A/N
Hey everyone, looks like last chapter had people wanting more!
I got very sick recently, so updates have been slow. These final chapters have already been written, but I wanted to review them myself before updating. Unfortunately, I can't even sit at my desk right now, so I first tried using my laptop in bed, but it's way too slow.
I need a keyboard writing on a laptop just isn't the same. My muscle memory is too locked into a 60% keyboard, so I keep making mistakes.
Anyway, enough about me I know you're here for the story. Hopefully, I'll recover soon... though it's not looking great so far.
If this chapter feels like it's missing something, I did my best to edit it despite being sick.
Now, let's get into the reviews! I'm actually writing this part on my phone at university, lol.
KaidoFett – Naruto is dead, bro, I'm sorry.
slanumseifds – Yes way...
Jagsboy – Not Caitlyn… her time comes next chapter.
Paradoxity – Hehehe, that was the idea, lmao.
SFIAT – Ayy, thank you, man!
Addllax – Wow, indeed.
Mando-Vet – Thanks, man! I appreciate it from one writer to another.
Ekko Attack – Wow, thanks, man! I tried my best with the monologue, glad to see it paid off.
Animus – Ahh, sorry for the late update.
Jango Tango – Nothing better than reading with a great OST to make it more impactful. I always write with OSTs to set the mood.
Avowed Outlast – Ayyy, thanks! Glad to see this chapter working out well.
Wako Kid – Can I cook again?
Jacob – More like he stabbed himself near his core/heart. Naruto couldn't forgive her so easily.
Ravage88atlas – Yeah, dude! I love how you review—it shows you're really paying attention to the story. Some more bitter sadness coming right up.
killrsloth – Ask and you shall receive… Ekko is on his way!
BallsUchiha – I'm a few days late, but it's here!
Lichi Sechino – Thanks for the kind words! I'd like to say this kind of stuff is where I excel in my stories. It fits with what I study at university, so that's great. Thanks for always reading my stuff!
Mountain Man – Definitely my element... I might even try my hand at a story that fully focuses on that—I actually have one in the works.
Jester6199 – Thank YOU!
Archer headass – You, good sir/madam, are welcome. You've been here since the beginning, so I want to thank you. Let's hope we get more fics in the future since I wanna read one too.
Several D0z3n – Big words... Thank you for them. Now I feel like when she finds Naruto, it won't be good enough, lmao.
FanFictionman43 – Oooh? You might be onto something there.
Arthur – Can I have some popcorn?
That's everything! Once again, thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 27 – Beginning After The End Act 6
The rain poured relentlessly, a soft drumming sound against the rooftops and cascading down the narrow alleys of Zaun. Water was soaking through Jinx's clothes and weighing down her long, unbraided hair. She didn't care. She barely noticed.
She had been searching for hours.
No sign of Naruto.
No one had seen him, no word, no whispers.
Nothing...
A sick feeling coiled in her gut, twisting tighter with every passing second. Something was wrong, very wrong.
Zaun was quieter than usual. The kind of quiet that made her uneasy. Normally, the Undercity never truly slept even at its lowest, even under the rule of Silco or her and Naruto, there was always something happening.
But not tonight.
Tonight, it felt like the city itself was holding its breath.
Her bare feet splashed through a puddle, ice-cold water biting into her skin as she glanced down at the necklace around her neck. It pulsed with unnatural glow, the green crystal faintly flickering like a dying ember.
Her stomach dropped.
It had never done this before.
She curled her fingers around the pendant, gripping it tight. She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt cold a deep, bone-chilling cold that had nothing to do with the rain.
"This isn't funny, Naruto…" she muttered under her breath, her voice hoarse. "Where the hell are you?"
She was running out of places to look.
One last stop.
As Jinx shoved open the doors to the Last Drop.
Dead silence.
The bar was empty.
No music. No fights. No slurred voices of drunks wasting away their last shreds of coin.
Just nothing.
Her stomach twisted.
The Last Drop had become their base of operations after Silco died—her and Naruto's seat of power. Even at its lowest, it always had someone inside.
But not tonight.
The air felt heavy, thick with something she couldn't quite name.
She took slow, cautious steps inside, her bare feet making no sound against the wooden floor. The dim lights flickered slightly, casting long, shadows against the walls.
At the bar, glasses were still left on the counter, untouched.
She glanced over to where his chair usually was, the one he always sat in when he needed a drink after a long day.
Empty...
Her breath quickened. "…Naruto?" she called, her voice barely above a whisper.
