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Chapter 347 - Ch 154 - A Man's Promise

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"I'm just doing it," Naruto said, voice steady as he looked straight at Hagoromo. "Because only I can do it."

His eyes, glowing faintly with a power that no longer belonged to just this world, reflected a kind of burden that was far too vast for someone his age… and yet, he carried it with ease. Grace, even.

"Only I have the strength to stop the Ōtsutsuki," Naruto continued. "And if I don't… who will?"

Hagoromo gazed at him, studying every word, every pause. The Sage of Six Paths' expression was unreadable at first—serious, composed. Then slowly, a warm smile curved his lips.

"You truly intend to give your all," He said gently, "for a world that isn't even your original home. For people who might never know your name. That's… rare. Especially for someone with your level of power."

Naruto shrugged lightly, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Tch, well… I've grown attached to this place. Can't help it."

He folded his arms and leaned back slightly. "It's loud, chaotic, full of idiots and stubborn old men—but it's also warm. Real."

He gave a small chuckle before adding, "And hey, I've got so many lovers to take care of. I mean, c'mon, how could I let future generations deal with some crazy alien chakra-vampires while I sit back and chill?"

Hagoromo blinked, then laughed—a deep, genuine laugh that echoed through the realm like a melody.

"You speak with such boldness," He said, amused. "Truly, Kurama has found himself a most unique friend."

Just then, the calm water behind Naruto trembled—gentle ripples building into a swirl. From its depths, a great orange figure rose, golden eyes glowing as he emerged.

Kurama.

The Nine-Tails stepped forward, his large form shimmering with chakra. His sharp eyes locked onto Hagoromo—and for a moment, he froze.

"…Old man," Kurama murmured, his deep voice unusually soft. "You… you're really here."

There was a flicker of emotion in his eyes—something raw, something that hadn't surfaced in centuries.

A longing? Perhaps a trace of pain?

He clenched his jaw and looked away quickly, trying to hide it.

Naruto, of course, didn't miss a beat.

"Oi oi~" He teased, nudging Kurama playfully with an elbow. "Look at you. Acting all tough and grumpy, but inside you're a soft, fluffy fox. You really are a tsundere, huh?"

Kurama growled low in his throat. "Shut up, brat. I've had enough of your nonsense today."

"Oh? But you're blushing, Kurama~" Naruto teased, winking. "Did seeing daddy make your heart flutter?"

Kurama swatted him lightly with a chakra paw. "Idiot."

Hagoromo chuckled, his gaze moving between the two with quiet joy. "It brings me peace… seeing this bond. I never imagined that Kurama would one day find someone who truly understands him."

Kurama folded his arms, grumbling. "This guy's more trouble than he's worth. I've had to babysit him since the day we met."

"Aw, don't lie now," Naruto said with a grin, leaning against Kurama's side. "You love me."

"Tch."

Hagoromo smiled warmly. Then his gaze turned more serious as he addressed Naruto again.

"Your journey… is far from ordinary. And it is far from over. But know this—I will be watching you."

Naruto raised a brow. "Oh? So I've got a divine stalker now?"

Hagoromo chuckled. "Let's call it divine guidance. And should the time come, if you truly need it… I'll lend you my hand."

For a moment, Naruto didn't speak. He stared at the sage, then exhaled and smiled—one of those rare, sincere smiles that seemed to carry the weight of eternity.

"You've already done more than enough," Naruto said. "It's time you rest, old man. Let me handle the mess from here on out."

He straightened, his tone becoming more serious.

"I won't say I'm a good guy… I've made choices that weren't exactly saintly," He admitted with a shrug. "But I can promise this—no matter what happens, I'll never let this world fall. The Ninja World you protected… I'll guard it with my fist."

Hagoromo's expression shifted, his eyes widening just slightly in quiet shock. That kind of promise, delivered so casually, so firmly—it carried more weight than most oaths forged in temples or sealed in contracts.

"…I'll consider it," Hagoromo finally said with a small smile, clearly impressed.

"Tch. You better," Naruto grinned. "Or I'll come knocking again."

At that moment, Kurama slammed his paw into Naruto's side, firm but not harmful. The impact sent Naruto stumbling a step, laughing all the way.

"Don't forget about me," Kurama muttered. "You're not carrying this alone."

Naruto turned to him, grinning widely. "Pfft. Was that your version of saying 'I care about you'? Cute."

Kurama rolled his eyes. "You really know how to ruin a moment."

"I try," Naruto smirked. "But seriously… I know you've got my back. It's not even a question."

He looked up at Kurama, a touch of warmth in his tone now.

"We both will fuck those aliens, yeah?"

Kurama nodded silently, a soft glow pulsing from his body.

Hagoromo watched them both—his son, and the one who had become Kurama's chosen. He saw in Naruto a new kind of hope.

Not a savior. Not a hero.

But something rarer—a man who understood the weight of power, and still chose to fight for others.

"…Naruto," Hagoromo said again. "Do you believe the world will accept your way? Will they unite under someone who walks the line between light and darkness?"

Naruto looked at him and grinned mischievously. "If they don't, I'll just seduce them into submission."

Kurama groaned. "Ugh. This again."

"What?" Naruto chuckled, flexing his biceps a little. "You think all these muscles and charm are for decoration? No, no, my friend... they're weapons of mass persuasion."

Hagoromo actually laughed again. "You are certainly… different from what I imagined."

Naruto gave a mock bow. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Sage."

Then, with a hint of seriousness returning, Naruto added, "I'll do it my way. I won't force people to follow me. But if they truly see what's coming… if they feel what I feel, they'll stand with me."

Kurama lowered his voice. "And if they don't?"

Naruto's eyes darkened—just slightly. "Then I'll make them."

He looked at the Sage of Six Paths once more.

"I'm not your son. I'm not your reincarnation. I'm something else entirely… butĀ I'll burn every Ōtsutsuki parasite that tries to take this world away."

Kurama stood tall, his chakra flaring gently behind him.

"I'll help him," He said with a low growl. "I always will."

Hagoromo closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if offering a prayer. Then he opened them once more, peace radiating from his presence.

"Then may the stars watch over you both," He whispered.

As his figure began to shimmer, fading back into the spiritual flow, Hagoromo gave one final smile. "We will meet again… when the time is right."

With a quiet hum, the Sage disappeared.

Naruto and Kurama were left alone beneath the moon's glow, standing atop the calm, silver waters of the spirit realm.

"…That old man really is something," Naruto murmured.

Kurama nodded. "And so are you, brat."

Naruto grinned, cracking his neck. "Well then… guess it's time to get back. There's still a whole world waiting for me."

Kurama raised an eyebrow. "You mean a whole harem waiting for you."

Naruto smirked. "Heh. That too."

And with a flash of golden light, they vanished, returning to a world on the brink of change.

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