Hello everybody, thesaiyanjedi here with the final chapter of "Shinachiku's First Adventure!"
Yes, we've finally made it! After nearly two full years straight of working on this story, along with its numerous offshoots, I almost cannot believe that I am actually saying this, but this is the true final chapter of SFA. It was an amazing experience that helped me to grow as a writer, not to mention got me in touch with many other great writers on this website and made me numerous fans and friends.
When I first began this project, I had no idea if even one person would take an interest in it, yet alone that I would attract as may readers as I did. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
There will be a lot of loose ends that I will be resolving here, and there is one scene in particular where I feel I am seriously pushing the limits of my T rating. But you'll all have to be the judge.
Once again, thank you all so much for all of your support during this journey, and I hope you all enjoy the ending.
With all of that said, lets get to reading!
Chapter 51: Epilogue
"Ugh...Where...?"
Shinachiku Uzumaki cracked his eyes open, a light shining bright enough to almost force him to shut them again immediately. There was much that he didn't know, but he could feel that he was lying down on something very soft.
Blinking a couple of times, he was able to make out that it was looking up at some sort of white ceiling. Somehow, mostly because he had come here to visit his mother so many times as a child, he was able to quickly piece together where he was.
'How did I get into the hospital? I thought...?'
"You passed out after battling Uragi kit. Your mother brought you here as soon as you returned home."
Shinachiku paused. 'Kurama, is that you?'
"If it were anybody else's voice inside your head, I would be very concerned if I were you."
The boy rolled his eyes as his head still rested on his pillow. 'Very funny fur ball. So where is everyone?'
"Most of your friends are healing from their injuries now. Some of them took some pretty nasty beatings but they will survive."
'How long have I been here?'
"Almost three days."
'What?!'
"That's right. You were so exhausted that your body needed that much time to recover. Not that anybody minded of course."
'Huh?'
"You're their hero kid. The entire ninja world knows what happened between you and Uragi. Your mother immediately rushed you and your father to the ER as soon as all of you got home."
'DAD! Where is he?! Is he alright?! What about his arm?! Where's—?!'
"Relax kit! Your father's fine. And don't you go panicking about his condition right now. For the time being, I think you should focus on healing yourself...Or have you forgotten about your own injury?"
Shinachiku stopped communing with the fox long enough to wake up to reality and look down past his waist. His leg was wrapped in a cast, suspended off of the bed by a pulley.
"Whoa..."
"I helped speed up the healing process as much as I could, but most of my immediate efforts needed to go towards helping stop your father's blood loss."
Something came over the boy in that instant. 'Is he...?'
"I can heal your father when he gets a few cuts and scraps and burns kit...But I can't regrow entire limbs for him."
The boy rested his head back on the pillow. 'So my dad's going to have to go through that bonding procedure all over again huh?'
"Yes, but he won't be alone this time."
Shinachiku raised his head again in confusion, this time speaking aloud. "What do you mean?"
"Worry about that later kit. Right now it looks like you have some visitors."
Kurama was right. As soon as he ended their telepathic conversation, the door to Shinachiku's hospital room opened and in came a pair of familiar young ladies.
"ONIICHAN!"
Hanami was so excited to see her big brother was finally awake that she practically dived onto his bed and gave him an enormous hug. It was only when he couldn't help but cry out in pain from the contact she was making with his leg (not to mention all of the other bruises he had over his body) that Sarada had to politely tell her to let him go.
"Welcome back Shina."
The blonde smiled. "Its good to be back Sarada."
The raven-haired Uchiha didn't bother waiting another second, instead choosing to just lean over his bed and plant a deep, passionate kiss right on his lips. She cupped his head in her hands while he wrapped his arms around her back.
Hanami felt a tinge of jealously for only a second, but she smiled as she stood in the background.
When their kiss broke, Shinachiku was the first to say those three magic words: "I love you."
The girl smirked. "I know."
After that, the girls called a nurse to bring the boy some food while they all got down to talking. After all, he had a lot to catch up on...
It turned out that quite a few new developments had gone down ever since Taka's infiltration was defeated. Shinachiku rested in his hospital room for a couple more days before he was finally cleared to leave the hospital on a pair of crutches. The whole time Hanami and Sarada rarely left his side, especially Hanami. Naruto and Sakura paid him plenty of visits too of course, but sadly, lets face it, as the Hokage and the head of the entire hospital after such a massive attack on the village, both of them were extremely busy.
All of the evil secret society's double agents that had come out of the shadows to fight were arrested, stripped of all rank, and sentenced to imprisonment in the Strict Correctional Facility. Those who tried to resist their sentence were...well, lets just say that they were severely punished.
After Taka's invasion of Konoha was exposed, word quickly spread over the airwaves and the Internet to the other great shinobi villages. Similar conspiracies were afoot in Suna, Kiri, Kumo and Iwa, and thank goodness their villages fared much better than Konoha did. Double agents were exposed, stripped of rank, and punished with imprisonment just as they had been in the Hidden Leaf Village.
As for their leader, Uragi Rimonō, former elder of the Hidden Leaf Village, he was sentenced to a life of solitary confinement in the darkest, dankest, most isolated cell in the prison without possibility of parole. The effects of Shinachiku's Scorching Rasenshuriken had taken their toll on the old man and then some; apart from the severe burn marks over his body, the piercing stings of the countless wind blades attacked his circulatory system to such a degree that, unlike his burns, there was nothing that any medical ninja in the village could do to heal him. The damage was so great that Sakura and Tsunade surmised that, similar to the effects of his organization's own red serum, he likely would never be able to use jutsu ever again. He even had some mild difficulty breathing because of a blow Kakashi had delivered to his left lung that had not healed as well as he might have hoped.
For someone who once had the power of a god, he was now nothing but a sad, old, pathetic shell of man. In his deluded quest to remake a world free of war and suffering, he had lost touch with humanity itself and now will pay for his sins by living the rest of the his life the way he always felt in his heart...alone...
Sadly, the damage was not only limited to Uragi. Much like his father before him, and as Sakura had warned her son, the power of the Rasenshuriken had consequences for Shinachiku as well. Because he did not yet have experience with the technique other than as a melee weapon, this meant that his arm suffered some minor damage as well, not nearly as bad, but the Rasenshuriken has been labeled as kinjutsu for a reason. If he kept using the technique the way he had ever again it could end his career like it almost did his father's.
Many of Naruto and Shinachiku's friends had to be checked into the hospital for special treatment. Chōji needed a few days rest and then go on a splurge diet to gain back all of the weight he lost using his Butterfly Bullet Bombing technique.
Far more serious though were Lee and Burandon's conditions, both of whom tore their muscle tissues and fibers from opening too many of their gates. Sakura and Tsunade had to work long and hard to heal the extensive damage done to both the father and son, much to Tenten's relief...Of course, it now fell upon the weapon mistress to, somehow, make sure that both of her men stayed down and got the recovery time they needed before going into another round of overenthusiastic over-training yet again.
Kakashi was also checked into the hospital due the hole that was blown into his shoulder by Uragi. Thank goodness the hole wasn't any larger and Sakura was able to heal the wound up as quickly as she did or else her sensei may no longer be alive now!
Ōkami's critical wound was healed by Sakura while on the battlefield, but Hinata insisted that her son be checked into the hospital nevertheless. Luckily the boy did make a full recovery, although the blow he took did leave him with a scar on his chest and back. Tsuki, consumed with guilt that her twin brother took such a lethal blow to save her life, swore that one day she would repay her debt to him.
