Naruto: The Crimson Maelstrom's Resolve

After being pulled into an alternate timeline, a battle-weary Naruto Uzumaki arrives in Konoha, where his parents are alive, and the Kyūbi's attack plays out differently. With overwhelming power and a resolve to forge a new path, he vows to create a world where Konoha, the Uzumaki clan, and himself can be happy. As he navigates relationships, uncovers his heritage, and battles new threats, Naruto's journey is one of redemption, love, and shaping a future free from the pain of his past.

Prologue: The Unexpected Arrival

The night air in Konohagakure was thick with tension. The malevolent chakra of the Kyūbi no Yōko permeated the village, its roars echoing through the mountains. The once peaceful village was now a battlefield, with shinobi and civilians alike scrambling to defend their home. At the epicenter of this chaos stood Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, and his wife, Kushina Uzumaki, both prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect their newborn daughter, Mito.

As Minato prepared the sealing ritual, a sudden distortion rippled through the air. A blinding light erupted, momentarily halting the battle. From this rift emerged a young man, clad in tattered attire, his blonde hair matted with sweat and grime. His cerulean eyes, though weary, burned with an intensity that commanded attention.

Without hesitation, the stranger advanced towards the rampaging Kyūbi. With a series of swift hand signs, he summoned chains of pure chakra, reminiscent of the Uzumaki clan's adamantine chains, binding the beast in place. The onlookers watched in astonishment as he approached the Kyūbi, placing a hand on its colossal snout.

"Rest now," he murmured, his voice carrying a weight of sorrow and authority. In an instant, the Kyūbi's massive form began to dissipate, its chakra being absorbed into the young man's body. The oppressive energy that had loomed over the village vanished, replaced by an eerie silence.

Turning towards Minato and Kushina, the stranger's gaze softened. "Mom... Dad..." he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

Minato, ever the strategist, stepped forward cautiously. "Who are you?" he demanded, kunai at the ready.

The young man took a deep breath, steadying himself. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki. In my world, I was born on October 10th, the night of the Kyūbi's attack. You both... you both died protecting me and the village."

Kushina's eyes widened, tears welling up. "Naruto... our son?"

Naruto nodded, his expression a mixture of relief and sorrow. "Yes. But something went wrong. I was supposed to return to that night, to change things. But here... it's different. Mito... she's not me."

Minato lowered his kunai, his analytical mind racing. "An alternate timeline," he mused. "That would explain the discrepancies."

Naruto continued, his voice heavy with the burden of his experiences. "In my timeline, after your deaths, the village never fully recovered. Danzo staged a coup, leading to further instability. The remaining Uzumaki took me in, and twelve years later, Konoha was destroyed in a joint invasion by Kirigakure and Iwagakure. Hiruzen-sensei died defending the village, sending me away with the Uzumaki. Jiraiya-sensei died ensuring Tsunade-baachan's escape to aid me. She taught me medical ninjutsu, but she too perished when we were found in Sunagakure. Over the years, the other great nations fell, leaving only a few standing. In a last-ditch effort, the surviving Uzumaki used a seal to send me back, hoping to change the past."

Kushina approached him, her maternal instincts overriding any caution. She reached out, touching his cheek. "You've been through so much, my son."

Naruto leaned into her touch, a tear escaping his eye. "I never thought I'd see you again."

Minato joined them, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You're home now. We'll face whatever comes next together."

As the family embraced, the villagers began to gather, whispers of the mysterious stranger spreading. But for this moment, amidst the remnants of chaos, a family was reunited, and hope was rekindled.

The following morning, Naruto sat in the Hokage's office, his body still humming with residual power from absorbing the Kyūbi, though he had long since learned to suppress his chakra to avoid alarming those around him. He had spent the night catching up with his parents, answering their tearful questions, basking in the warmth of a family he thought lost forever. But now, reality settled in. The village he had returned to was not the one he had known. When Minato explained the date, Naruto felt his stomach drop. Eight years. He had arrived eight years after the night he had expected. The revelation chilled him, and a sense of dread clawed at his chest. If things had changed so drastically, what else had? He knew the events of his world inside and out, had lived through its tragedies, but now he was navigating uncharted waters. He sat rigid as the Hokage called for the council. It was time to inform them of his arrival.

The council chamber was tense, the elders watching him with suspicion, their sharp gazes dissecting every aspect of his presence. The clan heads, while more measured, still held uncertainty in their expressions. The moment Naruto revealed himself as Minato and Kushina's son from another timeline, whispers erupted around the room, disbelief and curiosity intertwining. Shikaku Nara, ever the strategist, was the first to break the silence. "A time displacement," he mused, rubbing his chin. "It explains his abilities, his resemblance to the Fourth and Lady Kushina." But it was Inoichi Yamanaka who truly confirmed Naruto's identity. With Naruto's permission, Inoichi delved into his mind, and the room fell into a stunned silence. The Yamanaka staggered back, gripping the table for support, his face pale. "His memories… his mind is a battlefield," Inoichi rasped, his voice laced with horror. "I saw the fall of Konoha, the endless wars, the corpses of those we know and love... I saw Jiraiya and Tsunade's last stands, the destruction of everything we hold dear. He is exactly who he claims to be—and he has suffered more than any of us could imagine." The weight of those words settled over the room like a thick fog.

Naruto remained quiet, his hands curled into fists on his lap. He didn't need their pity. He just needed them to understand that he was here to protect this Konoha, to ensure it never suffered the same fate as his own. Minato, standing at the head of the table, took the opportunity to declare Naruto the official head of the Uzumaki Clan. "Kushina is a Namikaze by marriage, and Naruto is an adult by all accounts. He carries the blood and strength of the Uzumaki. It is his right." Though there were some murmurs, there was no real opposition. It was impossible to deny his power—he had sealed away the Kyūbi effortlessly, healed Kushina, and moved with a familiarity and ease only a true child of the Namikaze and Uzumaki bloodlines could. Naruto didn't react much to the declaration, but he did allow himself a small smile when his mother placed a warm hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "It's about time someone made you official, dattebane," she said with a watery chuckle, and Naruto felt a warmth in his chest that no battlefield could take from him.

As the weeks turned into months, Naruto immersed himself in this new world, forming relationships with people who, in his past, had either been his enemies or distant figures. He found himself gravitating toward Kakashi, recognizing the pain the man carried from losing Obito and Rin, though here he hadn't lost Minato. Guy, with his overwhelming energy, had immediately declared Naruto his eternal rival, much to Naruto's bewilderment. Hayate, still alive and as sharp as ever, shared sparring sessions with him, the two bonding over swordplay. His fuinjutsu skills impressed even the elders, and he began working on improving the village's defenses, enhancing the barrier seals and storage seals with knowledge far beyond what Konoha had access to. But perhaps the most unexpected development was Anko. The wild, unpredictable woman had taken a keen interest in him early on, drawn to his strength and his unshakable resolve. What started as a teasing friendship had deepened, and before he knew it, she had worked her way into his heart. Theirs was a bond forged in shared pain and a mutual understanding that the past did not define them. When she kissed him for the first time, smirking against his lips, she had whispered, "Didn't peg you for the shy type, Blondie." He had laughed, a real, unburdened laugh, and realized that maybe—just maybe—this world could be home.

