Author Note: Wishing you all a joyful and adventurous New Year of 2025! May this year be filled with endless opportunities, exciting journeys, and countless moments of laughter and fun. Here's hoping you enjoy good health—mentally, physically, and spiritually—throughout the coming months.
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I've written over a million words, published 23 stories, and I have plans to keep creating more. I also have three drafts in progress and countless ideas floating around in my head, waiting to come to life! The journey of storytelling continues, and I can't wait to share more with all of you.
Thanks again, and here's to a fantastic 2025! Stay safe, stay inspired, and remember this author as we continue to explore new stories together.
With much love and gratitude!
~Phoenix!
This story related:
Dear Saher Mahmoud, in a dark-lighting seeting, Naruto's eye color looks purple. But in a very bright place, it's blue. In a normal place, it's somewhere between them.
Readers, do not forget that these were all flashbacks and I have alreday told you that major things that happened in the canon will happen anyway. A few things have changed Like The Fifth Hokage, the Hyuuga Incident and the Iwa Invasion...
However, this is not canon Naruto. You may think Menma as canon Naruto if you wish.
9 Years Before The Fourth Great Shinobi War
Betrayal
"It took the combined power of five Great Nations working together to take him down. And yet, we never won."
"But he isn't here anymore."
"A good Shinobi never lets others know if he is around or not. And he? He was the best."
"Huh?"
"You'll see,"
The council chamber was unusually quiet today. Naruto sat at the head of the table, his red hair catching the dim light of the room, his bluish-purple eyes scanning the nervous faces of his advisors. The usual chatter and bickering were absent, replaced by uneasy fidgeting and sideways glances. Something was off.
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze narrowing. "Is something wrong?"
"N-nothing, Hokage-sama," one of the councillors stammered, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.
Naruto's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before shifting to the rest. "Fine. Let's move on, then. About the Kurama clan incident." His voice was calm but firm, each word carrying weight. "The fire that consumed them all... It was too quick. Half a minute, and everything was gone. That's no accident. It's a conspiracy."
The councillors visibly flinched, some exchanging nervous glances.
"What?" Naruto asked, his tone sharper now.
"N-nothing!" another councillor blurted out, avoiding his gaze.
Naruto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This isn't going to work if you're all too scared to speak your minds." He straightened, his voice taking on a commanding edge. "I want the lone survivor of the Kurama clan secured. She's to be placed under the care of Kurenai Yuhi. Ensure she's safe and well-counselled. Am I clear?"
"Hai, Hokage-sama!" they chorused, though their voices wavered.
Naruto's eyes narrowed again. "Good. Now, let's discuss what might have caused this fire."
The room fell silent, the councillors exchanging uneasy looks.
"Well?" Naruto prompted, his patience thinning.
"We... We have no idea," one of them finally admitted.
"No idea?" Naruto's voice dropped, cold and sharp as ice. "A clan with such unique abilities wiped out in a blaze that could consume the entire area in seconds, and you have no idea?"
The councillors shuffled uncomfortably in their seats, none daring to meet his gaze.
For the next hour, the room filled with discussions, theories, and conjectures. Some suggested it might have been an internal feud, while others whispered about external enemies. A few even dared to imply that it could have been an accident, though Naruto quickly dismissed that notion.
Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the retired Third Hokage, finally spoke, his aged voice cutting through the chatter. "Hokage-sama, if I may. There is something more pressing at hand."
Naruto turned to him, his sharp eyes softening slightly in respect. "Go on."
"The villages scattered across the Nations are living in fear," Hiruzen began. "After the Third Great Shinobi War, they are terrified that another war may erupt soon."
Naruto frowned, leaning forward. "What? I've never heard anything like that."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "It's true. The smaller villages, lacking the strength to stand on their own, are beginning to align themselves with the larger ones. This has created tension. Iwa and Kumo, in particular, are showing signs of aggression. If left unchecked, they might ignite another war."
Danzo, seated across from Hiruzen, added in his gruff tone, "As Hokage, you must act swiftly. These smaller villages need motivation to ally themselves with us, rather than our enemies."
Naruto's frown deepened. "So, your suggestion?"
"You should personally visit these villages," Danzo said. "Show them the strength and wisdom of Konoha's leadership."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Why me? You're old, no offense. They'd listen to you more than a seventeen-year-old boy."
"A seventeen-year-old boy who leveled 10,000 Iwa shinobi in a single minute," Danzo retorted. "Who defeated the Yonbi. Who almost killed the Kyuubi itself."
Naruto's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening. He hated being reminded of the lives he had taken, the devastation he had caused. But he said nothing, choosing instead to let the moment pass.
"I could send a shadow clone," he finally offered, his tone clipped.
Hiruzen shook his head. "That would be unwise. These villages need to see their Hokage in person, to feel your presence and understand your intentions."
