Naruto Retsuden PDF [PDF]

Zitiervorschau

NARUTO RETSUDEN English Translation

Original Novel by Jun Esaka

Translations by https://nite-baron.tumblr.com/ TYSM!!!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: ✦ No copyright infringements intended ✦ This is simply to have it all together in one place - until the translated novel can actually, officially be bought ✦ Which I’m (still) waiting for, just sayin’

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1 This unusual phenomenon started half a year ago. This period was extremely hectic, new regulations going into effect overlapped with a meeting of all five kage. Off and on for a few days now, my state of health had been declining. I felt absentminded and negligent with a slight fever, I thought it was due to my being sleep deprived since I hadn’t been sleeping at all. “Naruto, this is bad. Is it possible for you to put out another shadow clone?” Shikamaru entered the hokage’s office late that night, past 2 am with horribly dark bags under his eyes. ” At the last moment, the intelligence institute’s chakra researched progressed. That in itself is good news by the grace of god, but thanks to the change in figures for the conference, almost everything has to be replaced. We don’t have sufficient hands.” “oh――......” Naruto replied apathetically, raising his face from his computer. The numbers on the spreadsheet software irritate his eyes. He leaned back into the back of his chair, repeatedly blinking his eyes as he formed a seal (hand sign). The usual. 　――In that moment, a severe pain, as if his body was tearing itself in two, penetrated through to the back of his chest. 「Ah-AH......！？」

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「Naruto！？」 　Naruto collapsed forward, hitting his head loudly on his desk while his knees fell to the floor. 　The pain disappeared within a moment as it came in waves, leaving him with just a lingering numbness. “What’s wrong, Naruto? Is it some kind of pain?” 　Shikamaru looks at him, the skin between his eyebrows wrinkling. “no...... just for a moment, must have been something in my chest.” 　Naruto unsteadily stood up. What was that just now? It was a pain he had never experienced. 　Was it because I formed a sign......？ Once more and slowly this time, he tried crossing his fingers into the seal. POOF! A poof was heard, appearing was a clone. “there......you’re out......” “just now, how was that?” “oh, it was like... this...gre-great... intense... pain, it was overwhelming” The clone imitated Naruto while teasing that “it didn’t seem so painful”, all while slapping Naruto’s shoulder. “Do you have high blood pressure? ... All you eat is ramen” “SHUT UP! I’m not that old yet, you know! “............” 　The two of them quarreled, Shikamaru’s facial expression was cold as they motionlessly and fixedly stared at each other. With this current administrative system, Shikamaru knew that the burden of currently being hokage was too great. Amendments were frequently being submitted to the daimyo, but their opposition to anything that greatly changes tradition was strong. 　For more than a long time, Naruto was forced to be

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unreasonable. Despite this, it was painful not to say he needed a rest. For starters, being hokage meant being the top position in a “shinobi village”, which is responsible for the national defense for the Land of Fire. As it should be, but as the era of war grew older over time, the whole country has grown dependent on shinobi, the power of the hokage growing proportionally as well, regardless of their intention. Yet so the shinobi village was the head of the military, so to speak. They were their own administration. As such, the hokage position is extremely delicate, it greatly relies on the discretion of the individual, and there were no substitutes. “If you want more peace of mind, drink this.” Shikamaru handed him over some kanpouyaku (Chinese herbal medicine) the medical team had compounded. He swallowed it, drinking an energy drink as it went down. He had forgotten the pain that ran through his chest for a moment as he got back to his work. 　A month later, the second wave of severe pain came. 　With his son Boruto, they were in the training grounds at dusk. The five kage conference was over, he was watching over his training. Filling in for his master who couldn’t come for a while. “Ha! Hoh! Da! De-Ya!!” Boruto threw shuriken four times in a row, flying cleanly while spinning as each one pierced the east, west, north, and south. 　It was shuriken and kunai training, which Boruto was not good at. “Wo――――aah！　I hit the target――！” “Yeah, it feels good! Then next, practice applying a tighter curve.” “Ehー? there more to this than when I learned the rasengan.” 　Boruto pouted then turned bitterly back at Naruto. “Isn’t this more of Sarada’s thing in our team? It’d probably be better to leave shuriken to her, you know”

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“You too. When you become a shinobi, you won’t always get to team up with your same team.” “I mean- I just don’t know how to get it to curve. Are there any tips or tricks to it? A trick?!” 　Tricks...... Naruto put his hand on his hip while he thought. “Got it! You can curve a rasengan, right?” “A little” “Try and get it to feel like that” “......wh-what?” Boruto’s blue eyes look up to Naruto, beaming with expectations. “So, when you want to bend a rasengan you......” 　Naruto lost his train of thought. It was like moving your hands and feet, an unconscious action. He couldn’t find the words to verbalize the movement that made sense. “...... I’ll just show you; I’ll do one. Look” I can’t say it to you. “Ah- I got it” Boruto said surprisingly, giving a big nod. “I get it... same feeling. So... that feel- “ 　This guy... really is my kid. 　As Naruto grew happier, with all his heart he ruffled Boruto’s blonde hair which was standing on end. “What are you doing- stop it!” 　Boruto moved his body out from Naruto’s hand, shrugging his shoulders. Despite acting like he hated it, his face was happy. “Alright, back to training. Dad’s going to make obstacles with earth style, so this time try to hit the target while avoiding them.” “heh, heh” Boruto turns his back to Naruto, shuriken in hand. 　Naruto clasped his hands together, his usual go to hand seal when building up chakra. 　*heart thump* Suddenly his heart has rapidly beating. The deep pain he

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remembered spread deep into the back of his chest. “――――～～～Hh！！” 　As not to scream out in pain, Naruto clenched his teeth. 　He held his chest, trying deep breaths. Boruto who was turned away from Naruto was unaware of anything happening. “Boruto......this is bad” 　Naruto desperately concentrated his strength to his shaking throat, disguising himself as calm. “Dad, I’ve got kind of...... urgent business” “Oh- ok, see you later” Boruto looks back at the dissatisfied voice. Before he could, Naruto kicked up at the ground. He leaves the place at such a high speed it looked like he just disappeared. 　The training grounds were surrounded by forests meant for practice. Running through the trees, Naruto rushed to Konoha’s old town. His heart beat faster and faster. It wasn’t normal. If he got to the hospital quick enough, Sakura-chan would examine him. *heart thump* 　A tremendous pain spread throughout his whole body, forcing Naruto to dramatically slam on the ground. He tried to pull himself together, digging his nails into the dirt, but he couldn’t find the strength to wake his body up. 「Gu......h！」 It’s useless. There’s no way I’m going to get to the hospital. Crawling, he managed to escape through an aviary in the forest. It was built a long time ago to raise messenger hawks and was active up until the shinobi world wars, but it hasn’t been used for many years now. The walls that had been exposed to rain and winds were close to collapsing. Naruto had leaned against the wire mesh for support when a screw fell loose. The chain-link buckling under him as it sent Naruto tumbling inside the shed.

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“Ha、aah......Guh、shit......” The inside of the shed was terrible. Old feathers stained by rainwater scattered throughout left a strange odor. Naruto crawled his way through on the floor scatter with rotten sawdust and into the corner of the shed as he crouched. It’d be unlikely that any one from the village would see him in such a figure. The miserable figure of the 7th hokage who should be able to protect the village. He was almost certainly anxious. “Guuh、ah、ah、Aah......h！” A wave of severe pain rushes and spreads throughout his whole body. Squeezing in through the pain little by little were never-ending spasms that welled up within his body. Naruto rounded out his back, clenching his teeth. “Ku......u、......hu、huーu......” When did he get covered in mud, he thought. 　He slumped has back against the wall, looking up at the ceiling where boards were missing as he let out a deep breath. In the meantime, the pain went away. His face was a mess of sweat, tears, and saliva. “......training, I couldn’t even make it to the end” He intended to just monologue, but there was a reply back in his head. ――you care about that kind of thing, don’t you... “What is it, Kurama...... did you wake up?” ――If your vessel was yelling like that, you’d wake up too. He could hear Kurama’s voice clearly now, even though he had a habit of waking up moody. ――Surely, I was thinking someone had attacked us... Naruto what

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the hell happened “ok, I get it!” 　Naruto stood up with his hand on the wall after wiping his face with his sleeve. “just, every time I try to form a hand seal, my chest suddenly hurts......” 　――......signing a seal？ “Yeah. It happened as soon as I tried to form a seal, both this time and the last time.” ――Naruto. Kurama’s voice lowered. 　 ―― If you don’t start gathering some reliable friend and start investigation this as soon as possible, you’ll regret it. “investigate?” Yes... Kurama continued, nodding slowly. 　―― When the Sage of Six Paths stayed in the country of Redaku, he had the same symptoms. At the time, it seemed to be cured somehow... Naruto, I don’t know if that’d be the case with you. At the eaves of a Japanese confectionery shop in old town, there was a sign that read “strawberry daifuku now over”. The shop’s manager, Tami, sat at a cool table, the cherry blossom colored haori worn by employees on the shoulder. Large dango made on top stand out well.

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“hokage-sama” When he noticed Naruto, he dutifully stood up and smiled. “Yo, Tami-chan! Leaving early?” “God willing, if it sells well today. Our second shop is about to open.” “Then I’ve come to your rescue. My son complains that I don’t buy it very much.” Letting out a laugh, Tami pointed to the back of the store. “Everyone’s already inside, hokage-sama, you’re the last” “Oh- “ Naruto opened the shop door with ease. The showcase place at the storefront was made of modernstyle glass, but one step in and it’s a traditional wooden house. On a small shelf sat books and a soroban. In the corner of the room sat a small flame meant to smoke out the mosquitos, the slender streams of smoke escaping through the opening in the transom and into the outside air. Naruto took off his shoes and sat up onto the agarikamachi. An ornate hairpin that replaced a bookmark in a notebook held up by other books had been pulled out, one of the decorations that hung below a weeping cherry tree slid into a tiny hold in the wall. Duun...... There was a low vibrating sound then suddenly the clicking of a lock. The wall which should be made of red tawny wood instantly became permeable like some kind of acrylic board. An invention of the intelligence institute, the wall is usually opaque, but when a voltage becomes applied the shape behind is revealed using crystal-like liquid particles. These walls are able to blend in with any kind of material, making it useful for hiding larger objects or room entrances. Naruto pushed on the wall, turning like a revolving door and

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stepped inside. This was a secret room. The shop manager was Tami when Pain attacked konohagakure, when he had failed to escape on time, Sakura was able to help rescue him, and he’s been good to Sakura ever since. Its why Tami’s Japanese Confectionery Shop was provided as a meeting place for Naruto and others. Tami in no way even suspects the 7th hokage to be in such a dire situation like he is now. Naruto is like a celebrity; he assumes they were just looking for a place to meet with friends away from the public eye. Going through the door, he walks up a narrow staircase. At the end of the hallway, he pulled back the thick wooden beam of the paper sliding door, revealing the narrow room that was the attic, causing the glow of the andon lantern to sway. Kakashi, Sasuke, Sakura, and Shikamaru sat seated around the small flame. Naruto shut the sliding door behind him then sat down on the tatami. There was a lacquered round tray with tea and Japanese sweets prepared, curtesy of Tami. “How’s your psychical condition?” Sakura spoke first, her anxiety-filled gaze pointed at him. “hmmー well, no different than usual” “You’re not getting any better. Since you’ve returned from the Land of Stairs how many of these episodes have you had?” “............” “Tell me honestly” Naruto replied reluctantly after noticing how stern Sakura’s voice was. “...... it’s happened twice. One was a huge one and the other was small.” “I see” Sakura’s voice as she listened to him was calming. There was an air of seriousness to her caring atmosphere. There was sever chest pain along with difficulty in

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breathing, it’d been happening the first two times when he attempted to gather his chakra, but the third time came suddenly when he had been doing nothing. Moreover, the frequency at which they occurred was increasing little by little. Their cause is unknown. Sakura examined him, there were no abnormalities in his body. No bacteria or viruses could be detected, there was nothing she could do besides warning him against using his chakra. There was only one clue in the situation, the Sage of Six Paths. Kurama spoke of the Sage of Six Paths once suffering from the exact symptoms as Naruto. ―― Still, it was just a story about the time old man Six Paths had the ten tailed beasts within him. His symptoms developed while he was staying in the countryside of a country named Redaku to the west. What he did was still unknown. “Despite all of this, you’ve told Hinata about all these symptoms, right?” Sakura asked him, Naruto shook his head silently. I don’t want to make my family worry. “I’ll write a report about this progress immediately,” Shikamaru spoke out in a calm tone. “I went through all the archives in the country looking for anything on the country of Redaku... its existence of Redaku itself is treated like a legend in most books, I couldn’t even find a specific description... These are the only files we can rely on.” Shikamaru tossed a bunch of papers onto the tatami. They were copies of the corresponding pages in the book. “Unfortunately, the contents are written in some ancient language, but it seems almost immediately easy to read........ I

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was able to pick up some proper nouns, and there seems to be a confirmed description of the approximate time the Sage of Six Paths was in the country of Redaku. Nevertheless, from here on out, it’s no longer amateur friendly. I’ve just now requested for the intelligence institute to decipher it......but there’s no way it’d be done anytime soon.” Ken-gakuin, the intelligence institute, is the name of the international organization created in agreement with the five great nations after the shinobi wars. Unlike the village’s scientific team, it doesn’t belong to any specific nation, instead working to promote science, culture and education. The current headquarters was located within the Land of Stairs. “We’re screwed” Kakashi spoke in a soft tone, then continued to pour tea into his cup without a care. “At the same time, we can’t just yield either. I sent a hawk to the king of Redaku and asked for any information regarding the time the Sage of Six Paths stayed there but I didn’t get an answer.” The country of Redaku had been separated by the outside world by four thousand meters of mountain ranges, a nationally isolated country with a completely different sphere of influence and culture from that of the five great nations, especially the Land of Fire. In recent years, Kakashi as the sixth hokage exchanged a few letters with the king of Redaku, the first official exchange since the dawn of history. Within the letters were only a simple exchange of information about their own countries, more modest correspondences between leaders rather than a diplomatic relationship. There were already next to nothing clues as it was. “Just as I thought, we have no choice but to go to the actual place.”Sasuke said, his tone mundane. Just out of his line of sight, the luminance of the andon

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lantern shines onto the whole room, swaying as the flame flickers. I’ll go on my own ―― Naruto somehow swallowed those words that almost left his mouth. I don’t even know how many days it’ll take to get to Redaku. If it weren’t for the public service position of hokage, he’d be gone for a while, but it was Kakashi who raised his bid saying, “I’ll go”. “Out of all of you, I’m the only one who has any kind of relationship with Redaku’s king. I always thought I’d go see the king face-to-face one day when I retired... and I’m free now.” “To the west of the five great nations from here to the capital, if you went by Kaminari train... could we hurry up and make it in about two weeks? Sakura asked, Sasuke shook his head no. “You’d need to acclimate your body to the high altitudes oxygen level. It’d take twenty days.” “I see, so regardless, it’d be better to leave as soon as possible.” “......Kakashi-sensei, you really don’t have to do that.” Uninterested in the conversation, Naruto threw a wet blanket over their plan. Shikamaru turned to him, his gaze looked almost as if he were amazed. “Nah, I don’t know. This could be trouble.” “Nevertheless... this is my personal affair. Kakashi-sensei... and Sasuke, Sakura-chan, and Shikamaru are all Konoha’s most valuable people. I can’t just ask this of you like this.” “Is this a hokage’s order? Naruto?” Sasuke’s tone was evidently angry as he pressed his question to Naruto. “If a shinobi doesn’t abide by the rules, are they unfit for their position?”

