narrator or POV"
"kyuubi"
'kyuubi in mindscape'
'thoughts'
'Imp lines'
"charater names"
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Naruto's POV
All has been razed to the ground, leaving naught but ruins in its wake.
Barren.
Destroyed.
We may have won, but in the process, we lost everything.
All that meets our eyes is a desolate landscape, stripped of its natural beauty, devoid of potable water, its lands infertile, bereft of trees, and under a sky shrouded in darkness or mocked by a crimson moon, casting scorn upon our fate, our ambiguous triumph.
Everything was lost in the "Fourth Shinobi World War", or as we say, the "Second war against Kaguya."
We thought we had won, that we had sealed Kaguya within the moon. However, she managed to escape along with Black Zetsu, launching a surprise attack when we least expected it.
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After sealing Kaguya and reconciling with Sasuke (finally getting the teme! to understand that we're here for him), we settled back into our old lives. We rebuilt and started anew, hoping to leave the war far behind us in our past.
A year later, it all began with a warning from all the tail beasts. They could sense her (Kaguya) better than any human could ever imagine, and Kurama would never lie to me. Then came the attacks on various places in the hidden villages, with planet-sized destructive balls raining down upon the villages. From there, our destruction began...
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It Six years have passed since that fateful day, and in that time, countless lives have been lost in the crucible of battle. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against us, we continue to fight for survival. Days blur into months, and months into years, our once fervent hopes for victory giving way to a grim determination to merely endure, to cling to life for another fleeting moment.
There are few of us left now; only three of the Rookie 12 remain, but we struggle to find purpose after enduring so much loss. Among us are Shikamaru, Sasuke (now fading), and myself. Kakashi is the only surviving sensei, and I am the last Jinchūriki. Bee fell in the final battle with Kaguya, leaving me as the bearer of Gyūki and the other tail beasts. As the original Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, only Kurama can manifest in his human form, a comforting presence amidst the trials we face. I'm unsure if I can endure this without Kakashi and Kurama as my unwavering supports.
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In the first year, we suffered the loss of Hinata and Shino, leaving Kiba and Kurenai sensei devastated by the absence of their comrades. Hinata and Kiba's bond, forged amidst the trials we faced, brought them together in a time of need. Though Hinata had once held feelings for me, I couldn't reciprocate them in the same way. Despite this, I found solace in their newfound love and support for each other, especially in the face of Kaguya's second attack.
In the second year, our casualties continued to rise as we bid farewell to Kiba and Akamaru, Choji, and Tenten. They ventured forth on a mission to aid a distant camp, yet fate cruelly intervened, and they never returned. Team 9 and Team 10 were profoundly affected by their absence.
Ino and Shikamaru had already endured the loss of their sensei, but Choji's demise struck them deeply. His absence weighed heavily on their hearts, a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the ever-present specter of death on the battlefield.
Losing Neji had already left Team 9 reeling, as his sacrifice for me remains a painful memory. And now, with Tenten's absence, Lee and Guy-sensei found themselves grappling with newfound grief and sorrow.
In the 3rd year, Lee perished, leaving Gai sensei devoid of his characteristic smile. Additionally, we mourned the loss of Kurenai sensei and Granny Tsunade
In the 4th year, we suffered the loss of Kazekage (Gaara, one of my closest friend) and his siblings. Shikamaru's heartache deepened with the passing of Temari, threatening to consume him in a maelstrom of despair. Only Ino's steadfast presence kept him anchored to the world, a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.
As the fifth year dawned upon us, our hope began to wane, shrouded in despair as we faced an unexpected onslaught from reanimated shinobi—former comrades turned adversaries. In the wake of the attack, we mourned the loss of beloved friends and respected leaders: Ino, Sakura, Gai-sensei, along with the Raikage, Tsuchikage, and Mizukage. Kakashi remained as the sole surviving Kage, burdened with the weight of leadership in a world torn asunder.
