Naruto brought Hinata directly to the Hidden Snow Village.
The place was completely different from how it had looked three years ago.
A small but fully equipped shinobi village now stood before them.
Its current population included one hundred students, along with Neji, Karin, Yakumo Kurama, and Haku.
There was also a team of scientists dedicated to researching Chakra Armor..
Naruto's female avatar had already departed with Akatsuki. Partnered with Tobi, she was now participating in the organization's plan to capture the tailed beasts.
Neji's strength had reached the jōnin level.
Only a few months remained before the end of his three-year agreement with Naruto.
During that time, Neji had contributed greatly to the establishment of the Hidden Snow Village. He had supervised several construction projects and was responsible for much of the students' training.
However, Naruto believed that Neji wouldn't choose to leave once their agreement expired.
When the time came, Naruto would offer him something he couldn't possibly refuse.
Karin had also grown considerably stronger.
Naruto had secretly used a [Bloodline Upgrade Scroll] on her, granting her the God-tier [Uzumaki Clan Sage Body].
Her overall strength had reached the jōnin level, and she had also become highly proficient in medical ninjutsu.
More significantly, her [Sealing Talent] had reached [Perfect Mastery]. She had mastered the various sealing techniques Naruto deliberately exchanged from the system for her.
That included the [Flying Thunder God Technique].
Unfortunately, Karin's reaction speed couldn't compare with that of the Fourth Hokage. Otherwise, the Flying Thunder God Technique alone could have elevated her to the Kage level.
As for Haku, Naruto's curse tag and intimidation had forced him to work honestly as an Academy instructor for more than two years.
However, judging from his recent behavior, Haku seemed to have fallen in love with teaching. Through his students, he had finally discovered a new reason to live.
Naruto had always felt that leaving Haku in his former listless state was a terrible waste.
After all, Ice Release possessed immense potential.
Yakumo Kurama had experienced the greatest improvement.
She already possessed the strength of an elite jōnin.
If not for her weak physique, she could have reached the Kage level.
Her Five Senses Genjutsu was simply too powerful. Shinobi who knew nothing about her abilities could be killed without ever understanding what had happened.
Even those who understood her powers, such as Neji and Karin, had nearly died at her hands several times.
If the [Forbidden Individual Curse Tag] on Yakumo's heart didn't restrict her, she might already have killed them.
Naruto wanted to grant her a Sage Body and push her directly into the Kage level.
Unfortunately, she was far too unruly.
Today, Naruto had come to resolve the weaknesses of these three and turn them into powerful subordinates.
He summoned Karin, Haku, and Yakumo to the village chief's office.
The moment Karin saw Naruto, she tried to throw herself at him.
A wall of wind immediately rose between them and stopped her.
"Naruto-kun, it's been so long! You've become even more handsome!"
Karin clasped her hands over her heart and stared excitedly at the now tall and well-built Naruto in his haori.
Unlike Hinata, Karin showed no trace of shyness around him. She was always direct and aggressive about her feelings.
Even with Hinata present, Karin immediately moved as close to Naruto as the wall of wind allowed.
"It has been a long time, Karin."
Naruto nodded slightly.
Before Karin could say anything else, his expression turned serious.
"Soon, I'll need your strength to fight powerful enemies and subdue the tailed beasts."
Naruto's cold gaze swept across all three of them.
"Will you submit—or die?"
Naruto disliked wasting words and wasn't particularly skilled at inspirational speeches, so he asked them directly.
He also meant every word.
If they refused, he would kill them.
Why else had he rescued the three of them from their desperate situations and kept them here for years?
The Hidden Snow Village had merely been a temporary home for them and a source of Chakra Armor. Naruto had never intended to develop it into the sixth great shinobi village.
Hearing the undisguised killing intent in his voice, Haku and Yakumo tensed.
Their minds raced as they considered their answers.
Karin, however, nodded without hesitation.
"Wherever you go, Naruto-kun, I'll follow you!"
Naruto stared at her, not knowing whether to laugh or sigh.
Had Karin simply transferred her obsession with Sasuke from the original story onto him?
Naruto sympathized with Karin's experiences.
However, sympathy wasn't the same as love.
He already had Hinata. How could he accept Karin's feelings without hurting her?
"Forget it. I'll think about that later. I'm only fifteen, and Akatsuki still needs to be dealt with."
Naruto pushed those thoughts aside.
"Karin, I'll take you somewhere soon. Your strength will improve even further."
Naruto had already planned Karin's future path.
It would be a unique path that would undoubtedly shock others once it was revealed.
"Naruto-kun, will the two of us be going alone?"
Karin finally glanced at Hinata, who stood beside Naruto.
She subconsciously puffed out her chest.
Hinata didn't seem to understand the provocation. She merely gave Karin a gentle, friendly smile.
Perhaps Hinata regarded Karin and Yakumo as companions whose abilities Naruto needed. She didn't want her own feelings to cause Naruto to lose their strength.
"You'll find out when the time comes," Naruto answered.
Karin nodded and stopped asking questions.
Although she acted foolishly whenever Naruto was involved, she was still an intelligent girl.
Silence filled the office.
Ten minutes passed before Haku finally spoke.
"After helping you accomplish your goal, may I return to the Hidden Snow Village and continue teaching these children?"
"Heh. I originally planned to abandon this village."
Naruto looked at Haku with an amused smile.
"But since that is your request, I'll preserve the Hidden Snow Village. Once our objective is complete, you may return here."
Haku nodded and fell silent again.
"System, exchange two [Bloodline Upgrade Scrolls]!"
Naruto approached Haku and pressed his right index finger against his forehead.
Golden light emerged from Naruto's fingertip and flowed into Haku's body.
"What is this?"
Feeling the astonishing changes taking place inside him, Haku raised his head and stared at Naruto in surprise.
"Go outside and experience the changes yourself," Naruto ordered.
Haku temporarily suppressed his questions and quickly left the office.
Naruto finally turned toward Yakumo.
"What about you?"
"Do I really have a choice? I don't want to die."
Yakumo spoke coldly before giving Naruto an eerie smile.
"Besides, how could I refuse a request from someone as handsome as you?"
The corners of Naruto's mouth rose.
After Ido took over, Yakumo possessed the most sinister personality of the three. She might turn around and bite him the moment he showed weakness.
But so what?
How many members of Akatsuki were truly loyal to one another?
As long as Naruto possessed enough strength to suppress Yakumo absolutely, just as Pain controlled Akatsuki, she would remain obedient and useful.
"Good. I hope I never have to kill you myself."
Naruto stepped forward and pressed his index finger against Yakumo's smooth forehead.
Golden light flashed once more before sinking into her body.