All three members of the Konohamaru Corps were in casts due to broken arms and legs. The three old friends took the opportunity to catch up on old times, and Konohamaru kept his promise to them to introduce them to his star pupil. Shinachiku, ever the well-mannered son of the Seventh Hokage, was happy to meet them and paid them complete respect.
Jiraiya and Neji both took their time getting accustomed to their new lives, catching up with their loved ones. Jiraiya spent as much time as he could with Tsunade (when he wasn't busy with any of his usual writing and...err, research, that is). There were even some wild rumors about some of the local villagers complaining about excessively loud noise akin to moaning and grunting coming from the residence they shared as well...
As for Neji, he focused on getting back in touch with his clan and his new in laws, not to mention his cousin's children who he was meeting for the first time.
Kushina and Minato, not surprisingly, spent the bulk of their time with their new family. They constantly paid their grandson a visit in the hospital, played with their granddaughter after school, checked up on her son while he was at work, and paid a visit to their currently very busy daughter-in-law at the hospital.
As one can well imagine, Sakura has had her work seriously cut out for her these last couple of days. She completely rose to the challenge and had her staff working round the clock, double shifts, to tend to all of the wounded. But there was no one she pushed harder to get all of the work done than herself. Tsunade, Shizune, and especially Naruto were all getting very worried about her.
...And then, it all came to a head when, exhausted from overworking, depletion of chakra, and a lack of sleep, Sakura Haruno Uzumaki collapsed! Se was rushed to a hospital room of her very own and ordered by her own staff (and her husband) to focus on getting plenty of rest before she even considered going back to work again.
That was where Naruto was right now. He rudely burst out of his current meeting with the elders and recklessly rushed off to the hospital to join her at her bedside. Taking up a chair beside her, Naruto took her hand in his own.
"I...I guess that was pretty stupid of me wasn't it?"
"No, no Sakura, it wasn't. You were doing your duty to you people. Now you just get some rest and let the rest of us take things from here."
Sakura tightened her grip on her lover's hand before she asked: "Shina?"
"He's doing alright, I just paid his a visit this afternoon. Hanami's doing fine too."
"Do...Do they know?"
Naruto frowned. "Yeah...Yeah I told them. But they understand and they both want you to get some rest."
"I'm sorry...I suppose this means you need to find another doctor to operate on your—"
"Don't you even worry about that. I'm in no rush and neither is Sasuke. Take all the time you need, we can deal with that later."
There was a moment of silence that passed between the two of them before Naruto finally broke the ice. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For staying with me, throughout all of this. I mean, first we both became fugitives, then we went on the run with bounties on our heads, then we found out a shadow organization had taken over our entire village under my very nose, then we both thought our son might have been dead, then we got attacked by my parents, then we got drugged and captured and put in prison, then we—"
"Naruto! We've been through a lot the last few days, I get it!"
"Gomen...I just mean that I've put you through a lot these last few days."
"None of that was your fault Naruto."
"Then why do I still feel like it is?"
"Because you're being stupid, that's why."
Naruto could tell from her voice that she was being totally sincere, not condescending. He chuckled a bit before speaking. "You always were my most blunt and honest critic."
"Of course I am, I'm your wife."
"And my doctor, and one of my best friends."
Sakura smirked. "Exactly."
Both of them shared a wholehearted laugh, just like old times. But then, after a couple of seconds of speaking, Sakura started talking again. "Things are going to be very different now, aren't they?"
"...Yes. Taka's still out there, we have no idea how many more of them there are, and that 'master' Uragi was talking about, and from what Sasuke said there are still three more of these Chakra Gems out there waiting to be found..."
Sakura could sense him trailing off. "And?"
He paused for just a moment before continuing. "...And now I'm suddenly wondering what the hell I'm supposed to do about it now without screwing things up again."
Sakura took his hand in her own. "You should do exactly what you've always done...Do what you believe is right. Whatever road you take they'll follow you. I'll follow you."
He actually appeared surprised by his wife's choice of words. "You really mean that?"
She smiled and nodded. "Besides, if you do manage to screw things up, then somebody has to be there to pull your ass out of the fire you knucklehead."
The two of them laughed again, this time even bigger than the last time. But that stopped when she tightened her grip on Naruto's hand and looked into his bright, sapphire eyes.
"I love so much Naruto."
"I love you too Sakura."
The two of them closed their eyes as Naruto leaned in and claimed his wife's lips in one of the most romantic kisses they'd ever shared. Little did they know that in the doorway two people were looking in upon them. A blonde haired man was smiling in pride as he wrapped his arms around a beautiful woman with long, flowing red hair. The woman was letting out tears of joy at the scene she was witnessing.
"Alright, are we ready?"
"Yes m'lady."
Sakura and her team of medical ninja were fully dressed in their surgeon's scrubs, masks and gloves on, ready to get to work on their patients...both of them.
Two operating tables lay side-by-side. On the right was a blonde-haired man with blue eyes and whisker marks on either side of his face. On the left was a black-haired man with dark eyes. Both of them were here for the exact same reason, and both of them agreed that it was for the best that they take care of it together, as they should have done a long time ago.
"Naruto, are you sure your wife's feeling well enough for this?"
"Relax, she's had plenty of time to rest back up and she's the best in the world at what she does. Besides, she insisted on leading the operation."
"Yeah, but...aren't there usually, you know, rules about performing operations on family members?"
"Normally, yes...But I suppose if you would rather trust this to someone other than the most renowned medical ninja in the world, I'd understand."
Sasuke actually felt an eyebrow twitch at that. "Touché dobe."
Naruto chuckled for a second before getting serious again. "But seriously man, I'm proud of you for finally doing this."
Sasuke was silent for a moment, turning his head away explaining. "You know, when I first took your son on that mission with me, he asked me why I never grew my arm back like you did." He turned his head back to face his friend. "You know what I told him?"
Somehow, someway, Naruto knew the answer. "...Because you didn't feel you deserved it."
The Uchiha didn't acknowledge with a 'yes' or even nod his head in confirmation. He merely continued speaking. "I should have spent my life as a prisoner, tied up in a straight jacket with seals over my eyes. But you believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. I had to atone for all I've done. I had to pay you back for all you've done for me."
Naruto understood. "You know you never needed to make anything up to me Sasuke."
"From your point of you."
Naruto sighed. "And people say I'm the stubborn one."
The two friends actually laughed together, but that laughter died down soon enough. No more words needed to be said. For all he'd done, both in life and in death, Sasuke's debt was repaid.
"Alright boys," Sakura said, "are you sure you're ready."
"I am honey," Naruto said...with a subtle grimace, since he was well aware of the intense pain that he was in for.
"Sasuke?"
The Uchiha was silent for only a moment. Yes, it really was time to move on, this to put aside a symbol from another time. "Yes, I'm ready."
Sakura nodded. "Alright then. Bring them in!"
Her staff brought in both of the artificial limbs, both of which were pale white and ugly looking, but they would at least make each of them feel whole once again.
Sharing another look, Sasuke did have a brief moment of elation akin to worry. "Hey, umm...does it really hurt as bad as you said it does?"
Naruto's response was to give him a sly smile. Sasuke actually sweated. Still, the Uzumaki offered up his remaining hand, which the Uchiha took hold of.
It may be extremely painful experience, but at least the two of them were going to be going through it together. One way or another, it would all be over soon...
Sasuke stood in front of a mirror. He was holding his new left arm, now wrapped in gauze bandages. For the thirty-five year old man, it was almost like a dream seeing that missing piece of himself finally restored.