Forced to flee, we embarked on a desperate struggle for survival as the land succumbed to the poison of the God Tree, claiming the lives of many of our shinobi brethren. With each passing day, our numbers dwindled, decimated by relentless assaults from Kaguya's forces and her legions of Zetsu warriors.
After only a handful of our forces remained, the true hunt began. Kaguya, or as we dubbed them, her forces of Zetsu, initiated a merciless onslaught, causing our numbers to plummet drastically.
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We found sanctuary amidst the ruins of Uzushio, my mother's home before Konoha. Seal upon seal adorned its gates and entrances, offering protection against Kaguya's malevolent influence. Yet, the lingering question remained: how long would these safeguards hold? How long until they, too, faltered, leaving us vulnerable to the same fate that befell so many others? Fortunately, the seals provided us with an abundance of food, water, and fertile land—a testament to the foresight of their creators. Strangely, this place seemed untouched by the influence of the God Tree, offering us a rare haven in the midst of chaos.
After weeks of exploration, I stumbled upon an underground bunker or basement—an ancient refuge designed for times of war, intended to shelter children and elders during conflicts. Within its depths lay a vast library brimming with seal knowledge and Uzushio's rich history,( It's fascinating to discover that Uzushio was not just the home to Uzumaki clan, but housed a total of nine distinct clans. Each of them unique in their own right, yet interconnected in ways that were both intriguing and profound.) alongside countless documents detailing political intrigue that I lacked the patience to peruse. A safe, filled to the brim with gold, hinted at the wealth that once flowed through these halls—a stark reminder of the civilization that once thrived here.
Amidst the treasures, I discovered a towering glass case containing a single scroll, its surface adorned with a blood-red seal. Four doors beckoned from the chamber's walls: one leading to a room brimming with weapons of Uzushio's forging, another resembling an office, though it held little of note save for a katana and wakizashi fit for royalty. The third and fourth doors opened onto tunnels that disappeared into darkness, their destinations shrouded in mystery—an enigma I had yet to unravel.
I still vividly recall the first time I held the katana with its red hilt adorned with a fox symbol, its white sheath gleaming in the light. The blade itself was a marvel, adorned with intricate seals that caught the eye. As I tested its weight, I found its edge sharper than any blade I had ever encountered. With a fluid motion, I slashed through the air, feeling the katana effortlessly cleave through space. Its weight was perfectly balanced, allowing for precise strikes without hindrance. I performed a series of practiced moves, and each one felt effortless, the katana responding to my touch as if it were an extension of myself. When I ran my fingers along its blade, I felt a subtle hum, as if the sword itself were alive. With its chakra-conducting blade, perfectly suited to my wind nature, I knew this katana would serve me well in battles to come.
The wakizashi possesses a sleek black-colored sheath with intricate engravings, complemented by a sturdy grey-colored hilt. Instead of the traditional fox symbol, it proudly displays a striking wolf emblem, symbolizing strength and resilience. Along its length, the wakizashi is adorned with seals, meticulously inscribed to facilitate various functions. These seals not only enable the storage and manipulation of chakra but also allow for swift adjustments to chakra nature. Unlike a standard wakizashi, this wakizashi's blade boasts a more slender profile with a sharply pointed tip, perfect for agile and precise strikes in combat. Infused with chakra-conducting properties, the blade hums with latent energy, enhancing its cutting power and versatility. Whether in close-quarters combat or facing opponents with chakra-based advantages, the wakizashi stands as a formidable weapon, ready to serve its wielder with unwavering loyalty and efficiency.
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We all began to clean the place for us to live, and I delved into the art of sealing—a skill I never knew I possessed as an Uzumaki. It was bittersweet to learn about Uzushio and my clan's heritage from Kurama and others who knew about the place, but not much else. Uzushio had been lost in the tides of time after the Second Shinobi World War.
