A trip to the past
Naruto Uzumaki sat by a crackling campfire, his gaze shifting to Jiraiya who lay nearby, already lost in slumber. Two years of relentless travel had brought them to this point. It was a journey of learning, companionship, and exploration. Naruto pondered the significance of these experiences, particularly the old sage's insistence on seeing the world. Jiraiya had emphasized the importance of expanding one's horizons while still young. The lessons and sights absorbed during this adventure were etching themselves into Naruto's memory.
The memories encompassed visits to quaint villages, each with its unique customs. Naruto felt a sense of awe seeing the diverse ways people lived their lives. Tomorrow promised another adventure, this time to a grand island. Despite Jiraiya's uncharacteristic reticence about the destination, Naruto's curiosity remained unquenched. Night's embrace eventually pulled him into slumber, and dreams wove their tales.
In his dream, Naruto awoke in a sophisticated village, surpassing even Konoha in advancement. Its towering buildings and flowing canals painted a serene picture. Everything was unfamiliar, yet strangely captivating. The emblem adorning the village's flak jackets was ubiquitous – a constant reminder of its identity. Naruto sensed the rarity and beauty of this place, his eyes drawn to the inhabitants with their distinctive red hair. Strangely, all sound seemed absent, leaving only the visual splendor.
Navigating the village, he passed beneath bridges, only for the sky to shift from azure to crimson. An unsettling urgency filled him, hastening his steps. The tranquility shattered, replaced by chaos. The village was under attack, engulfed in flames, lifeless bodies littering the streets. Naruto's heart pounded as he witnessed the devastating aftermath, the symbols of the Mist Village etched onto fallen defenders. Consumed by rage, he lunged at a Mist ninja, yet his blows passed through, like a phantom.
Watching the villagers erect barriers to shield against the onslaught, Naruto drew parallels to Konoha's past battles. However, this time, the villagers were retreating. Memories of Konoha's triumph over Orochimaru's assault contrasted with the inevitable defeat here. Among those fleeing, he recognized the red-haired girl from earlier, her enigmatic smile etched in his mind.
Abruptly, he awoke, back beneath the starry night. The dream's vividness unsettled him, a memory within a dream. He suppressed the recollections, focusing on the day ahead. Breakfast was consumed in silence, and their rowing towards the mysterious island was marked by an uncharacteristic somberness.
As they reached the island, the ruins of a village greeted them – the same village from his dream. Grief washed over Naruto, learning this was Uzushiogakure, his mother's home, destroyed in the Second Great Ninja War. Jiraiya revealed his mother's past, the Uzumaki clan's annihilation, and their dispersal across the world.
Naruto requested a moment alone and retraced his dream's steps. Amidst the remnants, he discovered a room filled with books, a history of the village. Drawings on a wall beckoned him, a touch igniting a blinding light. When sight returned, he stood once again in the intact village. Confusion and awe intermingled as he explored, but the encounter felt fleeting, a dream within a dream.
He ventured outside, encountering a redheaded ninja who recognized him as a Konoha shinobi. Naruto fabricated a tale of being lost at sea, concealing the truth of his time-traveling journey. Guided by this stranger, he embarked on a path of unraveling mysteries, yearning to return to his own time, and carrying the weight of his foreknowledge.
Naruto stood in bewilderment, trapped in a time long before his own. As he gathered his bearings, he noticed the redheaded ninja approaching and decided to introduce himself. His confidence and the revelation that he was an Uzumaki took the guard by surprise. Little did Naruto know, his arrival was about to attract the attention of another visitor to the village – none other than Mito Uzumaki herself.
Mito, the first Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails and wife of Hashirama Senju, happened to be at her ancestral home during Naruto's unexpected appearance. Intrigued by the commotion and the mention of the Uzumaki name, she made her way to the scene. Her presence was a shock to Naruto, for he recognized her from the history books and stories he had learned in his own time.
Their meeting was a collision of the past and future, as Naruto found himself face to face with a legendary figure from Uzumaki history. Mito, too, was taken aback by Naruto's resemblance to her clan and the strange circumstances of his arrival. The encounter would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey, intertwining the fates of two Uzumaki across the fabric of time.
The revelation that Naruto also carried the Nine-Tails within him served as undeniable proof of his origins. Mito's interest was piqued even further, and she requested a private conversation with the young Uzumaki. They retreated to a quiet corner of the village, the nostalgia of being in her ancestral home and the curiosity about this time-traveling visitor intertwining in her expression.
