Naruto's face filled with surprise as he stared at Sasori, a cold sweat running down his temple while his gaze sharpened, turning almost hostile.
"What's wrong, kid?" Sasori noticed the sudden hostility and asked with a detached tone, clearly puzzled by Naruto's reaction.
"A-Ah, it's nothing... Hehehe, I was just surprised that Sakura-chan has a brother," Naruto quickly changed his expression to an awkward smile.
"Nice to meet you, Sasori," Naruto said, extending his hand for a handshake, but Sasori simply looked away with icy indifference.
"Let's go, Sakura."
"I'm coming, Onii-chan," Sakura replied, turning to follow him. As she walked past Naruto, she looked back and said, "Bye-bye, Naruto."
Naruto smiled gently and closed his eyes.
(I hope he doesn't hate me...)
He then slowly made his way to the Namikaze mansion and stepped inside.
---
"Sakura, is that the son of Namikaze Minato?"
Sasori asked calmly, glancing at his younger sister as she walked beside him, her eyes wandering curiously.
"Well…" she looked at Sasori and smiled slightly before answering, "He's just a child from a branch family. He might become the next clan head, judging from how the guards treat him."
"Not the one we're looking for, then…" Sasori sighed, closing his eyes.
"I couldn't find any trace of the real target. Maybe they hid him before we arrived."
"The Namikaze are quick with their intelligence. Seems luck isn't on our side this time."
"Yeah."
.
.
.
Scene Eight
.
.
.
Failed Assassination
.
.
.
The Haruno clan concluded their meeting and left disappointed that day. Sakura never revealed her little secret.
Days passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, a week had gone by—Naruto was finally returning home.
Inside a luxurious limousine, Naruto sat quietly, watching the cityscape of Konoha through the window. The roads were bustling with cars, and the noise was overwhelming.
Still, he felt a strange warmth, marveling at how humanity could advance this far without divine powers or supernatural strength.
Suddenly, the limousine came to a stop, startling Naruto. He turned to the driver, who appeared to smile calmly.
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly. "What's the meaning of this?"
"My apologies, Naruto-dono. I believe there's a problem with the engine. I'll check it."
The driver stepped out to inspect the car.
Naruto sighed slowly. Something felt wrong—his instincts were screaming at him. He glanced out the window and spotted a tall skyscraper.
Squinting, he noticed a strange glint in the distance.
His eyes widened in realization, and his head jerked instinctively to the side—just as a sharp metallic object ripped through the space beside his cheek at the speed of sound.
He ducked swiftly, hearing the bullet strike the seat behind him. His breathing quickened as fear set in.
Thanks to his body's memories, he instantly recognized it—a sniper's bullet. If not for his sharpened instincts from his past life, he would've died on the spot.
He quickly scanned his surroundings to see if the driver was involved, but the man returned promptly, pretending to be concerned.
"Naruto-dono, are you alright?" the driver asked slowly, feigning worry. But Naruto wasn't fooled.
Blood trickled from the side of Naruto's cheek as he spoke in a cold voice, his eyes hidden under the shadow of his bangs.
"You there…!"
The driver flinched as Naruto raised his head. The look in Naruto's eyes was terrifying—like a bloodthirsty wolf.
"Are you done checking? Then let's go."
The driver didn't understand what came over him—he simply obeyed. That ominous aura, filled with years of suppressed fury, made him feel as though Death himself had looked into his soul.
"W-We've arrived, Naruto-dono… we're home," the driver stammered, forcing a smile while trembling.
"Thanks."
Naruto stepped out of the limousine, and the oppressive aura instantly vanished, replaced by the air of an innocent child.
"W-What… was that?" the driver muttered shakily, watching Naruto walk slowly toward the mansion.
He pulled out his phone and spoke in a panic, "S-Sir… the sniper failed. Somehow, he dodged the bullet at the last second!"
Angry shouting erupted from the other end.
"I-I'm sorry! I wanted to stab him with the knife I had, but I couldn't!"
More yelling followed. The driver wiped the sweat from his brow, terrified.
"I'm sorry, I understand… I really do…"
He sighed deeply and shut his eyes. He was likely getting docked five or six months' pay.
"Naruto-kun!"
Naruto heard a familiar voice calling out as he walked through the halls of the estate—it was his cousin.
"Ella-chan!"
He beamed with joy, eyes closed in relief.
"Oh no, are you hurt? What happened, Naruto-kun?" Ella asked in a panic when she saw the wound on his cheek.
"Oh, this? Hehehe, don't worry, it's just a small cut from when I fell earlier," Naruto replied with a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head.
"You really need to be more careful!" Ella pulled a tissue from her pocket and gently wiped the blood off his cheek, smiling sweetly.
Once she finished, she lightly touched his cheek with her fingers and said, "Look at that—now there's a little scar ruining your cute face."
"It'll fade soon enough. But it kind of reminds me… that I have to endure, no matter how many wounds come my way. And it tells me that all wounds heal with time," Naruto said with a wide smile.
"Stop trying to sound like a philosopher—you're just a kid," Ella pouted and pinched his cheek hard.
"Ow ow, that hurts! I get it, Ella-chan!" Naruto teared up as he winced.
"Now go get some rest. And don't forget to visit Grandma Mito to let her know you're back," she said with a soft smile, stepping away.
"Alright, I will."
Naruto returned her smile and waved.
Once Ella disappeared from sight, Naruto's expression shifted again—calm, cold, and dangerously focused.
"So… if you want to play dirty, then I'll play dirty too. Let's see who wins this game."
He spoke with chilling resolve as he walked toward a certain place.
.
.
.
Scene Eight
.
.
.
Failed Assassination – End
.
.
.
To Be Continued…