At the Konoha gates with the team
The sun had barely begun to rise, casting long shadows over the village gates where Tsunade stood with her assistant, Shizune. The crisp morning air carried a stillness, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and faint murmurs from the ANBU and a few early risers. Most of Konoha still lay in peaceful slumber, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing on the horizon.
Tsunade's gaze fell on the retrieval team assembled before her, each member silently preparing for the mission ahead.There was solemnity in their movements double-checking gear, securing weapons, and ensuring their communication devices were operational. Despite the apparent calm, tension rippled beneath the surface. This was no ordinary mission, and everyone knew it.
Jiraiya was absent, having gone ahead to track Naruto's movements. He had argued that losing sight of his godson now, especially when they had a solid lead, would be catastrophic. Though reluctant, Tsunade had agreed. He'd better not be late, she thought, masking her irritation. There was no room for error today.
Nearby, Kakashi was speaking in hushed tones with Asuma, Guy, Yamato, Yugao, and Anko. The veteran jōnin exchanged ideas and strategies, their experience shaping the mission's framework. Occasionally, their gazes shifted toward the younger members of the team-the remnants of the Konoha 12-who stood clustered together.
Shikamaru was at the center, calmly outlining contingencies while Choji nodded along, his usual lightheartedness subdued. Sakura and Ino meticulously reviewed their medical kits, their movements precise yet strained with worry. Even Kiba, typically brash, was uncharacteristically quiet, his hand resting on Akamaru for comfort. Sasuke, Sai and Neji were calmly listening to shikamaru's contingency plan and giving inputs and helped made some improvements in the plans while Rock Lee and Tenten were checking their gears and adjusting them. Finally Shino and Hinata were silently listening and remained quiet.
Tsunade scanned their faces, her heart heavy. Each had their reasons for joining this mission-loyalty, guilt, duty-but none could ignore the uncertainty that loomed. Naruto was no longer just a comrade who had wandered astray. He had become something more-someone who had grown beyond them, shaped by pain and betrayal into an enigma they scarcely recognized.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Jiraiya's arrival. The legendary Sannin waved them over, his expression serious. Tsunade strode forward, the rest of the group following closely behind.
"Jiraiya," she began, her voice steady, "do you have the information we need?"
Jiraiya nodded, "Yeah, I've got it. One of my spies reported that Naruto left the hotel he was staying at last night. He's heading toward the ports in the Land of Fire."
The assembled shinobi listened intently, the weight of the revelation settling over them. Jiraiya, however, was unaware that Naruto was not traveling alone. Hidden in the shadows were the Uzu-ANBU, Mist-ANBU, and Guren's team, ensuring the safety of a certain auburn-haired girl-Naruto's own orders to keep her and their plans concealed.
Tsunade absorbed the report, then addressed the team. "Alright, everyone, you'll move out immediately. When you find Naruto, do not engage him in combat right away. Focus on talking to him. If he refuses to listen, then use force as a last resort. Is that understood?"
Her stern gaze lingered on Kiba and Sakura, both of whom nodded along with the rest. Satisfied, she turned to Hinata. "Hinata, you're one of the few people who treated him kindly when he was here. If anyone can get through to him, it's you. I need you to try first."
Hinata didn't react but she nodded resolutely, "I'll do my best, Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade's tone softened for a moment. "Good. Now go."
The group departed, their footsteps fading into the distance. Jiraiya paused briefly, resting a reassuring hand on Tsunade's shoulder. "We'll bring him back, Hime. One way or another." With that, he too disappeared down the road.
As the Hokage and her assistant stood in the silence that followed, Shizune glanced at her mentor. "Tsunade-sama, do you think they'll succeed?"
Tsunade exhaled heavily. "I don't know, Shizune. I really don't know." Her voice carried a weight that echoed her deep unease.
Despite the formidable team, Tsunade couldn't shake her foreboding. Kakashi's reports and Jiraiya's intel painted a picture of someone who had grown into a force of nature-ruthless and unyielding. His battle against the immortal Akatsuki duo alone had left a chilling impression. She feared what might happen if Naruto returned to Konoha with his anger unresolved.
"If they provoke him," she muttered to herself, "there will be bloodshed."
The Hokage turned toward the tower, her steps heavy. She knew what she had to do-announce Naruto's heritage and status to the village, a precaution to protect against reckless provocations. But even that might not be enough to prevent what was coming.
What Tsunade and the team didn't notice was the shadow watching them, unseen and silent. The figure disappeared moments after the retrieval team left, moving swiftly to relay their departure to someone else. The plan was unfolding as predicted, and Konoha's forces would soon realize they were walking into something far greater than they had anticipated.
With Naruto
Elsewhere, Naruto walked steadily toward the port, his mind remained sharp and focused. This was the place he had chosen for the retrieval team to confront him, and so far, everything was unfolding exactly as he had foreseen. Moments ago, Yujin's report confirmed that the team had left the village, just as Naruto had planned. They would think they had a chance to bring him back to Konoha. But Naruto had no intention of making it easy for them-no, far from it.
Yet, even as the wheels of his intricate plan turned, Naruto's thoughts were anchored to something far more important-something infinitely more precious.
In his arms rested his daughter, Mai, her tiny head nestled against his shoulder as she slept soundly. Her soft breaths were like a lullaby to his weary heart, and the peaceful expression on her face made him smile, a genuine, tender smile he rarely allowed himself. At that moment, she looked so serene, so utterly innocent, that it was impossible not to feel a surge of love and protectiveness. She was his world, his reason for everything. Whatever lay ahead, nothing mattered more than her.
Naruto held his daughter close, his heart a storm of conflicting emotions. On one hand, he was happy-overwhelmed with joy as he watched her sleep peacefully in his arms, her delicate smile making him feel like the luckiest man alive. In moments like these, he was certain there wasn't a happier soul than him on the planet. Yet, beneath that happiness lurked a deep worry that gnawed at him.
He couldn't help but feel anxious about the safety of his three little girls. What was about to unfold here was something they absolutely shouldn't witness-something he couldn't allow them to see. The confrontation with the Konoha team would be far from gentle or forgiving, and under no circumstances could his daughters be exposed to it. For their safety and his own peace of mind, they needed to remain hidden, unnoticed by anyone, until the looming threats of Tobi and Pain were dealt with and peace had finally taken root in the world.
Now, someone might wonder why Naruto was burdened with such heavy thoughts. The answer was simple: his daughters were his everything-the light in his life and the reason he fought so hard. The world could descend into chaos, but as long as they were safe, he would endure it all.
Thinking about these things Naruto recalled the conversation he had with his wife Mei after his daughter had stubbornly asked to come with him....
[Flashback
Naruto and Mei stood together in the Mizukage's office, their eyes fixed on the small figure before them. Little Mai stood defiantly, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her bright eyes brimming with determination.
"Mai..." Naruto began, his tone gentle yet firm, but he didn't even get a chance to finish.
"No!" she shouted, her voice high and unyielding. "No! I want to go with you!" Her stubbornness radiated from every fiber of her being, and the way she puffed out her chest only added to the endearing yet exasperating sight.
Both parents exchanged tired glances. It had been this way ever since Mai had overheard that Naruto was preparing to leave for an important mission. The moment she learned he would be away, she had dug her heels in, refusing to accept it. No matter how many times Naruto and Mei tried to explain that it would be too dangerous, Mai simply refused to listen.
"But Papa will protect me!" she declared with absolute confidence one evening, her voice ringing with the kind of unwavering belief only a child could muster. "You're the strongest ninja in the whole world! Everyone says so!"
