Naruto stood in the middle of his parents' old home, still in awe at the sense of belonging it gave him. The morning sun filtered in through the windows, bathing the room in warm, golden light. It had been a few days since he had learned the truth, and yet, every time he walked into this house, it felt as if he was stepping into another world—a world where his parents were still here, living their lives.

He moved slowly around the room, his eyes lingering on the photographs that adorned the shelves and the walls. One particular photograph caught his attention—it was of his mother, Kushina, with her hand resting on her swollen belly, smiling brightly. Naruto reached out to touch the frame, his fingers brushing against the glass.

"That's me in there, isn't it?" Naruto whispered to himself, his heart swelling with a bittersweet feeling. He could almost hear her laughter, see the love in her eyes. He wished he could have known her, could have heard her voice just once.

As he continued to explore the house, Naruto came across a small, unassuming drawer in the corner of the bedroom. He opened it, revealing a stack of old scrolls and notebooks. His eyes widened as he noticed a bright red leather-bound book nestled among the papers. He carefully pulled it out, his fingers brushing over the worn cover. The words "Kushina Uzumaki" were written on the front in a looping script.

"A diary?" Naruto whispered, his heart skipping a beat.

He opened the diary, flipping through the pages. The entries were written in a neat, flowing hand, each one brimming with life and emotion. Naruto skimmed through a few pages, his eyes widening as he read about his mother's journey to Konoha, her experiences at the academy, and the moment she had met Minato.

"He's such a weirdo, with his calm, polite attitude. But he's always there when I need him. I guess he's not so bad… maybe."

Naruto chuckled, picturing his mother as a fiery, strong-willed kunoichi. It was easy to see where he had gotten his energy from.

He turned to another page, his breath catching as he read:

"Today, Minato asked me if I wanted to get ramen after our mission. It's funny—I didn't even know he liked ramen. We ended up talking for hours. He's still a bit of a weirdo, but… I think I might like him. I think he makes me feel… safe."

Naruto's heart ached with longing. He could see them, his parents, sitting in Ichiraku Ramen, sharing a meal and talking about their day. He flipped forward to an entry from later, when Kushina was pregnant with him.

"Minato says he wants to name our baby Naruto. After the main character in one of Jiraiya's books. I think it's a wonderful name. I hope our son grows up to be strong and brave, like Minato. I hope he's happy, and that he never feels alone."

Naruto closed the diary, hugging it close to his chest. Tears filled his eyes, and he wiped them away with his sleeve. His mother had wanted him to be happy, had wanted him to feel loved, even though she knew she might not be there to see him grow.

"I'll make you proud, Mom. I'll be strong, and I'll protect everyone, just like you and Dad did," Naruto whispered, his voice filled with determination.

He carefully put the diary in his bag, knowing he wanted to keep it with him. It was a piece of his mother, something he could hold onto. Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Naruto turned to see Jiraiya standing in the doorway, his expression softened.

"Hey, kid," Jiraiya said, his voice carrying a mix of warmth and sadness. "How are you holding up?"

Naruto gave him a small smile, his eyes still glistening. "I'm good, Pervy Sage. I found my mom's diary. It's… really nice, getting to know them like this."

Jiraiya walked over, kneeling beside Naruto. He glanced at the photograph of Minato and Kushina, his eyes clouded with old memories. "They were amazing people, Naruto. Your dad, Minato, was like a son to me. And your mom, Kushina… she had a spirit that could light up even the darkest of days."

Naruto looked up at Jiraiya, his gaze searching. "Why didn't you come back sooner, Pervy Sage? I mean, you knew about me, didn't you?"

Jiraiya sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "I did, Naruto. And there isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret not being there for you. After Minato and Kushina… after they were gone, I lost my way for a while. I was blinded by my own quest—chasing after Orochimaru, trying to build my spy network. I thought I could protect the village that way, but I failed you. I let you grow up alone, and I'm sorry for that."

Naruto was silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on the floor. He had always wondered why no one had come for him, why he had been left to fend for himself. But seeing the genuine regret in Jiraiya's eyes, he felt a strange sense of comfort. He knew now that it hadn't been because he was unwanted.

