On the Nature of Man

Uzumaki Naruto slumbered and he saw.

There was a strange power coursing through him, something he could only call change.

It was an awe-inspiring power, it was a power that felt alien, and one that felt familiar all the same.

He understood it with certainty, now: the kami had created Earth and several other planets, long ago. There was an echo of that same power coursing through Earth, and only now did he see it fully.

He saw some of the patterns, some of the secrets too.

Kami destroyed, kami created.

With celestial hands, they had woven the fabric of Earth, spun the tapestry of the sky, and carved land from the void.

Mountains manifested from hardened vapor, oceans swelled from divine weeping. Trees budded forth from hushed utterances, while winds carried the echo of divine sighs.

Stars held a fragment of their brilliance still, scattered across the heavens to illuminate the dark. The first creatures were their breath, given shape and purpose.

But, just as they brought forth life and beauty, they also brought forth disaster and ruin.

The quakes that resulted from their shivers, the storms that were conjured from their sadness. The eruptions that birthed from their rage, the droughts that were the outcome of their silence.

Each destruction was supposedly a path to a new beginning. After the storm, there was calm; in the wake of the fire, new life bloomed. Even in devastation, the seeds of creation were sown, underscoring the cycle of existence.

That was how the kami saw it.

Quite frankly, Uzumaki Naruto disagreed.

ABOVE THE SILENT HEAVENS

Celestial Ring, Umi

"How's his fever?" Toru asked.

"Hasn't gone down." Ino answered.

"…Sakura once told me it happens to him all the time — and that he's pretty fragile." He stated.

The ghost of a smile spread upon Ino's lips. "That sounds like what Forehead would say, yeah."

"Is it true?"

"No." Ino snorted. "It happened a grand total of five times, or so. He will get up soon, I know it." She said, with complete confidence. "Besides, he was very weak when he…" She trailed off.

"Yeah." Toru said dryly. "Decided to take in two pieces. He can never stop himself from one-upping everybody else, can he…? I remember that time in the Academy—"

Toru cut himself off as a large chakra was focused, and then released.

Soon after, the house seemed to shake.

Ino growled. "…Okay, what the fuck does he think—"

"…Yeah, it definitely felt like his chakra signature." Toru muttered.

They stepped outside to find Naruto standing by the lake, his eyes wide in wonder. Surprised at the ease with which he had manipulated and split the water in front of him, likely.

Water, one of the two elements that had still mostly eluded him.

And he was so full of sheer relief, too. Ino understood the reason for both things, as he slipped back into a loose shirt: the marks upon his back, which had bound him to the kami…

They were gone entirely. And so were the ones on his arms; there was nothing but perfect, unblemished skin there.

He was free from this at last.

Had he done this right now…? Had they faded on their own after taking in the essence…?

There was another question on Ino's mind.

"Which part of resting did you not get?!" Ino asked, sounding quite frustrated with him.

It didn't prevent her from running over to him and embracing him, if a bit too tightly.

"Sorry." Naruto smiled a bit wearily. "I just…" He trailed off. "Couldn't find sleep."

Ino paused.

"I've noticed… about her." She said. "I'm sorry."

He closed his eyes and said nothing for a little while. "…I'll sort this out."

Ino just nodded. "I know you will."

Naruto struggled with where to begin. And without his newfound understanding, he probably would have been left in the dark entirely.

The kami didn't typically find much use for captured souls; those souls didn't generate usable faith, which was their true power source.

While trapped souls could expand the inner scope of a kami's realm, they didn't fortify its connection to the physical world, unlike the faith from living people. This meant Yoisen could either be free or imprisoned in a place so remote that it would require all ten of them to reach her.

His concern must have been evident on his face, or perhaps she had sensed his thoughts.

"…I have taken the time to look into it." Ino said. "The people that the butterfly kami took, if it bothered with taking them at all… their souls must have been released upon its shattering. To Naraka. And to the Pure Lands."

Relief.

It came as a wave that nearly felt dizzying.

Naruto took a deep, long breath, closing his eyes. "…Thank you, Ino. It's…"

"It's nothing."

They were still dead, and so were the people taken by Susanoo. Those, there was nothing to be done about.

There was an uncomfortable silence.

"Look…" Toru sighed. "I have to ask."

"First…" Naruto glanced at him. "How long have I been sleeping?"

Toru closed his eyes with a long sigh too, making Naruto pause.

"…You've been in a coma for six years." Toru said.

Ice churned in Naruto's gut. "What…?" He breathed out.

"Toru, for fuck's sake!" Ino growled. "He's fucking with you, Naruto — Now, really?!"

Naruto let out a choked sound. And in spite of himself, a helpless chuckle escaped him; his first laugh of the day. Ino, who sighed, soon followed.

"My bad, my bad." Toru apologized. There was nothing in his expression that indicated that he meant it — and Naruto was laughing, so he considered it a win. "Not that long at all, princess." Toru shook his head. "A day and some."

Naruto nodded.

"That's already too long." He said, and motioned at the dark void of space, high above them. "I assume that's what you wanted to ask about?"

They both followed the finger, staring at the pitch-black sky.

"Yes." Toru said, quite dryly. "The sky. Not everything else — not this strange feeling coursing through me. The sky. We've been floating up here in the middle of nothing for the entire time." Toru then sighed. "I know you, and I know Orochimaru. Are we landing somewhere…? Did you find some safe place where we're sure these assholes won't find us?"

Naruto smiled mirthlessly. "No, not exactly."

Toru palmed his face. "…Fuck."

"That's why we'll make it here." Naruto finished.

Silence.

"Oh, just that, then." Toru nodded calmly. "…Are you fucking kidding me?!"

"No. How bad is the situation down there, exactly, Ino…?" Naruto asked. "I… have a feeling, but…"

Ino winced. "Bad." She said. "I saw what Susanoo's strike did to the land. It's not something we can fix."

Naruto made a weary sound. "I had hoped that with all of us, maybe…"

"Karin said that the 'wound' threatening Earth isn't a physical cut like a traditional sword would make. It's more like… a tear in the very fabric of existence, a disruption in space-time itself.

"It's not a matter of mending a physical wound, but trying to stabilize a fracture in reality. We have been trying to do it anyway, but…"

Her eyes flickered to their faces, her gaze hard. "As I said, the blow didn't just scar the land, it scarred reality. We don't believe it's something we can fix with just a bigger amount of… divine power. Or warping the planet away. From what we understand, it's propagating."

Naruto crossed his arms.

"How far? Could it reach beyond Earth?"

Ino shook her head. "The strike from the Kami was targeted. It's unlikely to deviate from its path or suddenly expand that much more. As far as we can understand, it is confined to Earth."