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Naruto went silent. Kakashi immediately broke the tension. “In that logic, you’re all unfit as shinobi. Naruto, you’re going to inevitably get involved. Yes, it’s bad to fail to meet expectations, but you can’t afford to lose composure over it when you are a public face.” Naruto slowly lifted his head up, looking at each of his friends faces. They may not show it on their faces but being their friends for such a long time he could tell how worried they were. Kurama told me to gather a few friends to help investigate the disease, these four are the first ones I called out to. Even so, I really didn’t want anyone to know. I don’t want to needlessly worry about myself. “Yeah, I understand your feelings.” Sitting cross-legged placing his body weight on his right knee, Kakashi continued. “No matter what you say, I’m going to Redaku. Though, if I can go- if possible, I’d like it by form of commission from the hokage rather than privately to save any trouble. I’ll adjust expenses accordingly.” Expenses probably wasn’t his reason. Naruto stared at the tatami. If the media found out about Kakashi’s Redaku visit later, they’d bash him with “hokage silently operating shinobi of the village”. However, if they kept a record of it being a public mission, at least you can no longer be blamed for a private dispatch. “Naruto” Shikamaru called out, Naruto raised his head silently. “If I may have a word as the hokage’s close aid, right now we should be looking for the cause, even if we have don’t have personnel to spare. If something should happen to you, it’d be a huge lose on the village. To be frank, it’d affect the entirety of the five great nation’s power balance.” “This current situation is our responsibility to bear as

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well,” Kakashi continued after Shikamaru. “For a long time, I relied on you too much. Whether it was the Fourth Shinobi World War or the subsequent reconstruction afterwards. One of the main reasons we have peace today is the fact that the daimyo of other countries take one glance at the Land of Fire’s strength and can’t even stand up to it... but as a result, I just ended up putting these heavy things on your shoulders.” “such a thing.......” We were all together. Naruto looked around at his comrades. Shikamaru, who supports the hokage from the front and back as chief of staff. Sasuke, who protects Konoha from the shadows with missions in undeveloped land. Sakura, who was dedicated to the development of medical care. Kakashi, who build the foundation for the current Konoha as the sixth hokage. We each have different roles but bear the same amount of responsibility. “I’ll go, too” Sasuke suddenly declared. “Redaku is a city state. Information isn’t always concentrated in the capital. It’s better to have more of us on the ground.” “No, Sasuke” Naruto replied instantly. “I can’t use you as back up just because I’m sick. Absolutely no.” Besides we already had Kakashi’s talent. On top of that, Sasuke can’t get involved with Naruto’s personal affairs. “Sasuke. You have another mission for the village. This is.... this is my command as the hokage.” “I don’t have to follow it. Officially, I’m not a shinobi. I usually cooperate with you because I want to.”

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“you’re full of shit, teme-!” A vein sat out above Naruto’s eyebrow. “The future of the village or my life, which is more important?!” “Your life. Otherwise the future of the village cannot be protected. Whatever you say, I am going to do what I think is best.” “Who wants tea?” Sakura asked while lifting the teapot, cutting off their argument. “Me”, Shikamaru holds out his cup. “Give me some, too”, Kakashi followed. Pale green tea gently pours from the spout and into the cup, whirling inside as it filled. “............” Naruto glared at Sasuke, his eyes narrowed like a fox. Sasuke stared strongly right back at Naruto too, he was not about to lose. “...... Well, I’ll go to Redaku first, just to explore and get a feel for the country.” Kakashi said slowly, wrapping both his hands around his steaming teacup. “If you need help, I’ll send a hawk, so Sasuke can get there quickly.” “okay” Sakura nodded while picking up a strawberry daifuku. “Sasuke-kun, it’s been a while since you’ve watched over Boruto and the others’ training.” Naruto and Sasuke say nothing. The light from the lantern between them all shakes as they glare at each other. “What a drag” Shikamaru sighs under his breath.

The next morning, Kakashi set off to Redaku with a stamp of

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approval of the seventh hokage, his mission recorded in the appointment book dedicated to foreign missions. Naruto was too busy to drag out his guilt he felt for dispatching Kakashi and the impatience he felt towards his unknown disease with no prognosis. Between attending various meetings at all different locations, his presence couldn’t take a break. He received audit reports and financial statements, the stack of papers looking like a mountain. Then in the afternoon, attended a meeting on how to deal with the correspondence of an international organization whose behavior and conduct had been highly suspicious. An urgent response was needed, and they should move without leaving a trace, but other than that, their meeting had been all right. When they finally concluded with, “continue vigilance as before”, evening had already fallen. After checking to see how many more documents he needed before his work could be finished, he finally settled into his seat. Eating a nutritional jelly that came in a tube instead of dinner, then making a proposal for the new curriculum at the academy. Shikamaru walked in. “Still not back yet?” With his laptop open in one arm, Shikamaru continued to ask, “Did you have any episodes today?” “Only one” Actually, only one in broad daylight. Fortunately, when he was alone in the hokage’s office, the symptoms weren’t so bad, so they subsided after hunching over and locking the door. “I see”, Shikamaru nodded, closing the door behind them. “Be happy, Naruto. I got a call from the intelligence institute. They’re progressing with the deciphering.” “Really?!”

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Naruto jumped up, kicking his chair. “Shizune-san joining the decoding team was a huge help. They’re advancing at an astonishing four lines in a day” “Oh!......” Four lines? Just four lines? “I’m not really disappointed. There was a lot of information in just these four lines. The Sage of Six Paths who had visited Redaku, stayed at the Janmaru-Tataru Astronomical Institute, his illness seems to have been cured during his stay here.” “OOH! And then?” “and, and then...... that’s it.” “come on......” Naruto slumped his shoulders, returning to his chair. A moment passed, Naruto’s face lit up with a smirk as he noticed, “but we made a little progress!” “Yeah. It’s a step forward. It may feel insignificant, but I’m pleased.” Saying that, Shikamaru pulled a trash bin next to him and sat atop it with his feet relaxed apart. “Send a hawk to Kakashi-sensei and let him know he should get to the capital as planned... and then that the criminal from last years’ assassination attempt in the Land of Stairs committed suicide.” Naruto’s face distorted at the word “suicide”. “In the end, I didn’t want him to hear about it through gossip.” Shikamaru continued with his hard expression unchanged, opening his laptop to display an email. “The Land of Stairs research team has sent a question to the seventh hokage. –What are your thoughts about it?” “Ehh... I guess, If I have to.” “right.”

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As the hokage, Naruto’s position has a lot of influence in many ways. Inevitably, that buys you a lot of resentment. As the era of peace continues, the memories of the Shinobi war disappeared among the people, even Konoha’s own villagers who behind the scenes slammed him with, “A hero of war is still a murderer”. “That meeting’s timing probably won’t be expressly aimed at the Stairs’” Shikamaru said with an angry look. “Right now, it’s in regard to the cost of gas over there and electricity.” “What’s wrong with the Floor’s gas?” “The Land of Fire invested in the research institute to develop new forms of energy, but the Stairs don’t really like those guys. If the demand for the Stairs’ gas drops, we won’t be able to sustain ourselves.” Naruto’s face frowned. Certainly, the Land of Stairs has been repeatedly petitioning with heavy pressure calling for the abrupt cancellation of development towards new energy sources. Their reason was that it’d “break the current economic balance”, but in a “change in the market” to start with is is only natural. Naruto didn’t want to hurt the Land of Stairs’ economy. However, the Land of Fire couldn’t keep relying on other countries for their supply of energy. “The Secretary General of the intelligence institute is very suspicious. There’s reasonable doubt that he was the main culprit of the assassination.” Shikamaru launched a web browser to open up the institute’s official site. The secretary’s portrait is posted on the organization’s page. A nervous man with glasses. “Samuhen Furie. Secretary General of the intelligence

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institute, a scientist specializing in energy physics. Born in the Land of Stairs, studied in the Land of Fire as an honor student during the time of the sixth hokage.” “It’s because Kakashi-sensei gave him a grant so he came to the Land of Fire for studies, why should we scold him?” “There is a possibility that his love for his homeland is stronger than his favor for here.” Shikamaru spoke while hitting a key on his laptop. The display on screen switches to a list of shinobi belonging to Konoha’s village. “I don’t know whether or not if Furie was jealous, but at any rate there was still a planned assassination. It’d be better to send a team of surveyors to the Land of Stairs. We can’t get genin to it with this level of difficulty, so we can form a team with Konohamaru, Mirai, and- “ “No, let Sasuke go”, Naruto said flat out. “Would that be fine?” “Yeah. As long as he’s within our boundaries, I can move him as we see fit....... but we won’t have a substitute for him, as long as he assumes the mission for the village, when-” “I hope that you’ll make the best decision. That mission, will you inform him?” “No, Shikamaru... you tell him for me. As usual.” Knock! Knock! Someone knocked on the door as they deliberately broke their conversation. Without further waiting on a reply, Moegi appeared, calling out to Shikamaru. Kengakuin, the intelligence institute had apparently contacted him again. “Naruto, I understand your intention. I’ll notify Sasuke for you.” Speaking that, Shikamaru left the hokage’s office. Eventually that day, Naruto left the hokage’s office after

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dates had changed. “aah...... it’s been.......” The night breeze felt surprising good as it touched his skin, he was absolutely exhausted. His field of vision sank into darkness as he stared at his PC monitor, he needed a break to heal his tired eyes. He dragged his feet along as he walked through old town, suddenly looking up at the seven faces that lines the night sky across from the electric lines. The stone hokage. It had been a long time since he had taken a look at them, he went to go get a change of scenery. Since he couldn’t use his own chakra, he went up onto the rocks, climbing and sitting down on the stone image of his father’s head and overlooked the own town. It was a modest view at night, there were sparse lights scattered throughout from the inside of people’s houses. This little view was Naruto’s pride and joy. Thinking about how there were people under each of the softly glowing lights, eating their meals, taking baths, and so on, made him happy. The village was at peace. No one was afraid that tomorrow another country could attack and kill them, that they’d be threatened by foot shortages, or that their father who went out on duty wouldn’t come home. Kakashi-sensei now laughs and tells old stories of Obito and Minato’s team, Sasuke takes Sakura and Sarada to visit his clan’s gravesite. Even with these sad memories, little by little, everyone is moving forward. I wish I could show this world to my father and mother. To pervy-sage, to Pain, to Neji. Even Zabuza and Haku.

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Konoha’s village has become so peaceful. I really wish they were all still here in this world. I wonder, how much better would life be if we were all able to live and laugh together. I wish everyone could still be alive. There are so many people who easily suffer and die in this world. All Naruto could do was bring peace to the village. So, he aimed at becoming the hokage. Those who become hokage are acknowledged by everyone. Naruto has always worked for the good of everyone else. No matter what. Getting someone to do things for you, he thought that was a weakness. He’d be anyone’s shield, as long as they had his back. “............” Naruto stood up and looked down at the fourth hokage’s nose bridge, slightly higher than his own. Before he realized it, he had become older than Minato by the time of his passing. Naruto’s ninja way had never changed, even after reaching his dream of becoming hokage. He’d never go back on his word. He’d continue to fulfill his dream of protecting the village as the hokage. For that purpose, ......he needed to stay strong. “something bad happened” He was muttering, there was no emotion in his voice. He clenched his fist to push down his anxieties ―― but at the same time, he fell to his knees. Pain coursed through the back of his chest like the zapping of an electric current. His heart begins to beat fast and pain sparks behind his temples. “――......uuh......uah、aa......haa......h”

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Severe pain runs throughout his whole body. He can’t breathe as his consciousness becomes cloudy. His usual symptoms. Except this time, they’re deeper. “w-what’s......hh、different......this time......?” His limbs tremble as his back squeezes and convulses nonstop. It felt like all the moisture from his throat had been sucked dry. Every time he is about to lose consciousness, his pain pulls him right back. Calm down. This is no different than usual. Just endure this until there’s a cure. As he warned himself, a pain struck his body from behind like an arrowhead. “aa......h!?” Naruto tried to scream, but as his mouth opened there was no sound. His heart rampaged on, his heart was hot enough to burn a hole through his body. “ hh, guh, ah, aah!” His vision was painted red from the intense heat and pain. His chest twisted; his body so hot it felt like he was going to burst from the inside out!! “uaah、hh、Aa―――......hh！” His consciousness jumped from his brain as he lost his breath. He fell from the stone face of the fourth hokage. Someone caught his arm as Naruto’s body fell from convulsing. BAM! From the feeling of landing on the ground that blew to his back, Naruto’s consciousness returned.

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Through his white cloudy vision, he could see an ankle that was covered in a familiar tabi. “......Sasuke......” As Naruto was held to the ground, Sasuke proceeded to work chakra up into his palm. Using water style, his chakra produced water that he spilt over Naruto’s face. The sudden surge of water chilled the inside of Naruto’s head which was on the brink of overheating. Sasuke tried to leave in silence. As Naruto wakes up, he notices his footsteps as they walked back towards his home. “Hold on, Sasuke” He desperately tried to focus despite his hazy vision. Sasuke wore a long black cloak with a collar that he always wore on duty as he walked away. There was bump that stuck out from where his sword sat by his back under his cloak. “Teme-...... Is that what I think it is? Where are you going?” Sasuke stopped as he looked back. “What does it look like, I’m leaving Konoha.” “To the Astronomical Research Institute?” “Ah”, Sasuke nodded. The blood in his head went cold again. “You fucker, teme-...... Shikamaru should’ve informed you. Your next mission was to investigate the assassin behind the Land of Stairs incident. Stop acting out on your own!” “Don’t you get it?” Sasuke asks Naruto, even his strong gaze feels angry. “If you’re not hokage, there’s no point... I won’t do anything else until we cure your illness.” “Even so...... I can’t permit that, Sasuke.” Naruto desperately tried to stand up, putting all his strength into his knees did not stop them from trembling.

