A few days had passed since the invasion. The village was slowly beginning to rebuild, but the loss of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, left a deep wound in everyone's hearts. During this time, Satsuki stayed with Naruto, comforting him in his grief.
Naruto had insisted on sleeping on the couch, much to Satsuki's frustration. She wanted him to be as comfortable as possible, but he stubbornly refused to let her take the couch. "Naruto-kun, you should sleep in your own bed," she argued one night, but he just smiled and shook his head.
"You need the rest more, Satsuki-chan," he replied. "I'll be fine on the couch."
Their days were filled with light training, cuddling, and helping with the village's reconstruction efforts. They would walk through the village together, picking up debris and offering support to the villagers. The shared grief and effort to rebuild brought them even closer.
Naruto woke up one morning, stretching on the couch. He rubbed his eyes and looked towards his room, where Satsuki was still sleeping peacefully. He quietly got up, trying not to wake her, and headed to the kitchen to make breakfast.
Satsuki stirred awake, the morning light filtering through the curtains. She noticed Naruto wasn't there and got up to find him. She walked into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes, and saw Naruto cooking.
"Good morning, Naruto-kun," she said, her voice still groggy from sleep.
"Morning, Satsuki-chan," Naruto replied, turning to her with a smile. "I'm making us some breakfast. Sit down; it'll be ready in a minute."
Satsuki sat down at the small table, watching Naruto move around the kitchen. She felt a warmth in her heart, grateful for his presence and support during these difficult days.
They ate breakfast together, chatting about their plans for the day. After they finished, they went out to help with the rebuilding. Naruto used his shadow clones to clear debris and help repair buildings, while Satsuki used her Sharingan to detect any hidden dangers or weak spots in the structures.
In the afternoons, they would train lightly. Naruto focused on perfecting his Wind and Fire Style jutsu, while Satsuki practiced her Taijutsu and fire jutsu. They sparred occasionally, pushing each other to improve but always mindful not to overexert themselves.
One evening, they sat on the roof of Naruto's apartment, looking at the stars. Satsuki leaned her head on Naruto's shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around her. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company.
"Thank you for being here, Satsuki-chan," Naruto said softly.
Satsuki looked up at him and smiled. "I wouldn't be anywhere else, Naruto-kun. We're in this together."
Naruto nodded, feeling a sense of peace despite the chaos around them. They continued to sit there, finding comfort and strength in each other as they faced the challenges ahead.
As the days went by, they grew even closer. The bond between them strengthened, and their feelings for each other deepened. They knew that whatever happened, they would face it together, supporting and protecting each other every step of the way.
The day of Hiruzen's funeral was heavy with sorrow. The skies were overcast, matching the somber mood of the village. Naruto and Satsuki stood side by side, dressed in black, their faces reflecting the grief that weighed on their hearts. They were surrounded by other villagers and shinobi, all gathered to pay their respects to the Third Hokage and the fallen comrades who had perished during the invasion.
The funeral was held in a large, open field near the Hokage Monument. A line of shinobi stood in formation, their heads bowed. In front of them was a large portrait of Hiruzen, surrounded by flowers and incense. The village's flag hung at half-mast, fluttering gently in the breeze.
Naruto's hands clenched into fists at his sides. He felt a deep emptiness inside him, a pain that couldn't be healed easily. Satsuki reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. He looked at her, and she gave him a small, comforting smile.
The Third Hokage's casket was lowered into the ground. The village elders and other prominent shinobi stood around it, their faces etched with grief. Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage-to-be, stood with them, her eyes filled with sorrow and determination.
As the ceremony continued, names of the fallen shinobi were read aloud. Each name was a reminder of the sacrifices made to protect the village. Naruto's mind drifted back to the invasion, to the chaos and the loss. He remembered the battle with Gaara and Shukaku, the fear and determination that had driven him to protect his friends and home.
When it was time for the final farewells, Naruto and Satsuki stepped forward together. They placed flowers on Hiruzen's grave, their hands trembling slightly. Naruto bowed his head, whispering a silent promise to the Hokage who had believed in him.
"We'll make you proud, Jiji," Naruto murmured, his voice barely audible.
Satsuki stood close to him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We'll keep fighting," she added softly. "For you and for everyone who sacrificed their lives."
They stepped back, joining the other mourners in a moment of silence. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying with it the scent of flowers and the whispers of the fallen. The village stood united in grief, but also in determination to rebuild and honor those who had given their lives.
As the ceremony came to an end, the villagers began to disperse, their steps heavy with sorrow. Naruto and Satsuki lingered a moment longer, taking one last look at the grave of the Third Hokage. They knew the road ahead would be difficult, but they also knew they had each other to lean on.
Walking away from the gravesite, Naruto and Satsuki held hands, drawing strength from their bond. They would face whatever challenges came their way, carrying the memory of Hiruzen and the fallen shinobi with them, guiding them forward.
A week had passed since Hiruzen's funeral. The village was slowly recovering, and Naruto and Satsuki continued to spend their days helping with the reconstruction and training. One morning, Naruto was woken up early by a knock on his door. He opened it to find Jiraiya standing there, a serious look on his face.
"Ero-sannin, what's going on?" Naruto asked, rubbing his eyes.
"I need to take you on a mission, Naruto," Jiraiya said. "We're going to find the next Hokage. It's going to take about a month."
Naruto's eyes widened. "A month? That's a long time. Can Satsuki-chan come with us?"
Jiraiya scratched his head. "Well, this is supposed to be a secret mission, but I guess it wouldn't hurt. Alright, she can come."
