Naruto : Chronicles of the Uchiha

by Hellfire Uchiha

What if Naruto, our knuckle-headed hero, was reborn as an Uchiha in the village's early years? Watch him disrupt the timeline and forge a unique bond of lovve with a certain slug princess, shaking up canon as we know it! ""An Adopted Fic From NxSE"" "Naruto : Uchiha Chronicles"

18. Chapter 18

Auhors Notes::

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First of all, I want to address a few things.

I know I was late in updating the schedule as promised, and I have a legitimate reason for it:
I was lazy.

For a few days, I decided to take a little break from all the reading and writing and try something new. I went on a 10-day trek to the countryside, and during that time, I found my writing spirit again. Ideas started flowing like a previously clogged Nile!

But enough of my rambling—here's the chapter, fellow readers. Enjoy!

Feel free to share your predictions for the story moving forward. Let's see how closely your ideas align with what I have planned for future chapters. If they match, then it looks like we're on the same wavelength!

If you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to favorite, follow, and leave a review.

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Chapter 18

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Sparks

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Naruto: Chronicles of the Uchiha

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Konohagakure no Sato

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Time-skip Two Days later…

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CLINK… CLINK… CLINK…

The sound of metal clinking against metal rang throughout the Hokage Office, each noise echoing as Tobirama Senju donned his samurai-like battle armor over his usual black and blue clothes.

He started with the chest plate, securing its straps tightly around his torso. The armor felt heavy and restrictive, a stark reminder of battles long past. Next, he fitted the arm guards, buckling them in place with practiced ease, followed by the leg guards, which he fastened securely around his thighs and shins. Finally, he attached the armored collar to protect his neck, adjusting it carefully to ensure it wouldn't hinder his movements.

It had been a long time since he last wore it—not that it brought him any comfort now. The First Great Ninja War was the last occasion he had donned this armor.

But desperate times called for desperate measures.

And today, he wasn't taking any chances.

Reaching for his hip pouch, he secured it to his back before rolling up the bandages on his thigh to fasten the leg holster. His palm came to rest on the bladeless hilt of the Raijin no Ken. He paused, his expression clouded with a fleeting sadness, before sliding it into its personal holster strapped horizontally across his back.

Tobirama wasn't one to shy away from a battle. Yet, he wasn't reckless either. Charging blindly into an ambush went against everything he stood for—but today, that's exactly what he was about to do.

The stakes were too high.

Even the smallest chance of bringing his children back safely was one he couldn't afford to pass up.

Not today.

Not ever.

"You ready…?" a voice drawled out from behind him, making him nod curtly without ever turning back to his old friend Sasuke, who in question, had his own version of a brown battle armor donned upon him to match the Senju's blue one.

Tobirama put down his leg, turning around to face his desk again, while placing the face plate with the Leaf insignia on his forehead that matched the one Sasuke donned and both nodded to each other in unison.

Both legendary shinobi, armed to the teeth, stood there with an air that could make even the bravest hesitate, their mere glances enough to crush the will of anyone foolish enough to challenge them.

Not many possessed the fortitude to stand in their presence, clad in their battle gear, without feeling the oppressive weight of intimidation. In those outfits, they exuded an aura of unwavering resolve—unstoppable, untouchable, prepared to do whatever it took to complete the mission, no matter the cost.

"Let's go," Tobirama stated in his usually flat and blank tone, walking up to Sasuke and clasping his friend's shoulder within his palm. He looked into Sasuke's questioning eyes and knew what he wanted to ask in but a moment, like always the Sarutobi clan head not needing to voice out his doubts whatsoever to his comrade in arms.

"I'll Hiraishin us to the borders of Iron Country…" Tobirama said, but seeing Sasuke's raised eyebrow, he elaborated further. "… We can't afford to go on foot and risk getting ambushed by some half-baked scheme before we even reach our destination." His explanation was precise, and Sasuke gave a satisfied nod in response.

Sasuke didn't need to think twice. His experience in battle had trained him to understand these strategies without a second guess.

Years of constant fighting had sharpened their deduction and instinct to a razor's edge. They knew how to think on their feet, how to make split-second decisions that would save lives.

The plan was simple but effective—use the Hiraishin to cover the long distance to the borders, saving their chakra. Once they reached the borders, they'd travel on foot, allowing time to recover their energy as they went. The journey was far, and while neither of them would admit it, their bodies had long since passed their primes.

But experience, cunning, and the wisdom gained through countless battles were more than enough to get the job done now. They relied on that, not the brute strength they once wielded with ease in the old wars and the First Great Ninja War.

"Let's go. There are things to do and people to greet…" Sasuke muttered with quiet determination, and in the blink of an eye, both of them disappeared into thin air.

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Near the borders of Iron and Fire…

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A small farming village near in the borders of Iron and Fire was surrounded by a varied and rugged landscape. The area was dominated by tall, looming mountains in the distance, their peaks dusted with snow and providing a natural barrier against the outside world. These mountains were flanked by dense forests, their thick canopies of pine and oak trees creating a shadowed, almost mysterious atmosphere. The forest floor was covered with a blanket of fallen needles and moss, a quiet, hidden world where sunlight struggled to break through the towering trees.

The village itself was nestled within a fertile valley, with expansive fields of soft, green grass stretching out around it. Once alive with crops and bustling farmers, the fields now stood still and untouched, the rich earth lying dormant. Streams that had once fed the fields ran dry, leaving behind cracked earth and a sense of abandonment. Despite the absence of life, the landscape still held an eerie beauty, the empty fields and quiet forests creating an unsettling stillness in the air.

Beyond the fields, the land gradually opened into wide grasslands, where tall grasses swayed gently in the breeze. The endless expanse of grass felt like it could go on forever, interrupted only by the occasional distant outline of hills or rocks. This vast, open space held a quiet majesty as if it were waiting for something—or someone—to stir it from its long silence.

The village, now abandoned, was left alone in the midst of this beautiful yet desolate land, its natural surroundings both protective and haunting.

However, that was far from the truth.

It had been evacuated a few days prior by the order of the Nidaime Raikage who had sent his best shinobi to scour out the village.

The man sat in the house of the village leader of the farming union. He was none other than the Nidaime Raikage, a formidable figure. His build was muscular, broad, and imposing, with dark, piercing eyes marked by lines beneath them. His broad, flat nose and strong features were only enhanced by the scars covering his body—each one a testament to the countless battles he had fought. These marks were worn with pride, symbols of his strength and survival.

His shoulder-length black hair was styled in a unique fashion, and his facial hair, a well-groomed beard tapering into a goatee, complemented his rugged appearance. His tanned skin was characteristic of many from his country, and his sideburns curved inward just beneath his eyes, adding an extra sharpness to his gaze.

On his right shoulder, a bold black tattoo in the shape of the Kanji for 'Black Lightning' was proudly emblazoned on his skin, a permanent mark that symbolized both his power and the legacy of his title.

He wore the standard attire of a Kumo-nin, including a white forehead protector, a high-collared shirt with mesh armor beneath, and a variation of Kumogakure's modern flak jacket, which was decorated with various medals. Plated armor covered his right shoulder, resembling the traditional attire of samurai, and a gold-colored rectangular marking adorned his nose, adding an extra flair to his already intimidating presence.

He sat on the large leather chair, his cheek resting lazily upon his palm, as several of his best shinobi settled around the room in various chairs. Some were sharpening their blades, others checking their equipment, each occupied with nervous anticipation for the events about to unfold.

"Do you really think he'll come?" a gruff voice asked, the tone far from respectful for a man of his stature. To some, it might have even been considered outright rude.

But he let it slide—for today, at least.

"Yeah… even an idiot can tell this is a trap," another voice chimed in, equally dismissive. He paid them no mind, his focus instead on the rhythmic tapping of his index finger against the table. He waited, fully expecting the small envoy from the Leaf Village to arrive. He had no doubt they would grace him with their presence on this fine day, and he would greet them warmly.

Not with the arms of hospitality, but with weapons of destruction.

"He'll come," his deep, resonant voice stated confidently, with not a trace of doubt in his tone. The certainty in his words made the room fall silent, every shinobi pausing their tasks to glance at him questioningly, seeking further explanation for his unwavering belief.

"… The fools from the Leaf Village are far too simple to read," he growled, his tone dripping with disdain. "Those tree-huggers are nothing but emotional idiots. They think with their hearts and feel with their brains. They would've been dust by now if not for the rarity of bloodlines that accursed Hashirama Senju hoarded within his walls before his death."

He clenched a paperweight in his large fist, the metal cracking into shimmering splinters under the sheer force of his grip.

This was his chance to weaken that wretched village—one that had reigned supreme far too long, claiming the title of the mightiest shinobi village after the last war.

For a man with a temper as short as his, their dominance had lasted far longer than he could tolerate.

"But Kumo will reign supreme over the entire might of the elemental nations. With us at the top, no one will dare to question our militaristic ways anymore. Everything they hold precious will be ours—you can be certain of that. Women, bloodlines, and most of all, the Kyuubi. And if anyone dares to oppose us, Kumo will crush them, just like we're going to crush that white-haired bitch today," he proclaimed proudly, his voice brimming with conviction as he clenched the remnants of the shattered paperweight tightly to emphasize his point.

The morale of his men surged with every word. He smirked, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes as he observed the fire igniting within them. Their thirst for battle, their palpable bloodlust, filled the room.

He wouldn't expect anything less of them.

He had nurtured his village this way for far too long, ever since his predecessor's short tenure had ended with their untimely death in the last war.