Danzo nodded in agreement. "A clone would undermine the gesture. They might see it as a lack of respect."
Even Koharu Utatane, one of the elder advisors, chimed in. "It's a risk, but one worth taking."
Naruto sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. I'll go on a two-month trip. But only I, and a few of my handpicked men, will accompany me. The village can't be left unguarded."
The councillors exchanged relieved glances, their tension easing slightly.
"Hai!" they chorused, this time with more confidence.
Naruto stood, his haori billowing slightly as he moved. "Good. Then prepare the arrangements. I'll decide on my team soon."
With that, he turned and left the room, his mind already racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
Ô~Ô
As the news of Naruto's impending journey spread, Mami Uchiha wasted no time barging into his office, her presence as loud and chaotic as ever. Naruto was mid-conversation with the King of the Dark Country, an imposing man clad in dark robes, whose crimson eyes gleamed with curiosity and amusement.
"Mami, what are you—" Naruto began, but she cut him off with her usual gusto.
"Naruto-sama, I just heard you're going on a trip!" she exclaimed, her hands on her hips. "Who's going to remind you to take a shower, huh? Or wash your clothes? Or—heaven forbid—buy bread for you? Do you even know how to buy bread?"
The King blinked at her, then turned to Naruto with a bemused smile. "The Hokage has an... interesting entourage."
Naruto's hand met his forehead with a sharp thwack. "Mami, not now."
But Mami wasn't done. She leaned forward, her expression one of exaggerated concern. "And what about your underwear? You always forget to wear them when you're in a hurry!"
Silence.
The King stared, then let out a deep, booming laugh. "Hokage-sama, you truly have a peculiar taste in women!"
Naruto's jaw clenched. "She's not—"
"Oh, I'm not his woman, not yet," Mami interjected, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm his personal assistant. Well, more like his lifesaver. Without me, this guy would forget how to tie his own shoes."
Naruto shot her a glare that could have melted steel. "Mami. Go."
She ignored him entirely, spinning to face the King instead. "You wouldn't believe it, Your Majesty. Last week, I found him trying to eat expired bread because he forgot to buy fresh ones. And don't even get me started on the time he wore mismatched socks to a council meeting—"
"MAMI!" Naruto's voice reverberated through the room, but she didn't flinch.
"What?" she said, her innocent expression as infuriating as ever.
Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose, his patience wearing thinner by the second. "I'm in the middle of an important conversation. Leave. Now."
"But—"
"Mami."
She puffed out her cheeks, crossing her arms in defiance. "Fine! I'll just leave you to fend for yourself, then. Let's see how long you last without clean clothes or edible food!"
The King chuckled again, clearly enjoying the show. "She's spirited. I can see why you keep her around."
"I don't keep her around," Naruto muttered through gritted teeth. "She just... doesn't go away."
Mami's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer. "Say, Naruto-sama, why don't I just come with you on this trip? You'll need someone to keep you in check. Plus, think about it—who else is going to stop you from embarrassing yourself in front of foreign leaders?"
Naruto groaned, rubbing his temples. "Absolutely not."
"Why not?" she demanded, hands on her hips. "You're always saying I should be more responsible. Well, here's my chance to prove it!"
"This isn't a vacation, Mami. It's a diplomatic mission. I don't need you running around causing chaos."
"Chaos? Me?" She gasped, placing a hand dramatically over her chest. "I'm the picture of professionalism!"
The King raised an eyebrow, clearly sceptical.
"Look," Naruto said, his voice dangerously calm. "You're not coming, and that's final."
Mami pouted, her eyes wide and pleading. "But, Naruto-sama... who's going to remind you to wear—"
"ENOUGH!" Naruto slammed his hands on the desk, glaring at her with a mixture of exasperation and defeat. "Fine. You can come. Just... stop talking."
Mami's pout instantly transformed into a radiant grin. "Yay! I'll pack my things right away!"
As she darted out of the room, humming happily to herself, Naruto slumped back in his chair, his energy thoroughly drained.
The King of the Dark Country chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a brave man, Hokage-sama. Facing war, destruction, and that woman? Truly commendable."
Naruto sighed, his voice flat. "Don't remind me."
Ô~Ô
Weeks of relentless travel had worn Naruto down, both physically and mentally. Convincing small villages to ally with Konoha, attending royal and commoner meetings, and even dueling overenthusiastic youths who thought challenging the Hokage was a good idea—it was exhausting.
But the most exhausting part of all?
Mami.
The woman hovered around him constantly, fussing over every detail of his life as though she were his overprotective wife. Whether he liked it or not, she stuck to him like glue.
Naruto's group consisted of three ANBU guards whose faces were perpetually masked, and for some reason, Itachi had chosen not to join this mission. Naruto hadn't questioned why—it was probably for the best. Even without Itachi, the group was well-equipped for any challenge.