No response...
She bit her lip, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "…Sevika?"
Silence...
Jinx swallowed hard, suddenly feeling exposed, alone. This wasn't right.
Something was wrong, her fingers twitched. Her breathing became uneven.
"Too late, Jinx."
Her body stiffened as she turned sharply, her wild pink eyes darting toward the source of the voice—
There, perched casually on the bar counter, legs swinging, was him.
But not him.
Not really.
It was Naruto, the one inside her mind. Blond hair still messy but shorter. No scars. Bright, mischievous blue eyes, the ones she used to know before life hardened him.
He grinned at her.
"You took too long," he said, voice light and playful, but there was something wrong in the way he said it, his eyes seemed to die... the light fading away.
Jinx swallowed as her fingers curled into fists.
"…No," she whispered.
The hallucination of young Naruto swung his legs idly, watching her with something that almost looked like pity.
"You feel it, don't you?" he said, tilting his head. "That tight feeling in your chest? The one telling you you're about to lose something important?"
Jinx took a step back, her pulse roaring in her ears.
"No, shut up."
The hallucination only smiled wider, shaking his head.
"If you don't believe me," he said, nodding toward her chest, "then why's the necklace glowin'?"
Jinx's fingers trembled as she looked down at the pendant in her palm.
The glow was brighter now.
"…No."
Her stomach twisted violently, she turned, shoving the doors open, running.
The rain hit her like a wall, but she didn't care.
Jinx sat on the edge of her bed, knees pulled up to her chest, staring at the softly glowing pendant in her palm. It pulsed like a heartbeat, the rhythm slow but steady, flickering ever so slightly.
Something was wrong.
She knew it.
She felt it.
Naruto was in trouble.
She just didn't know where.
Jinx's grip tightened around the pendant, her nails digging into her palms. She had searched everywhere, the whole damn city, every hideout, every alley, every rooftop. He wasn't in Zaun.
She didn't know what to do.
A sharp knock on the door snapped her out of her spiral. She looked up, reaching for her gun on instinct, when the door pushed open.
Jinx's eyes narrowed instantly, her posture tensing.
"The hell do you want?" she snapped, voice hoarse from the rain and exhaustion.
Ekko stepped inside, hands raised in mock surrender.
"Lookin' for a friend in need."
Jinx scoffed, dropping her gaze. "What friend? We ain't friends."
Ekko exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his head, looking oddly tired.
"Maybe not," he admitted, "but I still consider you one."
Jinx frowned, watching him warily.
Ekko walked further inside, eyes scanning the room. "Where's Naruto?"
Jinx tensed. She didn't answer right away.
Ekko took a seat on a rusted chair, leaning back with a sigh.
"Been through a lot lately," he muttered, mostly to himself. "Had some time to just… watch how things play out."
Jinx tilted her head, skeptical. "The hell's that supposed to mean?"
Ekko stared at the ceiling for a second, thinking.
He thought about her. Not Jinx, but Powder. The one from the other universe. The one that still laughed, still smiled. The one who had Naruto at her side, and an entire family who loved her.
He thought about Naruto, too. The version of him that had everything.
The one that wasn't broken...
Ekko swallowed hard. He wanted that in his world. That friendship. That bond. But this world… this world was different.
It would never be that easy.
"I know we haven't seen eye to eye in a long time," he finally said, sitting forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "But the entire world's at risk right now, Jinx. If we don't do something, anything everyone's gonna die."
Jinx rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Oh no, the world's ending, again. Big shocker, what else is new?"
Ekko studied her for a moment.
Then, quietly, he said.
"Vi will die."
Jinx froze.
"…Naruto will die."
Something in her snapped, her fingers twitched, gripping the pendant tight.
Ekko's eyes flickered around the room.
"Where is he?" he asked again.
Jinx's throat tightened.
She didn't answer right away. Instead, she muttered, "He's been missing."
Ekko's expression darkened.
Jinx looked down, her voice quieter now. "I feel like he's about to do somethin' stupid."
Ekko inhaled sharply. "Shit."
Jinx hesitated. She didn't want to say it—didn't want to admit it—but she had no one else to turn to.
"…I've looked everywhere," she finally whispered. "But nothing."
Ekko clenched his jaw, thinking hard. His mind was racing.
Where would he go?
Then he asked, "What was the last thing he said to you?"
Jinx blinked. Her stomach twisted as the words echoed in her head.
"Don't come looking for me, Jinx. We're done."
