IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

Shiro stood before Orochimaru, one of the fabled Legendary Sannin, with a smirk. "You're being too cautious. How much of a threat can I, one person, really pose to you?"

Before Orochimaru could respond, a powerful gust of wind erupted from Shiro, and a spectral fox chakra appeared behind him, its nine tails swirling ominously.

Orochimaru's confident demeanor shattered as he stumbled backward, falling to the ground in shock. "That chakra... It's the Nine-Tails! But you're not Konoha's Jinchūriki! Who are you?"

Shiro clicked his tongue in annoyance. "You don't need to know everything, Orochimaru. All you need to understand is that I could destroy this little ninja village of yours in an instant. Don't test my patience."

A massive golden chakra hand formed and wrapped tightly around Orochimaru, lifting him into the air effortlessly.

"Let's get one thing straight," Shiro said, his tone turning cold. "I don't need you. If you don't cooperate, I'll kill you here and now."

For the first time in years, Orochimaru felt true fear. His usual escape jutsu and tricks were useless against the overwhelming force in front of him. After a tense silence, he nodded reluctantly.

"Good," Shiro said, releasing Orochimaru. "Now, tell me. How is your research on immortality and curse seals progressing? And spare me no details about your dealings with Danzo."

Orochimaru hesitated for a moment before replying. "The Immortality Technique is nearing completion, and the Curse Seal research is advancing well. As for Danzo... he provides me with test subjects in exchange for experiments on fusing the First Hokage's cells and the Sharingan."

Shiro nodded thoughtfully. "As I suspected. Konoha is rotting from the inside. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo are likely planning their next move as we speak, targeting me and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. But for now, I'll keep my focus on you."

Orochimaru's curiosity got the better of him. "You don't seem concerned about Hiruzen and Danzo joining forces. Why?"

"Because they're just relics clinging to power," Shiro replied with a smirk. "This is all part of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki's trial. Let's see if the boy can rise to the occasion."

Shiro turned his piercing gaze toward Orochimaru. "You know why I'm here, don't you?"

"Yes," Orochimaru said cautiously. "You want me to create a force strong enough to protect the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."

"Exactly," Shiro said. "Now, let's see if you're as clever as they say you are."

With that, Shiro strode out of the lab, with Orochimaru trailing behind him.

Orochimaru led Shiro through the Sound Ninja Village. "It's still a work in progress," Orochimaru admitted.

Several Sound ninja approached, bowing respectfully to Orochimaru. "Lord Orochimaru."

Orochimaru introduced them to Shiro. "These are my Five Sound Ninja. They're still in training, but they're showing promise."

Shiro's eyes landed on Kimimaro, the strongest of the group. Placing a hand on Kimimaro's shoulder, he said, "You've got potential, kid. Keep at it."

Kimimaro bowed slightly. "Thank you, sir."

Shiro glanced at Orochimaru. "This one's special. If you can, try to cure whatever illness is holding him back."

"I'm already working on it," Orochimaru replied.

After surveying the village, Shiro turned back to Orochimaru. "Don't forget your role in my plan. You'll need to draw the Kazekage into your schemes. If you don't, you'll stand no chance against Sarutobi Hiruzen."

"Yes, understood," Orochimaru said.

With a sudden puff of white smoke, Shiro disappeared, leaving only his fox mask behind. Orochimaru picked it up, brushing the dust off it.

"Who are you really?" Orochimaru murmured. Then, as a realization struck him, his pupils narrowed in shock, and cold sweat dripped down his forehead. "Could it be...?"

---

Back in the sealed space, Shiro reclined lazily on a couch as Namikaze Minato appeared before him.

"How did it go?" Minato asked.

"Not bad," Shiro replied casually. "Naruto now has the tools to take on Konoha if it comes to that."

Minato raised an eyebrow. "What exactly have you been gathering?"

"Oh, nothing much," Shiro said with a sly grin. "Just an Uchiha, a Hyūga, and Orochimaru."

Minato stared at him in disbelief. "You're calling that 'nothing much'? You could control half of Konoha with those pieces!"

Shiro smirked. "I just want to make sure Naruto has a fair fight against that old coward Sarutobi. I'm an excellent parent, you know. You should take notes."

Minato shook his head in exasperation. "You could just let Naruto win without all this effort."

"That would be boring," Shiro said, waving him off.

Minato sighed and disappeared in a flash of yellow light.

---

Back in the real world, Naruto was grumbling as he followed Kakashi. "Why are all our missions about saving cats and finding lost dogs? I thought ninjas did cool stuff!"

Kakashi didn't even look back. "A mission is a mission. Be grateful."

Sasuke snorted. "Stop whining, Naruto. You should be thankful you're even assigned to anything."

Naruto turned to Sasuke, pointing an accusatory finger. "Hey! I helped you awaken your Sharingan! Show some gratitude!"

Sasuke's eyes flashed with a single tomoe in each Sharingan. His face turned red. "You... What?! You're taking credit for that?!"

"Of course!" Naruto said proudly.

Sasuke rolled up his sleeves, forming a Tiger Seal. "Fine, I'll show you how I 'thank' people!"

"Cheater!" Naruto shouted, sprinting away as Sasuke chased after him with Body Flicker Technique.

Kakashi sighed as he watched the two boys. "Kids these days..."

Sakura, blushing, followed after them.

They arrived at the mission office amidst their antics, and Naruto ran headfirst into someone, sending them sprawling.

"Oh no..." Naruto muttered, rubbing his head. "I'm in trouble again."

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