The barren lands of Suki stretched endlessly before them, a bleak and unforgiving expanse of dirt and dust. They set up camp under a pale moon, its light reflecting off the shimmering crystals Naruto had instinctively summoned to mark their territory.
As the campfire crackled in the centre, Naruto sat on a log, gnawing on a piece of bread. Mami, as always, was talking. Chatting. Rambling. Whatever it was, she filled the silence with her voice while the three ANBU stood in the shadows, ever-vigilant.
Naruto glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. She was irritating. Unquestionably so. But not... unpleasant. Her energy was oddly comforting, in a way. He hated to admit it, but sometimes her chatter helped keep the ghosts of his memories at bay.
He sighed, forcing himself to focus on the bread in his hand. Over a thousand years of experience, and yet here he was, feeling like an awkward teenager. It wasn't his fault Mami had a certain... radiance.
"Don't look," he told himself silently. "Don't look at her. Why is my face hot? Is it the fire? Yes, it must be the fire."
But then Mami leaned closer, her dark eyes peering into his. He gulped.
"Hey, Naruto-sama," she said suddenly. "Why do you always eat bread? I mean, I've known you for years. When you were a kid, you used to eat ramen all the time. And dumplings. And barbeque. But ever since you became the grumpy Hokage, it's just been bread, bread, bread. What gives?"
Naruto blinked, caught off guard. "I like bread," he said vaguely, hoping that would be enough.
To his relief—and simultaneous irritation—Mami nodded as if that were the most logical answer in the world. "Oh, I see. Bread's simple, right? No fuss, no mess. Makes sense for someone as busy as you."
He hated himself for letting her buy into such a weak excuse. But what else could he say? That bread was the only thing he could stomach anymore because it didn't remind him of everything he'd lost? No, that wasn't something he could share.
The night was serene, the air filled with the gentle crackling of the fire and the occasional rustle of the wind. For a moment, it felt almost peaceful.
Then—
"Watch out!" one of the ANBU, Sparrow, shouted.
Naruto's instincts flared, and in an instant, he slammed his palm to the ground. A crystalline wall erupted before him, shimmering like glass as it deflected an arrow that would have struck his shoulder.
The campfire flickered wildly as everyone scrambled into action.
"We're under ambush," Naruto stated calmly, rising to his feet and pulling Mami behind him. His voice was steady, but his sharp eyes scanned the darkness, searching for their attackers. "Who is foolish and brave enough to attack us out here?"
Silhouettes emerged from the shadows, their shapes barely visible in the faint moonlight.
"Kumo," one ANBU said.
"And Suna," another added.
Naruto's jaw tightened. "Oh, so Suna betrayed us?" His tone was light, almost mocking, but his posture was tense. He stepped forward, shielding Mami with his body as his gaze bore into the attackers.
The shinobi froze under his piercing bluish-purple eyes, their movements stiff and jerky. Some trembled, unable to look away.
"You're unable to move in my presence," Naruto said, his voice tinged with genuine confusion. "So why do you attack? What do you hope to achieve?"
No answer came. But then, Naruto felt it—a dark, malevolent presence lurking just beyond the reach of the campfire's light.
A single Sharingan gleamed in the distance, its eerie glow unmistakable.
Naruto's breath caught for the briefest moment. "Ah," he murmured, recognition dawning on him. "The one who unleashed the Kyuubi eight years ago."
He remembered his father's words, the description of the masked man who had attacked Konoha, nearly destroying it.
"Madara Uchiha," Naruto said quietly, though it wasn't clear if he was speaking to himself or the others.
The man stepped forward, his orange mask catching the moonlight. He moved with an unsettling grace, his Sharingan fixed on Naruto.
"Well," the masked man said, his voice smooth and taunting. "Let's dance, shall we?"
The enemy's attacks were relentless, his chains lashing out with deadly precision. Naruto raised his crystalline barrier to deflect the strikes, shards of gleaming crystal forming into jagged walls and spikes.
"Tch," Naruto grunted, watching yet another of his punches pass straight through the man's body. "Intangible. Must be a Mangekyō Sharingan ability." He narrowed his eyes, studying the masked figure. "But who are you? You're not Madara Uchiha, no matter what you claim."
The man chuckled, his voice carrying a mocking edge. "Does it matter who I am? You're just a child playing at being Hokage. A child who can't even protect those around him."
Chains shot out from the masked man again, striking with serpentine grace. Naruto dodged, his movements fluid and precise, but he couldn't entirely ignore the panicked sobs behind him.
Mami crouched low, tears streaming down her face as she tried to stifle her cries. "Naruto-sama! Please—please don't let them—!"
Naruto glanced back briefly, his gaze softening. "You're fine, Mami," he said firmly. His tone was steady, calm, despite the storm raging around them. "I won't let anyone touch you. Just stay close."