Naruto smiled slightly. "Good."

Toru raised an eyebrow. "…Which part of it is good?" Naruto turned around. "…Right, walk away from me."

Naruto chuckled. "We're changing homes. Earth was not a very welcoming place anyway, what with all these ties to the kami."

"…You saw it too?" Toru asked. "I thought it was some strange sharingan dream again — they can be really weird."

"I did." Naruto nodded. "Possibly more than you, considering the size of that thing I took in—"

"Phrasing."

"…For fuck's sake. Now, really…?" Naruto grunted.

Toru made a face. "I can't help it, I'm fucking nervous — My bad."

"…What now?" Ino asked.

"I need to go see Orochimaru." Naruto stated. "If we're this far from Earth already, I suppose you are moving along with the contingency plan anyway. We're going to need to rally the cities, then."

"We are in contact with them." Ino nodded.

"Good. Are they close?"

"Not that much, they drifted away a fair distance. Monitored, and coming closer the slow way — saving up on chakra, just in case they need to make an emergency exit."

"I see. Is Earth being monitored as well, right now? The last thing we need is another kami stepping in the chaos—"

"Of course it is." Ino nearly scoffed. "We are ready."

"Thank you." Naruto sighed in relief. "Let's bring everyone else here, then."

"Everyone…?" Toru raised an eyebrow. "There were several millions of people living on Earth."

"That's right." Naruto nodded. "And now, there are going to be several millions of people living outside of it."

…

The group of three warped straight into the Heaven meeting room, where most of the Umi leadership were gathered.

And other leaders, some through astral projection.

Orochimaru sighed. "Please do not do that—"

"Thank you for holding the fort." Naruto nodded gratefully. "Thank you, all of you."

There were some who looked a bit uncomfortable at hearing his gratitude. They had seen the horrors down there, and being thanked simply felt… strange.

Orochimaru, on the other hand, waved his hand. "Certainly. I was not about to be caught risking my skin in this sort of battle, of course."

"That's just not true." Ino said. "You went."

"To reap the rewards, of course." Naruto stated, wryly.

"I was interested, before. I find divinity to be quite overrated, in truth." Orochimaru said.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Yet you spent your life chasing immortality."

"And I obtained it, yes. Hence why this feels so underwhelming." Orochimaru stated. "I feel… nearly the same as I did before." Then, leaning forward, he spoke in more serious tones. "Anko and Kaitaro have been pretty busy. Now… Are you aware of the situation down there?"

Naruto nodded, signaling for the meeting to proceed. "Not with the details."

Tanabe Mai stepped forward. "Our scouts report that Earth's condition is worsening. The aftermath of the battle with the kami has forced the planet's decay. The number of safe zones is shrinking rapidly. We have begun evacuating the people at risk."

Naruto's face became carefully blank. "Estimated time before total collapse?"

"Our best estimate is two weeks, give or take."

Murmurs echoed through the room, but Naruto raised his hand for silence. "And this evacuation?"

"In total, since the kami's very appearance, we've managed to evacuate approximately forty percent of the population to the floating cities." Mai said.

Unsaid went the fact that they needed to speed up the process. The cities had been one thing, to gather all the remaining people would be another.

Uchiha Itachi, who had been silent until then, finally spoke, almost looking hesitant as he did. "…Any solutions? How long are we to remain in space?"

Toru gave Naruto the side-eye.

"Indefinitely." Naruto stated.

Silence in the room.

Itachi, who had suspected it, just sighed.

"There's no telling what the kami might consider an offense next." Naruto said wryly. "It was me, this time. It was a general lack of faith, the time before that. I won't take any chances."

"Is here the safest place…?" Itachi asked quietly.

"It is the best we can manage, as of now." Naruto nodded. "And we'll make sure it is entirely."

Recognition shone in Itachi's eyes. "…A domain, then?"

"Yes."

"Is it possible?"

"There's only one way to find out."

Silence.

Naruto met Kaitaro's eyes briefly. An unspoken understanding passed between them.

"Our top priority must be the safety and survival of our people." Naruto began. "We need to focus our efforts on large-scale evacuation and settling on the Celestial Cities. Kaitaro, what resources will be required?"

Kaitaro stepped forward. "To manage the evacuation effectively, we must account for every individual, provide for their basic needs, and maintain order. Teleportation capabilities will need to be expanded significantly."

Naruto nodded. "Tsunade, the medical corps must be prepared to handle any situations during or after the evacuation. Mobile medical units and strict hygiene standards across the Celestial Ring will be essential."

He turned to Orochimaru. "As settlement begins, infrastructure like habitation zones and support systems for necessities like food and water will need rapid expansion. Work with your engineers to develop scalable designs we can build upon."

Next, Naruto addressed Itachi. "Efficient resource allocation and management will be critical with our limited supplies and growing population. Coordinate with all present to optimize usage."

Briefly updating the group on Karin, Sasuke and Hanabi monitoring events on Earth, Naruto then focused on Orochimaru. "Your research and development teams will play a vital role. Enlist your best scientists and engineers from sectors R1 to 3 and E1 to 3 to enlarge the Outer Ring as designed."

Kaitaro spoke up. "Education and training programs must be implemented to teach survival skills, emergency response, and new technologies as soon as possible."

Naruto turned to Ino. "Transparent communication will be needed to avoid panic. The people must be kept informed of our actions and goals."

Finally, he addressed Orochimaru once more. "What challenges and impacts can we expect from this transition process?"

Orochimaru motioned toward Aruni, who stayed silent.

"We won't duplicate your technologies." Naruto said, exhaling softly. "We have plans already. But if we can learn from your own journey…"

The Eldar pondered his words.

Naruto tried a different angle — and he definitely was considering having Toru simply force him to tell, circumstances were that dire.

"Your people have been traveling this way for longer than humans in your world, haven't they?"

Aruni scoffed lightly. "Indeed. The Aeldari have navigated the stars for eons, far longer than any mon-keigh. Do not mistake this for a simple voyage."

"Great. Then you can help. One problem at a time." Naruto frowned. "Let's start with life support and resources. How did you manage?"

Aruni raised an eyebrow. "An apt place to start, I suppose. Our craftworlds are self-sustaining, a testament to the ingenuity of my people. A feat that took many cycles to perfect."

Naruto waved it off.

"We have access to the sort of powers I assume your people did not have." He said. "And no time at all."

"…I suppose so." Aruni conceded. "Now, concerning things such as gravity, we have methods to replicate it. Sudden shifts would be problematic otherwise, as you might—"

"Gravity is the least of our problems." Naruto stated.

Aruni raised an eyebrow. Naruto raised a hand, in which a small black orb gleamed, before disappearing. The Eldar, who had felt the slight pull it exerted, just nodded slowly.