Four years passed in the blink of an eye. Naruto had become an integral part of Konoha, his presence normal, accepted, trusted. When the time came, Minato assigned him to oversee the Genin teams and support them in critical missions, an acknowledgment of both his power and experience. That was how he found himself assigned to assist Team 7 after their encounter with the Demon Brothers.

Naruto stood before Minato's desk, arms crossed as he listened intently to his father's words. The Hokage's office, bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, felt heavier than usual, the weight of authority pressing down on them both. Minato sighed, rubbing his temples before meeting Naruto's gaze. "Team 7 encountered enemy combatants—two missing-nin known as the Demon Brothers—during their escort mission. They managed to handle the situation and continued forward, but given the circumstances, I want you to assist them."

Naruto's expression darkened, his mind immediately connecting the pieces. "The Demon Brothers work under Zabuza," he stated flatly, his voice devoid of doubt. He had studied this timeline thoroughly, but it seemed some things remained the same. If the brothers had been involved, then the real threat wasn't far behind.

Minato nodded, his expression unreadable. "That's what concerns me. We don't know if Zabuza himself is involved yet, but I'd rather not take chances. Kakashi has the situation under control for now, but an extra set of eyes wouldn't hurt." He leaned forward, hands clasped together. "You're fast, Naruto. Faster than me, even. I need you to reach them as soon as possible."

Naruto exhaled slowly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I can do that." Reaching into his pouch, he retrieved a tri-pronged kunai, its metal gleaming in the office's light. He turned it over in his fingers once before gripping it tightly, weighing its balance. He walked over to the open window which faced in the direction of Wave. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he threw it with devastating force. The air cracked as the kunai vanished from sight, shooting toward its target like a comet.

Tsunade, who had been standing off to the side, observing, raised an eyebrow. Even she was impressed. "Even I couldn't throw that thing that far, it might even land close to Wave at that angle and speed," she muttered, crossing her arms. Then, with a wry chuckle, she glanced at Shizune. "Remind me to never get into a fistfight with him."

Shizune merely nodded, still staring at the spot where Naruto had been. Because in the blink of an eye, he was gone—vanishing in a red flash, already soaring through space and time toward Team 7 and the unknown battle that awaited them.

The Land of Waves

The battlefield was shrouded in mist, thick and suffocating, the air damp with the scent of blood and steel. Kakashi was breathing heavily, his movements slowing as he clashed against Zabuza, his Sharingan eye flickering with strain. The Copy Ninja had done well to hold his own, but Naruto could see it—Kakashi was running out of steam. Zabuza, in contrast, was still going strong, his massive Kubikiribōchō gleaming as he swung it with relentless precision.

Then, in an instant, the tide shifted.

A burst of crimson light tore through the battlefield, the oppressive mist parting like a curtain as a red flash appeared beside Kakashi. Naruto materialized mid-motion, his hand already on Kakashi's vest as he yanked him backward just in time for Kubikiribōchō to carve through empty space. The sheer force of the missed swing sent a shockwave rippling through the clearing, cutting deep trenches into the muddy ground.

Zabuza barely had time to register the blur before Naruto struck.

A kunai lashed out, catching the edge of Kubikiribōchō and deflecting it to the side, followed immediately by a second strike aimed at Zabuza's ribs. The Demon of the Mist twisted just in time, deflecting with the broad side of his massive blade, but Naruto was already moving. A second red flash erupted behind Zabuza, and before the swordsman could react, Naruto's foot connected with his spine, sending him skidding forward.

Zabuza let out a low chuckle, rolling his shoulders as he turned to face the newcomer. "That wasn't the Flying Thunder God," he mused, his voice laced with intrigue. "Faster, more instinctual. And that color… what the hell are you?"

Naruto twirled his kunai before stowing it, reaching behind his back to unsheathe his own blade—a sleek, straight-edged katana forged with a midnight-black sheen. "Someone who's always wanted to test himself against a Seven Swordsman," he replied with a smirk, sliding into a ready stance. "Humor me?"

Zabuza's grin widened. "Heh. You're either a fool or a fighter." He brought Kubikiribōchō up, resting it on his shoulder. "Either way, I like it."

Then, the dance of steel began.

Zabuza was a monster with a sword, every swing of his Kubikiribōchō carrying crushing power meant to carve through bodies and armor alike. Naruto, in contrast, was precise and fluid, slipping past the massive blade with a combination of footwork and short, rapid slashes. Each clash of their weapons sent sparks flying, the battlefield ringing with the sharp clang of metal striking metal.

Naruto twisted low, his katana darting toward Zabuza's side, but the missing-nin countered by flipping Kubikiribōchō mid-swing, slamming the blunt end toward Naruto's skull. Naruto blurred out of the way, appearing a few feet to the side in a flicker of crimson light, his breath coming faster now. Damn, he's good.

Zabuza wasted no time capitalizing on the moment. He lunged forward, his grip shifting to wield Kubikiribōchō in one hand, the sheer weight of it making each swing unpredictable. Naruto met him head-on, their blades a blur of motion as they weaved and clashed in a deadly rhythm. The older swordsman's raw power met the younger warrior's speed, neither yielding an inch.

Then, just as Naruto deflected a downward slash and countered with a thrust aimed at Zabuza's exposed chest, the battle was interrupted.

A blur of ice and speed descended upon them.

Naruto felt it before he saw it—an unnatural chill sweeping through the battlefield. He pivoted just as a masked figure shot forward, senbon in hand, aiming straight for Zabuza's neck.

In one swift motion, Naruto's free hand lashed out, fingers clamping around the incoming attacker's wrist. The senbon stopped inches from Zabuza's throat.

"Trying to help Zabuza escape by pretending to be a hunter-nin?" Naruto asked with a chuckle. "Senbon are a bad choice to use to fool an experienced shinobi."

The battlefield fell into silence.

Zabuza's eyes narrowed as he registered what had happened, "Haku, you shouldn't have interrupted our fight," He said then looked at Naruto. "Tch," he scoffed, his voice low with irritation. "You were holding back?"

Naruto tightened his grip on the masked assailant. "Not at first," he admitted. "But once I got a feel for your movements, I let you take the lead. I wanted to experience you—the Demon of the Mist—at full strength. A real Seven Swordsman." He let Haku go, watching the masked shinobi retreat fluidly to Zabuza's side.

Zabuza exhaled through his nose, shaking his head in bemusement. "Cocky brat." His fingers tightened around Kubikiribōchō, but after a moment, he let the blade drop onto his shoulder once more. "Too bad I've got a contract. I can't just walk away."

Naruto sheathed his katana. "Didn't think you would. How about you go recover and I'll see you at the bridge in a week?"

Zabuza let out a sharp bark of laughter. "Fine, you better be there, blondie. I'd be pissed if I didn't get to see what else you've got."

Naruto grinned. "Wouldn't miss it."

