NARUTO: In the Shadow of the Clans

The sun of Konoha shone high in the sky as Naruto made his way to Tsunade's office. The village streets were lively, but Naruto walked with purpose, his long blond hair tied into a ponytail swaying gently behind him.

He hadn't stopped thinking about the upcoming conversation with Tsunade. After all, he had a lot to share, but he also knew he had to choose his words carefully.

Standing before the large door to the Hokage's office, he knocked twice before hearing Tsunade's familiar voice inviting him in.

"Ah, Naruto!" Tsunade exclaimed as he stepped through the threshold. She placed a document on her desk and leaned slightly toward him. "So, are you ready to tell me everything?"

Naruto closed the door behind him and approached, taking a seat in the chair opposite her desk.

"Ready? Hmm... maybe," he replied with a mischievous smile.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, amused by his demeanor. "Since when did you become so cheeky? You weren't like this before."

Naruto shrugged. "Two years away from Konoha will change a man, you know."

Tsunade burst into laughter. "Alright, then, tell me everything. What happened after you disappeared?"

Naruto took a deep breath before beginning.

"It was... complicated. I was attacked, kidnapped, and taken out of the village. I still don't know exactly how they got so close without being detected."

Tsunade frowned, clearly concerned. "Who were they?"

Naruto averted his gaze slightly, fiddling with the sleeve of his jacket.

"Two women. Powerful ones."

"Their identities?" Tsunade pressed.

Naruto hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "I'd rather not say too much. They didn't harm me, and I don't think they're a threat to the village."

Tsunade sighed. "Naruto..."

He raised a hand to gently interrupt her. "I understand, but trust me on this, Hokage-sama."

She stared at him for a long moment before finally nodding.

"Very well. Continue."

Naruto resumed, recounting his intense training, the countless hours spent perfecting his taijutsu, and learning the basics of fuinjutsu.

"Fuinjutsu, huh?" Tsunade said, surprised. "And how do you find it?"

Naruto smirked. "Fascinating. Complex, but fascinating. I've barely scratched the surface, but I can already see how useful it can be in combat and beyond."

Tsunade crossed her arms, a glimmer of interest in her eyes. "Hmm. I never pictured you as the studious type."

Naruto burst out laughing. "I guess even I didn't picture myself like that. But yeah, I've changed a lot."

Their exchange continued on a lighter note. True to himself, Naruto threw in a few jokes here and there, which made Tsunade smile, even laugh out loud.

"Seriously, since when have you been this mischievous?" she asked, laughing after one of his quips.

Naruto winked at her. "Maybe I've always been this way, and you just never noticed."

After a few minutes, Naruto's demeanor shifted slightly. His tone became more serious, and he straightened in his chair.

"Hokage-sama... I'd like to ask two favors of you."

Tsunade frowned slightly, curious. "I'm listening."

Naruto took a deep breath.

"First... I want you to tell me about my parents and my clan."

Tsunade's expression darkened slightly, but she remained silent for a moment before replying.

"I figured you'd ask that eventually. Alright, I'll tell you what I know. But, Naruto, it's not an easy story to hear."

He nodded, resolute. "I'm ready."

Tsunade continued to look at him for a moment, as if evaluating his determination, before finally nodding.

"And your second request?"

Naruto drew another breath.

"I want to delve deeper into fuinjutsu. I've learned the basics, but I feel there's so much more to uncover. If I want to become stronger and protect the village, I need to master this art."

Tsunade thought for a moment.

"Fuinjutsu is a dangerous path, Naruto. It's a discipline that requires a lot of patience, rigor, and caution. Are you sure you want to fully commit to it?"

Naruto nodded without hesitation.

"Yes."

She sighed, then smiled slightly.

"Alright. I'll help you find the resources you need. But promise me you'll be careful."

"Promise," he replied with a sincere smile.

Their conversation continued for a while longer, with Tsunade offering advice on his next steps and promising to reveal everything she knew about his parents and Uzumaki heritage.

When Naruto finally left the office, the sun was already low on the horizon. He felt lighter, yet more determined than ever to move forward and fully embrace his destiny.