murmured beside him, echoing his thoughts.

Then her voice softened.

"By the way, it's just the two of us tonight."

Guts leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear.

"Then I'll be sure to make the most of it."

Tsunade turned scarlet, flinching like she might bolt.

The Next Morning

A sweet, lingering echo of passion still clung to the house.

By the time Guts arrived at the Hokage's office, he raised a hand lazily.

"Yo. Sorry I'm late, old man."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face darkened.

Late? It had been more than a full day!

He let out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"There's someone else you were supposed to meet yesterday. He waited with me… until you never showed."

Guts raised an eyebrow.

"And Who's he supposed to be?"

Sarutobi didn't respond but just gave him a look and sighed softly.

'Oh? Let me guess—Danzo?' Guts thought inwardly.

Ten minutes later, Shimura Danzo arrived.

Dressed in his usual dark ANBU garb, he entered without his cane, eyes cold. Behind him, masked subordinates dragged in five bodies and dropped them to the floor with a dull thud.

Guts narrowed his eyes. So this was the infamous Danzo the man with blood on his hands even the anime couldn't hide.

"Guts," Danzo began, tone tight.

"Why did you kill my men?"

Ah. Straight to the point.

"I'm sorry"

Guts said, mock confusion on his face.

"Who are you again? Are you even qualified to question me?"

Danzo froze.

He knew Guts had to be familiar with his name, even if they hadn't officially met. The boy was just mocking him now.

"I am Shimura Danzo. The highest authority in Konoha's Root division."

"Root?"

Guts tilted his head.

"Never heard of it. I know ANBU, though. Is it something similar?"

He turned to Hiruzen with a smirk.

The Third Hokage hesitated, then said nothing. Some things were better left unsaid.

Danzo's expression darkened.

"Enough games. I asked you a question, brat!"

"Brat?"

Guts raised an eyebrow, the air around him subtly shifting.

Danzo gritted his teeth.

"I had sensors track your and Tsunade's chakra at the site. The men were killed with barehanded force strong enough to crush a skull. That's more than enough proof."

"Huh. That's it?"

Guts shrugged.

"So if they'd died by Fire Style, would you be accusing the Hokage?"

Danzo's eye twitched.

Guts folded his arms, clearly enjoying himself.

"Even if it was me... what are you going to do about it?"

The room went silent.

Hiruzen's lips twitched, amused despite himself. Well said... but this is going to cause problems.

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