Naruto grinned and ran to wake up Satsuki. "Satsuki-chan, wake up! We're going on a mission with Ero-sannin!"
Satsuki stirred and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "What? A mission? What kind of mission?"
"We're going to find the next Hokage," Naruto explained. "And Jiraiya said you can come with us."
Satsuki's eyes widened. "Really? Alright, let's go!"
They quickly got ready and met Jiraiya outside. They started their journey, leaving the village behind as they headed into the forest. As they walked, Jiraiya explained more about their mission.
"We're looking for Tsunade," Jiraiya said. "She's one of the legendary Sannin, like me. She's the best candidate to become the next Hokage."
Naruto and Satsuki listened intently, curious about this new Hokage candidate. They traveled for several days, stopping at various towns and asking for information about Tsunade's whereabouts. They encountered a few dead ends, but Jiraiya was determined to find her.
During their journey, Naruto and Satsuki continued their training. Naruto practiced his Wind and Fire Style jutsu, while Satsuki focused on improving her Sharingan and Taijutsu. Jiraiya occasionally gave them pointers, but mostly let them train on their own.
One evening, they set up camp near a river. Naruto and Satsuki sat by the fire, talking and laughing as they cooked their dinner. Jiraiya watched them, a small smile on his face. He could see the bond between them growing stronger every day.
As they ate, Naruto asked, "Ero-sannin, what's Tsunade like?"
Jiraiya chuckled. "Tsunade is... well, she's something else. She's incredibly strong and skilled in medical ninjutsu. But she's also got a bit of a temper and a love for gambling."
Satsuki raised an eyebrow. "Gambling?"
"Yeah, she's not very good at it either," Jiraiya said with a laugh. "But despite that, she's one of the most talented shinobi I've ever known. She'll make a great Hokage."
A few days into their journey, Jiraiya decided it was time to teach Naruto a new technique. One evening, after they set up camp, he called Naruto over.
"Alright, Naruto, it's time I taught you something new," Jiraiya said, a serious look on his face.
Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? What is it, Ero-sannin?"
"It's called the Rasengan," Jiraiya said. "It's an advanced chakra control technique created by the Fourth Hokage."
Naruto's excitement grew even more. "The Fourth Hokage? Alright, let's do this!"
Jiraiya nodded. "The first step is to learn how to rotate your chakra in your palm. It's not easy, but I have a feeling you'll pick it up quickly."
Naruto focused hard on Jiraiya's instructions. He spent the whole day practicing, pouring all his concentration and determination into the task. By the end of the day, he managed to complete the first step, creating a small, swirling ball of chakra in his hand.
"Ero-sannin, look! I did it!" Naruto shouted, a big grin on his face.
Jiraiya smiled, impressed. "Good job, Naruto. You picked that up faster than I expected."
The next morning, they continued their journey, heading in the direction of Gyanburā no Machi, Tsunade's last known location. The town was known for its gambling establishments, which made sense given Tsunade's reputation.
As they traveled, Naruto practiced the second step of the Rasengan. This stage involved maintaining the chakra rotation while adding power. It was a lot harder than the first step, but Naruto was determined to master it.
After several days of travel, they arrived at Gyanburā no Machi. The town was bustling with activity, filled with gamblers and merchants. They asked around for Tsunade, but no one had seen her recently.
"It looks like we'll have to stay here for the night," Jiraiya said. "We'll keep looking for her tomorrow."
They found an inn and settled in for the night. Naruto was still focused on his training, determined to master the second step of the Rasengan. Satsuki watched him, amazed by his dedication.
"You're really working hard, Naruto-kun," Satsuki said, sitting beside him.
Naruto smiled at her. "I have to, Satsuki-chan. If I'm going to become Hokage, I need to get stronger."
Satsuki nodded, a small smile on her face. "I believe in you, Naruto-kun. You can do it."
With Satsuki's encouragement, Naruto continued his training. Late into the night, he finally managed to maintain the chakra rotation while adding power, creating a more powerful Rasengan.
"I did it, Satsuki-chan!" Naruto said, his eyes shining with excitement.
Satsuki hugged him. "I knew you could, Naruto-kun. You're amazing."
Jiraiya, who had been observing from a distance, walked over and patted Naruto on the shoulder. "You've done well, Naruto. Tomorrow, we'll start the third step."
The next morning, Jiraiya decided to spend some time with the local women, leaving Naruto and Satsuki alone in their room. Naruto practiced the Rasengan while Satsuki watched, offering tips and encouragement.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Naruto and Satsuki exchanged a puzzled look before Naruto went to answer it. He opened the door to reveal two figures in black cloaks adorned with red clouds: Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki.
"Itachi?" Satsuki's eyes widened in shock and rage.
"What are you doing here?" Naruto demanded, glaring at the two Akatsuki members.
Itachi's cold eyes met Naruto's. "You will come with us, Naruto Uzumaki."
"Like hell I will! Fuck off!" Naruto shouted, stepping back.
Satsuki's anger boiled over. She charged at Itachi, her Sharingan spinning. "You bastard!"
Itachi easily sidestepped her attack and flicked her on the forehead, sending her crashing into the wall. "Stay out of this, Satsuki."
Kisame chuckled, lifting his massive sword, Samehada. "Shall I handle the brat?"
Itachi shook his head. "No, I will deal with them."
Satsuki got to her feet, fury in her eyes. She formed the Chidori in her hand, the crackling lightning illuminating the room. "I won't let you take Naruto!"