Kumo didn't coddle its shinobi like the Leaf did. Instead, they were trained relentlessly, shaped into what they were born to be:

Killing machines, ready to act when the time called for it.

On the battlefield, there was no place for emotions.

Emotions were a liability—a weakness that got shinobi killed in the line of duty.

The strength of the village came before anything else.

These were the principles drilled into every shinobi from the day they stepped into Kumo, whether they were chunin, jonin, or even genin. The weak were discarded, and the strong were pushed to their limits, honed into weapons for the Raikage's cause.

"Sir! The sensory barrier has detected two large chakra sources approaching rapidly from the border!" a man reported as he burst into the room, bringing news the Raikage had been waiting days to hear.

The words were like a soothing balm to an itch he'd been desperate to scratch. The Raikage's smirk widened smugly, and his finger stilled its rhythmic tapping as every pair of eyes in the room turned to him.

Each one awaited his command.

He gave only one.

"Let's go," he said, his voice ringing with authority.

In the next instant, he vanished in a black bolt of lightning, his men following moments later, each disappearing in their own respective flickers.

---

Back with Tobirama and Sasuke…

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"You sense anyone, Tobirama? We're almost there…" Sasuke asked in a hushed, calm voice, hopping from one branch to the next. The stoic Senju suddenly stopped, raising a hand in a half-ram seal and closing his eyes to concentrate.

In an instant, his senses expanded, and just as he'd expected, chakra signatures began to appear like tiny beacons across the vast grid he was scanning.

"One… two… three…" he murmured, counting each signature carefully. Once he finished, his eyes snapped open, sharp and serious, as he let his sensory grid fade.

Sasuke landed nearby, watching his friend expectantly. His calm, patient gaze didn't waver as Tobirama gave him an affirmative nod, signaling that he'd successfully detected the enemy.

"Eighteen chakra signatures—elite Jonin at the very least—and three chakra signatures at Kage level," Tobirama stated flatly. Sasuke let out an appreciative wolf whistle as the two men crossed their arms in unison, their expressions equally grim.

"They aren't taking any chances, eh? But what about Misa and Roku? Do you sense any of their signatures?" the elder Sarutobi asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Tobirama shook his head.

"Not yet. They might be holding them in a location where their chakras are suppressed…" he muttered, his tone thoughtful and grim. Sasuke's worried gaze softened with a hint of sadness.

He wasn't feeling as optimistic as Tobirama. Two pure-blooded Senju in Kumo's grasp?

The idea itself left only two points to be considered within his seasoned, veteran mind.

Either they were holding Misa and Roku in their midst, using them to extract intel at their leisure. But he doubted Kumo would risk such a move, knowing full well the danger of Konoha launching a surgical strike to retrieve them. Allowing such an attack to breach their walls, especially during such sensitive times, seemed unlikely.

Or, they had done what he feared most.

Killed them.

If that were the case, this was all a trap—bait to lure them into a deadly ambush, eliminate the Leaf's leadership, and crush its morale. By severing the head that guided the village, Kumo would gain a critical advantage on the brink of war. This was the kind of ruthlessness he expected from a militaristic village like Kumo.

Then there was a third, faint glimmer of possibility. The least hopeful of them all, yet the one Tobirama clung to.

They had kept Misa and Roku alive, holding them hostage as leverage for some unknown purpose. This was the most volatile option, fraught with risk for both sides yet it was the one scenario that allowed for their survival.

For once, he desperately hoped his deductions would prove wrong, and that the third option was the truth.

"I do hope you're right this time as well, Tobirama…" Sasuke muttered to himself as he followed his comrade, both moving toward the location where the three largest chakra signatures were converging.

Any other day he might have told him off at his idiotic hopes, but the matter was way too sensitive for him to poke the ever-emotionless Senju on and about like he usually might have done.

The lush of the trees gave way, and both men hopped down upon the plain ground that had come in between the large and dense forest.

Sasuke stopped, following the lead of Tobirama whose eyes had narrowed in on front of himself. Sasuke followed his gaze, and sure enough, he too could now see someone making their way through the trees straight towards them.

Sasuke was surprised when he saw the Nidaime Raikage himself jumping down from the foliage that covered their gazes, two of his Jounin flanking his sides.

But that wasn't what perturbed the elder Sarutobi.

It was the expression that was cemented, almost plastered upon the Lightning Shadow's face that baffled him to the end.

He held a warm smile.

---

Konohagakure no Sato

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It was the kind of summer day that felt like it would stretch on forever. The sun blazed brightly overhead, bathing the Uchiha clan compounds in golden light, while a soft breeze occasionally swept through, offering brief relief from the warm embrace of the season. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the faint sweetness of roasted chestnuts from a distant stall. Shadows of tall trees danced lazily on the cobblestone paths, providing scattered patches of coolness for those who wandered by.

In the midst of the bustling scene, two familiar figures strolled down the street, their steps unhurried as they savored the little pleasures of the day.

"You didn't have to pay for that, you know…" Tsunade mumbled, taking another lick from her snow cone as she walked down the streets of the Uchiha clan compound, her usual chirpy smile etched on her pouty pink lips.

Her hazelnut eyes turned to the side, only to see a hand making its way toward her face before it poked her forehead, as usual, with a small tap of his index and middle fingers in a gentle touch.

She couldn't help but scowl at the same calm smile she had seen a hundred times before, gracing his lips, while she childishly rubbed her forehead with her free hand. She would have fired back a chortling reply to that annoying habit of his, but she was too immersed in her mint-flavored cone, courtesy of her baby blue-eyed companion's mindful generosity.

"So… what are we gonna do today?" she asked in her ever-curious voice, pausing between licks of her now half-gone cone.

Naruto's face turned contemplative upon hearing her question. His hands, already buried deep in his pockets, dug even deeper as he lifted his head to gaze at the calm blue sky, where a single white cloud hovered in the clear day.

Tsunade watched him with innocent curiosity. His expression told her he was thinking hard—and whatever he came up with would surely be awesome…

"Dunno…" he finally replied, a helpless shrug lifting his shoulders.

She did the only thing she could.

She sweat-dropped.

"'Kay…" she mumbled, looking ahead and focusing on finishing her treat. She wasn't in the mood to chatter and risk spoiling their peaceful alone time on such a beautiful, serene day.

The quiet between them felt natural, even comforting. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, watching as his gaze wandered to the sky. There was something about these moments—something she couldn't name. It wasn't like she wanted to think too hard about it, but there was a pull, a sense of something unspoken, something she didn't quite understand. All she knew was that being next to him like this felt… right.

"YOSH!" a voice boomed behind them, snapping her from her thoughts. Naruto sighed tiredly, already knowing exactly what was coming for him.

Tsunade turned around, taking her final bite of the cone and tossing the tissue aside, only to see a genin in green spandex, orange scarf, and leggings barreling straight toward her.

She clapped her hands together with a grin, prompting Naruto to take a cautious step back, gulping softly at the sight of that devious, two-faced smile he knew all too well.

The kunoichi cocked her fist back as the green-clad figure sped toward them, flashing a dazzling smile with open arms, ready to envelop them both in a blissful hug….

BAM!

Duy rocketed back to where he came from the instant her fist made contact with his sparkly, smiling face, landing in a heap so dramatic it could've been staged for a play... Tsunade stood there, clapping her hands cheerfully as smoke curled ominously from her fists, a faint glow still fading from the strike.

"There, that takes care of that. I've told him not to hug me like that…" she chirped in a chipper tone, her smile as bright as ever, as though she hadn't just launched someone halfway to retirement.

Naruto stared at her for a moment, sweat-dropping at how effortlessly she had turned an over-enthusiastic genin into a crumpled heap on the ground. He had no intention of joining Duy in the "Tsunade Special Victims Club,", so he did the only logical thing:

He picked up a stick and started poking the unconscious Duy.

Duy, for his part, was splayed out like a starfish, laying there in a dizzy state, his face contorted comically, foam bubbling at the corners of his mouth.

"Even his foam looks youthful," Tsunade muttered to herself with a smug chuckle, nodding approvingly as though this was a perfectly normal observation.

It was at this precise moment that Sakumo wandered onto the scene.

What greeted him was a tableau of chaos: A radiant and satisfied Tsunade with lightly smoking fists, looking entirely pleased with herself. Naruto crouched over an unconscious Duy, prodding him experimentally like a scientist observing a new species. And Duy himself, out cold, with a foamy grin that suggested he was dreaming of extremely enthusiastic calisthenics while mumbling incoherent phrases about "youthful kunoichi".

Sakumo paused, taking it all in, before breaking into a grin. If he were anyone else, he might have been startled, but these were his wonderfully eccentric friends. Without hesitation, he picked up a stick of his own and joined in, poking Duy like they were trying to get a vending machine to spit out a free snack.

"Oi! Duy, come on, man, wake up…" Sakumo said after a few pokes, shaking him roughly for good measure.

Duy stirred, blinking rapidly as his vision came into focus. Then, as if powered by some eternal generator of enthusiasm...

"YOSH! SUCH YOUTH!" he roared, springing to life with a volume that made his teammates wince, hands shooting to their ringing ears.

"YOU TRULY ARE THE EPITOME OF YOUTH, TSUNADE-SAN!" he declared, foam still clinging to his lips like a badge of honor.

Tsunade giggled cheekily and crossed her arms, her expression the picture of smug satisfaction, giving him a triumphant nod. "Of course I am," she said with a wink as if there were no debate.