Ino chimed in. "The confinement of space and its effect on people will be more worrying than this."

Aruni frowned. "Many of the Aeldari struggled at first, yes. Mon-keigh, I expect, will find it no easier — harder, likely. You may also expect political resistance. Changes of this magnitude seldom pass without dissent."

"I'm prepared to face whatever comes." Naruto stated. Most will realize it was needed.

And in time, they would come to see the benefits of not being tethered to Earth itself.

Aruni let out a dry chuckle. "Will you tell them it was needed, then…?"

Naruto ignored him — he was right, after all. "Sustainability and relocation? Any troubles there?"

"…The former used to be an ongoing battle for the Aeldar." Aruni stated. "As for relocation, your people will need time. A great deal of it."

"We have two weeks." Naruto said, dryly. "Everything else comes after."

The Eldar shrugged. "Your solutions will need to be realistic, then."

Naruto leaned forward, his gaze focused. "Oh, but we did focus on tangible solutions."

"Truly?" Aruni asked evenly.

"Yes." Naruto began. "As I said, we have access to the sort of powers that your people didn't. We have chakra, and although we won't solely rely on it, it's the strongest tool at our disposal. Along with the technologies in our possession and the potential for innovation, we can create a robust life system and sustainable resources.

"Same for gravity." Naruto continued. "I meant it, before. That's not much of a problem. We'll use chakra for stabilization at first, until we can implement technologies that mimic Earth's gravitational force. That way, we can control its gradual increase, and prevent any sudden, harmful changes. And we already know how to create livable conditions in here.

"As my wife said, mental health will be a challenge." Naruto acknowledged. "Ino and her team will draft a far better solution than I ever could. Pushback is expected — We'll address it head on.

"For sustainability, in the short to medium-term at least, we'll use renewable energy, recycling systems, and vertical farming. Crafted seeds, designed to be highly nutritive. Transmuted foods, in the long term, once we can truly scale up the production system to be sufficient for everyone. Relocation will be eased by training people to adapt to their new environment.

Naruto paused. "Speaking of… Biodiversity is going to be a problem. We won't be able to bring every species with us, but we'll preserve as many as we can, and try to send the rest someplace else. DNA samples, simulated habitats, and potential cloning technologies could be our starting point."

There were several nods of approval.

"I know there's plenty more to consider." Naruto said, preemptively. "So let's continue. For defense and security. Gather D3 and S4, as well as the usual teams, and anyone qualified on this. Work on devising strategies to shield our floating cities from any space debris if it's not done already—"

"It has been done." Kaitaro interjected. "And the escape systems, too, in case."

"Good." Naruto nodded. "We'll gather all of them onto a single, large piece of land. Still separate, but unified. We need to pool our resources, knowledge, and strengths.

"On top of the gateways, we will create corridors of communication and transport, connecting every city and making mobility efficient."

Kaitaro and Naruto silently debated the next important matters. Someone else intervened.

"Any ethical concerns?" Orochimaru asked.

There was silence.

"…What." Kaitaro said.

"Seriously, coming from you…?" Naruto muttered, in the exact same tones.

Orochimaru shrugged amusedly. "Population control can be a sensitive issue. I meant this for the people."

"…Right. Careful policies, education, and healthcare initiatives." Naruto grunted. "As always. We'll work on drafting new ones that better reflect our future living conditions."

"Economical concerns?"

Naruto rubbed his temples. "I had people work on designing an economic system suitable for our needs, way before all of this. There are a few ways to ensure fair distribution and encourage growth all the same. However…"

Toru recognised this tone. "Oh, no."

Naruto smiled slightly. "Yeah. We don't really have a need for currency in a post-scarcity society, so let's do away with it entirely."

"…Have you thought it through?" Ino asked.

"I have thought about it."

Silence.

"Oh, no." Toru repeated.

"Machines and automated systems will someday fulfill people's needs, once everything is set up. And right now, we have the Zetsu to help." Naruto said, ignoring him. "There are plenty more we can find or make, if needed. Once we settle… Let people trade their services freely, exchange the fruits of their labor if they want for more. Mutual aid always sounded better to me."

More silence.

Toru rubbed at his eyes tiredly. 'Barter and trade…? Is that what's going to happen? For fuck's sake. At some point, he's going to go for Good Boy Points.'

The man in question guessed his thoughts, judging by his amused smile.

"As for technological development..." Naruto said. "Orochimaru, this falls under you… — yes, you both." He said dryly, when both the child-man and the one from Kage's world pretended to be surprised. "We'll need a lot of innovation to keep up with the needs that are going to arise from this. I want our tech to be efficient, sustainable, and accessible to all." Then, after thinking some more: "...Also, please don't lose sight of our humanity in the name of progress."

Orochimaru smiled — both of them. They echoed the same sentiment.

"Never."

…

The discussion went on and on, Naruto sighed.

"…I know that many will blame me for this, and I can't fault them. Agehachō would have killed most of them, certainly, but…"

He dragged a hand through his hair.

"Well. My solution was far from perfect. And the execution, probably worse." He said. "Their lives are being uprooted, and they're scared. They need someone to hold accountable. That's me."

Naruto straightened up.

"Transparency is our first step. We must ensure people know why we chose this way. We'll explain it all, the threat, the why, and the how. Fear thrives on misinformation, and there's going to be enough of it anyway.

"Regular communication is our second step. We'll address questions, squash rumors, and validate concerns. This situation is… new — people will have plenty of doubts."

He gestured broadly. "And we need to keep reminding everyone of our shared goal. Survival. A future. One that will be brighter than on Earth, as outlandish as it's going to sound. This will be their home."

His hand came down on the table, palm open and firm.

"We'll show them our progress. Our plans can't just be words, people need to see it taking shape. Every small victory, every stride we make.

"That's about it." Naruto concluded, his voice slightly softer. "I'll bear the brunt of the blame. As the one who made the call, as their leader, it's my burden to carry. I won't let it deter us, though—"

"As their other leader." Kaitaro interjected.

Naruto glanced at him. He smiled slightly. "As you say."

…

Naruto rubbed his temples, and yet another heavy sigh escaped his lips.

It was a few years' worth of issues already. The meeting was ongoing, now veering into finding alternate ways to manage all of the concerns and coming problems. They had been at it for hours, proposing solutions, and the meeting had taken a life of its own.

The weight of the world was still on his shoulders.

As he raked his fingers through his hair, a gentle touch covered his hand.

Ino, her gaze soft with empathy and understanding, offered a tender smile. 'We'll manage.' She sent him, a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.

He squeezed back. "I know." He said, feeling grateful.