She exhaled shakily, barely able to repeat it out loud. "He told me… don't come looking for him."
Ekko processed that fast.
She'd searched everywhere the city, the hideouts, every spot in Zaun.
Everywhere except— His eyes landed on her necklace.
The same one Powder had worn in the other universe.
It was glowing, flickering upward.
Ekko's breath hitched. He pieced it together instantly.
Naruto was at his family home.
Ekko shot up from his seat, reaching for her hand. "Come on, we have to go. Now."
Jinx barely had time to react as Ekko yanked her forward.
In the dungeons beneath the Capitol building served as their war room, a place that once housed criminals and political prisoners now, it housed the last hope of Piltover. Maps were sprawled across the stone table, marked with Xs and arrows in a desperate attempt to form a plan.
Jayce stood at the head of the table, gripping its edges tightly. His face was grim, the weight of their impending battle settling heavily on his shoulders.
Mel watched him carefully. She had never seen him like this before—so utterly determined, so much like a leader.
Vi leaned against the wall, arms crossed, bruises still fresh from her recent battles. Despite her usual cocky demeanor, she looked serious, her mind undoubtedly occupied by everything that had happened with Jinx.
Caitlyn sat nearby, focused on the maps, but it was clear that her mind was elsewhere. She had always been the one to rely on logic, on calculated precision. But right now? She just wanted to make sure Vi made it out of this alive.
Jayce exhaled sharply, slamming his fist on the table to grab their attention.
"We don't have much time," he said, voice sharp. "Ambessa's forces are moving faster than we anticipated. We have to act now."
Vi scoffed. "You don't say?"
Jayce ignored her. He pointed at the map. "The hexgates are everything. If Viktor reaches them, he'll unleash something worse than anything we've ever seen. Zaun, Piltover—none of it will matter. The whole damn world will burn."
Mel nodded, her golden eyes flickering with intensity. "Then we make sure that doesn't happen."
Jayce straightened. "I need everyone to buy me as much time as they can while I shut down the hexgates."
Caitlyn furrowed her brows. "How long will it take?"
Jayce hesitated. "…Longer than we'd like."
Vi rolled her neck, cracking her knuckles. "Then we better make sure you have all the time you need."
Jayce looked at each of them in turn.
"This is it," he said. "We either stop Viktor now… or we lose everything."
No one argued.
Because they all knew, this was their last stand.
Jinx didn't know where Ekko was taking her, but something inside her urged her to follow. The rain hadn't let up, soaking them both as they ran through the streets of Zaun toward the towering structures of Piltover. The moment they crossed the border into the city, she felt her stomach twist.
It had been awhile since she'd willingly come here.
It felt foreign. Cold. Like she didn't belong.
She glanced at Ekko, who was moving with determination, eyes set forward, focused on their destination. She hated this. Hated the uncertainty clawing at her insides.
"Where the hell are we going?" she asked, voice sharp, masking the fear bubbling beneath the surface.
Ekko didn't answer right away, but when he did, his words sent a jolt through her spine.
"Naruto's family home."
Jinx skidded to a stop.
She had never really thought about it much. Where Naruto had come from. Who he had been before he showed up in Zaun, a boy with no memories, no past—just a smile and an unshakable loyalty to her.
Family home?
He had belonged to Piltover once. A real last name, a real history.
She muttered it under her breath. "…Uzumaki."
The name felt foreign on her tongue.
Naruto Uzumaki.
The building Ekko led her to was old, worn down, forgotten. Even Ekko, who had seen his fair share of abandoned places, looked unsettled.
"…This is it?" he muttered.
Jinx stared at it, feeling something in her chest twist. The house looked like it had been left to rot. Weeds crept up the walls, the paint peeled like dried skin, and the once-grand windows were shattered, their glass reflecting nothing but the cold light of the city.
She had imagined Naruto's past a million different ways.
But not like this.
Not a ghost town.
Not some washed up graveyard.
She took a slow, hesitant step forward.
If Naruto was here…
If he came back to this place of all places…
Something was very wrong.
Jinx hesitated for only a second before she pushed forward, stepping past the broken doorway into the darkened ruins of Naruto's past. The air inside was thick with dust and silence, the kind that made every footstep feel too loud.
Ekko followed closely behind her, his expression tense as his eyes darted across the abandoned remnants of what was once a home.
The grand entrance was caved in, furniture rotting where it stood, once-rich carpets now covered in grime and decay. Old painting frames lined the cracked walls, but whatever images they once held had long since faded, their glass shattered and scattered across the floor like lost memories.
