Yo!
Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrate!
Been a while huh, ;).
I'm so excited to share that I'm back to writing! After a much-needed break and reflection, I'm slowly but surely diving into updating all my stories. Your patience and continued support mean the world to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for each and every one of you who stuck around.
This journey wouldn't be the same without you, and I'm committed to improving and engaging the stories with every update. Thank you for believing in me, and here's to creating more adventures together!
Stay tuned for updates, and I'll see you in the coming chapters!
Now without further ado, let's jump into the new chapter!
The Seal of Fate
Chapter 5
The Delayed Hero
With Tsunade, Konoha
The morning sun crept over the rooftops of Konoha, casting the village in a soft, golden light. For most, it was the start of another peaceful day, but within the Hokage's office, tension coiled like a storm waiting to break.
Tsunade sat rigid behind her desk, hands steepled beneath her chin as her sharp, hazel eyes darted toward the clock for the third time in as many minutes. The early hour brought no solace; instead, the quiet amplified her unease. Naruto and Jiraiya should have returned by now. The silence from their end gnawed at her, feeding the sense of foreboding that had anchored itself deep in her chest.
Shizune stood to her right, Ton-Ton nestled against her arm, her expression caught somewhere between concern and reassurance. "Tsunade-sama… Naruto-kun wouldn't miss his training deadline. You know how stubborn he is," she said, her voice soft, almost tentative.
Tsunade's fingers began to drum against the desk—an uncharacteristic display of her nerves. "It's not Naruto I'm worried about," she replied, her voice clipped. "Jiraiya hasn't sent word in days, and with the Akatsuki on the move…" Her words trailed off, leaving a heavy silence in their wake.
The sudden flutter of wings shattered the stillness. A falcon swooped into the room, its piercing cry slicing through the air. It landed with precision on the edge of Tsunade's desk, a scroll tied securely to its leg.
Tsunade wasted no time untying the scroll. The seal of the Kazekage gleamed ominously in the soft light of morning. Her sharp eyes scanned the message, and her jaw tightened with every word she read.
"Damn it." The curse escaped her lips as she slammed her palm against the desk, the sound echoing through the room.
Shizune jumped, her grip on Ton-Ton tightening. "What is it?" she asked, her voice betraying the alarm she felt.
"Gaara's been kidnapped," Tsunade said, her tone cold and clipped. "The Akatsuki."
The words hung in the air like a death knell, suffocating in their weight. Shizune's face paled, and even Ton-Ton let out a distressed squeal.
Tsunade pushed to her feet, her commanding presence filling the room. She began issuing orders with the precision of a kunai slicing through flesh. "Send for Kakashi, Sakura, and Sai immediately. They'll form the primary team."
Shizune nodded, already turning to leave.
"And summon Team Guy," Tsunade continued, her voice sharp. "Neji's Byakugan will be invaluable in tracking Gaara. They'll support the main team."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Shizune darted out the door, leaving Tsunade alone with her racing thoughts. The Hokage grabbed another scroll and began scrawling a hastily worded message, her strokes precise and deliberate. Once finished, she sealed it with the emblem of the Hokage.
She summoned a messenger toad, dropping her blood on the messenger toad scroll. The slimy creature appeared in a puff of smoke, blinking up at her with unflinching focus.
"To Naruto and Jiraiya at Mount Myōboku," she instructed firmly, tying the scroll to its back. "They need to know immediately."
The toad gave a solemn nod before disappearing into a puff of smoke.
Tsunade let out a sharp breath, her fists clenching at her sides. Her mind raced, calculating risks, allocating resources, and steeling herself for what was to come. The Akatsuki's actions were growing bolder, more coordinated. They were no longer just rogue mercenaries—they were becoming a force to reckon with, challenging the stability of the hidden villages.
"They're pushing their luck," she muttered, her scowl deepening as her thoughts turned to the young Kazekage. Despite the early morning light, a shadow seemed to linger in the room, a grim harbinger of the battle ahead.
As ordered, within the hour, the assembled teams stood in the Hokage's office, their faces reflecting a kaleidoscope of emotions—concern, determination, and the faint shadows of shock.