It was impossible to argue with her logic, as frustrating as it was. Mai had grown up hearing tales of her father's strength-whispered conversations among the villagers and the respectful bows of hardened shinobi who called him the Black Dragon. To her, he wasn't just her father; he was invincible.
And it wasn't just words she believed in. She'd seen him fight. She had been there, wide-eyed and awestruck, watching from the safety of her mother's arms as Naruto faced the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. Although there were only four members they were still strong according to her mother. The sight was something she would never forget. These were shinobi her mother had told her were some of the strongest warriors the Mist had ever produced. And yet, one by one, they fell to her father, their legendary blades no match for his power. To Mai, it was proof that there was nothing her father couldn't do.
Now, as she stared him down with all the stubborn determination her small frame could muster, it was clear she believed he could protect her from anything-no matter the danger, no matter the odds.
"Mai," Mei tried gently, crouching down to meet her daughter's gaze. "It's not about whether your Papa can protect you. It's about keeping you safe in the first place."
But Mai shook her head, her little hands balling into fists, "I'm not scared!" she insisted.
Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He'd fought wars, faced monsters, and carried the weight of entire villages on his shoulders-but this? Convincing his own daughter might just be his greatest challenge yet.
Mai had always believed, with the unwavering certainty only a child could possess, that her father was invincible. In her young mind, he was a force of nature-someone who could protect her, her sisters, and their entire family from anything. She often overheard villagers whispering tales about him, describing how merciless and ruthless he was to those who dared harm his loved ones or betray the bonds of true friendship. Though Mai didn't fully grasp the meaning behind those words, she understood enough to know that her father would never let anyone hurt her or her mother.
It was this belief, rooted in unshakable faith, that had fueled her determination to follow him.
But now, sitting before her parents, Mai felt the weight of her mother's stern gaze. Naruto and Mei had been caught off guard by her sudden outburst earlier, but while Naruto's tired expression revealed his usual resignation to dealing with his daughter's Uzumaki stubbornness, Mei's worried eyes betrayed her deeper concern.
Finally, Mei's patience reached its limit. Her voice cut through the room, firm and unyielding, "That's enough, Mai! You will not go with your father outside the village, and that is final!"
The impact of her mother's tone was immediate. Mai shrank back slightly, her small shoulders dipping as if the weight of Mei's words pressed down on her. For a fleeting moment, Mei thought she had succeeded, that her daughter had finally understood the gravity of the situation.
But Mei underestimated the fiery determination her daughter had inherited from her father. Uzumaki's stubbornness ran deep, and in this family, it was a trait to be reckoned with. Naruto himself was the living embodiment of unrelenting willpower, and now, it was evident that Mai had inherited every ounce of it.
Though she was only two-almost three-years old, Mai's small fists clenched, and her lips set in a defiant pout. Her wide eyes, filled with unshaken confidence, stared back at her mother. This was a battle of wills, and even at her tender age, Mai had no intention of backing down.
Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head. He recognized that look all too well-it was the same one that had carried him through countless battles and impossible odds. "She's not gonna let this go," he muttered, earning a sharp glance from Mei.
"Not helping," Mei snapped, though her tone softened as she turned back to her daughter. Behind her stern expression, worry lingered, but so did an undeniable flicker of pride. Mai's determination was frustrating, yes, but it was also a reflection of the very spirit that had drawn her to Naruto all those years ago.
Still, Mei knew she couldn't yield, "Mai, this isn't a game. This is about your safety. You have to understand-"
But Mei's words were met with the silent resolve of a child who had already made up her mind. It was clear this was only the beginning of a long family standoff.
Meanwhile, Mai hesitated for a moment, but her resolve remained firm. She lifted her chin and declared with all the determination her little heart could muster, "But Mom! Papa will protect me, Mito, and Kazumi from any bad people! He'll never let anyone hurt us! Besides, Papa is the strongest shinobi in the world!" Her voice carried a mixture of defiance and unshakable faith as she looked at her parents with the same stubborn expression as before.
Naruto and Mei exchanged a glance, both struggling to find the right words. Their daughter's unwavering confidence in her father was both touching and challenging. How could they explain the dangers of the world to someone so young, so innocent?
For Mei, the situation was a storm of emotions she wasn't used to navigating. As Mizukage, she had faced countless challenges-keeping order, strengthening the Hidden Mist, and ensuring its stability amid a world full of turmoil. She had steeled herself to face enemies, betrayals, and the weight of leadership, but none of that had prepared her for this. The idea of her daughter leaving the safety of the village left an ache in her heart that no logic could ease.
Mei trusted Naruto implicitly. She knew better than anyone that he would protect their daughters with every ounce of his strength. But the thought of Mai stepping outside the safety of the Hidden Mist sent waves of worry through her. Perhaps it was simply the instincts of a mother. The world beyond their borders was fraught with dangers, and while she believed in Naruto's strength, the unknown was an enemy she couldn't fight.
Naruto, meanwhile, was caught between pride and concern. Mai's words filled him with a quiet sense of joy. His daughter's absolute confidence in him to shield her and her sisters from harm reminded him of why he fought so hard. But her determination also worried him. The shinobi world was unforgiving, and if the words of his daughters reached the wrong ears-whether it be Akatsuki, Konoha, or anyone seeking revenge-the consequences could be disastrous (for his enemies especially). His family's safety was his greatest priority, and he couldn't afford to take chances.
As Mai stared at him with those wide, determined eyes, Naruto felt a pang of guilt. He understood her desire to stay by his side, but he also knew he couldn't let her recklessness put her at risk. He glanced at Mei, who still wore a worried expression, and realized he needed to find a solution that would satisfy both his wife and daughter.
Naruto rubbed the back of his head and let out a small sigh. He wasn't known for his ability to craft elaborate plans, but he had to come up with something. He needed a way to calm Mei's fears, protect Mai, and honor his daughter's faith in him-all without breaking her little heart.
"Alright, Mai," Naruto said, kneeling down to her eye level, his tone both gentle and firm. "Let's talk about this, okay? But you have to promise to listen to me and your mom."
It was a small step, but it was the start of a delicate balancing act-a father trying to protect his daughter while keeping her bright spirit intact.
Mei was visibly hesitant to let Mai go outside the Mist Village. Her immediate instinct was to protest vehemently against Naruto's decision, but she stopped herself when she caught the subtle signal he gave her. Naruto mouthed for her to wait, indicating he would explain everything. Though reluctant, Mei forced herself to stay calm. However, her thoughts were anything but tranquil. She clenched her hands, willing herself to trust her husband, and watched as Naruto crouched down to speak to their daughter.
Naruto softened his expression as he addressed Mai. "Alright, Mai. Here's the plan," he began with a gentle smile. "You'll go outside with Chojuro and Uncle Aoi for now. Papa will follow after I finish talking to Mama, okay?"
Mai's face lit up at his words. She beamed at her father and quickly kissed his cheek before skipping over to her mother. Mei bent down, kissed her daughter's forehead, and received a sweet kiss on her own cheek in return. With that, Mai ran out of the office, where Chojuro and Aoi were waiting. They greeted her warmly and whisked her off to the shopping district, promising to buy her some sweets-a proposal Mai accepted with giddy enthusiasm with an ANBU team following them.
Naruto and Mei watched as their daughter disappeared into the bustling streets of the Mist Village, heading toward her favorite sweets shop. The warmth of the moment was short-lived, though. As soon as Mai was out of sight, both husband and wife turned back toward the room and sat on the sofa. Mei fixed Naruto with a serious look, her concern palpable.