Jinx's heart pounded as she stepped further inside.
"Naruto?" she called out, voice trembling slightly, hating the way it echoed through the emptiness.
Nothing...
Ekko moved toward the staircase, his foot tapping a step lightly before shifting his weight. It creaked loudly under his touch. "Be careful. This place might fall apart if we breathe too hard."
Jinx ignored him. She had already started walking, her feet scuffing against the wooden floor, leaving wet footprints in her wake from the rain outside.
The walls felt like they were closing in, the silence pressing down on her chest.
She checked the first room to the right—a study. Bookshelves covered the walls, most of the books ripped apart or covered in dust. Some had been torn from their places and thrown to the floor. A desk sat in the corner, a single chair tipped over beside it.
Empty.
Her stomach twisted, as she tried the next door.
A sitting room, untouched, save for the thick layer of dust.
Still empty.
Ekko had gone ahead, moving deeper into the house, his voice low as he muttered to himself, taking in the space. Jinx ignored him, instead pressing forward, her breathing picking up the further she went.
Then she saw it.
At the end of the hall, an open door.
Jinx's feet skidded across the floor as she ran. Jinx burst into the dining room her breath lodged in her throat, her stomach twisted into a knot so tight it hurt, but none of it compared to what she saw.
The chair was tipped over.
Naruto's body slumped beside it, his head tilted at an unnatural angle.
His eyes… his eyes.
Open, blank, lifeless.
The blood beneath him had spread out in a dark pool, soaking into the old wooden floor, creeping toward her feet.
Jinx couldn't move.
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
She took one step.
Then another.
And suddenly she was kneeling beside him, hands grabbing at his shirt, shaking him violently.
"No. No. No. No. No. No. No."
She lifted him, cradling his head, shaking him more as if he was just asleep, as if he'd just wake up and say something stupid, like he always did.
Her fingers found his face, tapping his cheek, pressing against his lips, feeling for any breath, anything.
But there was nothing.
She shook harder.
Her vision blurred, her head pounded.
"Naruto, wake up!" She pressed her forehead against his, squeezing her eyes shut.
"Please." Her voice broke.
Her hands trembled against him.
She was covered in blood.
His blood...
The same hands that had built bombs, that had taken lives, now stained with the only person that ever mattered.
Jinx let out a shuddering gasp, her body wracking with sobs as she pulled him closer.
"Please, come back." She screamed. Loud enough to shake the walls, loud enough to split the air, loud enough that it felt like the whole world should stop.
But it didn't, it kept going.
Naruto was still dead.
Ekko stumbled into the room, eyes wide, breath ragged as he took in the scene.
"No… way…"
His hands flew to his Z-Drive, as he turned the dial.
A shimmer of blue light swallowed the space...
—Naruto sitting at the table, eyes dim—
—Jinx bursting through the door, screaming—
—Naruto still dead—
Ekko grit his teeth, twisted the dial again.
—Jinx shaking him, screaming—
—Blood everywhere—
—Naruto still dead—
He twisted it again.
And again...
And again...
Each time, the same thing.
Each time, the same scream.
Jinx sobbing, Jinx begging, Jinx breaking.
Ekko dropped to his knees, hands trembling as his Z-Drive sputtered and flickered, unable to go further back, unable to change a damn thing.
It was useless... Ekko thought
He let out a choked breath, his chest caving in, watching Jinx cradle Naruto's body like the world had ended.
Because for her, it had.
Ekko lowered his head.
He couldn't save him.
Naruto Uzumaki was gone...
Jinx's hands trembled as she cradled Naruto's lifeless face, her fingers brushing against his cold, pale skin. His body was heavy in her lap, unmoving, his one arm limp at his side.
Her vision blurred with tears as she clutched onto him tighter.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry." Her voice cracked, the words barely making it past the lump in her throat.
"For everything… for all of it. Just… just please come back." The room was silent except for her choked sobs.
A sound.
Faint, almost unnoticeable at first.
A soft silent hum.
Jinx sniffled, her grip on Naruto tightening as she felt a warmth radiating against her chest. Confused, she looked down and saw it—her necklace.
It was glowing. A pale green light pulsed steadily, like a quiet heartbeat, casting a faint glow against her skin.
Jinx blinked through her tears.
It was reacting to him.
She could feel it, like the crystal was pulling toward Naruto.
Her breath caught in her throat as she fumbled with the clasp, her fingers shaking so badly she could barely undo it. The moment it was free, the crystal lifted from her hands, hovering in the air above Naruto's chest.