Kakashi's gaze swept across the room before settling on Tsunade. His tone was as measured as always, but there was a tautness to it that wasn't usually there. "Gaara is a jinchūriki," he said, his words slicing through the heavy atmosphere. "The Akatsuki will be after Shukaku." It wasn't often that Kakashi voiced his fears so plainly, but the gravity of the situation had stripped away his usual veneer of calm indifference.
Beside him, Sakura's fists tightened at her sides, her jaw set in a rare display of unfiltered resolve. Gone was the hesitant, wide-eyed girl of their earlier missions; in her place stood a kunoichi whose green eyes burned with fierce determination. "We can't let them succeed. Gaara is our ally now," she said, her voice steadier than her trembling hands. She had been expecting Naruto to burst in with his usual enthusiasm and grand declarations, but his absence only underscored the weight on her own shoulders.
Sai stood a little apart, his face as blank as a canvas. Yet, the faintest crease in his brow and the subtle way he tightened his grip on the scrolls he carried hinted at a discomfort he couldn't quite articulate. His impassive demeanor seemed almost unnatural now, an armor barely holding against the tension in the air.
Team Guy stood in quiet solidarity.
Neji's pale, calculating eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise at the briefing, though his posture remained rigid, as if he had already anticipated the unexpected. His mind worked quickly, weighing the implications of the mission, his stoicism a practiced shield against the rising tension.
Tenten's hands rested loosely on her weapon scrolls, her fingers brushing against the edges as though seeking reassurance. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes flicking between Tsunade and her teammates. Though she said nothing, her worry was palpable, an unspoken reminder of how high the stakes had become.
Lee, usually an unstoppable fountain of enthusiasm, stood with uncharacteristic restraint. His hands were clasped tightly behind his back, his normally wide grin replaced by a focused determination. The absence of Naruto seemed to weigh on him most; he had hoped to see his friend, to feel the unyielding energy that always inspired him. Instead, the gravity of the situation left even Lee's spirit momentarily tempered, though it burned no less brightly beneath his calm exterior.
Behind them, Might Guy was a commanding presence. His usual exuberance was muted, though the fire in his eyes had not dimmed. Standing with his arms crossed, he radiated a calm yet resolute energy, the weight of leadership anchoring him. It's time for Konoha's Mighty Green beast to show his worth.
Tsunade's voice was firm, cutting through the silence like a kunai. "Your mission is to reach Suna as quickly as possible and assist the Kazekage's forces in locating Gaara. Do not underestimate the Akatsuki. We haven't seen what they're fully capable of."
Kakashi gave a sharp nod, but his visible eye lingered on Tsunade for a moment longer than usual, as though he, too, felt the enormity of what she wasn't saying aloud. "Understood, Hokage-sama. We'll leave immediately."
Tsunade's gaze softened slightly as she looked over the gathered shinobi, taking in their faces—young yet burdened, determined yet shadowed by doubt. "And remember," she added, her voice quieter but no less commanding, "this isn't just about Gaara or Suna. If the Akatsuki succeed here, it's one step closer to their ultimate goal. Don't let that happen."
A unified acknowledgment rang out before the teams turned to leave, the room emptying swiftly as the mission consumed them.
As the door shut behind them, Tsunade leaned heavily against her desk, her fingers gripping the worn edges with white-knuckled intensity. Her heart twisted painfully—for Gaara, for Naruto, for all of them. 'They shouldn't have to bear this weight, not yet.' She'd expected Naruto to be here, loud and reassuring in his own brash way, but his absence only sharpened the edges of her worry.
'They'll bring him back,' she told herself firmly, willing the thought to steady her nerves. But in the pit of her stomach, the cold dread of uncertainty lingered like a shadow.
With Naruto
The tranquil morning air of Mt. Myōboku was alive with the symphony of nature—the croak of distant toads, the rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze, and the soft murmur of flowing streams weaving through the lush expanse. Naruto sat cross-legged on a boulder overlooking the forest, his silhouette bathed in the soft, golden hues of dawn. The world around him was serene, but within, his thoughts churned like a raging sea.
