Amidst the bustling streets of the land of waves, Naruto's footsteps wove a path of anticipation, looking for his friend Daisuke. His mind was occupied by what happened under the Great Naruto bridge. The echoes of that old man's offer reverberating through his thoughts. A shiver of unease traced its way down Naruto's spine - not just over the decision that loomed, but the also the realization that his cover had been compromised. The knowledge of an A-class criminal (or that's how people viewed him to say the least) roaming freely beyond the confines of the blood prison, aka Hozuki Castle, was a secret fraught with peril.

Amidst the chatter of the crowd, Daisuke's voice caught Naruto's attention. He looked around and spotted Daisuke surrounded by people. He was boasting about the freshness of his vegetables. Naruto slapped his forehead and sighed, frustrated.

"Daisuke!" Naruto called out, trying to get his attention. But Daisuke was too busy talking to notice. Naruto weaved through the crowd until he reached Daisuke's vegetable stall. He tapped Daisuke's shoulder to get his attention. "Welcome, welcome! Behold these cabages, resplendently..." Daisuke's words halted as recognition dawned, replaced by an unbashed chuckle. "Oh, it's just you," he realized, chuckling. Naruto's feature took on a faint pallor.

"Yeah, it's me," Naruto replied. "We need to talk about something important."

Daisuke tried to protest, saying he had to attened to his customers, but Naruto was determined. He held onto Daisuke's arm and led him to a quieter spot away from the crowd. "What are you doing? Stop, this is the matter of business and passion," Daisuke further protested but Naruto maintained a tight grip. "Don't worry my dearest customers, I will be back soon enough!" Daisuke's attempt to reassure his customers of his return fell on deaf ears.

"Naruto, my valued patrons await," Daisuke attempted, only to be met with Naruto's wry smile.

"Fret not, they remain oblivious," Naruto replied, a sigh escaped his lips a testament to his exasperation.

They made it out of the crowd and took a turn towards an alley between two houses. Just as Naruto paused, Daisuke yanked his arm away from Naruto angrily. "What exactly was so important, huh?" he asked irritated. Naruto sighed exasperated yet again. "Somebody is aware of my identity!" Daisuke's irrited expression was replaced by confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked in bewilderment. "That somebody knows where I came from, what my name is and heck even what really happened between me and Madoka, you know!"

Daisuke's eyes widened. He refused to believe it at first, thinking it was some sort of prank. Naruto had been a pranskter since his childhood. It's gotta be a prank. This was bad news for both of them. Naruto took his time and explained everything, a to z. All the events that transpired beneath the bridge. Daisuke had to believe it. He hadn't seen him this tensed up before. After all, he can't blame him. Daisuke gave a him a touch of relief on his shoulder. "Don't get too much worked up about it. We will get out of this mess together," Daisuke said assuring him.

Naruto could do nothing but nod. "But I am hooked on how could he know about all of this?" Naruto looked into Daisuke's eyes while Daisuke delved into his. A lot was said in that mutual stare. "Are you thinking the same thing that I am?" Daisuke asked. "I think so," Naruto replied with a pause, narrowed his eyes and continued. "There can only be one person who could know about this except the two of us." Daisuke nodded. "And she is Konan!"

They both stood there silent, contemplating the only possibility they could muster with their critical thinking. Knoan was a member of Akatsuki so it's natural she would be aware of the conspirasy they were planning to break apart the Namikaze household. But there was just one small issue that Daisuke enlightened Naruto with. Nobody except Madoka, Obito, and Kisame knew about this conspiracy. Not even Daisuke. They geniunely believed Naruto tried to taint the relations between Iwagakure and Konohagakure by assualting one of their Kunoichi, who had to be close to the Tsuchikage, and then went rogue. Nobody knew the truth. So it's very much possible that Konan still thinks of Naruto that way. "Confronting Konan ignorant of what's really going on can be risky," Daisuke finished.

Naruto stood there silent and confused. Daisuke had a point. There was no denying that they didn't have a single clue about what was going on. "So what do you suggest?" asked Naruto. Daisuke gave it a thought but in vain. It was too hard to come up with some plan with very little to no information regarding the threat.

"Are you sure he wasn't some sort of missionary?" Daisuke mused, one hand supporting his chin while the other went around his tummy. Naruto shook his head. "I'm really not sure. It's hard to say. He could've been or maybe not."

A sigh of frustration escaped Daisuke's lips. Their attempts at unravelling the enigma yielded no concrete leads. "What about the religion he mentioned?" Daisuke inquired, his brows furrowing as they both pondered the puzzle.

