A/N
Yo!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a great New Year!
The support means a lot to me, and I'm really glad people are enjoying the story so far.
Before we begin, I've got a quick update I've had a change of heart with the pairing, but we'll get more into that later on.
This chapter is more of a sit down moment to catch up on what's happening with Naruto, so sit back and enjoy!
Let's get into it.
Chapter 6 - Recovery & Ubers
Re Al Academy, Recovery Room – Madrid
Naruto sat on a padded treatment table, his left ankle elevated and wrapped tightly in a protective brace. The once fierce energy that defined him now felt subdued, replaced by a growing frustration.
All around him, physiotherapists and medical staff moved with purpose, discussing his condition in low voices. The words "broken ankle" and "recovery period" echoed repeatedly, each mention hammering home the reality of his situation.
Naruto leaned back, his hands gripping the edge of the table as he tried to keep his composure. His ankle throbbed, but it wasn't the pain that bothered him it was the helplessness.
One of the lead physiotherapists, a tall man with greying hair, approached Naruto with a clipboard. He wore a calm but serious expression, the kind Naruto had come to associate with bad news.
"Alright, Naruto," the man began, his tone professional but gentle. "We've reviewed the scans, and the break is clean, which is good. But it's still a significant injury."
Naruto didn't say anything, his jaw tight as he waited for the inevitable.
"We're looking at a recovery period of 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how well your body heals," the physiotherapist continued. "The first few weeks will be critical. You'll need to keep weight off the ankle entirely. After that, we'll gradually move into mobility exercises and strengthening."
Naruto swallowed hard, nodding slowly. He had heard this before, but hearing it again didn't make it any easier.
"And," the physiotherapist added, "there's always a chance it could take longer if there are complications. We'll do everything we can to help you get back as quickly as possible, but you need to be patient."
As the physiotherapist finished, the room fell silent except for the distant sound of footsteps and quiet chatter. Naruto nodded again, his voice low. "Got it. Thanks."
The man gave him a sympathetic smile before walking away, leaving Naruto alone with his thoughts. He stared at the ceiling, blinking back the frustration that threatened to spill over.
6 to 12 weeks… maybe longer? The words rang in his mind, repeating like a cruel mantra. Naruto had always been the one to push through pain, to fight harder when things got tough. But this wasn't something he could fight with sheer willpower.
After a while, the room emptied as the other patients finished their sessions. Naruto was left alone, the only sound the faint ticking of a nearby clock. He glanced down at his ankle, encased in the brace, and clenched his fists tightly.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he fought to keep his emotions in check. But the weight of the situation was too much. Tears welled in his eyes, blurring his vision.
"I don't lose," Naruto muttered, his voice barely audible.
For a few moments, he let himself feel the frustration, the fear, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness. He had always been the one pushing forward, the one fighting for every inch. Now he was stuck, sidelined, unable to do the one thing that defined him.
But even in his darkest moment, a spark flickered inside him. Naruto took a deep breath, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He couldn't let this break him not completely. He had faced impossible odds before, and this was just another challenge.
"I'll come back," he said softly, the fire in his voice returning. "Stronger. Faster. Better."
He clenched his fists, the determination in his heart was deep.
As Naruto sat in silence, the door opened quietly, and Kaiya stepped in. He carried a bag of snacks and drinks, his usual smirk replaced by a concerned expression.
"Hey," Kaiya said, walking over. "Thought I'd stop by. brought you some goodies." He held up the bag with a grin.
Naruto chuckled softly, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "Thanks."
Kaiya plopped down on the chair beside the treatment table, opening a can of soda. "So… how's the ankle?"
"Broken," Naruto said bluntly. "6 to 12 weeks. Maybe longer."
Kaiya winced, taking a sip of his drink. "That sucks."
"Yeah," Naruto agreed, his tone flat.
They sat in silence for a moment before Kaiya spoke again. "Look, I know this feels like the end of the world right now. But you're Naruto Uzumaki. You're not just some random kid. You're the guy who shut down Loki. You'll come back, and when you do, you'll be even better."
Naruto didn't respond immediately, but Kaiya's words struck a chord. He turned to his friend, a small but genuine smile forming on his lips. "Thanks, Kaiya."