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Once Sasuke has decided something, he rarely bends from that goal. You couldn’t stop him with all your might. He gathered some chakra within his left palm. Instantaneously, piercing pain struck his back through his spine, his body seemed to jump up in response. ――Quit it、Naruto！ Kurama’s voice. Shut up, Naruto replied in his head as he continued to knead chakra. The chakra takes on the form of wind and starts its turbulent rotation. Sasuke focused his chakra into the palm of his right hand in response. Visible bolts of lightning branch out, noisily chirping and squeaking over and over. Naruto ran with his rasengan, the pain running throughout shattered his body. Sasuke greeted it with his chidori in his right hand. ZU-—KIIN! Excruciating pain swallowed Naruto’s body whole. Ignoring Naruto’s command, his own reflexes stop releasing its chakra. As his rasengan disappeared in an instant, Naruto collapsed forward. Sasuke’s chidori jumping into Naruto’s chest The pale blue blitz of lightning pierced right through Naruto’s chest. “......aGUh!......” Naruto tried to fall to his knees and hold a hand to the wound on his abdomen, but there was nothing there.

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Sasuke stood back and overlooked what happened with calmness. ...... was this genjutsu? He fell aimlessly to his side. It was a forced recoil of chakra, his body had absolutely no more strength left. Still, he struggled to raise his body from the soil below, pushing his arm out to raise up his upper body, but he was so exhausted all he could do was fall down on the spot. “Take it easy......” Naruto’s voice squeezed out while writhing on the soil. “You’re my rival” “It’s because we are rivals” With his short answer, Sasuke turned his back to Naruto, the hem of his long cloak flying out. “Naruto. Until I come back, don’t die.” “You’re not going anywhere” Sasuke’s footsteps move farther away. He was off to the Astronomy Research Institute. Don’t go. Don’t go. Don’t go. Naruto murmured again and again, looking up at the cloudy night sky. His voice gradually stops, only a scratchy whistle sound could be heard from his throat. He couldn’t stop Sasuke from leaving, being this weak was absolutely unbearable. Although it should’ve been the hokage protecting the village, but it continues to be protected by those who reside in the village. ―― “Naruto” a familiar voice rang out, Naruto’s loose eyelids opened. Crystal green eyes look down at him. “Honestly, you’re as stupid as ever”

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“......me? Sasuke?” “I’ve decided it’s the both of you” Sakura crouched down as she gently raised Naruto’s upper body, contrary to her serious tone. Touching his cheek as she poured chakra into the scratches he got when he fell from the rock. Since the symptoms started, Naruto’s body’s natural healing abilities have decreased dramatically. Before, the wounds would have healed on their own. “...... Sasuke’s already gone” Naruto muttered, “I know”, Sakura nodded. “If you knew, then why didn’t you stop hi-“ “I’ve stopped, but you know that Sasuke won’t stop once he’s decided something. If he’s decided to help you, he’s going to do everything he can.” Sakura removed the hairband that held onto the borders of her hairline and hid her one hundred healings seal, then put it back on to push back her bangs. “I’ll follow up with Sasuke-kun soon. He probably used Susanoo, so I won’t be able to catch up right away. “But Sarada-“ “I’ll get someone I trust to look after her. I know Shizunesan is currently out on the intelligence institute’s decryption team, I’ll get someone Sasuke-kun trusts.” Can you stand up? Sakura asked as she put Naruto’s arm over her shoulder. Lending her shoulder and taking one step at a time towards the old town. “you know what” Walking to match Naruto’s pace, Sakura’s voice cut out in a casual tone. “The other day, when you came by the hospital to do a detailed examination. Just now I came up with a result. Your body’s completely healthy except for one abnormality......

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your chakra system seems to be shutting down.” “Chakra system?” Yes, Sakura nodded before continuing. “If I pour my chakra into you, your wounds heal properly, and it doesn’t hurt you. Which means your body isn’t rejecting the chakra itself. Maybe the problem in the chakra system. If the Sage of Six Paths had the same symptoms, I wonder is the chakra system malfunctions due to the tailed beasts sealed in your body.” “I see, but this is still just a hypothesis,” Naruto looked down. “If my chakra system shuts down...... what will happen to me?” “If the anomaly is your chakra tubes closing off, then you won’t die. You just won’t be able to use chakra for the rest of your life.” “Just......” Naruto’s complexion grew white as the blood drained from his face. Naruto’s fighting style relied heavily on the amount of chakra he inherited from the nine tails. Any situation where his chakra could no longer work, was frankly lethal “this is a serious matter” Naruto murmured as Sakura nodded, letting out a deep breath. “Though, at least I’m relieved. There’s no war going on right now, it’s ok if the hokage can’t use his chakra.” Surely, this may be so. However, for Naruto, who has been aiming to be hokage since his childhood, he was always naturally remaining strong in times like this. Even after becoming the seventh hokage, that didn’t change.

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“............” Naruto couldn’t say anything anymore, he silently dragged his left leg along as it convulsed.

He couldn’t go home in dirty clothes so that night, Naruto spent the night asleep in an empty room next to the Hokage’s office. He put his dirty clothes into the laundry, wrapping them in with thin bedding thinking that’d keep them together in the wash all night. If you can’t use your chakra for the rest of my life, should I quit being hokage? Or is it peaceful enough that the country won’t become defiant and stay powerful. “... both of those options seem awful...” There are still so many more things I want to do as the hokage. I’m absolutely not going to half-heartedly throw this all onto someone else at such a bad time. Eventually, after a long sleep, the night turned into dawn, and he went to the hokage’s office early in the morning to get rid of his laundry then finally headed home after noon. As he opened the front door, unfamiliar sandals were lined up neatly on the concrete. Hinata’s? Well, they’re a little too big, I guess......

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*** Himawari, who had heard the noise, jumped from out the living room while he sat down on the doormat to take off his shoes. “Papaー! Welcome home!” “Oh, Himawari. I’m home” “oh- uh, we have guests over. I drew you this!” Himawari held out a drawing on a paper in her hands with a big smile. It was a crude drawing of Himawari and Hinata’s portraits drawn in shades of soft pastel. It is so insanely good that Naruto, who has zero artistic taste could understand. This was the art style of a visitor... but who? Naruto turned to the living room door to the back of the hallway. Sai and Inojin’s faces come to mind but the sandals on the concrete belonged to a woman. “Hurry up and go to the living room! The guest is waiting for you, daddy!” “ah...” As his arm was pulled into the living room, his eyes were pulled to a point. “Oh my, you’re much slower than I thought” Sitting at the dining room table sipping tea, his hair was glossy black and fell right at the waist. The ever-elusive snake demon. ――Orochimaru.

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2 “Welcome back. You seem busy as usual.” Orochimaru spoke, his voice just as hoarse as it was in the past, sipping tea from his cup without a sound. “huh............?” Naruto rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was seeing a hallucination. However, this sight before him was unquestionably reality. Orochimaru sat drinking tea. In the Uzumaki family living room. “Naruto-kun, welcome back” Hinata said to Naruto with a smile, standing in the dining room. “Orochimaru-san brought strawberry zenzai, they’re so delicious. Did you want one?” “Hi- Hinata... Orochimaru is in our living room...” “Yes, he just dropped by.” Hinata was calm in contrast to Naruto’s panic. “I was surprised, too, but he saved me from playing too much with Himawari. Naruto-kun, I have lot of errands to run.” ......errands? Orochimaru is here for me? We have that kind of a relationship? Despite Naruto’s confusion, Hinata set some tea and strawberry zenzai on the table as she said, “I’m going to go shopping for dinner, bye!” She gently left the living room.

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“...... o- ok. Be careful......”he muttered. After noticing he was standing, Naruto pulled out the dining chair. Himawari clutching colored pencils rushed up to him with, “oro-chan, draw more!”, as she clung to his feet. “In a little bit, daddy has to talk with him.” “...... what did you need to talk with me about?” Naruto asked bewildered, sitting up straight. He had recently loosened up on his vigilance, but Orochimaru was a man who could calmly pull off some wicked act for no reason. He didn’t just come here for the purpose of some leisurely tea party in his living room. “Could you not be so vigilant? I came to you because I thought I could lend you something beneficial. Orochimaru spoke as he put his hand into the cuff of his kimono. Rustling around, he pulled out large goggles from within his fabric. “What is it?” “My latest invention. These goggles can house other people’s jutsu.” Other people’s jutsu―― they can house jutsu? Naruto fluttered his eyelids. In the last couple of years, the technique of separating the ninjutsu from the caster has rapidly developed. The pioneer in this field was Katasuke, the inventor of the scientific ninja tool. However, the use of kekkei genkai jutsu was said to have been very difficult to reproduce, almost impossible to wield with ordinary shinobi unless it was used in the form of the scientific ninja tool. ―― Upon receiving the goggles, Naruto stared at them intently. “Like the scientific ninja tool, can it be used by ordinary people who don’t use chakra?” “Yes. The functions of these goggles have nothing to do with the wearer’s chakra. I just had your wife help me to set

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up its byakugan abilities. “Byakugan?” Naruto stared in surprise, Orochimaru’s eyes squinting like an evil villian. “While the goggles’ ability is set on, your wife won’t be able to use her byakugan. ――well, try them on.” Whatever he thought of them, it was suspicious. Though they were more intriguing than suspicious. Naruto tried to put on the goggles, still being wary of Orochimaru. He could only see the living room, though slightly distorted through the glass, the view remains unchanged. “Nothing happened.” “There’s a small lever on the frame. Pull it.” Pulling on the small level to the side of the lens, instantly his visibility was thrown into a kaleidoscope-like sight. “Woah!” Not a kaleidoscope. He was back to the familiar living room scene, but he could see everything. The sink across from him on the counter, the plates and mugs in the cupboard, a mosquito behind the cushion placed on the sofa, Himawari’s every movement as her hand sits on the carpet and the other hand draws in her sketchbook, and each of the pages one-by-one in the sketchbook. His eyes no longer able to bear the sight, Naruto pushed the goggles up onto his forehead. “What was that?! I had awesome eye sight but I could see everything behind me!” “Your eyes can’t keep up with your brain still processing. You need to practice with them.” “need to practice...” Orochimaru’s intentions dawned onto Naruto. “I knew that was your true intention. You’re going to experiment with me as your guinea pig.” “I can’t just be nice and lend them to you?” Orochimaru

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said without fooling anyone. Naruto took off the goggles again and looked deeply at them. “...... but why do you need me? If you needed a guinea pig then why not Suigetsu or Karin? Bothering to come to my house...” “because” Orochimaru stuck out his neck. His neck stretching out like a serpent, putting his mouth close to Naruto’s ear. “―― you can’t use your chakra right now, can you?” Orochimaru’s cold breath could be felt against the nape of Naruto’s neck, he frowned while trying to conceal the chill he felt down his spine. “How do you know that?” “A snake has good ears,” his long, cracked, tongue licks the back of Naruto’s ear. If he were to show his hatred or shrug his shoulders, it’d only give Orochimaru more satisfaction. Orochimaru happily narrowed his eyes as he looked at Naruto’s expressionless face with folded arms. “Cooperating with me shouldn’t be too bad, even for you.” “And if I refuse?” “You can’t refuse.” Exactly. For Naruto, who couldn’t use his chakra, the goggles seemed attractive. He figured he’d lend a hand in the name of research. Besides ―― I’ve always wondered what it looked like when Hinata uses her byakugan. Himawari, with no understanding of the situation came over, innocently putting herself between them. “That’s so cool! Oro-chan, you can stretch your head!? You looked like a giraffe!!” “No, a snake, a snake. Not a giraffe.” Orochimaru’s head shrunk back as he took a seat.

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He came back to the entrance without a word. Himawari follows him with small strides as if the two were attached. “Oro-chan, please come again! Next time you can draw a picture of my brother for me.” “Yes, that’s fine. I’ll draw you anything.” Seems I knew nothing about the guy, as usual. Naruto sent off Orochimaru, feeling put off. His purple and black hair like bruises swayed as he left through the doorway. The mysterious goggles that housed the byakugan’s power remained in his hands. If one could master kekkei genkai and other jutsu with them, they were surely a great weapon. It would be nice if there were a weapon to compensate for his handicap of being unable to use chakra――

That night. Naruto sunk himself into the sofa as his gaze remained fixated on the tv. He didn’t want his kids to see at him as he looked like an unkept mess, but right now it was just Hinata and him alone in the living room, so he could relax as much as he wanted. Since Orochimaru left, he had been continuing to practice getting used to the byakugan goggles After training for a while, he had been left completely exhausted. “That was surprising......I don’t usually come home to see that guy drinking tea in my living room.” “Hehe, me too. When the doorbell rang, I was surprised to see Orochimarusan at the door.” Hinata sat down next to him, handing him a warm mug. Café-au-lait made from grounded coffee beans and with

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plenty of honey and milk. Naruto, who has very child-like taste buds, likes to drink it this way. Though whenever Shikamaru and he drank together in the hokage’s office, it was always a black, darkly brewed coffee (with an energy drink). “Despite of being surprised, Hinata you were awfully accepting of Orochimaru, you know?” “It was obvious there wasn’t any hostility......I guess, he’s more of a... mom friend.” That Orochimaru... is a mom friend...... As Naruto sipped on his coffee, Hinata unexpectedly touched Naruto’s wrist, her head leaning to the side. “Naruto-kun, you seem a little thinner. Is your chakra still not helping you recover?” “Ah...... no, this is-” “you’re overworking yourself again, aren’t you...” They’ve lived together for a long time, she knows when he was lying about how under the weather he felt, especially with Hinata’s byakugan, its obvious to her just how low Naruto’s chakra levels have fallen. Naruto tried to explain his poor health by blaming it on “this busy season overworking him”. He didn’t want to have a seizure-like episode in front of his family, and recently he tended to stay in the hokage’s office. Since he hasn’t been able to come home much, his illness has gone under the radar until now. “On another note, I practiced using byakugan with those goggles Orochimaru made!” Naruto quickly tried to switch the subject. “It didn’t really work out very well, it was honestly super difficult. You, Grandpa Hiashi, and Hanabi are really good at using it!” There was just way too much to look at. The depth of the field of vision was so overwhelming and

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distracting, he fell as his tripped over his own feet, hitting his head on a protruding tree branches, giving him pretty nasty gashes here and there. “Hinata-, aren’t there some tips or tricks you can give me?” Hinata listened to him as she leaned on him, her hair falling over his shoulder. Tricks? Hinata thought, her finger resting on her jaw. “I kind of just suddenly do something like this, swoosh!” “I don’t understaaand!” Naruto threw his head back as Hinata shrugged her shoulders, laughing with a wry smile. “It’s hard to put into words. If you ask Hanabi, she might be able to explain it well...” As she murmured something she remembered, Hinata stood up, slipping out from under Naruto’s arm. “Can you give me a moment?” She asks as she goes upstairs and comes back down with a small box. It was a wicker clothes box, covered with flakes of foil in the shape of hinoki leaves and coated in persimmon juice. “Oh! Hinata it’s your treasure box! Is it ok if I take a look inside right now?” “Yeah, It’s special.” The box was usually kept modestly in the corner of their closet. Hinata’s cherished this “treasure chest” since she was a child. She had only ever shown him what’s inside the box once when they were newlyweds. Inside there were things like a ticket stub from a movie they saw on a date, a piece of wrapping paper and ribbon from a present she had received, the extra yarn from the scarf she had knitted, memories of Naruto and her. It’s been about ten years since then. As he opened the polished glossy lid, he noticed there was a considerable about of new items. A box made of paulownia wood that kept the umbilical cords of their two children, a necklace made of acorns Boruto had made, and pictures drawn by Himawari.