She lunged at Itachi again, her Chidori aimed at his chest. Itachi caught her wrist effortlessly and stared into her eyes. "You are weak, little sister."
With a glance, he cast Tsukuyomi on her. Satsuki's scream echoed in the hallway as she collapsed, unconscious.
Naruto's eyes blazed with rage. "You'll pay for that!"
He charged at Itachi, throwing a flurry of punches and kicks. Itachi dodged and countered each move with ease, sending Naruto sprawling.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Naruto knew he had to do something drastic. With Satsuki unconscious and two S-rank ninja in front of him, he summoned a cloud of ash that filled the entire hallway. Using the cover, he activated Taiyō no Honō, setting Kisame ablaze with white flames.
Kisame roared in pain, dropping his sword as the flames consumed him. Itachi turned to face Naruto, attempting to place him under a genjutsu, but Naruto's Mangekyou Sharingan flared, breaking the illusion instantly.
Naruto, hidden in the ash, formed a blade of white fire in his hand and slashed at Itachi. Itachi dodged, but the intense heat singed his cloak. He realized this boy was more powerful than anticipated and decided to test his abilities further.
For half a minute, Naruto and Itachi clashed, Itachi dodging and countering Naruto's attacks. Just as Itachi prepared a counterattack, Jiraiya appeared at the end of the hallway, carrying an unconscious girl. He quickly set her down and faced the Akatsuki.
"Get away from my student," Jiraiya growled, his presence commanding the room.
Itachi and Kisame exchanged a look, realizing they were outmatched. Using Amaterasu, Itachi created black flames that engulfed the hallway, forcing Jiraiya to use a sealing jutsu to contain them. In the chaos, the Akatsuki fled.
As the ash began to clear, Itachi caught a glimpse of Naruto's eyes, his Mangekyou Sharingan burning with determination. The sight shocked Itachi to his core, but he decided to keep this revelation to himself.
Jiraiya approached Naruto and Satsuki, his expression serious. "Are you two alright?"
Naruto nodded, panting from the exertion. "Yeah, but Satsuki needs help. She's unconscious."
Jiraiya lifted Satsuki gently. "We need to get out of here. This place isn't safe anymore."
Naruto nodded, following Jiraiya as they left the inn, the gravity of their encounter with the Akatsuki hanging heavy over them.
After paying for the damages at the last inn, Jiraiya found another hotel for them to stay in. Naruto carried Satsuki to one of the rooms, his concern for her safety palpable. Once she was settled, Naruto found himself unconsciously activating his Mangekyou Sharingan, entering her mindscape.
In her mindscape, he saw Satsuki trapped in the horrors of Tsukuyomi, still crying and shaking. Realizing he could help, Naruto focused his energy and broke the genjutsu. As the world around them shattered, he found Satsuki curled up, sobbing.
He rushed to her side, wrapping his arms around her. "Satsuki-chan, I'm here. You're safe now."
She clung to him, her body trembling. "Naruto-kun, I… I love you."
Naruto's heart swelled with emotion, and he kissed her gently. They held each other close, finding solace in their embrace before waking up in the real world once again.
Naruto let Jiraiya know that Satsuki was okay and that he would be staying in the room with her to ensure her safety. Jiraiya, though confused, nodded and left them alone.
Naruto made himself comfortable on the couch, keeping a watchful eye on Satsuki. As the night wore on, he found it hard to sleep, his mind racing with worry and thoughts of their encounter with Itachi and Kisame.
In the early hours of the morning, Satsuki stirred. She woke up, looked around, and saw Naruto on the couch. Quietly, she got up and walked over to him.
"Naruto-kun," she whispered, shaking him gently.
Naruto opened his eyes, blinking away sleep. "Satsuki-chan, are you okay?"
She nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Come to bed. You need rest too."
"But—"
"No buts. You need to sleep." She pulled him off the couch and led him to the bed.
They lay down next to each other, fully clothed, the warmth of their bodies offering comfort. Satsuki snuggled close, her head resting on Naruto's chest. "Thank you, Naruto-kun," she murmured.
Naruto wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. "Anything for you, Satsuki-chan."
They fell asleep like that, finding peace in each other's presence until the morning light filtered through the curtains, heralding a new day.
Jiraiya felt like going to a bar, so he took Naruto and Satsuki with him. They stumbled across Tsunade, sitting at a table with Shizune and the pig, Tonton. Jiraiya led them over, and they took seats next to her.
"Tsunade, it's been a while," Jiraiya greeted.
"Jiraiya," she replied with a nod, taking a sip of her drink.
"We need you back in Konoha to become Hokage," Jiraiya said, getting straight to the point.
Tsunade scoffed, a disdainful look on her face. "Hokage? It's a death wish, a stupid position for fools."
Naruto's eyes narrowed, anger rising within him. "How can you say that, old woman?" he snapped.
Tsunade's eyes flashed with irritation. "What did you call me, brat?"
Naruto stood his ground. "You heard me, old woman!"
Tsunade stood up, towering over him. "Come outside, brat."
Shizune, looking worried, mentioned something about a deal Tsunade had to think of. Outside, Tsunade crossed her arms. "I bet you can't land a strike on me with me only using one finger. If you do, I'll go back to Konoha, become Hokage, and give you this necklace from the First Hokage. It's worth mountains of gold."
Naruto's eyes gleamed with determination. "You're on."
He attacked, but Tsunade easily dodged, using her super strength to crack the floor under him. Naruto jumped back, focusing his chakra.