"He only mentioned it was the oldest on this continent," Naruto responded, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "We're in the dark about the specifics."

"Seems like we are hitting a dead end," Daisuke remarked.

Naruto's agreement was accompanied by a resigned shrug. "Yeah, no clues about the faith either.

After a period of contemplation, a spark of inspiration ignited within Daisuke. "How about this? We head to the famous mountain shrine of the Land of Waves. Maybe someone there knows something. Its a start."

Naruto's agreement came quickly since there was no other safe alternative. "It's worth a shot. At least we'll have a chance to gather more information, you know."

Daisuke's practical mind was quick to formulate a plan. "Alright then, let's gather supplies first. It's going to take us the whole day to get there."

Naruto nodded. "Let's head back to our place and prepare."

With their course set, the duo began to set their plan into motion. The anticipation of uncovering the truth and countering the looming threat spurred them forward, their determination unwavering as they embarked on their journey to the mountain shrine.

In the Leaf Village

Natsumi's focused gaze swept across the grocery store shelves, looking for dinner ingredients. Lost in her thoughts about which cut of meat to chosez a familiar voice greeted her. She turned her head in the direction of the greeting, finding Ino Yamanaka standing there. A warm smile curved Natsumi's lips as she greeted her old friend. "Hey there, how are you doing?"

Pleasantries exchanged, the two friends fell into an easy rythym as they navigated the store together. They discussed various items, often pausing to chat about the latest gossip or share insights on their purchases. With their shopping completed, they exited the store side by side. All throughout this, the people looked up to them and some even bowed to Natsumi, one of several heroes of the Shinobi world.

As they strolled out of the store, Natsumi inquired, "How's your flower shop doin?"

Ino's eyes lit up. "It's going great, actuallg."

A pause, and then Ino's excitement spilled over. "Oh, I almost forgot! Since we're all off-duty from missions today, how about us all girls meet up at a restaurant?"

Natsumi's face brightened. "That sounds like a blast!"

"Make sure Erzu knows tooz" Ino reminded her, waving as they parted ways.

Natsumi reciprocated the wave. "Of course, I'll tell her." With that, they continued on their separate paths homeward.

Entering her house, Natsumi announced her return with a cheerful, "I'm back." Erzuz her sister, appeared and together they transported the groceires to the kitchen. Natsumi's curiosity got the better her. "Where's Menma?"

Erzu's response held a tinge of mystery. "The Hokage called him for something."

"Huh? Wasn't he off-duty?" Natsumi asked in bewilderment. "Probably something important came about." Erzu replied. "I see," Natsumi acknowledged. Her thoughts momentarily diverted.

"Oh, by the way, the girls are planning the get-together tonight."

Erzu's eyes lit up, a radiant smile gracing her face. "Really? That's perfect! I've been waiting for an excuse to dress up nicely. Kami does listen, you know!"

With a joyful camaraderie that only siblings share, the two girls contunued to prepare for the evening, a sense of anticipation and delight weaving through their every action."

In the Hokage office

Outside the Hokage's office, Menma stood with a sense of anticipation, awaiting his summons from the Itachi Uchiha. Questions swirled in his mind, wondering what could've prompted the Hokage to call an off-duty ninja like him. The moments ticked by until Kakashi Hatake, the shadow Hokage, emerged and beckoned him inside. Stepping in, Menma's gaze settled on Itachi, seated across the table.

"Hello, Menma. I trust you are in good spirits," Itachi greeted, a warm smile gracing his features. "Hai, Hokage-sama," Menma replied with respect, reciprocating the greetings.

Itachi's demeanor shifted, his smile fading as he grew more serious. Sensing this shift, Menma's apprehension heightened. "You wished to see me, Hokage-sama?"

"Yes, indeed," Itachi began, gesturing for Kakashi to depart. "Kakashi-san, I'd appreciate some privacy to discuss matters with Menma. So if you may?"

Kakashi complied with a nod, his mask barely concealing an amused grin. "Of course, no need to ask. You're the Hokage," he quipped before exiting, leaving the two alone.

As the door closed, Itachi's expression grew grave. Menma's tension surged. "I must choose my words carefully," Itachi murmured, exhaling slowly. He turned to face the window, hands clasped behind his back.

Menma's curiosity was now tinged with concern. "What is it, Hokage-sama?"

Itachi turned back, his gaze piercing. "Yahiko sent me a letter from Amegakure."

"Yahiko, the one Nagato Uzumaki revived along with the villagers?" Menma inquired.