The masked man laughed, the sound cold and cruel. "Reassuring the weak while you're barely holding your own? How noble. How foolish."
Naruto ignored the taunt, his mind racing as he tried to devise a strategy. Every strike he attempted seemed futile, his attacks phasing through the masked man's body like a ghost. And yet, there was a pattern—a momentary solidification when the chains struck. If he could time it just right...
Meanwhile, the three ANBU guards fought valiantly against the Suna and Kumo shinobi. The night was alive with the clash of steel and the shouts of combat. At least thirty enemies surrounded them, their numbers seemingly endless.
Naruto's focus wavered for a split second as a scream tore through the air. He turned just in time to see Sparrow fall, a kunai embedded in his throat. Blood sprayed into the dirt as his body collapsed lifelessly.
"Sparrow!" Naruto shouted, but before he could react, the masked man moved with unnerving speed.
Chains lashed out again, and the other two ANBU fell in quick succession, their bodies crumpling as the chains pierced their chests. The masked man's laughter rang out, dark and mocking.
"Too confident," he sneered, his Sharingan spinning ominously. "For all your power, Hokage, you're still just a foolish boy. Look around you—your protectors are dead, your enemies are closing in. What will you do now?"
The Suna and Kumo shinobi began to laugh, their confidence swelling at the sight of Naruto seemingly overwhelmed.
One of them stepped forward, his blade gleaming under the moonlight. "He isn't even looking up—"
"Die."
The word hung in the air like a death sentence.
And then—
Boom!
Their laughter turned to screams as their bodies exploded in a grotesque spray of blood and flesh. Crystals erupted from the ground, jagged and merciless, impaling the shinobi in a gruesome display of raw power. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood as shards of crystal shimmered crimson in the moonlight.
Naruto stood at the centre of the carnage, his bluish-purple eyes glowing with an otherworldly intensity. His hair caught the faint light, its crimson hue gleaming like molten fire.
The masked man stopped laughing. For a moment, even he seemed taken aback by the sheer devastation.
"Still think I'm just a foolish boy?" Naruto said, his voice low and menacing.
Mami stared in wide-eyed horror, her sobs silenced by the overwhelming display of power. She clutched the ground, trembling but unable to look away.
Naruto glanced back at her, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Stay down, Mami," he said quietly. "It's not over yet."
The masked man recovered quickly, his Sharingan blazing. "Impressive," he admitted. "But you'll have to do better than that to stop me."
Naruto's lips pressed into a thin line, the crystalline ground beneath him shifting as if alive, sharp spikes forming around him like a fortress. "Oh, don't worry," he said. "I'm just getting started."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, his grip tightening on the crystalline katana as the masked man's synthetic hand hit the ground with a sickening squelch. The weapon pulsed with chakra, its intricate seals glowing faintly in the dim light. The masked man stumbled back, his eerie chuckle echoing like a ghostly taunt.
"You are not untouchable," Naruto growled, his voice low and filled with menace.
The masked man, cradling the stump where his hand had been, didn't respond. Instead, he simply leapt away, the intangible shimmer of his technique briefly obscuring his form.
"Who are you?" Naruto demanded, his blade poised for another strike.
The man chuckled again, his voice dripping with amusement. "You'll find out soon enough," he said cryptically, his tone as infuriating as ever.
Just then, Naruto blinked—and froze. A cold sensation washed over him, and he realised, to his horror, that he couldn't move. His body refused to respond, as if invisible strings were holding him in place.
"What the—?" Naruto strained, his eyes darting around for the source of this sudden paralysis.
His gaze fell upon two figures standing a short distance away.
Hiruzen.
The Sandaime Hokage stood tall in his battle armour, his staff resting firmly against the ground. Beside him was Danzo, his presence exuding a quiet menace as he surveyed Naruto with cold, calculating eyes.
"What...?" Naruto's voice faltered. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Hiruzen? Danzo? Why are you here?"
The aged Hokage regarded him with a somber expression, his face lined with both wisdom and weariness.
"Who were you fighting, Naruto?" Hiruzen asked, his sharp eyes scanning the area. From his perspective, there was no one nearby—just an empty expanse of ruined ground.
"What are you talking about? The masked man—he's right there!" Naruto retorted, frustration creeping into his voice. "Never mind that—why are you here?"
Hiruzen sighed heavily, his gaze softening for a brief moment before hardening again. "Naruto, you've given this village far too much... but I must say this now."
Naruto frowned. "Say what? What's going on?"
Hiruzen's voice grew colder. "You are… not worthy."
Naruto blinked, his confusion giving way to anger. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I initially believed in you," Hiruzen continued, his tone detached, almost rehearsed. "I thought you were someone who could protect this village, who could lead it to greatness. But now… I realise that you are too consumed by bloodshed. You've become a threat to the very people you're supposed to protect."
