Naruto: Blacksmith

With his words still echoing, his shuriken-shaped Mangekyō began to spin rapidly.

The shuriken-like patterns seemed to come to life, emanating a pull that trapped the four ninjas as if they were being dragged into an invisible black hole.

Within seconds, the resistance in their eyes faded, and their previously tense expressions softened.

Their rigid bodies gave way and relaxed.

Kuro deactivated the Nine-Tails' chakra, and the glow of the Mangekyō also faded. He stood silently, observing them without saying a word.

The ninjas, now free from his grasp, didn't rise to face him again.

Instead, all four knelt on one knee before him.

"Master."

Kuro had anticipated this and showed no emotion.

"Stand up," he ordered calmly. "It wouldn't be good for anyone to see you like this."

"Yes!" The four obeyed, rising immediately.

"You did not find Shisui's body. What you did find was 'Kuro' practicing at Training Ground Number 39. There was no interaction with him."

"Understood."

"From now on, you will continue to be Root ninjas. You will obey Danzō's orders as always. You must not seek me out of your own initiative. You are not allowed to come see me. If we happen to cross paths by chance, act as though you don't know me."

"Understood."

"As for your injury…" Kuro turned his gaze to the ninja who had been sent flying by his first attack.

"It's nothing serious," the captain said calmly, waving his hand.

One of the squad members stepped forward, activating a medical jutsu over the injured man. Within seconds, the wounds disappeared, though the bloodstains remained visible on his clothing.

Kuro nodded in approval.

"Good. Leave now, before someone discovers you."

"Understood."

In the blink of an eye, the four disappeared in a flash.

Watching the dark shadows gradually vanish into the distance, Kuro finally let out a sigh.

Kotoamatsukami.

The ultimate genjutsu of Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan.

A technique that allows the user to control their opponent's mind, a genjutsu of the highest class, as the victim isn't even aware they're being manipulated.

But after the technique is used, it requires a decade to recharge.

This was the ability Kuro had just used, and the targets were none other than these Root members.

This made him feel like he had lost more than he had gained.

For Kuro, this was an ability tied to the Red Lenses, not something that was a natural part of his lineage.

If he had possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan within his body, perhaps he could rely on his physique to reduce the cooldown time.

But the lenses didn't offer that advantage.

As for whether it was worth it…

Yes.

Staying in Konoha meant stability, access to resources, and a favorable environment for his development. Furthermore, the village was filled with famous anime characters, each with materials that could be used to forge more powerful items.

Although it was a shame to have used Kotoamatsukami, he could potentially gain even greater and stronger benefits by staying in Konoha.

Like with Sasuke, Itachi, Hinata, and even...

Yes, it was worth using Kotoamatsukami if it meant securing his position here.

However…

"Those bastards! I should have killed them!..."

Kuro kicked the grass in anger and "affectionately" sent greetings to the families of Danzō and Hiruzen.

After venting for a while, Kuro let Shisui's body drift back into the water, allowing the river's current to carry it into the Forest of Death.

In the end, his body would be devoured by the beasts.

At this moment, he both admired and hated Shisui.

With the matters resolved, he noticed that the sun had almost set on the horizon, leaving only a faint glow in the sky.

Adjusting his clothes, he left the training ground without hurrying.

Although what had happened wasn't pleasant, he had gained great benefits. If he managed to stay calm, he could feel satisfied with the day.

Moreover, today was his fifth birthday, so he had to celebrate it.

And what better way than another visit to Yakiniku Q!

As he thought about the father-and-son duo he had shared a table with last time, an involuntary smile appeared on his face.

I hope to see them again.

...

When he reached the east side's commercial street in Konoha, night had already fallen. The full moon hung high in the sky, illuminating the streets with a silvery glow.

The area was bustling with lights and people walking back and forth.

Kuro stopped for a moment amidst the hustle and bustle, looking up at the sky. A sense of loneliness filled his heart.

Sigh… how alone I am.

That thought brought a strange silence to his expression.

Despite his apparent maturity, Kuro knew he was just five years old in this world.

He was far from being as strong as he wanted to appear.

His seriousness and distance were nothing more than a disguise he had created to protect himself.

Suddenly, a smiling face appeared in his field of vision.

"You look like you're deep in thought. Are you thinking about me?"

Naruto's curious voice broke through, and Kuro looked at him for a few seconds without responding, then turned around, pretending he hadn't heard him.

"Hey! Wait!"

Naruto, slow to react, quickly followed him.

Without thinking too much, he placed himself beside Kuro as if they were old friends. "Don't be so indifferent. I can see you don't hate me."

"...."

Kuro didn't respond. He kept his pace and continued walking.

Naruto didn't give up and kept following him. "You won't make any friends if you're this indifferent. Didn't you feel lonely just a moment ago?"

"....."

"Hey, talk to me! Why are you ignoring me?!"

"..."

"By the way, my name is Naruto. What's yours?"

Hearing his name, Kuro noticed how the people around them began to look their way.

Expressions of indifference, disgust, anger… all directed at Naruto.

What kind of people can direct such hateful gazes at a child…?

Kuro sighed, glancing at Naruto out of the corner of his eye.

The blonde was biting his lip, his fists clenched, trying to maintain his composure.

But in his eyes were incomprehension, anger, and loneliness.

He had learned to live with that indifference over the years, but that didn't mean he had overcome it.

His loud and carefree personality was just a fragile armor created to protect himself.

"Today is my birthday. I'm going to have dinner at Yakiniku Q. If you want to come, do it," Kuro broke through his thoughts and walked off without looking back.

Naruto froze for a moment, surprised. His expression quickly changed to disbelief and, finally, pure joy.

"Really?!"

Without caring about the looks of hatred and disgust he was receiving, he raised his fist in the air and celebrated.

"Of course I'll come!"

Shouting enthusiastically, he ran after Kuro.

...

On the way, Naruto began talking nonstop, filling the air with comments and questions.

However, most of his words were nonsense, everyday stories without meaning. Kuro wasn't really listening.

He simply continued walking toward the restaurant, noticing how the people's gazes began to change.

At first, the contempt and indifference were directed only at Naruto. But gradually, those looks began to include him as well.

Kuro heard some murmurs in the distance.

________

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