DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (JUST AN OBLIGATORY REMINDER, I DONT WANT SHUEISHA, SHOUNEN JUMP, AND KISHI BLOWING UP MY PHONE)

Ch.59 - Journey Downstream

- Along the Streets of Konoha -

As the morning sunbathed the streets of Konoha (Hidden Leaf) in a gentle glow, Sarutobi Asuma strode with a mix of curiosity and concern. The unexpected summons from the Hokage (fire shadow) had interrupted his usual routine, leaving him with a nagging sense of anticipation. With each step towards the Hokage Tower, the bustling sounds of the village provided a backdrop to his racing thoughts.

Questions swirled in Asuma's mind as he traversed the familiar path. What urgent matter could demand his immediate attention? Despite the uncertainty, Asuma resolved to focus on the task at hand and uncover the reason behind his summons.

Adjusting the straps of his worn jounin vest, Asuma hastened his pace, eager to unravel the mystery awaiting him. The imposing presence of the Hokage Tower loomed ahead, its towering structure a symbol of the village's steadfast leadership.

- Outside the Hokage's Office -

Arriving at the door to the Hokage's office, Asuma paused, a gesture of respect before entering. With a firm knock, he awaited the familiar voice granting him permission to enter.

"Enter," came the muffled voice of Hiruzen from within the room.

Stepping inside, Asuma found himself face to face with the Hokage (fire shadow), flanked by none other than Jiraiya, one of his father's esteemed students and a member of the Densetsu no Sannin (Legendary Three Ninja). The unexpected sight prompted Asuma's mind to race, connecting the dots that led him to a singular conclusion: this summons likely pertained to Naruto.

As he exchanged glances with Jiraiya and the Hokage (fire shadow), Asuma couldn't help but wonder about his student's performance. Had Naruto met Jiraiya's expectations, earning the esteemed ninja's tutelage? Or had he fallen short, casting doubt on his future as a shinobi and a jinchuriki (power of human sacrifice)?

"You wanted to see me, Hokage-sama?..." Asuma inquired, stepping into the room with a respectful bow.

"Asuma, you're just in time. Take a seat," Hiruzen's voice held a hint of gravity as he gestured towards a chair.

Asuma complied, settling into the seat opposite the Hokage's desk. In front of him sat his father, Hiruzen, while Jiraiya stood nearby, arms crossed. A silent acknowledgment passed between Asuma and Jiraiya, a nod of mutual respect.

"You may be wondering why I summoned you here on such short notice, Asuma..." Hiruzen began, pausing to draw from his pipe.

"I'm guessing this is about Naruto..." Asuma ventured, his tone tinged with concern for his young student.

"It is one of the matters we will be discussing, though I think it is best if we address another topic first," Hiruzen remarked, his tone grave yet measured, as he directed his attention to Jiraiya, prompting him to speak.

Jiraiya, his expression a mask of concern, began to unravel the tale of intrigue that had brought them together. "I'm pretty sure that all three of us are aware of what's been happening at the border. At first, I thought it was nothing more than a mere coincidence, not until I've seen it for myself."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, drawing the rapt attention of both mentor and companion alike.

"Before arriving here in Konoha (Hidden Leaf), I decided to do some investigating myself," Jiraiya continued, his voice tinged with urgency. "And as it turns out, it wasn't just a coincidence. I disguised myself and tagged along with a bunch of travelers. Not much happened during the first few nights really, but when we reached the border, that was when shit hit the fan. The caravan was attacked at night by what seemed to be a group of individuals."

Hiruzen's brow furrowed with concern as he sought clarification. "Were you able to see anything that would allow us to identify these individuals?..."

Jiraiya shook his head, a note of frustration creeping into his voice. "No, it was too dark at the time, and all of them were wearing cloaks. But I did see something that caught my attention. When I grabbed one of the attackers, I was able to see a tattoo of a ring with what seemed to be a triangle in the middle, but that's about it..."

Asuma, ever the pragmatic strategist, interjected with a probing question. "Jiraiya-sama, did the others have the same tattoo as well?..."

Jiraiya's expression darkened, his mind already racing ahead to the implications of his discovery. "No clue, but I do have one theory about what's causing the disappearances," he trailed off, his voice laden with gravity. "I think Orochimaru's behind it."

