A/N

Well, it's been a while, huh? Sorry for the absence, but I've been taking a break and working on some drafts while on vacation. I finally got to see New York with my own eyes, and wow, what an amazing city.

Now enjoy this chapter and look forward to many more to come.

Chapter 11 – Back Home

Naruto felt the jarring disorientation as he was propelled through the portal back to his own world. The journey left him exhausted, but he was filled with a sense of purpose and determination from his experiences with the Spider gang. However, as he emerged from the other side, he immediately sensed something was wrong.

The once vibrant streets of his neighbourhood now resembled a ghost town. His house stood dark and silent, devoid of the life and energy he remembered. His heart pounded with unease as he approached his own home, which was shrouded in an eerie stillness.

Opening the door, Naruto called out, "Grandma?" His voice echoed through the empty halls, receiving no response. A sense of dread settled over him as he walked further into the house, his footsteps sounding unnaturally loud.

"Grandma, where are you?" he called again, his voice tinged with desperation.

Entering the living room, his heart sank as he saw his grandmother, Tsunade, slumped over on the couch. She looked shockingly thin and frail, surrounded by empty sake bottles. He rushed to her side, his mind racing with confusion and fear.

"Grandma, wake up! What's happened?" he pleaded, gently shaking her shoulder.

Tsunade's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused and filled with a haunting sadness. "Oh look, another vision of my grandson," she muttered, her voice weak and slurred. "Isn't it enough that he's gone? Why do I keep seeing him every day?"

Naruto's heart twisted in his chest. "Grandma, it's me. I'm really here," he said, grabbing her hand.

Tsunade's eyes widened in disbelief as she touched his cheek, her fingers trembling. "Naruto... you're really here?" she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "You've been missing for six months. We all thought you were dead."

Naruto felt his heart stop, the weight of her words crashing down on him. "Six months?" he echoed, his mind reeling. "But... but it felt like only a few days."

Tsunade clung to him, her tears flowing freely. "I thought I had lost you," she sobbed.

Naruto embraced her tightly, his own tears mingling with hers. "I'm here now, Grandma. I'm not going anywhere," he vowed, though his mind was a whirlwind of questions and fears.

Tsunade's grip tightened on Naruto's hand, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and concern. "Where have you been, Naruto?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Naruto looked down at the floor, the weight of his secret pressing heavily on his shoulders. He had always kept his identity as Spider-Man hidden, but after his experiences with Miles, Gwen, Peter, and Peni, he knew that he couldn't keep lying to the people he loved. They had taught him the importance of trust and honesty, especially with those closest to him.

Taking a deep breath, Naruto looked up at his grandmother, his resolve firm. "Grandma, I'm so sorry for everything. I never wanted to hurt you," he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "But there's something I need to tell you... something I've been hiding."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed slightly, but she remained silent, sensing the gravity of what he was about to say.

"It all started a while ago," Naruto continued, "when I was bitten by a radioactive spider. That bite gave me incredible powers... and with those powers, I became Spider-Man."

Tsunade's eyes widened in shock, but she didn't interrupt.

Naruto took another deep breath and continued, recounting the story from the beginning. He told her about the spider bite, the discovery of his powers, and his decision to use them to help others. He explained how he had kept his identity a secret to protect her and everyone he cared about. He spoke of the villains he had faced, the dangers he had encountered, and the friends he had made along the way.

He described his journey to another dimension, meeting other versions of Spider-Man, and the intense battles they fought together. He shared the lessons he learned from Miles, Gwen, Peter, and Peni, and how they had helped him understand the true meaning of being a hero.

Tsunade listened intently, her expression shifting from shock to a mixture of pride and sorrow. When Naruto finally finished, she reached out and cupped his face with her trembling hands.

"My dear Naruto," she said softly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I had no idea... I had no idea you were carrying such a burden. You've been so brave."

Naruto's eyes welled up with tears as well. "I didn't want you to worry about me," he said, his voice cracking. "I wanted to protect you. But I realize now that I should have trusted you with the truth."

Tsunade pulled him into a tight embrace. "I'm just glad you're home," she whispered. "I don't care about the past six months. I care that you're here now, safe and alive."

They held each other for a long moment, the bond between them stronger than ever. When they finally pulled apart, Tsunade wiped her tears and gave Naruto a determined look.