Then, just as the tension eased, a groan from behind him made Naruto turn. Kakashi was swaying, his body finally succumbing to exhaustion, he then collapsed. With an exasperated sigh, Naruto stepped forward and grabbed the Jōnin by the ankle.

"What—Naruto, stop—" Kakashi muttered weakly.

Naruto ignored him, hoisting him up and beginning to drag him unceremoniously back toward Tazuna's location. "Nope. You're done. I don't need you passing out in the dirt."

Zabuza and Haku watched the spectacle, and for the first time in a long while, the Demon of the Mist found himself genuinely entertained.

Naruto Uzumaki was someone to watch out for.

The next morning, the training ground near Tazuna's house echoed with sharp commands and the sounds of exertion. Naruto stood with his arms crossed, his golden hair glinting in the morning sun as he glared at Team 7, who were panting from the grueling exercises he had put them through. Kakashi, standing off to the side with his usual lazy posture, watched with some amusement—until Naruto turned his sharp gaze on him.

"You didn't teach them chakra control yet?" Naruto's voice was incredulous, but beneath it was clear irritation. "Seriously, Kakashi? You're telling me these brats have been wasting chakra with every little thing they do because you never bothered to drill it into them?"

Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. "I was planning to—"

Naruto cut him off. "No, you were planning to coast by on your reputation. I swear, the last time I met a squad this bad off, they at least knew how to tree-walk." He turned to Team 7. "Forget sparring for today. You're all on chakra control drills until you can walk on water—literally."

The three genin paled slightly, but there was no room for complaints. Naruto dragged them out to the riverbank, gave them a quick and efficient rundown on how to mold chakra to their feet, and then tossed them in without ceremony. Sasuke, ever the prodigy, managed to get the hang of it by midday. Menma wasn't far behind, his Uzumaki lineage granting him stamina to brute-force through his failures. Sakura struggled the most, her control initially precise but lacking the chakra pool to make fine adjustments when required.

Naruto was merciless, barking corrections and occasionally knocking them into the water when he caught them slacking. But by sundown, all three stood, albeit shakily, on the river's surface.

The next morning was even worse.

"You," Naruto pointed at Sakura as they gathered in a clearing for taijutsu training. "You're starving yourself."

Sakura blinked in confusion. "What? No, I eat—"

Naruto cut her off with a sharp glare. "No, you snack. I can see it in the way your muscles respond, the way your body fatigues faster than it should. You're on a low-calorie diet because you think it'll make you look good. News flash—it's making you weak. You want to impress Sasuke? Then stop crippling yourself and start fueling your body like a real kunoichi."

Sakura's face turned beet red, half from embarrassment, half from indignation. "I—I don't—"

"You do," Naruto interrupted. He reached into his pouch and pulled out a compact, dense-looking ration bar, breaking off a small piece. "This? Ten thousand calories. Do you know why shinobi use rations like this? Because we burn that much energy every day in training, let alone in battle. Someone like Anko—who, by the way, is an elite kunoichi and my girlfriend—eats at least ten thousand calories a day when she's not even on a mission."

Sakura looked stunned. "T-ten thousand?"

Naruto scoffed. "More if she's in a fight. And you? You're barely breaking two thousand. No wonder you're lagging. You have potential, but you're crippling it with your diet."

Sakura's eyes flickered toward Sasuke, then back to Naruto, something thoughtful in her expression. She swallowed, then reached out and grabbed the offered ration bar. "Fine. What do I need to do?"

Naruto grinned. "Eat right, train hard, and stop treating yourself like a fragile civilian. Now, get ready—because today's taijutsu training is gonna hurt."

And it did.

By midday, the entire team was bruised, exhausted, and barely able to stand. But they had improved. Their stamina had increased, their strikes were sharper, and Naruto was finally seeing them move like actual ninja.

That evening, as the moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale, silvery light over the landscape, Naruto found himself wandering alone, his footsteps silent on the forest floor. He had learned to be aware of his surroundings, to listen to the whispers of the trees and the rustle of the leaves. So when a soft presence drifted near, he didn't need to turn around to know someone was there. Instead, he casually called out, his voice steady. "You can come out. I know you're there."

From the shadows, Haku emerged, her mask removed, revealing the delicate beauty of her features. She stood still for a moment, allowing the night to frame her, her soft brown eyes studying him with an unreadable expression. Despite the calmness of her stance, there was something restless in her gaze, as though she was seeking something—or someone.

"You're confident," she commented, her voice low, almost reflective.

Naruto smirked, his usual bravado returning. "I've seen enough of Zabuza to know I can take him." His tone was light, but there was an undeniable challenge beneath it.

Haku's eyes flickered downward, her expression softening. "If you fight him with the intent to kill, then…" She trailed off, but the meaning was clear. "You're right. He won't win." There was a hesitation in her voice, a doubt she didn't often reveal.

Naruto's smirk faltered, replaced by a more serious expression. "Then what will you do, if I do win?" He asked, his voice soft but insistent, wanting to know where she stood in all of this.

Naruto's question hung in the air, and Haku felt her chest tighten. She shifted uncomfortably, her eyes drifting away from his gaze. Her mind raced, thoughts swirling, and for a moment, she almost wished she could escape from it all, run away and bury herself in the shadows where she wouldn't have to face the truth. But there was no escaping now. Not from him. Not from herself.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and began to speak in a low, hesitant voice. "I live for Zabuza," she said, the words heavy with something unspoken. "He's the only family I have left. The only one who has ever… seen me for who I am." Her gaze drifted to the ground, as if the weight of her confession might pull her down with it. "I don't have any dreams of my own. Everything I do is for him. I follow him because… because that's the only way I know how to exist." She paused, looking down at her hands as if they held the answers to her pain. "I'm nothing without him. Just an orphan, just a tool to be used. But if I can help him, if I can protect him and fight for him, then… then maybe I'll finally have a purpose."

Naruto was silent for a moment, processing her words, and for the first time, he saw the vulnerability behind the carefully constructed walls she had built around herself. He had sensed something about her earlier—something deeper, something that didn't quite fit with the cold, almost emotionless façade she wore. And now, as she spoke, he understood.

But there was more. He could feel it.

"And what about you?" he asked softly, his voice gentler than before. "What do you want, Haku? What do you want, when all of this is over?"

She tensed at his words, her eyes flashing with uncertainty. She shook her head, her face flushed with frustration. "I don't know," she muttered, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I don't know what I want. I'm not like you. I can't just… have a dream. I'm not a man who has that kind of freedom."

Naruto's gaze softened as he stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. He could see the truth in her—she wasn't just a cold assassin, a tool to be used. She was a person, someone who had been broken and molded by the world around her. But she was still here, still fighting, still standing in front of him, even if she didn't fully understand why.

He stared into her eyes, his expression serious but understanding. "You're lying," he said quietly, the words almost a gentle accusation. "I can still see it, you know. You can pretend to be someone you're not, but I can see the truth. You're not some cold, emotionless guy. You're a woman, Haku. And I can see your beauty, even if you try to hide it."