He began charging his Rasengan, shocking Tsunade. She watched him, stunned. The Rasengan, however, failed to stabilize and dissipated. Tsunade smirked, taunting him. "Untalented brat."
Suddenly, Tsunade was punched from behind by one of Naruto's shadow clones, hidden by genjutsu. She hadn't detected it due to her arrogance. Naruto had won the bet.
Tsunade's eyes widened, and she saw images of Dan and Nawaki in Naruto. She walked over and handed him the necklace, her expression softening. "What's your name, kid?"
"Naruto Uzumaki," he replied.
Tsunade's face turned pale. She screamed, "They told me you died!" She hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face.
Naruto, confused, asked, "What the hell is going on?"
Tsunade pulled back, her eyes filled with emotion. "I'm your godmother. The medics told me you died during the Kyuubi attack."
Naruto stood there, shocked to his core. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. The woman standing before him was not just a legendary Sannin, but someone connected deeply to his past.
They all went back into the bar to have something to eat and talk. Tsunade was still shaken by the revelation but tried to compose herself. Naruto, Satsuki, and Jiraiya sat around a table with Tsunade and Shizune, who had Tonton on her lap.
Tsunade looked at Naruto with a mix of sadness and curiosity. "So, Naruto, how has your life been?" she asked gently.
Before Naruto could answer, Satsuki spoke up, her voice filled with anger and sadness. "It was shit. He was treated like shit."
Tsunade's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
Satsuki clenched her fists, her eyes hardening. "The villagers treated him like a monster. He was shunned, bullied, and ignored. All because of something he had no control over."
Naruto looked down, avoiding Tsunade's gaze. "Yeah, it wasn't great."
Tsunade's heart ached for him. "I'm so sorry, Naruto. If I had known—"
"It's not your fault," Naruto interrupted. "I've gotten stronger because of it. I have people who care about me now."
Jiraiya nodded. "He's done well for himself, despite everything."
Tsunade reached across the table and took Naruto's hand. "You're strong, Naruto. Stronger than anyone I've ever met."
Naruto blushed slightly, feeling a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. "Thanks, Tsunade."
They ordered food, and as they ate, the conversation flowed more easily. Naruto and Satsuki told stories of their missions and adventures, making Tsunade and Shizune laugh. Jiraiya threw in his own tales, adding humor and lightening the mood.
As the evening went on, Tsunade felt a sense of pride and relief. She had found her godson, and despite the hardships he faced, he had turned into a remarkable young man. The bond they began to form that night would grow stronger, leading to many more shared memories and adventures.
A week later, Naruto had completed his Rasengan training. He had trained until he dropped every day, determined to master the powerful jutsu. On this particular day, Tsunade told them about the deal with Orochimaru and where he was going to be. They all went to confront him.
The clearing was tense, the air thick with anticipation. Jiraiya and Orochimaru stood facing each other, the remnants of their past friendship lingering in their eyes. Orochimaru, without the use of his hands, sneered at Jiraiya, but there was a hint of desperation in his eyes.
"Jiraiya, you never learn, do you?" Orochimaru taunted, his voice dripping with malice.
Jiraiya's expression was serious. "This ends here, Orochimaru."
The battle began, and it was clear Jiraiya had the upper hand. Without his hands, Orochimaru was at a severe disadvantage. Jiraiya's powerful strikes and jutsu forced Orochimaru to retreat constantly.
Naruto and Satsuki, standing a little distance away, watched the battle unfold. Suddenly, Kabuto appeared in front of them, a sly grin on his face.
"Looks like it's time for us to play," Kabuto said, adjusting his glasses.
Naruto clenched his fists. "We'll take you down!"
Satsuki activated her Sharingan, her eyes narrowing. "You're not getting away this time."
The fight began with Kabuto making the first move. He dashed toward Naruto and Satsuki, his speed incredible. Naruto quickly formed a hand seal.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" he yelled, creating a dozen clones that spread out around Kabuto.
Kabuto smirked and began to systematically take down the clones, his movements precise and deadly. Meanwhile, Satsuki launched a series of kunai at Kabuto, each one aimed to incapacitate.
Kabuto dodged the kunai with ease, his movements fluid. He closed the distance between himself and Naruto, aiming a punch at Naruto's face. Naruto blocked it with his forearm, the impact sending a shockwave through his body. He retaliated with a roundhouse kick, which Kabuto ducked under, sweeping Naruto's legs out from under him.
As Naruto fell, he twisted in mid-air, launching a fireball jutsu at Kabuto. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
Kabuto dodged the fireball but was forced to leap back, giving Satsuki an opening. She rushed in, her Sharingan reading Kabuto's movements. She aimed a punch at his torso, which he blocked, but the force of her strike pushed him back.
"Impressive," Kabuto said, a hint of mockery in his voice. "But you'll need more than that to defeat me."
Satsuki glared at him. "We're just getting started."
The battle continued with intense exchanges of taijutsu and ninjutsu. Naruto and Satsuki worked together seamlessly, their movements synchronized from years of training together. Kabuto, despite his skill, found it difficult to keep up with their combined assault.
As the fight raged on, the sound of Jiraiya and Orochimaru's battle echoed in the background. Tsunade stood off to the side, her eyes flicking between the two fights. She seemed conflicted, her fists clenched at her sides.
Naruto and Satsuki's teamwork began to wear Kabuto down. With each passing moment, they grew more confident, their attacks more precise. Kabuto, realizing he was at a disadvantage, prepared to use his trump card.