"We have a lot to catch up on," she said, her voice regaining some of its strength. "But first, we need to get you back on your feet and figure out what happened while you were gone."

Naruto nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he also knew that he wasn't alone.

After having something to eat Naruto sat on the couch, his mind racing as here was more immediate concern at hand Tsunade's health.

"Grandma," Naruto said softly, looking at her frail form, "I can't believe how much you've changed. You need to take care of yourself too."

Tsunade, still in shock from the revelation, gave a weak smile. "It's been hard without you, Naruto. But now that you're back, I feel like I have a reason to get better."

Naruto stood up, determination shining in his eyes. "Then let's start right now. I'm going to help you get back on your feet. We'll make sure you're healthy again."

They spent the next few days focusing on Tsunade's recovery. Naruto made sure she ate regular, nutritious meals, gradually reintroducing exercise into her routine. They took slow walks around the neighborhood, enjoying the fresh air and each other's company. Tsunade, inspired by Naruto's dedication, slowly began to regain her strength.

During this time, Naruto also reconnected with his friends. He explained his sudden disappearance and the reason behind it. Peter, Gwen and even his ex, Mary Jane, were all relieved to see him safe and sound.

One evening, Naruto and Tsunade sat on the porch, watching the sunset. Tsunade's color had improved, and she had gained some weight back. Her eyes sparkled with renewed vitality.

"Thank you, Naruto," Tsunade said, her voice full of gratitude. "You've always been the light in my life. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Naruto smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "We're family, Grandma. We'll always look out for each other. And now, I think it's time I reach out to my friends and get back to living my life fully."

The next day, Naruto invited Peter, Gwen and Mary Jane over. They gathered in the living room, the atmosphere filled with warmth and camaraderie.

"Guys, I can't thank you enough for being here," Naruto began, looking at each of them. "I've been through a lot, and I've missed you all. But now that I'm back, I want to make sure we all stay connected."

Peter clapped a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "We're just glad you're safe, Naruto. And we'll always have your back."

Gwen nodded. "Yeah, we've been worried sick. But it's good to see you in one piece."

Mary Jane, with a soft smile, added, "It's good to see you, Naruto. We've all been through a lot, but we're here for each other."

Naruto felt his heart swell with gratitude. "Thank you, everyone. Let's make sure we keep this bond strong. We've got a lot to catch up on and a lot to look forward to."

As the evening wore on, they shared stories, laughter, and plans.

The sun set, Gwen and Mary Jane went back home. Naruto and Peter sat on the porch, their conversation stretching into the twilight. They had a lot to catch up on, and Peter was filling Naruto in on everything he had missed during his absence.

"You wouldn't believe it, Naruto," Peter said, leaning back in his chair. "Something from outer space landed around here not too long ago. Mr. Jameson has been ranting about it non-stop, calling it an alien invasion or something. Not that he ever has anything good to say about us."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "An alien? What happened?"

Peter nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, some black, gooey monster started running around after the crash, looking for Spider-Man. I tried to track it down, but it always seemed to be one step ahead of me."

Naruto frowned, shaking his head. "I don't know anything about that. But it makes sense since I was gone for months."

Peter sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I figured. While you were gone, a lot happened. Mr. Stark came by once, but I think he talked with Tsunade. After that, he didn't come back, and she went into heavy drinking. I tried to help her, Naruto, but she wouldn't let anyone in."

Naruto's heart sank at the thought of his grandmother suffering alone. He placed a reassuring hand on Peter's shoulder. "It's okay, Peter. You did everything you could. Thank you for looking out for her."

Peter looked down, his eyes filled with regret. "I just wish I could have done more."

Naruto shook his head, offering a small smile. "You did enough. More than enough. And now, I'm back. We'll take care of everything together."

Peter returned the smile, relief washing over his face. "Yeah, you're right. We got this."

The two best friends shared a heartfelt hug, their bond stronger than ever. Naruto was grateful for Peter's unwavering support and friendship. As they pulled apart, Peter cleared his throat, changing the subject.

"So, what's the plan now? Are you going to look into this alien thing?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, I'll keep an eye out. But first, I need to make sure Tsunade is fully recovered. Once she's okay, we can tackle whatever comes our way."

