HINATA IS BROKEN

As the screen in the sky displayed new changes, Uzumaki Naruto swallowed nervously. His gaze was fixed, his thoughts swirling.

At the very least, he didn't want his performance to be worse than the Naruto in that alternate world. Watching himself from another perspective was both thrilling and unsettling. The uncertainty of what might happen next gnawed at him, despite having foreknowledge of events.

The black-framed screen showed Naruto's face, and a voice echoed from the air:

"There's one month left before the graduation exam. I hope everyone studies hard after class and practices diligently."

"Strive for everyone to pass the graduation examination in one go!"

Iruka stood with his hands on his hips, a look of pride etched on his face. After seven years of teaching, his students were finally about to take the next step in their ninja journey.

The classroom erupted in excitement.

"Will we really get to wear the headbands and become ninjas, Mr. Iruka?"

"Yeah! I'm so pumped about graduating!"

"Just imagine! Taking on dangerous missions and becoming famous!"

Among the clamor, two figures stood out for their lack of enthusiasm. Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke sat quietly, their expressions unreadable. While the others dreamed aloud, they seemed lost in their own thoughts.

As the bell rang to signal the end of class, Naruto slipped out and headed to the bathroom. Once inside and ensuring he was alone, he clapped his hands together.

Boom!

A puff of smoke filled the air, and Naruto vanished. Moments later, he appeared in the secluded area of Konoha's back mountain, sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed.

In his spiritual realm, he confronted the enormous form of the Nine-Tails, sealed behind the great gate of the Eight Sign Seal.

*"Hey, big fox!" Naruto called out boldly.

"I'm graduating in a month. Shouldn't you help me celebrate by teaching me a cool jutsu? Something to really wow everyone!"

The fox stared at him, silent but unimpressed. Naruto continued, undeterred.

"C'mon, it's a big deal! Iruka-sensei's been a decent teacher, but let's face it—he hasn't taught me much beyond the basics. And the Hokage only gave me a couple of jutsu. You've been stuck here for years, right? Sharing a little knowledge wouldn't kill you!"

The Nine-Tails blinked slowly, its massive form unmoving. It couldn't believe what it was hearing. This boy—this noisy, irreverent boy—was not only making demands but also daring to treat it as an equal.

Still, in its quiet moments, the fox had to admit that Naruto's words often lingered. What if, after breaking free of this seal, it ended up being hunted down again? What if it was caught by someone even more detestable?

Naruto's interruptions might be annoying, but at least he provided some semblance of entertainment.

"Teach you ninjutsu?" the Nine-Tails growled, its voice low and menacing. "You dare command me? Who do you think you are?"

Naruto shrugged, unfazed. "I thought you were supposed to be this all-powerful fox, but all you have is chakra. And what's the point of chakra if you can't use it for jutsu? No wonder you got sealed away!"

The audience watching was stunned by Naruto's audacity. Once again, he defied expectations, treating the legendary Nine-Tails as if it were a mere companion. His irreverent approach left everyone speechless.

For its part, the Nine-Tails was livid.

"You little brat!" It slammed its massive claws against the gate, sending vibrations through the spiritual plane.

"You dare mock me? I am the Nine-Tails!"

But Naruto remained calm, even cheeky. He reached out to touch the fox's claw, an act of defiance—or perhaps understanding.

"Relax, big guy. I've been keeping you company all these years, haven't I? Without me, you'd be bored out of your mind. All I'm asking is for a little guidance. Help me get stronger, and in return, I'll make sure no one ever dares to mess with us."

The fox hesitated. Naruto's logic, though twisted, had a certain appeal. Freedom of the heart, the boy claimed, was the truest form of freedom. As much as it hated to admit it, there was some truth to his words.

Elsewhere, the other tailed beasts were listening in.

"This kid's got nerve," Shukaku grumbled. "Since when do we tailed beasts need protection from humans?"

"He's just spinning tales," Kokuō snorted. "If I were there, I'd squash him flat."

Gyūki, however, saw things differently.

"He's not entirely wrong," it mused. "I've seen it firsthand with Killer Bee. When there's trust and cooperation, life is much easier—for both sides."

Back in the spiritual plane, Naruto wasn't done.

"You always complain about humans being greedy and selfish, but you're not much better, are you? I thought you were different, but it turns out you're just as stubborn as the rest."

"Enough!" the Nine-Tails roared, its voice shaking the entire realm.

The two glared at each other in silence, a battle of wills. Finally, the fox relented, if only to shut him up.

"Fine. I won't teach you everything, but I can share some of your father's techniques. Consider it a reward for your persistence."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly masked it with a grin.

"See? That wasn't so hard, was it? Thanks, big fox!"

The Nine-Tails huffed, feigning indifference. Deep down, it knew this boy was unlike any Jinchūriki it had encountered. And while it would never admit it, perhaps having Naruto as a companion wasn't the worst fate after all.

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