Chapter 14: Leaving Kamurodate

Chapter Summary: The mission in Kamurodate comes to a close.

Words: 2,908

Published: 12/19/23

Kurenai gathered her team together, preparing them for the discreet mission of freeing Sazanami from custody in the hospital.

"Alright, everyone, we're going to move quickly and quietly to get Sazanami out. If all goes according to plan, we can get Sazanami out without raising any alarms."

Naruto, eager to join the mission, couldn't help but speak up. "Kurenai-sensei, I can help. I know the hospital layout, and..."

Kurenai interrupted him with a regretful tone, realizing the risk of his presence being recognized. "Naruto, as much as I appreciate your willingness to help, we can't risk you being recognized. We'll handle this."

Naruto reluctantly nodded, understanding the necessity of keeping a low profile in the situation. He knew that even if he was eager to join, he needed to avoid any potential complications.

As the team left on their mission to free Sazanami from custody, Naruto decided to go out on his own. He couldn't shake the feeling that he might stumble upon a sign of Itachi. With a determined look, he ventured out into the bustling streets of Kamurodate.

.

.

.

City

Naruto stood atop a building in the heart of Kamurodate, watching the frantic and panicked people rushing about below. The city's streets were a whirlwind of activity, but he remained still, his senses on high alert. He couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, as if he stood on the cusp of another grand adventure, ready to unravel the mysteries that shrouded his existence.

The world around him seemed to pulse with purpose and intrigue, and he wondered if the answers he sought were just beyond his grasp. There was an aura of mystery that had always surrounded him, a sense of destiny and purpose that had carried him through countless trials.

Naruto couldn't help but reflect on his journey, the battles he had fought, the friends he had made, and the challenges that still lay ahead. He questioned whether he was on the verge of another revelation, another step towards understanding the complexities of his own life.

With his eyes fixed on the city below, he couldn't help but feel that he was standing at the crossroads of destiny, ready to embark on another journey of self-discovery and adventure, if it was to come at this moment.

.

.

.

Afternoon

Naruto returned to the hotel with a tinge of disappointment, as his venture through the bustling city had yielded no significant clues about Itachi's whereabouts, nor intentions. As he entered, he found his team soon followed, and Sazanami, though weak, was able to stand with their assistance.

Kurenai sat Sazanami down and began explaining the plan. "Sazanami, the man we were chasing was imitating the thief. He murdered the true thief and buried him, and led us to his grave. We're going to have you tell the police that you stumbled upon the thief's body and then lead the police to the location. It will help to clear your name and ensure you're not pursued as a wanted man any longer."

Sazanami, understanding the gist of the plan, nodded in agreement, not pushing his questions about the body. "I'll do it. It's the best way to prove my innocence and finally put this behind me."

The team proceeded to prepare for the next phase of their mission, working together to carry out the plan that would hopefully bring resolution for Sazanami and justice for the city of Kamurodate.

.

.

.

Evening

The team executed the plan flawlessly, and soon, the police were on their way to the location where Sazanami had supposedly stumbled upon the thief's body. With the evidence found, Sazanami's bounty would be bargained against, his slate wiped clean, and justice served.

As they were about to part ways, Sazanami expressed his gratitude to the team.

Sazanami: "I can't thank you all enough for what you've done. You've given me a chance to start over and clear my name. I owe you everything."

Kurenai and her team exchanged smiles with Sazanami, knowing that they had made a difference in his life.

Kurenai: "You don't owe us anything, Sazanami. We were happy to help."

With heartfelt thanks and a sense of accomplishment, the team bid Sazanami farewell, leaving him to face a new beginning with the weight of false accusations lifted from his shoulders.

.

.

.

Nighttime

As they made their way back to the village, Naruto's mind was abuzz with thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling that Itachi's actions had a purpose, a reason beyond what he could fathom. He mulled it over as he walked, deep in thought.

As they returned to the village, Naruto couldn't help but wonder what role Itachi played in the grand tapestry of his life and what the future held for him. The mysteries that surrounded his existence continued to gnaw at his curiosity, urging him to seek out the truth that remained just out of his grasp.

Naruto's reasoning led him to a curious conclusion.

Itachi isn't necessarily pulling any strings in my life, he's just presenting himself for some mysterious purpose.

The idea that Itachi's actions were somehow intertwined with his own destiny lingered in his mind regardless, leaving him with more questions than answers.

.

Hokage's Office

Naruto and Team 8 gathered at Tsunade's office to report the outcome of their mission. Kurenai stepped forward to deliver the report. "Madam Hokage, we searched Kamurodate, met a bounty hunter named Sazanami, and encountered Itachi Uchiha, of all people. We managed to lead the authorities to the thief's location, which helped clear Sazanami's bounty."