Jiraiya reached out, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "That's why, when I came back, I wanted to train you. I wanted to make up for the time I lost, to help you become the shinobi your parents always believed you could be. And let me tell you, kid—you're going to be even better than Minato or I ever were."

Naruto looked up, his blue eyes filled with determination. "I'll make sure of it, Pervy Sage. I'm going to be the best Hokage there ever was, and I'm going to protect everyone I care about. I won't let their sacrifice go to waste."

Jiraiya smiled, ruffling Naruto's hair. "That's the spirit, Naruto. And remember, no matter what happens, you've got people who believe in you—who are here for you. You're not alone anymore."

Naruto nodded, his heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. For the first time in his life, he truly felt like he belonged.

Morning had come, and Hikari found herself training alongside Team 10. This was part of the rotation system set up by Hiruzen to ensure she gained experience with different styles and shinobi across the village. It wasn't what she would have chosen, but she understood the value in learning from others—and learning about others.

Shikamaru was lazily leaning against a tree, watching as Choji and Ino sparred against each other. His eyes were half-closed, but Hikari knew better than to underestimate him. He might seem disinterested, but his mind was always sharp, analyzing every movement, every weakness.

"Oi, Hikari," Ino called out, giving her a bright smile. "Wanna join in? It's way more fun when there's more of us."

Hikari gave a small nod, stepping forward. She found Ino a little annoying at times—the way she would talk about boys and gossip—but there was an earnestness about her that Hikari couldn't help but respect. Ino wasn't afraid to speak her mind, even if it was sometimes frivolous.

Choji, meanwhile, was friendly enough, but his focus on food seemed almost obsessive. The boy was munching on a bag of chips even now, in the middle of a sparring match.

"Alright, Choji, let's take her on," Ino said, getting into her stance.

Choji nodded, finishing his chips and clapping his hands together. "Ready when you are."

The spar began, and Hikari moved with precision, her Sharingan active as she analyzed their attacks. Choji used his Expansion Jutsu, his massive arm swinging towards her, but Hikari evaded it with ease, her movements swift and controlled. Ino tried to flank her, forming hand seals for her Mind Transfer Jutsu, but Hikari anticipated it, using a Fire Style jutsu to force Ino to dodge.

Shikamaru watched from the sidelines, his eyes narrowing as he took in Hikari's movements. "Troublesome… she's good. Almost too good," he muttered to himself.

Hikari moved with grace, her attacks measured, never wasting energy. She wasn't just powerful—she was efficient, each movement deliberate. It was clear that her training had been intense, honed under extreme conditions. She ended the spar by outmaneuvering both Ino and Choji, forcing them to yield.

"Whoa, you're amazing, Hikari!" Ino said, catching her breath, her eyes wide with admiration. "Seriously, where did you learn to fight like that?"

Hikari gave a small shrug, her expression neutral. "I've had a lot of practice."

"Man, you're really something," Choji added, his face flushed from exertion as he gave Hikari a friendly smile. "It's like you knew exactly where we were going to attack."

Hikari nodded but didn't elaborate further. She could feel their curiosity, but she didn't feel ready to share her entire story—not with people she barely knew. Still, she appreciated the acknowledgment of her skills. It was a far cry from the harsh judgments she had grown up with.

Shikamaru approached, stretching his arms above his head in a lazy manner. "You're skilled, that's for sure," he commented, his gaze assessing. "But you're not really putting in much effort to make friends, are you?"

Hikari gave him a sidelong glance, her Sharingan deactivating as she relaxed her stance. "I didn't come here to make friends. I came here to get stronger and protect myself." Her tone wasn't harsh, but it was firm.

Shikamaru shrugged, his lips curving into a lazy smirk. "Troublesome. But you know, it helps to have people you can trust watching your back. It's easier when you're not alone." He looked at Choji and Ino, both of whom were laughing as they took a break. "Even if they can be annoying sometimes."

Hikari looked at Shikamaru for a long moment, his words striking something within her. She knew he was right. After all, Naruto had already shown her that trusting others could make a difference. Maybe, just maybe, it was worth trying.

"Maybe," she conceded softly, her gaze shifting to Ino, who was already gossiping about something else, and Choji, who had taken out yet another bag of chips. There was a warmth between them—a sense of camaraderie that Hikari found foreign but comforting. She didn't respond further, but Shikamaru could see a flicker of something in her eyes.