He tilted his head back, letting his gaze drift to the sky painted in pastel shades of pink and gold. His eyes, faintly glowing lavender as chakra coursed through them, mirrored the horizon's light. So much had changed. He had changed. It felt strange to think about how not long ago, he'd struggled to sit still for even a moment of meditation. Now, he was immersed in the mysteries of a power he barely understood, a power that had reshaped his very perception of the world.
The transformation was etched into his memory like a searing brand. The pain had been unlike anything Naruto had ever known—not the sharp sting of a physical wound but a deep, visceral ache, as though the core of his being was being rewritten. When the pain subsided, he'd looked up at Jiraiya and Fukasaku, their expressions frozen in a mix of shock and awe.
His cerulean blue eyes had vanished, replaced by pupil-less lavender orbs glowing faintly with an otherworldly blue hue. In that fleeting moment, the world had revealed itself to him in startling clarity. He'd seen the flow of chakra, the intricate networks within every living thing, the threads that connected all existence. The intensity was overwhelming, and the transformation faded as quickly as it came. His eyes returned to their usual blue, the change fleeting unless he consciously drew on the power.
At first, the transformation unnerved him. He wasn't sure what to make of the change, but Naruto had always been one to tackle challenges head-on. This time was no different.
The weeks that followed were grueling. Naruto pushed himself relentlessly, diving into the potential of his new eyes with a determination that rivaled even his wildest training sessions. His clones became his greatest asset, though their overuse pushed him to the brink of collapse more than once. Despite Jiraiya's stern warnings about the dangers of overexertion, Naruto pressed on, each clone testing the limits of his abilities and bringing back invaluable insights.
His first discovery was his enhanced perception. Like the Byakugan, the Tenchigan granted him a 360-degree field of vision, but it extended far beyond that. With focus, he could see chakra networks in stunning detail, tracing the energy flows and pinpointing weak spots. His range was staggering—twenty kilometers of perfect clarity, a feat that left him and his clones in awe. It wasn't just distance, either. His Tenchigan could pierce barriers and obstructions with ease, rendering hiding places and defenses meaningless.
The second revelation was his newfound connection to natural energy. Gathering it had always been a challenge, requiring stillness and focus. Now, with the Tenchigan active, nature energy appeared as shimmering rivers and streams flowing through the world. He could see it, feel it, and draw it in with precision. It wasn't just a tool—it was a sense, an understanding of how the world itself breathed and pulsed with life.
Experimentation followed, with clones testing nature-enhanced techniques. His Rasengan, infused with natural energy, could obliterate mountains in a single strike. His physical attacks became devastating, carrying the force of the environment itself. Yet, the power came with risks. Overloading his clones with nature energy often led to volatile explosions, the backlash leaving Naruto drained and disoriented.
But he didn't stop. Every setback was a lesson, every advancement a step closer to mastering the connection between himself and the world.
Naruto smiled faintly, his thoughts drifting to a particular evening not long after the awakening of his Tenchigan. He could still hear the crackling fire, feel the warmth of Jiraiya, Fukasaku, and Shima's presence. They had debated the name for his new dojutsu. Naruto, in typical fashion, had suggested "Super Byakugan" with a wide grin, earning a groan of exasperation from Jiraiya and a round of laughter from the toads. Fukasaku had steered the conversation back to the dojutsu's essence, its ability to reveal the unseen and connect heaven and earth. "Tenchigan," meaning "Heaven and Earth Eye," was the name that resonated with all of them.
"Tenchigan," Naruto murmured to himself now, the word carrying a weight that felt natural and comforting. It wasn't just a name; it was a reflection of his growth, a testament to the responsibility he bore.
A familiar voice called from below, yanking him from his thoughts. "Oi, kid! Enough daydreaming! It's time for your sparring session," Jiraiya shouted, his tone half-mocking but tinged with pride. "Let's see if those fancy eyes of yours can handle me!"
Naruto grinned, standing as his staff materialized in his hand. The lavender patterns etched along its length pulsed faintly, glowing in time with his chakra. The staff, though now sleek and straight, still retained a faint curve near the top—a reminder of its earlier, odd shape that resembled a fishing pole. Reshaping it into its current form had been no small feat.