I started training in the Uzumaki sword style with Sasuke's assistance for practice, and also delved into the Uzumaki taijutsu style with guidance from Kakashi and Kurama in his human form --Standing tall at 6'4, Kurama exuded a commanding presence, assisting me with his expertise. His long, bright reddish-orange hair was styled into a loose ponytail with spiked strands framing his face. Cream-colored skin radiated a healthy glow, complementing his features. Golden almond eyes, tinged with hues of red and violet, sparkled with a fierce determination. A pointed nose added refinement to his visage, while full lips curved into a confident smile. Draped in a battle kimono, the fabric was a deep, rich black, adorned with intricate patterns of crimson and gold, hinting at tales of valor and honor. The kimono's sleeves billowed gracefully as he moved, adding a touch of elegance to his martial prowess. Paired with ANBU black pants, the ensemble exuded a sense of strength and readiness for battle, with standard shinobi sandals completing the look.
We trained tirelessly to prepare for the war against Kaguya and to seal her permanently and forever this time. During one of my searches on seals, I stumbled upon a heavily guarded book by chance—a compendium on seals that could manipulate space and time, a concept as difficult as it was intriguing. With seals, anything was possible, and there were many notes and warnings from the author, Uzumaki Asahi. It seemed I had found my focus for the time being.
That night, I mentioned this to the rest of us who were alive—Shikamaru, Kakashi, Sasuke, Kura, and the rest of the tailed beasts, along with other shinobi from different hidden villages. We began delving into time travel seals as a last resort, in case we failed to seal Kaguya or if the situation worsened even after a victory.
I became so immersed in the world of sealing, training, planning, and delving into Uzu's history about all its clans and other things that I often forgot to eat. Thankfully, Kakashi and Kurama never failed to remind me (albeit in a forceful manner, often resorting to threats) to nourish myself. Despite the occasional coercion, it was a time of relative peace amidst the chaos of war
Like this, we lived for a year and two months in Uzushio.
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The Day of Last Battle with Kaguya
After a grueling battle, we succeeded in sealing her and Black Zetsu for the rest of their miserable lives. However, the cost was too steep. It resulted in the near extinction of humans, with Sasuke teetering on the brink of death and Shikamaru faring no better. Despite having stored away tail beast chakra for our time travel seal, I had expended most of my own chakra in the sealing process.
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Yesterday, we reaffirmed our decision to proceed with our plan to alter the past. With nothing left to cling to, even victory against Kaguya would leave us with nothing to live for.
After much discussion, we concluded that all the tail beasts would accompany me, given that they are sealed within me, with the exception of Kurama.This meant that I should be the one to go, but the thought of venturing alone to a time where I'd have only myself was daunting. I doubted my ability to effect any change if I were alone in the past. After considerable protest and contemplation, it was decided that Kakashi would accompany me to ensure I didn't stray from Sasuke's and Shikamaru's intentions. (Seriously, I doubt I could mess up the future that badly. Traitors!)
The discussion ~
Sasuke : Dobe, I believe it's best if you and Kakashi go back to the past.
Naruto : What do you mean by that, teme!? Why us? Why not any of you?
Sasuke : You both have a greater chance of succeeding. Moreover, only you, with the help of your tailed beast chakra, are safe to travel through time and space. And since Kakashi is one of your mates, and because of your connection that allows him to utilize the Kyuubi's chakra to heal, it isn't far-fetched to think it will aid him in the time jump to the past.
Kurama : I think, for once, the Uchiha brat is right, Naru. It's best if you and Kakashi, with us being inside you, go to the past. [Plus, it's for them too. I can't tell you right now, Naru, but after we are in the past, I'll explain. It's for the best if I hide them for now.]
Naruto : But Kurama, what about the others? We can't leave them here. (I was on the verge of tears, ughhh! Why am I crying again? It's like I can't control my emotions nowadays.)
Kashi enveloped me in his arms, and I nestled my face into the crook of his neck, tears streaming down silently. I wept for everyone we were destined to lose tomorrow, for those we had already lost, and for the sacrifices of the shinobi yet to come.
Kakashi : Listen, love, we can't take everyone with us. We don't know how much chakra will be used in tomorrow's fight, and the reserve chakra is only for two people. All the tailed beast chakra will go to protect us during our travel in the space and time field. You know how much chakra it will take, and we don't have that much, Naru, at least not now. But tomorrow we will, but only for us.(Plus, you need more chakra to protect them.)