But before he could act, Naruto and Satsuki launched a coordinated attack. Naruto used his wind style jutsu to create a vortex, trapping Kabuto momentarily. Satsuki followed up with a powerful fire jutsu, the flames intensifying within the wind vortex.
Kabuto barely managed to escape, his clothes singed, and his expression furious. "You brats are more trouble than you're worth."
Naruto smirked, his eyes filled with determination. "We're not done yet."
The battle continued to escalate, the intensity growing with each passing second. The outcome was still uncertain, but Naruto and Satsuki were determined to see it through to the end.
The battle raged on. Naruto, filled with determination, formed a Rasengan in his hand. The swirling sphere of chakra hummed with power. He charged at Kabuto, who tried to dodge, but Naruto's speed was too great. The Rasengan struck Kabuto in the abdomen, sending him flying back with a pained scream. Kabuto's body convulsed, and blood splattered onto the ground. He staggered to his feet, glaring at Naruto.
"You... brat," Kabuto hissed, clutching his wounded side. "This isn't over."
Kabuto retreated to Orochimaru's side, his movements sluggish. Orochimaru's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. Realizing the tide of battle was turning against them, he made a quick decision. He bit his thumb, drawing blood, and began forming hand seals.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu: Manda!" Orochimaru slammed his hand onto the ground, and a massive puff of smoke erupted.
From the smoke emerged Manda, the colossal snake boss. Its scales glistened menacingly, and its eyes glared down at the battlefield. Jiraiya, recognizing the threat, quickly formed his own hand seals.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu: Gamabunta!" he called out, summoning the toad boss.
Gamabunta appeared in a cloud of smoke, his massive form towering over the clearing. He glanced around, taking in the situation.
"Jiraiya, what mess have you dragged me into this time?" Gamabunta grumbled.
"No time for that, Bunta. We have to stop Orochimaru and his pet," Jiraiya replied, his voice urgent.
Manda lunged at Gamabunta, fangs bared. The two giant summons clashed, shaking the ground with their immense power. Meanwhile, Tsunade was stunned, her eyes wide as she saw the blood seeping from Kabuto's wounds. Shizune rushed to her side, trying to snap her out of her daze.
"Orochimaru," Jiraiya called out, his voice filled with resolve. "This ends now!"
The battle intensified. Gamabunta and Manda fought fiercely, each trying to overpower the other. Jiraiya supported Gamabunta with his jutsu, while Orochimaru did the same for Manda. Tsunade, seeing the blood and the chaos, finally snapped out of her shock. She joined the fight, her superhuman strength and medical ninjutsu turning the tide.
Orochimaru, realizing he was losing, decided to retreat. He turned to Kabuto, who was barely standing.
"Let's go, Kabuto. This isn't over," Orochimaru commanded.
Before they could escape, Naruto's eyes flashed with the power of his Mangekyou Sharingan. He summoned ash to cover the battlefield, his eyes glowing with intensity. He activated his jutsu, aiming directly at Orochimaru.
"Taiyō no honō!" Naruto yelled, summoning white flames around him.
The flames converged into a spear of ash in Naruto's hand. He hurled it at Orochimaru with all his might. Orochimaru, sensing the danger, tried to dodge, but the spear was too fast. It struck his arm, disintegrating it instantly.
Orochimaru screamed in pain, clutching the stump where his arm had been. Kabuto, realizing the severity of the situation, quickly formed a hand seal and summoned a smoke screen. When the smoke cleared, both Orochimaru and Kabuto were gone.
Jiraiya, Gamabunta, Tsunade, and Naruto stood victorious, but the battle had taken its toll. The clearing was a mess of broken trees, scorched earth, and blood.
"We did it," Naruto said, breathing heavily. "We drove them off."
Jiraiya nodded, but his expression was serious. "This isn't the end, Naruto. Orochimaru will be back."
Tsunade walked over to Naruto, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did well, Naruto. Your parents would be proud."
Naruto looked up at her, his eyes filled with determination. "We'll be ready for him."
As the sun set over the battlefield, the group gathered their strength and prepared to return to the village. They had won this battle, but the war with Orochimaru was far from over.
As the group began their journey back to Konoha, they were unaware of the small snake that had slithered into Satsuki's kunai holder. Orochimaru's presence lingered, hidden in the shadow of their victory.
Naruto walked beside Satsuki, glancing at her with concern. She had been through a lot, and he could see the toll it had taken on her. He gently took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"You okay, Satsuki-chan?" Naruto asked, his voice soft.
Satsuki nodded, giving him a small smile. "Yeah, Naruto-kun. Thanks to you."
Jiraiya walked ahead, leading the group. Tsunade and Shizune followed, Tonton trotting beside them. Tsunade glanced back at Naruto and Satsuki, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"We should reach Konoha by nightfall," Jiraiya said, his tone lightening. "Let's get moving. We don't want to keep the village waiting."
Naruto grinned, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "I can't wait to see the look on everyone's faces when they find out we brought back the new Hokage."
The journey was uneventful, the landscape passing by in a blur as they focused on reaching their destination. When they finally saw the gates of Konoha in the distance, a sense of relief washed over them.
As they approached the village, the guards at the gate straightened up, their eyes widening in surprise. They quickly opened the gates, allowing the group to enter. Word spread fast, and soon a crowd had gathered, curious about the new arrival.
Tsunade stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. The villagers murmured among themselves, recognizing her. Naruto felt a swell of pride as he watched the scene unfold. This was a new beginning for Konoha, and he had played a part in it.