At first, nothing had worked. No matter how many seals they tried, no matter how much energy they channeled into it, the staff refused to change from its strange, unwieldy form. It was only after Naruto, with Jiraiya's guidance, channeled every ounce of his chakra into the staff in a single, grueling session that they had managed to transform it—somewhat—into its current shape. The effort left Naruto collapsed in exhaustion and Jiraiya unnervingly silent, but the result was worth it. The staff was now a functional weapon, though its mysteries only deepened.
Even after shaping it, Naruto had to train relentlessly to learn how to wield it effectively. Unlike traditional weapons, the staff didn't behave predictably. Its connection to Naruto's chakra was unique—almost alive. The slightest variation in his intent or chakra flow could change how the staff responded, requiring finesse and precision that Naruto had never needed with his kunai or Rasengan. Jiraiya had drilled him daily, forcing him to understand every nuance of its behavior.
In time, Naruto discovered that the staff could be summoned at will, bypassing the need for the storage seals they'd initially etched into his hands. It was an extension of his will rather than a simple tool, a weapon that didn't need chakra to be summoned or maintained but demanded immense energy when wielded. Every strike, every technique drained him, the cost immense but the results extraordinary. Its versatility bordered on absurd, allowing Naruto to reshape it, extend it, and infuse it with chakra in ways that were still unraveling, even after months of experimentation.
The staff wasn't the only anomaly. Alongside it had appeared a strange gourd—dark, unadorned, and unresponsive to any of their efforts. Unlike the staff, the gourd gave nothing away. No chakra flowed through it, no reactions came from their attempts to interact with it. Frustrated and unwilling to waste more time, they had set it aside to focus on understanding the staff instead. Still, the gourd lingered in the back of Naruto's mind, a mystery waiting for its time.
Even with these challenges, Naruto knew they were overdue to return to Konoha. But he and Jiraiya both agreed that half-baked mastery was not an option. Jiraiya, in particular, had been adamant, more so than usual. The old pervert's insistence carried an edge of seriousness that made Naruto wonder what exactly had him so concerned, though Jiraiya had offered no explanation.
"You're on, Ero-sennin! Don't cry when I beat you!" Naruto said with a smirk, leaping down from the boulder. His staff twirled effortlessly in his hand, the lavender patterns glowing brighter in anticipation as he landed.
Jiraiya stood across from him, the golden light of the sun casting long shadows across the rocky clearing. His imposing figure radiated the calm yet overwhelming energy of Sage Mode, the red markings around his eyes accentuating his sharp, focused gaze. Ma and Pa perched on his shoulders, their expressions a mix of curiosity and approval. The air between them crackled with unspoken anticipation, the promise of a hard-fought battle hanging in the stillness.
"All right, kid," Jiraiya began, his deep voice carrying the weight of challenge. "Here's how this is going to go. You'll use just that fancy staff of yours and your new eyes—no clones, no Rasengan, no flashy tricks. Just your instincts and whatever that dojutsu of yours can do."
Naruto's grin widened as he spun the staff, its faint hum echoing in the clearing. "Fine by me," he replied, the confidence in his voice unshakable. "But don't come crying when I show you what this 'fancy staff' can really do."
Jiraiya smirked in response, his hands slowly rising into a defensive stance. The elder toads watched intently as the clash of master and student began anew.
The air between them grew taut, like a bowstring pulled to its limit.
Jiraiya moved first, a blur of motion as he wove hand signs with practiced speed. "Senpō: Goemon!" he roared, unleashing a surging wave of boiling oil. The attack crackled and hissed as it surged forward, the heat distorting the air.
Naruto's Tenchigan flared, the intricate patterns in his eyes glowing as they tracked the attack's trajectory with perfect clarity. He planted his feet and spun the staff, channeling Wind Release into its length. The lavender patterns brightened, creating a vortex of wind that split the wave of oil in two, sending it harmlessly to either side. The heat brushed against his skin, but Naruto didn't flinch.
"Not bad," Jiraiya called out, already closing the distance with a swift, powerful kick aimed at Naruto's midsection.
Naruto sidestepped with precision, the Tenchigan catching the subtle shifts in Jiraiya's stance that telegraphed the attack. He brought the lower end of the staff up to intercept, the force of the kick reverberating through the weapon and the ground beneath them. Without missing a beat, Naruto spun the staff, using the momentum to sweep at Jiraiya's exposed side.