"Naruto," she started, her voice firm and tinged with frustration, "why did you agree to let Mai go with you outside the village? You know it's not safe for her, especially with your plans involving Konoha and the Akatsuki." Her tone carried a fierce edge, betraying the deep worry she felt for their daughter.
Naruto remained calm, listening to his wife's concerns without interruption. When she finished, he sighed and leaned forward, his expression a mix of patience and conviction.
"Mei," he began, his voice steady, "the reason I agreed to let Mai come with me isn't because I'm being reckless or irresponsible. You know me better than that. You, Koyuki, and Shizuka all know I would never compromise our family's safety. I'd rather burn the entire world to ash before letting anyone harm you or our daughters."
His voice had risen slightly, and though his expression remained composed, the weight of his words carried an unyielding intensity. Mei flinched, the rare sharpness in his tone striking a nerve. She knew Naruto meant every word, and it wasn't the first time she had seen this side of him-the side that would go to any length to protect those he loved.
Naruto noticed her reaction and immediately regretted his tone. He took a deep breath, his demeanor softening as he placed his hands gently on her shoulders. "Mei," he said, looking into her eyes, "I understand why you're worried. But trust me, I have a plan. I'm not doing this lightly. I'll make sure Mai is safe, and I'll send her to Gaara afterward. She'll be happy to see her godfather, and you know he'll protect her as if she were his own. Gaara would never let harm come to her."
Mei's features relaxed slightly as she listened to Naruto's reasoning, but her worry remained. "Alright, Naruto," she said after a moment, "but I have two conditions."
Naruto nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"First," Mei said firmly, "I want a team of ANBU with Mai at all times, even when she's with Gaara." Her tone broke no argument, and Naruto nodded in agreement. He had already planned to assign his own shinobi to ensure Mai's safety.
"Second," Mei continued, "I want regular reports about Mai's well-being. While I trust Gaara and his siblings, I don't trust everyone in Suna. There could be spies or hidden threats. Mai must stay out of the public eye and return safely to me."
Naruto smiled, placing a hand on Mei's cheek. "No problem, Mei," he assured her. "I was already going to set up protection for her, and I'll let Gaara know about your conditions. He's already on high alert-last I heard, both Matsuri and Yukata are due to give birth soon, so security in Suna is at its peak. Mai will also get to meet her new god-siblings."
Mei let out a relieved sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing. Naruto's reassurance and thoughtfulness had calmed her fears. She smiled softly, feeling a renewed sense of trust in her husband.
As Naruto leaned forward, their lips met in a tender kiss-a gesture of love and unity that spoke volumes. The kiss deepened, filled with passion and understanding, until Naruto, unable to resist the moment, teleported them both home to continue their love making session for a long time before Mai got back home.
For the first time that day, Mei allowed herself to let go of her worries, focusing instead on the love they shared, knowing that together, they could face anything the world threw at them.
Flashback End]
Back in the Present
Naruto's thoughts drifted as he considered the conditions his wife had laid out. He cast a quick glance around, his senses effortlessly picking up the presence of the Uzu-ANBU stationed nearby. Alongside them were the Mist-ANBU assigned by Mei to protect Mai which remains with his daughter even in Mist village itself. Naruto knew their identities well, so he felt no concern.
His thoughts turned to the letters he had exchanged with Gaara. After explaining his request to have Mai stay in Suna for a while and outlining the reasons behind it, he had been met with an encouraging reply. Gaara, ever the steadfast friend, had assured him he would take care of Mai as though she were his own. Naruto smiled faintly at the memory, the trust between them filling him with a rare sense of relief. He was sure that Gaara was more excited to finally meet his goddaughter after a long time after all Gaara has only seen all three of Naruto's daughters only once and that after the few months of them being born.
He was still lost in thought when a voice broke through his reverie.
"Naruto-san, why did we have to walk to the port? Can't you just teleport us all there?" Yukimaru's voice carried a hint of a whine, his boredom evident as he trailed behind. The young boy was fidgeting, clearly ready to be done with the journey and eager to return home for some well-earned rest.
Before Yukimaru could say more, a sharp bonk on his head silenced him.
"Ow!" he yelped, rubbing the spot where he'd been struck.
Guren stood behind him, her expression unimpressed as she held her hand poised for another bonk if necessary. "Stop whining, Yukimaru," she chided, her tone both stern and teasing. "Naruto-sama isn't some personal chauffeur. And Walking is good for your health."
Naruto chuckled quietly at their interaction, the lighthearted moment easing the weight of his earlier thoughts. Despite the seriousness of their circumstances, the playful exchanges between the group reminded him of how far they'd come. These moments of camaraderie and simplicity, however fleeting, were what kept him grounded in the storm of responsibility he carried.
Gozu walked quietly, watching the playful banter between Guren and Yukimaru with an amused smirk. It was a sight he never imagined he'd witness-Guren, the once cold and unyielding kunoichi, laughing and teasing, while Yukimaru, usually so timid, held his own with a bright smile. The warmth and lightness of the moment were almost surreal. For a man like Gozu, who had spent most of his life mired in conflict and survival, this newfound peace was something he'd never thought possible. Yet here they were, basking in it. And it was all because of the man walking a few feet away-Naruto Uzumaki.
When they first encountered Naruto during one of Orochimaru's missions, Gozu hadn't given him much thought. A lone shinobi standing in their way wasn't exactly uncommon, and he and Guren had approached the situation with their usual confidence. But that confidence had been their undoing. They'd fought him, or rather, they'd tried to. In hindsight, calling it a "fight" felt laughably generous. Naruto had utterly outclassed them.
From the very first clash to the inevitable end, it was painfully clear that Naruto wasn't even trying. He didn't use a single jutsu-only taijutsu-and yet he overwhelmed them with such ease that it felt like they were children swinging wooden sticks against a master swordsman. The memory still stung them even to this day. Every strike he delivered was precise, every movement deliberate, and yet there was no malice behind it. That, perhaps, was the most humbling part. Naruto had been toying with them, and they both knew it.
Naruto eventually decided to end the fight, swiftly capturing and tying up both Guren and Gozu. When he began questioning them, they refused to answer, instead resorting to threats. They warned him that their master, Orochimaru, would kill him if he dared to harm them, fully expecting their words to instill fear. But what they received in return was far worse than they could have imagined.
Naruto's reaction upon hearing Orochimaru's name was nothing short of terrifying. The malice in his gaze and the suffocating wave of killer intent he unleashed left them paralyzed with fear. In that moment, they felt as though they were standing before a devil incarnate, one who could rip them apart without hesitation. The intensity of his killer intent eclipsed even Orochimaru's, shaking them to their core. For the first time in their lives, death by their own hand felt more merciful than facing the monster before them.
After a tense moment, Naruto finally withdrew his oppressive killing intent, but when he spoke, his voice was as cold as ice, cutting through the air like a blade. The steel and darkness laced in his tone sent horrifying chills down their spines. Beads of sweat rolled down their bodies, feeling as frigid as the fear coursing through their veins.
Then, they saw his eyes. Crimson, glowing with an otherworldly intensity, and marked by sharp, predatory slits for pupils. Those eyes weren't just looking at them-they were piercing them. In that instant, both Guren and Gozu saw something they would never forget: their own deaths reflected back at them. It was as if the inevitability of their demise had already been decided, and all that was left was for Naruto to carry it out.
