Naruto: Heaven Rewards Diligence

Shukaku didn't fully believe Naruto's words at first. It could sense that Naruto genuinely cared about the brat, Gaara.

Besides, everyone knew that when a Tailed Beast is forcibly extracted from its Jinchūriki, the host would inevitably die.

What truly made Shukaku pause, however, was Naruto casually calling out the names of the Tailed Beasts. That alone shook its thoughts.

A memory flickered across its mind—

A boy with bright, azure eyes, calling out the names of all nine Tailed Beasts as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

A boy who would bring change… and peace.

The image of that child overlapped with Naruto's figure before it. Shukaku fell into an unusual silence.

Naruto smiled faintly. He already knew Shukaku would give in.

Over the years, his understanding of human psychology had reached an extraordinary level—enough to extend even to beings like the Tailed Beasts.

Because despite their monstrous forms, they possessed wisdom.

What delighted Naruto even more was discovering that Gaara possessed Magnetic Release. That was an unexpected surprise.

Why hadn't it appeared in the original timeline?

The answer, as Naruto soon learned from Gaara, was almost laughable—Rasa.

Rasa, Gaara's own father, had repeatedly sent assassins after him. To Gaara, that man was no father at all. Because of this hatred, Gaara had refused to use the Bloodline Limit he inherited from Rasa.

(Author's Note: In Gaara Hiden, it is officially stated that Gaara does have Magnetic Release. The choice to highlight it here is to strengthen Gaara's character development.)

"Gaara," Naruto said gently, "this power is yours. It doesn't belong to anyone else.

Power itself isn't right or wrong—it depends on how it's used."

"Rasa was never a real father to you. But you still have me, and in the future, you'll have even more people by your side. Power is meant to protect those precious bonds, and to help us achieve our goals."

"You don't owe Rasa anything. Use your Magnetic Release freely. It will become a strength you'll need in the future."

Naruto turned toward Shukaku. "If possible, I'd like to request that you, Shukaku, help Gaara develop his Magnetic Release."

He deliberately used honorifics when addressing Shukaku, which the beast found oddly satisfying.

They had names—not just "Ichibi" or "Nibi." Those numbers were degrading.

Naruto's mysterious aura, his ability to call them by their true names, and his promise of freedom gave Shukaku a faint sense of recognition toward him.

"Hmph! This great one understands. Don't forget your promise, brat!"

Shukaku's voice rumbled through Gaara's consciousness, its words transmitted directly to Naruto.

"Sage of Six Paths… was that boy… him?"

Shukaku muttered to itself, its gaze distant, eyes hazy.

Meanwhile, Naruto continued to carefully advance his plans. On another front, Shisui was growing rapidly as well.

The rise of the Seven Colors Trading Company brought immense benefits to commoners. But at the same time, it offended most nobles, encroaching even on the interests of ministers and daimyō.

Shisui had no tolerance for corruption.

Whenever he discovered a noble exploiting the people or committing hidden atrocities, he would unhesitatingly cast genjutsu to bend them to his will.

Yet not all nobles were the same. Some refrained from oppressing the common folk. With these, Shisui would cooperate, even supporting them openly.

He wasn't trying to destroy the world—he was trying to change it.

The Seven Colors Trading Company operated in the open. In the shadows, the Umbrella Organization expanded rapidly, recruiting new members across the world.

Its ranks weren't limited to shinobi—talented civilians, especially those with rare technical skills, were sometimes even more valuable than ordinary ninja.

With the Hidden Mist taking the blame, the Seven Colors Trading Company thrived, while Umbrella grew stronger in secret.

But no organization could expand without leaving traces behind.

And sooner or later, the wrong person was bound to notice.

For example… a certain gambling addict who had money to burn.

...

Tanzaku Town...

Inside a small tavern, a petite blonde girl sat at the counter, drinking heavily. At first glance, she looked like a young loli, but her voluptuous figure betrayed her transformation—a true "legal loli."

Her impressive curves alone were enough to make onlookers blush in shame.

Now, however, she was completely drunk.

"Lady Tsunade, please drink less… we don't have any money left…"

The voice came from a graceful woman in a fishnet outfit, her pale skin delicate and refined. She spoke helplessly to the overly glamorous loli in front of her.

Yes, this childlike figure was none other than Tsunade herself. Half an hour ago, she had transformed into this form to avoid her gambling debts. Only her face had changed—her figure remained the same.

At her side, holding a small pig, stood Shizune.

"Shizune, you drink too! This sake is really good. How on earth did the Seven Colors Trading Company brew something this delicious? Come on, drink… drink… hahaha… drink with me!"

Tsunade, her face completely flushed, squinted at Shizune. "Shizune… why are there two of you?"

In her drunken haze, Shizune's image split into several copies, spinning before her eyes.

Hoo… hoo… hoo…

With a thud, Tsunade collapsed on the spot, unable to even maintain her Transformation Technique.

"Oh, this is hopeless…" Shizune sighed, watching Tsunade unconscious at her feet.

"Quick, everyone! The big spender is here!"

A shout came from outside the tavern, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps and bustling commotion.

Not wasting a moment, Shizune lifted Tsunade onto her back and slipped away.

...

The next morning…

The rising sun lit up the countryside, a gentle breeze scattering yellow leaves across the ground. Autumn had already settled in.

Tsunade awoke, clutching her aching head.

The sight that greeted her was a simple rural house, with fallen phoenix tree leaves piled outside the window.

She vaguely remembered the previous night—especially that incredibly smooth sake. The thought made her unconsciously lick her lips.

Looking outside, she saw a crowd gathered in the distance. Even Shizune was among them. Curious, Tsunade got up and wandered over.

As she approached, voices became clearer.

"Villagers, you can send your children to Umbrella's schools for free education. The Leader said that learning is the way forward. Those who excel may even become shinobi. And even if they don't, they'll still learn skills that will guarantee their livelihood in the future!"

The speaker was a man in simple clothes.

"My name is Tanaka Shingo. I was once just an ordinary man who almost lost his life. At my lowest point, a man named Momochi Zabuza saved me. He looked frightening, but he told me he was part of Umbrella.

He taught me the meaning of life, gave me a second chance. He said it wasn't really him who saved me, but someone even greater. You may call him the Lord of Truth, the Source of Hope… or simply, the Leader.

The Leader's codename is 'Naru'."

Gasps spread among the villagers, but Tanaka's voice grew firmer.

"He gave me a book. Its teachings opened my eyes. It was called the Umbrella Ideology. The words inside shook me to my core and helped me find the true meaning of existence.

With Lord Zabuza's recommendation, I joined Umbrella as an Indigo-level member. After training and contributing to the organization, I was eventually promoted to a Blue-level member—a title I wear with pride.

I love this work. I travel to different villages, teaching people how to read, helping improve their lives, and at the same time spreading the Umbrella Ideology.

Through Umbrella, we have access to high-yield crops, fair trade, and a point system that lets us exchange contributions for supplies—or even advancement within the organization.

After a year, my awareness and dedication earned me this role. And now, I want to bring this same hope to all of you."

Tanaka's eyes shone with conviction as he looked at the gathered villagers.

...

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