As Kurenai continued, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise as she shared the full truth of their mission, even the reburial of the thief and their role in Sazanami's escape and achieving the bounty. "Furthermore, Itachi, for some reason, led us to the thief's corpse. We reburied the body and broke Sazanami out of custody to allow him to take credit for the discovery to mitigate his own bounty."

Tsunade listened carefully, her expression thoughtful as she considered the report. She appreciated the honesty and thoroughness of her ninja. "Thank you for the detailed report, Kurenai. It seems like you've handled the mission well. Naruto, your involvement in this mission was also commendable."

Naruto nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment as he contributed to the team's success and upheld the village's ideals of justice and integrity.

Nonetheless, Tsunade's concern over Itachi's presence was evident, and she wanted to make sure her team was well-prepared. "Itachi's appearance in your mission is troubling. He's not to be underestimated. Be cautious, especially you, Naruto. He has a knack for showing up unexpectedly."

Naruto nodded, fully aware of the potential danger posed by Itachi. He knew that he needed to be vigilant and prepared for any future encounters with the enigmatic Uchiha. "Don't worry, Granny. We'll be on our guard."

Tsunade acknowledged his determination and urged them to continue to report any developments related to Itachi. With that, they left her office, ready to face the mysteries and challenges that lay ahead.

As they left Tsunade's office, a light-hearted moment passed among the members of Team 8. Naruto's nickname for Tsunade had become a source of amusement for them.

Kiba remarked, "Granny, huh? You never run out of nicknames, do you, Naruto?"

Naruto chuckled, shrugging off the comment. His relationship with the Hokage was unique, and the nickname was just one aspect of it. "Well, you gotta keep things interesting, right?"

The team shared a laugh, appreciating the camaraderie and humor that often accompanied their missions and interactions.

.

.

.

Leaf General

Naruto paid a visit to the hospital to check on his friends and fellow ninjas. He saw Lee, Neji, and Anko still bedridden, recovering from their respective injuries. After a brief look, he decided to leave, not wanting to disturb their rest. He couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that they were on the road to recovery, and he hoped to see them back in action soon.

I wonder how Anko's gonna react when she finds out about the new pad.

Seeing that it was well past midnight by this point, Naruto returned to his own apartment to shower and sleep.

.

.

.

Next Morning

Naruto sought and spotted Sakura at Team 7's training ground, and he was anxious to share the details of his recent mission. He approached her, and with a somewhat serious expression, he recounted the events.

Sakura asked, "Are you okay?"

Naruto nodded, but there was still a hint of unease in his voice. "Yeah, we're fine, but it's just... Itachi's presence is unsettling. Even knowing that he's out there, somewhere... I can't help but worry about what he's up to."

Sakura reached out to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know it's not easy, Naruto, but you've faced tough challenges before. You're strong, and you have friends you can rely on. We're all here for you. I'm here for you."

Naruto appreciated Sakura's comforting words, and her presence helped ease some of his worries. "Thanks, Sakura. I guess I just need to stay vigilant and not let Itachi get the best of me."

Sakura smiled, a mix of pride and concern in her eyes. "That's the spirit, Naruto. We're in this together, and we'll keep each other safe."

Naruto nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination, and grateful for the support Sakura provided.

Then, Sakura delivered the news about Sasuke's punishment, and Naruto couldn't hide his shock at the relatively light sentence. He frowned, feeling a mixture of frustration and helplessness.

Bewildered, he repeated, "One year of house arrest and two years of limited movement? That's it? After he murdered Shisui?"

Sakura sighed, understanding his frustration, but also the complicated nature of the situation. "I know, Naruto, it seems lenient. Lady Tsunade admitted that the Uchiha clan's history played a significant role in the verdict. It's not just about Sasuke."

Naruto couldn't help but shake his head, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "It's just... it's like he's getting away with it. And what can I do about it anyway?"

Sakura reached out to place a reassuring hand on his arm. "Naruto, you did what you could. Your statement was crucial in the trial, and you told me that you couldn't handle the responsibility to decide the punishment. Trust that things will work out, even if we don't see how right now."

Naruto nodded, his frustration not completely eased but realizing the truth in Sakura's words. "I guess you're right. I just hope he doesn't do anything reckless during that time."

Sakura nodded in agreement, knowing that Sasuke's actions would continue to affect their lives in unpredictable ways. "We'll keep an eye on him, Naruto. We'll face whatever challenges come our way together."

Naruto couldn't help but smile, appreciating Sakura's support and the unbreakable bond they shared as teammates and friends.

