CHAPTER 330

Sealed Book

After Moonlight Hayate left, Uzuki Yugao took out a signal flare from her pouch, pulled the fuse, and threw it into the air.

With a sharp whoosh, before the signal could fully ignite, a sudden gust of wind knocked it down mid-flight. Before she could react, a figure appeared behind her in a flicker of movement—Naruto Uzumaki, his palm crackling with a rapidly spinning Rasengan.

Hearing the distinct whistle of an incoming attack, Yugao instinctively dodged and unsheathed her ANBU-issued ninjatō from her waist. Closing the distance swiftly, she finally got a clear look at her attacker—and her expression hardened.

The person facing her was none other than the Kyuubi's Jinchūriki, Naruto Uzumaki.

Was he being controlled by the Nine-Tails, or was he consciously launching an attack? The sudden betrayal left her momentarily stunned, but she knew she had to stall him until backup arrived.

However, within moments, Yugao realized she was completely outmatched. Naruto's Shadow Clones swarmed her relentlessly, forcing her on the defensive. Despite her ANBU training, she was quickly overwhelmed.

After defeating her, Naruto removed his fox-masked disguise, revealing his sharp but youthful features. He carefully replaced her mask, setting it aside in the bushes before turning his gaze toward the towering Hokage Rock in the distance, lost in thought.

Instead of fleeing immediately, Naruto remained within Konoha's bustling streets.

Inside his mind, the Nine-Tails stirred.

"Naruto, you're going the wrong way," Kurama's deep voice rumbled. "That's the center of Konoha. You should be heading toward the Forest of Death."

Naruto shot Kurama a knowing glance. "You're right, but there's still something I need to take."

Kurama narrowed his eyes but remained silent. His gaze lingered on the villagers bustling around them, his mood unreadable. Perhaps it was the lingering hatred the village exuded toward Naruto that made even Kurama feel uneasy.

But Naruto ignored it. He walked the streets with purpose, waiting for the Third Hokage to leave the Hokage Building so he could infiltrate it and steal the Scroll of Seals, which contained forbidden techniques of immeasurable power.

If his goal was simply to escape the village, he had countless chances to do so over the past six months.

Using Shadow Clones, he could have easily slipped past the borders of the Land of Fire and disappeared. But mere escape wasn't enough—he wanted the Scroll and the powerful jutsu it contained.

Despite the high risks involved in using the techniques within the Scroll of Seals, they held enormous power. Jutsu like Shiki Fūjin (Reaper Death Seal) and Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation) were capable of changing the tides of war.

To truly stand on equal footing with the Five Kage, he needed this power.

As he waited patiently, Naruto sensed the chakra signatures of the Third Hokage and several ANBU, flickering across the rooftops. They were moving toward the Uchiha District—the perfect distraction.

As the ANBU disappeared from his perception, Naruto turned toward the Hokage Building.

But before he could move, he spotted two familiar figures—Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes and walked toward him. "Naruto? I need to ask you something. Come with me."

Naruto studied him for a moment before silently following.

Once they entered a secluded alley, Shikamaru got straight to the point. "You're planning to leave the village, aren't you? You may be strong, but the world outside isn't so simple."

Naruto smirked. "How'd you figure that out?"

Shikamaru sighed. "You never hid your intentions. You applied for early graduation, invited us all for a picnic after the Chunin Exams started… It's clear you're tired of being a student. You want to leave Konoha."

Despite his usual lazy demeanor, Shikamaru's words carried weight.

Naruto chuckled bitterly. "So I was that obvious? But it's not about school—I just want to be free."

Shikamaru frowned. "Becoming a rogue ninja means being hunted by ANBU. Are you sure there's nothing worth staying for? Think carefully before you throw it all away."

Naruto's smirk faded. His voice turned solemn. "I have reasons to stay… but I have even more reasons to leave."

Shikamaru exhaled and gave a resigned smile. "Figures. My words won't change your mind. But as a shinobi of Konoha, I can't just let you go."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "So you're going to fight me? You don't stand a chance."

Shikamaru exchanged glances with Choji before patting his friend's shoulder. "Choji, are you ready to be knocked out?"

Choji, mid-bite into a bag of chips, blinked in disbelief. "Huh? I didn't even say anything!"

Ignoring him, Shikamaru formed a seal. "Shadow Possession Jutsu."

His shadow shot toward Naruto, while Choji activated Partial Expansion Jutsu with a sigh.

Naruto flickered behind them in an instant, knocking both unconscious with precise strikes.

He stared at their unconscious forms, his expression unreadable.

"They knew they couldn't win, but still tried to stop me… Is this the Will of Fire?"

Shaking off his thoughts, Naruto leapt onto the rooftops, dashing toward the Hokage Building.

Soon, he perched on a tree branch, scanning the structure.

As the heart of Konoha's leadership, the Hokage Building was heavily guarded, even with most of the ANBU deployed elsewhere. With numerous jonin stationed inside, a direct assault was suicidal.

He needed deception.

After memorizing the chakra signatures of the guards, Naruto activated the Transformation Jutsu, taking on the appearance of Uzuki Yugao. With practiced ease, he walked confidently toward the entrance.

The guards glanced at him, but seeing an ANBU operative, they let him pass without question.

Once inside, Naruto navigated the hallways, stopping before the sealed chamber that housed the Scroll of Seals.

There was just one problem—he didn't have a key.

But that didn't matter.

Gathering chakra, Naruto unleashed Rasengan against the reinforced wall, blasting it apart.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The alarms blared, signaling an intruder.

Within seconds, guards rushed toward the vault.

But by the time they arrived, the vault was empty, the Scroll of Seals missing.

Their expressions darkened.

Whoever had stolen from the Hokage's vault would face the severest punishment.

And Naruto, now armed with the most dangerous techniques in Konoha's history, had already disappeared into the night.

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