As the discussion continued, two figures detached themselves from the intense debate and walked towards Naruto. Both Itachi and Orochimaru were drawing closer.

He cursed under his breath.

"Shouldn't you two be part of the brainstorming session?" Naruto asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes." Itachi nodded, his tone as composed as ever. "But in case it comes to another fight down there, I'd like to ask you for my weapons back."

Naruto winced.

A moment of understanding passed between them.

"…You lost my sword?" Itachi asked, dryly. "The legendary Sword of Totsuka…?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah… sorry." He muttered.

"And the Yata Mirror…?"

The silence was Itachi's only answer.

Orochimaru studied Naruto. Naruto looked away. That confirmed it.

"…And mine, too?" Orochimaru asked, just as dryly. "Do you even understand how long it took me to find it, to make it usable…?"

"My bad?" Naruto offered sheepishly.

Someone was laughing, and it sounded a bit too much like Toru. He kicked under the table, and reached his shin easily enough. Toru yelped, and the laughter cut off, which all but confirmed it.

Naruto was back to rubbing his temples.

"…I'll craft them anew — it should be doable, especially now." He said. "Or I'll find them someplace else."

"And in the meantime…?" Itachi asked, dryly.

"In the meantime…?" Naruto shrugged, somewhat sheepishly. He motioned at the void outside. "This. Dark skies, full of stars."

The meeting room's door slid open after another hour, the sound echoing in the almost deserted hallway.

Naruto and Ino stepped out, their faces weary. The daunting task of leading their world into an uncertain future lay upon them.

Silently, they moved to the massive window at the end of the hallway.

The window offered a breathtaking view of the void outside - a distant blue-speck of light, floating in the dark expanse of space was all they could see of Earth.

It could have been comforting in its familiarity, but was closer to another reminder of the massive changes their world was undergoing.

Naruto leaned against the cold marble wall, his gaze on the dying planet they once called home.

He felt Ino's hand slip into his, her fingers intertwining with his, her palm warm against his skin.

"I'm worried, too." She confessed. "We will manage, but…"

Naruto turned to look at her. In the dim light, he saw the apprehension in her eyes, reflecting his own doubts. He squeezed her hand in return.

"I know." He acknowledged softly. "This is… uncharted territory. But we've faced worse odds before, haven't we?"

Ino gave him a slight smile. "I guess so." She paused. "…You reached Forehead. Do you think that she…?"

He nodded, a bit tightly. "…She is fine." She has to be.

Ino nodded against his chest. They stood in silence, sharing the moment, their hearts echoing the same silent vow.

An all-too-familiar voice echoed from behind them.

"Well." Toru's voice shattered the serene silence of the hallway.

Naruto and Ino pulled apart, turning around to face the man strolling towards them, with easygoing confidence.

"Did I interrupt something?" Toru asked, glancing between the two. "…Look, it's a public space, I hope it's nothing like—"

"It's not." Ino cut him off.

"Toru…" Naruto started, giving him a tired smile.

"Right." Toru said, though the wry smile never left his face. "Karin just asked me to make sure you two weren't moping too much — Ah, maybe I wasn't supposed to say that out loud…"

Ino rolled his eyes. "Could you be any more heavy-handed…?"

"I could." Toru shrugged. "But I won't need to. Ready to go back?"

"Take us away, darling." Naruto murmured to him.

Toru glared at him, Ino smiled, and away they went.

…

Karin and Hanabi nearly tackled Naruto to the ground.

"It worked." Karin said, her voice muffled against Naruto's jacket.

Hanabi chuckled, releasing Naruto from the hug but still keeping one hand around his waist. "I knew we'd manage. But still, to see it happen…"

Naruto smiled, pulling both of them in. "It had to — All of you are something else."

And then, silence.

Hanabi looked at him in question. And Karin's eyes were sad, as well. "What… happened to Yoisen, exactly?" She asked.

Hearing the words felt like dropping a stone had dropped into his stomach. Or that it had never left, perhaps.

"…The kami killed her." Naruto confirmed what they thought.

A pause.

"Can we bring her back?"

Whatever it was that Ino was thinking about this matter, she was keeping it to herself.

"I believe so." Naruto stated. "And I'm not going to make her wait. Just like I won't have Sakura wait any longer — as soon as we can..." He clenched his fist.

"…Did you confirm it?" Karin asked.

Naruto nodded. "Yes. Sakura is alive… and still stuck within Susanoo."

Karin winced. "…Toru was right, then."

Toru just nodded slowly.

"It might be the same, then. For the souls which had been trapped inside…" Hanabi paused.

"Agehachō-Yosei." Toru said, somewhat dryly. "Please, at least try."

"Yes, that one." Hanabi nodded. "Souls might have been trapped in there for a long while."

"If it applies." Ino said. "Perhaps that is unique to Susanoo."

Naruto nodded.

"So." Karin said. "What comes first…? Apart from telling me what it is exactly you did to these runes on your back — I'm going to do the same. Yesterday, preferably."

"What comes first…?" Naruto asked back. "Easy. I made a promise."

Chakra rose around him.

"And this one, I can do something about."

Lady Mikazukihime was meandering along the Yamazakura Path of the Pure Lands.

The path fostered flawless cherry blossoms, and aged maples, too.

The blooms, every single one, radiated a subtle perfume. Each carried its unique scent, and none of them ever failed to seize her senses.

The lake nearby nurtured perfect lotuses that unfurled their petals at just the right moment. The other blossoms, the ones that mimicked dew-dappled pearls, radiated a ceaseless sweet aroma, one that charmed her every time.

It was Dusk, if such a thing ever really applied to the Pure Lands.

As she ambled, a soft breeze stirred, causing the cherry blossom petals to dance in a tranquil ballet around her.

The aged maples stretched their branches towards the waning sunlight, casting long shadows across the path.

The sounds of the Pure Lands at dusk began to rise, a symphony of rustling leaves and lapping water from the nearby lake, punctuated by the occasional chirping of celestial crickets.

The lotuses on the lake started to close their petals, as if tucking themselves in for the night.

The pearls of dew on their petals shimmered under the setting sun, reflecting a medley of warm colors.

Lady Mikazukihime paused, her eyes transfixed by the serene scene unfolding before her.

The faint colors of twilight began to drape over the Pure Lands, casting an ethereal glow that illuminated the path and the lake.

The aged maples appeared even more ancient in the muted light, and the flawless cherry blossoms seemed to become even more delicate, their pink hue softened by the dusky twilight.

This was a reminder, a reminder of the peace and serenity that the Pure Lands embodied.