Naruto and Sakumo exchanged looks, their sticks still in hand, before shaking their heads in unison. This was just another day with their bizarre little team.

"Oi Duy, what were you rushing towards us for?" Naruto asked, leaning forward slightly. The boy blinked innocently, his face blank for a moment before his eyes widened in sudden realization.

Grabbing Naruto's shoulders with an intensity that sent a shiver of foreboding down his spine, Duy said, "I have found myself a new youthful teacher, Naruto!"

Naruto immediately knew this wasn't going to end well for him. Like it ever did.

Around them, the other genin raised skeptical eyebrows, exchanging bemused glances. Even Tsunade crouched down beside them, her curiosity piqued as she leaned closer.

"The taijutsu master you were looking for, Duy?" Sakumo asked, his tone skeptical.

Duy's face lit up with a dazzling smile as he gave Sakumo a confident thumbs-up. "Yes, Sakumo, I have finally tracked the man down!"

The unusually serious tone in Duy's voice silenced any immediate snark from his friends, showing them just how much this meant to him. Despite themselves, they felt a spark of happiness for their eccentric teammate.

But then his smile faltered. "…But he has refused to teach me anything," he muttered, his voice low and tinged with sadness as he looked down at his lap.

"What? But why would he refuse you?" Tsunade asked, her voice carrying genuine surprise and concern.

Duy let out a loud sniffle, his eyes shimmering like a puppy denied its favorite treat. Both Sakumo and Naruto bristled visibly, already picturing the mystery taijutsu master and mentally plotting revenge. Clearly, whoever this guy was, he must have said something awful to crush their friend like this.

"He said I was unyouthful," Duy sobbed, the word itself sounding like an insult of the highest order. "In fact, he said I had no youth at all…"

Naruto and Sakumo froze mid-sympathy, their expressions morphing into identical face-faults as they processed the absurdity.

Meanwhile, Tsunade, entirely unfazed, giggled happily and patted Duy's head like he was an oversized puppy. "There, there," she cooed, her tone sweet and teasing.

Duy looked up at her tearfully, his lip quivering as though she had just bestowed upon him the world's most profound comfort.

Sakumo and Naruto exchanged a long look. This was going to be a long day.

"So what? You go and show him what you're made of!" Tsunade cheered, her voice brimming with confidence.

Her smile, however, turned a touch nervous as she noticed a new flame—literally, actual flames—ignite within Duy's eyes.

"YOSH!" he boomed, his voice full of renewed vigor, lunging forward to hug the girl who had so effortlessly fanned the roaring inferno of his youth.

PLOMP!

Tsunade's foot met his face with precision, halting his advance in an instant. Her flexibility was on full display as her leg stretched impossibly high, despite being crouched down on her knees.

An imaginary breeze seemed to whistle past them as they froze in place, holding the pose for an awkward, silent moment.

"No. Hugging. Me," she scolded firmly, her tone leaving no room for debate.

Duy had the decency to look sheepish, rubbing the back of his head as the flames in his eyes dimmed slightly. His… peculiar tendencies had a habit of getting the better of him.

"Let's go, Duy," Naruto said, and Duy turned to look at him with a lost expression plastered upon his face, his eyes wide and his brows slightly furrowed as if he couldn't quite process the words.

"Yeah, let's show him what we've got. He shouldn't have underestimated a member of Squad Seven!" Sakumo cheered on, his tone full of confidence and energy. Duy's lips slowly stretched into a genuine smile, his eyes softening as his shoulders relaxed.

He really was glad that he had failed twice if that let him form a team with these guys.

It really was worth it in the end.

"Let's go then!" he boomed, his voice filled with newfound determination, and he took off running, his three friends following closely behind. Dust kicked up in his wake, swirling around them as they hurried to keep up.

Naruto and Sakumo exchanged quick glances, both looking slightly irritated as they began to realize just how far out of the village they were heading. Even so, they pressed on without complaint, their loyalty to their friend outweighing their annoyance.

Duy eventually came to a stop, hopping down from a tree branch and pointing dramatically at an abandoned-looking estate nestled in the middle of nowhere.

"This is the dojo he uses, guys…" he announced solemnly, his voice tinged with both excitement and reverence.

He received three nods in response, his companions stepping closer to take a better look.

Tsunade's gaze swept across the area, her initial skepticism fading as she observed the dojo. Now that they were here, she couldn't help but find the place fascinating. The open layout, the weathered building standing at the center, and the wide, clear spaces gave it an air of quiet strength.

Her admiration was short-lived, however, as her body stiffened. Her ponytail twitched like an antenna catching an unexpected signal, and her eyes widened in alarm as a strange, tickling sensation crept dangerously close to her hips.

Her reflexes kicked in instantly. Without hesitation, her hand opened and twisted mid-turn, a blur of motion that was followed by—

BOOM!

The sound of impact reverberated through the clearing, sending several startled birds soaring into the sky.

"HENTAI!"

Tsunade's shrill scream pierced the air, followed by a deafening slap that reverberated across the clearing. The three boys whipped around to see her standing rigid, her hands protectively covering her hips, her face flushed a furious red with a mix of anger and sheer embarrassment.

"Tsunade—" Naruto started, only to gulp audibly as her neck snapped toward him with an expression so livid it could have melted steel. "…What happened?" he managed to squeak out, his hands raised slightly as if trying to placate a ticking time bomb.

Tsunade didn't say a word at first, her trembling finger lifting to point toward a smoking mess slumped near the walls of the estate. All of them squinted, their gazes narrowing at the sight of a slightly twitching old man sprawled on the ground, his face frozen in a stupid, blissful grin.

"SENSEI!"

The three of them jumped as Duy's wailing cry broke the silence. He was already crouched beside the man, tears streaming down his face in full anime-drama fashion as he shook the old man by the shoulders, trying to rouse him from his dazed state.

"That pervert is your sensei?!" Tsunade exclaimed incredulously, her voice rising several octaves as her eyes flicked between Duy and the prone figure on the ground.

Naruto and Sakumo sighed heavily, though the weight of their exasperation was directed squarely at the sheer hopelessness of it all. This was supposed to be the taijutsu master?

"Of all the people in the world, Duy, you have the best luck of them all…" Sakumo's voice dripped with sarcasm, though his teammate didn't seem to pick up on it.

"See? Isn't he most youthful?" Duy grinned, striking an exaggerated thumbs-up pose, making the two boys sweat-drop as Tsunade grabbed him by the collar, her stern look cutting through the air.

"You want this pathetic, no-good pervert as your teacher?" she asked, narrowing her eyes when the boy nodded, unfazed.

"But, young lady, my flames of youth burn brightly!" Duy shouted dramatically, suddenly leaping into a wild series of somersaults, his arms flailing like he was performing some acrobatic display. He ended with a perfect landing—on his face.

Tsunade rubbed her temples. "You're better off without him," she muttered, watching him get back up with a goofy grin plastered on his face.

"Is this the fee you brought me for your apprenticeship? If so, I accept!" the elderly man cheered, his voice enough to send a vein throbbing in Tsunade's forehead.

"You wish, you old pervert! Come on, we're leaving," she snapped, tugging the boy along.

Duy suddenly stopped in his tracks, dramatically raising his arms to the sky. "No! I must not abandon my chance to learn from such a master! Youth is fleeting!" He cried out, his face full of sorrow, tears welling in his eyes as if he were parting with his most precious possession.

Tsunade paused for a moment, staring at him incredulously. "Are you serious right now?!" she yelled, dragging him away once more.

Just then, another hand clasped her wrist. She turned to see Naruto, his calm eyes meeting her livid glare.

"Calm down, Tsunade. This man is the real deal," he said, his gaze fixed on the ridiculous old man who had just finished dusting himself off, still smiling as though he'd won some great battle.

Tsunade opened her mouth to retort, but Sakumo's voice interrupted her.

"Yeah, he got behind us even when I had my senses expanded. And Naruto's no slouch at detecting anyone who gets that close. Not saying you're not a sensor like me, Tsunade," he explained, his tone filled with reason.

Tsunade blinked in realization, while Duy, still full of youthful energy, jogged back into position, grinning widely as though his dramatic outburst had been a triumph.'

If they looked at it like that, it certainly was true. She hadn't sensed him out either, so he was good at concealing himself at least.

"Yeah, give him a chance, he isn't half bad," Duy said, trying to console her. Tsunade let him go, her lips curling into a pout.

"Whatever, just keep him away from me," she mumbled, still irritated at having been singled out in the argument.

"I bet you wouldn't mind if Naruto did that…" a voice whispered in her ear, just out of everyone else's earshot.

The reaction was instant. Her cheeks turned beet red, and before she could say anything, Sakumo was already looking away, whistling innocently.

She shot him a suspicious glance. Was he really just teasing her, or was there more to it? She tried to brush it off, but then she heard it again—his voice, smooth and sly.

"Maybe you'd even enjoy it if it were him," Sakumo's voice came again, low enough to send a shiver down her spine, laced with mischief.

Tsunade's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly shook the thought away. Would she mind if Naruto did it? No. No, she wouldn't mind at all! But that wasn't important! She was just... overthinking things. It was nothing!

Her cheeks burned as her heart began to race, betraying her thoughts. No, stop. Don't think about it, Tsunade. You're not like that. It's just a passing thought...

She clenched her fists, then opened them again, trying to calm the erratic beating of her chest. This wasn't happening. It wasn't even worth thinking about.

It was just... a stupid, fleeting thought.

It just wasn't her day.