The words struck Naruto like a blow to the chest. "Bloodshed? Threat? I don't understand."
Hiruzen's gaze bore into him. "You put the village at risk. You frighten the people. And… you kill your own."
Naruto's grip on the katana faltered slightly. His voice was barely above a whisper as he asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Hiruzen's expression turned grim. "The Kurama clan," he said, each word heavy with accusation. "They were slaughtered. And it was none other than you who killed them."
Naruto's eyes widened. "What?! Are you insane? That's not true!"
Danzo stepped forward, his voice calm and calculating. "I'm afraid it is true, Naruto. The evidence is undeniable. We discovered crystals all over the Kurama compound. The unique crystalline formations were a direct match to your abilities."
Naruto's mind raced. Memories of the Kurama clan flashed before him—memories of their power, their arrogance, and their tragic end. But the idea that he had been responsible? It was ludicrous.
"That's not logic, Hiruzen!" Naruto snapped, his voice rising. "Why would I kill them? They had no reason to unleash the Kyuubi on my parents! That doesn't even make sense!"
Danzo raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps it wasn't intentional," he said smoothly. "Perhaps it was a loss of control. Or perhaps…" His voice lowered ominously. "...your rage consumed you. You sought revenge without even realising it."
Naruto shook his head vehemently, his heart pounding. "No! That's not true! I would never—"
"Wouldn't you?" Hiruzen interrupted, his voice cold and cutting. "Think, Naruto. How often have you let your anger guide your actions? How often have you chosen violence over restraint?"
"I didn't do it!" Naruto shouted, his voice echoing through the still air. "I couldn't have done it! I—"
But his words faltered as a nagging doubt began to creep into his mind. He had always struggled with control, especially when emotions ran high. Could there have been a moment—a lapse—when he had let his power slip?
Hiruzen stepped closer, his staff tapping against the ground with each deliberate step. "Naruto, we've always known you were powerful. Too powerful. And now…" He paused, his gaze hardening. "...you've become a liability."
Naruto's body trembled, not from fear, but from rage. "You're wrong," he said through gritted teeth. "I've sacrificed everything for this village. I've bled for it. I've lost for it. And this is how you repay me? By accusing me of something I didn't do?"
Hiruzen's silence was deafening.
Danzo's voice cut through the tension. "The village cannot afford to take chances, Naruto. Whether intentional or not, your actions have consequences. And we cannot ignore them."
Naruto's breath came in shallow gasps, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Betrayal. Anger. Despair.
"You…" His voice was low, dangerous. "You think I'm the threat? You think I'm the monster?" He glared at them, his crystalline katana flaring to life once more. "Fine. If that's how it is, then I'll show you just how wrong you are."
Hiruzen's grip on his kunai tightened, and Danzo's lone eye narrowed. The tension in the air was palpable, the inevitable clash drawing closer with each passing second.
Naruto took a step forward, his chakra surging as he prepared to fight. "You want a threat? I'll show you a threat." Naruto moved his hand subtly, chakra surging to dispel the seal that bound him. "Hiruzen," he said, his voice low, "you're under a genjutsu. Let me break it."
Before he could act, a blinding flash illuminated the field.
"Dust Release: Atomic Disintegration!"
Naruto barely had time to react. Instinctively, he raised a massive crystalline shield, its surface glimmering as it absorbed the brunt of the devastating attack. The air vibrated with raw power, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the barren land.
As the dust settled, Naruto's eyes locked onto a familiar figure floating above the battlefield.
"Ohnoki," he muttered, recognising the Third Tsuchikage. But something was off. The old man's expression was vacant, his movements unnaturally stiff.
"Genjutsu," Naruto realised, his mind immediately connecting the dots. The masked man's influence was evident now.
In the distance, he spotted more movement. A group of shinobi, their headbands bearing the symbol of the Mist, advanced toward him with cold precision. Their intentions were clear.
Naruto shifted his stance, placing himself between Mami and the incoming threat. His voice was calm, yet there was an edge to it. "Stay behind me, Mami. Things are about to get worse."
"But, Naruto-sama—"
"Just stay put!" he snapped, his gaze never leaving the approaching enemies.
Mami bit her lip, tears threatening to spill again, but she nodded, clutching the hem of her shirt tightly.
Naruto took a deep breath, his katana shimmering brighter as he channelled more chakra into it. "You want to bring the Hokage down?" he called out to the attackers. "Then come and try."
Hiruzen's grip on his staff tightened, and Danzo's lone eye narrowed. The tension in the air was palpable, the inevitable clash drawing closer with each passing second.
Naruto took a step forward, his chakra surging as he prepared to fight. "You want a threat? I'll show you a threat." Naruto moved his hand subtly, chakra.