Peter grinned. "Sounds like a plan. And remember, you've got me and the others to help out. You're not alone in this."

Naruto felt a renewed sense of purpose. With his friends by his side, he was ready to face any challenge. They sat together for a while longer, talking about their past adventures and future plans, the weight of the past few months lifting with every word.

As the night deepened, Peter eventually stood up to leave. "I should get going. But we'll catch up more soon. Take care of yourself, Naruto."

Naruto nodded, watching his friend walk away. "You too, Peter. And thanks again."

Peter waved as he disappeared into the night, leaving Naruto standing on the porch, his heart filled with gratitude and determination. He turned back to the house, quickly having a look around before jumping to the roof.

Naruto stood on the edge of the roof, gazing down the street towards Mary Jane's house. He took a deep breath, steeling himself before leaping from one roof to the next with practiced ease. In moments, he was at her window, lightly knocking. Inside, Mary Jane jumped at the sound, but when she saw Naruto, her tension melted away. She quickly opened the window, letting him in.

"Naruto," she breathed, relief evident in her voice. "You scared me."

Naruto smiled sheepishly as he climbed inside. "Sorry about that. I just...I felt like we needed to talk."

Mary Jane nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, we do." She moved closer, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "I really thought you were dead."

Naruto hugged her back, feeling a mix of emotions. "To me, it feels like we just broke up a few days ago. But for you, it's been months."

Mary Jane pulled back slightly, looking up at him. "It has been months, Naruto. Months of not knowing if you were okay, of wondering if you were ever coming back."

Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I never wanted to put you through that. There were things I had to do...important things. But I should have found a way to let you know I was okay."

Mary Jane shook her head, her eyes filled with understanding. "I get it. Being Spider-Man means you have responsibilities. But it doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. You have people who care about you, Naruto. You have me."

Naruto's heart ached at her words. He had missed her so much. "I know. And I'm back now. For good."

Mary Jane's eyes softened. "That's all I've ever wanted to hear." She reached up, gently touching his cheek. "Just promise me you'll be more careful. I can't go through losing you again."

Naruto nodded, his resolve strengthening. "I promise. I'll be more careful. And I'll always come back to you."

Mary Jane smiled, tears welling up in her eyes. "Good. Because I love you, Naruto."

Naruto felt a rush of emotion. "I love you too, Mary Jane." He leaned in, their foreheads touching as they took a moment to simply be together, feeling the warmth of each other's presence.

After a while, they sat down on her bed, talking about everything that had happened. Naruto told her about his adventures in the other dimension, the friends he had made, and the lessons he had learned. Mary Jane listened intently, her hand never leaving his.

"And now," Naruto concluded, "I need to focus on helping Tsunade get better. She's been through a lot."

Mary Jane nodded. "I heard about that. She's lucky to have you back. We all are."

Naruto squeezed her hand. "And I'm lucky to have you. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Mary Jane leaned in, kissing him softly. "You don't have to worry about that anymore. We're in this together."

Naruto smiled, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time. "Together."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company. Naruto knew that there were still challenges ahead, but with Mary Jane by his side, he felt ready to face anything.

The next morning, Naruto was awakened by the persistent ringing of his phone. Groggy and disoriented, he reached for it on the bedside table, barely managing to answer the call before it went to voicemail.

"Hello?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"Naruto, it's Tony Stark. We need to talk."

Naruto sat up quickly, fully awake now. "Mr. Stark? What's going on?"

Tony's voice was serious, cutting through the remnants of Naruto's sleep. "It's about your recent disappearance and a few other developments. Can you come to Stark Tower?"

Naruto nodded, even though Tony couldn't see him. "Yeah, I can be there soon. What's this about?"

"I'd rather discuss it in person," Tony replied. "It's... important. See you soon, kid."

The line went dead, and Naruto sat there for a moment, processing the conversation. He glanced around the room, the reality of being back home settling in once again. He had barely had time to catch his breath, and now this.

He quickly got dressed, grabbing his Spider-Man suit and tucking it into his backpack just in case. As he was about to leave, he hesitated, then wrote a quick note for Tsunade, letting her know where he was going and that he'd be back soon. He left it on the kitchen counter where she'd be sure to see it.