Panic gripped them like when a predator grips their prey by slowly squeezing the life out of them. Their bodies felt frozen, paralyzed by the sheer weight of his killing intent. They knew there was no escape. No fight. No chance. Just as they prepared for the worst, salvation arrived in the form of a small, fragile voice.
Yukimaru stepped into the clearing, his innocent expression contrasting starkly with the overwhelming tension. He had followed them, secretly trailing behind, and now stood in the line of fire. For a moment, Naruto's deadly gaze shifted to the boy, his intense focus now directed at him.
"Are you with them?" Naruto asked, his voice still carrying the same icy chill but now laced with curiosity.
Guren's heart seized in her chest. She wanted to scream, to shout at Yukimaru to run, to flee before it was too late. But no sound came. The fear gripping her throat was too strong, rendering her silent. All she could do was stand there, helpless, praying with every ounce of her being that Naruto would show mercy.
On the other hand, Yukimaru, unaware of the storm raging around him, looked up at Naruto with wide, unflinching eyes. His presence was like a fragile light in the midst of darkness, and for the first time, Naruto hesitated. That hesitation was enough to give Guren and Gozu a faint, fleeting hope.
Thankfully, her prayers were answered seeing Naruto hesitate. Naruto on the other hand, though cautious, began questioning Yukimaru, his sharp gaze never wavering. Each question was deliberate, his tone calm but commanding, making it clear that no lies would go unnoticed. Yukimaru, visibly nervous under the intimidating presence of Naruto, answered each one of the questions truthfully, his voice barely above a whisper. Something in his very bones told him that should he lies even once the man in front of him will know.
Once Naruto had all the answers he needed, the tension in the air eased slightly. His posture relaxed, but his presence remained imposing-a reminder that the threat he posed was far from diminished. Slowly, he turned his attention back to Gozu and Guren, both of whom seemed frozen under his piercing gaze, holding their breath as if even the slightest movement might seal their fate.
For a long, agonizing moment, silence reigned. Then Naruto spoke, his voice steady, yet heavy with finality.
"You have two choices," he said, his words cutting through the quiet like a blade. "You can follow me and leave Orochimaru's service for good. Walk away from him and everything he stands for." He paused, his eyes narrowing, his presence growing even more intimidating. "Or," he continued, his tone hard as stone, "if you refuse, I will kill you here and now."
At first, Guren adamantly rejected the very idea of betraying Orochimaru. Her loyalty to him was unshakable-or so she thought. But Naruto, growing tired of her blind devotion and misplaced faith for some like Orochimaru who was known for backstabbing his allies and foes alike even in the face of mutual benefit was not the one to care for such things, so he didn't mince his words.
"Your 'Lord' Orochimaru wouldn't care if you lived or died," he stated bluntly, his piercing gaze leaving no room for argument. "He already has Kabuto, someone far more valuable to him than you. All you have is your bloodline ability and a few skills that barely matter to someone like Orochimaru-one of the most cunning and brilliant shinobi in the entire Elemental Nations. You think he cares about you being alive or dead or your well-being. No, he doesn't orochimaru has long lost the compassion or caring about his subordinates, as if he ever had those qualities in the first place to begin. He is someone who will not care who he has to kill or sacrifice or crush for him to achieve what he wants no matter the way he achieves it. To him only those who can provide long-term benefits to his plans are the only ones worth taking care of, not someone like you."
His words hit Guren like a physical blow, but Naruto wasn't finished. He pressed on with brutal facts and truths, his voice steady and unyielding that would have broken a person's spirit.
"And do you know why Kabuto is more useful to him? Because Kabuto has skills-medical knowledge, tactical genius, adaptability. Everything Orochimaru needs. You're just a tool, Guren. And when the tool loses its use it is discarded like yesterday's trash. You are a means to an end. You think he will give two shits if you were to die in his name. No, he doesn't. To him as I said this before you are a means to an end to him."
For a moment, Guren's defiance faltered. Her face, usually so composed and resolute, reflected a flicker of doubt. Naruto noticed, and with unrelenting precision, he drove the truth home.
"Do you think Orochimaru values you because of your loyalty or strength? He doesn't. He's only keeping you around because of Yukimaru." Naruto's voice softened, though the weight of his words did not. "Yukimaru told me himself. He's a perfect candidate to become the Three-Tails Jinchūriki, and Orochimaru is simply using you to keep him under control. Once the Three-Tails is sealed inside Yukimaru, you'll be nothing to him. He'll dispose of you like yesterday's trash and take Yukimaru under his direct control. After all that is all you are to him and if you think he values your bloodline. Please the world is a large place he will likely find more like you and even if he doesn't there are still countless and unknown stronger bloodlines than yours present in this world."
The area around them seemed to still as the brutal reality of Naruto's words settled over Guren. Her body trembled, her lips parted as if to argue, but no words came out. She already knew the truth-deep down, she had always known. Orochimaru didn't care about her. He never had. Naruto stepped back, giving her the space to process what he had said. Her composure crumbled as the weight of her misplaced loyalty bore down on her. Her chest tightened, her vision blurred, and for the first time in years, she allowed herself to feel vulnerable.
Finally, with tears threatening to fall, Guren looked at Naruto and then at Yukimaru, standing silently by her side. Her resolve shifted. The only thing that mattered now was protecting him, no matter the cost.
"You're right," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Orochimaru never cared about anyone but himself. But I do. I won't let him use Yukimaru anymore or myself or gozu ever again."
After that Naruto had brought all three of them-Guren, Gozu, and Yukimaru-to Uzushio, the village he had painstakingly rebuilt from its ruins. It was a place steeped in history and resilience, a reflection of its new leader. Upon their arrival, Naruto was greeted by everyone in the village alongside the Shinobi's who greeted their leader, after the greeting Naruto wasted no time assigning a team of ANBU and shinobi to keep them under strict surveillance.
Though they were being watched constantly, none of them dared to complain. The gravity of their situation wasn't lost on them, even to yukimaru who despite being a child was smart and knew when to keep himself in check.
During this time, they learned something that left both Guren and Gozu utterly shaken. Naruto Uzumaki, the man who had defeated them with such ease and spared their lives, was none other than the infamous Black Dragon-a name whispered in fear and awe across the shinobi world. Fear for those who are involved in some of the heinous or unforgivable acts and Awe for those who see Black Dragon as a being of power and the one who will fight for them.
Why? Because this the same man who had eradicated corruption in many countries, traitors as well as has solved many other problems of the other countries and is adored by them with the people willing to fight for him.
Even Orochimaru confirmed that if Konoha, Kumo and Iwa were to even threaten or try to force Black Dragon to join their Village, it will not end well for them as the people will fight Tooth and Nail to save their hero and even willing sacrifice themselves and that is terrifying when one person can have that kind of effect on people.
The revelation hit them like a thunderclap. They had heard rumors of the Black Dragon before, tales of an unstoppable force who moved like a shadow and fought like a storm, but they had never imagined it was him.
The weight of that truth made their survival feel even more miraculous. Guren and Gozu couldn't help but exchange uneasy glances, their minds replaying their battle with Naruto. The sheer power he had displayed, the effortless precision with which he had subdued them, now seemed even more terrifying. If he had wanted to, he could have ended their lives in an instant. Yet he hadn't.
Instead of delivering death, Naruto had shown them mercy, a choice that puzzled them even more now that they understood who he truly was. Orochimaru had spoken of Black Dragon before, though always with a peculiar mixture of interest and wariness.
The grin Orochimaru wore whenever he mentioned Black Dragon had unnerved them at the time, but now they understood why. Black Dragon wasn't just strong-he was a force of nature, someone even Orochimaru couldn't afford to take lightly.