As the day surrendered to the night, she could not help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for this existence.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, allowing the sweet aroma of the blossoms to fill her senses, the sound of the rustling leaves and lapping water to wash over her, and the subtle changes in the temperature to caress her skin.

This moment of perfect harmony between the elements of the Pure Lands was not just observed, but deeply experienced.

And then, the first stars began to twinkle in the purpling sky, heralding the arrival of the night.

It would then be time for her to leave the Yamazakura Path and retire for the day.

As she lifted her gaze towards the deepening twilight sky, an unexpected sight seized her attention.

A comet, a radiant streak of white light, carved a path across the heavens.

Lady Mikazukihime observed it with mild curiosity, its brightness an unusual contrast to the calming serenity of the Pure Lands.

As she narrowed her eyes against its light, a peculiar sensation gripped her.

Was it her imagination, or was the comet's trajectory shifting?

No. No. It was drawing closer.

With blinding speed, even. Lady Mikazukihime barely had time to let out a gasp of surprise before the celestial body plunged into the tranquil lake with a resounding crash.

The serenity of the scene was shattered as the lotuses trembled and the water surged in response to the unexpected intrusion.

A moment of stunned silence enveloped the landscape, the echo of the crash lingering in the air.

Arcs of white lightning coursed through the water.

Then, from the lake's disturbed surface, a figure emerged. A man, with eyes gleaming a captivating purple, stood tall amidst the ripples.

His presence was as profound as it was startling, casting an imposing shadow against the twilight backdrop.

Stepping onto the shore with a flash of heat and power, the man's voice broke the silence.

"Tell Enma that I've come for my friend."

…

"Oh, for fuck's sake." Enma-daiō growled.

…

Enma, the majestic ruler of the underworld, hadn't changed in the least.

He remained as formidable as Naruto remembered, seated upon his grand throne, surrounded by the faint hum of souls.

And neither had his domain, the cavernous hall where souls in the form of men, women, and children, converged, each awaiting their turn with a blend of fear, hope, and uncertainty.

They shuffled forward in an orderly queue, their ephemeral forms flickering in the soft, ethereal glow that filled the expansive chamber.

There was an undeniable order to it all.

Enma, the unchanging constant amidst the ceaseless cycle of karma, brought a sense of balance and order to this realm of judgment.

His stoic demeanor seemed to whisper a silent promise: every soul here would receive their due, as per the intricate, irrefutable laws of karma.

Today, however, a ripple of anticipation ran through the hall.

"You… have changed." Enma remarked slowly, his voice softer, more contemplative than Naruto remembered.

Naruto didn't blink. His purple eyes met Enma's gaze squarely. "So I have." There was something angry in his eyes, in the way he lip curled. "I will change further. And then…"

He did not finish that sentence. His intention was clear, though.

There was only angry silence.

"Did you come to—" Enma started, furiously. He was quickly cut off.

"You know exactly why I have come." Naruto snapped. "Do not waste both of our time. Not like with Toru."

The sting of the entire thing with Yoisen was still very fresh in his mind, like a thorn that prodded his patience.

Enma's angry gaze held steady, his ancient eyes studying Naruto. There was a measured intensity in his look, and surprisingly enough… a little touch of caution.

His voice, when he spoke again, was nearly a whisper in the cavernous hall. "Have you become one of them…?"

Naruto ignored the question. "Let me through." He said softly. "Or I will let myself through."

The great being's nostrils flared.

"You haven't. Still, I know what you are thinking." Enma said, voice growing steadily louder. "And I won't allow it."

"Allow...?" Naruto's hands curled into white-knuckled fists. "...That's not what I'm here for."

Today.

Enma sneered. "I have warned you once before—"

Naruto's face was full of fury. He stared into Enma's eye, keeping a tight leash on his emotions, trying and failing to keep his thoughts about the nature of this place from showing.

He only said one thing. "We have an agreement. Tell me where she is."

Whatever it was that Enma was thinking, he didn't express it either.

In response, the King of Hell merely nodded tightly.

Avici. Naraka.

Endless darkness surrounded Yoisen, penetrated only by the blood-red glow of the omnipresent flames.

It was entirely different from the last thing she remembered before that, which was the ineffable vastness of the cosmos.

In that, she had felt reborn, although lost in a dimension that defied all sense and logic. Time spiraled around her, an abstract ribbon intertwining past, future, and an elusive present.

In one breath, stars were born and in the next, galaxies met their end, a cacophony of life and death playing on an infinite loop. The omnipresent whisper of the Butterfly cradled her in an embrace, an intangible lifeline in a realm of boundless change.

This ethereal dance of cosmic forces was an existence altogether alien, leaving her adrift—

And then all of it was gone entirely, as though torn in pieces, shattered like a common mirror.

The next thing she remembered, past a summary judgment, was being sent here.

And here…

The air was thick with a searing heat that made each breath feel like inhaling fire, the very essence of the air scorching her lungs.

The walls, floors, and ceilings of Avici were not made of stone or metal, but a writhing mass of flames that continuously roared and surged in a terrifying dance of destruction.

Each agonizing moment was an eternity. There was no respite, no moment of relief, only the unceasing torment of the blazing inferno that roared around her.

The scorching heat seared her skin, the sensation of being engulfed by flames was continuous and unending, and the pain was clung to her with stubbornness.

Screams echoed in the expansive, unending expanse of Avici, joining the symphony of anguish that filled the hellish realm.

She was not alone in her torment; countless others were caught in their own punishment, their wails of agony their only constant in this shared fate.

Perhaps on some level, it was fitting, in her case.

She had condemned many to a similar fate. Sometimes on orders, sometimes not. Most had deserved it, certainly... but who was she to pass judgment, in truth? And calling Susanoo-Arashi down to Earth, many had likely perished.

Each life she had taken, every pain she had inflicted, was reflected back at her, magnified.

Avici was not merely a realm of physical torment but one of spiritual reckoning, forcing her to confront the magnitude of the suffering she had caused throughout her long life.

They called it not eternal damnation, but a cleansing fire for the soul.

In which, with every scorching breath, every scream, one paid for their deeds, carving out a path to redemption one moment of torment at a time.

She was not afraid.

She had lived a long life.

She knew that the future of the Uzumaki was in the best hands it could be — she had failed them already, after all.

She knew Naruto would manage to succeed. And that he had no use for a dull sword, when it truly came to it — him too, she had failed. Pleasant words or not, she knew her place, and her usefulness.

She felt no pain, no sorrow, and had no regrets.

She thanked each and every person in her heart.

Ah. No. She was lying to herself.

Perhaps she had one regret. If she—

The flames parted.

Yoisen opened her eyes slowly. And then her metaphorical heart missed a beat.

"…Naruto?" She asked in disbelief.

That was him, undoubtedly.