Her breath caught in her throat at his words, her heart skipping a beat. For a moment, she felt exposed, as if all her secrets had been laid bare before him. She looked away, embarrassed, her cheeks flushing a deep red. "I'm not… I'm not hiding anything," she muttered, but even she could hear the lie in her voice.

Naruto smiled gently, almost teasingly. "You can pretend all you want, but it doesn't change who you really are. Stop hiding, Haku. You're not fooling anyone—not me, at least." His tone softened, the teasing fading into something more sincere. "You're stronger than you think. And you don't have to live for someone else. You can live for yourself, too."

Haku didn't know what to say. His words lingered in the air, challenging everything she had known about herself. Could it be true? Could she really stop living for Zabuza and start living for herself?

The thought was terrifying. But at the same time, something in her stirred, something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time.

For a long moment, Haku didn't respond. She stared at the ground, her fingers curling into delicate fists. The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I… don't know." The admission seemed to weigh on her, a burden she didn't know how to release.

Naruto exhaled slowly, his gaze unwavering. "Maybe it's time you started thinking of a dream of your own, instead of just living for his." His words hung in the air, like a challenge, but also an invitation. He could see the way she hesitated, the way she held herself back as if she were afraid to embrace the possibility of something beyond the loyalty to Zabuza. He reached out with his hands and channeled his chakra letting it merge as he held his hands close together. He formed a little rose with water in his right hand and with his left hand blew some wind chakra freezing it. He handed it to her.

Haku's breath caught at his words, at the ability he had just shown, her chest tightening. She hadn't truly seen him before—not like this. The way his strong jawline cut through the moonlight, the way his golden hair seemed to shine even in the dark, and most striking of all, the quiet intensity in his blue eyes that made her heart skip a beat. And his powerful chakra had been wielded so gently to mimic her own ability. Her face flushed suddenly, warmth spreading from her chest to her cheeks. She quickly looked away, afraid to let him see the effect he had on her.

Naruto tilted his head slightly, his eyes softening as he noticed her reaction. "You okay?" His voice was gentle, but there was a note of concern that made her heart flutter unexpectedly.

"I—" Haku hesitated, her words caught in her throat. "I should go." She turned quickly, trying to hide the sudden surge of emotions she couldn't yet understand. But as she began to retreat into the shadows, a part of her mind whispered something she wasn't ready to face yet—the truth that she was beginning to care, to feel something for the boy who had spoken to her with such raw honesty. She wasn't sure what it meant, but it unsettled her in a way she had never felt before.

Naruto watched her disappear into the night, his thoughts a tangled mess of curiosity and longing. He had always been able to sense the struggles others faced, but this—this was different. There was something about her, something beneath the surface that called to him. He didn't know how, but he knew their paths were crossing for a reason.

A quiet resolve settled in him as he turned to leave. He would show her—show them both—that there was more to life than living in someone else's shadow. And maybe, just maybe, Haku could find the strength to believe in her own dreams, just as he had learned to believe in his.

But for now, the night remained still, the moonlight casting long shadows as the two of them walked separate paths, unaware of how closely their futures were already entwined.

The battle on the bridge was brutal.

Zabuza was powerful, but Naruto was overwhelming.

Even without relying on his full speed, Naruto's mastery of the Flying Thunder God had turned the battlefield into his domain. Every clash of their swords ended with Zabuza striking at an afterimage, only for Naruto to appear somewhere else in a flash of crimson light, his strikes precise, relentless.

Zabuza gritted his teeth, forced on the defensive as Naruto's attacks became faster, sharper. His Kubikiribōchō clashed against Naruto's katana, sparks flying as he tried to adjust—but he was being pushed back.

From the sidelines, Haku watched in growing dread.

Naruto was not fighting him as a swordsman anymore. He was fighting to win.

Meanwhile, Kakashi guarded Tazuna as Team 7 clashed with Haku. Their training had paid off—Sasuke countered her speed with sharp, decisive movements. Menma's stamina let him press forward without rest, and even Sakura, now properly fueled, was moving with newfound agility and strength.

Haku was outmatched.

And then, it happened.

Just as Haku moved to intercept Naruto before he could land the finishing blow on Zabuza, Naruto caught her.

Literally.

One moment, she had blurred forward, senbon poised to strike. The next, Naruto's hand was around her wrist, his other arm wrapped around her waist, stopping her mid-motion.

The bridge went silent.

Haku's face burned as she realized how close they were, her heart pounding against her ribs. Naruto himself looked slightly flustered, as if only now realizing the awkward position they were in.

A beat passed.

Then another.

"...You can let go now," Haku muttered, barely above a whisper, her face a bright shade a crimson.

Naruto quickly released her, stepping back as he scratched the back of his head. "Right. Uh. Good reflexes, though."

The fight was over.

Zabuza slumped to his knees, defeated. Haku turned away, her emotions a mess. And Naruto?

He exhaled, feeling the weight of the battle settle in his bones.

This mission had changed everything.

The standoff on the bridge was momentarily shattered as a slow, mocking clap echoed across the cold mist. From the far end, a swarm of mercenaries parted to reveal a short, rat-faced man in fine robes, his smirk one of absolute arrogance. Gato. He strode forward with the air of a man who believed himself untouchable, the dozens of thugs behind him leering with barely restrained glee at the carnage before them. His beady eyes flickered toward Zabuza, taking in the missing-nin's battered state, the deep wounds from his prolonged battle with Naruto, and the exhaustion evident in his stance. Then, with an oily chuckle, he turned his attention to Haku, his smirk widening.

"Well, well," Gato drawled, adjusting his fine sleeves as he examined the beautiful figure standing protectively near Zabuza. "I never realized before… but now that the mask is off, you're definitely not a boy. Damn, I wasted a perfectly good tool thinking you were just some little androgynous brat." He sneered, stepping forward as his men chuckled darkly behind him. "Zabuza, your services are no longer required. But that one—" he pointed at Haku with a twisted grin, "—I think I'll be taking her. She'll fetch a high price, or maybe I'll keep her for myself."

Haku stiffened, but before she could move, a flicker of movement caught everyone's attention. Several of the villagers had arrived, emboldened by the safety Tazuna's home had found under Naruto's clones. Some held makeshift weapons, others merely stood in defiance, but they were hopelessly outnumbered. Gato turned to sneer at them, but then he saw the clones. Identical golden-haired figures, arms crossed, eyes burning with a cold fury that sent a ripple of unease through his ranks. Then, in an instant, everything turned to blood and horror.

Naruto moved.

A single red flash erupted at the center of the mercenary force. The moment of silence that followed was shattered by the wet sound of bodies dropping to the bridge, lifeless. In less than a breath, another flash—and another—and another. It was a symphony of death. One moment, the mercenaries were jeering, laughing, clutching their weapons in readiness to slaughter the villagers; the next, they were collapsing in rapid succession, throats slit, bodies impaled, hearts pierced before they even realized what had happened.

Flashes of crimson light illuminated the bridge, each one marking the instant death of another thug. Screams of terror barely had time to leave their lips before their lives were snuffed out, their corpses falling where they stood. The massacre took less than five seconds. When the final body hit the ground, Gato was alone, standing amidst a sea of fallen men, his face pale and drawn in utter terror.