"Anytime," Kaiya said, standing up. "Now, hurry up and heal. We've got more games to win, and I'm not carrying this team alone."
Naruto laughed, the sound breaking through the lingering tension. "I'll be back before you know it."
As Kaiya left, Naruto sat back, his mind clearer than before. The road ahead would be tough, but he wasn't alone. He had his teammates, his family, and his own unyielding drive.
The days following Naruto's injury felt like a blur doctor's visits, physical therapy schedules, and endless hours spent in the recovery room. The initial pain had dulled, but the frustration remained sharp. Every moment off the pitch was a reminder of what he was missing. Yet, somewhere deep inside, Naruto knew this was a fight he couldn't afford to lose.
Sitting on the treatment table, his ankle wrapped tightly in a brace, Naruto stared at the empty field outside the window. His mind kept replaying the match against Paris X Gen, particularly the moment when everything changed when his left eye had awakened.
In that critical moment against Loki, when Naruto had felt himself breaking under the pressure, something had shifted. His vision had sharpened, and for the first time, he had seen the game in a way he never had before. Every movement, every opening, and every weakness in Paris X Gen's formation had become clear.
His left eye had turned a lighter shade of blue, with a slit pupil and a faint ring of light blue encircling it. It wasn't just sharper vision it was something more. It was as if the world had slowed down around him, allowing him to anticipate every move before it happened.
But that moment had been fleeting, interrupted by Loki's brutal tackle. Now, as he sat in recovery, Naruto couldn't stop thinking about it.
What was that? he wondered. And… can I control it?
During one of his rest days, Naruto found himself in the academy's library, flipping through books on sports psychology and vision training. He didn't know exactly what he was looking for maybe an answer, or maybe just something to help him make sense of what had happened.
As he read through a chapter on heightened perception in elite athletes, something clicked.
Emperor's Eye...That's what I'll call it.
It wasn't just about seeing it was about dominance, about controlling the game. In that moment against Loki, Naruto hadn't just been reacting; he had been dictating the flow of play, even if only briefly.
But the question remained: How do I awaken it again? How do I control it?
Naruto couldn't train his body yet, but he could train his mind. Every evening, after his physiotherapy sessions, he sat quietly in his room, replaying matches in his head. He visualized every movement, every pass, every opportunity he had missed.
He would close his eyes, imagining himself on the field, and then focus on recreating the sensation of his Emperor's Eye. He remembered how it had felt the clarity, the confidence, the feeling of being in control.
One night, as he sat in silence, something changed. He could feel his left eye tingle slightly, as if responding to his thoughts. Opening his eyes, he glanced at the mirror on the wall. His reflection stared back at him, but something was different.
For a brief moment, his left eye flickered its colour shifting to that lighter shade of blue, the slit pupil and faint ring returning before fading away.
Naruto leaned forward, his heart pounding. "I can do this," he whispered to himself. "I just need to figure out how."
The late afternoon, Naruto limped into the coach's office, his crutches clicking softly against the tiled floor. He had been summoned unexpectedly, and something about the tone in the coach's voice earlier had set him on edge.
"Come in, Uzumaki," the coach said, gesturing toward the chair in front of his desk. He wore his usual serious expression, but there was an unusual heaviness in his eyes.
Naruto eased himself into the chair, adjusting his brace carefully before leaning back. "What's this about, Coach?" he asked, trying to sound calm despite the tension building inside him.
The coach sighed, resting his elbows on the desk. "How's the ankle?"
"Getting better," Naruto replied, his voice steady but guarded. "I'm doing everything they told me to. I'll be back in a few weeks."
The coach nodded but didn't respond right away. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, his tone cautious. "Naruto, there's something you need to know. It's… not about your effort or your potential. It's about what the higher ups are saying."
Naruto frowned. "The higher-ups?"
"The board members," the coach clarified. "They're concerned about your injury. They think…" He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with what he had to say next. "…they think you might not be the same player once you return."
Naruto's eyes widened, and for a moment, he was too stunned to respond. "What?" he finally managed, his voice low but sharp. "They're worried I won't be the same?"