Jinx's breath hitched. "What the hell…?"
The glow brightened, a steady hum filling the air. The moment the crystal descended, touching Naruto's wound, a pulse of energy erupted outward, swallowing the entire room in an emerald light.
Jinx flinched, shielding her eyes.
Then, nothing. Just silence.
Her heart dropped.
The glow vanished.
Naruto was still... Still pale... Still lifeless.
Jinx gasped, her entire chest tightening as panic seized her limbs.
"No… no, no, no!" she sobbed, grabbing his arm. "It didn't work!"
She was about to shake him, scream his name, do something—but Ekko grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
"Wait."
Jinx's head snapped up, her red-rimmed eyes burning into his.
"Let go of me!" she snarled. "It didn't work! I need to—"
"Just. Wait." Jinx froze.
Then she felt it.
A shift.
She turned back to Naruto just in time to see his body lift slightly off the floor, his head tilting back as if something unseen was pulling at him. His wound where he had stabbed himself was closing before her eyes.
Jinx's breath caught in her throat.
Strange symbols, glowing with an ethereal light, crawled across his skin like living veins of energy.
Ekko took a step back, eyes wide. "The Uzumaki's…" he whispered.
Jinx barely heard him. Her entire world had narrowed to Naruto.
"What?" she whispered hoarsely.
Ekko swallowed, his expression grim.
"That necklace… it's his family's heirloom."
Jinx shook her head, barely able to process what was happening.
"I've never heard of that before."
Ekko let out a slow breath.
"Because you weren't there…" he hesitated, running a hand over his face. "When I was gone, I heard stories about the Uzumaki's. Their bloodline is… unique. That necklace—it's meant to protect the head of the house when they're on the brink of death."
Jinx felt like the air had been knocked from her lungs.
She turned back to Naruto, watching as the glow slowly faded.
His body fell back to the ground with a soft thud.
The room went silent again. Jinx crawled forward on shaky limbs, her fingers hesitantly brushing against his arm.
His hair was still pale, almost white.
His skin was still cold.
But his core.
Her breath hitched.
It wasn't just blue anymore. It was blue and green, flickering like something fighting to stay alive.
A desperate battle.
Jinx swallowed hard, her entire body trembling as she reached out and pressed her fingers against his cheek.
His skin was still cool.
His breathing—so faint she could barely tell if he was still there at all.
Her voice came out as nothing more than a whisper.
"Naruto?"
Naruto stood before the mirror, his reflection staring back at him with empty eyes.
Or was it really him?
How long had he been here?
There was no way to tell.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he wasn't bound by the weight of his mistakes. There was no pain, no sorrow, no regret clawing at his chest. He should've felt relieved.
He wasn't.
Because he was watching, watching a life he didn't have.
A life that felt like it belonged to someone else yet at the same time, it was his.
Naruto's breath hitched as he saw himself sitting at a dining table in a familiar home, his family home. But something was missing.
His mother and father weren't there. The silence in the room was broken by the soft padding of footsteps.
A woman entered.
Powder.
No—Jinx.
But not the Jinx he knew.
She was older, her hair slightly longer but still wild and untamed. Her face had softened, yet there was a strength in her features that made his chest tighten. She carried herself with an ease, a grace that was so unlike her, yet… so natural.
She was glowing.
She walked up behind his older self and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
Laughter could be heard in the hallway. As Tiny, high-pitched giggles filled the air as two children ran into the room.
Naruto's heart stopped. A boy and a girl, twins.
The boy had blue hair streaked with blonde, wild and spiky like his own. His eyes, Naruto's eyes held a mischievous glint, full of energy and curiosity.
The girl had Jinx's pale skin, but her features were undeniably Uzumaki the sharpness in her jawline, the way her nose scrunched up when she laughed. Her eyes, however, were a vibrant mix of dark blue and light blue, swirling like a storm.
They were his... His children.
Naruto felt his knees buckle, watching as the older version of himself ruffled the boy's hair, laughing.
"Jynxa! Jynzo! What did I tell you about running in the house?"
Jynxa giggled, darting to Powder's side, while Jynzo clambered onto his father's chair, tugging at his sleeve.
Naruto couldn't move, he couldn't breathe.
This wasn't real. It couldn't be real.
And yet. the twins suddenly turned their heads locking eyes with him.
Naruto felt his blood run cold.
Their eyes glowed.
Too bright. Too knowing.
"You don't belong here."