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Inside there was still the ticket stub for the live-action teen movie, “Icha-Icha Paradise” and the wrapping paper with dandelions that held the earrings Naruto had gotten for her. “There it is, I think this might help.” She pulled an old notebook out from the bottom of the box. The four corners of the notebook were completely frayed, the silk thread that bound the pages together was probably ripped as well. As the pages flipped, the array of meticulous characters caught his eye. “These characters, they look so familiar......” “That’s right” Hinata smiled teasingly, she seemed to sway like a white clover. “This was Neji-niisan’s training diary.” “Neji’s?” Yeah, this was Neji’s handwriting. The moment he noticed, old memories flooded his brain like an open faucet. His handwriting was definitely like that of an honor student, like he had copied Iruka sensei’s brush strokes exactly. Every time Naruto looked at his own messy handwriting, his face would turn sour. Like they say, “the messier the handwriting, the messier the heart.” Once again, Naruto looked back down at the pages. There were records of his training, all written down without missing a day. He was that kind of guy. Even though he was a genius, he always worked hard. He was strict with himself and with others, never compromising. He wasn’t careful in figuring out every chakra point that flowed throughout the channels of the chakra system, rather he found it more proficient to predict their next movement by paying attention to the chakra system as a whole.

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My present goal was to get rid of Tenten’s depression. The two of them were particularly annoyed about the rain that day. As soon as I looked away, the springtime of youth theatrics began. Tenten summoned her folded iron fan, it cut my cheek as I was unable to avoid its path. The next parts were about covering the byakugan’s blind spots. Then on how he was eliminated from the first round. That guy was surprising―― he didn’t have to use his imagination to know he’d surpass everyone’s expectations. The notebook was fully discolored and yellowed, surprisingly beautiful considering its age. Proof that it was carefully store in Hinata’s treasure chest. “Do you think Neji would be angry? If I showed it to you?” “But you’ve read it, right Hinata?”, Naruto retorted. “Yes”, Hinata’s voice lowered as she awkwardly nodded her head. “Just a little bit, when I get lonely. It’ll be our secret”, she said in a whisper, but she was certain he heard her. He was a fine guy. The next morning. Naruto got up early, stopping by the training groups before heading off to work at the hokage’s office. He wanted to become proficient in using the googles as soon as possible to make up for his current situation of not being able to use his chakra. The weeds were wet with dew, shining as they reflected the pale light of the morning sun. Naruto closed his eyes and pulled down on the goggle’s lever. The trick wasn’t to understand every vital point that flowed within the bodies chakra system, but rather to look at the flow of chakra as a whole to predict the opponent’s next move.

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He thought over Neji’s words, slowly lifting his eyelids. He soaked in his peripheral surroundings as it vigorously flowed into his retinas. “Dahhhhh!!” Naruto shouted with renewed fighting spirit, he somehow held his ground as his consciousness almost overwhelmed him. He could see everything around him, from one end to the other. He could feel the pulse from the blood vessel in his temples as his heartrate began to accelerate. Like a dam breaking, his optic nerves became overloaded with tremendous momentum. Easy does it. Sift through it. You don’t have to look at everything. First―― birds. Find a bird. Naruto looked around his surroundings. Earth, a rock, grass, ――there it is. There was a small blue bird within a bush. Not just one. Two birds, Three birds...... In total, five birds. After confirming their number, he reached his limit. “Da―――hh! It’s no good!!” Naruto lifted up the goggles with brute force as he was about to fall over. Naruto’s voice surprises the birds, causing them to fly away. One, two、 three、 four、

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five...... “There’s eight birds!” Naruto sat his butt down on the ground where he stood. He had overlooked 3 more birds, he still had a long way to go. Looking up at the clouds that slowly moved across the sky, he suddenly let out a sigh. The blood vessels in his temples were still steadily beating strong. He didn’t think it’d be this difficult to handle. Neji never let it show that he had difficulties, if he even had any at all. “that guy, he really was a genius......” He gathered all of his focus and pointed it towards his focal target. He ignored what he could hear and smell, focusing only on what was visible. Naruto kept reading Neji’s nostalgic handwriting in the journal given to him late last night. As he thought about if Neji were alive, he’d be able to directly teach him, the inner corner of his eye suddenly grew hot, making him make a few wrinkles on Hinata’s secret precious keepsake notebook. Knowing a few tips can greatly make a difference in his training efficiency. However, the advice Neji left behind is his notes should be a huge help for Naruto. “Sha!” Naruto, full of energy, snapped up onto his feet, slapping himself on the cheek. “Let’s do this!” Naruto went back to zealously training with the byakugan. Originally, his both his motor skills and senses were above average. As he continued to laboriously train every day, slowly but surely the amount of time he could withstand the byakugan

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gradually increased. Then one afternoon. Naruto climbs on top of the stone Hokage faces during a break from the Hokage’s duties. He wanted to try training in a spot with a better view than that of the training grounds. Overlooking the old district of the town, he pulls down the lever on the goggles. With no obstructions, the amount of information to absorb was on a whole other level. As a bonus, there was the distracting number of chakras from all the shinobi aimlessly walking here and there. “nuu～......” As he frantically surveyed his field of vision, an unnatural chakra flow caught his attention. He pointed his awareness towards the chakra hazily leaking from the roots of an old camphor tree standing on a narrow road in a residential area. “......hn? what?” Why is there chakra coming out from the roots of a tree? Naruto jumped down from the stone Hokage faces, heading to confirm. The camphor trees stand in a quiet area of the former urban area of town with scarce pedestrian traffic. The chakra seemed not to be coming out from the roots of the tree itself, but rather from a crevice in the soil. Unless a shinobi was buried alive below, there was probably a secret basement below the ground. In front of the camphor trees stood a townhouse with a shingled roof. All the windows were broken, the gables sunken in, it looked like the house was abandoned. “I’m coming i-...in...”

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Pulling open the unlocked door, the accumulated dust on the dirt floor kicked up everywhere. The old homeowner must have been a part of some kind of business, considering the fallen sorabon and bookshelves lined up by the walls. “Are there no stairs......?” Just past the dirt floor threshold was a large Japanese-style room, this house appeared to be one-story with no stairs to be found-Naruto touched the wall by the dirt floor with his nonartificial arm. I knew it. ...... this feeling, it was the same liquid crystal wall as the one in Tami’s sweets shop. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a small black hole among the grain and knots of the wood. This was probably the keyhole. If this is the case, then there should be a key somewhere— and suspiciously, there was a bookmark sandwiched between some old books and a pair of hibashi* stuck in the ashes of a brazier. Could there be a kiseru* left put up on the shelf? On this third attempt- bingo! There was the sound of a click he could hear behind the hole and suddenly, the surface of the wall became transparent. He pressed lightly as he opened the door to the inside. The particles within the panel dispersed as the voltage changed their arrangement, resulting in an image appearing on the surface-- an invention of the intelligence institute, Kengakuin, though the technique of the jutsu used hadn’t been released to the public for mass production yet. This shouldn’t be out around in society. So that means, there’s some connection to Kengakuin here.

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On the other side of the wall stood an old-looking, wooden staircase. The light of the evenly spaced paper lanterns illuminated the steps in the dark. “This is too suspicious......” Naruto cautiously concealed the sound of his footsteps as he descended down the staircase. At the foot of the bottom of the stairs was a sliding screen door and when opened revealed a large Japanese-style room with tatami mats spread across the floor. A whistling kettle hung from a hook above a small sunken hearth. There was a hakozen* box on top of a tea caddy, below its open lid were tea leaves being prepared for one person. Any way you look at it, there was water boiling in preparation to make tea. “What is this......?” Smoke coming from the hearth seems to be escaping outside through a smoke vent, there looks like a fire alarm in the thick beams that support the ceiling. This old Japanese-style room seemed to be retrofitted with modern amenities. There was a presence of someone hiding from the other side of the sliding door in the back. As he was thinking about calling out for them to come out without fear, the sliding door on the far side of the room opened. “You suspicious guy! Resign!” What jumped out was a young woman wearing a cooking apron. KASHYAN!! The sound fire came from the scientific ninja as she blew a fireball into the confined room. Naruto jumped up onto the beams, dodging without

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difficulty before moving behind the woman, picking up the scientific ninja. “keep doing that and there’ll be a fire” “Let me go-! Did you come to steal my research data!?” As he kept his hold on her wrist, the woman thrashed her arms and legs about like a rat caught in a trap. “How dastardly! Just let me go! Thiis! Thiiiiiiiis-!!” The fire alarm sounded with a delayed alarm as the sprinkler attached started to jet out water. “Well, I did come in without permission......” He said while feeling guilty as he released his grip on her wrist. Instead of fleeing, the woman grabbed a ballpoint pen from the pocket of her apron and swung it in attack, shouting “Thiis! Thiiiiiiiis-!!” With her eyes closed, it was difficult to notice Naruto keeping his composure. “You came to steal my research data! Didn’t you!?” ...... What was with this woman? For five minutes, the woman used all her power to violently struggle, only when she regained her steadiness did she realize it was the Seventh Hokage standing before her eyes. “My sincerest apologies for my impoliteness, it was a slight misunderstanding...... I am Amano Chihare. I’m a scientist from the Land of Fire, I specialize in astrophysics.” The woman reintroduced herself as she bowed before the Hokage. The room was completely flooded from the earlier uproar. The hot boiling water grew completely cold from the sprinkler water. Naruto and Chihare sat on the wet tatami mats as they waited for the boil again. “I scared you because I entered without permission.” “No, this was just rude behavior. I’d never think that the

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Seventh data.” “Because it was a bad understanding, ya know......” Feeling drained and not in operation, Naruto raised his eyes towards “So why do you do your research in a place like this? Especially in wall...... isn’t that expensive?” “I don’t pay much money since I’m the one who created them” Chihare removed the boiling kettle from the hook and continued to pour the thick tea. “The liquid crystal wall is my design.” Naruto’s eyes fluttered. “Eh?...... Then, you’re a scientist at Kengakuin? Why are you in a place like this?” “I wanted to be in an environment where I could be alone to concentrate on my experiments, this abandoned house was owned by Kengakuin’s Secretary-General, Furie. I borrowed and renovated the basement for research. Why bother renovating a basement for such important research? Naruto looked around the whole room. “To tell you the truth, I came here because I saw chakra emanating from this basement. I was worried something might be wrong. Were you doing research?” “......you... can see chakra?” “I see”, Chihare nods as Naruto explains the features of the goggles. “The chakra you observed probably came from the lab in the back.” “So, what was the experiment......?” “It’d be faster if I just showed you.” Chihare put the kettle back on the floor and stood up to

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open the double sliding doors built in the back of the room. “This is my laboratory.” Naruto’s jaw dropped. There were 30 tatami mats across the floor in a room with tall shelves lined up in a row. Petri dishes were lined up on the shelves without a gap between them. There were hundreds-- maybe even over a thousand. The sight of seeing the same exact object lined up was quite impressive and yet uncanny. “These petri dishes hold a liquified chakra. My mission is to build a device that allows the use of multipotency chakra. “multi...potency...” kettle lowered into the hearth to Hokage would come to steal research the top of the stairs. a room behind a liquid crystal “I’m experimenting on artificially changing chakra into any arbitrary substance.” Chihare picked up one of the petri dishes and gently swished it around. “Chakra is such a strange mystery, don’t you think? You can do anything with it. It could be wind, fire, earth, water, and even electricity. Depending on the person it could even be changed to lava or rubber. These days, some ninja make glass or jewelry just by changing the ratio of the soil’s composition in the earth. There’s no other energy that’s that diverse.” “Hmm...... yes, I see” The event of chakra change came to Naruto too easily, so he never gave it any deep thought, but it’s exactly as she said. “Depending on the user, it has the potential to change into anything―― if that property of chakra can be controlled

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using science...... like for example, turning chakra into a valuable natural resource or a precious metal. Surely it could do good things for society, don’t you think?” Development of new energy? Naruto finally understood the purpose of the experiments. Certainly, if Chihare were to succeed with what she talks about, there wouldn’t be a reason to destroy nature by mining for resources, and the energy circumstances in every country would completely change. If chakra could be used to provide energy to the five great nations, the land of fire might jump to the forefront of being an energy powerhouse country. If we reall...y wanted to implement that, as her story said. “Changing artificial-like chakra...how do you do that?” “What about you?” Chihare looked into Naruto’s eyes as she asked him back. “How on earth do you transform chakra into wind?” “oh—uhh......” Naruto released his gaze on her. Since his episodes started, he hasn’t transformed his chakra into wind, much less gathered his chakra at all. However, he’s always spreading his palm out like he was, how was he doing that? “I guess it’s like a BAM! and a BAN!......” Listening to the answer she tried so hard to get out of Naruto, Chihare let out a small sigh. “All you ninja speak like that when you don’t understand something well. Well, I guess it’s difficult to find the language to verbalize the sensation...... but you should at least have an idea of what to do to change chakra into wind. Like moving your hands and feet, giving your brain the command to ‘knead chakra’ and then your chakra changes.” She’s right. Unless Naruto has the intent to “transform his chakra into wind”, the chakra flowing within Naruto’s body will not

