—— One hour earlier.
As the first rays of sunlight pierced through Konoha…
Yūgao Uzuki opened her eyes at the exact time set by her internal clock.
She got up, washed, got dressed, and adjusted her appearance in front of the mirror.
Reflected in the glass was a strikingly beautiful face.
Her violet hair, once cut short, had grown to brush against her waist after years of careful attention.
Under the morning light, it gleamed with vibrant health.
Her skin, pale as snow, gave her the appearance of a porcelain doll.
Her naturally pink lips, needing no lipstick, added a touch of sensuality to her look.
Satisfied, she nodded to herself and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
The aroma of simple yet delicious dishes quickly filled the air.
Once finished, she removed her apron and carried the meal outside.
Her neighbor and childhood friend, already awake, had begun his morning training.
Yūgao: "Good morning, Hayate."
Hayate Gekkō, a young man with pronounced dark circles under his eyes, returned her smile.
Since early childhood, they had grown up side by side.
Together at the Ninja Academy, together in training, together until graduation day...
But once they became official ninjas, their paths had started to diverge.
Hayate: "Good morning, Yūgao."
With a warm gaze, he watched his beautiful friend enter his yard.
Thanks to his Kekkei Genkai, the Jinton (Transparency Dōjutsu), Hayate had joined the reconnaissance team.
So far, things were going well.
— Except for the hereditary illness linked to his Kekkei Genkai.
The two friends entered the house, chatting lightly.
Hayate: "The food is delicious, as always."
Utensils in hand, he smiled, happy.
His ninja career was progressing well, and he had an exceptional partner by his side.
What more could he ask for?
Yūgao: "You say that every day, Hayate."
Sitting across from him, she didn't touch the food.
That usually meant a special — or dangerous — mission awaited her.
In truth, Yūgao had been part of the ANBU for several years already.
Some ninjas with unique talents were recruited early, sometimes right after their promotion to Genin.
Yūgao was one of those chosen.
The high command had recognized her strong leadership potential and remarkable individual skills.
With a bit more experience, she would become a pillar of the ANBU.
Today, she was about to be promoted to the legendary "ANBU Team 6."
It was said that Kakashi Hatake, the Copy Ninja, the Sharingan Hero, was a member.
To prepare for a possible evaluation mission, she had chosen to skip breakfast.
When Hayate finished, she habitually picked up the dishes, ready to wash them at home.
Clack.
He gently caught her wrist.
Hayate: "Let me handle the dishes today..."
He was grateful to his friend for her constant support.
So she could focus entirely on her first mission with Team 6, he would take care of these small tasks.
Yūgao: "Alright, Hayate."
A knowing smile passed between them.
Then she turned on her heels and left.
Hayate watched her walk away before sighing… and coughing.
Hayate: "Cough… Still this damned illness..."
He shook his head and began clearing the table.
---
ANBU – Team 6 Secret Preparation Room
Yūgao, emerging from the locker room, had donned her new uniform.
A white mask with feline patterns now concealed her face.
The fitted ANBU outfit hugged her graceful figure.
Her arms, pale as jade, contrasted with the cascade of violet hair, forming an instantly recognizable silhouette.
As she walked toward the entrance, she encountered her future teammates.
Some tall, some short, some muscular, some slim.
At the center of the group stood a silver-haired young man who stood out.
Yūgao (thinking): "Kakashi-senpai… It's been a long time."
Even back in the Academy, his reputation was already legendary.
Graduated in just six months, student of the Fourth Hokage, veteran of the Third Great Ninja War...
For young ninjas like her, he was an inspiration.
Clack.
She lifted her mask, placing it on the side of her head.
Revealing one's face was a gesture of mutual recognition.
As she watched Kakashi, expecting an evaluation mission, his words surprised her.
Kakashi: "Yūgao Uzuki… The Hokage will personally assign your mission. Go to his office."
Despite mild confusion, an ANBU must always obey orders.
Yūgao: "Understood!"
She replaced her mask and swiftly left the base.
Behind her, her new teammates reacted with varied expressions.
ANBU 1: "A stunning new recruit..."
ANBU 2: "Don't even think about it, she's taken!"
ANBU 1: "By who?"
ANBU 2: "That guy with the Jinton, Hayate Gekkō."
ANBU 3: "Ahhh, the one with the Transparency Kekkei Genkai..."
Kakashi ignored their comments.
His gaze turned to the Hokage Mount Rushmore, particularly to the face of the Fourth.
Tenzo: "Kakashi-senpai?"
Noticing his expression, he understood.
Kakashi (murmuring): "I'm... not ready to meet sensei's child yet..."
Tenzo nodded.
He had delegated the mission to Yūgao.
But in any case, this mission was simple.
The jinchūriki was young, the Fourth's seal was solid…
Everything would be fine.
At least, he hoped so.
---
Hokage's Office
Yūgao knelt before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The old man, standing by the window, seemed lost in thought.
Time had marked his face, his graying hair showing his age.
Hiruzen: "Yūgao... There you are."
He turned around, his kind gaze making her lower her eyes.
Hiruzen: "No need for formality… This mission is not dangerous."
He sat down, lit his pipe, and took a puff before continuing.
Hiruzen: "Your evaluation mission is simple: deliver this monthly allowance to a young boy named... Uzumaki Naruto."
He pulled a stack of bills from his drawer.
Yūgao instantly calculated the amount — the standard orphan's monthly stipend.
In the ninja world, orphans were common.
Yūgao (thinking): "Uzumaki… Naruto… Wait, could it be…?!"
Hiruzen: "Yes."
He stood and returned to the window.
The Kyūbi Disaster had left its mark.
Most villagers believed the Fourth had sealed the demon inside himself, making Naruto the fox incarnate.
But only a few knew the truth:
Naruto was the son of the Fourth Hokage and Kushina Uzumaki.
As an experienced ANBU, Yūgao was among that select few.
Hiruzen: "I originally planned... No, never mind."
If Kakashi wasn't ready to face his past, he wouldn't force him.
Hiruzen: "Your evaluation is simply to hand over this money to the child. He might be wary of strangers… You may leave it discreetly if needed."
The easiest mission in history, thought Yūgao.
The Fourth's son, the Kyūbi jinchūriki… He was just a child.
Yūgao: "I'll handle it perfectly, Hokage-sama!"
She took the money and left the office.
Behind her, Hiruzen stared at Minato's portrait, lost in memory…
---
Naruto's Balcony
Kyūbi: "You should call the Military Police. The Uchiha are good at this sort of thing."
Even in this situation, Kyūbi remained logical.
A jinchūriki discovered by enemies risked abduction… or worse.
And without a Minato to save him this time…
If Naruto died, Kyūbi would die too.
And with the other half of him sealed in the Shinigami…
Resurrection would take years.
Naruto: "The thief will be gone before they arrive."
He ignored Kyūbi's advice.
Naruto: "You wanted me to release my violence, didn't you? That's what I'm going to do."
He stepped to the window and glanced inside…
---
Inside the House
Yūgao was inspecting the place.
Kettle, washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner, TV… Everything was there.
A fairly comfortable living space.
She placed the money on the living room table.
Yūgao (relieved): "Mission accomplished."
Her promotion to Team 6 was well on track.
But suddenly…
An unusual chill filled the room.
Whoosh!
She spun around — locking eyes with Naruto's beast-like gaze through the window.
Naruto: "Intruder."
The window slid open.
And like a wild beast, he lunged at her…