Naruto appeared before him in the blink of an eye, his katana dripping fresh blood, his blue eyes cold and unfeeling. "You made a mistake coming here," Naruto said quietly. "You thought you were untouchable. That you could do whatever you wanted. But now…" He tilted his head, and Gato trembled as he realized he could hear the last drops of blood falling from Naruto's sword onto the bridge. "Now, you're nothing."

Before Gato could beg, scream, or even process what had happened, a deep chuckle rumbled behind him. Zabuza stepped forward, his massive Kubikiribōchō resting heavily against his shoulder, his gaze unreadable. "You robbed me of my pay," he murmured, voice low and dangerous. "But I'm not mad about that. What I am mad about…" His sharp teeth bared in a wolfish grin. "...is that you thought you could take my precious person away from me."

In a single brutal motion, Zabuza swung his blade.

Gato's head hit the bridge before his body did.

The silence that followed was deafening. The villagers stared in shock, but it quickly melted into relief. The nightmare was over.

Zabuza exhaled, letting his blade rest against the bridge before turning toward Naruto. He studied the young man for a long moment before, in a rare display of sincerity, he planted Kubikiribōchō into the ground before him and knelt. "You beat me," Zabuza said simply. "Not just in skill, but in conviction. If you'll have me, my blade is yours."

Naruto eyed the legendary sword, then the man kneeling before him. He considered it for only a moment before nodding. "I am Naruto Uzumaki, head of the Uzumaki Clan. If you swear loyalty to me, then I accept you as my retainer, Zabuza Momochi."

Zabuza grinned, a genuine, toothy grin. "Then consider me yours."

Before anything else could be said, Haku stepped forward, hands clenched into fists at her sides. Her face was flushed, her gaze determined yet flustered. "If Zabuza is going with you… then so am I. I…" She hesitated, then straightened. "I offer myself to you, Naruto-sama."

There was a beat of silence.

Then, she realized what she had just said.

Her face turned crimson. "I-I mean!" she stammered, eyes wide, suddenly flustered beyond words. "I meant—I will follow you! Not—not like that!"

Naruto chuckled, his expression warm. "I'll take you too," he said simply.

Haku nearly collapsed from sheer embarrassment. Her heart beating rapidly, as she realized she had said what she truly meant. She was falling for a man she'd barely met, his ideals, his power, and resolve making her want to be with him.

With the battle over, the bridge was finished without further interference. When the time came to leave, Naruto, Zabuza, and Haku traveled with Team 7 back to Konoha. Upon arriving at the village, they made their way directly to the Hokage's office. Minato and Kushina were already waiting, their sharp eyes immediately taking in the two additions to their son's entourage.

Naruto wasted no time. "I took them into the clan," he said plainly. "Zabuza and Haku are Uzumaki now."

Kushina blinked, then grinned. "Well, damn, son. Bringing in monsters into the family now?" She eyed Zabuza with interest. "I like it."

Minato, meanwhile, rubbed his temples before sighing. "Well, it's a good thing I already have a letter on my desk from Mei Terumi, asking for assistance with the Kiri rebellion." His gaze shifted to Naruto. "Are you up for it?"

Naruto's grin was razor-sharp. "I was about to ask when we were leaving."

Minato leaned back, amusement in his gaze. "Then take some backup. Itachi and Shisui will go with you."

Naruto smirked, turning to his new allies. "Guess you two are getting a field trip."

Zabuza grunted. "About time I get to kill the people who ruined my village."

Haku simply nodded, but there was a quiet, determined fire in her gaze.

The next day, the four of them set off for Kiri, ready to turn the tides of the rebellion.

Kirigakure: The Birth of the Crimson Maelstrom

The Hokage's office was rarely quiet, but today there was a particular weight in the air, an almost oppressive sense of urgency lingering beneath the usual mountain of paperwork. Minato sat behind his desk, his fingers lightly tapping the wood, while Kushina stood nearby, leaning against the window frame, arms crossed. The room was peaceful for the moment, but both knew that peace was a fleeting luxury in the world of shinobi. Their thoughts were only briefly interrupted when the door swung open, and Jiraiya strolled in, his usual jovial attitude muted by a serious expression that immediately set both Minato and Kushina on edge.

"I don't like what I'm seeing," Jiraiya began without preamble, shutting the door behind him with an unusual amount of care. "There's something happening in Oto and Suna, and I don't think it's a coincidence. I've been tracking odd movements—shinobi disappearing, reappearing with strange chakra signatures, whispers of an underground force forming within Oto that's too organized to be a simple criminal syndicate. And in Suna, the Daimyo has been bypassing them entirely, sending missions to Konoha instead of trusting his own village. That's more than politics—it's sabotage."

Minato's expression darkened at the mention of Oto. He had no doubts about who was pulling the strings behind that. "Orochimaru and Danzo," he said, his voice quiet but firm. Years ago, after the birth of his first child, Minato had finally uncovered Danzo's web of conspiracies within Konoha. He had been prepared for the standard cloak-and-dagger schemes, but what he had found instead had been much worse—Danzo and Orochimaru, working together, hidden experiments that defied the very laws of nature, children stolen, bloodlines dissected. When confronted, the two had fled together, abandoning their remaining forces, but not before burning what evidence they could. Since then, they had both remained ghosts, always lurking at the edges of intelligence reports but never quite surfacing. Until now.

Kushina clenched her jaw, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "That bastard should've been executed years ago," she muttered, obviously referring to Danzo. "And now he's out there, playing warlord with Orochimaru?"

Jiraiya nodded grimly. "That's what I'm thinking. And if they've managed to gain influence in Oto, it wouldn't be hard for them to use underhanded tactics to undermine Suna. If the Kazekage is losing trust with his Daimyo, then we've got a serious problem on our hands."

Minato exhaled slowly, processing the information before making a decision. "We need to handle this carefully. If Orochimaru and Danzo are involved, they'll be expecting interference. We can't just send a team to Oto, not yet. But Suna… We need to know exactly what's happening over there." He turned his gaze to Jiraiya, steel behind his normally warm blue eyes. "I want you to go to Suna. Speak with the Kazekage directly. Find out why the Daimyo is pulling missions away and see if we can repair the damage before someone else exploits it."

Jiraiya smirked, but there was no humor in it. "And I suppose you want some muscle with me?"

Minato nodded, then glanced toward the village through his office window. "Fugaku. He has the authority, and the Uchiha name carries weight. If the Kazekage is feeling slighted, sending a leader to meet him will help smooth things over."

Kushina tilted her head. "You want a guard on them?"

Minato's lips pressed together briefly in thought before he nodded. "Yes. One from what remains of Root. Just to be safe. Danzo might still have some hidden cards in Suna, and I don't want them blindsided if things go south."

Jiraiya cracked his neck, already moving toward the door. "Fine by me. I'll grab Fugaku and get moving. But don't sit on this too long, Minato. Orochimaru never does anything without a long-term plan. If he's surfacing now, it means he's already laid the groundwork for something big."