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change. “The instructions from the brain are, in a sense, like an electrical signal. For example, that means, when you use “rasengan”, by giving your chakra a slight stimulus, it’s similar to an electrical signal light emitted by your brain...... It may be possible to change artificial-like chakra into a rasengan. That’s my experiment’s objective.” Chihare showed the petri dish she held in her hands to Naruto. A clear, viscous, liquid was accumulated on the flat glass of the dish. “Inside this petri dish is a chakra that was liquified using a special kind of jutsu. By investigating chakra behavior against varied patterns of stimuli, we will be able to understand the mechanism behind its property change. “Stimuli?” “A variety. Like passing an electric current through, changing its temperature, giving it physical stimuli... anyway, it’s a very thorough process.” Chihare opened a note that was sat by the edge of the rack. It appeared to be the record of the details of the experiments so far. Closely recorded in meticulous fine lettering were the conditions and results at the time of the experiments. Thermal simulation after an acidic treatment... 42.5 degrees... no reaction. Thermal simulation after an acidic treatment... 42.6degrees... no reaction. T h e r m a l s i m u l a t i o n a f t e r a n a c i d i c t re a t m e n t 42.7degrees...no reaction. Raising and lowering the temperature, administering chemicals, running a voltage through—It seems that it takes a long time under various conditions to even get a little by little

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change. “Hey, what’s this ‘Jellyfish Stimuli’ written here?” “It’s the squeezed contents of a jellyfish. Research indicates that it produces a stimulus similar to the electric signal produced by the brain, so I tried administering it into the chakra......but I didn’t get any valuable results.” “...... so cool,” Naruto sighed in deep admiration. What patience you must have to be able to repeat the same task on end. Seeing that there’s no guarantee that any results will even be achieved, it must be difficult to keep their efforts going. It’s only natural that she’d want to protect her research data. “Oh, and there’s one more thing I want to show you, its placed outside.” Chihare spoke to him as they went up the stairs and out of the house. They go around to the back door that was faced at the end of an alleyway, not the main entrance with the camphor trees. Leaned against a hedge was a parked vehicle with two identical tires. “What is that? Some kind of pushcart? What a strange shape.” “This two-wheeled mechanism is a motorcycle. A person can get on and move around on it, this is the seat.” Chihare straddled herself over the seat. She was leaning forward on top of the seat, just like she was riding a horse. “How do you move around on this!? This seems unreasonably convenient!” Unlike the versatile experiments on the chakra from earlier, this one Naruto could immediately see the results of. The development of vehicles for personal use had been a major challenge since the sixth hokage was in office. Their development had been primarily left to Katasuke’s

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research team at Kengakuin, but the real difficulty was finding a source of fuel. “This bike uses gas as its fuel. The Land of Fire imports gas primarily from the Land of Wind and the Land of Stairs, but natural gas will be eventually exhausted if we keep taking it like so.” Countries who depend more on their trading continue to mine with little to no restrictions, but in the Land of Wind, the Kazekage is already limiting exports. Under normal pretenses, they’d want to keep prices from falling too low, but their aim is to prevent gas from running out before they can develop an alternative form of energy. Chihare lightly tapped on a small tank on the bike. “I want to revitalize traffic for personal use, but we don’t have enough fuel to reach everyone-- my research might solve that issue.” “If we can transform chakra to create artificial natural gas to use as fuel, we will no longer need to depend on unreliable supplies from other lands.” “That’s great!” Naruto was in high spirits like a child, his eyes were sparkling. “If this were implemented, everyone can get on things like this and go wherever and whenever they want!” “Hmmmm... yeah, I agree.” Staring honestly, Chihare continued quite calmly as she looked away. “......If you think you could, I’d like for you to help me with my experiments. Can you lend me your goggles for seeing chakra?” “Eh? These?” Naruto runs his finger against the frame of the goggles. Chihare takes a glass rod out from her pocket. “I always use this to look for changes in the chakra petri

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dishes. I put the tip of it close to the chakra in the dish and measure any differences from the day before......either way it takes up a lot of time anyway. I have to measure them one by one. However, if I could use those goggles to visually check them, I’d be finished a lot quicker.” “aa-...... It would be good to lend them then.” They were borrowed from Orochimaru, but he didn’t mind by how easily he came to a decision, “but” Naruto continued on the contrary. “I don’t think you’ll be able to handle these without training. I’m a shinobi and even I can’t fully handle them yet.” “Ehh!?” After hearing that even the Hokage couldn’t handle them, Chihare’s expression grew hopeless. “Well, I guess it’d be absolutely impossible for me then...... oh! Well, why don’t you come by here every day and check the chakra flow for me?” “Might as well, ya know...... I also have a lot to do.” “Are you busy? If you use transportation jutsu, can’t you come right away?” “No....... I, can’t use my chakra right now.” It was supposed to be a secret to everyone in the village, but for some reason it spontaneously slipped out of his mouth. Maybe it was because it was his first meeting with this person that made it so easy. “huh......?” Chihare at a loss for words, looked upon Naruto with pity. “―― What is the significance of you being unable to use chakra?” Listening to her simple yet blunt question felt like a stab in

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the heart. “The biggest reason Uzumaki Naruto became the Seventh Hokage was because of your reputation from your achievements in the Shinobi World War, right? In other words, it’s bad that you can’t use your chakra even though its required for strength...... will you... continue to be hokage?” I won’t give up the Hokage’s seat to anyone! Undoubtedly, the old Naruto would’ve certainly shouted something like that. However, now, I’m burdened with something different from the past Hokage. If you can no longer fight, can you continue to be the Hokage? ―― This is something Naruto had been thinking about continuously in his head. “...... apart from me” Awkwardly, Naruto took control and changed the topic. “With helping around with the experiments, I’ll cooperate. The Hokage’s work isn’t too hectic at the moment. “Thank you very much! Then its decided!” Without delay, the pair descended down the stairs with heavy steps and back into the underground laboratory in order to check today’s petri dish. The racks on the wall held roughly 800 petri dishes. Naruto stepped onto a stepladder and pulled on the goggle’s lever. “Hmmー......” He looked into the chakra petri dishes one by one in succession...... the chakra at the bottom of the glass was calm and obedient, he couldn’t particularly see any changes. “I don’t think there’s any of these guys moving, ya know......” “Yeah, you’re not going to see any results right off the bat, I’ve been doing this for over half a year now, and I for one, have still yet to see any change in the chakras yet.” Half of a year―― These repeated trials and errors of the

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science experiments were similar to his training with the byakugan. However, when it came to the things he wanted, he was patient and gutsy Naruto, burning with determination, moved his gaze back to the petri dishes the lined the shelf. Chihare’s experiment had the potential to make a big impact on the world. If chakra could be freely changed into any substance and controlled at will by non-shinobi, it’d surely make everything in the world for convenient and enjoyable. For example―― “Excuse me, is that the fun-giving machine? I hope its completed.” Naruto sandwiched the stepladder between both his feet, moving sideways along the shelves as he spoke. “The gas from the Land of Stairs is fine, there’s other uses for it. Like......” “They say its beneficial for the medical field. I understand that.” Chihare continued to interrupt Naruto’s words. “If we can transform their gas into chakra, we could turn that into organs like skin, nails, or a heart. Turning chakra into any kind of cell will let us repair tissues lost in an accident or from disease. It has the possibility to dramatically extend a healthy human’s life expectancy.” “You’re right! Though I don’t know how difficult that would be but......when you first told me about the chakra, the first thought I had was thinking about Sasuke’s arm or curing Guy-sensei’s legs.” “Sasuke, perhaps” Chihare then asked about Sasuke. There was a sudden GASHAAAAAN! The ceiling broke in with a thunderous roar. Wooden boards falling smash into the shelves, petri dishes

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sliding off and shattering on the floor. “What the......!?” Naruto pulled on Chihare’s arm, protecting her from the walling pieces of wood. From a rift in the ceiling―― an unarmed aerial vehicle with four spherical motors descended with a low buzzing sound. It seemed to levitate utilizing the four spherical motors. He had read in a previous report about research currently underway from Katasuke at Kengakuin, but it was his first time seeing the real thing. Was this the completed thing? ―― VUUUUUUUUN!! The drone approached Naruto with a threatening low whine, then stared at him as if it forgot the state of the situation. Should I shoot it down before it attacks me? Though, I’m still not sure if the drone is hostile or not. If it happens to be a flight experiment and I accidentally break it, she’ll be angry...... Even more puzzling, there was the number five displayed in the center of one of the drone’s motors. 4、 3、 2、 He watched as the number decreased. ―― a bomb! “RUN!” “huh?” Naruto carried Chihare as he jumped out from the laboratory. He had only made it up to the fifth step in the middle of the stair case when―― BOOM! “Shit!” Along with the sound of the explosion was a blast coming from the bottom of the stairs. Holding Chihare, he forcibly ran up the collapsing stairs and threw himself onto the dirt floor.

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Naruto and Chihare kicked open the sliding door and jumped into the back alleyway, pursued by the hum of the drone. “What is it now?! An explosion!? Was that a drone back there!? A real one!?” Naruto kept quiet as Chihare screamed on his back, pushing herself off of him. Not long after, multiple drones appear one after the other. There were seven of them――They were in a V-formation with a central drone in the lead, clearly to be seen as if someone were operating it. The question was, by who? ―― The aforementioned Yanaru comes to mind, but there’s no evidence that the same mastermind is behind this. He was certain that even if they were to explode, it wouldn’t be enough for the abandoned house to go up in flames. He wanted to transport to another location, but how could he do that without chakra in his current state? The low hum of the twenty-eight motors make Naruto unable to concentrate. Nevertheless, the drones came to a halt and lined up evenly by Naruto’s ear. BOON! The sound of the engine dove in. “Get on! You can drive!” Chihare shouted from on top of the bike’s seat while revving the engine. All seven of the drones started to move again all at once, breaking Naruto’s train of thought. In an attempt to evade the drones that targeted his face, Naruto grabbed a bucket from the alleyway and placed it on one of the drones, completely covering it. After that, he kicked the lid of the bucket that fell towards

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the other drones. After that counterattack, the drones fluttered around for a couple of moments before quickly resetting themselves. BARIBARI!! The covered drone shattered the bucket with its rotating motor, shattering everywhere. “Daah! C’mon!” After the wreckage of the bucket was thrown everywhere, Naruto desperately turned his back away and sprinted towards the bike. He gripped the seat and he jumped over to straddle the seat. “Hold the lever and press down on the right pedal with your foot!” “which lever!?” “this one!” Chihare stretched her arm out from behind him and squeezed on the lever below his right hand. BOON! Naruto’s right foot forcefully pressed down on the pedal, the sound of the engine making his body jump. His body was hit with a force pushing him back. “Daah!?” The bike jumped forward with the force of a pinball being launched. His surroundings flow behind him with great momentum. The wind blowing was so great he couldn’t even open his eyes. The moment he took one hand off to hit the lever on his goggles, the bike swerved, causing the right mirror to hit the wall and fall off behind them. “OWAHH!!” “Just, just keep your balance, please!” Depite her complaint, Chihare knows deep down that that was an unreasonable request.

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His motor skills weren’t too good to allow him to drive normally, considering this was his first time driving. Naruto tried letting go with one hand again, losing his balance though this time he didn’t swerve about. Pulling the goggles down, pulling the level, and putting his hand back on his grip. He looks behind them using the byakugan, but there didn’t seem to be any drones nearby. “Oi, Chihare! How do we stop?” “We can’t stop” “Haa!?” “I told you, it was a prototype! By the way, we can’t control the speed either!” While she spoke, the end of the handlebar scrapped against the fence of someone’s house. The alleyway was very narrow, quite impossible to ride a bike without grinding off a part of it. If we run out of fuel, we’ll eventually stop, right? ―― Which option would be faster? Running out of fuel or smashing into someone’s house to the right or left and causing a lot of damage? He didn’t want to think about that. Well, it is a narrow road, but I think we can just keep driving straight....... Glancing around, a black flying object jumping into sight at the edge of the goggles. “Those guys chased after us......!!” Seven drones drew near with violent momentum. From the top of the spherical motors, a stretched-out straw came into gunpoint. Hnn? Gazing steadily, he could make out its tip flashing red. ―― The photon gun seized from Yanaru emits a highpowered ray, the tip of the gun flashing red before firing...... This was a sentence from the report of the attempted

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assassination of Naruto from the Land of Stairs. Shit, he followed that thought. VUUN! A bright red ray shoots out, followed with a low humming noise where the photons displace molecules. Unsure of how to operate the bike, Naruto instinctively tilted the bike with along with his body. The laser beam, unbent, shot straight past Naruto’s ear and immediately hit the hedge of a private house. BOON! The bamboo reeds hit with such a high temperature expand and explode. “No way......” If we’re hit, we die. Realizing this, Chihare clings to Naruto’s shoulder. “Seriously, we need to get away! The road here is too narrow! Get onto a main street!” “No can do, we’d involve passerby’s. We first need to get away from the village......” Before he could finish his sentence, a laser beam extends out from the left. Hitting the wall, a cat scared from the explosion jumps out into the alley. “Cat!” “I know!” The walls collapse from the explosion, the wreckage piling in the center of the alleyway. The bike’s front wheel climbs over the debris, Naruto extends his arms and shifts his center of gravity behind him. The front wheel gently lifts up. The bike floats up into the air as if it jumped onto a spring, leaping easily over the cat’s head and DON! Lands! “GYAAH!”