In the Hokage Tower, the elders and other shinobi awaited their arrival. Tsunade stood before them, her expression serious.
"By the authority vested in me, I hereby accept the role of Hokage," Tsunade declared, her voice strong and unwavering.
The room erupted in applause, the tension of the past weeks finally easing. Tsunade turned to Naruto and Satsuki, a smile breaking through her stern facade.
"Thank you," she said softly. "Both of you."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head, grinning. "We couldn't have done it without you, Tsunade-baa-chan."
Satsuki nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you were amazing."
As the formalities concluded, the group dispersed, each heading to their respective homes. Naruto and Satsuki walked together, their steps slow and unhurried.
"You did great today, Naruto-kun," Satsuki said, her eyes shining with admiration.
Naruto shrugged, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. "I just did what I had to do. We're a team, remember?"
Satsuki smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked. "Yeah, we are."
They reached Naruto's apartment, the familiar sight bringing a sense of normalcy. As they entered, Naruto turned to Satsuki.
"Do you want to stay over tonight?" he asked, his voice hopeful.
Satsuki hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I'd like that."
They settled in, the weight of their recent battles still fresh but slowly lifting. As they sat together, Naruto felt a sense of peace. They had a long road ahead, but with Satsuki by his side, he knew they could face anything.
In the quiet of the night, with the village slowly falling into slumber, a small snake slithered out of Satsuki's kunai holder, unnoticed in the dim light. Its presence a silent reminder that their challenges were far from over.
Naruto and Satsuki settled into the couch, the room quiet and cozy. The day's events had taken their toll, and the two felt the need for comfort and closeness. Naruto looked at Satsuki, his heart pounding a bit faster than usual.
"Satsuki-chan, I'm really glad you're here," Naruto said softly, his hand reaching out to touch hers.
Satsuki met his gaze, her eyes filled with warmth. "Me too, Naruto-kun."
Without thinking, Naruto leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. Satsuki closed her eyes, leaning into the kiss. It started gentle, both unsure and exploring this new territory. The kiss deepened, and soon they were lost in each other.
Naruto's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer. Satsuki responded by running her hands through his hair, feeling the softness beneath her fingers. The intensity grew, their kisses becoming more urgent, filled with the emotions they'd been holding back.
They pulled away, both breathing heavily, their foreheads resting against each other.
"That was... amazing," Naruto whispered, a smile tugging at his lips.
Satsuki nodded, her cheeks flushed. "Yeah, it was."
They kissed again, slower this time, savoring the moment. Eventually, they broke apart, curling up on the couch together. Naruto held her close, his arms wrapped around her protectively.
"Goodnight, Satsuki-chan," Naruto murmured, his eyes closing.
"Goodnight, Naruto-kun," Satsuki replied, resting her head against his chest.
They fell asleep in each other's arms, the comfort of their closeness easing the weariness of the day. As they slept, the village outside was quiet, the stars twinkling above, unaware of the new bond forming between the two young shinobi.
Late in the night, Satsuki was startled awake by a soft hiss. She looked around, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. She noticed a small snake slithering towards her.
"Satsuki," the snake whispered, its voice low and menacing, "stay quiet and listen."
Satsuki's heart raced, but she nodded. The snake continued, "You are weak. Too weak compared to Naruto. But Orochimaru can give you the strength you need. The power to match Naruto."
Her heart clenched. The recent battles and her defeat against Itachi had left her questioning her abilities. The snake's words echoed her own fears.
"What do I have to do?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
The snake's eyes gleamed. "Go to the village gates in the morning. Orochimaru will give you the power you seek."
Satsuki swallowed hard. She looked over at Naruto, sleeping peacefully beside her. The thought of leaving him hurt, but the desire for strength was overpowering.
Determined, she carefully slipped out of Naruto's embrace, making sure not to wake him. She packed her belongings quietly, her heart heavy with the decision she was making.
As dawn approached, Satsuki took one last look at Naruto, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned away, steeling herself for what she had to do. With resolve, she made her way to the village gates, her mind focused on the promise of power and the strength she needed to protect those she loved.
Naruto woke up and immediately noticed Satsuki's absence. He quickly scanned the house, but she was nowhere to be found. His heart pounded in his chest as he reached out with his senses, but he couldn't feel her chakra signature anywhere in the village.
"Satsuki... where are you?" he muttered, fear gripping his heart.
Without wasting a moment, he rushed to Tsunade's office. Bursting through the doors, he found her in a meeting with Shikamaru and other shinobi.
"Tsunade! Satsuki is gone!" Naruto shouted, his voice filled with urgency.
Tsunade's eyes widened. "Gone? Are you sure?"
Naruto nodded frantically. "I can't sense her anywhere. She's not in the village!"
Tsunade immediately sprang into action. "Shikamaru, you will lead a retrieval squad. Naruto, you'll go with him. Gather your team and set off immediately."
The newly promoted chunin, Shikamaru, quickly assembled the team. Along with Naruto, they included Choji, Neji, and Kiba. The group set off at once, determined to bring Satsuki back.
(Goes as cannon until Naruto reaches Kimimaro)
Naruto's anger and desperation grew with each passing moment. They had to find Satsuki. Finally, after many skirmishes, they reached the clearing where Kimimaro stood waiting.
"So, you're the one trying to take Satsuki away," Naruto growled, his eyes blazing with fury.
Kimimaro smirked. "She will be Orochimaru's next vessel. There's nothing you can do."
Naruto's anger reached its peak. His Mangekyou Sharingan activated, and his Susanoo appeared around him. The spectral warrior was white, with a fully developed upper body skeleton and a bow.