The coach nodded slowly. "I tried to tell them you'll come back stronger, that you're not the type to give up, but… the board members have the final say. They're already looking at other options while you're recovering."
Naruto's hands clenched tightly around the edges of the chair, his knuckles turning white. He felt a rush of emotions anger, frustration, disbelief all crashing down on him at once.
"So what?" Naruto said, his voice rising. "They're kicking me out? Just because I got injured?"
"No, they're not kicking you out," the coach said firmly. "But they're… hedging their bets. They're considering bringing in another player to fill your role in case you're not ready in time."
Naruto stared at the floor, his heart pounding. They don't believe in me. After everything I've done, after how hard I've worked… they think I'm replaceable?
The silence in the room grew heavy, broken only by the faint ticking of a clock on the wall. Naruto's thoughts spiralled, a mix of rage and determination building within him.
Without realizing it, Naruto's left eye began to change. The blue deepened to a lighter shade, a slit pupil forming in the centre and a faint ring glowing around the iris. His breathing slowed as his mind sharpened, clarity washing over him.
He looked up at the coach, his expression unreadable but his eyes blazing with intensity.
"Just wait," Naruto said, his voice cold. "Once I'm back… my orders will be absolute."
The coach blinked, startled by the sudden shift in Naruto's demeanour. There was something different about him something commanding, almost intimidating. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Naruto stood, gripping his crutches tightly.
"I don't care what the board thinks," Naruto continued, his gaze locked on the coach. "I'll prove them all wrong. When I'm back on the pitch, they won't have a choice but to trust me."
Without waiting for a response, Naruto turned and made his way to the door, his crutches clicking loudly in the silence. As he reached the threshold, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder.
"Thanks for telling me, Coach," he said, his tone calmer but no less determined. "But next time, tell them this: I'm not just coming back... I'm coming back stronger than anyone expects."
And with that, he left, the door closing quietly behind him.
As Naruto made his way down the hall, the anger inside him simmered, but it no longer felt overwhelming. Instead, it fuelled something deeper his resolve. The words of the board members echoed in his mind, but he pushed them aside.
They don't believe in me?
Fine, I'll make them believe.
His left eye flickered faintly again before returning to normal, the sensation lingering like a distant memory. He didn't fully understand what was happening to him, but he knew one thing for certain it was part of him now, and he would master it.
Naruto layed on his bed, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting long shadows across the room. The day's events replayed in his mind the conversation with the coach, the revelation about the board's doubts, and the burning resolve he felt to prove them wrong. Despite his determination, there was one question he couldn't shake.
What if they don't give me the chance?
With a sigh, he picked up his phone and scrolled to his mother's contact. After a brief hesitation, he pressed the call button. The phone rang twice before Kushina's warm, familiar voice answered.
"Hey, Naruto!" she said cheerfully, though there was a hint of concern in her tone. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine, Mom," Naruto said, though his voice lacked its usual energy. "Just… trying to figure things out."
There was a pause on the other end before Kushina spoke again, her tone soft but serious. "The coach told us what's going on. About the board and… their doubts."
Naruto sighed, rubbing his eyes. "Yeah. They think I might not be the same when I come back."
"Well, you'll prove them wrong," Kushina said firmly. "But Naruto, you need to think ahead, too. Just in case they don't give you the chance right away.
Naruto frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I talked to your dad about this, and we both think you should have a conversation with your agent," Kushina said. "See what your options are. Maybe… maybe consider going on loan for the rest of the season."
"Loan?" Naruto repeated, sitting up straighter. The idea hadn't crossed his mind, but now that she said it, it made a strange sort of sense. If Re Al Academy didn't believe in him, maybe it was better to go somewhere else to prove himself where he was wanted.
"I know it's not what you wanted to hear," Kushina continued gently, "but it might be the best way to get back on the pitch quickly. If they're already looking at other options, you need to be somewhere you'll be valued."
Naruto didn't respond immediately, his mind racing. He hated the idea of leaving Re Al Academy, even temporarily. He had worked so hard to earn his place here. But at the same time, staying and being sidelined wasn't an option either.
"The problem is," Naruto said slowly, "where would I go? Who would take me on loan when I'm still recovering?"
