4 CH-3. IRUKA IS SHOCKED

After our heartfelt promises, Kurama and I began chatting incessantly, like two childhood friends who had been separated for years and finally reunited.

We laughed and teased each other, the weight of our bond lifting any lingering tension between us.

Yet, amidst our joyous conversation, there was a nagging thought that held us back: the cage in which Kurama was sealed. I knew that if I wanted to set him free, I would need the key from Jiraiya—'unless I could find a solution through my system'. I thought and smiled widely.

"Hey, what's with that smile? What are you planning?" Kurama asked, his confusion evident.

Ignoring his inquiry, I delved into my system, determined to find a way to break the seal. To my surprise, I discovered that I could search for abilities simply by speaking or thinking of them, streamlining my quest. It didn't take long before I stumbled upon the perfect solution: the Divine Seal Breaking Technique.

With a rush of excitement, I purchased the ability, paying no heed to Kurama's persistent questions.

"Hey, brother, tell me—what do you mean by perfe—" Kurama's words trailed off as he watched me rise to my feet and approach the cage with a smile.

Standing before the cage, I reached out the cage touching it and activated the newly acquired technique.

"Divine Seal Breaking Technique, Seal Break."

The words left my lips, and Kurama's shock was palpable. But the true astonishment was yet to come. In an instant, the cage that had bound Kurama for so long shattered into countless particles, as if it had never existed at all.

"Now you are free, my brother," I declared, the weight of Kurama's liberation sinking in. Tears welled in his eyes, and as the realization dawned upon him, a wave of emotion washed over him.

Seeing Kurama's tears, I approached him and gently patted his massive form, prompting him to look at me.

"Oh, so the great Nine-Tails can also cry," I teased, a playful smile dancing on my lips as I observed his embarrassment.

"W-Who said I am crying? I-It's just the dust—yes, it's because of the dust," Kurama stammered, attempting to save face.

"Yeah, yeah, it must be the dust," I remarked with a chuckle.

His smile widened at my comment. "Thanks," he said, gratitude evident in his tone.

"No problem, anything for my brother," I replied, bumping my fist against his.

"So, tell me, do you want to go outside?" I inquired.

Kurama pondered for a moment before settling on a response. "Not now, maybe sometime later," he said.

We spent the rest of the time chatting and bonding. Meanwhile, I also purchased a stealth skill to conceal the fact that Kurama's seal had been broken from others.

"Alright, it's time to go," I announced as I rose to my feet.

"Ok, bye," Kurama said casually, closing his eyes. His nonchalant demeanor made me smile as I exited the area.

Emerging from the forest, I noticed that it was already nightfall, indicating that Iruka-sensei would arrive soon.

...

"I hope you're there, Naruto," Iruka muttered anxiously as he sprinted through the forest towards the house he and Naruto had built together. He desperately hoped to find Naruto there.

 He was lying on his bed reflecting on Naruto and his failed graduation, Iruka felt a pang of guilt. He deeply cared for Naruto, seeing himself reflected in the young boy, and wanted the best for him. Despite Naruto's failure to pass the exam, Iruka hadn't intervened, hoping Naruto would succeed on his own.

Twelve years ago, when the Nine-Tails attacked the village and killed his parents, Iruka became an orphan. Yet, he never harbored any ill will towards Naruto, knowing the boy was innocent.

Lost in his thoughts, Iruka was interrupted by a knock at his door. Opening it, he found Mizuki standing there with a worried expression, informing him that Naruto had stolen the Scroll of Forbidden Seals.

With a sinking feeling in his stomach, Iruka hurried to the Hokage Tower, where he found a group of angry Chunin-ranked ninjas, furious at Naruto for his actions.

.....

"It looks like you all have completed your jobs," I remarked to my twenty clones, who I then called back.

"Yes, BossX20," they replied in unison, each wearing a smile.

Their response brought a smile to my face as well, and I absorbed all their experiences as they disappeared.

Just then, I heard a voice behind me that made me turn around with a grin.

"I have found you."

Facing the direction of the voice, I saw Iruka-sensei, bent over and catching his breath.

Once he caught his breath, Iruka looked at me, but his expression quickly shifted to one of shock. He recognized me as Naruto, but something was different—my height had changed, and my once-thin frame was now much more robust.

"N-Naruto, is that you?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Come on, did you really forget who I am? It's only been half a day," I teased, walking toward him.

"But what happened to you? Your body looks different—" Iruka began, but before he could finish, I pulled him aside, surprising him.

Suddenly, the sound of metal striking echoed around us, and Iruka's attention snapped to the ground where several kunai were embedded.

Lost in thought, Iruka heard a voice he recognized immediately. "It looks like that kid is fast."

Turning toward the source of the voice, he saw Mizuki holding two kunai. Upon hearing him and seeing the weapons, Iruka knew Mizuki was behind the attack.

"Why are you doing this, Mizuki?" Iruka demanded, his voice laced with anger. He then turned to check on me, but to his surprise, he found me smiling.