Walking through the city felt different now, knowing that so much had changed while he was gone. Buildings and streets were the same, but there was a slight edge to everything, a reminder of the time he'd lost. When he arrived at Stark Tower, he took a deep breath before entering.

The lobby was as impressive as ever, and he made his way to the elevators, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. When the doors opened, he was greeted by Tony Stark himself, looking as sharp and confident as ever.

"Naruto," Tony greeted with a nod. "Good to see you in one piece."

"Thanks, Mr. Stark," Naruto replied, trying to read Tony's expression. "So, what's this about?"

Tony led him to a sleek, modern office with a panoramic view of the city. "First, let me say I'm glad you're back. You had a lot of people worried, myself included. Tsunade especially."

Naruto nodded, guilt flashing across his face. "I know. I'm trying to make up for that."

Tony leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "Well, now that you're back, we need to talk about a few things. For one, your disappearance. Where were you, and what happened?"

Naruto took a deep breath, launching into the story of his unexpected journey to another dimension, meeting the other Spider-Men, and the battles they fought. Tony listened intently, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern and back again.

When Naruto finished, Tony whistled low. "That's quite a story, kid. Alternate dimensions, other Spider-Men... It's a lot to take in."

"Tell me about it," Naruto agreed. "But there's more, isn't there?"

Tony nodded. "There is. While you were gone, we had some... incidents. You might have heard about a certain black gooey monster running around?"

Naruto's eyes widened. "Peter mentioned something about that. Said it might be an alien or something."

"Yeah, that's what we think," Tony confirmed. "It's called the symbiote. It's dangerous, and it's been causing a lot of trouble. We need to find a way to deal with it."

Naruto frowned, thinking about the implications. "And you think I can help with that?"

Tony shrugged. "You've handled a lot already, and you've got a unique perspective. Plus, we could use all the help we can get. But that's not all."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "There's more?"

Tony nodded, his expression serious. "There are other threats on the horizon, things I can't even begin to explain right now. But I need to know if you're ready to step up, to be part of something bigger."

Naruto took a deep breath, the weight of Tony's words settling on his shoulders. "I don't know if I'm ready, but I'll do whatever I can to help."

Tony smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit. We'll figure it out together. Now, let's get you up to speed on everything you've missed."

Naruto nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He was back, and there was work to be done.

Tony led Naruto to a high-tech lab within Stark Tower, the walls lined with various suits of armor and cutting-edge technology. As they walked, Tony started explaining some of the advancements he'd been working on.

"You've been doing a great job with what you've got, kid," Tony said. "But I've been thinking you could use some upgrades, especially after what you've been through."

Naruto's eyes widened as he saw the array of technology. "Upgrades?"

Tony smirked. "Yeah. For starters, meet the Iron Spider-Man suit."

He gestured to a sleek, advanced suit displayed in the center of the lab. The suit was a blend of his iconic black and orange colors with the high-tech, metallic sheen of Iron Man's armor. It had multiple appendages extending from the back, which looked like they could be used for various combat and utility purposes.

Naruto approached the suit, his eyes wide with awe. "This is... incredible."

Tony nodded. "It's still a work in progress, though. I need to make sure all the systems are fully integrated and that it's optimized for your abilities. It's got enhanced web-shooters, better protection, and those extra arms for added support in combat."

Naruto couldn't help but reach out and touch the suit, feeling the cool metal under his fingers. "This is amazing, Mr. Stark. Thank you."

Tony held up a hand. "Hold on, kid. Like I said, it's not ready yet. I want to make sure it's perfect before you take it out for a spin. In the meantime, I have a few other gadgets you can use."

He handed Naruto a small, sleek device. "This is a new communication device. It'll keep you connected with me and the rest of the team. It also has a built-in AI assistant to help you with real time data and analysis during missions."

Naruto examined the device, impressed by its compact design. "Thanks, Mr. Stark. This will be really helpful."

Tony continued, "And here's an upgrade to your current suit. It's a new web-shooter with multiple modes – taser webs, impact webs, and even a rapid-fire option. It should give you a bit more versatility in your fights."

Naruto took the upgraded web-shooter, already imagining how it would come in handy. "This is great. I really appreciate it."

Tony smiled, his expression a mix of pride and seriousness. "You've got potential, Naruto. And you've proven you're capable of handling a lot. Just remember, you're part of a bigger team now. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help."