"That's something you and your agent can figure out," Kushina said. "But you've got a name now, Naruto. People saw what you did before you got injured. There will be clubs willing to take a chance on you."
Naruto leaned back against the wall, processing his mother's words. She was right, as usual. He couldn't just sit around and wait for the board to decide his future. If he wanted to control his own destiny, he needed to take action.
"Okay," Naruto said finally. "I'll talk to my agent tomorrow."
"Good," Kushina said, her voice softening. "No matter what happens, we're proud of you. And we'll support whatever decision you make."
"Thanks, Mom," Naruto said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I needed that."
"Anytime," Kushina said warmly. "Now, get some rest. You've got a lot to think about."
"I will," Naruto said. "Goodnight, Mom."
"Goodnight, Naruto."
As the call ended, Naruto set the phone down and stared at the ceiling. The idea of going on loan felt strange, almost like admitting defeat. But it wasn't defeat it was strategy. If he could find a club where he could recover and play without the constant pressure of proving himself to Re Al's board, it might be the best move.
But where? he wondered.
He needed a club that would take a chance on him despite his injury, a place where he could play regularly and prove he was still the same Naruto Uzumaki. Somewhere competitive, but not so cutthroat that he'd be benched for the slightest mistake.
His mind wandered to some of the clubs he had faced in the UEFA Youth League. There were strong teams across Europe clubs with great youth systems, hungry for rising talent. But he didn't just want any club. He wanted somewhere that would challenge him, somewhere he could grow.
The next morning, Naruto sat down with his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found his agent's name.
Hajime Takeda. He had been with him since his move to Re Al Academy, helping him navigate the complexities of European football.
With a deep breath, Naruto pressed the call button.
"Ah, Naruto!" Takeda's voice came through, cheerful as always. "Good to hear from you. How's the recovery going?"
"It's going," Naruto said, skipping the pleasantries. "Listen, I need to talk to you about something important."
"Of course," Takeda said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "What's on your mind?"
"I heard from the coach that the board is… worried about me," Naruto said carefully. "They're already looking at other options while I'm recovering."
Takeda sighed. "Yeah, I've heard the same. It's not unusual, unfortunately. Clubs get nervous when a key player gets injured, especially someone as young as you."
Naruto clenched his fist. "I don't want to wait around for them to decide whether I'm worth keeping. I want to go on loan."
There was a pause on the other end before Takeda spoke again, his voice thoughtful. "That's a bold move, Naruto. But it might be the right one. If you can find the right club, it could be exactly what you need to get back on the pitch and show everyone what you're capable of."
"That's what I was thinking," Naruto said. "But I don't know where to go."
"Well," Takeda said, "leave that to me. I'll start making calls and see which clubs might be interested. Don't worry we'll find the right fit."
"Thanks, Takeda-san," Naruto said, relief washing over him. "I appreciate it."
"Anytime, Naruto," Takeda said. "And hey don't lose that fire. You've got what it takes to bounce back stronger than ever."
Naruto smiled faintly. "I will, talk soon."
The next morning, Naruto sat on the edge of his bed, his ankle elevated as sunlight streamed through the window. He was scrolling through his phone, browsing the latest football news. The frustration of being side lined gnawed at him, but he was determined not to waste time. If he couldn't play yet, he could at least learn.
His thumb stopped when he noticed a post from an account he didn't recognize -FuneralParlor
The profile belonged to Inori Yuzuriha, an up and coming reporter who had been making waves in the football world with her sharp analysis and insightful posts. Naruto had heard of her before a young journalist who wasn't afraid to dive deep into the nuances of the game.
Curious, he clicked on the latest post. It featured a video of Ubers, a top tier team club known for their disciplined style of play.
Inori's caption read -
"Snuffy's philosophy prioritizes teamwork, strategy, and patient play. Ubers are methodical, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Every player understands their role perfectly. This isn't flashy football, it's calculated chaos."
Naruto frowned slightly as he watched the video. Ubers moved like a single, well oiled machine. Every pass, every movement, and every decision seemed perfectly coordinated. There was no room for ego only precision.
The video cut to an interview snippet with Snuffy Known for his tactical brilliance and ability to transform raw talent into disciplined players, Snuffy had built a reputation as one of the best players in Europe.
