Naruto: Different Path

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Naruto fled without looking back because his Wood Clone detected more than 30 Grass Ninjas beginning to surround the forest. 

No wonder the Iwagakure ANBU boasted about eliminating Naruto in such a situation—it turns out that a large group of Grass Ninjas was cooperating with them. 

The Grass Ninja had superior numbers and used techniques unfamiliar to Naruto. Being surrounded could be incredibly dangerous since this was the Land of Grass.

Naruto's sudden retreat infuriated the remaining Iwagakure ninjas, and when the Grass Ninja arrived, they found nothing, shocked that such a large group had failed. 

Although Naruto managed to escape, he realized that the situation was unfavorable. 

His enemies had an overwhelming numerical advantage and better knowledge of the terrain and could very likely find him again soon.

Naruto's first thought was to retrieve the treasure and immediately escape, leaving the Grass and Iwa Ninja behind. 

However, they followed him like shadows, making it difficult to shake them off. 

Moreover, since he was now a target, the Grass Ninjas would undoubtedly focus all their efforts on finding him.

Naruto also considered that even if he found the treasure, there would be additional problems. 

First, someone might try to steal it, and if the Grass Ninja launched a large-scale attack, he could lose the treasure even after finding it. 

Second, transporting it out of the Land of Grass would be tricky if he managed to retrieve it. 

Naruto was alone, and asking for help might only increase the risk of being discovered. 

Third, even if he successfully took the treasure out, he had nowhere to store it. 

Bringing it back to Konoha would mean it would belong to the Land of Fire, and Naruto would only receive a reward.

Considering all these factors, Naruto thought it was better to leave the treasure where it was and return for it when the time was right. 

After all, the treasure map was in his possession, and no one else could claim the treasure.

Naruto took Ryusen and quickly returned to the Land of Fire. 

As a ninja of Konoha, he had far more convenience in conducting his affairs there, and the Land of Fire was vast, with many uninhabited areas. 

Naruto chose a forest near a town that was rarely visited and used his ninjutsu to build an underground hideout.

Using Earth Release, he quickly expanded a large space, much bigger than the previous temporary base, and then constructed the interior using Wood Release.

A base capable of housing dozens of people was complete in no time. 

Ryusen, seeing Naruto build such a large hideout in a short time, began to worship him like a god.

Once everything was set up, Naruto handed Ryusen some money from his missions and said, "Ryusen, we can't dig up the treasure for now. 

"You'll live here and manage this hideout. I'll bring more people later, and here's the treasure map. Keep it safe until I return."

Naruto handed Ryusen the map. Ryusen took it and replied, "Don't worry, my lord. I will carry out the task without fail."

Naruto said, "I will return to the Land of Grass and care for your uncle. I will avenge you."

Ryusen, grateful, said, "Thank you, my lord."

Naruto set off again for the Land of Grass, but this time in a completely different outfit. 

It was difficult for anyone to connect him to his previous identity. However, even in disguise, Naruto didn't take immediate action. 

Instead, he wandered around as though he were just traveling, occasionally showing kindness by giving food to a couple of orphans. 

In small countries like this, the chances of dying from accidents were high, and there were many orphans. 

Naruto had a purpose—he needed capable hands, and orphans were often loyal. As expected, the two orphans gratefully accepted his food. 

Naruto said, "If you follow me, I promise you'll never go hungry again. Will you join me?" Just as he predicted, the two were eager to follow him.

After staying in the Land of Grass for a few more days, Naruto chose a night to sneak into Ryusen's former home to find his uncle, Ryuuen. 

Since Ryuuen was an ordinary person, locating him wasn't difficult. Soon, hiding in the shadows, Naruto spotted him. 

Ryuuen was pacing back and forth in his room, visibly anxious, muttering, "What do I do? What do I do?"

In a flash, Naruto entered the room, covered Ryuuen's mouth, and teleported using the Flying Thunder God technique to his inn. 

He grabbed the two orphans and teleported everyone to the hideout he had just built there.

Using the Flying Thunder God technique, Naruto could easily teleport over long distances, though the farther he traveled, the more chakra it consumed. 