"Yes," Itachi confirmed. The gravity of the situation loomed. "I've called you here because you're the only one I can trust with this information. You mustn't share it with your parents or siblings. Though I don't know if my decision is the correct one. Your actions after listening to this info will answer that question for me."

Menma's sense of intrigue intensified, his response instantaneous. "Understood, sir."

Itachi's words further heightened the tension. "Yahiko, speaking on behalf of Konan, has informed all villages that two Akatsuki members may still be active in our world."

Menma's shock was evident, but the Hokage's solemnity only deepened. "However, what I'm about to reveal was shared with me exclusively," Itachi continued, his tone weighted.

Menma's heart raced. "The first is someone known as Disuke," Itachi revealed, eliciting a blank reaction from Menma. "Never heard of him. And also why is this information supposed to be a secret I must protect? I think everybody should know this," Menma thought.

"The second…" Itachi hesitated, the pause pregnant with significance. Menma leaned in, curiosity overwhelming him. "The second is…" he prompted.

Itachi turned away once more, placing his hand on the back of the chair. The words that followed struck Menma like a lightning bolt, rendering him momentarily speechless.

"The second is... Na-ruto Uzumaki Namikaze." The revelation hung in the air, Menma's mind reeling as his vision blurred and his heart raced.

With Naruto

Naruto and Daisuke arrived at the mountain's base, their journey culminating in a moment of relief. Daisuke stretched his back, casting a curious glance at Naruto, who seemed to be staring elsewhere. "Something catch your eye?" Daisuke inquired.

Naruto shifted his gaze, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "You see that kid?" Naruto pointed toward a child. Daisuke followed his gaze, then nodded in acknowledgment. "Yeah, I see him. What about him?"

"Inari is his name. I saved him from Zabuza when I was just eleven," Naruto reminisced. "His grandfather is Tazuna. We had some really great times together. I wish I could go over and greet them."

Daisuke smiled, imagining the heartwarming scenes Naruto described. "That must be why the old man named the bridge after you."

"Exactly," Naruto affirmed with a nod and a smile. "I'd love to tell you more about it. How about we chat as we make our way up the mountain?"

Daisuke agreed, and with a final glance at the pair below, Naruto led the way, recounting the thrilling tale of the mission that led to the creation of the Great Naruto Bridge. Their conversation gradually transitioned from one topic to another. Eventually, they used up all the happy memories in their conversation and what left were the painful ones.

As the sun began its descent, casting a orange hue across the landscape, their words flowed ceaselessly. The duo ascended with determined steps, their dialogue an exploration of both past and present. At long last, they reached the plateau, panting they stopped to get their breath toegther. Daisuke's voice broke the quietude. "So, is returning to Konoha part of your plans?"

Naruto's head shook subtly. "I'm hesitant. What if they recognize me?"

Daisuke offered a reassuring perspective. "People change, and you've changed a lot. I doubt they'd easily recognize you."

Naruto's eyes betrayed uncertainty. "Even so, I think it's better to avoid a place that's filled with painful memories."

Daisuke's gaze shifted, gesturing toward the shrine as the last light of day began to fade. They had made it just in time, thankful to have avoided any potential encounters with bandits. "We've reached the shrine," Daisuke declared, marveling at the ancient architecture. Naruto nodded, a silent agreement, and they proceeded together. Crossing the threshold, Naruto's voice echoed through the chamber. "Is anyone here?"

No response. A second attempt yielded the same result. Daisuke took a shot, his voice ringing out. "Hello?"

A faint murmur emanated from within. Sharing a glance, they gathered their courage and moved forward. Inside, the snores of a deeply inebriated man became apparent, accompanied by the pungent scent of alcohol. Naruto crinkled his nose, exclaiming, "Gross!"

Daisuke, as a medic and psychiatrist, knew how to handle the situation. He gently attempted to rouse him, the man's drowsy eyes meeting Daisuke's inebriated gaze. "Are you the keeper of this shrine?" Daisuke inquired, his voice patient. The man gave no response. Daisuke tried again. "Are the man in charge here?" This time the man spoke, but failed to comprehend Daisuke's words. "I have hair on mandhood?" he said.

Naruto couldn't suppress his laughter, while Daisuke couldn't help but chuckle as he rubbed the man's back. In the midst of this, a voice interjected from the entrance.

"I'm back."

Naruto and Daisuke turned, their attention captured by the newcomer. Setting the inebriated man back to rest, they approached the young man who bore a resemblance to the snoozing figure.