She saw him, as if in a fever dream, his image shimmering in the scorching air, the familiar line of his shoulders, the tilt of his head, all achingly familiar. His eyes met hers, as determined as the first day they had crossed paths, upon that boat, and if anything, more vibrant.

There was an intensity in his gaze, an unspoken promise.

"Hey."

There were a myriad of thoughts, of feelings she wished to express.

"Wha— What…?" She asked in disbelief, instead. "Oh no, oh no — Don't tell me you died, too — And for that matter, why have you been sent here — We need to get you back to your wives and—"

"There's no need to stare at me so owlishly." Naruto said, smiling.

She continued to do so, however.

"What do you think happened?" He asked, holding out a hand to her. "We won. I'm breaking you out of hell."

…Ah. He had meant it, then.

…

"I am sorry." Yoisen said, averting her gaze. "This must be… quite an unsightly sight."

Naruto blinked in surprise, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "…What?"

Yoisen motioned to herself — toward the weak, weathered body she never had to truly get used to. Once she had found it, the Fruit had prevented her from ever aging, and the kami's power had eaten through that entirely.

In truth, even this old body still paled in age compared to how ancient she truly felt.

It took Naruto a moment to understand what she meant.

He tilted his head, a puzzled expression on his face.

"…I'm not sure I really get it." He admitted, unable to grasp why she would feel apologetic or uncomfortable about her age.

"I—"

Naruto quickly cut her off, a soft smile gracing his features.

"Sure, it does slow us down a little." He conceded. "But that's no reason to apologize." He said, gently lifting her frail form in his arms, over her protests. "I'll carry you until I can summon us out."

"I—" Yoisen started again, only to stop as she met his eyes. There was genuine concern there.

She slumped a bit and held onto him as thunder cracked and the distance blurred.

…

Enma, once again, pretended he didn't see them leave.

The giant had been surprisingly quiet. Naruto had the impression that he was bracing himself for what he thought was likely to come his way.

Whatever he thought it was.

…

Yoisen found herself in free fall, plunging into an abyss that stretched out infinitely.

She was caught in a tumble, an unending spiral that threatened to rip her consciousness to shreds.

Pain reverberated through her being, each wave more potent than the last.

The sensation persisted for a fleeting moment, and felt like an eternity at the same time.

Soon, it began to feel like she was drifting into wakefulness.

Her surroundings turned bright and saturated with colors, a stark contrast to the fiery inferno she had left.

When she would later come to her senses, the details of this dreamlike experience would elude her, just as the inferno would.

And then, abruptly, Yoisen found herself back inside a living body. It was clear right away. Her form in Naraka, even when subjected to the ceaseless torment of Avici, had felt different when compared to this.

There was a rawness, a newness, to this existence.

It was as though she was experiencing everything through a fresh set of senses.

And… slow. She felt so slow. What were these aches, seemingly everywhere? This tiredness?

Her body felt weak — was she still in this frail, older form…?

She took a shaky breath.

"Are you okay?" Naruto asked, and hearing his voice with actual ears felt disorienting.

"Yes." She said quietly, slowly mouthing it out. "I… believe so."

There was silence as he let her adapt.

"Why are we in the dark…?"

"We are still inside the King of Hell — well, the creature. I figured that all five senses at once might be too much."

"I see." She muttered.

More silence.

"The same applies to the Fruit — if you want it. I can only resurrect you in the state you were in at the time of your death." He paused. "If you want it, we'll give it back to you. Your choice—"

"Yes, please." She cut him off. Why did she sound so wheezy? "A piece of it will be enough."

"Of course."

Then more silence.

Had it always been this awkward before…? Before she had died — before he had undoubtedly convinced that she had died because of him, and not so that he could have a chance…?

"Did you…?" She began.

"Yes?"

"Did you manage, in the end?"

A pause.

"Yes." Naruto stated, and his tone carried a slight air of resignation. "We managed. Not without suffering some more… consequences, however." She could almost picture him rubbing the back of his head.

"Consequences, such as…?"

"The Earth won't last much longer."

The information settled heavily within Yoisen, leaving her momentarily speechless.

"…Oh." She managed to utter.

"…"

There was not that much to say about the matter, she found.

"Are you… settling…?" Yoisen asked.

"In space, yes." He said, now sounding somewhat amused, in spite of himself. "As we considered before. Permanently. Likely."

Yoisen nodded, a bit more resolutely.

She understood why he had brought her back, now.

She nodded, her determination hardening. She would—

"Yoisen." Naruto's voice sliced through her thoughts, pulling her out of her internal musings. "I can hear your thoughts."

Caught off guard, she mumbled awkwardly. "…Ah. My bad. Let me…"

"That's not what I meant."

As Naruto moved closer, his body radiated a soft, pale light. "You're wrong." He stated firmly, locking his gaze with hers.

"What about?" She asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

"About why I came to find you." He said. "That kami was wrong."

For a moment, Yoisen fell silent, uncertainty creeping into her thoughts.

Naruto's gaze never wavered from her face, the pale light from his body casting an ethereal glow around them.

The silence between them was deafening as Naruto seemed to contemplate his next words.

Yoisen swallowed, unsure of how to react to his sudden intensity.

"…Why did you not leave me here, then…?" She asked.

There was true incomprehension in his eyes, now. "…What? Did you actually want to stay here—"

"No."

"What then…?"

"Well, that is how you handle a sword that has outlived its usefulness." She finally said, struggling to maintain composure. "And I believe I have. Fully, now."

He seemed to tense.

Yoisen continued. "If it's about guilt for events you yourself had no say in, I—"

Naruto's eyes bore into her, simmering with a silent irritation.

"…That's the truth." She murmured, her voice barely audible. "You have all the help you will need, from now on. I don't believe there's anything more I can teach you that is truly needed."

"What of it?" Naruto asked sharply.

"Indra taught me, long ago, that—"

"I don't give a shit what Indra said." Naruto cut her off, his frustration barely concealed.

Yoisen blinked in surprise. "I… Yes, I figured that you might have different opinions on that matter, but—"

"If you truly believe that I want you around because you're useful to me." Naruto interjected. "That's on me — and him. And I think it's about damn time I correct that."

"There is… no need for that." She said softly. "You have said as much before." And she nearly believed it, too.

A sigh escaped Naruto, and his eyes held a weariness born from ancient memories.

"I'm sorry, Yoisen… For everything that happened, for everything I did when I was Indra." He said, the apology earnest and filled with a sorrow that was centuries old, in truth.

Yoisen simply nodded wearily. "I know. You have said so already. It is in the past, and it was not 'you' the way you are now. Even then, you should not—"

"I owe you more than an apology, but that's not my point." There was a note of self-directed anger in his voice, followed by an undertone of worry. "You need to understand. You're not here because you're useful. I never saw you that way."