Mito gazed at Naruto, her vibrant red hair framing a face that reflected a blend of youth and wisdom. Her eyes held a mixture of kindness and intrigue, and her voice carried a soft yet commanding tone as she began the conversation. "Naruto Uzumaki, your presence here has left me with a plethora of questions. The Nine-Tails' chakra you possess, combined with your knowledge of our clan, indicates you're not an ordinary visitor."
Naruto met her gaze, captivated by the historical figure before him. "Lady Mito," he began, a mixture of reverence and curiosity in his tone. "I know this might sound unbelievable, but I come from a time far in the future. I'm a ninja of Konohagakure, and the Nine-Tails, Kurama, was sealed within me shortly after my birth. Somehow, I ended up here, in a time before my own."
Mito's intrigue deepened as she listened to Naruto's words. She motioned for him to continue, her curiosity driving her to understand the unprecedented circumstances surrounding him.
"I was training with Jiraiya, my mentor, when suddenly I found myself here," Naruto explained, his hands gesturing to emphasize his story. "I woke up near the village, and it didn't take long to realize that I'm in a time long before my own. I've seen the village ruins, and I've even met you, Lady Mito, the first Jinchuriki."
Mito's expression softened, her eyes conveying a mixture of empathy and understanding. "To have traveled through time so unexpectedly must be quite the ordeal. But you've carried the Nine-Tails for all these years, and your knowledge of our clan... I can't ignore the truth in your words."
Naruto nodded, appreciating Mito's willingness to listen. "I'm determined to find a way back to my own time. And while I'm here, I want to learn more about the Uzumaki clan and its history. I want to ensure that the sacrifices and the strength of our clan are never forgotten."
Mito smiled warmly, a blend of pride and sadness in her eyes. "Your resolve and passion remind me of the indomitable spirit of our clan. You carry a heavy burden, Naruto Uzumaki, but also the potential to shape the course of history."
As they talked further, Naruto and Mito's conversation bridged the gap between their eras. The unlikely meeting of these two Uzumaki souls, separated by time yet bound by heritage, marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter that would reverberate across the annals of history.
As the day unfolded, Naruto found himself immersed in the past, guided by the company of Mito Uzumaki. Her presence was both reassuring and surreal, a tangible link to the heritage he had only read about. Mito led him through the village, sharing stories and insights about the Uzumaki clan's history. They explored the remnants of the village, and Naruto marveled at the vibrant energy that once thrived in these now-faded streets.
Mito had arranged for a place for Naruto to stay temporarily, a humble abode that allowed him to settle in amidst the unfamiliar surroundings. The day wore on as they discussed their plans for unraveling the mystery of Naruto's time travel. Mito's wisdom and compassion shone through her guidance, and Naruto found solace in her company.
As the sun began to set, they sat beneath the serene sky, their conversations becoming more personal. Naruto gazed at Mito, a mixture of gratitude and awe in his eyes. "Lady Mito, I can't thank you enough for your help and understanding. I've never met another member of my clan until today. It's... it's truly special."
Mito smiled, her expression warm and compassionate. "Naruto, it's a privilege to meet you as well. To see another Uzumaki, and one who carries the Nine-Tails no less, is a remarkable experience for me too. Our clan is known for its tenacity, its unbreakable spirit, and I see those qualities in you."
Naruto's cheeks tinted with a slight blush, both flattered and humbled by Mito's words. "I've heard stories about the Uzumaki clan, about its strength and the sealing techniques we're known for. Learning about my own heritage is something I've always yearned for."
Mito nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's essential to know where you come from, Naruto. Our clan's history is intertwined with the threads of the shinobi world. As you navigate through this time, I hope you'll uncover not only the secrets of our past but also the strength within yourself."
Naruto's determination burned anew as he met Mito's gaze. "I'll do my best, Lady Mito. I'll find a way to return to my own time, but until then, I'll learn all I can about the Uzumaki clan and honor its legacy."
Mito's smile grew wider, and she placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I have faith in you, Naruto. Your journey is unique, and I believe it will shape both your future and ours."
A/N- This is a Naruto time travel story, where it will end up going, not sure. The whirlpool village seems like a fun thing to mess with. There isn't much given about Uzushiogakure outside of why it was destroyed, we know two villagers too(Mito and Kushina). If you have some original character you want to see tossed into this story. Go ahead and shoot me a pm with their appearance, personality and fighting style and I might be able to do something.