Naruto came up to his friend and stood at his side. "Feels weird doesn't it? Being whole again? At least now you'll be able to use two hands to perform jutsu again."
The former missing-nin let his new arm fall to his side and tried his best to act tough. "I'll learn to adjust."
The blonde turned back to face the mirror. He saw the two of them in the reflection, and that's when it really hit him how much the they both had changed. "Look at us, when did you and I become grown men?"
Sasuke smirked, "You look like Obito with blonde hair dye."
"Ah! Don't say that!" After the two of them shared a laugh, Naruto spoke again. "I mean it though, look at us. It feels like just yesterday Kakashi-sensei was giving each of us the bell test...Now where both grown men with families." Naruto turned away from the mirror to look his old friend in the eyes. "Where does the time go?"
"Time doesn't stop for any of us dobe, its part of getting older. Its like the old man always used to say, 'Its up to us to raise and guide the next generation.'"
Naruto smiled. "In speaking of whom, looks like you're going to get used to calling me brother-in-law, eh?"
"What are you babbling about?"
"I just mean that our kids are dating now...who knows how far that's going to go."
We'll have to see...But Naruto, can I make one thing clear?"
"Sure, what's up?"
Naruto was caught off guard, and maybe a little intimidated, when Sasuke all of a sudden grabbed him by the collar and glared him straight in the eye. "It doesn't matter if I'm that boy's godfather or not, if your son ever does anything to hurt my little girl, I will personally hunt both of you down and kick your asses! Do I make myself clear?!"
The blonde sweat dropped nervously. "...Crystal."
Nodding his head in satisfaction, he let go of the blonde. "So what's the agenda now? You and I both know that this isn't truly over yet."
"Oh I know. That's why I'm going to be calling a special Kage Summit Meeting very soon to come to an agreement about what to do about Taka. Shikamaru's been speaking to me with some pretty big ideas."
"And Uragi?"
Naruto sighed. "The way I see it, he's lost all his ability to use his chakra, and he'll be spending the rest of his life rotting inside a jail cell. That sounds like punishment enough to me without getting the death penalty involved. Besides—"
"You hope that by keeping the old man alive you might be able to get some more information out of him about Taka and this 'master' he speaks about."
"...I was going to say that if I order him executed I'd risk proving everything he believes about me to be right...But yes, that too..."
Sasuke was actually impressed. "I have to admit that if I were in your position, I don't know whether I'd have had the self control to make a decision like that... So what about reconstruction?"
"I've already made a call to an old friend of ours. He says he and his team would be more than happy to help out with that."
"Let me guess: Inari?"
"Yep. Kid's grown into a fine young man ever since his grandfather passed away, rest his soul."
"Well, not all of us can get lucky enough to spend another lifetime with the ones we love."
There was a dead silence as Naruto contemplated whether he was right to do what he wanted to do next. "...Sasuke?"
"Yeah, what?"
"Listen, we have the other three chakra gems sealed away for now until something is decided, but after everything I've gotten back recently...well, I felt it was only fair."
"Felt what was fair?"
Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gem, one glowing with an enchanting yellow light. Sasuke could not believe his eyes. He knew right away what his best friend was offering, but he could not believe it.
"Naruto? You can't mean...?"
"I'm only making the offer Sasuke. No matter what anybody else says you deserve a chance at happiness as much as any of us."
"My mother...my father...Itachi..."
"All of them. You can have all of them back again if you want. All you have to do is wish for it."
Sasuke stared at the glowing gem in his friend's hand for several seconds. The yellow light reflected in his eyes like some sort of serene enchantment. Tears were even starting to form in his eyes. This was everything he ever wanted, right in front of him. Just one wish and his family, no, his entire clan could be returned to him...
"No thank you dobe."
"Huh?!"
"I appreciate the offer, but I saw the ones I love on the other side, and they were at peace there. I don't know how to explain it, but after seeing them like that...I feel like I can move on now."
"Are...are you sure about that?"
"...I am. It's time for me to move on from the past and appreciate the family I have now."
Naruto understood, but he could not help but comment on it. "I guess we really have grown up, haven't we? I'm sure they're proud of the man you've become Sasuke."
"Thanks dobe. By the way, how is Shinachiku doing anyway?"
"He's out of the hospital now, but it's still going to be a couple of weeks before the cast comes off."
"Is he taking it well?"
"A lot better than I would have at his age."
"I can well imagine."
The Uzumaki Estate was seriously totaled during Taka's infiltration. It was no surprise really, Uragi's extensive hatred of Naruto was well known by now and the children had already reported sightings of Taka double agents infiltrating the house when they went in search of Hanami.
It took Naruto's shadow clones about a week to put the house back together, and that was working round the clock! In the meanwhile, the family temporarily moved into the old Hokage Residence. But by now, thankfully, the reconstruction was nearly complete and soon the family would be allowed to move back in again.
Shinachiku Uzumaki was looking up at his home being put back together. He was on crutches and his cast had signatures from his friends and loved ones all over it. He was standing there when he felt a familiar presence standing beside him.
"You know, I ended up trashing a construct of my house when I fought Uragi inside of my mind, but to see it happen out here..."
"You can't help but feel that its somehow its your fault."
"Yeah. I mean, I know its not, but the coincidence is just a little...weird. I just I feel a little out-of-body with myself, that's all."
"I know a little bit of what that's like."
"I suppose you do...Grandpa, I'm sorry about what Taka did to you and grandma."
Minato smiled warmly. "None of that is your fault Shina."
"I know it isn't. I just...I just felt that somebody had to say something."
The Fourth Hokage placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Arigato."
There was a brief silence at the two of them tried to come up with something to say. "So, umm...is it true that you gave dad back your half of Kurama's power?"
"As a matter of fact I did. I kind of took it from him against his will during our fight, so I wanted to make it up to him."
"But then, shouldn't you be, umm...dead again?"
Minato took a quick peak around the area to double check that no one was listening, before he leaned in to whisper into his grandson's ear. "We used to Soul Gem to work around that little problem."
Shinachiku was actually shocked. "You did what?"
"Try to keep that a secret, would you grandson? The governments are a little apprehensive about how people are using the chakra gems right now. If anybody found out that your father and I were continuing to cheat death, it might get him in trouble."
There was an awkward silence as the boy took it all in. There was some clear violation of nature going on here, not unlike what Taka themselves had done. On the other hand, if it had not been done, his grandfather would not still be here right now. Hell, if they had not used the Soul Gem during the war, then Sarada's dad would not be here either.
When is it appropriate and ethical to use the power of the chakra gems, and when do you cross that fine line that totally perverts nature and turns us into tyrants against your fellow man? What is the difference between how Naruto was using the power of the gems and what Taka would do? Shinachiku did not have an answer to these questions.
"...I...I promise grandpa."
"Arigato Shina. By the way, didn't you have a date lined up with Sarada, something about blackmail and karaoke if I understand it right?"
Now it was time for the poor boy to blush. "Well, umm...we decided to take a rain check on that until my leg finished healing."
"I see...You know its funny."
"What is grandpa?"
"When your grandmother and I died we were both young, twenty-four years old. And now our son is a thirty-five year old man with a twelve year old son and a seven year old daughter."
"So now your son is eleven years older than you are... Wow... Wow..."
"Aww...that sounds so romantic. Who knew my little boy could be such a charmer?"
"He certainly surprised me. If not for what happened that night, I don't know if I ever would have found my true love."
"And my precious little grandchildren would never have been born."