"Where's he right now?"

"In custody. The authorities want to go through an arraignment process before letting him out; he should be back within the week."

Naruto, now sitting on a bench, took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. He turned to Sakura, an expression of seriousness on his face. "Sakura, there's something I forgot to tell you. Shisui...before he passed away, he left me something, and it's a big responsibility."

Sakura looked at him, curiosity and concern in her eyes. "What did he leave you, Naruto?"

Naruto sighed, trying to find the right words to explain. "He left me his apartment, the one he shared with Sasuke. He wanted me to take care of it, and he said I should share it with Anko."

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, and then it all started to make sense to her. The responsibility he was carrying, the conflicting emotions about Sasuke, and the weight of Shisui's request. "Naruto, that's a huge responsibility.. I can see why you've been feeling so conflicted. It's a lot to take on, especially with everything that's been happening."

Naruto nodded, appreciating Sakura's understanding. "Yeah, it is. But I promised Shisui I'd take care of 'the Uchiha legacy', whatever that means, and I don't want to let him down, y'know."

Sakura smiled, realizing the depth of Naruto's commitment and the importance of honoring Shisui's memory. "Naruto... Whatever decision you make, I'm here to support you."

Naruto's expression softened, and he felt a sense of relief in having shared this burden with Sakura. "Thanks, Sakura. You're the best."

They shared a smile, knowing that they would support each other through whatever challenges lay ahead.

Sakura added, "On that note, there's something else I need to tell you, too. I asked Lady Tsunade to take me as her student in medical jutsu, and she's accepted."

Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement when he heard Sakura's news. "That's amazing, Sakura! Granny as your mentor? You're gonna become an incredible medic!"

Sakura blushed, appreciating Naruto's enthusiasm. "I hope so, Naruto. It's a big opportunity, and I'll do my best to make the most of it."

Naruto nodded, feeling proud of his friend's determination. "I know you'll do great, Sakura. You've always been dedicated and hardworking."

Sakura smiled at Naruto's words, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for her future as a medical ninja. "How about we celebrate your success in the mission with some ramen, Naruto?"

Naruto's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Ramen? You know I can't say no to that! Let's go, Sakura!"

.

.

.

Ichiraku Ramen

They walked together to their favorite ramen shop, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed each other's company and the delicious ramen, temporarily putting aside the weight of their responsibilities and the mysteries surrounding them.

Naruto leaned in closer, a thoughtful look in his eyes as he spoke with sincerity to Sakura, Teuchi, and Ayame. "You know, I can't help but feel like something big is on the horizon. It's like I'm standing at a crossroads, and I can't quite see which path to take. I've come so far, and I've learned so much, but sometimes I wonder if my future will be filled with happiness and achievements or if it's gonna be a tough road with few moments of joy."

Sakura and the ramen stand owners exchanged glances, understanding the weight of Naruto's words. "Naruto, you've already faced so much and accomplished incredible things. No matter what comes your way, you have the strength to handle it. And you're not alone; I'll say it as often as I have to: you have friends who will always be there to support you."

Teuchi paused, a contemplative expression on his face as he offered his words of wisdom to Naruto. "Naruto, life is a bit like this ramen I make. It's not what you put into it that matters most, it's what you get out of it. You can have your fair share of broth, noodles, and toppings, but it's how you savor each bite that defines your experience. You have the power to choose your perspective, to find happiness even in the face of adversity."

Naruto listened intently, taking in the ramen chef's advice. The man continued, "Sometimes, life will serve you challenges and setbacks, just like a bowl of hot ramen might burn your tongue. But that doesn't mean the whole meal is ruined. It's those little moments of joy, the warmth of friendships, and the hope you carry with you that will make your journey meaningful. Don't forget that, Naruto."

Naruto's eyes sparkled with a newfound determination as he nodded in agreement. "You're right, Teuchi. I can't control everything that happens, but I can control how I react to it. I'll make sure to savor the good parts of life and keep moving forward, no matter what."

The ramen chef's smile was filled with pride as he continued to serve up their meal, knowing that the young ninja had absorbed the valuable life lesson he'd shared.

Ayame nodded, her eyes filled with warmth. "You've brought smiles to so many people in this village, Naruto. Your future will be as bright as the sun, I'm sure of it."

Naruto looked touched by her words, even if they were cheesy, a small smile gracing his face. "Thanks, everyone. I guess it's all a part of growing up, right? I won't stop believing in myself and working hard. Whatever lies ahead, I'm going to face it head-on."

They continued to enjoy their ramen, savoring the warmth and comfort of the moment, reassured by the bonds they shared and the unbreakable spirit of the future Hokage.