Kiri shinobi moved with predatory intent, their blades glinting. Ohnoki hovered above them like a puppet on strings, his body rigid and eyes hollow from the genjutsu binding his will. Naruto's sharp gaze darted across the field, analysing every movement, every threat.
He raised a hand, and with a flicker of chakra, a crystalline spear materialised in the air beside him, hovering and refracting light. "If you want my life," Naruto said, his voice cold and unyielding, "then take it—if you can."
The first wave charged, Mist shinobi weaving through the shadows like ghosts. Their water-based jutsu surged toward him, forming sharp blades and serpentine whips. Naruto stood his ground, raising his katana, which shimmered with seals and power.
"Crystal Release: Shard Wave!"
The ground erupted into a cascade of jagged crystals, racing toward the attackers. The first ranks were impaled instantly, their screams cut short as the shards skewered them like needles through fabric.
Naruto stepped forward, his movements fluid and precise. He slashed horizontally, releasing a crystalline arc that cleaved through three shinobi at once. Their bodies disintegrated mid-air, turning into glittering dust.
Another group surrounded him, aiming to overwhelm him with sheer numbers. A Mist swordsman lunged, his blade inches from Naruto's neck.
"Crystal Release: Reflective Shield."
A wall of pure crystal erupted in front of Naruto, intercepting the strike. The attacker had no time to react as the wall fractured into hundreds of shards that shot forward, embedding themselves in his body.
From above, Ohnoki unleashed another Dust Release attack, the cube of destruction descending rapidly toward Naruto. The young Hokage leapt into the air, his katana raised.
"Crystal Release: Diamond Fortress!"
A massive dome of diamonds materialised, absorbing the Dust Release. The explosion sent shockwaves across the barren land, yet Naruto remained unscathed, floating gracefully to the ground as his crystal dome crumbled into harmless debris.
"You're wasting lives," Naruto said, his tone tinged with frustration. He flicked his wrist, summoning a crystalline bullet, shimmering like a diamond. "Go to sleep, Tsuchikage."
The bullet shot forward, striking Ohnoki with pinpoint accuracy. It didn't harm him but released a concentrated sleep-inducing seal. The old man slumped in midair, slowly descending as if carried by invisible hands.
Naruto turned to the remaining shinobi. Their numbers were thinning, their morale shattered by his overwhelming display. He raised his hand one last time.
"Crystal Release: Blooming Death."
The ground glimmered as massive crystal flowers erupted, their petals razor-sharp and deadly. The remaining shinobi screamed as the blossoms tore through them. Blood stained the once-pristine crystals, and soon, silence reigned.
Naruto stood amidst the carnage, his breath steady. The field was now a graveyard of corpses and crystal sculptures. He turned his attention to Hiruzen, who stood firm despite the carnage.
"Why, Hiruzen?" Naruto asked, his voice edged with sorrow. "Why would you do this?"
Hiruzen's hands formed a series of seals, and his voice carried both authority and regret. "Because I must protect the village from you, Naruto."
He slammed his hands on the ground. "Earth Style: Mud Dragon!"
A massive dragon made of earth surged forward, its maw snapping toward Naruto. Naruto countered instantly, raising a crystalline wall that absorbed the attack.
"You're being used!" Naruto shouted.
Hiruzen ignored him, weaving another set of seals. "Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
Flames roared to life, consuming the space between them. Naruto didn't flinch.
"Crystal Release: Prism Barrier."
A prism-like dome surrounded him, refracting the flames into harmless beams of light.
Danzo joined the fray, his Sharingan gleaming. "Naruto, you've left us no choice. Wind Style: Vacuum Sphere!"
Compressed wind bullets shot toward Naruto, sharp enough to pierce steel.
Naruto sidestepped, the bullets grazing his crystal armour. "You're pathetic, Danzo. Always hiding behind others."
Before Danzo could respond, Naruto summoned a crystalline spear and hurled it. Danzo dodged, but the spear exploded midair, sending razor-sharp fragments in all directions.
"Hiruzen!" Danzo barked.
Hiruzen nodded, summoning Enma, the Monkey King. The great ape appeared, his expression one of confusion.
"Hiruzen, why are we fighting Naruto?" Enma asked, his tone hesitant.
"Because he's betrayed the village," Hiruzen said firmly.
Enma looked at Naruto, his golden eyes questioning. Naruto sighed. "Don't listen to him, Enma. He's under a genjutsu."
But Enma obeyed Hiruzen, transforming into his staff form. Hiruzen gripped the staff and charged, his movements faster than expected for his age.
Naruto parried each strike with his katana, their weapons sparking with each clash. Enma's strength was formidable, but Naruto's crystalline blade held firm.