The mention of Orochimaru's name hung in the air like a dark omen, stirring a sense of unease within the room.

In Konoha (Hidden Leaf), there existed a realm of silence, a collective hush that veiled certain unspeakable truths. Among them, whispered only in the darkest corners and shared with hesitant glances, were the horrors of the past that dared not be uttered aloud.

There were tales untold, locked away in the depths of memory, guarded by the heavy chains of taboo. No soul dared to speak of the fateful night when the Kyuubi (Nine Tails), unleashed its wrath upon the village, leaving devastation in its wake. The mere mention of that night sent shivers down spines and cast a shadow over even the bravest hearts.

Similarly shrouded in silence was the name of the man who spilled the blood of his own kin and left a stain in history of shinobi. A single night, a single act of unfathomable brutality, and an entire clan was snuffed out of existence. The memory of that massacre lingered like a ghost, haunting the minds of those who dared to remember.

And then there was Orochimaru, a name whispered with a mixture of fear and disgust, relegated to the forbidden recesses of conversation. Known far and wide as a psychopath devoid of empathy or remorse, Orochimaru was a figure of abhorrence, infamous for his vile and heinous acts on the living.

Orochimaru knew no bounds in his pursuit of knowledge, his thirst for power driving him to unspeakable depths of depravity. He was a master of the macabre, a twisted scientist whose laboratory knew no discrimination. Whether it be object, animal, or human, age or sex mattered not to him. To fall into his clutches was to face a fate worse than death itself, to become a pawn in his twisted game of experimentation. One would certainly wish for a swift death if that were to happen to them.

Hiruzen's voice, steady yet tinged with apprehension, broke the silence. "What makes you certain about that claim, Jiraiya?..."

Jiraiya met his mentor's gaze head-on, conviction burning bright in his eyes. "I'm not sure, but it does make sense if you think about it. Think about it! Who do we know that's a sick fuck that would benefit from having an abundant supply of test subjects?..."

Asuma nodded in solemn agreement, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. Jiraiya's theory, though unsettling, resonated with a grim truth that none could deny.

"In any case, I'll be following this lead and report back with what I find. I've also heard that there have been disappearances as well happening in Kawa no Kuni (Land of Rivers), no one is still sure if that's connected to what's been happening at the border," Jiraiya explained, his voice carrying a sense of urgency tempered with caution.

"So, you want me to go there and investigate then?..." Asuma asked, his tone reflecting his readiness to embark on the mission.

"Indeed, and if you find anything noteworthy, be sure to report back to me immediately," Hiruzen instructed, his gaze steady as he conveyed the gravity of the situation.

"Though according to some of my contacts, Kawa no Kuni (Land of Rivers) is temporarily on lockdown. Apparently, they've hired some muscle to guard their borders. So, you're gonna need a legitimate reason to enter the country. But... Luckily for you, the Hokage (fire shadow) has already got that covered," Jiraiya revealed, a knowing glint in his eyes as he turned towards Hiruzen.

Hiruzen reached into his desk's drawer, retrieving a scroll which he handed to Asuma with a solemn nod. Asuma recognized the significance of the scroll, a mission scroll, and unfurled it to read its contents. After a moment of perusal, he nodded in acknowledgment, accepting the mission entrusted to him.

"Before I go, I'd like to ask one more thing if that's alright..." Asuma requested, seeking permission to broach a personal matter.

Both Hiruzen and Jiraiya nodded, granting him permission to speak.

"I wanted to ask how Naruto did..." Asuma inquired, his pride for his student evident beneath a veneer of professional composure.

Jiraiya's grin widened as he recounted Naruto's progress, noting the approval he had given for the boy's training. Asuma listened attentively, his heart swelling with pride for his student, though he made a concerted effort to mask his emotions in the presence of his superiors. With a courteous bow, he expressed his gratitude and bid farewell, leaving the office to prepare for his mission.

"Your son's a terrible liar, you know that?..." Jiraiya remarked, his tone laced with amusement as he observed Asuma's attempt to conceal his emotions.