Jiraiya blocked with his forearm, grunting as the impact pushed him back a step. "You've got some power behind that thing, kid. But let's see how you handle this." He leapt back, his hands flying through a new set of seals before slamming them to the ground. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
In a puff of smoke, Gamaken appeared, his towering frame casting a massive shadow over the clearing. The giant toad gripped his shield and naginata, his large, curious eyes fixed on Naruto.
Naruto didn't falter. Instead, he planted the staff into the ground, the lavender glow spreading outward in ripples. His Tenchigan analyzed Gamaken's every movement, from the way his muscles coiled to the flow of natural energy swirling around him. As the toad charged, Naruto darted forward to meet him, his movements fluid and calculated.
He vaulted over the swing of Gamaken's naginata, the blade slicing through the air beneath him. Landing lightly on the toad's shield, he twisted his body and brought the staff down with a resounding crack. Gamaken stumbled slightly, the force enough to make him adjust his footing, but Naruto had already leapt back, his mind racing through possibilities.
As the spar continued, Naruto found himself reflecting on the man in front of him. Jiraiya had once seemed larger than life to him, a perverted eccentric who always carried an air of untouchable confidence. But now, Naruto saw something deeper.
'He's more than just a teacher,' Naruto thought, deflecting a series of rapid strikes from Jiraiya with precise movements. Each blow carried the weight of decades of experience, honed by battles Naruto could only imagine. 'He's a legend. He's faced enemies that could wipe out entire villages, and he's lived to tell the tale.'
Naruto ducked under a sweeping strike, his Tenchigan catching the faintest shift in Jiraiya's stance that hinted at his next move. He countered with a sharp jab of his staff, forcing Jiraiya to twist and block with a kunai.
'He believed in me when no one else did,' Naruto realized, his gaze flicking to Jiraiya's determined expression. 'Back when the whole village saw me as just the fox's brat, he saw something more. He never said it outright, but I know… I owe him everything.'
Jiraiya's movements quickened, his strikes growing more relentless, but Naruto kept pace, his staff spinning in an elegant blur. He didn't falter, his confidence surging with every successful block and counter.
And yet… Naruto grinned, sidestepping another attack before retaliating with a precise sweep that caught Jiraiya's footing. 'He still treats me like a kid who has something to prove. But I'll show him. I'm not the same brat he took under his wing. I'll make him proud.'
"Focus, Naruto!" Jiraiya's voice broke through his thoughts as he formed a glowing Rasengan in his palm. The spiraling chakra hummed with power as he charged forward. "You're slipping!"
Naruto's Tenchigan flared, the patterns brightening as he analyzed the attack. At the last moment, he sidestepped, spinning his staff to deflect the residual energy. The Rasengan dissipated with a sharp crack, and Naruto seized the opening, closing the distance between them.
He brought the staff down in a heavy arc, aiming for Jiraiya's shoulder. Jiraiya caught the blow with both hands, the force sending shockwaves through the ground. For a moment, they stood locked in place, their gazes meeting, the tension crackling like lightning.
"Not bad," Jiraiya said, his voice strained but filled with pride. "You've come a long way, kid."
Naruto grinned, his lavender eyes blazing. "And I'm just getting started."
With a surge of chakra, Naruto pushed off, breaking the deadlock and spinning his staff in a blur. The momentum forced Jiraiya to skid back, though his expression remained one of approval, his eyes glinting with pride even as he steadied his footing.
The spar continued, each clash faster and more precise than the last, their movements a blur against the vibrant backdrop of Mt. Myōboku. For Naruto, this wasn't just a test of strength—it was a chance to prove himself to the man who had believed in him from the very beginning. Every strike, every dodge carried more than just the weight of training; it held the unspoken bond they shared. The sun dipped lower, streaking the sky with hues of orange and purple, as if reflecting the fiery determination that burned within both teacher and student.
When the match finally reached a standstill, the clearing fell into an uneasy silence, broken only by their labored breaths. Naruto planted his staff into the ground and leaned on it, a small, triumphant grin spreading across his face. "Not bad, Ero-sennin," he teased, his tone light but underpinned with genuine respect. "You're finally starting to make me sweat."