Danzo attacked from behind, his kunai coated in wind chakra. Naruto spun, blocking the strike with a crystalline shield. "Two against one? I expected more honour from you, Hiruzen."
"You've brought this upon yourself," Hiruzen replied. "Not that numbers ever meant anything to you."
The battle raged for what felt like hours, but lasted less than three minutes. Naruto's precision with Crystal Release kept him miles ahead, deflecting every attack and countering with deadly efficiency. Slowly, the two elders began to tire.
Enma reverted to his original form, panting heavily. "Hiruzen, I can't keep this up."
Hiruzen and Danzo were drenched in sweat, their chakra reserves nearly depleted.
Naruto stood before them, unscathed and unyielding. His katana shimmered as he dismissed it, letting the crystalline fragments dissolve into the air.
"You're spent," Naruto said, his tone cold. "You've proven nothing except your own arrogance."
Before either elder could respond, the masked man emerged from the shadows, his presence unsettling. With a look, both fell on the ground, unconscious.
"Well done," the man said, his voice dripping with mockery. "You've handled yourself admirably, Naruto."
Naruto didn't hesitate. In a flash, he was in front of the masked man, his katana piercing the man's chest.
But instead of blood, the blade sank into a goopy substance. Naruto's eyes widened as the man chuckled.
"Did you think it would be that easy?" the man mocked.
The masked man kicked Naruto, but Naruto barely felt it. Standing tall, he smirked. "Not intangible anymore, huh?"
The man glanced down and saw the glowing seal on his chest. "Ah, clever. A sealing technique. But it only lasts an hour, doesn't it?"
"An hour is too much," Naruto said coldly. "It'll take a micro-second to kill you."
The masked man chuckled, his tone almost amused. "Before you do, don't you want to know who I am?"
Naruto hesitated, his grip tightening on the hilt of his katana. "...Sure."
Slowly, the man removed his mask, revealing a familiar face.
Naruto froze, his blood running cold. His voice trembled. "O-Obito-nii...?"
Naruto tried to dispel any genjutsu, but nothing changed.
The man smiled faintly. "It's me, Naruto. I'm home."
Naruto's breath came in shallow gasps, his body trembling as he stared at Obito, a man he once called brother. The sight of him—alive and standing there, mocking everything he'd sacrificed—was a weight pressing down on his soul, suffocating him.
"But why?" Naruto's voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. "You're alive… Why'd you never return?"
Obito tilted his head, his Sharingan glinting ominously in the dim light. "Because I realised the truth, Naruto. This world is broken—filled with hatred, endless wars, and meaningless suffering. I've found a way to end it all. A dream... peace."
Naruto barely registered the words. They felt hollow, like the distant hum of a storm far away. His mind was drowning in a whirlpool of emotions. His breathing grew heavier, and his vision blurred as memories surged to the forefront of his mind—memories of his parents, of their love, their sacrifices.
Obito had killed them.
The man who stood before him—the one he once admired, trusted—had unleashed the Kyuubi that took their lives. He had destroyed the very foundation of Naruto's existence.
All those years of relentless sacrifice, of pain, of loneliness. And for what?
This was his reward?
Just when he had accepted this life…
Naruto's chest ached, the weight of a thousand years of hardship finally breaking him. His hands fell to his sides, his katana vanishing into nothingness. He stared blankly at Obito, the man he now saw as a monster.
"You killed Mom and Dad…" Naruto's voice cracked, raw with anguish. "All those people… all of them gone because of you."
Obito's expression remained unreadable, but his silence spoke volumes.
"You're a monster," Naruto whispered, his voice trembling. He felt the words cut into his own soul as he spoke the next truth. "And I… I'm a failure."
The crushing realisation hit him like a tidal wave. Every life lost, every friend who had fallen, every mistake—each of them a weight he could no longer bear. He had failed his parents, his village, and most of all, his brother Menma.
"I've had enough…" Naruto's voice was faint, his gaze distant. He tilted his head back, staring at the heavens. "A thousand years of punishment is enough. Take me, God."
Obito's chuckle snapped Naruto back to the present. He took slow, deliberate steps toward him, pulling a chakra-infused kunai from his cloak. His voice was cold, devoid of any warmth.
"For this, dear brother, you must die."
Naruto barely moved. His body felt heavy, as though every ounce of strength had been drained from him. He stared at Obito, his lips trembling.
"Whatever your goal is… please leave Menma out of it." His voice was barely audible, a plea laced with the last remnants of his will.
Obito didn't falter. The kunai gleamed as he raised it, aiming directly for Naruto's chest.
Naruto closed his eyes. The darkness enveloped him like a shroud, comforting in its finality. His thoughts spiralled downward, consumed by guilt and despair.
'Now Menma is completely alone,' Naruto thought, his heart heavy. 'There's no one left to look after him. No one to shield him from the darkness that consumed me. It's all my fault. I was too emotional, too angry, too weak to protect the ones I loved.'