"I am aware of that," Hiruzen replied with a chuckle, taking a sip from his drink.

"So... See any hot chicks lately?..." Jiraiya interjected with a mischievous grin, his abrupt change of subject catching Hiruzen off guard and causing him to sputter in surprise, nearly choking on his drink.

- In Naruto's Apartment -

(Evening)

In the dimly lit room, a haven of tranquility undisturbed save for the soft drip of water against the cool metal basin, Naruto lay in peaceful slumber. The curtains swayed gently in a silent dance, casting fleeting shadows across the serene space. Amidst this tranquil scene, Naruto slept soundly, his rhythmic breaths the only disruption.

Nestled in his bed, Naruto was lost in dreams, a world of his own creation. An open history book borrowed from the archives lay beside him, its pages revealing tales of the Densetsu no Sannin (Legendary Three Ninja). Naruto had delved into these stories with fervor, eager to learn more about his supposed new mentor. Alongside the history book rested a tome on botany, borrowed from Ino's mother, Noriko, after Naruto had devoured the previous volumes she lent him. The night's reading had gently guided him into a peaceful slumber, dressed in soft, sky-blue pajamas that contrasted with his usual vibrancy. Atop his head sat a whimsical sleeping cap, adding a playful touch to his repose.

Beside him, a dakimakura was embraced as if it were a cherished companion. Lost in the depths of sleep, Naruto's rest was so profound that even slumber itself couldn't contain his drool, which trickled onto his pillow like the first drops of rain. Behind closed eyelids, dreams wove their mysterious tapestries, a realm accessible only to him.

- In Naruto's Dream -

"And the winner of this annual ramen-eating contest, the contestant who devoured an astonishing fifty-two bowls of ramen, is... Uzumaki Naruto!" the announcer declared with palpable enthusiasm.

A roaring wave of applause surged through the massive crowd as the hosts of the ramen-eating contest adorned Naruto with a sash and a hat reminiscent of a kage's, except instead of the kanji for fire (火/Hi), it bore the symbol for broth (汁/Broth).

"I DID IT, DATTEBAYO!" Naruto exclaimed; his joy infectious.

"You did it, kid. And since you won, we're giving you your ultimate reward!" Teuchi announced, presenting Naruto with a certificate.

Naruto eagerly accepted the certificate and scanned its contents, his eyes widening with delight. It granted him the privilege to enjoy free ramen not only at Ichiraku's but at all ramen stalls across the elemental nations. A radiant smile spread across Naruto's face. "AWESOME!" he cheered gleefully.

"I hope you have lots of room for ramen in there, Naruto!" Ayame remarked to the blonde with a chuckle.

"Of course there is, Ayame-neechan! Hehehe," Naruto replied, flashing a foxy grin.

"Give it up for the Legendary Ravenous King!" the announcer proclaimed, igniting another wave of wild cheering from the crowd. Chanting echoed throughout the venue.

"NARUTO!"

"NARUTO!"

"NARUTO!"

"NARUTO!" the crowd chanted but then Naruto heard a separate voice calling out to him. "naruto..." the voice said, he glanced around, noticing that neither the crowd nor the announcer, Ayame, and Teuchi seemed to be aware of it.

Ayame, catching Naruto's puzzled expression, furrowed her brow. "What's wrong, Naruto?... You okay?..." she inquired.

"Don't you hear it, Ayame-neechan?..." Naruto's voice quivered with concern as he glanced around, his eyes darting from person to person.

Ayame furrowed her brow, puzzled by Naruto's distress. "Hear what exactly?..."

"It sounded like someone called my name..." Naruto's explanation was cut short by the voice yet again as it called out to him a second time, "Naruto..." the voice said with a low and ancient voice.

"I heard it again!" Naruto's exclamation hung in the air, but Ayame's expression remained placid, unaffected by the voice that seemed to call out to Naruto.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Naruto. Though, you don't look well. Here, have some ramen. It'll make you feel better," Ayame's words came with a warm smile, a gentle offering amidst his confusion.