Sakura and Kushina were eating out together at a local tea shop. In the wake of everything that has happened, they felt it was time to live up to what they'd agreed and set some time aside for some girl talk. It was actually Kushina's suggestion that they meet here, after Sakura had first suggested that they share a cup of coffee, only to panic in embarrassment when she found out that her mother-in-law hated coffee.
"Hey Kushina," Sakura said as she set her tea cup down, "I know this all must be awkward for you."
"What do you mean?"
"I just mean, you know...you're back alive again after what happened the night your son was born, now Naruto and I are already in our mid thirties, you and Minato are grandparents yet you both look younger than we do—"
"Sakura! Sweetheart, its alright. I'm just happy beyond words to be home and see my little boy all grown up. I couldn't be prouder that my Naruto has become such a strong, handsome young man with two adorable kids...Not to mention that he's found such a strong, beautiful young wife."
Sakura blushed. "You really mean that?"
The beautiful redhead took the pinkette's hand into her own. "Sakura, you might not know this, but you and I have met before."
The medical ninja was stunned. "W-What?"
"Oh yes. It was a long time ago, after you mother had just given birth to you and both Naruto and Sasuke were still on the way. You were so cute back then with bright pink hair, wide eyes and puffy cheeks."
Sakura blushed yet again as her mother in law continued. "Anyway, the doctor hadn't determined my child's gender yet, but I just knew in my heart that it was going to be a boy...Then again, I also expected Sasuke to be a girl, but whatever. Anyway, I promised you way back then that my little boy was going to be all yours."
"Wow...So you're not disappointed in me?"
"Disappointed? Why would I be disappointed? Sakura, part of my dying wish was for my son to find someone like me. And when I look at you, I see so much of myself that its actually quite amazing. Plus, I've heard all the stories about that temper of yours, yet another thing we have in common. You're exactly the kind of woman my son needs, and I couldn't be prouder to call you my daughter-in-law."
Sakura could feel tears welling up in her eyes. 'She really means it...she likes me.'
She couldn't fight it. She got up from the table and wrapped her arms around the red haired woman. Kushina, initially surprised, returned the hug as the pinkette whispered "Thank you" into her ear.
When the hug broke up, Sakura couldn't help but notice a strange look of discouragement in the woman's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"I...I just...I've missed so much. I never got to see my little boy grow up, never got to see any of his adventures. I could never be there for him, know what he was feeling or..." She wasn't able to continue as a single tear flowed down her cheek.
Sakura decided that this was as good a time as any for her little surprise. "Kushina, I have a gift for you."
The redhead wiped her face. "A gift for me?"
"I picked it up at the local bookstore before coming today." She opened up her bag and handed something over to her. "Here."
It was a thick, hardcover book, filled with many, many pages. On the cover was a title that nearly made Kushina's heart stop: The Tale of Naruto.
"This...This is...?"
"Your son wrote that book after he became Hokage. His entire life up to his becoming a father is recounted right there, including..." Sakura paused before finishing her sentence. "...Including the days he first met you and Minato. Everyone else we know owns and copy. I thought you would like it."
Kushina felt tears coming all over again, some of which dripped and fell onto the cover. Holding the book close to her chest, she turned back to her new daughter-in-law. "Domo arigato Sakura."
"You're welcome."
After accepting the gift, Kushina suddenly got a very devious smirk on her face. "Oh by the way, I've also been hearing some rather crazy rumors going around about you Sakura."
The pinkette got nervous. "W-What kind of rumors?"
"Something to do with the night Naruto proposed to you. Seems you and my son are known for having some pretty wild nights, if you know what I mean." The woman wagged her eyebrows in a highly suggestive manner, all the more to tease her daughter-in-law on her apparently highly active and enthusiastic sex life...yet another thing she and Kushina had in common.
Poor felt like she could die right there. 'Oh God...Naruto, wherever you are, please tell me you're among better company..."
Naruto was walking down the dark, dimly lit hallways of the Konoha Strict Correctional Facility. The warden was walking beside him, keys in hand.
As the blonde walked, he could hear the snickering, cursing, and booing from the inmates, many of whom just so happened to be former Leaf ninja that had been stripped of all rank and arrested for treason after intense rounds of interrogation and questioning from Internal Affairs.
After going down multiple flights of stairs, the warden led Naruto down to the darkest, most isolated cell in the entire prison, the cell itself was blocked off by a large, heavy metal door. The warden inserted the key and turned it.
On the other side of the door were rows of metal bars, and on the other side was a dirty, disheveled, burned old man, a truly pathetic wretch.
"I can stay with you if you wish, my Lord?"
"No thank you, I'll be fine."
Nodding, the warden went back out the door and closed it behind him. They were alone.
"You must enjoy seeing my like this. Weak, helpless, pathetic."
Naruto didn't show the least bit of sympathy. "You should count yourself lucky that my son didn't kill you, or that I didn't."
"Hmm...This doesn't change anything Naruto. This world is still a smokescreen. War, hatred, decent, they still exist, but you are too blind to see it. As long as the shinobi world exists, there can be no true peace."
"...I agree with you."
"What?"
"I have no idea what you saw, what you've seen on your journey. In fact, I'm not even sure I understand what you were even looking for out there...and maybe you don't understand it either. But you were right about one thing: if Taka was able to infest us so easily, then the Allied Shinobi Forces failed. Its not enough anymore, I can see that now. We need to become something more, something better...And we need to do it to finally defeat you."
The old man knew that the Orange Hokage was not referring to himself. "You are right, Taka is still far from destroyed. Taka never truly dies until you cut off its head."
"I think you've got your metaphors mixed up; Taka mean 'hawk', not 'snake.'"
Uragi, even now, was too proud to admit that Naruto outsmarted him so matter-of-factly. "Why are you really here?"
"Because you're going to tell me something." Naruto leaded in, dead serious expression on his face, now with his eyes glowing red with slitted pupils. "Who is your master?"
...
"Gentlemen, thank you all so much for coming. Lord Hokage will be here in only a few moments."
Gaara, Kankurō, Chōjūrō, Darui, Omoi, Kurotsuchi, and Akatsuchi were all sitting around a conference table. Temari was also in attendance, taking a seat next to her husband, who was sweating bullets.
'Naruto,' Shikamaru thought with grimace, 'you'd better get your ass down here or so help me I'm going to—!'
The door flew open and in stepped a familiar blonde in an orange sweatshirt and a white haori. "Sorry I'm late everybody."
"You had better have a good reason for calling us here on such short notice Naruto," Darui threatened.
"I do." The Orange Hokage took a deep breath before he began speaking. "As you all know, Uragi Rimonō has been arrested and his ability to use chakra has been severed forever. Furthermore, in the short amount of time that has passed since the attack on Konoha, all of you and your separate forces have taken measures to root out any and all Taka double agents within your villages. That being said, Uragi was not the only leader of Taka, as we have all heard word of a mysterious 'master' that is at the head of this organization."
Chōjūrō raised his hand to ask for permission to speak. "Have you had any luck getting more information out of him?"
"...No, no yet. Even in his sorry condition his will remains strong."
"What is this proposition you have for us?" Kurotsuchi questioned.
"I'll allow my adviser to explain."
Shikamaru cleared his throat before he spoke. "All of us believed that the Allied Shinobi Forces were enough to hold back the tides of war and bring about an era of peace, but as Taka's infiltration of our ranks proved, it wasn't enough. We cannot be a casual alliance any longer, we need to take it even further."
"How? " Kankurō asked in confusion.
"Here is my theory: we ought to expand our alliance out to more than just the five great villages, every village in this world should have the right to ally themselves with us. From now on, shinobi missions need not be village specific, but rather, our clients will be aided by teams consisting of all the member nation's shinobi who are found the most suitable for said mission. This will provide equal opportunity to all villages, thus eliminating the need for future conflict."