"What do you kids want?" The old man's voice turned gruff, his earlier perverted antics quickly forgotten, snapping the attention of the group toward him. "Aren't you the one I told off yesterday? Now go, don't waste my time anymore..." he dismissed them with a sharp wave of his hand.

"Why don't you want to train him?" Sakumo's voice broke the tension, causing the old man to freeze in his tracks. He turned, raising an eyebrow at the question.

"Because he isn't worth it," the man replied simply. Duy's shoulders slumped, the rejection clear in his body language. Naruto's frosty blue eyes narrowed in on the old man's back. Without another word, he turned around and started walking away.

There was one thing Naruto couldn't stand with all his being—people who looked down on his friends without giving them a chance to show what they were truly made of. He could feel something dark brewing inside him, a swirl of energy ignited by the low dismissal of his friend. His chakra churned in anticipation.

"Let's go, Duy. You don't need a teacher who takes on students without seeing their potential firsthand," Naruto said, his voice calm, as if he were casually commenting on the weather.

Master Chen's eye twitched in annoyance at Naruto's words. Those damned Uchiha certainly knew how to irritate someone, even when they didn't mean to.

"Aren't you full of yourself?" the old man sneered suddenly, his voice laced with contempt as he met Naruto's lone-turned eye with one of his own, narrowed and gleaming with superiority.

The blonde continued walking, completely ignoring the man's biting remark, his calm demeanor only fueling the old man's irritation.

"Wait." The old man's voice snapped out, sharp and commanding. Despite the tone, Naruto stopped and turned to meet his gaze, his expression calm but firm.

Master Chen smirked, a condescending glint in his eyes as he scrutinized the young shinobi. "So, the pup finally listens," he muttered, his voice dripping with derision. His earlier words had struck a nerve within himself, though he would never admit it.

"Let's make a bet, so to speak…" Chen began, his tone casual but his smirk growing wider.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, not fully grasping the old man's intent but choosing to indulge him.

"You spar with me. If you somehow manage to defeat me—which I doubt—you'll have the satisfaction of proving me wrong. In that case, I'll teach that boy everything I know." Chen's arrogance radiated from every word, his posture screaming overconfidence.

"And if I lose?" Naruto asked, his tone even, already suspecting the stakes were designed to humiliate.

Chen chuckled, the sound grating and self-assured. "Then you'll bow before me, on your knees, and admit that I am the greatest teacher you'll ever find. And for my boundless generosity, I'll still take him on as an apprentice." His smirk widened, his mocking gaze daring Naruto to refuse.

Naruto's face betrayed nothing, his frosty blue eyes meeting Chen's arrogant smirk with quiet resolve.

To decline would be to dishonor his mother figure, the man he aimed to replace one day, and the teacher who had helped him through the struggles as a genin until now—all of them who had ventured to get him to where he stood today.

Plus, his honor was on the line here too.

"You have a deal. But you apologize to Duy too if I lose."

His friends merely watched, stupefied, as the two shook hands on the deal, and the man motioned for Naruto to follow him inside.

"Naruto, be careful. His taijutsu is said to be even greater than that of the Hokage himself…" Duy whispered, worried for his friend.

Sakumo nodded as well. He knew better than anyone that pride was something Naruto placed very high in his life.

Tsunade kept glancing at Naruto worriedly, her gaze darting to him every so often. Duy's words weren't helping in the slightest, but she knew there was no convincing him otherwise. Naruto was as stubborn as they came, especially when someone challenged his pride or honor.

The group stepped into the dojo, their eyes scanning the wooden room in quiet appreciation. The polished floors and immaculate upkeep belied the weathered exterior of the house, speaking to the care and respect given to the space.

"Alright, let's get started!" the man announced joyfully, shrugging off the shawl draped across his shoulders. Underneath, he revealed a simple kimono paired with matching brown pants and wooden Kabuki sandals.

Naruto unstrapped his sandals, knowing the shiny floors would require precise movements. Being barefoot would give him better maneuverability in a confined space. Already dressed in a simple white T-shirt and blue pants, he didn't need any further adjustments to be ready.

Naruto hadn't expected to fight on their day off, and now the thought of ruining his clothes soured his mood further. He looked down at his simple white T-shirt and blue pants, a hint of regret crossing his face. Of all days to wear this.

His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of his opponent.

"The rules are simple: land a single clean hit on me, and you win. You have until the sun sets on the horizon," the man declared, his cheerful tone as confident as it was shocking.

Naruto's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing at the sheer audacity of the challenge.

"You can't be serious," Tsunade said, her disbelief written all over her face. She glanced at the man, then at Naruto, her worry deepening.

"That's nine hours," Sakumo said, his voice laced with incredulity. "You seriously think he won't manage to hit you even once?"

The man simply smiled, undeterred by their reactions, his posture relaxed and unbothered.

Naruto's fists clenched slightly, but he said nothing. Sakumo wasn't wrong—Naruto wasn't easy to take lightly. His taijutsu alone was formidable, and if it came down to it, his unleashed Sharingan could make the impossible achievable. And he was pretty lethal with it.

But that wasn't the point. Naruto avoided using his Sharingan against fellow villagers if he could help it. It wasn't necessary.

Tsunade kept glancing at him, her brows furrowed. She knew Naruto wouldn't back down, no matter what. His pride wouldn't allow it, especially with a challenge like this in front of him.

"We'll just see at the end of the day, now won't we?" the man mocked, his tone carrying an edge that made Naruto's jaw tighten.

Naruto exhaled slowly, spreading his feet apart as his arms shifted into a loose but deliberate stance. It was the first kata of the Uzumaki taijutsu style, a defensive form that Mito had drilled into him countless times.

The style wasn't meant for outright aggression. It was designed to counter and adapt, often paired with ninjutsu or sealing techniques for those proficient enough to use them. For now, though, Naruto only wanted to test the man's claims. Was he truly as dangerous as Duy believed, or was he all talk?

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he studied his opponent, but his brows rose in surprise at the man's bizarre stance.

The man balanced on the toes of his right foot, his left leg lifted high in the air as if preparing to kick. His right arm dangled loosely by his side, while his left hand extended forward, beckoning Naruto with an open palm, a taunting challenge for the first move.

The stance was unconventional, almost ridiculous, but the way the man's posture exuded confidence put Naruto on edge. He wasn't taking this lightly—not yet.

'Is he mocking me?' he couldn't help but think, seeing the man putting a couple of his limbs to rest, just to show him how utterly worthless he was in his eyes.

"Come now, what are you waiting for?" the elderly man taunted further, and Naruto wasn't one to waste his chance on such a loosely held stance by his opponent.

His body shot straight for him at blazing speeds, his eyes focused only on taking that overconfident man out for the count as soon as possible.

He jumped high into the air, his body twisting with precision as he executed a leaping roundhouse kick, his technique mimicking the brutal efficiency of a certain renowned striking style. The kick targeted the lifeless arm hanging by his opponent's side, but the man saw it coming from a mile away.

His left palm came to intercept the strike, catching Naruto's calf with a sharp slap, but his arm didn't even so much as give a slight vibration to show it had suffered any impact.

His hand squeezed his captured leg, and Naruto winced in agony at the vice grip that felt like some iron clippers had clasped him at that moment. He twisted his body upwards, raising his torso to his level to launch a punch straight at that wide-open and lifeless shoulder that he wasn't looking to use anytime soon.

Master Chen merely hopped a bit aside to let it pass by him harmlessly in a slick motion, making Naruto overreach far more than he had intended to, though it did cause Chen to loosen his grip upon his leg.

Naruto seized the moment, crouching low and gritting his teeth against the pain still throbbing in his leg. In one swift motion, he twisted sharply and swiped his other leg in a wide arc, aiming to knock the man's foot out from under him.

Chen reacted instantly, his body lifting effortlessly into the air with a small hop. Suspended for a fraction of a second, he adjusted his position with precision, his thumb pointing downward like an executioner's gesture before he landed squarely on Naruto's leg.

Naruto's eyes shot wide, a sharp gasp escaping his lips as the full weight of the man pressed into a single pressure point on his leg. The pain was immediate and overwhelming, like an iron spike driving into his calf. He quickly funneled the chakra into the limb, dulling the agony and reinforcing the bone to withstand the brutal force.

But just as he felt the pain subside slightly, another sensation surged—a concentrated spike of chakra piercing directly into the point of contact. It was surgical and devastating, forcing his eyes shut against the excruciating pressure.

That momentary lapse cost him dearly.

When his eyes snapped open again, it was already too late. The sole of Chen's foot was rocketing toward his chest. Naruto had only a split second to react, throwing his arms across his torso in a tight guard.

The impact was bone-jarring. Chen's chakra-infused strength and precision struck like a battering ram, sending a shockwave through Naruto's body. The force propelled him backward with terrifying speed, his form blurring as he hurtled through the air.

Tsunade and Sakumo barely had time to leap aside as Naruto shot past them like a cannonball, crashing into the wooden wall of the dojo with an echoing bang.

"NARU!" Tsunade's frantic cry cut through the stunned silence, jolting Sakumo from his wide-eyed stupor. They rushed toward Naruto, who slumped against the splintered wall, his breathing ragged but steady.

His trembling arms slowly dropped from their defensive position, the stinging sensation in them unbearable. Naruto glanced down, wincing at the sight of reddened skin and shaking limbs. He knew there were cracks in the bones, but thanks to his chakra reinforcement, the damage wasn't life-threatening.