Naruto's then accepted the steaming bowl of ramen from Ayame's outstretched hand, the savory aroma wafting temptingly to his nostrils. Despite having already devoured an astonishing 52 bowls, his stomach remained a vast, bottomless pit, seemingly insatiable. As he prepared to indulge in yet another serving, his gaze fell upon a curious sight within the broth—a crimson eye with ominous black slits, staring back at him from the depths of the ramen.

A shiver ran down Naruto's spine as he blinked in disbelief, the apparition vanishing as suddenly as it had appeared. His cerulean eyes widened in bewilderment, darting around the bustling ramen stand in search of any clue to the bizarre occurrence. Yet, there was nothing out of the ordinary to be seen. With a shake of his head, Naruto dismissed the strange vision as a trick of the light or perhaps a product of his overactive imagination.

Before he could ponder the matter further, a tap on his back jolted him from his thoughts. Whirling around, he found himself face-to-face with empty air, confusion furrowing his brow. As he turned around once more, a sudden disorientation washed over him, and in the blink of an eye, the familiar surroundings earlier vanished, replaced by an unfamiliar, dimly lit chamber submerged in ankle-deep water.

Naruto's gaze swept the shadowy confines of the room, his breath catching in his throat as he realized he was utterly alone. The only discernible feature was a solid concrete wall looming behind him, while ahead lay naught but impenetrable darkness. Uncertainty gnawed at him as he hesitated, unsure of what lay ahead in the abyss.

Frustration crept in as Naruto attempted to summon his chakra, only to find it inexplicably dormant, like a flickering flame struggling to ignite. Left with no other recourse, he steeled himself and plunged forward into the murky unknown, each step sending ripples cascading through the water.

Minutes stretched into eternity as Naruto pressed on, the darkness swallowing him whole, his sense of direction lost amidst the void. And then, from the depths of the abyss, a voice pierced the silence—an ancient, otherworldly resonance that seemed to echo through the very fabric of reality.

"Naruto..."

The sound reverberated through the chamber, sending a chill down Naruto's spine, his heart hammering in his chest.

"NARUTO..."

The voice repeated his name, each syllable dripping with a haunting resonance that seemed to claw at his consciousness.

"NARUTOOOOOO!"

The final cry was a thunderous roar, a command that reverberated with the primordial essence of the darkness itself. And as the voice thundered his name once more, Naruto felt himself being dragged inexorably downward, swallowed by the unfathomable depths below.

- Outside of Naruto's Dream -

Naruto's slumber was abruptly shattered as he jolted awake, his bleary eyes struggling to focus on the clock hanging on the wall. Morning light filtered through the window, casting a soft glow across his cluttered bed. Amidst the peaceful solitude of dawn, a series of urgent knocks echoed through the silence, accompanied by the unmistakable voice of Ino calling out his name.

"NARUTO!"

With a groan, Naruto pushed himself upright, rubbing his eyes in a futile attempt to banish the remnants of sleep. The incessant pounding on his door persisted, each rap growing more insistent than the last. Resigned to the inevitable interruption, he dragged himself out of bed and trudged towards the source of the commotion.

With a creak, the door swung open, revealing Ino standing on the other side, her blonde hair tousled and her expression a mix of impatience and annoyance.

"What's with you and making me wait out here?..." she demanded; her voice tinged with irritation. "I've been knocking on your door for twenty minutes now..."

Naruto offered a sheepish shrug, his messy appearance a testament to his abrupt awakening. He spared a glance down the hallway, relieved to find the corridor empty save for their two figures.

"And what's with you always banging on my door so early in the morning?..." he mumbled, stifling a yawn. "I... just woke up... What're you doing here, though?" His curiosity piqued; Naruto couldn't help but wonder what had prompted Ino's early morning visit. As far as he knew, there were no impending shop shifts, training sessions, or missions scheduled for the day.

"Get your stuff ready," Ino instructed, her tone brisk and decisive.

"What for?..." Naruto's voice was laden with confusion as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep.

"Asuma-sensei told us to meet him at the gate; there's been a change of plans," Ino explained, her words falling on ears still heavy with drowsiness. However, her explanation was interrupted by a sight that caused her frustration to mount: Naruto, on the verge of dozing off once more as she spoke.