Their voices overlapped, shallow and hollow, yet filled with something ancient something final.
The world around Naruto cracked.
Glass shattered, and everything fell apart.
The warmth of the home vanished.
The smell of breakfast cooking disappeared.
The laughter turned to silence.
And then—
Agony.
Naruto's entire being was ripped apart.
He felt himself falling, his body collapsing in on itself as darkness swallowed him whole.
He gasped, cold air filled his lungs as his body jerked. A searing pain burned through his chest, but it was nothing compared to the warmth pressed against him.
Shaking.
Clutching.
Holding him like he was the most precious thing in the world. His vision was blurry, but he could feel her.
Her arms wrapped around him, her fingers digging into his back like she was afraid he'd slip away again.
Soft, broken sobs wracked through her body.
Naruto blinked, his breath shallow.
His senses slowly returned.
The damp, rotting scent of the house.
The weight of his own body, weak and frail.
The feeling of her tears soaking into his skin.
He could barely move.
But he could hear her.
"P-please…" her voice was shattered, trembling. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… Just please… Please come back…"
His vision cleared, she was crying.
Her long, unkempt hair hung around her face, strands sticking to her tear-streaked cheeks. Her whole body shook as she clung to him, her grip desperate like if she let go, he'd disappear.
Her arms covered in blood.
Naruto swallowed thickly, his throat raw.
His limbs felt like lead, his body sluggish, but he managed to move just enough to lift his only arm. His fingers barely grazed her back, but the moment he touched her—
She gasped.
Jinx pulled away, her pink eyes wide, rimmed red from crying. For a long moment, she just stared.
Like she couldn't believe it. Like she was afraid she was imagining it.
Her lip quivered as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.
She lifted a shaking hand and brushed his hair back, her fingers lingering on his pale skin.
Then, in a voice so quiet so fragile, she whispered, "Naruto?"
Naruto's breath was shaky, his voice barely above a whisper.
"How…?"
His throat burned, his body felt like it had been ripped apart and crudely stitched back together. Every nerve in his body screamed in pain, but the only thing he could focus on was her.
She was still holding onto him like he would disappear if she let go, her arms trembling as fresh tears slipped down her pale cheeks. Her pink eyes raw and swollen held an emotion so deep, so real, that it made something shift inside him.
She sniffled, trying to swallow back her sobs as she lifted the necklace from around her neck.
"It… it was the necklace," she whispered, her fingers brushing against the now dull green crystal. "It saved you… it—it healed you
Naruto's breath caught as he looked at the pendant, the same one he had given her on Christmas Day.
But it had saved him.
Why?
Why was he still here?
He had made his choice. He was ready. He was done.
So why?
His stomach twisted as his mind clawed back to that moment—when he had seen it.
That other life.
Jynxa, Jynzo. His kids.
Powder's smile, older, but still her.
Did it really mean something? Or was it just another cruel trick?
His fingers curled into a fist against the cold floor as his breathing turned heavy. His head pounded, his thoughts a mess.
Then, he saw movement behind Jinx.
His dull blue eyes flickered slightly as he caught sight of Ekko.
Naruto blinked.
Ekko was here?
With Jinx?
His mind struggled to catch up. He hadn't seen Ekko in ages, and suddenly he was standing there, looking… different.
His lips parted, but before he could even get a word out—
"Ekko helped me find you," Jinx said quickly, like she didn't want him to misunderstand. "I—I didn't know where else to look."
Naruto stared at her.
The way she looked at him desperate, like she needed him to understand it did something to him.
His chest ached in a way that had nothing to do with his injury.
He swallowed hard, his voice dry.
Slowly, he nodded.
"…Thanks," he muttered, his eyes flicking to Ekko.
Ekko just crossed his arms, looking uneasy. He wasn't sure what to say, but Naruto could see the relief hidden behind his usual caution.
Naruto exhaled slowly. His whole body felt off. He tried to move, but even the slightest shift sent pain flaring through him.
Jinx was on him in an instant, helping him sit up, her grip firm but gentle.
She was still crying, her face buried against his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, voice breaking. "I'm so sorry for everything…"
Her words trembled against his skin, warm and real.
Naruto's eyes softened as he stared at the ground.
What was he supposed to say?
He thought about why he had done it.
Why he had decided to end it all.
He had every reason to want to die.
He had failed.
His people. His family.
Isha.
So he did it.
And yet—
That vision.
That damn future it showed him.
Why did it have to show him something like that? Something he could never have?
His hand curled weakly around the fabric of his torn shirt.
