Uzumaki Naruto -v.2- Nzc Apr 2026

"You're nothing like the files described."

"NZC is a rogue protocol," Shikamaru said. "Originally designed by the Allied Shinobi Forces' R&D division during the war. It was supposed to be a contingency: if the Nine-Tails or another Tailed Beast went berserk, NZC would deploy an Anti-Jinchuriki Asset —a shinobi modified with synthetic chakra coils, immune to genjutsu, and trained to seal or eliminate jinchuriki."

"The Zero Code was flawed. It assumed jinchuriki were weapons that needed counters. But you proved otherwise. You befriended Kurama. You ended the cycle of hatred. So I ask you, Naruto Uzumaki—" V-2 removed their mask. Uzumaki Naruto -V.2- NZC

"You didn't have to give me a place in Konoha," Zero said.

V-2 descended slowly. Up close, the differences were clearer. Their cloak was patched with fuinjutsu tags. Their right arm was bandaged from elbow to fingertip, glowing faintly blue—synthetic chakra veins. "You're nothing like the files described

Naruto pressed his palm to V-2's chest. A glowing spiral spread across their skin.

"I am your second version. Your V-2 . And I've come to ask you a question: When you became Hokage, did you ever feel... incomplete?" It assumed jinchuriki were weapons that needed counters

The rain fell harder. Naruto didn't answer right away. Instead, he sat down on the wet stone, ignoring the cold. V-2 hesitated, then sat across from him.

"I'm not letting you die," Naruto said. "That's an order. From your older brother."

"They're copying you," Shikamaru said. "Not just your moves. Your chakra signature. Your will . NZC was designed to learn, adapt, and overwrite its target. V-2 doesn't just want to kill you. It wants to replace you."