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The bike stops for a moment and then violently starts up again. Chihare screams into Naruto’s ear, her eyes tearing up as she grits her teeth. “Nanadaime! If you wanted to get out of the village, the gates are the other way!” “We can’t! We’d have to cut through the main street to get to that gate. There’s a high possibility that we’d damage the village.” “Well then, how are you going to get out of the village......” Oh well, the same way you’d leave the village by Kaminarimon train or by boat. “Just watch” Naruto mumbled under his breath as he gripped the handlebar. On the other side of the main road, there was a Kaminarimon train station. At the hard-plastered long gates, there were three doors for passageway. It was a gift from the Kazekage to commemorate the opening of the Kaminarimon train, and it’s now a famous tourist attraction from its beauty, decorated with gold lacquer and ornaments. “Move! ――” The Seventh Hokage plunged into one of the beautiful large doors on the bike. The door that blew open on its hinges hit two of the drones, taking down their number of pursuers. The group of now five drones regroup and continue their chase. BUONBUONBUOOOOOOO!! The bike’s engine noisily roared as it blasted through the wooden across the wooden floors of the station building. The passengers who happened to be present and were frantically trying to get out of the way and escape from the

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reckless driving of the bike wouldn’t even dream of thinking the Seventh Hokage was the one operating the bike. The tires thudded as it went down the stairs. Naruto took the remaining left mirror and threw it at the emergency bell on the train platform. JIRIRIRIRI--! The mirror hits the center of the button, sounding off a loud alarm. The bike that carried Naruto ran through the crowd on the platform as agonizing shrieks and expletives were thrown about, suddenly, they crashed onto the track to the side of the stopped train. “Chihare, don’t bite your tongue!” Naruto advised, not knowing it was already too late. Unlike the paved roads of the Old Town, the railroad tracks were uneven, with railroad ties lined up in equal intervals. Each time they ran over a railroad tie, the bike would slip sideways, but Naruto immediately responded to the sensation by shifting his weight and fixing his posture. “We’re going to go outside the village. We can figure out what to do when there’s no one around!” While riding the bike, Naruto paid attention to the pursuit continuing behind him. There were five drones left. And only two of them fire photon beams. There were a few chances for them to self-destruct but none of them did, which means only the first one was a bomb...... ――DOKUUN! An agonizing pulsation ran through his chest. His right hand loosens its grip, sliding off the handlebar. His hands rattled and shook as they convulsed. “n-

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no...not...now......” The pain grows stronger with every second as it throbs in his chest. His breathing grew blurry as the pain became agonizing before his eyes. It was as if his throat refused to let any air pass. Noticing an abnormal Naruto, “What’s wrong?!” Chihare asked. “Noth......ing!!” Naruto looked up, using all his might. The sweat on his brow falls to the side from the wind hitting his head. Naruto’s vision grew white and hazy, desperately trying to breathe as he put his elbows on the top of the tank. “Hey, are you in pain? Is it bad!? Would it be impossible to switch drivers?” A drone chased behind Chihare’s shouting. “I’m used to it......!” Avoiding a photon beam to his side, Naruto slams his aching chest towards the tank. Biting down on his lip, he could taste blood oozing. The track reached a railroad bridge, Below that bridge was a valley with a stream. Two of the drones abruptly stray to the side. What the......? Did they give up? Naruto tracked the drone’s movement with the byakugan. The two drones snuck under the bride and fired their photon lasers onto the arched beams that supported the bridge. The iron beams start to glow with a burning red, sparks beginning to scatter. “You’ve got to be kidding me......” BON! An explosion blew out from the base of the beams. “―― They destroyed the pillars!”

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The rails swell like the back of a caterpillar, the guardrails break off, and the railway ties snap and fly off. The front wheel of the bike, unsure of where to go, jumps and slides vertically. “Do you know how long it took to build this bridge!?” “Are you really concerned about that, now......?” The unsupported bridge begins to collapse from behind them. Naruto desperately tried to continue moving forward on the bike, moving onto parts of the rail that looked undamaged, but they soon reached their limit. The rear wheel of the bike hits a screwed-up rail spike and with their current momentum, launches Naruto and Chihare into the air. “Damn it!......” Why can’t I use chakra is a situation like this!? Naruto twisted mid-air to catch Chihare’s waist, taking a position underneath her to catch her fall. They were surrounded by thick steel bars and steel towers, things that’ll likely kill them as soon as they hit them, but the byakugan seems to help with the landing. ―- and helping with peace of mind. A drone came before them. An opening for a photon beam. After this thought, the tip of its gun catches Naruto’s eye. Its end glowing red. “......!!” Protecting Chihare, Naruto suddenly changes his body’s position―― suddenly a tree branch grew from below and violently stabs the drone. The light from the drone fades as all four of its motors stop. Another branch grew to catch Naruto and Chihare in the air, wrapping around them tightly. This was a wood style jutsu.

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“No way......” There was only one user of wood style in Konohagakure village. Taken aback from looking back up at the collapse, there was a huge tree stretched up from the ground that help up the destroyed railway bridge. Vines that spirally stretched entangled themselves firmly around the beams, actively working to fix the damage to the bridge. The branches of the tree that held them, like a lifelike creature, lowered Naruto and Chihare onto the ground. The branches loosened, a pitiful “Hey......”, slipped out from Chihare’s mouth as she was placed back down. “I’m alive as ever, Naruto” spoke a monotone voice, there was the sound of gravel being stepped upon from the bottom of the valley. Naruto rubbed his chest to calm his episode, taking short breaths and then turning his head. One of the Anbu’s best stood with his back straight and his arm stretched out, seal in tow. His mask outlines the corners of his mask. Along with his wood style ninjutsu, inherited from the genes of the first Hokage. “Captain......Yamato......” It was the man who once led Naruto on Kakashi’s behalf, Yamato squinted reassuringly, as if to confirm to Naruto that he was safe now.

_________________

*hibachi- metal chopsticks like tongs used for moving

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charcoal *kiseru- traditional Japanese smoking pipe; could also be called a “smoke tube”, “furnace tube”, or “fire tube” *hakozen- a box filled with tableware, the lid used as a tray/stand for food

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3 “Attacked by drones!?” Shikamaru was unusually taken a back as he listened to Naruto tell the whole story. Drones that attack using high-powered beams are not something just one person could develop. Unless it was backed by a Katasuke-level scientist or some international research institution, something like this couldn’t have been developed. “Understood, you didn’t sign any chakra, did you?” “Not really. Thanks to the Byakugan, I didn’t make any mistakes.” “Hmm”, Shikamaru hummed as he put his hand on his jaw in thought. “You haven’t heard any rumors about the development of a combat drone during discussions with Dr. Katasuke, have you? Actually, I’d venture to say we could ask Furie some trick questions so that we may see his true intentions.” “Tricking him into revealing his true intentions...... how would we do that?” Shikamaru took a quick glance at the ceiling. In the center of the machine was a donut-shaped mechanism that resembled a fire alarm but was actually a

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wiretap mechanism developed by Katasuke. Confirming that the strange detection light wasn’t turned on, Shikamaru spoke in a low voice, “this is from the assassination attempt in the Land of Stairs from before, the mastermind behind this may be from Kengakuin.” “What!?” “We’ve gotten a hold of information from the people at Anbu that there are traces of contact between the perpetrator Yanaru and Furie.” Naruto furrowed his eyebrows. “......the mastermind behind all of this, do we have any solid evidence?” “I’ve already mobilized ninja a while ago, this has troubled me from the start.” Konoha has been in cooperation with Kengakuin, trying to decipher the documents from around Redaku. In the meanwhile, Naruto’s medical condition was surely kept top secret, making contact with the country (Redaku) was still dangerous. Shikamaru scowled while crossing his arms. “Regarding the deciphering of the ancient alphabet, Kengakuin is the highest authority...... I want no further needless information leaked to anyone who doesn’t understand right from wrong. In regard to their honesty with Redaku-related documents, I have no choice but to give in and rely on those guys.” Earlier that morning, Shikamaru received an email from Kengakuin’s deciphering team. They were the results of the documents they had received from Kakashi. Contained inside was the specific accounts relating to the Sage of Six Paths and the process of how he cured his illness. The Sage of Six Paths, who was afflicted by the strange disease, walked to the ends of Redaku and by chance, met the astronomer, Tataru.

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Tataru gave serious medical treatment, but the disease continued without a care. That evening, Tataru located a meteorite approaching the earth from heavens. The Sage of Six Paths caught the falling meteorite with one hand, splitting it into two. The broken fragments of the meteor sparkling as it fell on the Sage. In other words, the years-long illness of the Sage of Six Paths was caught off guard all at once. They say if you have the chakra to split open the meteorite that fell from great propitious power. Tataru named this substance, the source of his power, “polar particles”. In continuation, there were rough disputes with everyone around because of particles, so half of the particles “fell from the sky to the earth” and “remaining in orbit around the stars”. The polar particles on this world, lay sleeping, protected by the stars. If the Sage of Six Paths was the one affected by this disease, we need the If this is the case, then his power probably came from this land. the heavens, you’ll have the power of the polar the other half were hidden, power of the polar particles. A stranger whose whereabouts are unknown, messed around with a celestial map belonging to the land of Redaku. ――In short, if we get Rikudou Sennin’s polar particles “that fell from the sky to the earth” and “those remained in orbit around the stars”, we will cure Naruto’s illness. The matter of this information has already been sent to Kakashi and Sakura via hawk. If their investigation proceeds

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well, we should see even more clues from them. Supposing the documents were written in Redaku’s ancient language, Shikamaru would acknowledge the danger and request for assistance in the decryption from Kengakuin. It’s for Naruto’s sake that the deliberate Shikamaru ventures to choose actions that are without risk. Everything around crossing that dangerous bridge, I take full responsibility for―― Watching as Naruto bit his lip in regret, Shikamaru laughed in amazement. “Don’t give me that annoying face, that’s so like you.” “......not really, but that’s beside the point.” He looked away nervously, his lips still unconsciously pursed. It was only natural that he worried about the disease, but much more than that, it was frustrating that he couldn’t manage it on his own. Previously, Naruto would have certainly gone by himself to Redaku, looking for his own way to cure the disease, but right now, Naruto couldn’t do that. The Seventh Hokage isn’t allowed to be absent from the village for long periods of time at his own leisure. Being Hokage, there was so much more he could do but not allowed to do at the same time. It’s a depressing situation. “I don’t think about it too much, as usual, you work as the Hokage. That is the number one most important thing for this village.” “Yeah, I get that, ya know?” With Naruto’s chin resting in his palm, he pulled a stack of documents on the edge of the desk towards himself. A tingling pain ran down his back of his chest, he prepared himself for an episode, but this was different. It wasn’t turning into the excruciating pain like always. A sluggish weight accompanied with the feeling of frustration slowly pulled at the core of his body.

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“Hey, Shikamaru” “Yeah?” “In case-” In case I lose all my chakra......how am I supposed to protect the village? Naruto swallowed his words before he could say them, looking for another way to follow his “in case”. “......Since it wasn’t me that the drone attacked, I wonder if it would’ve been feasible to look into this together”, Shikamaru thought a little. “There’s a possibility that the true mastermind is from Kengakuin. What’s that guy’s connection to Kengakuin?” “It’s likely they’re affiliated as a scientist there. For some reason, there was someone experimenting alone in the basement of a house, and not at the Kengakuin building. It was very odd.” “However, the house was destroyed by the drones. I wonder, where are they studying now?” Naruto asked casually, letting out a “hmm...” as he avoided meeting his gaze, it was a hard question to answer. “...... After being acquainted with the scientist, we discussed providing her a laboratory.” “Are you familiar with any of the scientists?” Naruto announces the full name of the scientist, Shikamaru’s face dropped. That afternoon. Naruto visited Chihare’s new study to help with her experiment as promised. Built in a cave in the ravine that sat under the iron railroad bridge. The place seemed innocent, but the deeper into the cave you went, the heavier the air seemed to get. The scientists here always behave poorly, but they’re all talented.

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Chihare seems to have rented out one of the laboratories that belonged to Orochimaru―― Suigetsu, Karin, and Orochimaru. Of course, they didn’t leave her without supervision. Yamato on surveillance keeps a close eye. “Yesterday, Captain Yamato, you truly saved me, ya know”, there was a little echo as he talked. Naruto crouched down and whispered in a concealed tone to Yamato, who was hiding in the shadows of a rocky area near the cave’s entrance. “Captain...... I’m sorry we left guarding Orochimaru’s lookout up to you.” “I have no choice. There’s no one to take my place.” Yamato has been on surveillance for Orochimaru, almost exclusively shouldering the responsibility since the last Hokage. Yamato himself probably didn’t take on this mission for any profit or loss, but it’s evident that the burden was focused on him alone. Naruto, Shikamaru, and of course Kakashi, had been constantly discussing about improving his situation, but coming to a consensus has proven to be difficult. Just as Yamato says, there’s no one to replace him. There was an indication of people stepping outside. Naruto clung to the ceiling with Yamato stayed hidden behind a protruding rock. “Yamato-san, thank you for your hard work,” it was Mitsuki, who appeared with such quite movements, very uncharacteristic for a genin. It looks like he came to visit after finishing a mission with Team Konohamaru. Yamato looked back, keeping his crouched posture. “Mitsuki, that was quick! How was your mission?” “We just looked for lost cats and cleaned drains. Besides

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Boruto falling in a river, it went well.” “Were they both D rank missions? Isn’t it boring if it goes free from accident?” “Honestly, maybe. Since we finished early, Boruto, Shikadai, Inojin, and I dropped by a burger shop in front of the station.” Naruto had a strange feeling as he looked down at the two laughing together. It was such a friendly conversation―― it was like a conversation between an uncle and an elementary school student. In the end, Mitsuki politely bows and enters the laboratory. Naruto waits for his footsteps to disappear before coming down from the ceiling. “...... Captain Yamato, you seem to be friendly with him.” “Oh yea, it’s like this all the time when I’m on surveillance.” Yamato seemed to be surprised himself as he pulled his face into a bitter smile. “Nevertheless, I can’t be negligent. These days, Orochimaru seems to be pretty obedient, I don’t know what to feel in my gut. Even those Taka guys have their quirks. In my heart, I can’t forgive them.” Karin then comes along behind Yamato, talking with a serious tone. Karin place a tray she held in her hand, a cup of green tea and strawberry daifuku placed on top, on a rock and without hesitation, Naruto watched from behind, returning to the shady rock ceiling. “Yamato, eat this. It’s strawberry daifuku, Mitsuki bought you one too.” “I’m okay. I’m on a mission.” “Be quiet, Mitsuki bought ‘em, so you should just shut up and eat it. You’re not some girl on a diet, just come back and return the plate.” She walked back into the lab, muttering to herself. Yamato sighed as he looked worryingly at the lightly powdered strawberry daifuku.