With that, the Toad Sage was gone, leaving Minato and Kushina to contemplate just how bad things were about to get.

For a brief moment, silence settled in the office once more, a quiet storm brewing in their thoughts. Minato leaned back, exhaling slowly, his fingers steepled together. His mind drifted, not to war or politics, but to something far more personal—their children. He glanced at Kushina, a rare smile breaking through the tension. "The kids were excited this morning," he murmured, shifting the topic to something lighter.

Kushina snorted, shaking her head with a grin. "Excited? They were practically climbing all over Naruto. I swear, I've never seen them so energetic." She paused, eyes softening. "They really look up to him."

Minato's smile widened. "He's a good big brother. Even if he's… a bit much sometimes."

"A bit much?" Kushina scoffed, hands on her hips. "He just brought Zabuza Momochi into the clan, and Haku practically offered herself to him on the spot. If that's not 'a bit much,' I don't know what is."

Minato chuckled, shaking his head. "He has a way of drawing people in." Before he could say more, a messenger hawk landed on the windowsill, extending a scroll with Konoha's seal. Minato took it, eyes scanning the contents before raising an eyebrow.

"What is it?" Kushina asked.

Minato smirked. "Wave is requesting a trade agreement. And… they named the bridge after the Uzumaki Clan."

Kushina laughed, crossing her arms. "Let me guess—he refused to let them name it after him?"

Minato nodded. "But he did put seals on it to keep it from ever being destroyed or eroded. They were so grateful, they honored the Uzumaki name instead."

Before they could discuss the matter further, the door suddenly slammed open, revealing Tsunade, her face a mixture of determination and something else—something almost frantic. She strode inside, holding a scroll in one hand and a small vial in the other. "Minato," she snapped, "I need your blood."

Kushina blinked. "What?"

Minato frowned. "Tsunade, what's going on?"

Tsunade inhaled deeply, her fingers tightening around the vial. "I ran an analysis on Naruto's DNA," she said slowly, carefully. "There was something… off. Something familiar. I need to confirm it here."

Minato hesitated but held out his hand. Tsunade wasted no time drawing a sample, sealing it into the vial before stepping back, her expression unreadable.

"What's wrong?" Minato asked, sensing the weight in her tone.

Tsunade looked at him—really looked at him—and then exhaled sharply. "Naruto is my biological grandchild and if it hold true in this world too, you are my child."

Silence.

Minato and Kushina both froze. The words didn't make sense at first, like puzzle pieces jammed together in the wrong order. Minato opened his mouth, then closed it again. Kushina was the first to find her voice. "What?!"

Tsunade ran a hand through her hair, shoulders tense. "I had a child," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "Around the time you were born, Minato. I went back to the war, but when I returned, the hospital that was keeping him safe had been destroyed. I thought my child was dead. But… maybe he wasn't." She exhaled. "Maybe he was you, at least it was you in Naruto's original world."

Minato's mind raced. He had always been told he was an orphan, found on the outskirts of Konoha with no known lineage. His chakra reserves—larger than most Uzumaki, large like a Senju. Could it be?

Tsunade left, blood sample in hand, leaving Minato and Kushina sitting in stunned silence, struggling to comprehend the revelation that could change everything.

The road to Kiri was long and treacherous, the thick mist rolling in from the east growing heavier the closer they came to the Land of Water. Naruto walked at the front of their small group, flanked by Zabuza and Haku, while Itachi and Shisui trailed behind, their eyes sharp for any signs of an ambush. The air smelled of salt and moisture, a stark contrast to the forests and open plains of the mainland, but Naruto liked it. It reminded him of home in a strange way—untamed, full of mystery and danger lurking just beneath the surface.

As they moved through the narrow pathways carved between rocky cliffs, Zabuza finally broke the silence, his voice low but carrying easily over the soft crash of distant waves. "I suppose it's about time I explained why I tried to kill the Fourth Mizukage." His tone was casual, but there was an undercurrent of something darker beneath it—anger, regret, and something that sounded almost like guilt.

Naruto glanced at him, nodding for him to continue.

Zabuza let out a rough chuckle. "The Blood Mist days weren't just a name. Yagura turned our village into a slaughterhouse, turning on its own people under the guise of 'strengthening' our forces. Bloodline clans were hunted down like animals, families wiped out overnight. Those of us who saw what was happening had two choices—flee or fight. I chose to fight." His hand gripped the hilt of Kubikiribōchō, fingers tightening before he exhaled and forced himself to relax. "I was young, arrogant. I thought if I could take Yagura's head, everything would change. I gathered men, we struck, and we failed. Miserably."

Haku looked down, her expression unreadable.

Zabuza continued. "After that, I was marked for death, my men slaughtered or forced into hiding. That's when Mei took up the cause. She's strong, stronger than I was back then. She has the support of the bloodline clans, and unlike me, she's got patience." He glanced at Naruto, his one visible eye narrowing slightly. "She wants the same thing I do—a free Kiri, a strong Kiri, without a madman pulling the strings. That's why I was taking mercenary work, why I needed the money. I was sending funds back to the rebellion. I figured, even if I couldn't go back, I could at least help them fight."

Naruto absorbed the information, filing it away. He had heard rumors of Kiri's civil war, but hearing it from someone who had lived through it, had tried to end it with his own hands, made it far more real. Mei Terumi, then, was the key to all of this. And from what Zabuza had said, she was powerful. Lava and Boil Release, if he remembered correctly. That alone made her a force to be reckoned with.

It wasn't long before they were met by figures emerging from the mist ahead, moving like ghosts between the trees. The leader was an older man with sharp features and a stern gaze covered by a distinctive eye patch. His posture was tense but not hostile.

"Zabuza," the man said gruffly. "I was told you were coming."

"Ao," Zabuza greeted, his usual arrogance slipping back into place as if he hadn't just been recounting his failures moments ago. "Still alive, I see."

Ao grunted. "Barely. Who's this?" His one good eye scrutinized Naruto before flicking toward Itachi and Shisui. "You brought Uchiha? Not exactly subtle."

Naruto stepped forward, his presence immediately commanding attention. "Naruto Uzumaki. I've come to end this war."

Ao blinked at the sheer audacity of the statement, then scoffed. "Just like that?"

"Just like that," Naruto said simply.

The older man shook his head but gestured for them to follow. "Mei will want to see you."

They were led through hidden paths, the mist growing thicker until they reached a well-concealed encampment deep in the jungle. The moment they entered, Naruto could feel the tension in the air—these people were tired, battle-worn, but determined. Soldiers, civilians, bloodline users—all gathered in a last desperate stand against the Mizukage's forces.

Then she appeared.

Mei Terumi was a vision, her long auburn hair cascading down her back, green eyes sharp and assessing. She carried herself with a confidence that was undeniable, her very presence demanding attention. And then, to Naruto's surprise, her lips curled into a smile—no, a smirk—one filled with unmistakable interest.

"So," she drawled, stepping forward, her hips swaying slightly, "you're the infamous Naruto Uzumaki. I must say, the rumors didn't do you justice."

