There was a celebration in Konoha today. The occasion? The defeat of Isshiki Otsutsuki at the hands of Naruto Uzumaki—the Hero of the War and now, the Hero of the Earth.
He was the only one who could have defeated Isshiki. Well, maybe Kakashi, if he stumbled upon the fountain of life… but I digress.
Despite the joy of the victory, Naruto's thoughts were elsewhere.
How can I possess so much power, yet we still struggle so much to find Sasuke?
His musings were interrupted when Sakura approached him.
"Thinking about Sasuke?" she asked.
Naruto blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"
"I can tell when you have that look on your face," she said matter-of-factly. Then, with a playful smile, she added, "Come on, Mr. Bigshot. It's a celebration—in your honor, I might add. Enjoy it a little!"
Naruto couldn't help but smile. "Okay, Sakura-chan. I guess I will."
That night, Naruto let himself relax. Spending time with his friends was always a source of joy for him, a reminder of everything he had fought to protect. The village square was alive with laughter, glowing lanterns, and the aroma of freshly prepared food. Kiba was boasting about a recent mission, Choji was happily munching away at the buffet, and Shikamaru stood at the edge of the crowd, a small but genuine smile on his face as he watched everyone.
Naruto joined Hinata and Ino near the dumpling stand, where they teased him about his newfound fame. "Naruto-kun, you're going to have to get used to everyone calling you a hero," Hinata said softly, though her eyes sparkled with pride.
Naruto grinned confidently. "I guess this is what I always wanted—everyone acknowledging me. Now all I need is for Baa-chan to step down and give me the hat."
Ino chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "You're aiming big, huh? Hokage Naruto does have a nice ring to it, though."
"I don't doubt you'd make a great Hokage, Naruto-kun," Hinata said shyly, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. "I think you'd be the best one ever."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, suddenly unsure how to respond. He could feel the sincerity in her words, and he knew—had known for a while—how Hinata felt about him. It wasn't hard to guess when someone had confessed their feelings for you in the middle of a calamity.
"Thanks, Hinata," he said finally, his voice softening. "That means a lot."
The moment hung in the air, the noise of the celebration fading into the background. Hinata smiled warmly, but before either of them could say more, Ino clapped her hands together, breaking the tension.
"Okay, lovebirds, save it for later. This is a party, remember?" she teased, winking at Hinata, who immediately turned scarlet.
Naruto laughed, grateful for the distraction. "All right, all right. Let's see if there's any ramen around here. A hero's gotta eat!"
As they made their way through the lively crowd, Naruto couldn't shake the warmth of Hinata's words. They settled in his heart, steady and reassuring, even as a small part of his mind wandered back to Sasuke.
The celebration was in full swing when Shikamaru approached, his face unusually serious. "Naruto, we've got a situation."
Naruto's easygoing grin vanished. "What is it?"
"Iwagakure…" Shikamaru hesitated for a moment before continuing grimly. "It's been destroyed. Leveled to the ground. Apparently, there's nothing left but a crater."
Naruto's eyebrows shot up. "How? Who could take down an entire hidden village? Especially one where the Tsuchikage can dismantle people on a subatomic level?"
"We don't know yet," Shikamaru admitted, his expression dark. "But until we figure out who—or what—did this, we need you to stay in the village. If this thing is powerful enough to wipe out Iwagakure, it could be a threat to Konoha too."
Naruto clenched his fists, his mind racing. "Okay, Shikamaru. I'll stay put for now. But we need answers, fast."
Shikamaru nodded. "We're working on it. I'll let you know as soon as we have more intel."
As Shikamaru walked away, Naruto turned back toward the celebration, but the joy and laughter of the evening now felt distant and hollow. He caught sight of Hinata, who was speaking with Ino and Tenten near a food stall. Her warm smile faltered the moment their eyes met.
Naruto strode over, his face set in a grim expression. "Hinata, Ino, Tenten, I need you all to listen carefully."
"What's wrong, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked, her voice filled with concern.
"Iwagakure's been destroyed," Naruto said bluntly. "We don't know who's responsible, but it's bad—real bad. Shikamaru wants me to stay in the village until we know more, but we all need to be on high alert."
Ino's eyes widened. "Destroyed? The whole village? How is that even possible?"
"That's what we're trying to figure out," Naruto replied. "But if something could take out Iwagakure, it's not going to stop there."
Tenten frowned, her hand instinctively moving to the weapon pouch on her hip. "Do we know if it's targeting other villages?"