"You're not taking her!" Naruto roared, drawing the ethereal bow.
Kimimaro's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly prepared for battle. It was too late. Naruto released a barrage of arrows, each tipped with white flames and all-killing ash bones. The arrows flew with deadly precision, piercing Kimimaro and setting him ablaze.
Kimimaro tried to retaliate, but Naruto's attacks were relentless. The white flames consumed him, leaving nothing but ashes.
Naruto stood over the remains, his breath heavy, his eyes blazing with determination. "You're not taking her," he repeated, his voice a low growl.
Without wasting another second, he turned and continued in the direction Satsuki had gone, his heart filled with a burning resolve to bring her back.
Naruto finally reached the Valley of the End. Satsuki stood on top of Madara Uchiha's statue, while he found himself standing on Hashirama Senju's head. The roaring waterfall between them mirrored the intensity of his emotions.
"Satsuki! What's happening?" Naruto shouted over the noise.
Satsuki looked down at him, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and sorrow. "I need to get stronger, Naruto. I can't stay weak."
Naruto's heart clenched. "Please, Satsuki. Don't leave. We can get stronger together. We can figure this out."
She shook her head. "I must do this, Naruto."
Naruto felt a tear escape his eye. "No, Satsuki. You don't have to do this alone."
Without another word, Satsuki leapt down, landing in front of him. They began to engage in taijutsu. Naruto held back, not wanting to hurt her.
Satsuki threw a punch aimed at his face. Naruto blocked it and responded with a low kick, which she jumped over effortlessly. She spun and aimed a kick at his head, but Naruto ducked, grabbing her leg and pushing her back gently.
"Why are you doing this, Satsuki?" Naruto asked, dodging another of her kicks.
"I need to become stronger to defeat Itachi," she replied, landing a punch on his shoulder.
Naruto winced but kept his ground. He swept her legs out from under her, but she flipped back onto her feet with ease.
"You don't have to leave to get stronger. We can do it together," Naruto insisted, dodging her next attack.
Satsuki's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I have to, Naruto. I have to do this my way."
Naruto's heart broke at her words, but he couldn't let her go. He launched a series of punches and kicks, all aimed to subdue, not to hurt. Satsuki blocked and countered, her movements fluid and precise.
She landed a solid punch on his chest, sending him skidding back. Naruto caught his breath, staring at her with a mixture of desperation and sadness.
"Satsuki, please," he pleaded, his voice breaking. "Don't leave me."
For a moment, her resolve seemed to waver, but she steeled herself. "I'm sorry, Naruto."
Naruto's eyes filled with determination. He couldn't let her go. He couldn't lose her. Summoning his strength, he prepared for the next round, knowing he had to find a way to bring her back, no matter what.
As the fight progressed, Satsuki and Naruto scaled up their attacks, both now with their Sharingan activated, three tomoe spinning in their eyes.
Satsuki formed hand seals quickly. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" she shouted, expelling a massive fireball towards Naruto.
Naruto countered just in time. "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" he yelled, sending a powerful gust of wind to disperse the fireball, the clash creating steam that enveloped them.
"Satsuki, please stay!" Naruto begged through the mist, his voice desperate.
"I can't, Naruto!" she replied, her eyes filled with determination and sadness. "I need to do this on my own."
She charged forward, using the steam as cover, aiming a kunai at his shoulder. Naruto barely dodged, the blade grazing his arm. He quickly retaliated with a kunai of his own, aiming for her leg. She flipped backward, dodging the attack.
"Why can't we get stronger together?" Naruto shouted, forming more hand seals. "Wind Style: Gale Palm!"
A powerful blast of wind shot towards Satsuki, who countered with her own jutsu. "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" she exclaimed, sending multiple fireballs through the air, colliding with Naruto's wind attack and creating explosions around them.
"I have to avenge my clan, Naruto!" Satsuki cried, her voice breaking. "I have to kill Itachi!"
Naruto's heart ached at her words. "We can find another way! You don't have to leave, Satsuki!"
They clashed again, taijutsu moves blending with their ninjutsu. Satsuki aimed a punch at Naruto's face, which he blocked with his forearm, countering with a spinning kick that she ducked under. She swept his legs, causing him to fall, but he quickly rolled back to his feet.
"Please, Satsuki," Naruto pleaded, dodging her next attack. "You don't have to go to Orochimaru. He's dangerous!"
"I know, but it's the only way I can get the power I need!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face as she launched another fireball.
Naruto blocked with another gust of wind, the force pushing them both back. They stood panting, eyes locked, the steam and smoke around them beginning to clear.
"Naruto, this is my choice," Satsuki said quietly, her voice filled with sorrow. "I have to do this."
Naruto's resolve hardened. "Then I'll stop you," he said, forming more hand seals. "I won't let you go."
They both knew this fight was far from over, but neither was willing to back down. The fate of their friendship, and possibly much more, hung in the balance as they prepared for the next round of their battle.
As they clashed again, Naruto's eyes burned with determination. "Satsuki, don't forget I'm also an Uchiha! We can get stronger together!"
"It doesn't matter, Naruto!" she yelled, frustration and pain in her voice. "I need the strength to kill Itachi and protect both of us. I can't do that if I'm weak!"
Naruto's heart ached at her words, but he couldn't let her go. He had to stop her, no matter what. They both pushed their limits, their jutsu and taijutsu becoming more intense.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!" Satsuki called out, sending a stream of fire shaped like a dragon towards Naruto.