He had died. He was supposed to be dead.
So why did he come back?
Before Naruto could even process it further, a voice cut through the thick silence.
"You scared the hell out of her, you know."
Naruto's gaze snapped to Ekko, who stood with his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with a strange look in his eyes.
After a few minutes Naruto was back on his feet. As he exhaled slowly, his body still aching, but his mind was reeling far more than his injuries. Jinx was still holding onto him, her fingers gripping the fabric of his torn shirt like she was afraid he'd disappear again.
"I'm sorry," he muttered under his breath, his voice rough, worn.
Jinx shook her head quickly, tightening her hold on him. "No— I'm sorry. For everything. For what I said about Isha… about you. I—" Her breath hitched, and she buried her face into his chest, her voice breaking. "I didn't mean it. I was scared. I just… I just didn't know what to do."
Naruto swallowed hard, his single arm wrapping around her as he held her close, letting her cry against him. For the first time in a long time, she felt warm. For the first time since Isha since everything fell apart Naruto felt something.
But before either of them could say another word, a voice broke through the heavy air.
"I hate to break up the reunion, but we've got business to settle first."
Naruto's head lifted slightly, his eyes landing on Ekko, who stood a few feet away with a serious expression. His usual cocky attitude was absent, replaced by something more… urgent.
Ekko reached into his jacket, pulling out a folded letter. Naruto's name was scrawled across it in neat, precise handwriting.
Naruto blinked, frowning.
Before he could ask, Ekko hesitated.
"Before I give this to you, there's something you both need to hear."
Jinx finally pulled away from Naruto slightly, wiping her face as she sniffled. "What is this?" she asked, eyeing the letter suspiciously.
Ekko's expression turned serious. "Naruto… those dreams you've been having… They're not just dreams."
Naruto stiffened, his hands clenching against the floor.
Ekko sighed, running a hand through his white hair before looking Naruto dead in the eyes. "I've been there."
Naruto's breath hitched.
Jinx frowned, looking between them in confusion. "What? What do you mean?"
Ekko exhaled slowly. "I visited that place. That world. The one you dream about. I was there."
Naruto's heart dropped.
The world in his dreams—the world that haunted him every time he closed his eyes. The life he could never have.
Ekko continued, his voice low but steady. "I met him."
Naruto's stomach twisted. "Met… who?"
Ekko stared at him for a long moment. Then, he said it.
"You."
Jinx inhaled sharply, her hand tightening around Naruto's.
Naruto's throat went dry. His mind raced, trying to make sense of it. The other him. The Naruto Uzumaki that had everything he never did. A family. A peaceful life. A future.
Ekko didn't stop. "Your other self, he's been dreaming too."
Naruto felt like the world was spinning.
"He's been dreaming about your life."
Naruto's blood ran cold.
That meant… the other him had seen everything.
All of it.
Jinx, Silco, Isha.
Ekko clenched his jaw before continuing. "And he wanted me to give you this." He held up the letter again.
Naruto's eyes locked onto it, his chest tight.
Ekko sighed, stepping closer. "But before I do… there's something else. Something more important right now."
His expression darkened, and for the first time, Naruto saw it real fear in Ekko's eyes.
"The world is ending."
Jinx stiffened. Naruto frowned, his fingers twitching slightly.
"Ambessa is coming." Ekko's voice was grim. "She's going to attack Piltover with everything she has."
Naruto's body tensed, but Ekko wasn't finished.
"And Viktor…"
Naruto's breath caught.
Ekko's face hardened. "He's with her."
Jinx's lips parted slightly in shock.
"If Viktor gets to the hexgates… it's over. For all of us." Ekko's gaze flickered between them, his tone sharp, urgent. "This isn't just about Zaun or Piltover anymore. If he succeeds, the whole damn world is done for."
Naruto inhaled deeply, his hand subconsciously clenching into a fist.
"So I'm asking—" Ekko's voice softened slightly. "Please. help us."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Naruto saw it.
Hope.
Ekko still believed.
Despite everything, despite what had happened between them despite the blood, the fights, the war he still believed in them.
Naruto swallowed hard.
Ekko stepped forward, holding out the letter. "I'll wait outside. Read it."
He paused, glancing at Jinx before looking back at Naruto.
"Then decide."
With that, he placed the letter in Naruto's hand, turned, and walked towards the exit, leaving Naruto and Jinx alone in the silent room.