In the clip, Snuffy leaned forward, his eyes sharp as he spoke. "Football isn't just about flair or individual brilliance. It's about reading the game, controlling the tempo, and knowing when to act. A great player doesn't just react as they anticipate. They see beyond the current play."
Naruto's heart skipped a beat as he replayed the words in his mind.
They see beyond the current play.
Something stirred deep within him. Snuffy's philosophy wasn't about flashy moves or raw speed, it was about vision, strategy, and control. It was about seeing the game in a way others couldn't.
Naruto's thoughts drifted to his Emperor's Eye, that brief moment when everything had become clear on the pitch. He hadn't understood it fully then, but now he realized it was more than just enhanced vision it was about control. And if Snuffy's style focused on reading the game and anticipating every move, maybe working with him was exactly what Naruto needed to master his eye.
Naruto sat back, the gears in his mind turning rapidly. He opened his messaging app and quickly typed a message to his agent, Takeda.
Naruto - Hey, Takeda-san. I've been thinking. Have you reached out to any clubs yet?
Takeda replied almost immediately.
Takeda - I've got a few leads. Why, what's up?
Naruto hesitated for a moment before typing his response.
Naruto - I want you to contact Ubers. I want to go on loan there.
There was a pause before Takeda's next message came through.
Takeda - Ubers? That's a bold choice. They are known for being tough, and they don't exactly play the flashiest style. Are you sure?
Naruto's fingers moved quickly across the screen.
Naruto - Yeah. I'm sure. Snuffy's style is exactly what I need. He focuses on vision, strategy, and control. I need that if I'm going to master my eyes.
Another pause, longer this time, before Takeda finally responded.
Takeda - Alright. I'll reach out. It won't be easy, but if anyone can convince them, it's you. I'll let you know when I hear back.
Naruto put the phone down, his mind racing. He didn't know if Ubers would take him, especially with his injury, but he had to try. This wasn't just about getting back on the pitch, it was about mastering something deeper, something that could change his game forever.
Naruto spent the rest of the morning watching more highlights of Ubers. Their style was unlike anything he had played before. They didn't rely on individual brilliance, they relied on calculated teamwork. Every player knew their role perfectly, and they moved as one cohesive unit.
But what fascinated Naruto most was how Snuffy's system allowed players to develop their game sense. It wasn't just about passing or dribbling, it was about reading the flow of the game, anticipating the opponent's next move, and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"This is it," Naruto muttered to himself, his blue eyes narrowing. "If I can learn this… if I can combine Snuffy's ideology with my Emperor's Eye…"
He didn't finish the thought, but he didn't need to. The path ahead was clear. He needed to recover first, but once he was ready, he would go to Ubers. He would work under Snuffy, master his eye, and return stronger than ever.
Later, Takeda sat in his office, his laptop open in front of him, displaying Ubers' club crest. He had already placed a call to the club's manager, and now he waited, drumming his fingers lightly on the desk. He knew this wouldn't be an easy sell. Ubers was one of the most tactical teams clubs in Europe, known for their strict discipline and methodical playstyle. But if anyone could benefit from their system, it was Naruto Uzumaki.
Finally, the call connected. On the other end of the line, a familiar voice answered, low and calm yet carrying a weight of authority.
"Takeda-san," Marcello's smooth voice came through the line, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "What can I do for you?"
"Marcello, it's been a while," Takeda began, keeping his tone polite but direct. "I have a player I'd like to discuss a loan opportunity."
There was a brief pause. "A loan?" Marcello repeated, sounding intrigued but cautious. "We don't usually take players midseason."
"I understand that," Takeda said, already expecting the pushback. "But this isn't just any player. It's Naruto Uzumaki, from Re Al Academy."
There was a noticeable silence on the other end as Marcello processed the name. Naruto had gained quite a bit of attention before his injury, and his reputation as a rising star wasn't easily ignored.
"The Japanese midfielder," Marcello said thoughtfully. "He broke his ankle against Paris X Gen, didn't he?"
"Yes, but he's now a striker" Takeda confirmed, "but his recovery is going well, and he's determined to come back stronger. More importantly, Naruto isn't just looking to play he's looking to improve his game in a way that matches Ubers philosophy."