Guren and Gozu felt a profound sense of relief that they had been spared and allowed to come with Naruto to Uzushio. Mercy was not a concept they were accustomed to especially when you have worked with someone like orochimaru, and the fact that it came from someone so powerful made it even more humbling.
They knew they owed him a debt, one they might never be able to repay. But for now, they could only follow his lead, hoping that this new chapter in their lives would allow them to become something more than what they had been.
From that day forward, Guren, Yukimaru, and Gozu dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to serving Naruto and Uzushio. Their loyalty was unwavering, born from a mix of gratitude and the profound respect they had come to hold for him. At first, they were confined to cells under constant watch, but as time passed and their actions proved their sincerity, they were gradually allowed more freedom.
After a year of unwavering service and countless missions completed with precision and dedication, they had earned Naruto's trust. Their loyalty was no longer just a question-it was a fact. In recognition of their efforts, Naruto officially made them shinobi of Uzushiogakure. They received their shinobi licenses and village headbands, a symbol of their acceptance into the village, and it was a moment none of them would ever forget.
However, there was one final safeguard in place: a special seal etched onto their backs. It was a precaution designed to protect Uzushio's secrets and ensure their allegiance. While some might have seen it as a mark of mistrust, the three of them didn't. To Guren, Yukimaru, and Gozu, it was a sign of the gravity of their commitment and the immense responsibility they now carried.
The day they were officially recognized as members of Uzushiogakure was a turning point in their lives. Standing before Naruto, each of them felt a sense of purpose and belonging they had never known before. The village, once a distant dream, was now their home, and its people were their family.
All three of them vowed, with unshakable resolve, to serve Naruto and Uzushio with every ounce of their strength. They swore to protect the village and its leader, to dedicate their lives to the ideals Naruto had built it upon and protect it to their dying breath. Even in the face of death, their loyalty would not waver.
For the first time in what felt like forever, they felt truly at peace, not as tools of Orochimaru, but as shinobi with purpose, guided by a leader who had given them a second chance to rewrite their fate.
With Konoha Group
(Unknown P.O.V)
The Konoha team moved steadily through the clearing, their steps crunching softly against the forest floor. In the lead, a group of seasoned leaders walked together, their conversation low but tense. Jiraiya, Kakashi, Guy, Yamato, Asuma, Yugao, and Anko were deep in discussion, their voices heavy with the weight of what lay ahead.
"What do we do when we finally face Naruto?" Asuma asked, breaking the silence.
The question lingered in the air, uncomfortably unanswered at first. They all knew the truth-it would come to force. There was no way around it. Naruto wouldn't simply listen to reason or allow himself to be convinced. Kakashi sighed softly, his voice tinged with resignation when he finally spoke up, "He's not going to come back willingly. We all know that."
Guy nodded solemnly, his usual spirited energy dimmed sensing the grim atmosphere. "Naruto's resolve to not step back in konoha is like steel. He won't back down, not even against us." Even he has accepted the reality that Naruto's resolve is set in stone.
Jiraiya's face was grim, the playful twinkle in his eyes long gone. "He's no longer the kid we knew. Naruto has made his choice, and we'll have to be prepared to face him head-on." Though despite saying those words jiraiya himself was facing intense turmoil.
Behind them, the rest of the Konoha 12 walked together, whispering amongst themselves. Their conversations were quieter but no less anxious. They were grappling with the reality that the boy they once called their friend and comrade was now someone they might have to fight-and potentially harm-to bring back.The weight of the mission hung heavy over the group like an unrelenting storm cloud. As they moved closer to their goal, the forest seemed to close in around them, each step dragging them further into an uncertain and painful future.
Kakashi walked with his head slightly bowed, his single visible eye reflecting a sadness that felt heavier than his usual calm demeanor. Deep down, he'd already accepted the inevitable. Naruto would fight them. He would resist with everything he had.
Jiraiya's thoughts mirrored Kakashi's, heavy and troubled. He had spent time poring over the reports Kakashi submitted about his team's encounter with Naruto, and those accounts left no room for doubt. The kid wouldn't listen to them-not now, not anymore.
A gnawing sense of dread churned in his gut, a feeling that whatever was coming, it wouldn't end well. He couldn't shake the notion that he was about to learn some painful truths-the hard way. Worse still, Jiraiya wondered if Naruto had somehow discovered the truth-that he was his godfather. The thought made his chest tighten with guilt and unease. If Naruto knew... there wouldn't just be a fight. No, there'd be a battle-long, bitter, and brutal-before they could even begin to talk.
Jiraiya's usual confidence felt like a hollow shell now, cracked under the weight of what-ifs and grim possibilities. For the first time in years, he questioned whether his words or actions would have any meaning at all in the face of Naruto's growing resentment and power. Likely not he thought there was no way Naruto was going to forgive him. He just hopes that he can apologise to Naruto and especially to Minato and Kushina for his failure in protecting their son who they trusted to look after.
Meanwhile, the senior shinobi gathered in quiet discussion. Both Kakashi and Jiraiya stood apart, lost in thought, though everyone knew they were still listening-just not closely enough to interject.
Anko was the first to break the silence. "So," she began, her tone tinged with exasperation as well as caution, "any bright ideas on how to approach the brat when we finally meet face to face?"
Her question hung in the air, met with an uncomfortable silence. They had discussed a few potential strategies before, but none inspired much confidence. Deep down, they all knew convincing Naruto wouldn't be easy, if it was even possible in the first place. But they still have to try after all immediately using force will not benefit anyone, especially them.
After a tense pause, Yugao spoke up. "We should stick to the Hokage's plan and let Hinata do the talking first," she said, her voice calm but firm. "If there's anyone he might listen to, it's her."
The others exchanged glances, their initial hesitation giving way to reluctant agreement.
"Hmm," Asuma mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That does seem like the most appropriate move. Besides, Hokage-sama gave us explicit orders to let Hinata take the lead." His words earned nods of approval from the rest.
Not far away, the younger shinobi were having a similar conversation among themselves.
Ino was the first to voice her thoughts. "I think we should stick to the plan and let Hinata talk to Naruto first," she suggested, her gaze sweeping across the group before settling on Shikamaru. "After that, we can step in one by one to try convincing him if it doesn't work."
Shikamaru closed his eyes and leaned back, mulling over her suggestion. After a moment, he nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense," he said with a sigh. "Based on what Kakashi-sensei and Team 7 have said about their interactions with Naruto, it's probably our best option. Honestly, it's highly unlikely he'll even-"
"Oh, come on, Shikamaru! You talk like we'll actually need to convince Naruto," Kiba scoffed, "He's alone, and we outnumber him. Do you really think he's going to stand a chance against us? Please! He'll probably come back to Konoha without much of a fight." Kiba leaned back, confidence radiating from his words as if the very idea of Naruto resisting them was laughable to him.
At this point, the rest of the team had just about enough of Kiba's constant boasting. His claims that he alone could take Naruto down were starting to wear thin, their annoyance bubbling dangerously close to outright frustration. Kiba seemed utterly delusional if he truly believed that Naruto would be intimidated just by their numbers. This was the same Naruto they had all heard about-the one Kakashi-sensei and Team 7 had spoken so highly of & also had warned about. The one who had faced and defeated four Akatsuki members (killed three), shinobi so deadly they were feared across the entire world.
The more they thought about it, the more absurd Kiba's bravado became. They couldn't help but wonder how he could be so blind to the reality of what they were up against.