Still, it was a perfect method for traveling quickly. When Ryusen saw Naruto appear with a group of people, his attention was quickly drawn to Ryuuen, and his face showed nothing but hatred.

Ryuuen, seeing Ryusen, froze, realizing he was in grave danger. 

Naruto released him and said, "If I hadn't taken you, the ANBU would have come to kill you soon, wouldn't they?"

Ryuuen collapsed to the floor, his legs trembling in fear. "Demon… you're a demon… not only did you bring me here, but how did you even know that?"

Having confirmed his suspicions, Naruto used Wood Release to bind Ryuuen and said to Ryusen, "These two boys are yours to teach." 

"Show them some survival skills, and let them help you around here. As for Ryuuen, you can deal with him however you like."

Without waiting for Ryusen's response, Naruto used the Flying Thunder God to return to Ryuuen's residence, transforming into Ryuuen with the Transformation Jutsu and waiting for Iwagakure's arrival.

Naruto suspected that once Ryuuen was no longer useful, the Iwagakure ninjas would return to kill him to keep their secrets. 

He rested while waiting for them, and dawn was approaching. 

Just when Naruto thought they might not show up, a voice echoed through the room: 

"Are you feeling relieved, thinking you've survived the night? Too bad. I told you—you won't see the morning sun."

Six ANBU kicked the door open. They were puzzled by Ryuuen's lack of fear this time. 

Suddenly, a flash of lightning streaked across the room, decapitating the two in the front before they could react. 

The two in the middle quickly drew their kunai to defend themselves, but they were not close-combat specialists, and Naruto's powerful Lightning Release sliced them in half with a single strike.

Disguised as Ryuuen, Naruto had swiftly taken down four Jonin-level ninjas. The two remaining guards at the door turned to flee. 

Naruto pursued them, striking them down with lightning.

Knowing they were no match for Naruto, the two guards knelt and began begging for their lives, something Naruto hadn't expected. 

Ninjas rarely begged for mercy, as most were prepared to die. But these two had succumbed to fear. 

Seeing them grovel, Naruto initially wanted to finish them but reconsidered. 

He could extract valuable information about the Land of Earth. Using the Flying Thunder God, he teleported them both to his hideout.

The two men, finding themselves suddenly transported to an unfamiliar base, turned to Naruto and asked, 

"Could this be the legendary Flying Thunder God Technique?" Naruto replied, "It seems like you two are somewhat knowledgeable." 

"You must not hold low positions in Iwagakure. Since you want me to spare your lives, you must answer my questions honestly." 

Naruto called Ryusen over and instructed him, "Ryusen, put these two in separate rooms." 

"I'll be asking them questions, and if their answers don't match... well, you know the consequences."

Terrified, the two immediately knelt, pleading, "We swear we won't lie! Please just spare our lives." 

Seeing their fearful expressions, Naruto wondered how they had graduated from the ninja academy. Perhaps, like most people, they couldn't remain calm when faced with actual death. 

Naruto asked his first question about their rank in Iwagakure. 

Both answered consistently—they were Jonin, but they hadn't held the position for long, and based on their ages, it was clear that neither had exceptional talent.

Gradually, Naruto began asking more in-depth questions. 

The answers remained largely consistent, revealing that once someone abandons their beliefs, nothing from their past matters anymore. 

After two days of interrogation, Naruto understood the Land of Earth and the secretive Iwagakure.

First, the Land of Earth is surrounded by mountains and rocks, making its terrain extremely complex. 

In case of war, unfamiliar enemies would be at a significant disadvantage. The terrain also hampers transportation within the country. 

Iwagakure, built among mountains and fortified by natural rock formations, is nearly impregnable. 

Guarding key exits would make it almost impossible for enemy forces—or even spies—to invade. 

Likewise, any ninja from the village who wanted to defect would likely have to escape by air.

Most Iwagakure ninjas excel in Earth-style jutsu, which gives them a great advantage when fighting in the Land of Earth. 

They can use the terrain to their advantage and combine their jutsu effectively. The country's upper echelon is even more formidable. 