Marcello leaned forward in his chair, intrigued despite himself. "What do you mean?"
"Your team's style is about control, discipline, and reading the game," Takeda explained. "Naruto awakened something during that match before he got injured an ability to see the game in a way most players can't. He believes Ubers' tactical approach can help him develop that further."
Marcello didn't respond immediately. He knew that bringing in an injured player was a risk, but he also knew that if Naruto's potential was real, it could be worth it. After a moment's thought, he said, "I'll need to discuss this with the coaching staff and the players especially Snuffy."
Later that day, Marcello walked onto Ubers' training pitch, where the team was wrapping up a session. Among the players was Snuffy, Ubers star midfielder and on pitch leader. Known for his tactical brilliance and calm demeanour, Snuffy was respected by both his teammates and the coaching staff.
"Snuffy!" Marcello called out, waving the player over.
Snuffy jogged over, wiping sweat from his brow with a towel. "What's up, boss?"
"I need your opinion on something," Marcello said, lowering his voice slightly. "We've been approached by Hajime Takeda about a potential loan deal for Naruto Uzumaki."
Snuffy's eyes narrowed slightly. He had heard of Naruto the Japanese talent who had made waves at Re Al Academy before his unfortunate injury.
"He's still recovering, isn't he?" Snuffy asked, his tone neutral.
"Yes," Marcello admitted, "but Takeda claims Naruto's got something special. He says the kid can see the game differently anticipate plays, read the field in a way most players can't. Takeda thinks our system could be perfect for helping him develop that ability."
Snuffy crossed his arms, considering the information. He wasn't one to dismiss talent easily, but bringing in an injured player mid-season was a gamble.
"Why us?" Snuffy asked after a moment. "Re Al's got plenty of resources. Why send him here?"
"Takeda says Naruto believes our style of play is what he needs to master his ability," Marcello explained. "He wants to work under our system to learn control, discipline, and tactical precision."
Snuffy nodded slowly, his interest piqued. "If he's serious about that, it could work. But only if he's willing to put in the effort. Our system isn't easy, and we don't coddle anyone injured or not."
"I figured you'd say that," Marcello said with a faint smile. "So, are you on board?"
Snuffy thought for a moment longer before nodding. "Yeah. Let's give him a shot. But he needs to know if he joins, he's starting from scratch. No special treatment."
"Agreed," Marcello said. "I'll have Takeda handle the details. Thanks, Snuffy."
"No problem," Snuffy said, turning back toward the pitch. "Let's see if the kid's got what it takes."
That evening, Takeda called Naruto, who was in the middle of his recovery exercises. Seeing his agent's name on the screen, Naruto quickly answered.
"Takeda-san," Naruto said, a hint of anticipation in his voice. "Any news?"
"I just got off the phone with Ubers' manager," Takeda said. "They're willing to take you on loan."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Seriously? That's great!"
"Hold on," Takeda said, his tone cautious. "There's a catch. You're coming in as an injured player, so they're not going to go easy on you. You'll start from scratch, and you'll need to prove yourself especially to Snuffy."
"Snuffy..." Naruto repeated.
"Yeah," Takeda explained. "He's tough, disciplined, and expects the same from everyone around him. If you can impress him, you'll be in a good place. But if you don't…"
Naruto didn't need Takeda to finish the sentence. He already knew the stakes.
This wasn't just about playing football it was about proving himself, about mastering his new ability, about showing everyone that he was more than just a player recovering from an injury.
"I'll do it," Naruto said firmly. "I don't care how tough it is. I'll prove myself."
"Good," Takeda said, a smile in his voice. "I'll finalize everything. You'll report to them once you're cleared for light training."
"Thanks, Takeda-san," Naruto said. "I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," Takeda replied. "Get ready, Naruto. This is your shot."
It was night time now, Naruto was still on his bed, propped up by a pillow, his phone glowing faintly in the dark room. Despite the day's excitement about the loan to Ubers, he couldn't help but feel restless. He hadn't told anyone outside of his family and agent yet everything was still in the early stages.