After hearing that sasuke had finally had enough. His patience snapped like a taut string, and his voice cut through the air, cold and biting.
"And you think you can beat Naruto?" he said, glaring at Kiba with eyes that seemed to pierce right through him. "Kiba, if you really believe that, you're delusional. Do you honestly think the reports about him taking down four Akatsuki members are fake? Do you think someone who's accomplished that is someone you can handle? Or Do you think that Kakashi-sensei, Sakura, Sai and I are lying?"
He paused, letting his words sink in, before continuing with a much sharper edge in his tone, "Go ahead, try your luck. But don't come crying to us when you're beaten to the point where no one can even recognize you-or worse, killed. Naruto won't hold back. He won't hesitate to do what's necessary. You think you know him, or at least you think that naruto hasn't changed. He doesn't have any reservations anymore. And I am saying that because I know that Naruto's patience is at its limit because of his constant fight against Akatsuki and knowing that he is their target and on top of that konoha is also after him, adding to that Kumo and Iwa are also trying to force him to join their village. It is basically testing the limit to who he will tolerate and who he will deal with first before finishing the other. I as well as all the rest of us know who he will likely deal with first."
Sasuke took a deep breath, steadying himself, though his voice grew colder as he went on, "The only reason he spared us before was to keep his identity hidden and also because that way Konoha wouldn't mark him in the bingo book for killing their shinobi. But now? Now, he doesn't care. He'll make an example out of one of us, maybe even all of us, just to send a clear message: stop looking for him. Otherwise, there will be consequences. If you can't see that, if you're too blind or too arrogant to grasp what you're up against, then you're even more pathetic than I thought."
Kiba, silenced by Sasuke's scorn, could only stare back, his usual bravado crumbling under the weight of the truth. If that wasn't a sharp reply from shino soon shattered his false bravado.
Shino spoke up, his voice calm but firm, "Sasuke-san is right. Kiba, as your friend and teammate, I'm advising you not to make any rash moves against Naruto-san. He's unlikely to listen to us, and if you provoke him, things could escalate to outright violence-which none of us want." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink into Kiba's mind before continuing, "Do you think we're trying to talk to Naruto because we're afraid to fight him? If that's what you believe, you're mistaken. We want to talk to him because we understand the kind of damage he's capable of doing should he were to fight us."
Shino took a deep breath before continuing, "In case you've forgotten, he defeated six S-rank shinobi and a A-rank shinobi on his own-two of whom were some of Konoha's finest, Sasuke-san and Kakashi-sensei. The other four were Akatsuki members he defeated. That alone shows just how much his skills have grown. Not even mentioning his past accomplishments which he has earned during the past five years. Someone like that isn't just a man you can fight without precautions-they're capable of causing untold devastation should they be provoked. This is why talking to him first is crucial before any other options need to be implemented."
Shino's gaze fixed on Kiba, whose shoulders stiffened before he nodded reluctantly. Shino's reasoning was undeniable after all kiba isn't going to ignore the warning given to him. Kiba is ignorant but he is not stupid the false bravado he showed moments earlier was because he thought that with so many heavy hitters Naruto couldn't possibly thought of fighting them. So he said that in bravado.
Neji, standing stoically, added, "And let's not forget-if Naruto-san were to lose control, he could unleash Kyuubi in his anger. If that happens, even with all of us here, someone could be critically injured or worse." His tone was somber, and the grim reality of his words weighed heavily on the group.
Tenten nodded in agreement. "Neji's right. That's why we need to let Hinata speak with him first. If she can get through to him, it might stop this from escalating further."
Sakura turned to Hinata, who had been silent throughout the discussion. "Hinata, are you okay with that?" she asked gently.
Hinata hesitated for a moment before giving a resolute nod knowing it fell on her to talk with Naruto-kun. The others exchanged looks, each silently agreeing to the plan.
Suddenly, Sai's ink bird descended, landing softly on his outstretched hand. He unrolled the scroll the bird carried, his sharp eyes scanning the message. "I've pinpointed Naruto-san's location," he announced, drawing the group's full attention.
"Where is he? And how long until we can intercept him?" Jiraiya asked, stepping forward with an urgency that matched the situation.
Sai answered promptly, "He's 8 kilometers from the port. If we move at full speed, we can intercept him in about an hour. But he's walking, not rushing." Sai's voice held a note of puzzlement as he finished.
Several among the group exchanged wary glances. A few of the more experienced shinobi began to piece together the reasoning behind Naruto's actions.
"He's waiting for us," Shikamaru said quietly, his sharp mind already working through the implications.
"What do you mean, 'he's waiting for us?'" Chouji asked his best friend, confused.
This time, it was Sasuke who answered, his tone grim, "He means Naruto knows we're coming. He's deliberately moving at a slower pace to give us time to catch up."
The realization settled over the group like a heavy fog. Naruto had anticipated their arrival, and the deliberate nature of his actions hinted at something more-something calculated. The tension in the air grew thicker as the implications of Naruto's awareness set in, the weight of the confrontation ahead pressing heavily on all of them.
"Well then, let's not keep him waiting." Kakashi said and others nodded before increasing their speed and started jumping through the trees to reduce time and save energy.
With Naruto
As Naruto strolled slowly toward the port, his thoughts lingered on his daughter, Mai. Earlier, he had told her she would be traveling to Suna to meet her godfather, Gaara and her new born god-siblings. Mai had been overjoyed at the news, her bright smile lighting up the atmosphere as she excitedly asked when they would leave. However, her happiness dimmed when Naruto gently explained that he wouldn't be accompanying her. His responsibilities were too pressing, he said, though it pained him to admit it.
The realization hit Mai hard. Her excitement dissolved into tears as she clung to him tightly, refusing to let go. "I won't leave without you, Papa," she sobbed, her small hands clutching his cloak like her life depended on it. Naruto held his daughter close to his chest, his hand resting on her head. His voice was calm yet warm as he reassured her.
"I promise, Mai-chan, this is only for a little while. I'll join you soon, and when I do, we'll all go on a picnic together-just you, me, and your sisters along with your mother and some new friends. It'll be the best day ever, okay?"
Mai sniffled, looking up at him with watery eyes. "Promise?"
Naruto smiled and extended his pinky finger. "Promise! And Aunt Fuu will also be present and she will take care of you."
That was enough. With a small, teary smile, Mai nodded and agreed. She was especially more happy when sheard that Aunt Fuu will also be with her. She even managed a giggle as he ruffled her hair, his own heart aching at the thought of being apart from his daughter. Afterward, he entrusted Mai to Guren, instructing her to take the utmost care of his daughter and gave the same instructions to both yukimaru and gozu. He didn't stop there-he called Yujin directly and ordered him, his voice firm and unwavering.
"Protect her with everything you have, yujin" he ordered. "I'm trusting you with her life."
Naruto also mobilized both the Uzu-ANBU and Mist-ANBU, ordering them to ensure Mai's safety at every step of her journey and to guarantee her safe return to the Hidden Mist. He knew they all have sworn to protect his daughter and were loyal as well so he can trust them. He also knew that Fuu would do anything to protect his daughter, after all that girl loved his daughter's and adored them. Naruto watched as his daughter waved him goodbye and he waved back before signaling for his clones to go and they obeyed by teleporting Yujin, Guren holding Mai securely in her arms, Yukimaru, Gozu and the ANBU teams several miles away from this place out of sight.
As Naruto walked on, his senses suddenly sharpened. Multiple chakra signatures were closing in fast, heading straight for him. A faint smile tugged at his lips; he knew exactly who it was. Without hesitation, he moved to a nearby tree stump and sat down, his arms resting casually on his knees. He waited, calm and unbothered, for his guests to arrive.