Shikamaru : Naruto, even if there was a way for us to come, it would have been too troublesome. Going back in time and redoing everything from the beginning would be a drag, and you know how troublesome that would be for me.(Plus, I would like to rest and meet them. Ino, Choji, Sensei, Temari, Tou-san and Kaa-chan, we'll meet soon.) I think Kakashi-san going with you is a bit of a relief. It means you won't do anything stupid like you might have if you had gone alone. But since you're not going alone, I think I could finally rest after tomorrow.
I raised my face from Kakashi's neck and caught sight of Shikamaru's expression. His demeanor was serious, but the tension in his shoulders had dissipated, replaced by a sense of lightness. It seemed as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and he appeared almost relieved.
Naruto : Shikamaru... I think I understand. And I suppose it's for the best. I hope you find your peace, Shikamaru. And you too, Sasuke.
Sasuke : Hn.
Naruto : At what time should we land ?
Sasuke : Before the Uchiha massacre.
Kakashi : Before sensei's and Kushina-nii's death.
Kurama : Hatake is right; we should leave before that good-for-nothing imposter, Uchiha Madara, harms your parents. This way, we can prevent the Uchiha massacre [although I really don't want any Uchiha to survive]. We can save them and prevent your counterpart from becoming a jinchūriki.
Shikamaru : It's best if we prevent the Kyuubi attack—no offense, Kurama—that way we could prevent the death of the Fourth Hokage. If he's alive, I don't think the council will be as messed up as it was in our time. And that means no Uchiha massacre. So, I think after the Third Great Ninja War and after Namikaze Minato becomes Hokage but before your birth, Naruto, is the best possible time to land in the past.
Naruto : Well, it looks like the decision was made then.
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The seal was ready, and the only thing remaining was to wait until enough chakra was stored for two people. That will happen tomorrow. It's a bit like Sakura's storage seal, and we've been storing chakra for a year to safely go back in time. After a small blood sacrifice, it will be all ready to function.
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The Day of Last Battle with Kaguya
In the battle field
Sasuke : sta...start... the..seal..Dobe! (huffing and struggling to breathe) what ...are..you...waiting for?
Naruto : Teme! You're dying. We can't leave you like this.(crying in despair)
Shikamaru : Troublesome! You have to start the seal, you troublesome blond, or else you'll be stuck here with us, and then you won't be able to change anything. (struggling to catch breath) Seriously, this is too troublesome. I just want to sleep. Naruto, we trust you and Kakashi-san to do the right thing. We know you both, with the help of the tailed beasts, can change things for the better and prevent this future from happening. We all trust you, Hokage-sama."
( In the mindscape
Kurama : Naru start the seal by dropping some drops of yours and hatake brat's blood, then we are ready to go.
Matatabi :: You can do it kitten. we all are with you. )
Kakashi : you ready naru?
Naruto : I guess I'm. (Looking at Shikamaru and Sasuke) Thank you, and rest assured, guys, we'll handle it. We will protect everyone. It's a promise, dattebayo!
Sasuke : Hn. Dobe! (Says Sasuke fondly)
Shikamaru : We believe in you Naruto.
Kakashi and I stood at the heart of the fully drawn seal.(Kurama and the others in my mindscape) As I carefully dripped drops of our blood onto the intricate markings, the seal began to shimmer with a silver-blue hue, its glow igniting from the center and radiating outwards towards the corners.
Then came the pain—unbearable pain. It felt as though my entire body was engulfed in flames, and my insides were being squeezed out. It was like being stabbed with senbon all over. The agony was overwhelming, causing my mind to grow hazy as time passed. I lost all sense of where I was. My insides burned, and though I wanted to scream, I couldn't tell if I was making any sound amidst the ringing in my ears. Was someone calling me? Was it Kakashi? I couldn't tell; it felt too distant. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon me, and I could feel my consciousness slipping away. Drifting into sleep, I held onto the promise that I would awaken soon.
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