Aside from many Jonin, there are many elite ninjas, such as the eight who were part of the recent mission. 

If Naruto hadn't had his Lightning Style, which counters Earth Style, and hadn't used favorable tactics, he might not have been able to defeat them.

Additionally, Naruto learned about someone he hoped to avoid—the Tsuchikage. 

Despite his advanced age, the only living wielder of a Kekkei Tōta, the Tsuchikage's jutsu can bypass all defenses and cover vast areas.

Naruto hadn't yet figured out how to counter this power. 

Fortunately, his mission wasn't to assassinate the Tsuchikage but rather the Daimyō, though the Daimyō was sure to be surrounded by numerous ninja bodyguards, making infiltrating his residence very difficult.

However, Naruto also gained valuable intelligence during the interrogation. 

The Daimyō of the Land of Earth would attend a significant ritual in two weeks, which he would have to personally conduct. 

Many important figures would attend, making it the perfect opportunity for Naruto.

Interrogating these two provided Naruto with critical information and gave him insight into their jutsu. 

Though the jutsu wasn't particularly valuable, it might come in handy for him later. 

After extracting all the information, Naruto mercilessly killed them. 

Witnessing this, Ryusen couldn't help but feel uneasy and asked, "My Lord, they surrendered and even provided valuable information. Why did you still..."

Naruto responded, "First, they're no longer useful. Second, they know too much about me. If they leaked anything, it would be disastrous for us."

"Lastly, we don't have a proper prison or facilities to securely detain them, so killing them was the only option." 

Naruto placed a hand on Ryusen's shoulder and gave him a meaningful look, saying, "For those two, this was the best outcome." 

"They made the most foolish choice a ninja could make in this world—surrendering in the face of death." 

"Remember, Ryusen, even if someone chooses to surrender, it doesn't mean they'll escape death." 

"It might lead to even worse consequences. That's why you rarely see ninja surrendering."

Ryusen, once a kind-hearted person, had already begun to grasp the world's harshness after experiencing his uncle's betrayal. 

Naruto's words deepened his understanding and made him realize what he needed to stand for. 

Seeing the change in Ryusen's expression, Naruto knew that his words had shifted Ryusen's perspective. 

Silently, Naruto nodded to himself. Although Ryusen was just an ordinary person, he was bright. 

While it remained unclear whether he had the talent for ninjutsu, Naruto believed Ryusen would become a valuable asset.

With that done, Naruto started preparing for his dangerous mission to the Land of Earth. 

He meticulously planned everything, from the overall strategy down to the details, including what kind of disguise to wear. 

At first, Naruto considered impersonating the ninjas he had killed to infiltrate the Land of Earth. 

But while this might make entry easier, the risk would be too great. If the country's sensory-type ninjas detected him, he could be surrounded. 

Even without sensory ninjas, Naruto suspected that Iwagakure had already learned of their deaths, rendering such a plan pointless.

After preparing all the essentials, Naruto quickly passed through the Land of Grass and approached the border of the Land of Earth. 

As he cautiously scouted the area, he found that the entrance to the Land of Earth was heavily guarded. 

While the country's border was long, most of the terrain consisted of steep, unending mountains. 

Even if someone managed to scale one, they'd face another immediately, making station guards in those areas unnecessary.

Naruto thought, looking at the daunting landscape, "No wonder the Land of Earth is so confident. 

As long as they defend key locations, this terrain is nearly impassable. Even ninjas would struggle with the risk of getting lost. 

Without the information I got earlier, entering the Land of Earth would've been nearly impossible."

Luckily, Naruto had obtained a simple map based on the descriptions from the two interrogated ninjas. 

Following the map, Naruto identified a relatively weak point in the defense. 

However, this "weak point" still involved scaling a 7,000-meter cliff—steep, smooth, and incredibly hard. 

Afterward, he'd cross a deserted river to reach a village. 

Once in the village, the defenses would be practically nonexistent, allowing him to proceed to the more populated areas. 

This was the Land of Earth's defense system flaw, and Naruto was now prepared to exploit it.

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