"So, are you ready, brat?" a familiar, gravelly voice echoed in his mind. Kurama, the nine-tailed fox, had finally woken from his nap.
Naruto raised a brow, a flicker of amusement crossing his face, "Ready as ever. What about you? Got your beauty sleep? You've been out since yesterday morning."
Kurama snorted, his tone laced with mock indignation, "Beauty sleep? Hardly. But I'm always ready. Besides, it's not like you or Mai were in any real danger."
"Good to know you still have such unwavering faith in my skills," Naruto quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Kurama's smirk was almost audible before his tone turned serious, "Jokes aside, Naruto, are you truly prepared? From here on out, things are only going to get harder-much harder."
Naruto's gaze grew distant for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he chuckled softly and replied, "Since when have things ever been easy for us, Kurama?"
The fox gave a low growl of approval, his presence settling firmly in Naruto's mind, "Fair point. Just don't get sloppy, brat. You've got too much work on this."
Naruto closed his eyes for a brief moment, the faint rustle of the wind brushing past him. "I am never sloppy," he murmured, his voice steady with determination.
The approaching chakra signatures were nearly upon him now, and Naruto straightened, the faintest hint of a grin playing on his lips, "Let's see how this plays out."
As if on cue, several members of the Konoha retrieval team landed in front of Naruto, their arrival marked by a flurry of movement and rustling leaves. He leaned back slightly, a brow arched and a smirk playing on his lips. Though he already knew exactly who would be coming and how many, seeing the sheer number Tsunade had dispatched still amused him.
"Guess the old lady didn't want to take any chances, huh?" Kurama quipped, a low chuckle rumbling through Naruto's mind. "She really sent all your old friends."
Naruto didn't bother responding, his smirk widening as he shifted his attention to the team. "Well, well, look who finally showed up," he said, his tone dripping with mock amusement, "What took you so long? Though I've got to admit, I'm flattered. The Hokage must be desperate if she sent the whole crew after me." His smirk deepened, a teasing glint in his eyes.
The Konoha team exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of determination and unease. Jiraiya, standing among them, gave a subtle nod to Hinata, silently signaling her to step forward. There was no time to waste on banter, and he knew Hinata had the best chance of reaching Naruto.
Hinata took a steadying breath, her resolve hardening as she stepped forward. A small, genuine smile graced her lips, though a flicker of nervousness lingered in her eyes. "Hi, Naruto-kun," she said softly. "How...how have you been?"
For a brief moment, Naruto froze, his usual composure faltering. It had been years since he'd seen her, and the sight of Hinata now-a strong, radiant woman standing before him-was enough to catch him off guard. He hid his awe well, but inside, he couldn't help but admire how much she had grown.
The shy girl he once knew had become someone truly remarkable, 'I was such a blind and stupid fool to never see hinata's affection, instead I wasted my time and energy on someone who wasn't even worth calling a decent human being' ,Naruto thought mentally shaking his head as kurama grunted in agreement while listening to his inner thoughts.
Naruto leaned back slightly, his smirk returning as he replied, "Hinata... long time no see. You've changed." His voice carried a hint of something deeper, but he quickly masked it with his usual confident demeanor. "So, what's the plan? Talk me into coming back to that rotten place, or is this going to get messy?"
Hinata's smile faltered for a moment, but she stood firm, her eyes locked on his, "We'll do whatever it takes to bring you back, Naruto-kun. But...I hope we can talk first."
Naruto's grin softened slightly, and for a fleeting second, something unspoken flickered in his gaze. "We'll see," he said, his tone enigmatic, as the tension between them grew palpable.
"Speak, Hinata," Naruto said, his tone sharp yet eerily calm, like the eye of a brewing storm, "I want to hear what you have to say. Though by now, you should know better-you can't talk me into returning to that cesspool called Konoha." He spat the last word with venom, his contempt cutting through the air like a blade. The tension rippled around them, tangible as an electric charge before a thunderclap.
Hinata's expression remained steady, though a flicker of sorrow passed through her lavender eyes-fleeting, but unmistakable. She stepped forward, her voice quiet yet resolute, "Naruto-kun... I know how much you hate Konoha. I know what they've done to you. But this isn't about them-it's about you. Your safety. You might not believe it, but we're here because we care about you. Because I care about you." Her last words were soft, carried on the wind, but Naruto heard them as if she had shouted.
For a fleeting moment, Naruto's hardened expression faltered. His lips curled into a faint, wistful smile before his mask of indifference returned, "You claim this is about my safety," he said, his tone quieter, almost introspective. "But let's be honest-does Konoha really care about my safety? Or do they just want their weapon back?"
The group behind Hinata bristled uncomfortably. Shikamaru's sharp eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, his voice even but tense. "Naruto, you know that's not it. Things aren't the same anymore. Tsunade-sama-"
"Tsunade," Naruto interrupted, his voice cold and cutting. "She sent all of you, didn't she? What does that tell you, Shikamaru? She's desperate. Desperate to pull me back under her control."
Kiba snarled, stepping forward despite Shino's firm grip on his shoulder. "That's not fair, Naruto! You've got no right to talk about her like that! She cares about you care about you! She was tricked into banishing you! You're twisting this because you're bitter!"
Naruto's gaze snapped to Kiba, his eyes cold and unyielding. "Bitter?" he repeated, his voice turning demonic as a low growl escaped from his throat that seemed to vibrate through the clearing. "You think this is bitterness, Kiba? This isn't even a fraction of my anger." His voice darkened, low and razor-sharp. "If I were truly angry, you wouldn't even have the chance to speak-you'd already be chopped to pieces."
He leaned forward, his presence suffocating. "And as for her being tricked? I know. I know the Fire Daimyō stopped her from revoking my banishment-claimed it was to give me time which I agree with. But when she had his support later, when she could've punished the ones truly responsible... what did she do?" His lips curled in disgust.
"Nothing." Naruto's fists trembled at his sides, but his voice stayed eerily calm. "Because of that, those three disgusting pigs still sit in the council chambers. Untouched. Untouched after everything they did. She has the power to throw them out but she didn't because of fear of what? Those pathetic mongrels you call villagers."
He took a shaky breath, his eyes narrowing, "Then she heard I'd been spotted by Neji and Shino. And what did she do? Hoped. Hoped-naively-that I'd just forget everything and come back like nothing ever happened." He shook his head slowly. "No. No way in HELL."
His voice dropped to a venomous whisper, "But now that It has been revealed that I am the Black Dragon... now suddenly I'm someone worth bringing back?" He scoffed, bitter laughter breaking through the pain. "She's just like her sensei, Hiruzen. Incompetent. At least she has some redeeming qualities. Unlike that old fart-always preaching peace and compassion, but in the end, all he ever gave me were empty words and not just me but who knows how many like me."
Kiba clenched his fists, jaw tight-but he said nothing. He couldn't. Because deep down, he knew Naruto wasn't wrong.
Jiraiya, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of years and experience. "Naruto," he said steadily, though regret tinged his tone, "no one here denies that Konoha made mistakes. Hell, we made terrible ones, especially when it came to you. But running away won't fix any of it. We're not here to fight you-we're here to help you."
Naruto turned his gaze to his former mentor, his lips curling into a sneer, "Help me? Is that what you're calling it now?" he repeated, voice low and laced with venom. His eyes-once filled with boundless warmth and hope-now burned cold, a storm of betrayal beneath their surface. His chakra simmered beneath his skin like a coiled beast. "Then let me ask you, Jiraiya-where was this so-called help when I needed it most?"