Still, no matter how hard he tried, his arms wouldn't stop quivering, trembling uncontrollably like dry leaves caught in a fierce wind.

Such brutal strength. Naruto had never faced such a devastating physical attack in his life.

Tsunade's soft hands clasped his forearms, glowing with a gentle green hue as her medical chakra flowed into them, seeking out the damage.

"Kami, Naru, there are cracks in your bones…" she whispered, her voice trembling with worry. Her eyes flickered between the swelling now evident on his arms and the leg that had taken the earlier blow. She didn't want to imagine the extent of the damage there.

She glanced up, intending to scold him, but her words faltered. His hair shadowed his eyes, his lips curved into a…

Smirk.

Before she could react, Naruto's hands shot up, gently clasping hers and halting her healing. Her brows furrowed in confusion as she tilted her head, her gaze locking onto his.

Which weren't their frosty blue counterparts they were a moment ago.

"I'm fine," he said, his voice low but firm as he started to push himself to his feet.

Tsunade didn't let him get far. With a heated glare, she pulled him back down, her hands tightening around his forearms.

"You're not fine. Those are hairline fractures, Naru! You can't fight like this—you'll only make the swelling worse, and you could turn a simple injury into something permanent," she scolded, her tone rising with urgency.

But her words didn't seem to reach him. His eyes remained locked on the old man behind her, unwavering in their focus.

Tsunade bit her lip in frustration, her worry deepening. She had stretched the truth about the severity of his injuries to stop him from continuing, but her concern wasn't baseless. That man… he was too strong, too experienced.

If Naruto insisted on going back into the fight, she feared he wouldn't just lose—he would be utterly crushed.

"Tsuna, let me go..." Naruto's voice was calm but firm as he pried her hands off his wrists.

Tsunade's grip tightened for a moment, reluctant to let him go, but Sakumo placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. His silent shake of the head said it all—this wasn't the time to intervene. With a frustrated huff, she stepped back, her worried eyes still fixed on Naruto.

Naruto rolled his shoulders, a faint series of cracks breaking the tense silence. He rubbed his arms, trying to quell the faint tremor that lingered from Chen's earlier assault. His sharp gaze locked onto the old man, whose smug smile remained firmly in place.

"You coming back for more? I didn't take you for an idiot…" Chen's voice carried a mocking edge, the corners of his lips curling upward.

Naruto's face was a mask of eerie calm, his expression unreadable. It was a look that caused Chen's smug grin to falter slightly. The boy didn't even flinch at the taunt, his silence louder than any retort.

Then he moved.

Naruto blurred forward, his speed almost unnatural as he closed the distance between them in an instant. His right fist shot toward Chen's chin, a precise and devastating strike.

Chen leaned back at the last possible moment, the punch whizzing past his face. Before he could fully recover, Naruto followed up with a sharp left jab. Chen tilted his head to the side, evading it effortlessly.

But Naruto was relentless.

He swung his right arm in a wide, cutting arc, aiming to catch the man's head with the edge of his fist. Chen, light on his feet, hopped back just enough to evade the blow, creating space between them.

Naruto didn't let up.

Springing forward, he twisted his body mid-air, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick aimed squarely at Chen's cheek. The motion was fluid, almost predatory, as his leg sliced through the air like a blade.

Chen's hand shot up with precision, catching the kick in his palm with an audible clap. The old man's grip was firm, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Naruto's Sharingan activated, the crimson hues spinning into life as time seemed to slow for him.

Seeing the old man's arm muscles twitch to indicate he wanted to twist and sprain it before the man had even made a move himself.

He followed up with his left leg, snaking it around the man's neck, and in one fluid motion, he pulled himself up to sit atop his shoulders, performing the move with surprising flexibility. His fingers clasped together in a double-handed fist above his head, and he began bringing it down toward the man's head, aiming to end the fight once and for all.

But Chen, as if someone had ripped out his spine, collapsed backward in an unnatural, fluid motion, like a snake shedding its skin. Naruto caught off guard, stumbled and fell from his shoulders, narrowly avoiding Chen's left elbow by a hair's breadth from his cheek. He rolled back to create some distance, instinctively getting back on his feet.

Chen, despite the chaos of the maneuver, couldn't help but feel impressed by the boy's skill. It was clear that Naruto had potential, though he still had quite a way to go before he could defeat him head-on in a fight. After all, Chen wasn't known as the best taijutsu master in the elemental nations for nothing.

But Chen's eyes widened when Naruto stood up and completely changed his stance. His legs spread wide and straight, arms held diagonally towards the ground, palms open and facing Chen.

The Interceptor Fist.

Naruto crossed his arms in front of his chest, then opened them wide as he dropped into the first kata of his unique style. He had been wasting chakra, reinforcing his limbs to withstand the man's brutal assault with a defensive stance, but now, it was time for the counterattack.

Most would have been troubled by such a shift, but with his Sharingan active, Naruto could predict and dodge Chen's attacks with precision, exploiting the openings between their exchanges and increasing his chances and reaction time exponentially.

As much as he liked the Uzumaki style, Naruto wasn't a Uzumaki—or a Senju for that matter. He didn't possess the unnatural reserves or physical stamina to sustain long bouts of defensive combat, especially when relying on chakra-intensive techniques for hours on end.

But he was a Uchiha, and his instincts were still unrivaled.

Chen's right leg slammed into the floor, his left arm snapping up with lightning speed. Naruto's lips curled into a smirk.

The man was finally taking him seriously.

"Sakumo, what's that stance? That isn't what Mito-baa taught him..." Tsunade tugged at Sakumo's sleeve, but he barely registered her words, his focus locked entirely on the fight.

"Yeah, Naruto hasn't used this since our first spar at the Academy," Sakumo muttered, his voice a quiet revelation. "He completely changed it after that, but I guess he's been refining it on his own since then—along with the one Mito-sama must have taught him..."

Duy watched with wide eyes, a sense of awe creeping over him.

To think Naruto was mastering not just one, but two stances—impressive enough on its own.

And now, he was showing off his secret techniques, just for Chen.

Such youth!

Duy's eyes gleamed. His plan to make Naruto his rival was coming together faster than he had imagined.

Chen rushed in first this time, his arms blurring as he unleashed a series of rapid, painful strikes toward Naruto. But to Chen's surprise, Naruto, now a different person entirely from a moment ago, began deflecting them with surprising efficiency.

Even Chen had to admit—this boy was something else. There wasn't a single opening in his stance, not one that he could exploit. That was saying something, especially given his own exceptional eyes.

They exchanged blow after blow, neither giving the other a chance to strike. Naruto, now coupling his Sharingan with chakra enhancements, was able to withstand the hits that landed and dodge the ones he couldn't. His speed increased with every second, matching Chen's relentless pace. He was holding his ground, standing toe to toe with the man rumored to possess taijutsu prowess greater than even the Five Kage.

But then, something shifted in the air—a change so subtle that Naruto himself didn't notice. His bloodlust for a real challenge surged, pushing him further into the battle, and with it, his Sharingan began to evolve. The change was gradual, almost imperceptible, but as the flow of chakra intensified, his eyes took on a new, ominous pattern.

Chen, however, noticed the shift immediately. His gaze locked onto Naruto's eyes, now holding not just a pair of three tomoes, but two sets of six tomoes—bloodlust radiating from them like a storm.

Naruto, in his focused state, remained unaware of the transformation happening within him. The drive for victory and the rush of battle had clouded his mind to the changes in his own eyes.

Chen narrowed his own gaze, sensing an opportunity. He could see the openings now, subtle but present. "Time to take the boy more seriously," he thought, his mind already calculating how to use this moment to his advantage

---

A few hours later…

---

Naruto was on one knee, his hair shadowing his eyes as his ragged breaths filled the air. Sweat dripped from his face like water, pooling on the floor beneath him.

Chen smiled, a genuinely warm expression spreading across his face. It wasn't mocking or condescending but filled with pride and satisfaction. To fight a child who had revived and mastered a long-forgotten style—one that people barely spoke of anymore—was nothing short of an honor.

"Naruto, stop it. It's enough!" Duy called out, his voice tinged with worry. Sakumo stood nearby, his fists clenched tightly, barely restraining himself from rushing in to stop the fight. Seeing his friend in such a battered state for the sake of another's challenge was almost too much to bear.

Naruto's trembling hand rose to his hair, brushing it back as he shook off the blood rush and sweat. He looked up with a tired but genuine smile. His Sharingan was no longer active, having burned through all his chakra reserves in bursts during their exchanges, trying to gain the slightest edge.

But Chen hadn't relented for even a moment. If anything, the man had grown more brutal, his attacks precise and unyielding.

The last hour had been punishing. Chen had shifted to a relentless offensive, and Naruto's body had barely kept up. His endurance was waning, and his movements had grown sluggish. Were it not for the rigorous stamina training Mito had drilled into him, he would have collapsed unconscious hours ago.

"Had you practiced more with your… 'certain' techniques, and gone all out, you might've landed a hit," Chen remarked warmly, his voice carrying a hint of pride.

Naruto smiled tiredly, his chest heaving.

His friends stared at him as if Chen were some alien creature from another world. How could he not recognize how relentless and unyielding Naruto had been for hours on end?

"So, you noticed?" Naruto rasped, his voice dry and cracked like a parched desert. Each word burned his throat, but he forced them out nonetheless.

Chen gave a small, measured nod in response, his calm acknowledgment causing all eyes to widen in disbelief.