Naruto quickly responded, "Wind Style: Tornado Vortex!" He created a swirling vortex of wind that met the dragon flame head-on, the two forces colliding and creating a powerful explosion.
The shockwave pushed them both back, but they quickly regained their footing. Naruto charged forward, his fists covered in white flames from his Mangekyou ability, Ten no honō.
Satsuki met him halfway, her Sharingan spinning wildly. She dodged his fiery punches with grace, countering with her own rapid strikes. "Naruto, you have to understand," she panted between blows, "I need this power... for us!"
"We can find another way!" Naruto shouted, his voice full of desperation. "Orochimaru will only use you, Satsuki!"
She gritted her teeth, launching a flurry of shuriken at him. "I don't care! It's the only way I can get strong enough, fast enough!"
Naruto deflected the shuriken with a swift motion, then formed hand seals. "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" he called out, sending another powerful gust of wind at her.
Satsuki responded with her own jutsu. "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" she cried, sending multiple fireballs to counter his wind attack. The resulting explosion lit up the valley, casting eerie shadows over the statues of Madara and Hashirama.
Naruto pushed through the smoke and fire, his eyes locking onto Satsuki's. "Satsuki, please! We can train together, get stronger together. You don't have to go to him!"
"I can't wait, Naruto!" she screamed, her voice breaking. "I need this now, to protect you, to protect myself. I can't lose anyone else!"
Naruto's heart ached, but he couldn't let her leave. They both charged at each other, their jutsu and taijutsu clashing with fierce intensity. Naruto's fists, wreathed in white flames, met Satsuki's precise strikes head-on.
"Please, Satsuki," Naruto pleaded as they fought, his voice raw with emotion. "Don't go. We can find another way. I won't let you go."
Satsuki's eyes filled with tears, but her resolve didn't waver. "I'm sorry, Naruto," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sounds of their battle. "But this is my choice."
Their fight continued, both of them pushing their limits, each desperate to sway the other. The fate of their friendship, and possibly much more, hung in the balance as they battled atop the statues of their ancestors. The steam and smoke began to clear, but their path forward was more uncertain than ever.
Satsuki's eyes locked onto Naruto's, determination and sorrow mingling within them. They both knew this was the climax of their battle, their final clash.
"Chidori!" Satsuki yelled, her hand crackling with electric energy as she charged forward.
"Rasengan!" Naruto roared back, his hand swirling with a concentrated sphere of chakra.
They met in the middle with an explosion of power. The impact sent shockwaves through the valley, scattering debris and creating a cloud of dust. When the smoke cleared, Satsuki lay panting on the ground, exhausted. Naruto stood, breathing heavily but still on his feet.
Satsuki pushed herself up, her eyes filled with tears. She staggered toward Naruto and embraced him tightly. "I'm sorry, Naruto," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm so sorry."
Naruto hugged her back, his heart aching. "It's okay, Satsuki. Let's go back together."
She nodded, but her eyes held a glint of something else. Before Naruto could react, Satsuki whispered, "I'm sorry," one last time and plunged a kunai into his chest. Naruto gasped, his eyes widening in shock as he stumbled backward, blood staining his shirt.
Satsuki stepped back, tears streaming down her face. "I have to do this," she said, her voice trembling. "For both of us."
As she turned and ran towards Orochimaru, her eyes shifted into the Mangekyou Sharingan, the tears not stopping. Naruto, half-conscious and in immense pain, watched her go. His vision blurred, and his eyes began to ripple, briefly flashing a strange purple before reverting back to an uncharacteristically dull blue.
Rain began to fall, washing away the blood and tears. Kakashi arrived just in time to see Naruto collapse, the pain and betrayal etched on his face. Kakashi rushed to his side, unable to track Satsuki due to the rain washing away her scent.
He lifted Naruto gently, his voice filled with concern. "Hang on, Naruto. We'll get you back."
Naruto's eyes fluttered open briefly, filled with a mix of pain and confusion. "Satsuki... why?" he murmured before losing consciousness.
Kakashi carried him back to the village as the rain continued to pour.
Tsunade worked tirelessly to heal Naruto's wound. Kakashi stood nearby, his expression grim. "She left," Kakashi said quietly. "She's gone to Orochimaru."
Tsunade nodded, her focus on Naruto. "We'll get her back," she said firmly. "No matter what, we'll bring her home."
Naruto's breathing steadied, but the wound in his heart would take much longer to heal. As he lay unconscious, the memory of Satsuki's betrayal played over and over in his mind.
The bond they had shared was now shattered, leaving both of them on paths they had never imagined.
Naruto stood at the village gates, his face a mask of emotionless resolve. The vibrant energy that usually surrounded him was gone, replaced by a cold determination. The village, bustling with activity, seemed distant to him now.
Jiraiya watched his student with concern. "Naruto, are you ready?" he asked gently, trying to gauge Naruto's state of mind.
Naruto nodded, not meeting Jiraiya's eyes. "Yeah, let's go, ero-sannin," he replied, his voice flat and devoid of the usual spark.
Jiraiya sighed, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "This trip will be tough, but it's necessary. We'll make you stronger. I promise."
Naruto gave a small nod, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. His mind was still on Satsuki, on her betrayal, and on the path she had chosen.
They began to walk, leaving Konoha behind. Naruto didn't look back. The weight of his emotions was too heavy, and he needed this journey to find himself again.
The gates of Konoha closed behind them, marking the beginning of a three-year training trip that would change Naruto forever.