He didn't wait for an answer. "Oh? That's right. Off doing 'research.' " The word dripped with scorn as he made exaggerated quotation marks with his fingers. He let out a mocking laugh, short and sharp. "You always called it that, didn't you? Peeking through windows, chasing after women, playing the wandering sage while I was alone... starving for guidance. Starving for family." he said the last word with so much venom and anger that his chakra mixed with kurama's instinctively flared.
His gaze shifted, cutting to Kakashi now like a blade honed on disappointment, "And you," Naruto said with a bitter smirk. "The great Copy Ninja. Reading that stupid orange book while I slept alone on cold floors. You had a thousand jutsus, but not a single one that made you show up when it mattered. You remember the words you told me, Sasuke and that pink haired trash. What were they? Ah! Those who break the rules are scum. But those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum. So in that case Kakashi Hatake, what does that make you?" he paused before giving a mocking smile in Kakashi's direction and answered, "Let me tell you-- Worse than scum. Who couldn't fulfill promises he made to anyone."
Kakashi's single visible eye narrowed slightly, but he said nothing. Because what could he say? Naruto wasn't lying. He has failed in keeping the promise And silence once a refuge for him, now condemned him.
His voice dropped, the weight of years crashing into each word like falling stones,
"You want to talk about help? You helped make me what I am now. You trained a weapon, not a boy. You left me to fend for myself, then you Jiraiya had the audacity to show up and talk to me as if nothing happened, as if you didn't abandon your godson! And didn't even have the courage to come clean about it!!!" he roared at the end of his sentence as his eyes showed his emotions his pain, his anger, his sadness and most of all his loneliness by remembering those times. There was a pause.
And then Naruto turned fully toward them, expression hollow, "You know the first real lesson I learned from Konoha?" he asked, voice flat, "Never trust anyone-not even your own godfather. Not the teachers you admire. Not the comrades you'd die for." He tilted his head, "Because in the end, they'll all find reasons to leave. Or worse... to look away." Then the silence enveloped the entire area.
Jiraiya flinched, the mask of calm he wore cracking under Naruto's words. The group shifted uncomfortably, the unspoken truth striking deeper than any blade. But before the silence could consume them, Hinata stepped forward again, her voice cutting through the tension like light piercing storm clouds.
"Naruto-kun," she said firmly, her lavender eyes locking onto his. "I don't care about what Konoha wants. I don't care what anyone else thinks. All I care about is you. Your safety. Your happiness. If staying away from Konoha is what you need, then so be it-but not like this. Not as someone hunted."
Naruto's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing. "Hunted by whom, Hinata? Konoha? Akatsuki? Or the countless enemies I've already faced?" He rose from his seat, his presence commanding as his voice grew colder. "Tell me, Hinata, what makes this different from every other fight I've had to endure on my own?"
Kakashi's calm voice broke through. "This isn't like those fights, Naruto," he said, his visible eye steady. "We're not here to add to your burden-we're here to share it. You've carried this weight alone for too long."
Naruto's gaze flicked to him, unreadable. "Then where were you when I needed someone's help, Hatake? You were my sensei, after all isn't it your responsibility to ask me if I'm truly okay? No, Hatake you are a failure who can't protect anyone. You wanna know why? Because You, Hatake, are too busy living in the past to worry about the present!" Kakashi flinched at that but Naruto didn't bother and continued, " You say I Share my burden? Share it with whom? I was always facing my problems alone ever since the day I can remember. I was always alone." he echoed. "But at that point in my life, no one helped me or reached out to me. I walked alone at that point but now I have people to care about and people who care about me and the ones who love and cherish with all my heart. Now I don't need Konoha or anyone from that village. You say you want to share my burden Or is this another way to bind me?"
Guy stepped forward, his voice full of conviction, "Naruto! This isn't about binding you! This is about saving the one we all believe in! You're not just a shinobi or a Jinchūriki to us-you're a friend, a comrade. We refuse to let you walk this path alone."
"Noble words, Guy-sensei," Naruto said with a faint smile. "Out of all the Konoha shinobi," he emphasized the word with a hint of mockery, "you're the only one I truly respect. During my time away from that rotten place, I remembered your unwavering determination and refusal to give up. You kept telling lee about never giving up, also inspired me to keep pushing past my limits. Honestly, I would've been honored to be your student instead of a lazzy-ass hypocrite." His gaze flickered briefly to Kakashi, a subtle jab hidden in his words, though he kept his tone neutral. Kakashi said nothing, his expression calm, but the weight of Naruto's words lingered in the air, unacknowledged yet undeniable, "But, Even with that I am not coming back."
Anko crossed her arms, her voice sharp but sincere. "You think you're the only one who's been betrayed? Hurt? You're not. But isolating yourself isn't strength-it's running away."
Naruto's expression darkened, his eyes flickering red with slit pupils. The faint leak of killing intent sent chills through the group, their muscles tensing instinctively, "Running who? Whose Running? Running where? Why Would I RUN?!!!" he roared and let out an even more massive amount of killing intent that almost crushed the entire team through sheer pressure alone before Naruto took a deep breath.
"You speak as if you understand," Naruto growled, his voice low but burning with anger. "But what do you really know about being treated like something less than trash? About being punished-beaten-for a burden you never asked for, one forced onto you by your own seven hell damned father? I know that Anko-san faced a similar problem as me due to orochimaru but the difference between us is that you have people who cared for you but on the other hand I didn't have anyone. I faced everything alone." His fists trembled at his sides as his chakra flared, eyes gleaming with pain and fury. "There's a world of difference between being hated for your sensei's crimes and being hated just for existing-for something you were born with, something you never had a choice in. They called themselves protectors of the so-called village council and especially that Bastard Hiruzen Sarutobi, but all they did was fail and blame a child for their incompetence."
His voice cracked, raw with emotion, "None of you truly understand what it means to be abandoned, mocked, and turned into a scapegoat. Not even you, Jiraiya."
Jiraiya's shoulders sagged, guilt weighing heavily on him, "You're right," he admitted softly. "I failed you. We all did. But staying angry won't change the past, Naruto. You have the chance to build something better now-with us."
Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, "Naruto, we're not here to drag you back. We're here because we know what's coming. This isn't just another enemy-this is bigger than any of us. We need you."
Naruto's gaze softened slightly, but his voice remained doubtful with a hint of mocking, "Need me? Or need the power I carry? And As for a better chance I have built it, Jiraiya. I have become stronger and I have had enough wealth at my disposal to last 4 generations after me."
Hinata stepped closer, undeterred, "We need you, Naruto-kun," she said firmly. "Not as a weapon. Not as the Jinchūriki. Just you."
Her words hung in the air, heavy and sincere, leaving an unspoken challenge that Naruto couldn't dismiss. Silence enveloped the clearing, broken only by the rustle of leaves in the wind.
Naruto's lips curled into a smirk, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You think words like that can sway me? You think this changes anything?"
Hinata's resolve never wavered. "I don't expect words to change your mind. But I'll keep trying, Naruto-kun. Because I believe in you. ('Also because I love you' )"
Naruto just shook his head before speaking, his voice calm yet resolute, "I've had enough of this conversation. Let's get real shall we. The only way you'll bring me in is-" He trailed off, rising to his feet as his chakra flared, raw and unrestrained, shaking the air around him. The oppressive weight of his power was a clear signal of what was about to unfold.
TO BE CONTINUED....