Naruto: Reborn with the Template System

Author Note:

Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!

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Next to Guts, a man in a white robe walked silently, a wide-brimmed hat atop his head bearing the kanji for "Wind."

The pair was unmistakably conspicuous.

And yet, every Konoha shinobi or civilian who saw them instinctively made way—because everyone knew exactly who they were.

One was a living legend. The other, supposedly the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure.

As they strolled side-by-side through the village, they eventually arrived at the clan grounds of the Sarutobi family.

At that moment, "Rasa" spoke, his tone casual, almost too casual.

"This is the Sarutobi clan's compound, right? I heard that Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, has been living here in retirement."

Guts chuckled, sensing the subtle probe. "Oh? Lord Kazekage interested in our old monkey?"

"Rasa" paused briefly. "He was once hailed as the 'Hero of the Ninja World.' Isn't it natural I'd be curious?"

"He's just a dirty old man now," Guts said with a grin. "Spends his time peeking into the women's bathhouses using the Transparent Escape Technique."

"…Is that so?"

"Rasa" let out a dry laugh, but didn't press further.

Just then, an elderly woman emerged from the Sarutobi compound, pushing a wheelchair-bound man.

It was Sarutobi Biwako and her son, Asuma, now paralyzed from the waist down. His beard had grown thicker than it ever appeared in the anime.

"Guts?"

Both Biwako and Asuma recognized him immediately, then turned to the man beside him.

"…Is that Lord Kazekage?"

Sarutobi Biwako's eyes narrowed slightly with polite suspicion.

"I've come to observe the finals of the Chūnin Exams," "Rasa" replied smoothly. "I'm looking forward to seeing how Gaara performs on behalf of our village."

"Then I wish you a pleasant visit, Lord Kazekage," Biwako said. "I'm just an old woman, I'll take my leave."

With that, she wheeled Asuma away without a second glance.

"I've never been too fond of Sarutobi's family," Guts muttered, watching them disappear down the path.

"Hahaha…"

"Rasa" let out another odd laugh, unsettling in how hollow it sounded.

"If you'd like," Guts added, "I can take you to your guest residence. Your three kids should be waiting there."

"Then I'll leave it in your hands, Guts-kun."

A month wasn't enough to change one's fate but for Naruto and Sasuke, inheritors of Asura and Indra, it was enough time to grasp the beginnings of their future signature jutsu:

Rasengan and Chidori.

Meanwhile, the stadium began to swell with crowds from every walk of life—politicians, merchants, shinobi clans, and foreign dignitaries alike.

This wasn't just a tournament.

It was a showcase of the next generation:

The Son of the Fifth Hokage,

The Son of the Uchiha Clan,

The Daughters of the Hyūga Clan,

And the Children of the Kazekage.

Even Suigetsu from the Mist Village, rumored to be a successor to the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, had attracted attention.

Guts walked alongside Hinata and Hanabi through the tunnel leading into the stadium.

The air was electric with tension, excitement, and competition.

"We'll definitely make it to Chūnin!"

Hanabi declared, patting her flat chest with confidence and pride.

Hinata, more reserved, nodded. "W-We'll do our best… Sensei Guts."

Though only twelve, her figure had already begun to hint at the future and if her anime counterpart was any indication, things were only going to escalate from here.

"Remember," Guts said, looking at them seriously for a moment, "if anything happens, find me. I'll be watching from the highest viewing platform."

The two sisters blinked in unison.

Though they didn't know why he emphasized it, they nodded obediently.

Kurenai, Kakashi, Might Guy, and the other Jōnin instructors had already gathered in the audience seats. The future pillars of Konoha...the young Genin were all present, eyes wide with anticipation.

But two familiar faces were missing from the crowd: Tsunade and Anko.

After Guts informed Tsunade of Orochimaru's movements, she made a quick decision.

Instead of watching from the stadium, she and Anko would stay outside the village perimeter, ready to intercept and eliminate any foreign aid Orochimaru might bring.

"If he dares to pull anything," Tsunade had said coldly, cracking her knuckles, "I'll flatten them before they reach the gate."

Meanwhile, the contestants were lining up.

Neither Sasuke nor Naruto were late this time, showing up in full form.

But Toss, Hanabi's scheduled opponent, had mysteriously vanished just like in the original timeline. It left Hanabi waiting awkwardly at the edge of the ring, arms folded in frustration.

From the crowd, a fiery voice suddenly pierced the air.

"Naruto! If you lose, I won't forgive you!"

It was Uzumaki Kushina, waving her fists from the stands, her long red hair whipping wildly in all directions.

Kakashi and the others looked away awkwardly, embarrassed by her volume.

Yep...her personality hadn't changed one bit.

At that moment, Namikaze Minato, the Fifth Hokage, stepped into the arena, drawing all eyes to him.

But strangely enough, the one sitting beside him stole even more attention.

Guts.

To be seated next to the Hokage, on equal footing... What did that even mean?

The tension only grew when the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, arrived moments later, escorted by her elite guards.

"That's the Mizukage of the Mist?" Ino whispered, eyes wide. "She's… gorgeous!"

And then Terumi Mei did something shocking... she smiled warmly at Guts.

Guts turned slightly, returning the smile with that same casual confidence.

They hadn't crossed the final line yet, but Terumi Mei said she wanted it after the Chunin Exams were over.

Ino blinked. Her instincts screamed...something's off here.

She glanced toward Kurenai, who stood silently beside the railing. Her red brows were slightly furrowed, lips tight with hesitation. A subtle sign but a woman's instinct picked up on it right away.

Ino wisely chose to stay quiet.

Then came the next arrival, the one that brought the entire stadium to a hush.

The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.

He descended calmly into his seat, flanked by elite Sand shinobi. Below in the waiting area, Gaara and his siblings stiffened.

Their father's sudden reappearance wasn't something they'd expected.

Three Kage seated together.

This was no longer just a tournament.

It was a political stage.

Guts subtly activated his Observation Haki, his gaze landing squarely on "Rasa."

No Shadow Clones. No transformation jutsu. No fakes.

Orochimaru really came here himself.

But with Terumi Mei present? With Tsunade and Anko lying in wait outside?

Even if Orochimaru dared to revive Senju Hashirama and Tobirama, it would still be pointless.

Everyone was ready.

Namikaze Minato gave a small nod.

Shiranui Genma, standing center-stage as the tournament referee, instantly caught the signal and stepped forward.

His voice rang out clearly across the arena.

"All candidates, except for the two fighters of the first match, please wait on the upper stage!"

"Match One: Hyūga Hinata vs. Uzumaki Naruto!"

A murmur swept through the crowd.

"The Hyūga Clan's eldest daughter versus the Hokage's son?"

"This generation really is something else…"

"Still, I'm more curious about Gaara's match. That kid's terrifying."

Whispers, excitement, and speculation swirled as the two combatants stepped forward.

Down below, Naruto stood confidently, hands on his hips.

"Hinata! I've learned a ton of new jutsu! If you don't wanna get hurt, you better forfeit now!"

He flashed that familiar wide grin but it carried genuine determination this time.

Hinata blinked, then took a breath and replied softly, "I won't forfeit, Naruto-kun. Let's have a fair fight."

Her voice was gentle but filled with resolve.

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