Naruto blinked. "Uh—"

"You've got quite the reputation already," she continued, circling him like a predator. "Defeating Momochi Zabuza, taking him into your service, and now you've come all this way to aid in our little rebellion? I must say, I like a man who knows how to take charge."

Haku stiffened slightly beside him, her fingers twitching as if she wanted to reach for something but restrained herself. Zabuza, for his part, just smirked, clearly enjoying the situation.

Ao coughed. "Mei—"

"Not now, Ao," Mei said sweetly, though there was clear warning in her tone. "I'm getting to know our new ally."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, feeling uncharacteristically off-balance. He was used to Anko's teasing, but this was something else entirely. Mei Terumi was dangerous in a very different way. "Right," he said, trying to steer the conversation back on track. "The plan?"

Mei chuckled but relented, shifting gears with ease. They went over the details, discussing potential weaknesses in the Mizukage's defenses, strategies for drawing his forces into vulnerable positions. It was a solid plan. It should have worked.

Then the tent flap burst open.

A young woman with bright red hair, no older than Naruto, rushed inside, her face pale. "Lady Mei! The Mizukage found us! His forces are attacking now—and he's with them!"

For a moment, silence. Then Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "So much for planning." He turned, already striding toward the exit. "One Jinchūriki against another, huh?"

"Naruto," Mei's voice stopped him. He turned just as she stepped forward, placing a hand on his chest before leaning up and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Don't underestimate Yagura."

Naruto blinked. "Uh—"

Before he could even recover, Haku stepped forward, grabbing his hand briefly. "Be careful. I still need you," she said softly, before stepping back, her face dusted pink.

Naruto, now completely red, just nodded stiffly and walked out, muttering under his breath, "Anko's not gonna care, but what the hell am I supposed to do about them?"

Zabuza laughed loudly as he followed. "That, kid, is a problem for later."

Naruto sighed, pushing his thoughts aside as the first explosion echoed through the forest. He focused. The battle had begun. It was time to see just how strong the Fourth Mizukage really was.

The battlefield was already in chaos by the time Naruto arrived, the thick mist swirling with the scent of blood and burning earth. Explosions rocked the outskirts of the jungle as Kiri's rebels clashed with the Mizukage's forces, but all motion seemed to halt when Naruto appeared. He stood at the edge of the treeline, the firelight from the burning encampment casting long shadows over his form, his golden hair illuminated like a beacon in the darkness. For a moment, there was silence—a tension so thick it was suffocating. Then, before anyone could react, he moved.

Naruto blurred forward, his speed eclipsing even the most seasoned Kiri shinobi's ability to react. In a single motion, he cut through the first line of enemy forces without drawing a blade, his sheer presence alone sending dozens of shinobi flying backward as if struck by an unseen force. Those who managed to recover raised their weapons, only to be torn apart by devastating strikes—punches that cracked the ground beneath them, kicks that sent armored men spiraling through the air like leaves in a storm. The rebels could only watch in awe as Naruto tore through the Mizukage's forces like a natural disaster given form. He was relentless, weaving between attacks with fluid ease, his strikes precise and overwhelming. Those who weren't incapacitated in a single blow were left crumpled on the ground, their chakra forcibly suppressed, their movements locked by an unseen force.

From the rebel command post, Zabuza watched the carnage unfold, his arms crossed over his chest as his sharp eyes followed Naruto's every movement. His grip on Kubikiribōchō tightened slightly as he muttered, "Tch… That brat was holding back more than I thought when we fought."

Haku, standing beside him, offered a small smile. "Of course, Naruto-kun only wanted to test himself as a swordsman against you. He wasn't aiming to overwhelm you." She glanced at the battlefield, where Naruto had just flipped over a massive earth-style jutsu before slamming his heel down on the ground, sending a shockwave that toppled an entire battalion. "This is what it looks like when he is overwhelming someone."

Behind them, Itachi and Shisui stood silently, their Sharingan spinning as they observed every movement. After a long pause, Shisui exhaled. "You know, Konoha has the Yellow Flash and the Red Death. If Naruto keeps this up, they'll start calling him the Red Flash."

Itachi hummed in thought. "No… That doesn't suit him. 'Red Flash' lacks the weight of what he's doing. There's nothing flashy about this—he's efficient, merciless when necessary, but controlled."

Shisui nodded, watching as Naruto sent a wave of Kiri's most elite guards sprawling with a single, calculated sweep of his arm. "Demon Fox of Konoha?"

Itachi tilted his head. "Too obvious."

"The Crimson Tempest?"

"…Maybe."

Zabuza snorted at their discussion. "You're sitting here naming him like he's some fresh ANBU recruit while he's tearing through a damn army."

"Not just any army," Itachi corrected. "An entire nation's standing military force."

Shisui grinned. "Maybe 'Crimson Calamity?' Or 'Scarlet Storm'?"

Any further discussion was cut off as a new presence finally moved into the battlefield. The air grew heavier, the oppressive weight of pure killing intent crashing down like a tidal wave. The remaining forces of the Mizukage began to part as a short but unmistakably powerful figure strode forward—Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, Jinchūriki of the Three-Tails. His expression was unreadable, but his mismatched eyes burned with determination as he stared at Naruto.

"You have some nerve," Yagura said, his voice deceptively calm. He lifted his oversized staff, resting it against his shoulder. "But I suppose you must, if you think you can stand against me."

Naruto cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders. "You're not the first Jinchūriki I've fought." His golden eyes gleamed in the firelight. "Let's see what you've got."

The two clashed in an instant. Yagura's staff swung in a brutal arc, but Naruto met it with his forearm, stopping the blow dead in its tracks with sheer physical strength. The ground beneath them cracked from the impact, but Naruto twisted, grabbing the staff mid-swing and ripping it from Yagura's hands, snapping it in half as if it were made of brittle wood. Yagura's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he leapt back, forming a quick series of hand seals. Water erupted from the ground around him, shaping into deadly projectiles that shot toward Naruto at blinding speed.

Naruto didn't dodge. Instead, a ghostly, ethereal limb—a translucent crimson construct of pure chakra—manifested behind him, swatting the water bullets away like they were harmless pebbles. Then another limb appeared. Then another. And another. The massive fox-like chakra arms moved with terrifying precision, striking at Yagura from multiple angles, forcing the Mizukage to go on the defensive. Each blow that landed sent shockwaves through the battlefield, the sheer force of the strikes carving deep trenches into the earth.

Finally, Yagura snarled and allowed his chakra to surge, his body twisting and morphing as he fully transformed. In an instant, the Three-Tails stood where Yagura once had, its massive, spiked shell gleaming under the blood-red moonlight, its eyes burning with rage. It let out a deafening roar, sending a tidal wave rushing toward Naruto, threatening to wash away everything in its path.

Naruto merely lifted his hand, another ethereal fox limb forming, this one massive. It slammed down, parting the wave like an unstoppable force, sending water spraying in all directions but leaving him untouched. Then, with an almost lazy motion, Naruto punched. The giant chakra fist collided with the Three-Tails' head, sending the beast reeling, cracking the very ground beneath it.