Naruto nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I won't. Thanks again, Mr. Stark. I'll make sure to put all of this to good use."

Tony clapped him on the shoulder. "I know you will, kid. Now, go out there and show the world what you're made of. And keep an eye out for that symbiote. We need to figure out how to contain it before it causes more trouble."

Naruto nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and responsibility. With his new gear and the support of Tony Stark and the Avengers, he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As he left Stark Tower, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. There were still many questions unanswered, and many threats to deal with, but for now, he was ready to take on whatever came his way.

Naruto returned to his house, eager to test out the new upgrades Tony had given him. He carefully unpacked the new web-shooters and communication device, examining their sleek designs and advanced features. Taking a deep breath, he slipped on his suit and attached the new web-shooters to his wrists.

"Alright, let's see what this new AI can do," Naruto muttered to himself as he activated the communication device. A soft, feminine voice filled his ears.

"Hello, Naruto. I am your new AI assistant. You can name me as you like," the AI said.

Naruto paused, thinking back to his recent adventures. Memories of Peni Parker brought a smile to his face, but he quickly shook his head. "No, that's weird. Can't name the AI after her," he muttered to himself.

"How about Hina? Yuna?" he pondered aloud, but none of those names felt quite right.

Then, a name popped into his head. "Mikasa," he said, testing the sound of it. "Yeah, Mikasa. That's a good name."

The AI responded promptly, "Mikasa it is. Thank you, Naruto."

Naruto grinned. "Alright, Mikasa. Let's run through these new upgrades and see what we've got."

"Certainly, Naruto. Here is a rundown of your new capabilities," Mikasa began, her voice clear and informative.

"The upgraded web-shooters have three new modes," Mikasa began. "First, the taser webs. They can deliver a non-lethal electric shock to incapacitate your enemies. Second, the impact webs. These are designed to create a strong adhesive impact, immobilizing targets on contact. Finally, the rapid-fire mode allows for quick succession web shots, useful for creating web constructs or overwhelming opponents."

Naruto nodded, impressed by the new capabilities. "Sounds awesome. How about the communication device?"

"The communication device allows for real-time communication with your team, access to global positioning data, and tactical analysis during missions. Additionally, I can assist with strategic planning and provide instant feedback during combat scenarios."

"Alright, Mikasa, let's give this a test run," Naruto said, feeling more confident with each passing moment. He opened his window and swung out into the city, the familiar rush of wind in his face.

"Activate taser webs," Mikasa instructed. Naruto aimed at a nearby streetlamp, firing the web and watching as a small electric shock coursed through the metal.

"Nice," Naruto said with satisfaction. "Impact webs next."

He swung to another rooftop, aiming at a stray crate. The impact web hit its target, immobilizing it instantly.

"Perfect. Rapid-fire mode now," Naruto instructed. He targeted a series of lampposts, firing webs in quick succession and creating a complex web construct.

"All systems are performing as expected," Mikasa confirmed. "You are fully operational, Naruto."

Naruto landed on a rooftop, taking in the cityscape. "Thanks, Mikasa. This is going to make a big difference."

"You're welcome, Naruto. Remember, I'm here to assist you with anything you need," Mikasa responded warmly.

Naruto took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Alright, time to get to work."

With Mikasa by his side, Naruto felt more prepared than ever. He launched himself off the rooftop, swinging through the city with confidence and determination.

As Naruto swung through the city, enjoying the thrill of his new upgrades, Mikasa's voice came through his earpiece.

"Naruto, I've picked up on a street mugging taking place two blocks from your current location," Mikasa informed him.

Naruto grinned. "I'm on it."

He changed direction, swinging through the bustling streets until he reached the alley where the mugging was happening. Below, a group of thugs were cornering a frightened couple, brandishing knives.

Naruto landed on a nearby lamppost, surveying the scene. "Hey, fellas," he called out. "Didn't anyone tell you it's rude to mug people?"

The thugs looked up, startled. "It's Spider-Man!" one of them shouted.

Naruto swung down, landing between the muggers and the couple. "That's right, I'm back," he said, cracking his knuckles.

The thugs rushed at him, but Naruto was ready. He fired a taser web at the first thug, watching him convulse and collapse. The second thug swung a knife, but Naruto dodged easily, using an impact web to pin him against the alley wall.