Ino's patience wore thin as she snapped her fingers in front of Naruto. "Naruto! Naruto! Were you even listening to a thing I said?!..." Her exasperation was palpable, causing Naruto to startle awake.

"What- I'm up! I'm up!..." Naruto's response was hurried, his senses finally fully alert. Ino rolled her eyes at his antics, a gesture that spoke volumes of her annoyance. With a pointed glance, she reminded Naruto of their impending departure, informing him that she would wait for him just outside his apartment complex so they could walk together to the gate.

- Moments Later -

"Yo!" Naruto greeted with a grin as he emerged from the apartment complex, his steps filled with a newfound energy. It had taken him a good twenty minutes to freshen up and gather the essentials he would need for their impending journey beyond the village walls.

Ino's gaze drifted toward her companion, noting the subtle yet significant change in Naruto's attire. Gone were the clothes they had picked out together in the past, replaced now by a white shirt emblazoned with the familiar symbol from his original jacket. Beneath it, a green long-sleeved shirt peeked out, its sleeves extending to cover his wrists. The rest of his ensemble remained unchanged, the familiar pants a constant reminder of their shared past.

For a moment, Ino found herself lost in thought, her gaze lingering on Naruto as she pondered the enigma he presented. There was something about him, she realized, something that piqued her interest in ways she couldn't quite articulate. However, her reverie was abruptly interrupted by Naruto's voice calling out to her.

"Ino... Ino... You good?" Naruto's concern broke through her musings, prompting her to shake off her momentary distraction.

"Huh... Wha- Y-Yeah, I'm good, Naruto... Let's go?..." Ino replied, her attempt to deflect attention from her lapse in focus evident in her hurried response.

"Sure..." Naruto replied, opting to let the momentary lapse in conversation slide without further comment. With a nonchalant shrug, he fell into step beside Ino, their shared destination looming ahead as they ventured toward the village gate.

- Near The Gate -

As the two blondes made their way toward the village gates, they were surprised to find Shino and their sensei, Asuma, already waiting for them. It was yet another rare occurrence for Asuma to be punctual, and both Naruto and Ino couldn't help but express their astonishment.

"Someone's early..." Ino teased, prompting a chuckle from Naruto and an eye roll from Asuma.

"Sorry for the short notice, guys. I know I said we wouldn't be taking any missions outside the village, but this is an exception. Hokage-sama wants this to be dealt with as soon as possible," Asuma explained, earning nods of understanding from both blondes.

Naruto then noticed that there were two boxes placed on a bench behind Asuma and Shino, "Asuma-sensei, what's with the boxes?..." Naruto asked.

"Oh, those are just some stuff we have to deliver," Asuma explained earning another nod from both Ino and Naruto.

"That's it?... We're just going to deliver those?..." Ino asked.

"Not necessarily, I'm told that our client needed help with some stuff as well," Asuma answered.

"So... where are we headed, Asuma-sensei?..." Naruto inquired.

"We're heading to Kawa no Kuni (Land of Rivers), and no, we won't be stopping by the bathhouses there," Asuma replied preemptively, anticipating the mischief brewing in his students' minds.

"But you haven't even considered it!" Naruto protested, with Ino echoing his sentiment.

"Yeah!" Ino piled on.

"Fine, I'll think about it..." Asuma pretended to mull it over for a moment before giving a firm response, "The answer's no."

"Maybe next time..." Asuma offered, only to be met with grumbling from both Naruto and Ino. He sighed in exasperation, but then felt a comforting pat on his back from Shino, a silent gesture of understanding.

(A/N: It's been a while since I actually wrote that Naruto was reading a book though that doesn't mean he stopped reading during the previous chapters, in my mind he still reads here and there, typically botany stuff, some fuinjutsu here and there, as well as some other stuff; recall the chapter that took place in the archives. Also, another Naruto dream haha XD. Hope y'all are still enjoying the story, I hope that the pace I'm going on is just right. Also saw a review that said they skipped the Team 8 arc, I understand though I'm still going to make chapters like those since I intended for this fic to be a world-building one where I get to explore tons of stuff. And I'm having fun remixing, rehashing, and REIMAGINING the events of canon to produce some rather fun stuff haha. Regardless, show me some love y'all, take care, and cheers! ^^)