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“...... Captain Yamato, can your heart really not forgive them?” “If they can even be forgiven” Naruto leaves Yamato to his surveillance mission in the rocks, and once again visits the lab. Although he’s always told to visit this place, it’s not like he can just go and ring the doorbell with a present in hand. He walked in and vaguely wandered around until he came across Suigetsu. “Uwa-, Nanadaime! I heard that you would come, but you actually came! ... And to here of all places.” In the corner of Suigetsu’s mouth was a lightly colored powder. Strawberry daifuku. “Where is Chihare?” “This way this way,” Suigetsu started walking off, slowing his pace so Naruto could catch up next to him. His personality is as frank as ever, when he’s himself, he starts talking without thinking, about nonsense topics like this week’s weather. It looks like Orochimaru is in another laboratory today. “That kid’s experiment.......it’s the development of the device that creates versatile chakra isn’t it? It’s difficult, isn’t it? There are way too many patterns of stimuli to apply to the chakra, it seems time consuming. It’s such a massive task for one person.” “You should help her out, since you have the time to be eating strawberry daifuku.” “How did you know I ate daifuku?...... Anyways, both Karin and I did ask if she needed any help, but we were rejected.” Rejected? “why, still......” Naruto asks doubtfully, Suigetsu tilts his head to the side with a “huh?” “There’s a lot of scientists who are ready to monopolize her results,” the institute was widely

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frightening. There was a large number of doors, and behind a heavy looking closed door, you could hear the sound of croaking frogs or the sound of something violently boiling. Whatever it was, it wasn’t calm. Each time Naruto glanced towards a door, he would shake his head as Suigetsu, with a smile that showed off his protruding fang would ask, “wanna see inside?” After turning a few corners and going considerably far into the lookout, Suigetsu stopped walking. “It’s here,” he pointed towards a heavy door, seemingly made of iron at the end of the hall. “Just saying, Orochimaru rarely rents out part of his lab to others. Certainly, you don’t think you’re just some volunteer, do you?” “I get it,” Naruto nods and pushes open the door. “There’s a lot of value in what she’s researching” Chihare sat on the linoleum floor, using her laptop placed on a low table she brought in. There was a chair and desk near the wall, but since she wasn’t used to them, she wouldn’t be able to get settled into them. Turning his back around to review the last experiments, the door sounded as he opened it. “Chihare--! I’m here--!” Naruto said. Chihare sluggishly stood up and quickly made her way through the lines of steel shelves, her face peeking through. “Your work is much appreciated.” “Oh...... the bags under your eyes are huge” “I’m not sleeping. This equipment is really good, so the experiments are moving along.” Orochimaru’s research laboratory has at the end of a corridor, its entrance formed around rocky terrain brimming with rustic nature, but the moment you enter the lab, it transforms into a modern-day

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facility. The walls and ceiling glowed silver as it was made of stainless steel, and to sterilize the rooms, the air conditioning adjusted the amount of humidity in 0.1 increments. Chihare was obviously benefitting from a facility like this as she was much more efficient. Everything was generally more convenient than that renovated basement under the house. To start with, this place was just huge, the number of shelves that tripled. The petri dishes were so tightly packed on the steel shelves it was An imposing camera was installed near the ceiling. held the lines of petri dishes have almost as if they detested any gaps. Every step of the experiments seems to be recorded. It means that if there is any outcome then it’ll be shared without already figured that out when she decided to use Orochimaru’s lab. “Let’s do this!” Naruto said powerfully as he turned the goggles Even if there were clearly much more petri dishes to check, he decided not to complain and proceeded to work with haste. There was barely any space between the shelves causing Naruto to be pretty cramped. “So, Suigetsu was telling me,” Naruto remembered as he spoke out, putting his foot on the edge of the bottom shelf, clutching a petri dish with both of his hands as he looked into it on the top shelf. “Did you tell those guys that you didn’t need their help?” “Yes. Up until this point I was doing it on my own.” “But, if they can help, you’ll be finished sooner.” “It’ll be ok. It’s much more stressful with others.” I guess that’s just how it is, Naruto thought as he silently

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murmured to himself, and after a moment, he sharply turned his head at attention. “But you asked me.” Yeah, which reminded me. Being with someone else feels so painful, that’s why I was working on my own in that basement―― but for some reason, the way Naruto spoke felt so genuine. Thinking deeply about it, it’s quite a mystery. It makes me wonder why...... 。Chihare repeatedly batted her eyelids while Naruto returned to work saying, “Wow, the goggles are so convenient.” Oh. That’s right, the goggles. I really wanted to borrow the goggles, so I decided to ask Naruto. If not, don’t even bother deciding to be in the same room as anyone else. “...... I don’t think I’m that comfortable around other people,” Chihare idly muttered, Naruto turned his head in curiosity. “You like being alone? I like being around everyone.” “Though I worry, ...... isn’t it more comfortable to be on your own?” “Well, I guess that’s true for some guys, but it’s much more enjoyable to be with various other people.” “Like what?” being asked this, Naruto looked up into the air. “Let’s see...... I still laugh and remember the time when Kakashi-sensei became the hokage!” Naruto burst out without warning. It was very grandiose to recall and laugh about it. With Chihare amazed, Naruto continued talking with a big happy grin. “...... I was ordered to this certain mission to take down a group of thieves. Sasuke had unexpectedly returned to the

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village and joined me. That guys not a shinobi, strictly speaking, but he informally helped out.” Uchiha Sasuke, as well as Hatake Kakashi. He slipped in such amazing names during their chat, amazing Chihare to her core. His personality strangely put her at ease, but this person was still the Seventh Hokage. “The boss’s name was “Kinetsu”, but I always called him the wrong name, “Kitsune”, during strategy meetings. Everyone was aware I got his name wrong, but because he was so cocky, nobody would point it out, which made it even more funny......” “There was no laughter?” “I didn’t know if there was laughter or not. Then we were split up into two teams. I was on a team with Kiba, Sakura, and then Shino. Sasuke was away at the time, and Sakurachan said in secret, “you got the wrong name,” then everyone went “reallyー!? He was wrongー!?” We were on duty, but I died a question, but he was sure she on. little on the inside as we laughed.” After saying that, he couldn’t hold back anymore, letting out a sneaky chuckle. “It’s been a while since it happened, and everyone else might not remember, but I do, and it drives me crazy.” “...... I see,” she responded to the various memories of his teammates Naruto talked about. Chouji and Shikamaru crying for a moment at Sai and Ino’s wedding. New Year’s Eve, I got too enthusiastic with everyone when we were playing jinsei boardgame, I didn’t even realize it was already the morning of the new year. At the same time, also using our full power and tactics to pull of Kakashi-sensei’s mask to see his true face.

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Sai painting a very serious cat using super beast scroll but it turning out way too cute and everyone was enthralled by it. Before my wedding, Iruka-sensei and Sakura teaching me how to cook since I wasn’t very good. “―― I only made the ones that I was able to do really well during practice. Hinata thought I could unexpectedly cook...... actually, I’ll cook a lot of dishes under-the-table before I show it off. Fried rice, potatoes mixed with curry...” No matter who we talked about, Naruto seemed to have a good time. Everything was like a little episode in the grand scheme of things. To Chihare, it was a mystery how he could talk about other people with so much joy. He undoubtedly loved and loved his friends unbearably. Naruto kept his eyes firmly on the petri dishes as he chatted until he reached the last one with, “No good――― absolutely no change!” He exaggeratedly dropped to the floor. “Oh, I see.” “You see...... it’s only mildly disappointing.” “Not getting any results is normal,” Chihare said as she lowered her gaze from his blue eyes above her. “The memories of your friends you were talking about just now...... they all felt absurd.” She spoke honestly, but wondering if it’d make him feel bad. Hearing that, Naruto laughed with his whole body, “I think so too.” “Its weird. I enjoy the small things the most, no matter how trivial. When work tires me out, when something irritates me because it’s not going the right way......remembering these things makes me feel ok. That’s dumb, I’m sorry.” Naruto ‘s smile looked innocent and carefree, making her chest warm inside. While feeling relieved, she also felt guilty.

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Naruto looked happier the more he spoke, which made her own sense of guilt grew stronger. She just couldn’t love everything around her like him. “You’re the kind of person who cares about the people around you.” She had said more than enough. “We are just different from each other, I just don’t need to have a connection with people.” Chihare continued speaking quickly, feeling like she was making excuses for herself. “I don’t think I’m lonely either, I was much more alone a long time ago. For someone who grew up surround by love like yourself, you might not be able to understand.” Naruto slightly opened his mouth to say something but ended up not saying a word. It’s been a little over two weeks since Chihare moved to Orochimaru’s laboratory. Naruto spent his days going back and forth between the laboratory, the Hokage’s office and his home. The experiments continued and the busy season was over regarding the Hokage’s work, however, Naruto couldn’t use his shadow clones to do the job. The symptoms of the seizures were improving, and the frequency got visibly reduced. Until recently, he had been crouching many times a day, biting his lips and enduring it but he hasn’t had a seizure for days now. According to Sakura, if the cause of the illness was a malfunction of his chakra-system, perhaps something has healed and things are getting better. When Naruto became hopeful, a hawk from the Astronomical Institute arrived at the Hokage’s office. “It’s rather bad that the seizures are happening less frequently.” – Shikamaru told Naruto after he read the letter from Sakura.

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“I’m not using my chakra, and so the seizures are gone.” “I’m not sure. In any case, I got a clue.” – Shikamaru put a book on his desk. On the back cover ‘astronomical drawing’ is written in gold. “I won’t go into the details, but they have found this astronomical map at the Astronomical Institute and also found half of the polar particles hidden in the sky after falling to the ground.” There was a bamboo bowl on the desk with an amulet on it. “It’s sealed with very strong chakra. Naruto, don’t touch it.” “Do you know how to release it?” “It should be described in this book…” – Shikamaru pointed at the book next to the bamboo bowl with his finger. It seems to be the guidebook of a card game called “Hoshi Narabe”. “Unfortunately, the ink on the important part is faint and cannot be read. Therefore, it’ll also be sent to Kengakuin for decipherment.” “Kengakuin…” Even more information will flow to Kengakuin now… On the surface, that institution is cooperating with them, but in reality it’s very difficult to tell what the Secretary, Furie is planning to do. Pretending to be unaware that Naruto had a clouded expression on his face, Shikamaru placed a folded straw paper next to the bamboo bowl. “It seems that this “celestial map” was sandwiched between the book.” Naruto looked at the folded paper. > - a short sentence, with more stars scribbled in broken letters. “Was this book found in Redaku country? Why is the mark of our village there?” – Naruto asked. “Who knows…?” – answered Shikamaru. “It could be that

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they were using a similar writing system… I can’t say anything at this point. In any case, now that we have the polar particles, Sasuke and Sakura should be coming back to the village.” It takes about 30 days at the average skilled shinobi speed to travel from Redaku Country to the Hidden Leaf Village. Sasuke and Sakura should be much faster than that. “Kakashi-sensei is staying a bit longer. It appears he supports the Prince’s coup d’etat, which may be over now as he messaged us a while ago.” “It has come to that?” About a week ago, Naruto received a letter from the Prince of Redaku Country, asking for food aid. He had been contacted by Kakashi in advance to cooperate with them, so he promised to support him, but he didn’t know the whole thing developed into a coup d’etat. “It seems that the new queen isn’t ruling well… there are people who starve to death.” Of course, when Naruto heard people starve to death he became worried and he wanted to do something about it. However, if one intervenes in another country’s internal issues, that is like inviting them for an attack. Even though, it is unlikely the Land of Fire is inferior to Redaku Country in terms of strength, but Naruto didn’t want to go to war irrespective of whether he’d win or lose. “… is it really okay for Kakashi-sensei to support the coup d’etat?” “Well, as you can tell, it’s a domestic affair. It’s a country that has been isolated for a very long time, and it’s a delicate issue whether it’s okay to do that or not. It wouldn’t be a problem to wipe out the shinobi hired by Redaku Country, but it would be a big problem if we attacked the Queen or the Prime Minister directly. There are other things too, like if it was a direct attack, or due to self-defense… in any case, we

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can only communicate them via hawks.” “…I see!” – Naruto nodded with a bright tone, as if to shake off his anxiety. He was smiling but visibly worried. As usual, his emotions appeared on his face. Shikamaru smiled in a bitter way and patted Naruto’s shoulders. “Let’s get back to work already, there are lots of documents you need to approve.” Three days later, there was an unexpected visitor. “There is a person who’d like to meet Hokage-sama…” – Moegi’s facial expression was clearly confused. Naruto and Shikamaru, who have been discussing next year’s railway plans facing each other shook their heads. There should’ve been no visitors today. “She insists that she’s a researcher at Kengakuin, but has no ID card. Would you like me to let her through?” “What does she want to say?” “Um… about a substance called ‘polar particles’.” Naruto and Shikamaru looked at each other. “Please let her through!” The polar particles obtained by Sasuke and Sakura are being investigated by Kengakuin. They were wondering if the analysis was over while waiting for the visitor who was guided there. It was Chihare. “So, the thing is…” – waiting for Moegi to go away, Chihare started speaking. “I found a way to cure your illness.” Shikamaru opened his eyes very wide and immediately frowned at Naruto. He asked why this woman knew about his illness, but not while she was explaining her findings. “Really!” Chihare nodded “yes” to Naruto, who immediately stood up. “At the request of Secretary Furie, we have analysed this new substance called ‘polar particles’. We have concluded

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that it can amplify chakra.” “Amplify chakra?” – Shikamaru reacted immediately. “What it means is that if a person with no chakra touches it… the amount of chakra flowing through their body will increase explosively. If the Seventh’s illness is a malfunction of the chakra tubes caused by the tailed beast in his body, touching the polar particles may improve the flow of his chakra. However…” Chihare’s expression became gloomy. “The polar particles are owned by Kengakuin now, so I can’t just take them out without permission. I’m simply leaking information to you now. If the Hokage negotiates directly, you may get the particles, but since the Secretary is Furie, it may not be straightforward…” “Ah, it was us who sent them the substance for analysis.” – Naruto said. “What?” – Chihare raised her head. “It was our friends who found these polar particles. Right now we entrusted Kengakuin with the analysis, but I’m sure it’ll come back soon.” Chihare was silent for about 10 seconds, then started muttering. “Really… I’m glad.” “Thank you” – Naruto laughed and thanked her. Without knowing that the clients of the polar particles were Naruto and his friends, Chihare violated the rules and went there. “You analysed the particles. Did the seal of the container break? – asked Shikamaru. “Seal? When I got to it, it was already only the polar particles, and no seal.” Kengakuin somehow broke the seal on the bamboo bowl. “Where are the polar particles? Do you still have them?” “No. I gave it to the messenger of Kengakuin this morning. Now, Secretary Furie has them. It’s a fairly unstable