Naruto than took his turn to speak. "Uragi seemed to feel that something still wasn't right in the world, that deep down feelings of anger, jealously, war, all of it still existed...Maybe he was more right than we want to admit. This way, all shinobi all over the world can be a part of the same network, all on equal, cooperative footing, so we cannot go blind to the suffering of anyone anymore. That way whatever chaos Uragi saw does not have to escalate ever again."
"Furthermore," Shikamaru continued, "we will be a much stronger alliance, one truly unified with eyes all over the world for signs of Taka activity."
"Or any signs of the remaining chakra gems," Gaara pieced together.
"Interesting," Darui pondered. "But how are all of the member villages going to have eyes and ears to best cross communicate?"
Shikamaru had already figured that out. "In the interest of preserving the peace, each member village will have a representative stationed in every other hidden village to discuss common issues and pursue mutual interests."
"What about formal meetings?" Chōjūrō asked.
"The Land of Iron has already volunteered itself for membership and to house a primary headquarters for us," Naruto explained.
Shikamaru then continued with his proposal. "Each village will send a representative to represent their hidden village of origin for our new arrangement. These are encouraged to be shinobi of high value to their villages with successful careers or promising futures, whom will meet monthly in the Land of Iron."
Naruto stood up. "As the Seventh Hokage of the Konohagakure, I nominate my own adviser, Shikamaru Nara, chief organizer of this proposal, for the position of Konoha Representative."
"Second," Gaara concurred.
The other kages then nodded to themselves in silence before they also voted in favor of the arrangement.
Gaara himself stood up next. "Since she already has a foothold in the Leaf Village, I, the Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure, nominate my sister Temari for the position of Suna Representative."
The other's agreed, with Kankurō smirking when he saw his sister and brother-in-law holding hands.
"Looks like you and I are going to be working and living together from now on," Temari quipped.
Shikamaru pouted, "My wife is now my coworker. What a drag..."
Chōjūrō stood up next. "Well, with the recent death of my bodyguard and a lack of swordsman I feel truly close enough to trust with such a responsibility, as the Sixth Mizukage of Kirigakure, I feel it best to nominate myself for the position of Kiri Representative."
There were some rumblings to be heard in the conference room, but it was eventually decided to allow for the arrangement.
Then it was Darui's turn to stand. "As Fifth Raikage of Kumogakure, I nominate my friend and bodyguard Omoi for the position of Kumo Representative."
The nomination was heard and the selection was made.
Finally, Kurotsuchi stood up. "As Fourth Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, I nominate my dear friend Akatsuchi for the position of Iwa Representative."
The final nomination was heard and agreed upon. After that, Shikamaru got out a written contract for the five kages to all sign. Once that was done, there was only one last piece of business left.
"So what are we going to call ourselves now?" Kankurō asked. "I mean, what are we? A United Federation of Ninja?"
Naruto smiled. "No, more like a...Shinobi Union."
"...Do you have any idea how corny that sounds?"
"Gentlemen, ladies, a toast." Naruto raised his glass, signaling for the others to do so too. "To the successful reconstruction of Konoha, and to the formation of the Shinobi Union, and with it, to the dawn of a new era."
"CHEERS!"
Naruto was out for a night on the town at Shushuya, one of the best barbecue restaurants in the village. Joining him were his wife and his and Sakura's parents. Jiraiya also decided to tag along with Tsunade in tow. Shizune wasn't available to come as she had volunteered to baby sit Hanami.
Also joining them tonight were Sasuke and his wife. He and Sasuke were fulfilling the deal they'd made during their battle with Uragi: Naruto would pay for dinner for everyone if Sasuke agreed to open up a tab for a round of drinks.
Everyone raised their glasses and consumed their drinks, except for Hanami who had a soda instead.
"Glad you all could make it out here tonight," the blonde said. "I have to tell you, seeing all of you here with me now, like this...This really does mean a lot to me."
"Ah don't get sentimental about it dobe. Just enjoy your drink and your food as soon as it gets here."
Sasuke's remark got a chuckle out of everyone, Naruto included, as everybody got down to casual small talk.
"By the way son," Minato said, "your mother and I have really been enjoying your book."
The blonde's eyes widened in shock. "W-Wait, you mean you've read it?"
Kushina elaborated. "Sakura gave me a copy as a gift and Minato and I have been reading it together. We're so proud of you son."
"I have to agree," Jiraiya added, pulling out of his robe a copy he had bought for himself. "Speaking from one novelist to another, I've been having a hard time putting it down...even if many of your descriptions of me and my research are more, err, blunt than I would have liked."
There was a big laugh from everyone as the Toad Sage sweat dropped in embarrassment. He quickly recovered though as he came over and placed a hand on his former pupil's shoulder. "You have become a far greater man than I Naruto. You have fulfilled the prophecy that the wise Gamamaru foretold and have succeeded in ways that I never could...You have made me proud son."
Naruto smiled in pride, almost of the verge of welling up. "Arigato sensei."
"You've made me and your mother proud too son," Minato added, Kushina nodding is agreement.
"Aw, guys..."
Sakura smiled in pride at the praise her husband was receiving. She knew it meant the world to him to hear such worlds from both his father and godfather.
Sasuke then raised his own glass back up once again. "To Naruto, the Seventh Hokage!"
Everybody else raised their own glasses. "To Naruto, the Seventh Hokage!"
After everyone took another sip from their drinks, Minato spoke up next. "Oh Naruto, where is that grandson of mine now anyway?"
"He's out with Sarada, dad. Now that his leg is finally healed, they both decided that it was time to own up to that little agreement they made..."
"All right! Let's hear it for tonight's special guest singer, Shinachiku Uzumaki."
The DJ's words sparked yet another round of applause for the young man. He had already sung at least eight straight songs, at his girlfriend's request. The poor boy couldn't say anything, they had a deal and unless he wanted her to go telling his mom about that, err...mature publication that she found under his bed, he needed to do whatever she said.
'She's lucky I love her.'
Sarada, for her part, couldn't help but enjoy herself. She always loved hearing him sing, ever since she first heard him at that Christmas party a few years ago. Still, eight songs in a row was seriously pushing it, she felt, and she was starting to notice that she wasn't the only girl in the place the seemed enchanted by his voice...including a couple of girls that looked way to old for him.
She decided that she'd suggest only two more songs to make it an even ten. She quickly scribbled them down on a piece of paper and then handed them over to the DJ.
"Oh wait folks! Looks like our hero's lady friend decided to squeeze in two more requests tonight!"
Shinachiku cursed inside of his mind. 'Damn it Sarada! Give me a break!'
The DJ handed him the piece of paper, which he read. 'Hmm...I wonder why she picked that one? ...Alright...'
The crowd went silent as the band started playing again, principally the lead guitarist, who played a few chords before the time came for Shinachiku to begin his song:
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth, it was worth all the while
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
The song came to a close and, once again, the crowd applauded and the women swooned. Sarada herself was the most enthusiastic, blowing a kiss to her boyfriend in appreciation.
It was funny; as he was singing the song, Shinachiku felt an odd sense of closure to the whole experience. It was like the message of the song was effectively telling him that his first true adventure was officially over, and that it was an experience he would never forget and that he was a different person now that it was over. Oh, there would be more missions and adventures to come, that was all a part of life, but now he felt that this particular chapter of his life was one he could at last bring to a close.