"Well, I guess that's enough for today," Shikamaru said, yawning as he stretched again. "Kurenai-sensei should be waiting for you, right?"

Hikari nodded. She had grown somewhat comfortable with Kurenai, appreciating the woman's patience and understanding. Spending time with her had been helpful—calming, even. It was the first time in a long while that Hikari felt like someone truly wanted to see her grow without any strings attached.

"Yeah. I'll catch you all later," Hikari said, giving a small wave to the team before turning to leave.

"See ya, Hikari!" Ino called out, smiling brightly. "Next time, I want a rematch!"

Choji added a thumbs-up, while Shikamaru gave a lazy wave. Hikari left the training field, making her way through the village, a small, almost imperceptible smile on her face. Maybe this was what it was like to have comrades—people who cared, who were willing to support one another. It wasn't something she was used to, but she thought that perhaps she could get used to it.

xxx

As Hikari walked down the street, her mind filled with thoughts of her training and her interaction with Team 10, something unusual caught her eye. Across the street, seated at an outdoor tea shop, were two men wearing long black cloaks adorned with red clouds. What caught her attention even more were the conical straw hats they wore, the long tassels hanging down to obscure their faces.

Their presence felt wrong—ominous. The larger of the two had blue skin and sharp teeth that gave him the look of a shark, while the other was lean, with dark hair tied in a low ponytail. Even with the hats covering their eyes, Hikari could feel the unsettling aura radiating from them.

Hikari narrowed her eyes, her senses on high alert. 'Who were these men, and why were they here?'

Before she could move closer, she saw movement in her peripheral vision—people she recognized immediately. Sasuke, Kakashi, and Sakura were approaching, walking towards her, unaware of the two men in the tea shop. Hikari felt her stomach clench. She had a bad feeling about this.

"Sasuke," Hikari called out, her voice urgent.

Sasuke looked up, his eyes locking onto hers. "Hikari?" He frowned, noticing the tension in her stance. "What is it?"

Kakashi also seemed to sense that something was amiss, his visible eye narrowing slightly as he followed Hikari's gaze. "Hikari, what's going on?" he asked, his voice calm but alert.

Hikari pointed subtly towards the two men, her eyes never leaving them. "Those two… there's something wrong about them. They're not from the village."

Kakashi followed her gaze, and his entire demeanor changed in an instant. His visible eye widened, his body tensing. The black cloaks, the straw hats—it was all too familiar. The images matched what Jiraiya had once described to him. This was the Akatsuki.

'Akatsuki', Kakashi mentally echoed, his mind racing. Why are they here, now?

"Who are they?" Sasuke asked, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the men. He could feel the immense chakra radiating from them, a presence that made every hair on his body stand on end.

"They're dangerous. We need to stay back," Kakashi said, his voice firm. He stepped in front of Sasuke and Sakura, shielding them as he kept his gaze fixed on the two strangers. "Hikari, you did well to notice them. We need to be careful."

Sakura moved closer to Sasuke, her eyes wide with concern. "Kakashi-sensei, what should we do?"

Kakashi's expression was serious, his gaze fixed on the two men as they continued their quiet conversation at the tea shop. "For now, we keep our distance and observe. We can't afford to provoke them."

Hikari watched as the two men seemed to finish their tea, standing up slowly. The one with the straw hat lifted his head slightly, and for a brief moment, Hikari caught a glimpse of red eyes—eyes with black tomoe spinning in them.

Her heart skipped a beat. Sharingan? she thought, a chill running down her spine. As far as she knew, only she and Sasuke had the Sharingan—was this man also an Uchiha? And if so, who?

The taller man, the one with the shark-like appearance, glanced around, his gaze sweeping over the street. Hikari instinctively stepped back, moving closer to Sasuke and Sakura, her hand hovering near her kunai pouch.

Kakashi watched them carefully, his muscles tense, ready to react at a moment's notice. The two men began to walk away, heading down the street, their cloaks swaying with each step. It was as if they were taking a casual stroll, but Kakashi knew better. Their presence was deliberate, and whatever they were here for, it wasn't good.

As they disappeared around the corner, Kakashi let out a slow breath, turning to the three genin. "We need to inform the Hokage. Now."