"What?! You were holding back?!" Sakumo shouted, his voice carrying a mix of shock and disbelief. The notion was almost incomprehensible. How could anyone endure such a brutal exchange for hours against Naruto and still claim to have held back?

Naruto ignored Sakumo's outburst. His focus remained on steadying his breathing and regaining some control over his drained, battered body.

"Why did you hold yourself back, though?" Chen finally asked, though he already had a suspicion about the answer. His curiosity got the better of him. The boy had earned his respect, something that didn't happen often. It had been years since someone had impressed him this much. And yet, he couldn't deny the gut feeling that had gnawed at him since the moment Naruto's Sharingan shifted into that strange new pattern.

During their battle, Chen had trusted his instincts and avoided letting the boy's strikes land, deflecting them at all costs. He had been right to do so. Even the few attacks he managed to parry left his hands stinging, as if struck by something far more potent than they appeared to be.

Naruto's vision blurred slightly, the edges of the room softening as exhaustion crept in. The adrenaline that had fueled him through the grueling fight was draining away, leaving a deep, creeping numbness in its place. His body ached, his muscles screamed for rest, and yet... a faint sense of pride flickered within him.

Despite everything, he had made a man like Chen take him seriously. That, in itself, was a victory.

"I know my limits…" Naruto whispered, his voice weak and strained.

Tsunade couldn't take it anymore. Watching from the sidelines while he pushed himself so far was too much. She rushed to his side, dropping to her knees without hesitation. She didn't notice Chen's wide eyes, filled with shock at the boy's words.

Tsunade leaned in, her hands quickly moving over Naruto's bruised and battered body. His forearms were faintly blue, swollen from enduring the relentless blows of the last hour. She frowned, noticing he wasn't even wearing the usual medical tape he used to protect himself when in his shinobi gear.

"Hey…" she whispered softly, trying to calm him as he weakly attempted to speak. She cupped his cheeks, brushing away the sweat and dirt.

Her worry deepened when she saw his half-closed, unfocused eyes. Before she could say anything more, his head dropped forward, resting against her chest. His breathing slowed, steadying into soft, even puffs as exhaustion finally overtook him.

Tsunade let out a quiet sigh, her fingers brushing lightly through his hair.

"Baka…" she whispered, clutching his head tightly against her chest, her arms trembling slightly with worry. Even after all that effort, he still hadn't managed to land a single blow on that damned old coot.

Chen stood a short distance behind her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. The way the girl held the boy as though he were the most fragile thing in the world didn't escape his notice.

It didn't take a genius—let alone someone with Chen's years of experience—to recognize the glimmer of something deeper in her actions. The way her fingers lingered, brushing his hair away from his face. The way her eyes softened despite the tension in her brows. She didn't seem aware of it herself, but to Chen, it was as clear as day.

'He had already realized I was far from his reach, and he would have drained his endurance completely if he'd tried to pull out all his stops. Even in the heat of battle and despite all my taunts, he had the presence of mind to assess his situation rationally and act accordingly. The boy is something else, alright... and it was a good thing I dodged his punches—there was something different about them, and if one had landed, it could have caused anything from minor bruises to major injuries, even to someone like me.' Chen mused silently.

His gaze flicked briefly to Tsunade, watching the way her lips pressed into a thin line, a mix of frustration and care painted across her face. The unconscious boy nestled against her chest didn't realize the effect he seemed to have on her.

He let out a quiet chuckle to himself. Young hearts were often oblivious to the paths they were starting to tread.

Chen's attention shifted to Sakumo and Duy, who stood awkwardly behind the pair. Both looked eager to check on Naruto but hesitated, knowing better than to interfere when Tsunade was like this.

Both looked eager to check on Naruto but hesitated, knowing better than to interfere when Tsunade was like this.

She clutched the unconscious boy protectively, her posture almost reminiscent of a fierce mama bear guarding her cub. Neither dared approach, fully aware of how unwavering she was when it came to moments like these.

Chen stepped forward to take the boy from Tsunade's arms, intending to offer some of his natural healing ointments. But before he could get close, Sakumo abruptly stepped in front of him, blocking his path with a firm hand.

"Don't…" Sakumo's voice was low but resolute, his expression making it clear that approaching now would be a mistake.

Chen's words died in his throat at the unexpected resistance. He frowned, pursed his lips, and shook off the younger man's grip before continuing toward the boy cradled in Tsunade's arms.

He stopped in his tracks the moment Tsunade turned her gaze on him. Her usually gentle face had shifted into something predatory, a dangerous glint in her eyes that made even a seasoned warrior like Chen hesitate.

Her arms tightened protectively around the unconscious boy, holding him as one might shield a fragile treasure. Her voice, though soft, carried a venomous edge that chilled the air.

"Stay away from him…" she whispered, her tone low and lethal.

Chen's eyes softened as his gaze fell on the boy in her arms. Now that Naruto was still and vulnerable, his injuries were laid bare—scrapes, bruises, and the subtle tremor of his limbs. The sight tugged at him, filling him with a pang of guilt he hadn't anticipated.

He understood now. The anger radiating from the girl wasn't just from concern but from witnessing someone she cared about pushed to the brink. And Sakumo's earlier intervention? That had been a warning, one he had failed to heed.

Chen could feel the intense weight of Tsunade's gaze, and he knew, without a doubt, that had he taken even a single step closer to her, she would have lashed out in an instant. The fury in her eyes wasn't just anger—it was pure, unfiltered rage, and he wasn't about to test it.

Senju and Uchiha were rarely truly angry. It wasn't something they wore on their sleeves, and when they did show such raw emotion, it was a sight to behold. But when they reached that point, it was clear to anyone with half a brain that the best course of action was to step back and stay out of their way.

He thought of Hashirama and Madara, the two figures whose names were synonymous with both power and history. Both had left moments etched into the world's memory—events that showed just how far they were willing to go when pushed into a corner. Their bond, built over countless battles and shared ideals, had shaped the world in ways few could truly understand.

The stories surrounding those two were well-known, but standing here now, feeling the weight of Tsunade's anger, it became clear just how deeply those bonds ran. It wasn't just legend; it was real. And it was something that should never be underestimated.

Tsunade loosened her grip on the boy in her arms, turning around with a smooth motion. She let him lean on her back for support before lifting him up piggyback style, hopping lightly as she adjusted his weight. His cheek rested softly against her shoulder, and he slept soundly, like a log, likely to remain in that peaceful slumber for a while.

She glanced back at Sakumo and Duy, offering them an apologetic look for leaving so abruptly. They both smiled understandingly, the unspoken understanding passing between them. Sakumo nodded as if to say, It's alright, knowing well that they couldn't fault her for wanting to care for the boy in this way.

The two boys followed her silently, having nothing left to do there.

"Come back tomorrow for your first lesson…" Chen's gruff voice called out, causing them to pause mid-step. "… and I'm sorry for my behavior earlier," he mumbled, clearly a bit embarrassed at having to apologize.

Sakumo chuckled and shook his head in amusement, gently pulling Duy away before the boy could hug his new teacher to death or talk him into reversing his decision.

Tsunade, not pausing for a moment longer, made her way out of the forest and onto the busy streets of the residential area. As she walked, people couldn't help but glance at her, some with curiosity, others with raised eyebrows.

But Tsunade didn't care. She didn't have time to worry about the eyes of strangers.

Her feet carried her toward the only place she could think of right now.

---

Uzumaki clan compounds…

---

"Coming…!" Mito's muffled voice came from behind the door before it clicked open, revealing the red-haired woman in her usual robes standing there.

Her violet eyes widened as she took in the sight of her apprentice, unconscious and resting against Tsunade's back. The moment her gaze landed on the tear at the corner of Tsunade's eye, her expression softened with understanding.

"Baa-chan, heal him…" Tsunade whispered, her voice barely more than a soft plea, the weight of her emotions evident as she fought to keep her voice steady. Mito's heart ached at the sight, and she gently motioned for Tsunade to come inside.

Hurrying her granddaughter into the room reserved for Naruto, Mito quickly set to work, gathering towels to clean the boy's skin of the scratches and small wounds he had accumulated during the spar. Tsunade, still kneeling beside Naruto, carefully laid him down on the futon. She sat next to him, her gaze softening as she watched him.

A slight giggle escaped Tsunade's lips as she looked at Naruto's face. Despite the exhaustion, he was still smiling in his sleep, no doubt he had enjoyed every moment of that brutal sparring match.

"Baka..." Tsunade muttered under her breath, unable to stop herself from breaking into a fit of sniffling giggles. He was just so damned reckless.

Not once had his eyes or will wavered during that spar, even when he was being beaten to the ground. He still got up every time, countering and trading blows as if nothing had happened to him at all.

And even though she had caught a glimpse of that small Uchiha symbol on the back of his neck, she knew deep down that he had been smiling through it all.

That idiot was too damn stubborn for his own good sometimes—not that she was any... ARGH!

As loathe as she was to admit it, Tsunade couldn't help but acknowledge it—she wouldn't have it any other way, no matter what she might say to him when he was awake.

Her hand gently cupped his cheek, her gaze soft and lingering on his tired, sleeping face. A small, tender smile graced her lips as she took in his serene expression, the faint trace of a smile lingering even in his slumber. He had this way of drawing her in, of making her forget everything, even when she didn't want to.

The soft breeze from the open window carried a handful of delicate rose petals into the room. They floated gracefully, swirling through the air in a dance that seemed almost alive, each petal moving as if guided by some unseen force. Their gentle ballet filled the space with an air of romance, mirroring the unspoken emotions between the girl and the boy resting peacefully in her arms.