"Alright everyone!" the DJ spoke again. "For Shinachiku's final performance tonight, we have a special surprise. You see, his girlfriend, Sarada Uchiha, has requested performing as a duet."
"HUH?!"
Shinachiku could not believe what he was hearing as his girlfriend got up on stage with him, much to the approval of the audience.
"Sarada, what are you doing?"
"I figured I'd take pity on you and help you out for this last one. Come on, it'll be fun."
After a couple of seconds of processing, the boy smiled. "Okay."
With that agreed upon, the two of them stood side-by-side, the entire crowd at the restaurant looking at them, as they began to sing...
"Oh, what a night huh?"
"Yeah, it was nice to see everyone tonight. Its a shame that Sasuke and Karin will be leaving with Sarada soon."
Naruto turned to his wife in surprise. "Oh didn't anyone tell you? They've decided it was time to settle down in the village for a while."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Sasuke told me that after what happened with Uragi, he felt he owed it to Sarada to have a chance at a regular childhood for once. I even offered him a job."
"A job?"
"I'm giving him Odaku's old position; he's going to be my highest ranking captain in the Anbu Black Ops, right up there with Sai."
"That's wonderful...But doesn't he need to take some sort of an examination to make the Anbu?"
"Sakura, he's probably the only ninja in the world who's power is equal to mine. What more qualification does he need?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I can't argue with that."
Taking a seat on the bed with her, Naruto reached out and cupped his bandaged hand onto her cheek. "I know I've already said this...but it means so much to me to have you there by my side."
She took his hand into her own. "You know I'll always have your back Naruto."
"I love you so much."
"I love you too."
He leaned in to claim her lips with his own. It was a kiss she was quick to accept, wrapping her own arms around his neck.
Moon so bright, night so fine
Keep your heart here with mine
Life's a dream, we are dreaming
Naruto laid her down on the bed, his lips never leaving hers. Their kiss gradually grew more and more passionate. Sakura's hands found themselves leaving his neck and descending lower, down his back.
Race the moon, catch the wind
Ride the night to the end
Seize the day, stand up for the light
Grabbing her by the waist, he pulled his wife into his lap. As the still continued making out, Naruto's hands found their way to the zipper on the back of her dress.
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
The dress was cast down to the floor, as Sakura took her opportunity to reach her hands inside his sweatshirt, feeling up his muscle-bound chest.
Heroes rise, heroes fall
Rise again, win it all
In your heart, can't you feel the glory
The sweatshirt was cast aside. The two lovers resumed their kiss, their hands eagerly exploring the familiar patterns of each other's bare skin. They remained that way until neither of them could resist their urges and their hands went for each other's pants.
Through our joy, through our pain
We can move worlds again
Take my hand, dance with me
(Dance with me)
Their pants were discarded, joining the growing pile of clothes on the floor. Their undergarments were quick to follow. Both of them were now alone, their natural forms laid bare for their lover to behold. Their hands wandered all over one another as Naruto pulled Sakura into his lap and she kissed him with lustful abandon.
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
I will want nothing else to see me through
If I can spend my lifetime loving you
(Yeah...)
Though we know we will never come again
Where there is love, life begins
Over and over again
Sakura found herself laying on the smooth, silk sheets of the bed. Her husband moved above her. It was a blissful euphoria as the two of them became one once again. It was a pleasure they would share with each other throughout the night...
Save the night, save the day
Save the love, come what may
Love is worth everything we pay
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
I want to spend my lifetime loving you
If that is all in life I ever do
I will want nothing else to see me through
If I can spend my lifetime loving you
Loving you
Sakura snuggled closely to her husband, their forms concealed only by the sheets. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her.
"That was wonderful."
"It always is." Naruto kissed her upon the forehead. "I love you so much Sakura."
"And I love you Naruto, always and forever."
The two lovers shared one more kiss before finally drifting off to sleep...
The audience burst into their most enthusiastic applause yet after Shinachiku and Sarada finished out their song.
"You know," Shinachiku told her, "you're actually not half bad."
"Thanks."
They leaned in and shared a kiss right there on the stage, earning even more applause.
"Alright! Alright! I think we've had enough of the mushy stuff! Lets give somebody truly awesome a chance at the mic!"
Some spectator in the audience rudely interrupted their moment and stormed onto the stage. Both of the kids were shocked at who it was.
"RANDAMU?!"
"The one and only! Now stand back kids and let a pro show you how it's done!"
With that rather tactless hogging of the spotlight, the Missing-nin With the Mouth made his signals to the band and began rocking out:
All you women who want a man of the street
But you don't know which way you want to turn
Just keep a coming and put your hand out to me
'Cause I'm the one who's gonna make you burn
I'm gonna take you down - down, down, down
So don't you fool around
I'm gonna pull it, pull it, pull the trigger
Shoot to thrill, play to kill
Too many women with too many pills
Shoot to thrill, play to kill
I got my gun at the ready, gonna fire at will
Yeah
I'm like evil, I get under your skin
Just like a bomb that's ready to blow
'Cause I'm illegal, I got everything
That all you women might need to know
I'm gonna take you down - yeah, down, down, down
So don't you fool around
I'm gonna pull it, pull it, pull the trigger
Shoot to thrill, play to kill
Too many women with too many pills
Shoot to thrill, play to kill
I got my gun at the ready, gonna fire at will
'Cause I shoot to thrill, and I'm ready to kill
I can't get enough, I can't get the thrill
I shoot to thrill, play to kill
Yeah, pull the trigger
Pull it,
Pull it, pull it, pull the trigger
Oh
Shoot to thrill, play to kill
Too many women, with too many pills
I said, shoot to thrill, play to kill
I got my gun at the ready, gonna fire at will
'Cause I shoot to thrill, and I'm ready to kill
And I can't get enough, and I can't get my thrill
Cause I shoot to thrill, play it again
Yeah
Shoot you down
Yeah
I'm gonna get you to the bottom and shoot you
I'm gonna shoot you
Oh hoo yeah yeah yeah
I'm gonna shoot you down yeah yeah
I'm gonna get you down
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Shoot you, shoot you, shoot you, shoot you down
Shoot you, shoot you, shoot you down
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ooooooh
I'm gonna shoot to thrill
Play to kill
Shoot to thrill
Yeah, ooh yeah
The audience broke up into applause as Randamu suddenly turned to that invisible camera once again. "What, you didn't really think I'd let the fanfic end without stealing the spotlight one last time, did you?"
About a week later, a knock was heard on the Hokage's door. "Come in."
The door opened and Shinachiku stepped in through the door. "You wanted to see me, Lord Hokage?"
"Yes, come in."
Shinachiku stood before the Hokage's desk, not sure what he'd been called in for, but he was going to find out soon enough.
"I called you in because the Shinobi Union has come to a decision on what to do about the remaining chakra gems."
That caught the boy's attention. "What did they decide?"
The Hokage leaned back in his chair. "When Taka's infiltration of Konoha failed, it was decided that villages that were part of the Shinobi Union would each take responsibility for one of the four gems, to hide and secure them in a place hidden from the world, somewhere no one but the most loyal of shinobi would know where to find them, so as to make sure to keep them out of Taka's hands." Naruto paused before continuing. "That being said, there are still three more gems left unaccounted for, and it is clear to us that its only a matter of time before those gems are found. It is absolutely imperative that they be found and recovered by the Union before Taka finds them."
"I understand my lord. What is the plan?"
"As per new regulation under Union guidelines, equal opportunity recruitment will be selected from all the affiliate villages, Konoha included. These shinobi will be tasked with periodically following up on any leads that come up about possible locations of the remaining chakra gems. They will need to be young ninja, from the new generation, so that Taka will have less information on them and be less prepared to counter the full range of their abilities. But..." Naruto got up from his desk, "...the thing is..." and stood directly in front of the young man before him now. "...They're going to need a leader."