Even so, Naruto's mind buzzed with anticipation. He pulled up Funeral Parlor, the account run by Inori Yuzuriha, the rising football reporter he had discovered just a day earlier. Scrolling through her posts, he noticed that her latest updates were still all about Ubers.
"Ubers' methodical approach under Snuffy continues to impress. Their defensive organization and patient build up make them one of the most disciplined teams in youth football."
Naruto's eyes lingered on the post. He clicked like without thinking, then went further back through her timeline, liking more posts about Ubers and Snuffy's philosophy. A slight smirk tugged at his lips as he imagined what people might think if they noticed his sudden interest in the team.
Guess it doesn't hurt to get people talking.
Satisfied, he followed her account, then set his phone down and tried to relax. The thought of playing under Snuffy still felt surreal, but it was exactly what he needed.
The next morning, as Naruto went about his recovery routine, Funeral Parlor's account exploded with activity. Inori had noticed the sudden interest from Naruto Uzumaki one of the most talked-about young players in Europe and she wasn't one to let things slide unnoticed.
She quickly posted a speculative tweet -
"Interesting… Naruto Uzumaki suddenly liking all my Ubers posts? Could there be a potential move in the works? Stay tuned."
It didn't take long for her followers to pick up on it. The comment section blew up -
FootballObsessed - No way Uzumaki to Ubers? That would be insane!
GoalMachine21 - Imagine Naruto under Snuffy. Tactical genius meets raw talent.
YouthLeagueWatcher - This would actually be a great fit for Naruto, especially after that injury. Ubers could help him rebuild.
Naruto saw the post during a break in his recovery session. He chuckled softly, amused at how quickly things spread online. He didn't mind the rumours it added a layer of excitement to the whole situation.
Later, Naruto sat in his room again, scrolling through Funeral Parlor's posts. This time, he didn't hold back he liked every recent post about Ubers, from tactical breakdowns to match highlights. He knew it would catch Inori's attention, and part of him found it amusing to keep the speculation alive until things became official.
It didn't take long for her to post another update -
"Hearing whispers that a move for Naruto Uzumaki to Ubers is more than just a rumour. If this happens, it'll be one of the most interesting youth transfers of the season. Snuffy's tactical system could be the perfect environment for Naruto's recovery and growth. Stay tuned for more updates!"
Naruto smiled. She was good quick to pick up on clues, sharp with her analysis, and confident enough to speculate without direct confirmation.
The next day, Re Al Academy and Ubers jointly announced the loan move on their official channels. Naruto's phone blew up with notifications messages from teammates, friends, and fans flooding in to congratulate him or express surprise.
Funeral Parlor was quick to post about it as well -
"Confirmed: Naruto Uzumaki joins Ubers on loan for the remainder of the season. Big move for the young talent as he works under Snuffy's tactical system. Can't wait to see how he develops!"
Naruto couldn't help but grin. He appreciated how quickly Inori had caught on, and he respected her for being the first to write about the possibility. Now, he was curious to meet her in person.
Later that evening, as he scrolled through the comments on Funeral Parlor's post, Naruto noticed a direct message from Inori Yuzuriha.
Inori - Hey Uzumaki, nice move. Guess I was right after all, huh?
Naruto - Yeah, you were quick. Respect.
Inori - Thanks. Honestly, I'm curious what made you pick Ubers? Most people didn't see that coming.
Naruto - I'll tell you when we meet. You'll probably be around for their matches, right?
Inori - Of course. Looking forward to hearing the story straight from you.
Naruto - Cool. See you then.
Naruto put his phone down, a satisfied smile on his face. Things were finally moving in the right direction. He had a new challenge ahead, a coach who could help him master his abilities, and a sharp eyed reporter keeping tabs on his journey.
The day had arrived. Naruto sat on his bed, a duffel bag open beside him. His belongings were scattered across the room clothes, shoes, recovery gear, and a few personal items. His ankle was still tightly wrapped, but it didn't stop him from moving around, albeit carefully. Though he wasn't fully recovered, he was determined to push forward.
As he packed, some of his teammates came by to help. Kaiya was the first to enter, carrying a smaller bag in one hand.
"Need a hand, Uzumaki?" Kaiya asked with a smirk.
"Yeah, thanks," Naruto replied, zipping up his duffel. "I'm almost done."