Naruto sat in silence, his single hand clutching the letter as his eyes scanned the words over and over again. His heart pounded in his chest not with pain, not with despair but with something he hadn't felt in what seemed like an eternity.
Yo… Other me? Or should I say Hello, Naruto Uzumaki… I know life's been hard for you, but remember, time doesn't heal anything. It just teaches us how to live with pain. Remember One's reality might be another's illusion... I know what you've been through, so take it from someone who is actually you…
We never give up.
And we never go back on our word… no matter what.
That's our way. The Uzumaki way. So you better live up to it, you hear me?
But for real, though good times will come. Just stay strong. I know it's been rough, but you can't give up. I've seen everything, how hard it's been… and if it means anything to you, the Isha in my world?
I took care of her.
From your memories, I know she's not your Isha, but… it's nice to know that, at least in another life, she got that chance.
I didn't wanna make this a long letter, but I just needed to say…
Take it step by step. Try to make up with Powder. She always brings out the best in us, so keep her close.
So, I'll be seeing you… Naruto.
I better see a nice dream about your life soon.
See ya...
PS – Shimmer has a way of healing the world (Enjoy this formula)
Naruto let out a small, breathless laugh, shaking his head as he ran his fingers through his pale blond hair.
Jinx, who had been watching him intently, tilted her head. "What? What's funny?"
Naruto let out another short chuckle, rubbing his forehead. "I feel like I just got scolded by an older brother."
Jinx blinked before a genuine laugh escaped her lips, one of the first real ones in a long time. "I mean… he is you, so I guess that makes sense."
Naruto exhaled, the weight on his chest loosening just a little. He looked down at Jinx—at the girl who had been with him through it all, through blood, war, and heartbreak.
And then, without another word, he reached out, taking her hand in his. His fingers laced through hers, warm despite everything.
He squeezed it.
"Let's join the fight."
Jinx's pink eyes searched his face, scanning him for any trace of hesitation, any doubt—but there was none. Only conviction.
She smiled, just a little. "Wherever you go… I'm with you always."
Naruto smiled back. And then, together, they stood.
As they stepped outside, the cold night air brushed against their skin, but it no longer felt as harsh as before. The weight that had buried itself into Naruto's chest wasn't as suffocating anymore.
Naruto stretched his newly healed body, rolling his shoulder as the last remnants of pain lingered in his muscles. He exhaled through his nose, glancing down at his hand his only hand. His fingers curled into a fist, and for the first time in a long while, the weight of his own existence didn't feel unbearable. He was alive… even if he hadn't wanted to be.
Jinx stood beside him, her long hair swaying with each restless shift of her body. Her pink eyes darted between his face and the dim glow of his core, now a strange mix of blue and green. He could feel her gaze, but neither of them spoke about it.
Naruto inhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his head before sighing. "Before we go jumping into a damn war, we should head to your place first."
Jinx blinked at him before tilting her head. "Oh? Why? You wanna grab a snack or somethin'? We are about to get our asses kicked, might as well have a last meal."
Naruto smirked faintly, shaking his head. It was good to see her acting like herself again...
"Nah, I was thinking more along the lines of… gearing up."
Jinx's grin widened, with a glint in her eyes. "Ahhh, so you finally realized you need a second arm, huh?"
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up, Jinx. Just lead the way."
She gave a mock salute and started walking. "Alright then, Blondie. Let's get you a damn arm."
Ekko, who had been watching the exchange with his arms crossed, finally spoke up. "I'll meet up with you guys later. Firelights need me."
Naruto turned to him, serious but appreciative. He held out his fist. "Hey, thanks… for everything."
Ekko stared for a second before cracking a small grin. He knocked his knuckles against Naruto's. "Don't mention it, man. Just try not to die."
Jinx snorted. "No promises."
With that, Ekko turned and disappeared into the city's shadows, leaving just them.
Naruto exhaled slowly before following Jinx into the depths of Zaun.
It was time to prepare for war.
Chapter 27 – Beginning After The End Act 6 End
And that's the end for this chapter.
I've been hinting at the necklace for so long, and finally, it played its role.
Some small changes, Jinx didn't cut her hair... she also didn't burn down The Last Drop.
Jinx with long hair just hits different...
We also got to see a nice future for AU Naruto. I wanted to give him the peace and happiness that the Prime world denied him. Did everyone like that?
And, of course… Naruto and Jinx are finally back together.
With this chapter done, that means the next one will be the ending, I might do two parts again due to the length.
Might write an epilogue… maybe? Still debating, but we'll see.
Until next time,
Byebye!