Before the battle could escalate further, a ripple in space halted all movement. A swirling distortion formed above the battlefield, and from it, a man stepped forth—a man with a spiraled mask covering his face.

"So," the masked figure murmured, looking down at Yagura's crumpled form. "It seems you've failed me, after all."

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "You."

Madara—or the man claiming to be him—tilted his head slightly, his tone unreadable. "I suppose it doesn't matter. Yagura has served his purpose." In a single movement, he reached out—and Yagura's massive form vanished into the distortion, leaving nothing behind.

Mei, who had finally reached the battlefield, looked around at the devastation, her expression troubled. "…Half of Kiri's forces are gone. How are we supposed to rebuild?"

Naruto turned to her and grinned. "They're not gone."

Mei blinked in confusion as Naruto reached into his pocket, producing a small, ornate key. "I didn't kill them," he explained. "They're alive—knocked out, maybe bruised, but their chakra is sealed. This key unlocks it. Take them into custody, figure out who you can trust, and let them go when you're ready."

Mei stared at the key, then at Naruto, before a slow, impressed smile crossed her lips. "…You are very interesting, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto sighed, already dreading what came next. "Why do I feel like this is going to be a problem?"

Zabuza, watching from the side, merely smirked.

The Hokage's office was quiet save for the faint rustling of paper as Minato flipped through mission reports, Kushina standing beside him with arms crossed, her keen eyes scanning the pages. The silence was broken by a knock at the door, and as Minato called for them to enter, a masked ANBU operative stepped inside and handed him a scroll. Minato immediately recognized Itachi's seal and wasted no time breaking it open. As his eyes quickly moved across the page, a small smile formed. "They did it. Kiri has been freed."

Kushina let out a relieved sigh, leaning against the desk. "That's our boy. But… we both know it wasn't a simple fight."

Minato nodded. "Itachi mentions they'll be staying another week to help Mei stabilize the transition and root out any hidden threats. There's also a personal letter from Mei attached."

Before he could open it, the door swung open again, and Tsunade strode in with her usual confident gait. "I heard the message from Kiri arrived. Tell me—how in the hell did the Fourth Mizukage's entire army fall overnight?"

Minato chuckled nervously. "That's what I was just about to find out."

Tsunade smirked and placed her hands on her hips. "That's my grandson, alright! Took down an entire army in one day!" With a wide grin, she suddenly yanked Minato into a bear hug, pressing his face into her chest. "You should be proud, my son!"

Minato, thoroughly stunned, simply remained frozen, his arms stiff at his sides. Kushina, stifling a laugh, took the letter from Mei and opened it. Tsunade, still holding Minato captive, leaned in curiously. "So, what's the Mizukage want?"

Kushina's eyes widened as she read. "Oh ho… you're going to want to hear this."

Tsunade finally released Minato, who staggered back, his face red, coughing into his fist. "What does it say?"

Kushina smirked. "She's given Naruto a new title: 'The Crimson Maelstrom.' After watching him take down an entire army in five minutes without even killing them, she says it's the only name that suits him. Oh, and she wants to marry him to establish ties between Kiri and Konoha."

Minato blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"

Kushina grinned and continued. "She also asks if he's eligible for the Clan Restoration Act, considering he's the last of the Uzumaki."

Tsunade burst out laughing. "Oh, this is priceless!" She pounded Minato's desk. "Naruto conquered a nation and picked up a marriage proposal in the same day!"

"Oh the paperwork this is going to cause, and now discovering I'm actually a Senju complicates things even more. Mom?" Minato asks as he looks at Tsunade. "Dan isn't my dad, he died much too early for that. Who is my dad?"

Tsunade paled as she looked at him and hesitantly responded, "Jiraiya."

Meanwhile, in Sunagakure, Jiraiya and his team sat across from the Fourth Kazekage, a tense but diplomatic atmosphere filling the room. "I believe we can come to an agreement," Jiraiya said smoothly. "Some of the missions your people would normally handle are being outsourced to Konoha. We're more than willing to return them to Suna, but we'll need to work with your Daimyo to investigate why they were redirected in the first place."

The Kazekage nodded, his expression neutral but sharp. "Agreed. It's a delicate matter, but one we need to address quickly."

Before the discussion could continue, a surge of malicious chakra flooded the room. The air became thick with raw, untamed fury as Gaara's eyes widened, his body trembling. Sand erupted from the ground, forming jagged spikes aimed at everyone present.

The Kazekage was on his feet in an instant, his hands forming a seal to suppress his son's transformation. But it wasn't enough—Shukaku's influence was too strong. Then, a second force acted. Fugaku's Sharingan spun to life, locking onto Gaara with an overwhelming force of will. The Sand demon inside him roared in defiance but faltered as Fugaku's gaze bore into its very essence, giving the Kazekage the moment he needed to fully suppress the rampaging chakra.

Gaara slumped forward, gasping for breath, his sand retreating. Jiraiya exhaled. "That was close." He turned to the Kazekage. "I can help with that."

The Kazekage studied him carefully. "You believe you can improve his seal?"

Jiraiya scoffed. "The one you've been using is barely more than a storage seal. I'll work with Naruto—between the two of us, we'll have a better seal ready before the Chunin Exams."

After a moment, the Kazekage nodded. "Then we will send Gaara's team to Konoha early. He'll need time to recover, and I expect you to keep your word."

As they prepared to leave, Jiraiya gave one final warning. "Be careful. Danzo and Orochimaru both have a habit of manipulating situations for their own gain. If they visit, don't trust them."

The Kazekage's gaze darkened, but he gave a small nod. "Understood."

Back in Kiri, the people gathered in the central square as Mei Terumi stood atop the Mizukage's tower, the village banners flaring in the wind. "As of today, the Bloody Mist is no more. Kirigakure will rebuild, stronger than ever!"

Cheers erupted through the streets as Mei turned to Naruto, who stood beside her, slightly uncomfortable with all the attention. She smiled. "And we owe this victory to Konoha and The Crimson Maelstrom."

Before Naruto could respond, Mei grabbed his collar and pulled him into a deep kiss. The crowd roared in excitement, but behind them, the temperature plummeted. Ice spread over the railing as Haku's aura flared, her usually serene face utterly unreadable.

As Mei finally pulled away, she smirked. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. And your team for everything you all did."

Behind them, Itachi, Shisui, Zabuza, and Haku all sweat-dropped.

Zabuza sighed. "We did nothing but watch."

Mei's attention turned to a woman with long red hair standing near Ao. "You, however… you are an Uzumaki, aren't you?"

The woman nodded. "My name is Sayaka Uzumaki."

Mei smiled. "Then you should return with Konoha. If there's any hope for our clan, it will start there."

Sayaka glanced at Naruto, then turned a deep crimson as she said, "I will happily do my part to restore our clan."

Naruto scratched his cheek, looking at the frozen railing, then at Haku's sharp glare. "…I feel like I'm about to have a very complicated future. I haven't even had the chance to talk to Anko since I left to Wave."