Chapter 5

"How strange. Why did Mr. Aizen look so surprised?"

Early the next morning, Naruto woke up in a daze, scratching his head in confusion.

In the past, Aizen had always maintained an elegant and confident demeanor, as if nothing could shake his composure. But last night, Naruto had seen an unmistakable flicker of surprise on Aizen's face.

Was awakening Reiatsu really that rare?

Naruto didn't understand the significance of Aizen's reaction. At the time, he had asked Aizen for guidance on controlling Reiatsu, but Aizen had simply dismissed him with a vague response: "Get familiar with the Reiatsu in your body first."

When Naruto left the sealed space, he noticed something unusual on his bed—a plain, black sword.

"Why is there a sword here all of a sudden?" Naruto muttered, picking it up.

The moment his hand touched the blade, he felt a strange connection, as if the sword had a life of its own.

This is your Zanpakutō, Aizen's voice echoed in his mind, tinged with a hint of complexity.

"Zanpakutō?" Naruto frowned, confused. "Mr. Aizen, how do I use it?"

He called out to Aizen repeatedly in his mind, but there was no response. Frustrated, Naruto decided to hide the sword under his bed.

In Konoha, only ninjas were allowed to carry weapons. For someone like Naruto—a sensitive figure due to his status as the Nine-Tails' vessel—being caught with a sword would only invite trouble.

After a quick wash, Naruto began trying to sense the Reiatsu within him.

As Aizen had explained, Reiatsu was energy from the soul. Now that he had awakened it, he should be able to feel it flowing through his body.

Naruto sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, focusing intently.

However, within five minutes, he grew restless. His chin itched, and his body twitched impatiently. Sighing, he opened his eyes, only to close them again and try once more.

The Reiatsu comes from the soul. It's intangible, but it exists. Calm your mind and clear away all distractions. Only then can you perceive it, Aizen's voice chimed in, patient but firm.

Though Naruto had matured significantly, he was still a child at heart, prone to restlessness.

With Aizen's guidance, Naruto finally settled down. His breathing slowed, and his body relaxed. The chirping of birds outside the window faded into the background as he entered a meditative state.

He could feel the Reiatsu within him, a subtle but powerful energy. Under his control, it spread outward like a net, enveloping the room and extending further.

Everything seemed to fall under his perception.

He could hear his own breathing, the birdsong outside, and even the faint chakra signatures of the Anbu ninjas hidden in the shadows.

Three of them.

Their chakra outlines were distinct, each a different color. They stood motionless, like statues, as birds perched on their shoulders, oblivious to their presence.

Naruto marveled at this newfound ability. He tried to extend his Reiatsu further, aiming to discern the Anbu's features, but a sharp strain in his mind forced him to stop.

He had reached his limit.

Exhaustion washed over him, and he slumped back, breathing heavily.

Don't overuse your Reiatsu. Rest for today, Aizen advised before falling silent.

Naruto's talent was even more remarkable than Aizen had anticipated.

To grasp the basics of Reiatsu in such a short time… Naruto's potential is terrifying. Combined with the Nine-Tails' power, he might truly create a new system of strength.

Aizen's lips curled into a faint smile. Perhaps, one day, he'll even become a worthy opponent.

The path of the strong was a lonely one. Aizen sought to nurture powerful individuals, not just for his own amusement, but to challenge himself.

Adversary? I'm still far from that level, Naruto thought, though Aizen's praise filled him with pride. "I'll work harder, Mr. Aizen. I'll do my best to grow stronger."

Aizen hummed in acknowledgment, pleased with Naruto's determination.

To seek strength at all costs—that was the mindset of a true warrior.

Gurgle.

Naruto's stomach growled loudly, snapping him out of his thoughts. He glanced out the window and realized he had been meditating for over three hours.

"I'm starving. Let's go to Ichiraku Ramen," he decided.

Ichiraku Ramen was one of the few places in Konoha where Naruto felt welcome. The owner, Teuchi, was one of the rare villagers who treated him kindly.

However, Naruto rarely visited. He didn't want to burden Teuchi with the villagers' disdain, and his limited allowance from the Third Hokage barely covered basic necessities.

Still, today felt like a good day for ramen.

As Naruto stepped outside, he waved at the large tree near his house.

"Good morning, Anbu uncles!"

The leaves rustled faintly, as if in response. The Anbu ninjas, hidden in the shadows, remained silent. They were used to Naruto's daily greetings, though they never acknowledged them.

Naruto took a detour, avoiding the busiest streets. He wasn't a masochist; if people hated him, he saw no reason to flaunt his presence.

As he passed through a quieter alley, he heard familiar yet unfamiliar taunts.

"White-eyed monster!"

"Get out of here, freak!"

"Her eyes are so creepy. She's just like that Nine-Tails demon fox!"

Naruto froze.

He hadn't expected to find someone else in Konoha who was treated the same way he was.

Curious, he followed the voices and soon saw a group of children surrounding a small girl.

She had short lavender hair and delicate features, but her piercing white eyes made her stand out.

The Hyuga clan, Naruto realized.

He had studied Konoha's major clans, including the Hyuga and Uchiha, both known for their powerful bloodline abilities—the Byakugan and Sharingan, respectively.

The girl, clearly a Hyuga, was curled up in a corner, tears streaming down her face as the children hurled insults at her.

Naruto's lips curved into a faint smile.

I want to be her light.

Without hesitation, he strode toward the group of bullies.