"Not yet," Naruto admitted. "But we can't take any chances. Make sure everyone stays sharp, and spread the word to the others—quietly. We don't want to cause a panic."
Hinata nodded, her face determined. "I'll inform the Hyuga clan and keep an eye on any unusual activity."
"Good," Naruto said, grateful for her calm resolve.
With that, he turned away, heading toward the Hokage Mansion. He needed to speak to Tsunade immediately.
Naruto moved quickly through the streets, leaping onto rooftops to avoid the lingering crowds. The festive lights below blurred as his thoughts raced. Who or what could possibly obliterate a village as powerful as Iwagakure? And how could Konoha prepare for something they didn't understand?
Reaching the Hokage Mansion, Naruto bypassed the guards, opting to jump through Tsunade's office window.
Naruto leaped through the window into the Hokage's office, landing lightly on his feet.
Tsunade stood behind her desk, her face tense as she reviewed a scroll. Shizune hovered nearby, a hawk perched on her arm, its leg still bound with a message tube.
"About time you showed up," Tsunade said without looking up.
"You already know about Iwagakure?" Naruto asked, his tone serious.
"Of course I do." She placed the scroll down heavily. "The scale of the destruction is unprecedented. Gaara's already reached out—Suna wants an emergency meeting between the villages. The attacker, whoever or whatever it is, poses a threat to everyone."
Naruto stepped forward. "I'll go to Suna and represent Konoha. I can talk to Gaara and—"
"No," Tsunade interrupted sharply, her tone brooking no argument. "You're staying here."
"What?" Naruto exclaimed. "Why? I'm the strongest shinobi we've got!"
"Exactly," Tsunade snapped. "Which is why we can't risk sending you into unknown danger. If whatever destroyed Iwagakure strikes again, Konoha needs you here."
Naruto clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "I can handle myself, Baa-chan!"
"This isn't up for debate," Tsunade said firmly. "Shikamaru will lead a team to Suna. He's the best strategist we've got, and he'll be able to negotiate effectively with Gaara. You, on the other hand, will prepare the village. If this enemy comes to Konoha, we need to be ready."
Naruto exhaled sharply, his shoulders dropping. He hated being benched, but deep down, he understood Tsunade's reasoning. "Fine," he muttered. "But if anything happens, I'm not sitting around."
Tsunade smirked faintly. "I wouldn't expect you to." She turned to Shizune. "Send word to Shikamaru and assemble the team. And Naruto," she added, looking him squarely in the eye, "use this time wisely. Train, organize, and make sure Konoha's defenses are impenetrable."
Naruto nodded. "I will."
As Naruto left the office, his mind raced with plans. If the attacker could destroy a village as fortified as Iwagakure, they couldn't afford to underestimate them.
Walking through the village, he spotted Konohamaru and his teammates training in the clearing near the academy. Their determination reminded him of himself at that age.
"Boss!" Konohamaru called, grinning as Naruto approached. "What's up? You here to show us some new moves?"
Naruto smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Not today, Konohamaru. But listen—things are getting serious. I want you three to keep training hard and watch out for anything unusual in the village, alright?"
Konohamaru's grin faded as he picked up on Naruto's tone. "Got it, Boss. We won't let you down."
"Good." Naruto turned and headed toward the training grounds, determination tightening his jaw. If Tsunade wanted him ready, he'd make sure he was more than ready. Whoever or whatever was behind the destruction of Iwagakure wouldn't find Konoha an easy target.
For now, all Naruto could do was wait—and prepare for the storm he knew was coming.
On the walls surrounding the village, four hundred Naruto clones stood vigilant. If Baa-chan wanted the village to be impenetrable, then that's exactly what he would ensure. Nothing entered the village without Naruto—or one of his clones—checking it first. Each clone maintained Sage Mode at its first level, their heightened senses scanning for the faintest hint of danger.
The original Naruto stood atop the main gate, arms crossed as he surveyed the bustling activity below. The village was calm, for now, but he couldn't shake the tension in his chest. His clones fed him real-time information, but so far, nothing suspicious had been detected.
Behind him, he heard the familiar sound of sandals against stone. He turned to see Kakashi walking up, his usual slouch less pronounced as his single visible eye took in the clones stationed around the village.
"You've been busy," Kakashi said, his tone light but tinged with approval.
Naruto smirked, though his expression quickly turned serious. "Baa-chan said to make the village impenetrable. Figured this was the best way to do it."