Jiraiya barked a laugh, wiping the sheen of perspiration from his brow. "Getting cocky, huh? Don't let it go to your head, brat. I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve." His stance shifted, the faint hum of Sage Mode chakra radiating off him, readying himself for another round.
But before either could make the first move, the unmistakable pop of a summoning echoed through the clearing, interrupting their rhythm. Both Naruto and Jiraiya turned toward the sound as a small messenger toad appeared, landing with a soft croak. Hot on its heels were Fukasaku and Shima, their grim expressions erasing the lighthearted mood in an instant.
"Jiraiya-boy! Naruto-chan!" Shima's voice rang sharp and urgent, cutting through the clearing like a blade. "This ain't the time for sparrin'. We've got urgent news from Konoha."
Naruto straightened immediately, his playful grin vanishing as his expression grew serious. Jiraiya's gaze darkened, his easy going demeanor replaced with the sharp focus of a seasoned shinobi. The weight in Shima's tone left no doubt—something was very wrong.
The messenger toad, trembling slightly, stepped forward and presented a scroll to Jiraiya. The toad sage quickly unrolled it, his eyes scanning the contents. His expression darkened with each passing second, the jovial energy from moments ago replaced by a grim resolve.
"It's Gaara," he said, folding the scroll tightly in his hand. His voice carried a weight that made Naruto's stomach twist. "The Akatsuki have taken him."
Naruto froze, the words hanging heavy in the air. "Gaara?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. His grip tightened around his staff as a surge of emotions threatened to overwhelm him. Confusion, anger, and worry clashed in his mind. "Why would they…?" He stopped himself, the answer coming to him immediately. "They're after the Tailed Beasts, aren't they?"
Jiraiya nodded. "Tsunade's already dispatched Team Kakashi and Team Guy to assist Suna, but the situation's critical. They'll need reinforcements."
Naruto's Tenchigan flared instinctively, its glow illuminating his determined expression. The thought of Gaara—his friend, someone who understood the weight of being a jinchūriki—falling into the hands of the Akatsuki ignited a fire within him. He couldn't waste another second.
"We need to go now," Naruto said firmly. His gaze flicked to Fukasaku and Shima, his mind racing. "Ma, Pa—can you use the summoning point at the border of Hi no Kuni and Kaze no Kuni? That'll get us close to Suna faster."
The elder toads exchanged a glance, their expressions softening into approval. "Aye, we can do that," Fukasaku said, his tone resolute. "It's a smart idea, Naruto-chan. We'll have ya there in no time."
Jiraiya smiled faintly, a flicker of pride breaking through his grim demeanour. "Good thinking, kid. Let's not waste a moment."
Naruto nodded, determination etched into his face. Without another word, he turned and made his way back to his quarters to pack. His movements were swift and automatic, but his mind was far from calm.
Inside his small room, Naruto grabbed his travel pouch, his hands working methodically as he stuffed it with essentials. Kunai, shuriken, and medical supplies went in first, but his thoughts were far from the task at hand. The image of Gaara—someone who had once been consumed by hatred and loneliness, much like himself—kept flashing in his mind.
He paused, gripping the edge of the table as his breath hitched. Gaara… The thought of him in the hands of the Akatsuki, of them trying to tear Shukaku from his body, sent a chill through Naruto's spine. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. 'Not him. I won't let them take him.'
Gaara wasn't just another friend. He was someone who had walked the same lonely path Naruto had. Someone who understood what it meant to carry a burden that the world feared and despised. And yet, Gaara had risen above it. He'd found his place, his purpose, and become a leader his people could look up to. Something Naruto dreams about everyday.
Naruto tightened the straps on his pouch, slinging it over his shoulder. 'He fought to protect everyone around him. Now it's my turn to protect him.'
His gaze fell on his staff, leaning against the wall. The lavender glow pulsed faintly, as if in rhythm with his own determination. He picked it up, gripping it tightly. "We'll bring you back, Gaara," he murmured under his breath. "I swear it."
Jiraiya's voice called out from outside, breaking his reverie. "Naruto! Let's move!"