The remaining thugs hesitated, unsure of what to do. Naruto took advantage of their confusion, webbing them up quickly and efficiently. Within moments, all the muggers were immobilized, hanging from the alley walls in sticky cocoons.

The couple looked up at Naruto, their expressions a mix of awe and relief. "Thank you, Spider-Man," the man said, his voice shaking.

Naruto smiled behind his mask. "No problem. Stay safe."

As he turned to leave, a small crowd had gathered at the entrance of the alley, drawn by the commotion. They watched in amazement as Naruto swung back up to the rooftops.

"It's Spider-Man! He's back!" someone in the crowd shouted.

Naruto paused for a moment, perched on the edge of a building. "That's right," he called down. "And I'm here to stay."

With that, he launched himself back into the air, swinging gracefully through the city. The cheers from the alley faded behind him, but the sense of accomplishment stayed with him.

Taking a break on a rooftop, Naruto leaned against a water tower, breathing in the familiar scents of the city. Mikasa's voice broke through his thoughts.

"Naruto, Peter Parker is calling," Mikasa informed him.

Naruto nodded. "Accept the call."

"Hey, Pete. What's up?" Naruto greeted.

"Hey, man," Peter's voice came through, sounding a bit uneasy. "So, something weird happened at school today. Some guy came up to us saying he was a friend of yours. He asked if we knew where you were, but I didn't tell him anything."

Naruto frowned. "A friend of mine? I can't think of anyone who'd be looking for me like that. Did he say his name?"

Peter hesitated. "No, but he had pale skin, dark black hair with a blue streak. Does that ring any bells?"

Naruto's mind raced, trying to place the description. The image of the person seemed familiar, but the name eluded him. "I think I can picture him, but I can't remember the name. Thanks for the heads up, Pete. I'll keep an eye out."

"Okay, just be careful. The guy seemed... off," Peter cautioned.

"Got it. I'll figure out what's going on. See you later," Naruto said, ending the call.

He sat back, deep in thought. "Mikasa, run a search for anyone matching that description in the recent school records or city database," he instructed.

"Searching now," Mikasa responded. After a few moments, she spoke again. "I have found a match. The individual appears to be a recent transfer student, Uchiha Sasuke."

Naruto's eyes widened in recognition. "Sasuke? But... what's he doing here?"

"Mikasa, can you pinpoint his last known location?" Naruto asked.

"His last known location is in the vicinity of your school," Mikasa informed him.

"Alright. Let's go see what Sasuke wants," Naruto decided, swinging back into action. As he moved through the city, he couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was going to bring up a lot of memories and perhaps some unresolved issues.

Reaching the school, Naruto landed discreetly in an alley nearby and changed into his civilian clothes. He made his way toward the main entrance, scanning the area for any sign of Sasuke. As he walked, he couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension. What was Sasuke doing here, and why was he looking for Naruto?

"Guess I'll find out soon enough," he muttered to himself, steeling himself for the encounter.

Naruto couldn't find Sasuke anywhere around the school. As he walked through the crowded halls, he was greeted by familiar faces from his classes, all expressing their happiness to see him back.

"Hey, Naruto! Good to see you, man!"

"Welcome back, Naruto!"

He smiled, waving back at everyone. "Thanks, guys. It's good to be back."

Despite the warm welcome, his mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of Sasuke. Not finding any sign of him, Naruto decided to head back home. As he walked down the street, he bumped into Gwen, who was coming out of a coffee shop.

"Hey, Gwen!" Naruto greeted her with a smile.

"Naruto! I was hoping to run into you," Gwen said, giving him a quick hug. "How have you been?"

"Been alright, just trying to get back into the swing of things," Naruto replied. "What about you? Anything new while I was gone?"

Gwen smiled, her eyes lighting up. "Actually, yeah. Peter and I have gotten a lot closer. We're dating now."

Naruto's smile widened. "That's awesome, Gwen! I'm really happy for you two."

"Thanks," Gwen said, looking genuinely pleased. "What about you and Mary Jane?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, a bit unsure. "Well, we just got back together. It feels a bit rushed, but I guess we're young, so we might as well try our best."

Gwen nodded thoughtfully. "Relationships can be tricky, especially with everything we've got going on. But if anyone can make it work, it's you and MJ."