Shinachiku's eyes widened in disbelief. "Dad...are you saying...?"
Naruto smiled and placed both of his hands on his son's shoulders. "It took a bit of convincing on my part, but yes. Shinachiku, son, the Shinobi Union is appointing you captain of the recovery squad to find the rest of the chakra gems."
Time stood still for the young blonde. This had to be a dream. How could...How could this possibly be real?
"But...But dad...how can they...? I mean, how can they trust me with this? I was seduced by the Power Gem. I've already had it warp my mind."
"Yes, and that means you, more than anyone else from your generation, have the clearest understanding of what the chakra gems are capable of and why their power should not be taken lightly. That kind of hands-on experience will be an invaluable asset to us going forward."
"But I've only been on one real mission before. I'm just a Genin! There must be many more kids out there of higher authority that can—"
"Which brings to my other reason for calling you in today."
"W-What do you mean?"
"Shina, you have some of the best grades out of your entire graduating class, you're recognized across the world now as a shinobi with a very bright and prosperous future, and the story of your first mission has already made you quite famous, just in case you haven't heard. You are only a Genin, and yet you were the one who defeated a traitorous member of the Elders who obtained the power of a god, by sacrificing your own mind as a place for your final battle. Your mother, your Uncle Sasuke and I may have helped, but no matter how you look at it, you we the real hero that day."
"Dad, what are you saying?"
Naruto smiled to himself before looking back at the boy. "Shina, when I was only five years older than you, Granny Tsunade stunned me by giving me an honorary promotion to Chūnin, foregoing the exams altogether...And now, it fills me with so much pride that I can do the same thing for my own son."
"WHAT?!"
"That's right. Now please, get on one knee."
"But, but dad—?"
"Shina, please, take a knee."
His father's voice was utterly calm, comforting, and it filled him with confidence and self-assurance. He knew that after this moment his life would never be the same, but if his father truly believed in him, than that was all he needed. "Alright dad."
The blonde got on one knee and looked up at his father as the elder Uzumaki began to speak.
"Shinachiku Uzumaki, do you swear to continue to hold to the ideals of this village and it's heritage?"
"I swear."
"Do you swear to continue to improve yourself, both in mind and in body, for the furthering of your shinobi career and livelihood?"
"I swear."
"And do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and pledge yourself to the added responsibilities you will be given as a defender of this village and it's people?"
"I swear!"
"Then as of this moment, I, Naruto Uzumaki, son of Minato Namikaze, and Seventh Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, hereby dub you, Shinachiku Uzumaki, Chūnin of Konohagakure! Now…rise!"
Shinachiku Uzumaki got back up on his feet, a sudden flaring of pride coursing through his body. A smile graced his face because of it. "Thank you so much."
"You earned this son, and don't let anybody tell you that you haven't." Something overcame the jinchūriki in that moment, tears were beginning to well up, and suddenly he embraced his son in an emotional hug. "I'm so proud of you Shina."
Shinachiku returned the hug right back. "Arigato...father."
When the hug finally broke up, Shinachiku felt like a whole new man. "Wow, wait until mom and Hanami hear about this!"
"Not to mention that girlfriend of yours, eh champ?" The elder blonde nudged his elbow into the boy for emphasis.
"DAD!"
"Gomen, gomen, I was just kidding. Tell you what, it's almost noon now, how about we go get your mom, your sister and your grandparents and all go out for lunch? You'll be able to tell them all the good news."
"Yeah!"
As father and son left the office, they closed the door behind them. This was truly the start of a whole new generation. And who knew what kind of dangers and adventures awaited that new generation in the future...
In a far away, unknown part of the world, a lone shinobi was walking down the darkly lit hallways of a hidden layer. Further and further he walked, until at last he came to a large, metal door. Two guards stood protecting it.
The ninja stood straight an stiff, making a fist with his right hand and pressed it to his heart. The two guards returned the gesture, before opening the door and granting the ninja passage inside.
The ninja walked through the door and came into a dark room lit with torches. There was a throne at he end of the hall. In that throne sat a mysterious figure, hidden in shadow.
Approaching the throne, the ninja made his salute before taking a knee. "Master, word has spread and our intel has been confirmed. The Shinobi Union has instituted an initiative to secure the remaining chakra gems ahead of us. Shinachiku Uzumaki has been chosen to lead them."
The mysterious figure sat there in silence for only a moment. "First Uragi allows himself to be discovered, then he threatens to use the gem's power against us, then he allows Uzumaki's son to defeat him, then Konoha and the other Great Shinobi Nations begin weeding out our agents, stunting our good work, and now this?!"
"My...My lord," the ninja dared to speak with an intense feeling of nervousness. "P-Perhaps they will fail? After all, he is only a boy."
"So am I."
The mysterious figure stood up from his throne and came into the light of the flickering flame...It was a young man with bushy black hair, the sides of which were shaven and blonde in color, with a dagger-like tattoo under his left eye and a pair of piercings on his right eyebrow. He wore a violet infinity scarf and belt, white overalls with his chest exposed, and a black vest trench coat. He also had an elaborate black sigil tattooed on the left side of his body which spread over his face, chest, and arm, which glowed red and grew whenever he prepared for battle.
"L-Lord Kawaki, what would you have us do?"
"Hmm..." There was only a moment's thinking from the young leader before he gave his order. "Send additional units out across the world. Try to beat the Shinobi Union to the gems if you can, but if not, keep a close watch on Uzumaki's son and his friends. Their hard work might actually be to our advantage yet."
"Hai! But what of the gems that the Union have already claimed from us?"
"All in good time. Gather intel, learn all you can about where they are hiding the gems and makes sure all precautions are made. Only when all precautions are taken may we then strike."
"As you wish master." The ninja stood up and made his salute. "HAIL TAKA!" With that, the Taka ninja began marching out of his master's chamber's.
When the door closed, Kawaki was left alone once more. Sitting back on his throne, he let out an evil smile and repeated his order's signature salute. "Hail Taka..."
"You're sure?"
"Yes sir, Taka are on the move. With there now being a race to find the last three chakra gems, neither the Union or Taka will leave anything to chance."
"Hmm...I must say, it is very good to see you again after all this time...Kabuto."
A figure that was kneeing down then took that as his signal to stand back up and lower the hood of his maroon-colored cloak. The man had scaly patterns on his face with ash-grey hair that was an unkempt bowl cut. He had onyx eyes with purple markings on them, and a long, white snake fused to him body.
"I too must admit that it is quite nostalgic to see you in the flesh again...Lord Orochimaru."
Kabuto's former master smirked. He was a tall man with a very snake-like visage.: his skin was fair in tone, his eyes were golden with slitted pupils, around his eyes were black markings, his cheekbones were pronounced and his teeth were sharp and fang-like. His hair was long black hair was tied in a ponytail, allowing two locks to frame the sides of his face. He was dressed in an elegant black and white robe.
"I am pleased to see that you survived your encounter with our dear Sasuke and all of his friends."
"Honestly, my lord, Sasuke being there was a half-expected surprise. It was really Naruto and Sakura that I was lending my services to."
"Ah yes, Jiraiya and Tsunade's old pupils. How could I forget?" The fallen snake Sannin made a signal with his head for his old servant to follow him.
The pair came into another room, one filled with extremely advanced laboratory equipment and technology, including large tanks filled with a curious green liquid.