With a final glance around the room, Naruto stepped into the open air, his resolve solidifying with each step. The elder toads stood ready, their expressions a mix of seriousness and reassurance. Jiraiya adjusted his pack, his face set with the same determination that now burned in Naruto's chest.
"We're going to save him," Naruto said firmly, his Tenchigan glowing faintly as he looked toward the horizon. The world around him seemed sharper, the invisible threads of heaven and earth pulsing in his vision. He was ready—ready to face the Akatsuki, ready to protect his friend, and ready to prove that the power he had gained was more than just strength. It was a promise.
"Let's go." With that, they stepped forward, the summoning jutsu enveloping them in smoke as they vanished into the next stage of their mission.
As the sealing matrix swirled around them, a vortex of smoke and chakra erupted as the elder toads performed the jutsu. Naruto felt the familiar pull of the summoning technique take hold, his surroundings blurring into nothingness as they were whisked away from Mt. Myōboku. The moment stretched, an eerie silence enveloping him as he focused inward, preparing himself for what was to come.
Naruto's Tenchigan flared as the chakra threads revealed themselves, and he locked onto two powerful signatures heading westward. The oppressive presence was undeniable. 'It's them. And they have Gaara.'
Before Jiraiya could fully process Naruto's sudden clarity, the summoning ended. The world snapped into focus, and the dry desert air hit them, the unyielding brightness of mid-day bathing everything in harsh, vivid tones. The vast expanse of sand stretched endlessly ahead, the faint pull of Gaara's chakra tugging at Naruto's senses.
"We have to hurry," Naruto said, his voice firm but urgent.
Jiraiya placed a steady hand on his shoulder. "We'll get him back, Naruto."
Naruto nodded, though his jaw tightened. He adjusted his grip on the staff, the lavender glow along its surface pulsing faintly. The elder toads hopped closer, their expressions concerned but calm.
Naruto turned to them, his determination softening into genuine gratitude. "Thank you for your help, toad gramps Pa, toad granny Ma. I couldn't have gotten this far without you." His voice carried a rare moment of calm amidst the tension. "But I'll handle the rest from here."
Shima smiled faintly, her sharp eyes glinting. "Don't do anything reckless, Naruto-chan. Ya hear?"
Fukasaku nodded. "Go get him, boy. But remember, you've got more people countin' on ya than just Gaara. Stay sharp."
Naruto bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment before gripping his staff tightly. The lavender glow intensified, rippling outward as he thrust the staff into the ground and launched himself into the air with a powerful burst of chakra. The force kicked up a cloud of sand, and Jiraiya shielded his face, watching Naruto ascend rapidly, his silhouette cutting through the vast sky as he flew westward.
Jiraiya sighed, his expression a mix of frustration and pride. "That brat… can't even wait for a proper strategy." He turned to the elder toads. "This is where we part ways for now. I'll keep you updated on anything we find about Naruto's seal."
Fukasaku gave a solemn nod. "You take care of him, Jiraiya-boy. He's growin' fast, but he's still got a ways to go."
With a final wave to the toads, Jiraiya adjusted his pack and took off, his stride steady as he followed Naruto's trajectory. His gaze lingered on the horizon where Naruto had disappeared, his lips curving into a faint smile. 'He's not just a kid anymore. He's a shinobi. And maybe, just maybe, he'll be the one to change everything.'
The desert stretched before him, vast and unyielding, but Jiraiya's resolve burned brightly. No matter what lay ahead, they would face it together.
And Cut!
That's it for this chapter folks. Hope you liked the surprise
AN:
It is a fun one, allowing me to show what is happening in Konoha and how Naruto is running late. Now how do you think the Artist duo are gonna react to the Blonde persistence that is Naruto?
Not to mention to the few new things that are introduced in this chapter. I know maybe some people may feel it is out of the blue, I'll just say this: Boruto, Jigen can use their respective Otsutsuki's Dojutsu, while maybe not as Naturally as Naruto is doing, there is a strong reason for that. I'll give a cookie if anyone what the staff is about and how it became as it is ;).
Let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!
Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.
link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b
Hope to see you there!
Thank you for reading.
Good Day!
Once again, Merry Christmas!
Black Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.