"Guess we have unexpected guests," the young man greeted warmly. "Welcome to the shrine. I'm Ren."

Greetings exchanged, Ren guided them to a guest room. A flickering fire cast an inviting glow upon the chamber. The conversation ventured deeper, prompting Naruto to voice what he understood. "So, your father cares for the shrine, and you come to check on him from time to time?" Ren confirmed with a nod. "Indeed. He's struggled with alcoholism for a while now. It's grown worse after my mother left due to his habits. Forgive us for the first bad impression."

Daisuke's empathy was palpable. "No need to apologize. It must be challenging, juggling caretaking with your work down the mountain." Naruto's concern brought forth a question, albeit with a touch of candor. "Forgive me for asking, but have you ever considered letting go of the responsibility of caring for someone who's resistant to change?" Ren's smile held a mixture of fondness and determination. "I've thought about it countless times. I've even threatened to leave him to his own devices. But each time, I've failed. I still see him as my father, the same man who cared for me when I needed it most. The memories of his love and guidance shape my perspective. And I would prefer to have a hard life surrounded by my loved ones than an easy life away from them." Ren's answer brought forward warmth to Daisuke and Naruto.

"So what's the purpose of coming here? Is it to make a wish?" Ren inquired. "Oh no, it's something else actually. You see, we are knowledge gatherers if that's the right way to put it. We travel land to land and write books on them. We came here for an answer to a question that was troubling us," Daisuke said doing his best to hide his identity and their true purpose. Ren smiled, indicating that he wanted to hear the question. "So what is it?"

Naruto spoke up, directly and shortly. "We wanted to know what's the oldest religion of this continent."

"I see," Ren said and delved into some thought. "Do you know what is it?" Daisuke asked.

Ren nodded making Daisuke and Naruto to sharpen their ears. "I heard it from my father once. He is a very knowledgable man. He told me that after returning from Iwakagure he learned about an ancient religion that went by the name 'Elism.'"

Naruto and Daisuke quickly memorized the name and asked him if he knew anything else about it. Unfortunately, he didn't. Naruto and Daisuke looked down in dissapointment. Ren apologized but they both excused it. Ren looked outside the wooden window, the full moon was aglow. "Looks like it has gotten quite late. You both should stay for a night. Travelling at night could be risky."

The duo were charmed after hearing this. They had brought their matresses with them. They thanked Ren in union for allowing them to stay in his room. At midnight, when Ren had fallen asleep, Daisuke stood up and grabbed a lantern. He reached out Naruto and whispered in his ear. "Meet me outside." Naruto woke up and slowly moved out of the room, making sure not to disturb Ren. He quitely closed the door and moved out. He could see Daisuke with a lantern and his back resting on the wooden fence.

"It's cold here but it was hot as hell in the town," Naruto remarked, arms crossed to shield himself from the cold. Daisuke nodded, mirroring the sentiment. Eager to delve into the matter at hand, he posed the question, "So, what's our next move?"

Naruto's eyes glinted with purpose. "At least we have a lead now – the name of the religion, Elism. But Ren didn't have any further information to offer. He said that his father learned it from Iwagakure. Perhaps we should consider heading there? It's the perfect opportunity to use our permits as well."

Daisuke gave a thought about the suggestion. "Going to Konoha would take us less time. Can't we go there and directly ask that mysterious old man there what's up? Maybe he will give us more insights."

Naruto pondered this suggestion but ultimately shook his head. Daisuke persisted, attempting to sway Naruto's decision. Naruto's resolve remained unwavering. "Going to Konoha is not a good idea. It's not just about the painful memories; we can't be certain of his true intentions. What if he's a spy from Konoha, attempting to ensnare us? Do you seriously think Konan wouldn't have given the insights to the Shinobi world regarding us? We are A-ranked criminals, after all."

Daisuke countered, dismantling Naruto's apprehensions. "That man knew the truth. If Konoha were the one who sent him then they would've declared you innocent by now. But they haven't. So they are most likely not related." Naruto quenched his teeth knowing very well he was making excuses to somehow not enter the place he was born in.

Daisuke continued nonetheless. "Though, your last line holds merit. Konan might view us as transgressors and disclose our information."

"That's why I am saying, going to Iwa is our best option. Not only we can learn about Elism, but also assess whether Konan has disclosed information regarding us or not," Naruto said defending his position.

A meaningful gaze was exchanged between the two, and Daisuke probed, "Is this your final decision then?"

Naruto's affirmation was unwavering. "Yes, it is."

"Alright then, tomorrow we set out for Iwagakure."