Kaiya set the bag down and looked around the room, his expression turning more serious. "You sure about this? Ubers isn't exactly known for being friendly to outsiders, especially ones coming off an injury."
"I'm sure," Naruto said, his voice steady. "If I stay here, I'll just be waiting for the board to make up their minds. I'm not interested in waiting I need to get better. Ubers is my best shot."
Kaiya nodded, respecting Naruto's resolve. "Well, don't forget us when you become a superstar over there. We'll be rooting for you."
Naruto grinned. "Thanks, Kaiya. I'll be back, stronger than ever."
As Naruto made his way through the academy halls, teammates and staff stopped to say goodbye. Some offered words of encouragement, while others simply patted him on the back. Despite the circumstances, Naruto felt a deep connection to everyone here. Re Al Academy had been his home, and leaving wasn't easy.
Finally, with his bags loaded into a waiting car, Naruto turned to face the group of teammates gathered around.
"This isn't goodbye," he said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "It's just for now. When I come back, I'll be better than ever. Count on it."
A chorus of cheers and well wishes followed as Naruto climbed into the car. The engine started, but before they could leave, Naruto caught sight of a familiar figure standing off to the side.
Itoshi Sae.
Naruto asked the driver to wait a moment before stepping out of the car. His crutches clicked softly against the pavement as he approached Sae, who stood with his hands in his pockets, his gaze distant and detached.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension. Finally, Sae broke the silence.
"So, you're leaving," Sae said, his tone neutral. "Going to Ubers, huh?"
"Yeah," Naruto replied, his eyes locked on Sae's. "I need to get stronger. This is the only way."
Sae didn't respond immediately. He looked away, his expression unreadable, before speaking again. "I thought you had that ego... the one that could push you to be the best. But look where it got you. Injured, Side lined. Chasing something that might not even be real."
Naruto's fists clenched around his crutches, but he kept his composure. "I still have that ego," he said firmly. "And I'll prove it when I become the best striker in the world."
Sae laughed softly, though there was no humour in it. "You don't get it, do you? There are amazing people out there... better than me and better than you. That's why I gave up trying to be the best striker. I've decided to become a midfielder instead."
Naruto stared at Sae, a mix of shock and disappointment flashing in his eyes. The once fierce and proud striker now stood before him with a hollow look in his eyes, as if the fire that once burned so brightly had been extinguished.
"You're serious?" Naruto asked, his voice low. "You're giving up?"
Sae shrugged. "It's not giving up, It's called being realistic. There are limits to what we can do. You'll see that eventually."
For a moment, Naruto said nothing. Then, slowly, his expression hardened, and his left eye flickered faintly, the faint glow of his awakening returning for just a second.
"Move aside," Naruto said coldly, stepping forward. "I don't have room for weaklings like you in my way."
Sae's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the intensity in Naruto's voice. But before he could respond, Naruto continued.
"You can settle for being a midfielder," Naruto said, his voice steady but filled with conviction. "But I'll never stop aiming to be the best. I'll become the greatest striker in the world. Don't worry you'll see it happen."
Without waiting for a reply, Naruto turned and limped back to the car, his crutches clicking with each step. Sae watched him go, a faint frown on his face, but he said nothing.
As the car pulled away, Naruto leaned back in his seat, his eyes shining with determination. This wasn't just about proving himself anymore it was about surpassing everyone, even those who had once stood beside him.
The journey to the airport was quiet. Naruto stared out the window, his mind replaying the conversation with Sae. He had always respected Sae's skill, but seeing the dead look in his eyes had changed something in Naruto. He wasn't angry he was motivated.
"Better than me? Better than us?" Naruto muttered to himself, clenching his fists. "We'll see about that."
Chapter 6 - Recovery & Ubers End
A/N
The end...
Next chapter, Naruto heads to Japan where he'll meet some of the Blue Lock cast and tie up loose ends with Mikasa.
After that, we'll finally get to see our boy cook in the Italian league!
We're getting closer to the start of Blue Lock canon, but as I've mentioned before, Naruto won't be joining Blue Lock from the start he'll make his entrance during the U-20 match, playing for Japan, of course.
Until then, thanks for reading,
Byebye!