A hint of doubt flickered in Yoisen's own eyes. "Perhaps, but—"

"No buts." Naruto interrupted. "I didn't bring you into this mess just for your abilities. And I didn't seek you out now for that reason, either. I did it because… well, because you're you, and I would truly miss not having you around."

For a moment, Yoisen was silent. Then she spoke, softly. "I… understand, Naruto. Thank you."

To her surprise, she found that she believed him.

But there was something else he had touched upon.

"You… How do you see me, then?" She asked.

"I'm—" Naruto stopped mid-sentence, a surprised look flashing across his face.

Yoisen furrowed her brow, caught off guard by his sudden change. "You…?" She probed.

"Ah, damn it." Naruto sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Ino was right, again." He mumbled, mostly to himself. "She's going to kill me for this."

Yoisen's confusion only deepened. "…What was Ino right about?"

He didn't answer.

The King of Hell's gate creaked open, and Naruto and Yoisen emerged from the cavernous depths.

The harsh sunlight stung Yoisen's eyes, leaving spots dancing in her vision as she adjusted to the sudden brightness, in spite of Naruto's attempt to ease the transition.

Before she could fully regain her bearings, she felt the warmth of an embrace enveloping her. Startled, Yoisen blinked, trying to focus on the figure before her.

"…Karin?" She managed to ask, uncertainty creeping into her voice. And was she trying to break her bones…?

Karin seemed to notice: she pulled back, a grateful smile playing on her lips. "I heard what you did." She admitted, her voice heavy with unsaid emotions. "Words seem insufficient, but… thank you, Yoisen. What you did… it meant everything."

Next to her, Hanabi nodded her agreement, something contemplative in her eyes. "You made it possible at all." She simply said. "Karin's right. We owe you a lot."

In the background, Ino echoed the sentiment, unreadable, and there was something contemplative in her eyes.

Toru, standing beside Ino, grinned broadly, raising a thumbs-up in her direction. "Absolutely. I wouldn't even have taken a kunai for that fucker!"

"Thank you, Toru." Naruto said, dryly.

Yoisen, who seemed a bit taken aback by the entire affair, shook her head and brushed off the thanks.

"I merely got myself captured and used as a bargaining chip." She muttered. "If anything, I am responsible for this disastrous situation, down there."

There was a hand upon her shoulder.

"I disagree." Naruto said, smiling. "And I think they do as well."

The group split again soon, as there were many things to do.

Karin had gone for the Fruit — of course she would leave her to handle this shit.

Ino grunted.

She had assured Naruto he needn't bother with helping his friend right now: there were more pressing concerns waiting for him.

In the dim-lit living room of Yoisen's home, Ino helped the thin, aged woman navigate through a labyrinth of open ancient scrolls and aged tomes — war preparations. Yoisen leaned on a hastily carved cane, the weight of years evident in her movement.

"Thank you." Yoisen said, lowering herself into a chair.

"You're welcome." Ino replied, her tone neutral. "Getting old's not all it's hyped up to be, then?"

Yoisen made an amused sound. "I can hardly think of anybody who flaunts the merits of aging."

Ino leaned against a wall, eyeing Yoisen's collection of artifacts. "I had a few annoying neighbors who thought it earned them respect, back then. You've been around long enough to know someone, I'm sure."

"Perhaps, yes. There were some."

None of them said anything for a moment.

Ino held her gaze. "…Tea?"

Yoisen seemed to consider it before nodding. "…Yes, tea would be fine. Let me—"

"I'll do it."

As Ino turned to prepare tea, the traditional way, silence filled the room again. The kettle whistled, its steam dissolving into the air.

Returning with two cups, Ino placed one before Yoisen and retreated a few steps to take a sip from her own. The older woman thanked her with a nod, taking a cautious sip from her cup.

"I didn't poison it." Ino said. "Not today, anyway."

It got a laugh from the other woman.

"I would imagine you wouldn't resort to poison, in my case. You're more straightforward than that."

"You got that right." Ino said, taking another sip. "…There's something on your mind. Spit it out."

Yoisen's eyes met Ino's for a brief moment before she nodded. "I just wanted to say thank you. For this. In spite of…"

Ino sighed. "…Don't mention it."

Karin stood in Umi's deepest, most heavily protected room.

In which gnarled branches stretched toward the fake sky like ancient arms reaching for the heavens. That was a subterranean world of its own, a place that was closer to a pocket dimension than a true part of their world.

Her objective was clear: the Chakra Fruit hanging above a knot of gnarled roots, glowing as if lit from within. It was guarded by several small Jūbi, hulking manifestations of chakra with multiple eyes and tails.

They were here to feed the Fruit with their presence, of course.

Taking a deep breath, she focused her chakra, and her senses heightened. The intricate weaving of chakra networks across the creatures became clear as day.

For a moment, Karin thought they had finally calmed down. Perhaps they had grown bored of destroying everything, after all—

Karin dodged narrowly under a searing blast of chakra.

"Hey!" She barked.

The Jūbi were growling, and their multiple eyes full of aimless violence. She summoned her golden chains.

Karin gathered her chakra and expelled it in controlled bursts. A wave of compelling force, focused and precise, crashed into the beasts' senses.

"Sit!" She commanded, her voice dripping with authority.

The creatures rushed her.

"I said, sit!"

Karin's chains shot out, wrapping around the necks and limbs of the Jūbi. With a forceful yank, she brought the beasts to the ground, their furious howls echoing in the dark chamber.

The same way they had echoed in their own worlds, to which they had only brought ruin.

"Good boys." She cooed, tightening the chains to the floor to keep them still.

Karin turned her focus back to the Chakra Fruit.

With a flicker of concentration, her chains severed the stalk of the fruit from its perch. As it fell, she caught it in her hands, its warmth pulsing against her skin.

It had grown back some, which was encouraging.

For a moment, she glanced back at the subdued Jūbi. These were a particularly aggressive bunch — had devoured one of their sibs in the meantime, even.

She kinda pitied the people who would be saddled with them.

Then again, Sasuke had adapted to his own decently well, so perhaps it would be fine. Not all of them could be like Yūgao, and such worlds were hard to find, in any case.

She released them, and they tried to attack her again.

Karin disappeared in a swirl of crimson chakra, the Chakra Fruit secure in her grasp.

"I did warn you." Matatabi said, pointedly.

Naruto, who had just met up with Yugito and Yūshirō, and felt weary already, did not rise to the bait.

But Matatabi continued anyway. "That you would destroy the world. It seems that I was right, after all."