Tsunade's heart beat faster, its rhythm steady but unmistakably loud in her ears. Her body moved on its own, her gaze falling to his parted lips. Leaning closer, the world around her blurred, the only clarity left being the boy in front of her.

Her breath mingled with his, her lips now just a whisper away. Her half-lidded eyes fluttered closed, her pulse quickening as her heart gave in to the unspoken emotions she had buried for so long. The rose petals spun faster, almost jubilantly, as if they too anticipated what was to come.

And then, as the world seemed to hold its breath, her lips met his in a dance of pure harmony...

"Alright?" Mito's voice broke the silence, trailing off as her sharp eyes caught the flush on Tsunade's cheeks and her unusually stiff posture.

"Is something wrong, Tsunade?" she asked, but before she could get an answer, the blonde darted past her in a golden blur, vanishing from the room.

Mito blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion before a faint chuckle escaped her lips. With a shake of her head, she turned her attention back to the boy on the futon and knelt beside him, her hands glowing softly with healing chakra.

As she leaned closer, something unusual caught her eye—a faint smudge of pink lipstick near the corner of Naruto's lips. She froze for a brief moment, her gaze narrowing before realization dawned.

A soft laugh bubbled up from her chest, light and knowing. "Oh, Tsunade…" she murmured, amusement dancing in her voice. Picking up a damp towel, she gently wiped away the faint mark, her movements tender and precise.

"Looks like I interrupted something," she mused, her giggles quiet but full of mirth. The thought of young love, so raw and unguarded, warmed her heart.

Still, Mito decided she'd keep this little discovery to herself. At least for now. But just imagining how much she could tease her granddaughter about this moment made her grin.

Or maybe not. It was better to let the girl figure it out on her own. Mito knew how clumsy Tsunade could be when it came to matters of the heart, and pointing it out now might do more harm than good. Still, the thought brought a soft smile to her lips.

It warmed her heart to see Tsunade falling for someone who might one day be worthy of claiming her heart. Naruto had proven time and time again that he was kind, strong, and determined—traits that would serve him well in the years to come.

Mito glanced at his peaceful, sleeping face, her expression gentle. He would make a fine man for her little Tsunade, of that she had no doubt. After all, she had practically raised him herself over these past years.

But the thought of Tobirama brought a different expression altogether—a mix of amusement and exasperation. That man could be so... rigid, with the emotional depth of a kunai's edge. When the day came for these two to embrace their feelings fully, Tobirama's inevitable overreaction would no doubt be both dramatic and unnecessary.

"Honestly, the man might try to argue the wind's blowing wrong just to feel in control," she muttered to herself, stifling a chuckle. He'd probably grumble about clan politics or some outdated tradition—anything to mask the fact that he wouldn't know how to deal with such matters of the heart.

"Oh, the joys of watching from the side," she said with a wry grin, already imagining Tobirama's stoic facade crumbling under the weight of his own awkwardness. For now, though, she would enjoy the quiet progress these two were making, one step—or stumble—at a time.

---

Back with Tobirama and Sasuke…

---

"Hokage-dono, it's such a pleasure that you made the trip all the way here…," the Raikage greeted warmly, his tone oozing politeness. However, the thin veneer of charm did little to fool the two men standing before him.

Sasuke and Tobirama exchanged a glance, their sharp gazes locking for a moment before they turned back to the hulking figure in front of them, their eyes narrowing in unison.

"How could we have refused such a warm invitation?" Sasuke replied coolly, his voice devoid of emotion. It was the kind of tone Tobirama would have typically approved of—a perfect example of restraint and authority.

But today was not one of those days.

The Raikage's confident smile faltered for a brief moment, a fleeting crack in his otherwise impenetrable facade. Then, as though compensating for the lapse, his grin widened unnaturally, and his booming laughter filled the air, echoing across the clearing.

It was a sound meant to disarm, but instead, it felt like the roar of a predator reveling in the challenge of new prey.

"Where are they?" Tobirama asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The Raikage's booming laugh cut off abruptly at the sound of his icy words. Even his guards stiffened, unnerved by the lifelessness in Tobirama's eyes and the cold expression that could have made a corpse shiver in its coffin.

"Ah, you must mean our two guests…" The Raikage began, but at Tobirama's slight narrowing of his eyes, he trailed off momentarily before continuing with an unbothered tone. "…They are back in the forest under the watch of my finest Jounin."

With those simple words, Tobirama felt as if a mountain's weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Relief washed over his eyes briefly before he nodded curtly, doing well to hide the wave of happiness threatening to show on his face.

Sasuke, however, wasn't as hyped as his Senju comrade beside him. Something just wasn't clicking right. If it wasn't the massive army of Kumo's finest that the Raikage had assembled, it was the man's expression that sealed the uneasy feeling in Sasuke's mind.

Something was off, and it was rubbing him the wrong way.

Still, he digressed for the moment, choosing to stay silent and let events unfold naturally. It was too late for retreats—not that there were going to be any in the first place, no matter the outcomes.

"Shall I escort you to them?" the Raikage asked, his tone calm and steady.

Tobirama nodded curtly, prompting Sasuke to clench his jaw tightly. Tobirama is clearly not in his right mind right now, he thought grimly.

The thing Sasuke despised most in the world was happening right before his eyes. Tobirama, sharp and calculating by nature, wasn't even picking up on how many things didn't add up.

His emotions had completely clouded his judgment.

Sasuke eyed the two guards flanking the Raikage, noting how one subtly fell behind while the other remained by the Raikage's side in a deliberate pincer-three-point formation. His fingers twitched toward a kunai, but he held himself back, if only for Tobirama's sake. Suppressing his unease, he followed their new "escorts" into the forest—or perhaps into the trap that seemed all but inevitable.

The Jounin walking beside the Raikage glanced at his leader for a brief moment, a knowing smirk curling his lips, before shifting his gaze back to the path ahead.

The Raikage's bloodthirsty smile was hard to miss, and Sasuke didn't need any special senses to figure out why. Soon enough, the Leaf "trash," as the Raikage likely saw them, would learn the reason too.

For a few tense minutes, the only sound that broke the stillness of the forest was the occasional chirping of birds, paired with the soft crunch of leaves beneath their sandals as they moved deeper into the shadowy woods.

"How much longer?" Sasuke finally asked, breaking the suffocating silence that had blanketed the party of six.

Ei glanced at him with a single eye for what felt like an eternity to the elder Sarutobi, though it was only a fleeting second, before turning his gaze back to the path ahead.

"We are almost there," the Raikage said curtly, his voice colder and sharper than it had been moments ago.

Sasuke's instincts screamed at him, alarm bells echoing in his mind. His hand twitched involuntarily toward his weapon. It would only take a moment—a single, clean strike—and the Raikage's smug charade would come to an abrupt end.

But Kami help him, Tobirama was completely out of his zone, and Sasuke knew he couldn't act recklessly. Not yet. He had to keep his head level, even as the tension threatened to choke him.

Suddenly, the group stepped into a clearing. It was a stark, barren space devoid of trees within a ten-meter radius as if nature itself had retreated. The only thing that stood in the center of the circular expanse was a lone pine tree, its tall, slender frame casting a single shadow over the open ground.

"We are here," Ei whispered, his voice calm but carrying a weight that sent a chill down Sasuke's spine.

Sasuke's heart skipped a beat as his eyes zeroed in on a small patch of grass near the base of the pine tree. The vibrant green had turned an ominous black.

He closed his eyes, bowing his head momentarily as anger and dread flooded his system. His teeth ground together, his jaw tightening painfully as his fists clenched so hard his nails bit into his palms, drawing thin rivulets of blood.

"Where are they?" Tobirama asked, his gaze sweeping the area, utterly unaware of the storm of emotions overtaking his comrade. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, finding only the thick wall of trees encircling the clearing. Finally, he focused on the Raikage's back.

Ei stood still, his wide grin splitting his face like a madman, unseen by Tobirama.

"Why, they are in front of you, Lord Hokage!" Ei declared loudly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

Tobirama's eyes narrowed, sharp suspicion glinting in them. He turned his gaze to the lone pine tree standing eerily in the middle of the clearing.

His senses sharpened further as Ei raised his hand suddenly. Out of instinct, Tobirama braced himself, but his attention was drawn to the Raikage's pointed finger.

The large man was directing their attention to the top of the tree.

Tobirama's neck slowly tilted upward, his movement deliberate and heavy, as if the weight of dread itself was resisting him. The Raikage turned around, his grin widening, eager to witness the moment he had been waiting for—not just for a week, but for years.

Tobirama's eyes traced the pine tree's trunk, climbing through its sparse foliage until they reached the topmost branch.

And then, his face went utterly blank.

The scene before him was not the nightmare he had steeled himself for—it was far worse.

Misa and Roku hung lifelessly, suspended by barbed wire cruelly biting into their wrists, the jagged edges tearing through skin and muscle alike. Their clothes hung in shreds, barely concealing the nightmare their bodies had endured.

Misa's form, in particular, bore the worst horrors. Her thighs were smeared with dark streaks of dried blood, an unmistakable and chilling sign of unspeakable violations. Her torso was riddled with bruises in various stages of discoloration, suggesting repeated blunt-force trauma.

Roku's body was similarly mangled, his chest marred with lash marks and his neck bearing deep bruises as though he had been strangled repeatedly. Blood stained the ground directly beneath them, a stark contrast against the blackened grass—a haunting testament to the relentless cruelty they had suffered.

