Naruto: Destroy the Sarutobi Clan At the Beginning

"Master Kirito, what on earth is that chain? It can actually suppress chakra," Pakura asked solemnly, clearly sensing a threat from the chain.

Kirito smiled faintly and explained, "That is the unique ability of the Uzumaki clan, the Diamond Seal. When used, multiple chakra chains extend from the back. It can not only be used as a powerful offensive weapon but can also create barriers. Its power depends on the amount of chakra. With Karin's chakra, let alone suppressing Sasuke's Cursed Seal, even half-Tailed Beast Naruto can be restrained easily."

"That's truly a powerful technique," Pakura exclaimed.

"Alright, the show's over. The purpose of this trip has been achieved. Time to head back," Kirito nodded. He stretched out his right hand, placed it on Pakura's shoulder, and activated Flying Thunder God. The two disappeared.

Ten days later, in Konoha Village—

Inside the Hokage's Office.

Present were Yamato, Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Karin.

"Lady Tsunade, that's roughly what happened," Yamato reported, standing at attention.

Karin stood silently, head slightly lowered, annoyed that she hadn't gotten a chance to speak with Kirito.

Naruto and Sakura were both clearly upset, though for different reasons—both related to failing to bring Sasuke back.

"I never expected things to turn out like this."

After listening to Yamato's detailed report, Tsunade leaned on the desk, visibly weary. Why did that guy suddenly get involved with Orochimaru again?

Yamato nodded. "Yes, Lady Tsunade. Based on what happened at the time, if Fujiwara Kirito had wanted to, Naruto—who had lost control—could very well have been captured."

"But from the looks of it, Fujiwara Kirito didn't seem interested in capturing the Tailed Beast. In fact, the Akatsuki specifically assigned him to eliminate Orochimaru this time."

"Not only did he disobey, but he used that mission to blackmail Orochimaru. According to information from the Wood Release Clone, this isn't the first time. Orochimaru appears helpless against him."

"One of the Legendary Sannin being afraid of someone like Kirito… But overall, this shows that the Akatsuki organization isn't as unified as we thought. That's at least some good news."

"Threatening Orochimaru—now that's totally his style," Tsunade sighed, then shifted her gaze toward Sakura, her expression suddenly serious. "Sakura, don't you have anything to say?"

"Lady Tsunade, I'm sorry." Sakura's eyes dimmed. She knew she was the main reason the mission failed.

"I'm not blaming you," Tsunade said with a sigh. "But I hope you understand something clearly—always put your comrades' lives first."

"Blame her?" Naruto looked confused. "What happened?"

Yamato explained, "Sakura has the ability to break illusions. With Sasuke's Sharingan, even if she got caught in a Genjutsu, he shouldn't have been able to control her so easily. So… you understand, right?"

Naruto's face changed instantly. "Wait, that means..." Sasuke was let go on purpose?

Tsunade interrupted, "Alright, that's enough. Sakura, go rest. Starting tomorrow, report to the medical team."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Sakura replied with disappointment and turned to leave the Hokage's Office.

"Why are you doing this, Tsunade-chan?" Naruto asked in frustration. "Are you removing Sakura from Team 7 just because of this? Sasuke's already gone, so if you do this..."

That would mean the original Team 7 no longer existed.

"No, it's not because of this," Tsunade shook her head.

Shizune, standing behind her, quickly added to avoid any misunderstanding, "Actually, this decision was already made back when you went on the mission to rescue the Kazekage."

"Then why?" Naruto asked, confused.

"Because including me, Team 7 now has two medical ninjas. As you know, medical ninjas are crucial to any team, and they're in short supply. Many squads don't even have one," Karin explained.

"Then why don't you go?" Naruto blurted out without thinking.

Before he could finish, Karin's fist landed squarely on his head, leaving a huge bump. "Idiot. Do you think I want to be stuck on a team with someone like you?"

Yamato rubbed his temple and stepped in. "Naruto, after what happened at the Heaven and Earth Bridge, you should already know how important Karin is."

Naruto, still steaming from the punch, suddenly recalled the moment he lost control of his Nine-Tails chakra. Cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.

He hesitated, then asked, "So… who's the new member of Team 7?"

"That would be me," a light voice answered.

Before anyone could react, there was a sudden bang, smoke filled the room, and Chinatsu appeared on the Hokage's desk, arms folded.

"Chinatsu?" Everyone was stunned—especially Naruto. He hadn't seen her battle Uchiha Itachi due to being trapped in an illusion. He pointed in disbelief, "Granny Tsunade, are you joking?! She's just a kid!"

"Chinatsu is no ordinary child. She's incredibly strong," Tsunade replied with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Yamato—Team 7's acting captain—felt a twinge of unease and said cautiously, "Lady Hokage, I've heard Kakashi-senpai speak highly of Chinatsu's performance during the Kazekage rescue mission. But going forward, we'll be facing powerful Akatsuki members… Chinatsu is still so young. Wouldn't it be too risky?"

"It's because we're facing the Akatsuki that I want Chinatsu to join Team 7," Tsunade said sternly. She turned to Naruto. "Naruto."

"Yes!" Naruto stood up straight.

Tsunade continued seriously, "After your recent battle with Sasuke, I'm sure you've realized the gap between the two of you."

"...Yeah," Naruto replied reluctantly, swallowing hard.

"Starting today, you'll train alongside Chinatsu. Work on developing the Rasengan into a technique that truly belongs to you."

"You want Chinatsu to teach me?" Naruto was stunned. "Um… Granny Tsunade, are you sure you don't mean Kakashi-sensei?"

"Of course I'm sure. Chinatsu is extremely powerful. She's proficient in all five elemental releases," Tsunade said with a mysterious smile. "But to ensure your Nine-Tails chakra doesn't go out of control, Yamato and Karin will supervise. Kakashi will assist when necessary. From now on, it's up to you."

As she spoke, Chinatsu casually formed a small Rasenshuriken in her hand, right in front of everyone.

 (End of this chapter)