"Yeah, I hope so," Naruto said, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's just... after being gone for so long, everything feels a bit different. But I'm glad to be back and to have you guys around."

"We're glad to have you back too," Gwen said sincerely. "And if you ever need to talk or need anything, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Gwen. That means a lot," Naruto replied, feeling a sense of warmth and support from his friend.

They chatted for a little while longer, catching up on the small details of their lives. Gwen shared more about her and Peter's relationship, and Naruto talked about his thoughts and concerns about getting back together with Mary Jane. It was a comforting and grounding conversation for both of them.

Eventually, Naruto decided it was time to head home. "I should get going, but I'm really glad we got to talk, Gwen."

"Me too, Naruto," Gwen said, giving him another quick hug. "Take care, and I'll see you around."

With a wave, Naruto continued on his way home, feeling a bit more settled and hopeful about the future. Despite the uncertainties and the mysteries that still needed to be solved, he knew he had good friends by his side, and that made all the difference.

Naruto got home and immediately noticed the smell of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air. He walked into the kitchen, where Tsunade was busy preparing a tray.

"Hey, Grandma. Making tea for someone?" he asked, curious.

Tsunade glanced up and smiled. "It's good you're home, Naruto. Your friend came by to check on you."

Naruto's curiosity grew as he walked towards the living room. As he entered, he stopped dead in his tracks, eyes widening. Sitting on the couch was Sasuke, who looked up and greeted him with a familiar nod.

"It's been a while, Naruto."

Naruto was still processing the shock of seeing Sasuke here. "Sasuke? What are you doing here?"

Sasuke stood up, his expression calm but his eyes carrying a hint of concern. "I arrived from Japan not too long ago. When I came to find you, I heard you were missing. I was worried."

Naruto's senses were on high alert, a nagging feeling tugging at him, but he brushed it off for the moment. "It's good to see you again," he said, forcing a smile.

Tsunade entered the living room with the tea tray, setting it down on the table. "Why don't you two sit and catch up? I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything."

Naruto and Sasuke sat down, facing each other. Naruto took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease. "So, what brings you to New York, Sasuke?"

Sasuke took a sip of his tea before answering. "I've been working on some personal projects, and I thought it was time to visit you. I've heard a lot about how things have been changing here, and I wanted to see it for myself."

Naruto nodded, still trying to gauge Sasuke's intentions. "Yeah, a lot has happened. I've been dealing with some... interesting situations."

Sasuke's eyes sharpened. "Like what?"

Naruto hesitated, not sure how much to reveal. "Just some stuff with school and... other responsibilities."

Sasuke studied Naruto for a moment, then leaned back, seemingly satisfied with the vague response. "I've heard you've been doing well for yourself, despite everything."

Naruto shrugged. "I'm managing. But what about you? How have things been in Japan?"

Sasuke's expression darkened slightly. "Complicated. But manageable."

The conversation continued, with both friends catching up on each other's lives. Despite the initial tension, the familiarity between them slowly resurfaced. Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, but he decided to trust his friend for now.

After a while, Sasuke glanced at the clock. "I should get going. It was good to see you, Naruto."

Naruto stood up, walking Sasuke to the door. "Yeah, it was. We should catch up more often."

Sasuke nodded, then paused before leaving. "Take care of yourself, Naruto. And be careful."

"You too, Sasuke," Naruto replied, watching as his friend walked down the street.

As Naruto closed the door, he couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and unease. Something about Sasuke's visit didn't sit right with him, but for now, he decided to focus on the present and the challenges that lay ahead. He had a feeling this wouldn't be the last he saw of Sasuke, and he was determined to be ready for whatever came next.

Chapter 11 – Back Home End

A/N

With that ending, what does everyone think about Sasuke?

Mary Jane and Naruto's relationship may have rushed, but she was worried he was dead. I'll delve more into her time without Naruto in future chapters.

Now, as for why I gave Naruto some more upgrades... well, I wanted to. It's fun to have him talking with someone while he's out as Spider-Man. I picked the name Mikasa since attack on titan is one of my favourite shows.

Why six months? Well, you will see soon xd.

Let's dive into the new arc – Venom :)

I will be posting an Elden Ring story in the future, keep a look out.

Until next time,

Bye bye!