Blood streaked down the tree bark, darkened trails marking hours, perhaps days, of endless suffering. Their lifeless forms swayed slightly in the faint breeze, a grotesque mockery of life.

They had been left there like discarded prey, exposed to the elements, vultures ready to tear at their remains, and predators waiting to finish what the Raikage's people had started.

The air reeked of death and cruelty, the coppery tang of blood mingling with the pungent decay of flesh left too long in the humid forest. It was a scene of utter desecration—a message carved not only into their bodies but into the hearts of those who had come to rescue them.

It wasn't just cruelty—it was a message.

Tobirama's stoic façade cracked as a flood of memories surged through his mind like an unrelenting tide.

"Tobirama, you look after my children, alright? You're the only one I trust their lives with. Mito's too much like me to be considered as reliable as you…"

Hashirama's booming laugh and the image of his stupidly grinning face played vividly in his mind, words from years past that now felt like a cruel joke.

His breath hitched, his eyes widening to an almost unnatural extent as the weight of realization crushed down on him. The memories of Roku's childhood, his nephew's bright laughter and youthful innocence, blended with the bittersweet recollection of the day Roku had married Misa, a moment of pride and joy that now twisted painfully in his chest.

A lone tear welled at the corner of his eye, spilling over as a torrent threatened to follow. Decades had passed since he had last cried, but the grief clawing at him now was unbearable.

Misa's face appeared in his mind, radiant yet weary, seated on a hospital bed. His daughter in all but blood, smiling weakly but with undeniable warmth as she cradled a small, blanketed bundle in her arms.

He remembered stepping forward, hands trembling with anticipation, as she handed over the newborn to him. A baby Tsunade had squirmed slightly but remained sound asleep in his grasp, her tiny presence filling him with a joy so profound it brought tears to his eyes even then.

He recalled glancing up at that moment—Hashirama caught in Mito's restraining chains, dramatically flailing and bellowing about wanting to hold his granddaughter first, while Mito laughed with unrestrained delight at her husband's over-the-top antics.

That memory, filled with warmth and laughter, had been his anchor, a cherished fragment of happiness he carried with him always.

And now, that warmth had been ripped away, replaced by an icy void of despair as he looked up at what remained of the family he had vowed to protect.

Finally, the dam broke, and his tears flowed freely down his cheeks like rivers unleashed from an unrelenting storm. His body trembled with the weight of his anguish, each tear a testament to his failure.

He had failed.

He had failed his brother, whose trust and faith he had promised never to betray. He had failed Mito, who had always believed in his steadfastness. He had failed Misa and Roku, the children he had vowed to protect as fiercely as his own.

But, above all, he had failed Tsunade and Nawaki.

The thought of standing before them, their innocent eyes brimming with questions he couldn't bear to answer, tore at his very soul. How could he face Tsunade, his spirited granddaughter in all but blood, and tell her he had been powerless to save her parents? How could he look her in the eye, still breathing, while he buried her beloved mother and father?

And Nawaki… How could he bear the crushing weight of explaining to that bright-eyed toddler why his mother and father would never return home? When the little boy would tug on his sleeve and ask, "Where's Mummy? When's Daddy coming back?" how could he summon the strength to speak the truth?

The questions burned in his mind, each one a blade twisting deeper into his heart, as his tears fell unbidden onto the forest floor.

"Ahahaha! Finally, I've done what countless others have failed to do before me..." The Raikage laughed a full-blown laugh, seeing tears drop from Tobirama's chin and wet the grass near his feet, all the while his horror-stricken face stared at the two hung bodies on the tree in a trance. "… I've broken the iron will of the Nidaime Hokage—the man said to have absolutely no emotions—crying in front of us like a pathetic infant, all due to the fruit of my efforts. And look, finally, he realizes his place," he chuckled hilariously.

Sasuke shook in pure fury when Tobirama fell to his knees at the last of the Raikage's words.

But no one had expected what happened next.

The two Jounin behind Tobirama, moving in to restrain the fallen man, flew back like ragdolls and slammed into the trees behind them with resounding crashes.

The ground around Tobirama cracked, his body erupting with a sheen of purple chakra that radiated a pressure upon the clearing, unlike anything its residents had ever felt.

Tobirama sat there, his head bowed, his features obscured. The chakra around him pulsed like a living entity, heavy with murderous intent. Each surge sent shockwaves rippling outward, forcing even the Raikage to take a cautious step back.

Sasuke turned to Tobirama, a look of startled disbelief etched upon his face. His eyes widened even further as he watched the violent shift in Tobirama's expression, the calm facade Tobirama always had cracking like glass, revealing a depth of fury Sasuke had never witnessed before.

He had known Tobirama for more than three decades, through battles, losses, and victories. Yet, in all that time, he had never once seen the man lose his composure in such a way.

But now—now, Tobirama was beyond angry. He was more than furious. The man was absolutely livid.

An overwhelming bloodlust emanated from him, so raw and intense that it seemed to saturate the very air around them. The three teams of Jounins, hidden and watching from the shadows, felt the oppressive weight of that killing intent. They recoiled instinctively, their bodies trembling as if they were back in their genin days, facing down an opponent they had no hope of defeating.

Flashes of death flickered in their minds, each more terrifying than the last, as if Tobirama's aura had the power to pierce through their souls and reveal the inevitable end awaiting anyone who dared to cross him.

Even Sasuke, who had always stood beside Tobirama, was momentarily stunned. The sheer power emanating from him was suffocating, and overwhelming, a stark reminder of the man's capacity for destruction when pushed beyond his limits.

The Jounins could feel the danger in every breath they took. This was no longer a fight. This was an execution.

He was showing them the true power of a Kage, and the gap between their strengths had never been more apparent.

Tobirama's hand shot toward his chest, moving with such speed that even the Raikage and the Jounin standing by his side instinctively jumped back. Their veteran instincts screamed at them to retreat from the delirious man in front of them, but they were too slow.

With a quick motion, Tobirama's palm clenched around the metal armor on his chest. He twisted it as though it were nothing more than cloth, the alloy bending under his strength. The bindings near his shoulder snapped, and the armor fell loose, dangling from his right side.

Without hesitation, he ripped the other side off, pulling it forward as though it were nothing more than a piece of cotton, and cast it aside with a swift, fluid motion.

He stepped forward, the thud of his foot hitting the ground as clear and resounding as a bell. His chakra spiked in response, the air around him crackling with energy. His other hand dropped to his hip, fingers wrapping around the hilt of his trusted blade. In one smooth motion, he drew the weapon from its sheath.

The blade came to life with a hum of yellow lightning, crackling and sizzling with the intensity of a lion's roar. It merged with the blue lightning now swirling around Tobirama, the two elements dancing in perfect harmony.

He placed his palm on his raised knee for support as he stood, his chakra spiking once more with each movement.

Even Sasuke took a hesitant step back when Tobirama fully rose, his hair whipping around wildly, his chakra forming a small vortex around his body.

"I swear…" His whisper made every set of eyes snap to him.

Sasuke swallowed softly. He had forgotten just how powerful Tobirama truly was after years of the two remaining silent. Especially when the opponents managed to provoke him.

But these fools had woken the beast.

No, beasts, Sasuke corrected himself. He spiked his chakra, coating himself in a sheath of pure blue energy, not nearly as dense or powerful as Tobirama's, but close enough in terms of quantity to stand alongside his friend for what was to come.

"…On the blood of my ancestors and forefathers that runs through my veins, I swear on my honor as a Senju—" He raised his blade to the Raikage, his eyes flashing with death, which was met by Ei's own furious glare.

"Not one of you…" Tobirama's voice was cold, and his words were edged with a promise of doom. "And I mean none of you, will leave this place alive. You'll all beg for death by the time I am done with you. Mark my words, for they shall be your last."

His words struck like a cold knife to the heart, and every Cloud ninja felt the chill of impending doom. Sasuke, on the other hand, couldn't help but smirk. The nostalgia of battles long passed washed over him as he unlatched his chest plate, tossing it aside. It would only hinder him today.

The Cloud ninjas could feel only one outcome from this battle, be it theirs or for their foes.

And that was Death.

---

In an unknown mountain: Iron Country

---

In a quiet, secluded part of the Iron Country, the valley stretched wide, bathed in the warm light of the afternoon sun. On a rocky ledge high above, a lone figure sat with a shakuhachi in his hands, its soft melody drifting across the land. The notes were pure, blending seamlessly with the gentle rustling of the wind and the faint chiming of bells as cows, goats, and sheep grazed nearby.

Birds perched in the trees and on the cliffs seemed transfixed, their usual chatter silenced by the soothing tune. Even the animals below slowed their movements as though the melody spoke to something deep within them.

The figure's attire was simple, a weathered conical hat resting beside him. His posture was relaxed, yet there was a quiet strength in the way he sat. His gaze occasionally drifted to the horizon, but his focus always returned to the shakuhachi, pouring life into each note.

When the final note faded into the breeze, he lowered the flute, sitting in silence for a moment. Slowly, he stood, the sunlight outlining his figure as he gazed out at the distant horizon, a look of quiet calmness on his face.

"Now, the journey begins..." he said softly, his voice blending with the wind that swept through the valley.

Birds took flight, the animals returned to their grazing, and the figure adjusted a simple satchel over his shoulder before stepping forward, leaving the tranquil scene behind.

---

Author's Notes::

---

The next chapter will take a week to upload and will be released on January 24th, to be exact.

Until then, enjoy life and happy reading!