"It's not a bad strategy," Kakashi admitted, his hands slipping into his pockets. "But maintaining Sage Mode across this many clones isn't easy. You sure you can keep it up?"
"I'll manage," Naruto replied. "We don't know what's coming, but if it's anything like what hit Iwa, we can't afford to be caught off guard."
Kakashi nodded, his gaze turning toward the horizon. "True. But don't burn yourself out before the real fight starts. Even you have limits."
Naruto chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. I know, Sensei."
Kakashi gave a small smirk that could be seen through his mask. "Well, I'd better be going. Guy's challenged me, and I can't exactly deny him." He turned and began walking off casually.
Naruto watched him go, shaking his head with a grin. "Good luck with that," he muttered.
Naruto made his way to his apartment. He was human, after all, and even the strongest of humans needed sleep—especially him. When he reached his apartment, he walked straight to his bedroom and plopped down onto his bed, letting out a satisfied sigh.
It was moments like this when his mind would wander back to the stories Jiraiya used to tell him. The memories were bittersweet, but they always brought him comfort.
"As the log takes your place, you become The Log, and The Log becomes you. In that particular instance, you are an extension of the log's blessing upon the Shinobi."
— Book of the Log; Chronicle of the Replacement, Verse 3.
Naruto chuckled softly, his eyes drifting closed. Thank the holy Log, he thought, feeling Kurama's presence within him echoing the sentiment.
Naruto lay there in the quiet of his apartment, the weight of the day starting to settle in. His mind wasn't entirely at ease, but the comfort of his bed and the familiar feeling of Kurama's chakra surrounding him made it easier to relax. Still, he couldn't shake the sense that something was coming—a storm on the horizon.
Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind, breaking the silence. You're thinking too much. Rest for now, Brat. We'll be ready when it comes.
Naruto smiled, closing his eyes and sinking deeper into the bed. Yeah, I guess you're right. But something about all of this doesn't sit right with me. Iwagakure destroyed? Whoever—or whatever—did that is definitely no ordinary threat.
Kurama huffed. I know you're worried, but you've faced worse. Just don't let your guard down, and don't tire yourself out before the real battle begins.
Naruto gave a soft laugh. Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I'll be ready. Thanks, Kurama.
After a few more moments of quiet reflection, sleep finally claimed him. The battles, both past and future, faded into the background as Naruto drifted into a much-needed rest, his mind preparing for whatever would come next.
The next morning, the quiet of his apartment was shattered by a loud knock at the door. Naruto groaned, pulling himself out of bed with a yawn. It was still early, but it seemed like the storm was already starting to show its face.
When he opened the door, he was met by none other than Sakura. Her expression was serious, her brows furrowed as she took in the sight of him.
"Naruto, we need to talk," she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.
Naruto blinked, suddenly alert. "What's wrong, Sakura-chan?"
"We have witnesses who say the thing that destroyed Iwa was a huge purple man—thing—with wings and four hands, all covered in a shell of metal armor," she explained, her voice tense.
"Lady Tsunade says it sounds similar to how Madara's Susanoo looked," she added.
Naruto's heart sank, and panic flashed across his face. There was only one person he knew who could possibly wield a Susanoo... and that person was Sasuke.
"We don't know if it was him, Naruto," Sakura said quickly, noticing his reaction. "All we can do is wait and hope."
"Yeah… you're right." Naruto's voice softened, and he whispered to himself, "The Log will guide us, even in our deepest pits of need."
Sakura glanced at him, confused. "What did you say?"
"Just a mantra," Naruto replied, giving her a strained smile.
Sakura studied him for a moment, clearly sensing that something was weighing heavily on his mind. "You sure you're okay, Naruto?"
He gave a slight nod, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in his chest. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking about everything. You know, with Sasuke... I'm worried."
Sakura's expression softened as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you care about him, Naruto. We all do. But we'll figure this out. We've faced worse together."
Naruto's smile returned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I hope so. I just... I need to believe it wasn't him. I can't imagine facing Sasuke as an enemy."
Sakura nodded. "We'll do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen."
Naruto's eyes hardened with resolve. "I'll make sure of it. No matter what happens, I'll bring Sasuke back, even if he's lost his way. He's my friend. My brother."
Sakura's expression was one of quiet admiration. "I know you will, Naruto."
With that, they both turned and headed toward the Hokage Mansion. Time was running out, and the storm was closing in. They couldn't afford to wait any longer.