His mind lingered on Menma's hatred. 'Maybe… he'll be happy with me gone. That's a relief, isn't it?'
And now, it was time to pay.
'Mom… Dad… I'm coming,' Naruto thought, his breathing steadying as he accepted his fate. 'Even if I'm unworthy of peace.'
"Naruto-sama!"
The voice pierced through the fog of his thoughts like a lightning strike. His eyes snapped open, his heart racing.
"Mami? No… no…" His voice cracked as he registered her figure rushing toward him, her expression frantic. "Why are you—?"
Before he could finish, Mami collapsed into his arms. Naruto's breath hitched as he saw the kunai embedded in her chest, its blade cruelly lodged near her heart. Her body was limp, her spinal cord visibly damaged.
"Mami…" Naruto's voice trembled, his hands shaking as he tried to steady her. He couldn't comprehend what was happening, couldn't understand why she was here, in his arms, dying.
Her blood stained his hands, warm and sticky, a stark reminder of his failure. Darkness crept into the edges of his vision as the weight of the moment threatened to crush him entirely.
"Why…?" His voice was a whisper, broken and filled with anguish.
Obito stood a few metres away, his expression unreadable.
"Because I… I wanted to help you," Mami whispered, her voice weak but resolute. "You were always so alone… so sad. I couldn't let you die… like Dad…"
Her words were daggers to his heart.
"But…" Naruto clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. "The attack was meant for me… not you." His voice grew desperate, frantic. He needed to reverse the damage, to save her. Return by Dragon, but modified to work for only her wounds.
Without another word, he began weaving hand signs, his chakra flaring wildly. Each sign was precise, his mind solely focused on one goal: to undo the wound, to rewrite this horrible moment.
Naruto's hands were steady as he wove the intricate seals, his heart pounding like a war drum. The pain of Mami's broken body in his arms was unbearable. Every breath she took was shallow, laboured, as though the very act of living was too much for her fragile frame.
"Mami, hold on," Naruto whispered, his voice cracking. "I'll fix this… I'll save you. Just stay with me!"
Tears blurred his vision as he formed the final seal. Why was he crying? His chakra surged, intertwining with the fabric of time and space. But in his desperation, he didn't see Obito approaching, his blade gleaming with malevolent intent.
Mami's breath hitched. Her crimson eyes locked onto the advancing figure, the floral pattern of the Mangekyō Sharingan blossoming in her gaze. It was a sight that filled her with dread and resolve in equal measure.
"N-naruto…" she gasped, her voice hoarse yet filled with urgency.
Naruto's focus was unwavering, his chakra spiralling around them like a protective cocoon. "Crystal Release—" he began, ready to shield them both from the oncoming threat.
But before he could complete his jutsu, the world shifted.
"Kamui!" Obito's voice roared, the power of his Mangekyō distorting the space around him.
Simultaneously, Mami's Sharingan activated fully for the first time. "Time Pod!" she cried, her chakra flaring brilliantly, intertwining with Naruto's and creating a resonance that shook the very ground beneath them.
A blinding flash erupted, the combined powers of their techniques colliding in a maelstrom of energy. Time and space twisted, warping the battlefield into a chaotic void of light and shadow. The force of it was overwhelming, like the roar of a thousand storms compressed into a single moment.
When the light faded, the battlefield was silent.
Obito stood alone amidst the wreckage, the destruction around him a testament to the power unleashed. The air was heavy with the stench of scorched earth and blood, yet there was no sign of Naruto or Mami.
A grim smile spread across Obito's face as he adjusted his mask, his voice a low murmur. "It's done… Naruto Uzumaki is no more."
He turned away from the ruined landscape, his mind already shifting to the next phase of his plan.
Project Tsuki No Me.
Yet, as he walked, a single thought lingered, unspoken yet persistent.
'Was this truly victory?
Ô~Ô
Author Note:
Thanks for reading this chapter.
Exactly a year ago, on this very day, I had published this story. Throughout this year, I have learned a lot. Really. My writing style is vastly different and stable now, unlike before. Although, I am still improving. I also wrote quite a lot of stories from different fandoms and learned a lot. It would be awesome if you checked out some of my other works, I highly recommend:
Thousands Of Spells Away.
Eyes That Hold The Heavens.
An Honored One.
Branching Out.
Shinobi Who Slays.
Re:Zero fics by me.
Thanks for your support and all the motivations you gave me. Thanks a ton for sticking with this chapter! Your reviews and feedback keep me motivated to write with more depth, more detail, and more enthusiasm.
So, from the next chapter onwards, we'll be seeing a different setting. Then, three or four chapters later, we'll be back in the present timeline.
Drop your thoughts in the review section. Your words motivate me to write better, larger and with more depth.
Till next time!