Sasuke clenched his fists, his eyes still fixed on where the two men had disappeared. "Who are they, Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, his gaze somber. "That's something we'll need to discuss later. Right now, we need to make sure the village is aware of this. Let's go."

Hikari nodded, her expression serious. She could feel the tension in the air, the sense that something monumental was about to happen. As they began to move, she couldn't help but glance at Sasuke. She could see the questions in his eyes, the confusion, the desire for answers. She knew that feeling all too well—the need to understand, to find a purpose.

But for now, there were more pressing matters at hand.

Back at Minato and Kushina's old home, Jiraiya watched as Naruto carefully placed his mother's diary back into his bag, the young shinobi's expression a mixture of determination and lingering sadness.

"You know, Naruto," Jiraiya began, his voice thoughtful, "those two would be so proud of you. They always wanted you to grow up strong and to find your own path. And look at you—you've made it this far all on your own."

Naruto looked up at Jiraiya, his blue eyes shining with a mixture of pride and hope. "I'm not alone anymore, Pervy Sage. I've got you, I've got my friends, and I've got their legacy with me now. I'm gonna do right by them, and I'm gonna make everyone proud."

Jiraiya smiled, a warmth spreading through his chest. He reached out and placed a hand on Naruto's head, ruffling his hair. "That's right, kid. You're going to be a greater Hokage than any of us could have ever dreamed. And I'm going to make sure you're ready for whatever comes your way."

Naruto grinned, the fire in his eyes blazing even brighter. "Then let's get started, Pervy Sage! I've got a lot to learn, and I want to be the best."

Jiraiya stood up, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Good. Then I think it's time I teach you your father's signature technique." He paused for effect, enjoying the look of surprise and curiosity on Naruto's face. "The Rasengan."

Naruto's eyes widened, his mouth dropping open. "My dad's technique? Is it something cool?!"

Jiraiya nodded, his grin widening. He held out a hand and formed a blue ball of spinning energy in his hand. Naruto eyes sparkled in admiration. "That's right. It's not an easy jutsu, but if anyone can learn it, it's you. This was one of Minato's greatest creations, a technique that relies on pure chakra manipulation. And if you master it, you'll be one step closer to becoming the shinobi you want to be."

Naruto clenched his fists, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Alright! Let's do this, Pervy Sage! I'm ready to learn!"

Jiraiya reached into his pouch and pulled out a small, round water balloon. He handed it to Naruto, his eyes serious. "Your first task is to rotate the water inside this balloon using only your chakra. It's about control, Naruto—control and precision."

Naruto looked at the balloon, then back at Jiraiya, his expression determined. "Got it! I won't let you down!"

Jiraiya chuckled, patting Naruto on the back. "I know you won't, kid. Let's see just how far you can go."

As Naruto focused on the water balloon, trying to feel the chakra flow within it, Jiraiya stood back, watching him with a sense of pride. This was it—the beginning of Naruto's journey to mastering the Rasengan, to stepping into his father's shoes. And Jiraiya would be there every step of the way, making sure Naruto had everything he needed to succeed.

Naruto looked up, the water balloon trembling slightly as he tried to make the water move. He grinned at Jiraiya, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement and hope. "I'm gonna master this, Pervy Sage. Just watch—I'm gonna do it, and then I'll be one step closer to being the best Hokage!"

Jiraiya smiled, his heart swelling with pride. "I'm sure you will, Naruto. I'm sure you will."

A/N: Hey guys there is some things I want to address. I have noticed some reviews and I have gotten a pm about the chunnin exam finals. I know the battle with Gaara was short. I did that because I really did not want to hash out a long version of that fight again. I started this story with Hikari joining in the story during that month long training. I was not looking to have a long invasion arc, but use it as a arc to get started somewhere. This is fanfiction, I am free to change things for my story. I HAVE read it all and watched the entirety Naruto. I know what happens in the story, Boruto included. In fanfiction, I am allowed to come up with my own story. I write as a hobby for myself and stories I wanted to see. Also I want to share it with others, but getting flamed or people irritated because I am not DOING what you want in MY story is crazy to me. Please don't take this as someone who can't take criticism or heat, I like that. It betters me, and I have been using this to better my writing. Again, If my story is not to your liking, please just don't read it. Thanks for reading!