"Kabuto," Orochimaru said, "you were wise to turn down Taka's offer to join in their quest after you developed the serums for them. And you were even wiser to bring those formulas back to me."
The snake casually walked over to a metal cabinet door and unlocked it. Freezing cold air came out of the inside of it, as he pulled out two vials filled with blood.
On one the vials was written a single name: UZUMAKI, NARUTO. On the other: UCHIHA, SASUKE.
"Hard to believe its already been eighteen years since one of my followers scooped these samples up from the ruins of the Valley of the End." Orochimaru then looked to his side. "And now look how far we've come."
Inside the room with the two snake masters was a giant tank filled with the green liquid, but there was something else inside the tank as well...a man!
It was a young man, say in his early-to-late teens. The man was naked, revealing that he was in physically superior condition. His hair was black with blonde tips and bangs hanging over one of his eyes. His eyes were closed, but they were blue with mesmerizing onyx pupils. And on each of his cheeks were three distinctive markings similar to a fox's whiskers.
Kabuto looked to his master. "You think it will be time soon?"
Orochimaru smiled. "Oh yes...very soon. This world is changing Kabuto, and we all need to be ready to confront it. This..."
The Snake paused to take in the perfect specimen he had created from the blood of the two most powerful ninja of the last generation. "...This is the beginning of a new age..."
And there you have it! That is the end of "Shinachiku's First Adventure!" Did I meet your expectations? I hope so, because I really had a lot to cover in this epilogue.
Man, where to begin? Well, I knew that I wanted the chapter to open up with Shinachiku recovering in the hospital, just because that seemed like the most obvious place to pick up with our main character after the last chapter. I also wanted to squeeze in one more mental chat with him and Kurama before his reunion with the two most important girls in his life, Hanami and Sarada. I'm actually sorry Hanami did not have a bigger role in this chapter than she did, but sadly the chapter just did not flow in the direction to make her fit. Too bad.
There were two romantic scenes between Naruto and Sakura here, the latter of which I'll discuss later. The first I felt was sweet as he is watching over her after she passed out of literally working too hard nonstop to heal people after the battle, which I feel is a testament to her. The conversation between them allowed for Sakura to give him almost therapeutic advice about what he should do going forward. It kind of reminded me of the friendship between Kirk and Bones in "Star Trek." In some classic episodes like "Balance of Terror", or in films like "The Wrath of Khan", or most recently in "Star Trek Beyond", Bones would sometimes find himself acting as Kirk's therapist, the person he would turn to when he was in periods of personal turmoil, or if he was emotionally overwhelmed with the pressures of command. I always imagined that, even in the canon universe, Sakura would most likely fulfill that role for Naruto in his adult life, her or Shikamaru (probably both).
The reason I blew up Naruto's prosthetic arm in the last chapter was because I wanted this moment that I'd set up form the earliest chapters where Sasuke finally decides that he has redeemed himself and chooses to have his own missing limb reattached. This way the two friends can go through the process together, like it ought to have been the first time around.
The scene of Naruto and Sasuke looking at each other in the mirror and wondering when they suddenly got so old was a reference to "Gravity Falls." In "A Tale of Two Stans," one of the final scenes has Stan and Ford looking in a mirror and Stan wondering when they both became old men. Ford also quips about how Stan looks like their father, similar to how here Sasuke says Naruto looks like Obito with blonde hair (a curious visual similarity I deliberately chose not to point out until this moment).
I also felt that it would being Sasuke full circle to give him the opportunity to wish for his clan to come back to life and choosing not to. He has finally come full circle with that part of his life now that he has seen how at peace they are in the Pure Land.
The scene between Minato and Shinachiku was nice, but I found the one between Sakura and Kushina even more emotional to write, and I even got to do one more big payoff with Naruto's book. And yes, Kushina teases her new daughter-in-law about her and Naruto's sex life. I know that might seem weird, but it seemed like the kind of thing that Kushina would do. Besides, we know that Naruto got a lot of his personality from his mother, and both of them were jinchūrikis, so I have a theory that he might have inherited his libido from her as well...I'll let you decide if that creeps you out or not.
While we're talking about Naruto, you may have noticed that there were several points in this chapter where his actions may have seemed...suspect. His off-the-books offering Sasuke the Soul Stone, his 'interrogation' of Uragi (a scene very much inspired by Zuko's visiting Ozai in prison at the end of "Avatar: The Last Airbender"), using the Soul Stone to keep his father alive after he got back Kurama's Yin half, and, in two possible moments of nepotism, giving his best friend and his son two very important positions of power. This is meant to plant some possible seeds for the future, but that is all I'm going to say.
We got the formation of the Shinobi Union here. Earlier I held that poll where I asked you guys to vote on whether I should rewrite earlier chapters to be more consistent with canon. I took your advice and kept it as it was, and instead I just established it here, as a direct counter to Taka's uprising.
By the way, that ending joke when the Union get its name, was inspired by the end of the three-part pilot of "Justice League," where Flash and Superman had that exchange.
I also had to pay off both Naruto little bet during their battle with Uragi and Shinachiku and Sarada's karaoke date. They were fun to write, especially the latter scene.
There were three songs included in this chapter. The first was "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" by Green Day. A fairly simple song, I chose to include it for the sense of finality it offered. Its like I was actively asking you, my readers, whether you had a great time reading this story...Plus, of a more selfish level, the title of the song may or may not have reflected a sense of relief I felt at finally making it to the end of this story. LOL!
The second song was "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You" by Mark Anthony and Tina Arena. The song was written as the romantic ballad for the movie "The Mask of Zorro." It might seem odd to some of you that I chose a Latin song to go with a story based on a Japanese manga, but I felt like it fit...
...And while I'm on the subject, that brings me to the 'love scene' between Naruto and Sakura. Look, I already said that I think I pushed the limits of my T rating, so I tried to make it as clean(ish) and subtle as I could, the eroticism instead coming form the imagery your own mind conjures instead a lot of over the top obscenity Like I've done in other stories.
The third song was "Shoot to Thrill" by AC/DC. This was intentionally an awkward choice. I wanted Randamu to get in one more appearance and deliver a exciting, hard rocking song that totally clashed with the tone I'd set up earlier. I though it would be an awesome sendoff for him.
You may have guessed it, but Naruto promoting Shinachiku to Chūnin was a direct callback to when Tsunade did the same to him way back in Chapter 6.
...
Alright, about those last two scenes. Yes, they were meant to plant seeds for the future. We finally learn the identity of Taka's master, and it turns out to be Kawaki. For those of you who don't know, this character was introduced in the beginning to the Boruto manga as a lone ninja seeking to wipe out the ninja world and he and Boruto square off after he's destroyed much of the village, including the Hokage Rock...I'll leave it to you guys to come up with your own theories about where this could potentially go...
As for the second scene, I wanted something that would really catch you guys off guard. So I got this crazy idea of finally bringing in Orochimaru, along with Kabuto, who we haven't seen since his escape in Chapter 27. The reveal that, for some reason, Orochimaru has used samples of both Naruto's and Sasuke's blood to clone some kind of genetic superhuman...well, I really don't know where we could go with that. By all means, feel free to theorize.
Whew! That was a lot to cover. I honestly didn't expect this chapter to go on for so long...but perhaps I shouldn't be surprised?
Well, I guess that's it. The story is over, and what a ride it was. I want thank you all once again for all of your support and your enthusiasm for this story; you guys were half the reason I found the inspiration to keep going, despite all of the hurdles that kept getting in my way. I could not have asked for better fans!
Once again, until next time, see ya!