A soft sigh escaped Yugito. "Matatabi, please…"

"But did anyone listen?" The Bijū asked, nonplussed. "Of course not. And now, look where we are."

Naruto chuckled. "Well, if you're going to insist, I can assure you… Ino's mother probably said it already."

"I highly doubt it."

"Why do you even care?" Naruto asked, locking eyes with Matatabi. "Aren't most of your Bijū brothers already tucked away somewhere else?"

"I don't care." Matatabi scoffed.

In the midst of the quiet, Yūshirō was uncharacteristically calm in Yugito's arms.

Calm was good, too, Naruto thought. It meant they were here, alive.

His round dark eyes gazed up at the two adults, at the cat, and curiosity burned bright in their depths.

He stirred suddenly in Yugito's arms, babbling nonsensical sounds as he stared up at Matatabi.

His chubby fingers reached out, grasping at the air as if trying to touch the Bijū. Yugito watched her son, a soft smile curling at the corners of her mouth.

"…What does the human child want? Yugito, what does your child want…?"

"Perhaps another piggyback ride?" Yugito asked wryly.

Matatabi hissed. "Lies. I have never—"

Yūshirō's babbling grew louder, the nonsensical syllables melding together. Was he trying to look stern…?

Then, clear as a summer's day, he spoke:

"Tabi."

Yugito blinked in surprise, glancing at Naruto. Yūshirō continued to gaze at Matatabi, his first clear words still echoing in the air.

Naruto shook his head, and a rueful chuckle escaped him.

Matatabi looked away. "…At least, he has some good sense."

"…Oh, well."

Naruto knew he was going to hear it for a long, long time.

Kaitaro gave the order.

"Gather the White Zetsu. They are going to be used as part of our future workforce. As land crafters, medics, spies, and space explorers. And a decent life support system, too. So that poor Sasuke doesn't have to build trees everywhere in two weeks — Yes, yes, I know you're very strong, Sasuke, please don't take it so personally…"

The hustle and bustle of the command center fell to a hush as Uzumaki Naruto stepped up to the central podium.

"Attention all personnel, AI units, and building teams — and whoever, whatever else." Naruto began, his voice echoing throughout the facility. His gaze was steady, each word ringing with authority. "Orochimaru warned some of you already. The gathering of the Greater Celestial Ring is underway: the other cities are heading our way. Our goal is not just to build a temporary haven but to establish a sustainable habitat, a lasting home for humanity."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing.

"In light of this, it's vital that we preserve the Ring's current flexibility for future expansion. Population will increase; needs will evolve. Our design approach must be adaptable."

Naruto glanced at the holographic blueprints floating above the central console. With a wave of his hand, the image zoomed in on a segment of the Ring.

"Make the necessary adjustments. The modules we build should be easy to duplicate, modify, and adapt. Construction teams, keep this in mind as you're executing these designs in real-time. For the moment, let's focus on simplicity. We should be able to alter or reconfigure components with minimal impact on residential areas."

His gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of human crew members, Orochimaru's digital interfaces, and virtual projections.

"This is an immense task, and I have faith in each and every one of you. We have two weeks before Earth's end."

No pressure.

"Everyone ready?" Naruto asked, receiving a series of affirming nods. "Let's begin, then."

He raised his hand, the familiar blue chakra pulsating around his fingers. "Duplicate this technique. Although I realize some of you are more versed in 'acquiring' techniques rather than learning them."

"Very funny." Came a grumbled response, unmistakably from either Sasuke or Toru. Itachi usually abstained from such banter. Shisui would have been harsher, too.

Together, they performed the technique, their forms momentarily aglow with chakra.

"Well done." Naruto commended, the warmth of approval resonating in his voice. "Now for the second part — constructing a personal atmospheric barrier. This will ensure breathable air and protect us from the unforgiving vacuum of space—"

"We've practiced this three times, Naruto." Hanabi interjected, her voice a hushed mutter. Ino nudged her with a subtle kick.

"He probably thinks we absorb knowledge as fast as he does." Toru added, earning a few chuckles.

Unfazed, Naruto led them through another set of hand signs. Transparent bubbles coalesced around each participant, encapsulating them in their own miniature atmospheres.

With a final nod from Naruto, they each activated a singular instance of space-time ninjutsu, transitioning from the launch bay to the vast, dark stretch of outer space.

Ten radiant figures hovered in the cosmic void, encircling the Outer Celestial Ring — a titanic structure already humming with vibrant energy and light.

Aside from them and the station, only the remote light of the stars was visible.

They were humans who had gained a fragment of celestial power, each one glowing like a distant star in the dark expanse.

They arranged themselves in an expansive circle around the Celestial Ring, large enough that each figure was not discernible to the others.

Their hands were raised up, and their faces scrunched with focus.

Seeking the Source.

It was hesitant at first, then less so.

Chakra and divine power surged simultaneously, rippling outwards in a tidal wave of energy, manifesting as a pulsating barrier around the Ring.

Naruto took a deep breath, his eyes closed. He didn't need sight to sense the entwined energies of his companions.

His focus remained unwavering, visualizing a sanctuary — an impregnable defense against the capricious kami.

"Shinjutsu: Domain Creation."

A brilliant flare emanated from the barrier before stabilizing into a translucent sphere, shimmering with ethereal light.

Using divine power felt strange, and very unlike chakra; it was ineffable in its uniqueness.

The task was accomplished, however.

In their spiritual realms, kami were untouchable.

By nature, the divine essence of a true kami allowed them to remain unsubjected to physical harm, decay, or death. In a state of divine purity.

And as long as they kept to their domains, no one, not even Susanoo, could breach their domain.

Kami were born on a different plane altogether, and only had weak ties with the physical world. Vulnerability only arose when they extended their spiritual domains into the physical world to manifest.

The more potent the manifestation, the greater the risk of harm.

This vulnerability ended when the kami returned to their spiritual realm, of course.

Earth, shaped by the collective power of multiple kami, resisted the permanent imposition of any single divine domain.

Something unprecedented occurred, however, when a kami was shattered, not by Susanoo-Arashi. Its essence, spread in eleven parts, now was without a realm to inhabit.

It bears repeating that kami were born on a different plane altogether, and only had weak ties with the physical world.

Humans were different, in that.

No human was supposed to ever truly wield their power.

It had happened anyway.

A loophole of sorts was exploited, something that had no precedent. And it required the collective efforts of all ten individuals to reassemble the fragmented shards, if only for a short moment.

A human domain was etched in the cosmic expanse.

A sanctuary shielded against the kami, forged from their own power.

A new era was dawning, one where humanity was ready to stand its ground against the whims of the gods.

lensdump:

i/9Idzw0 : Simple Domains