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substance, so I think we will do a bit more detailed analyses to find out how to handle it properly.” “It’s unstable?” – Chihare nodded mysteriously when asked by Shikamaru. “It’s extremely vulnerable to water, and with just a touch, it quickly decomposes and disappears. It also dramatically increases chakra levels, so it’s almost poisonous for people with lots of chakra. Once you touch it, the chakra inside your body doubles and your body could burst.” Shikamaru was thinking a bit. If touching the particles may improve Naruto’s condition, it’s better to get hold of them sooner. “Let’s get back the polar particles from Kengakuin as soon as possible. I’ll get in touch with Shizune-san.” - Shikamaru left in a hurry. “Ah, Naruto, I forgot to say it but please check the proposals I gave you earlier by tomorrow.” - With that said, he left the Hokage’s office. He’s a busy person. Chihare looked around in the Hokage’s office again. The office was full of documents. The seal of ‘Seventh Hokage’ was placed in the corner of the desk. Inside the trash can, there are lots of empty bottles of energy drinks and a few red pens out of ink. To think that this is the office of the Hidden Leaf’s Hokage is kind of sad. “Thank you, Chihare.” – not realising that she didn’t like the room, Naruto smiled and thanked her. “Now that you’ve told me in advance, I’m really relieved.” “I’m the one to thank you.” – as she said that, Naruto’s facial expression looked more relieved. The hero who protected the lives of many people. After all, this person probably doesn’t know that. Scientists from the five great nations can devote themselves to research only because the ninja wars ended. Chihare will turn 25 years old this year. She can barely remember Pain’s invasion or the Fourth Ninja World War, even though she should be perfectly aware of

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what was going on. She only has vague memories of being taken by her parents to evacuate somewhere. When she became an adult, she saw the TV specials and magazines that looked back on those days and that was when she realised it for the first time what a serious situation it was. She had no idea because she was being protected. Chihare was staying home while the five great nations were fighting and the shinobi protected their villages with their lives. Disassembling light bulbs, reading sciences books, all by herself. She constantly lived being covered by someone else’s back. She was certain many children of the same age felt the same. “I’m not familiar with shinobi, but I know that there are two, by far the most powerful human beings existing among shinobi. One of them is you, and the other one is Sasuke. The reason why the five great nations were able to stop the war is because you two wanted peace. The Sixth Hokage focused more on developing the economy to stabilise the country than on military (like the Fifth Hokage did). It was very difficult to adjust like that, but it became a success because of all the backers. It also acts as a deterrent to war. Hatake Kakashi built the peace of the present by making good use of the economic development. “That’s right.” - Naruto proudly nodded. Chihare was looking at Naruto, thinking that he is even better than the previous Hokage. That he is completely for others. “Before the reign of the Sixth Hokage, chakra was only used as a tool in battle for a long time. It was an era when protecting the country was the highest priority. But now it’s different. Modern scientists can devote themselves to their research. Our research results aren’t judged by whether they are useful or not as tools for war. Many scientists are grateful to you for creating this peace.”

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“Is that so?” – Naruto scratched his head. “I didn’t realise there were people who thought of it that way…” “At least, I’m grateful, so I came here today only to be disillusioned.” “What?” – Naruto stopped moving. “Is this really what the Hokage wanted to do?” Chihare looked around in the messy office looking frustrated. “Working hard every day, clinging to his desk and sign documents. You, a war hero. Is it really fun to do all this boring work?” “Yeah. I’ve decided it’s fun.” “So… you decided that it’s fun…?” Naruto took out an envelope from the middle of the documents that appear to be randomly piled up. “Look at this. The purchase order for forehead protectors for the graduates from the academy this year. I was so happy when I saw this for the first time. I’m excited just by looking at these documents.” “Still, I didn’t think it would be you doing this kind of job.” “It really is me doing it.” Naruto closed the document and turned his eyes to the photographs of the previous Hokage on the wall. “Tsunade obaachan’s first job after becoming Hokage was to treat shinobi who were injured in battle. When Kakashisensei became Hokage, he was to hold a ceremony to commemorate the war victims of the Ninja World War. I wonder what the Fourth Hokage did as his first action… I don’t know, but I’m sure it was unpleasant.” Namikaze Minato had a brilliant expression in that photo full of willpower. “The first thing I did as Hokage was to give a business permit to a sweets shop in the old down. That’s peace.” –

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Naruto laughed. “I’m happy that the village has become like this, even if desk work doesn’t suit me. Boruto, Himawari and the next generation are growing up, it would be nice if my only job was to do this desk work while that happens. Also, I’ve never said that I’m a hero.” Naruto had an amazing smile full of willpower. Chihare was sure many people have been moved by his smile. His smile was so powerful that it made people to want to do things as well. It makes people to want to do better. Her initial impression may have been wrong. The reason this person was chosen to become Hokage may not have been because of his strength after all. “Why did you…” – Chihare slowly looked at Naruto. “Why did you want to be Hokage?” “I wanted to be recognised by everyone.” – Naruto answered immediately. Chihare was surprised. To be recognised by everyone? “That doesn’t sound like an answer. If you weren’t Hokage, there would still be as many people around you as possible.” “Huh? That isn’t the case at all.” Naruto averted his eyes in a mysterious way. “You have told me before that while growing up I was loved and surrounded by people… to tell the truth, when I was a kid, I was always alone. When I went to the academy, I was with Shikamaru and Kiba, but when I got home, nobody was there, and when I walked around the village I was really hated.” “You’re lying.” “No, I mean it.” Naruto opened a drawer, saying nothing. “In any case, I wanted to be recognised by anyone. That was the first reason why I wanted to be Hokage.” He took out a brand new forehead protector from the

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drawer. He gave it to Chihare and proudly laughed. “Look at that. This is a sample of the new forehead protectors for the Academy graduates. Please improve the material, because it’s flimsier and stiffer than last years’. Is it mould?” “…yeah.” Chihare traced the Konoha mark engraved on the forehead protector with her finger. The round and round overwinding pattern is a symbol of this village. “You really like the people around you, don’t you?” “Yeah!” – Naruto proudly responded. “No good today either. Nothing has changed!” – said Naruto after he’s taken off his goggles. Naruto got used to using the Byakugan, although if he used it for a long time his eyes got tired and he found it difficult to focus. No progress has been made today either. Naruto checked tens of thousands of the experiments but there were no results. “Have the polar particles still not been returned by Kengakuin?” – asked Chihare. “No, not yet” – said Naruto with dissatisfaction. “Even though Shikamaru rushes them, since the particles are weak to water, they need safe transportation.” “It is an unknown substance. They want to keep it at hand for as long as possible to study it.” No change, no change, no change… Chihare copied and pasted the results of the experiments once by one. “But where did your friends find such a rare substance?” ***

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“There is a country to the west of the Land of Fire, called Redaku.” “Redaku? Amusing name.” – the number of participants in the conversation increased by one. Looking back, Orochimaru was standing there and they were wondering when he entered the room. Orochimaru stretched out his long tongue and picked up the binder that had been dropped by the surprised Chihare. “This is my equipment, right? Could you please take care of it?” “Ah… have you been to Redaku Country?” Orochimaru nodded in agreement. “I heard a rumour that a forbidden technique similar to reincarnation was passed down there so I went to investigate. It was a long time ago though. The goggles you’re wearing were made by applying the technology I found in that country.” – the tip of Orochimaru’s stretched tongue moved around the goggles. Seeing Naruto pulling his body in a creepy way, Orochimaru raised the edge of his mouth. “The technique passed down allowed to transplant the ability of another person’s ‘eye’. In addition, there was a folklore created by Rikudou sennin’s blind friend, Jean-Mar-Tatar. Originally, this technique was for blind people to gain eyesight by using artificial eyes as a medium. I applied it to these goggles. It’s still a prototype, but I I hoped it’d be useful for this child’s experiment.” ***

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“Well, it doesn’t seem to be working very well so far.” “That’s right.” - Naruto folded his arms. “I’m doing a lot every day and there are no results.” “It’s difficult to come up with new technology. You just have to try and learn from your mistakes. Edo tensei was born that way too.” – Orochimaru smiled happily for some reason, glaring at Naruto. “If you use it every day, you’ll probably get used to handling those goggles. Show me how much you improve in three days.” “Hey, Chihare. Did you leave the Kengakuin facility at your own will?” As she was preparing for tomorrow’s experiment, she said “Yes, that’s right.” “Why did you do that?” – Naruto asked casually, and Chihare answered after a bit of silence. “Didn’t I say that before? I find it stressful to be around other people.” “Is that it?” “Why are you asking?” “Because this experiment you’re doing is for other people after all.” Chihare took a small breath and stared at Naruto’s face. She didn’t understand why Naruto cared about her individually. From the point of view of the Seventh Hokage, she’s just one

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of their scientists after all. Why does he care about her when he has so many great friends in the village? This experiment has a great significance for the world, and perhaps he was confident that it’s worth his cooperation. However, Naruto was trying to confront Chihare herself who is conducting the experiment. She was wondering if that’s how he was with everyone. “I found a star.” Chihare was preparing liquid chakra in a pipette. “A star?” Chihare began talking. “Originally, my speciality was astrophysics. About half a year ago, I was observing celestial bodies and found a star with strange movements. It changes its orbit little by little from North to South and from South to North by going around this other star.” “Is it like the Moon?” “Much faster than the Moon.” The liquid chakra dripping from the pipette landed in the middle of the petri dish. A distorted circle that collapsed a little and had a tail. Like a shooting star. “I reported its existence of Kengakuin, but nobody believed there was such a celestial body. After all, it’s seemingly impossible to go around like that while changing the trajectory.” ***

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“Shouldn’t others observe it though? They can’t deny it once they observe it with their own eyes.” “There was no researcher at Kengakuin with enough skills to observe the star. There are only scientists that study ‘science that is useful to humanity’. The upper management urged me to pursue space research in more profitable areas. Instead of accepting that, I left.” – as she was saying that, she became more and more embarrassed. It seemed like a little thing, but it also appeared so childish because she left as they didn’t believe in the existence of a star she discovered. She was saying she wasn’t good at cooperating with others, yet she wants someone to approve of her work. “I see.” – Naruto nodded. “Quite a shock.” “……” “I wouldn’t like that either. If it really exists, but it seems impossible so they just deny it.” “Well, I’m past that.” As Chihare moved to the corner of the shelf to escape and continue working, Naruto appeared while flipping a splash of water from his wet hands. “I washed the petri dishes. What should I do now?” “Ah… please dry them.” The footsteps that slipped through the shelves and headed for the drying room stopped suddenly. ***

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“Hey Chihare, it’s on this shelf, I just prepared this petri dish. I think it’ll take some time before we get some results.” “But it’s working.” “Look over there. The chakra is overflowing with great momentum.” As she approached the shelf, she heard the sound of glass smashing in her chest pocket. “Hm…” The chakra amount measuring instrument is cracked. She was wondering why it broke and headed out to get a spare one. When she checked the measuring instrument again, the needle pointing to the scale was far off from the maximum value. Chihare looked at Naruto’s face, looked at the measuring instrument, the top of the shelf and then saw Naruto’s face. “Eh…?” When she brought the broken measuring instrument closer to the upper part of the shelf, the needle shook so much it broke. There’s no mistaking it. Vaporised chakra filled the area around the shelves. Huge amounts. “This is the first time… that I got results.” “Hurray…!” Naruto swung his arms up like a child. *************************************************************** Naruto took Chihare to Ichiraku to celebrate the progress of the experiment. “If something good happens, I usually eat ramen.”

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*** She didn’t know how usual that was, but it appeared the Seventh Hokage goes to this place a lot. The curtain, which is said to be the same as the one they used before renovating the store was completely dirty and oil stains appeared on them. There were 4 out of 6 seats at a table already occupied as they entered. The child sitting in the middle turned his eyes as soon as he saw Naruto’s face. “Ah, Dad!” “Ah Boruto. You’ve also come here?” Boruto, Mitsuki, Sarada, and Iruka, the principal of the academy sat there. “Right now Sarada is staying with Iruka-sensei, and we came along.” “I’m glad, I hope Iruka-sensei is treating you well.” Naruto and Chihare sat down in the two empty seats in the middle. “It’s kind of nostalgic to see Iruka-sensei and Naruto side by side.” – said Teuchi, while preparing the noodle bowls on the counter. *Teuchi: you know the Ichiraku guy. I kind of forgot. “Right… I used to take him here when he was an academy student.” “I still remember clearly the first time I was brought here by

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Iruka-sensei. After class, we had some ramen. I was surprised how good it was.” Iruka laughed nostalgically while taking the chopsticks. “And now you’re eating their cup ramen.” “Yeah, Ichiraku’s ramen is the best in the world!” The ramen that is praised by the Seventh Hokage… Chihare was gazing down at the soup. She thought it would taste great, so entwined the noodles, wrapped them around the chopsticks, put them into her mouth. It was delicious but… it was just normal ramen. Although her body warmed up. “Is it delicious?” – she intended to be alone but she got asked by Boruto. “Yeah.” Boruto nodded while whispering, so that Teuchi, who was talking to Naruto wouldn’t hear him, and continued quietly. “Dad and Iruka-sensei love Ichiraku Ramen, but I think Thunder Burger is definitely better.” Boruto glanced at Naruto as he said that and added “…it’s a secret in front of my dad though.” Boruto looked happy even though he’d prefer hamburgers. Chihare was staring at the person sitting next to her. Naruto probably likes the ramen here because he has memories of being brought here by that kind teacher. After class they came here and listened to him, enjoyed it, and so he got to like the

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ramen as well. Come to think of it, Mitsuki was saying the other day that he took a detour to a hamburger shop with Boruto. For Boruto, it’s not a ramen shop, but a hamburger shop. It’s fun to kill time there with good friends. He thinks hamburger tastes better than ramen, because that’s where he has his memories. Chihare had no favourite food. There were always a lot of people around Naruto. “It’s the perfect name for you, Uzumaki Naruto.” Naruto turned happily while Chihare muttered that. “I like it too, ‘naruto’ is a delicious thing.” *I think he means this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Narutomaki “I meant your last name. There are spiral galaxies in the universe, and it is said there is a large black hole in the centre of the spiral that attrackts matter. As it sucks matter in, it’ll swirl around the centre.” *uzumaki means spiral https://jisho.org/search/uzumaki Iruka stopped eating and listened to their conversation. “At the centre of the vortex, there is always something that draws things around. One big thing that everyone is attracted and connected to. It is exactly like you. Bringing people together with overwhelming suction power.” Naruto acted as if he was confused. ***

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“Uzumaki is my mother’s last name. I’ve only talked to her once a bit, but she’s noisy, strong and definitely like a black hole. Her hair was red though.” image “Kushina-san was definitely a powerful person, just like you, always at the centre of turmoil. The swirl mark is also a symbol of Konoha. It really is a befitting last name for you.” Chihare listened while looking at the forehead protector on Boruto’s head sitting next to him. “Why is the Konoha mark like this? It doesn’t look like a leaf.” “It is said that ninja in the past trained to concentrate their chakra by putting leaves on their forehead. If you follow the swirl from the edge, it will eventually end up in a central point.” – said Iruka, which convinced Chihare. It certainly looked like a pictogram that puts scattered things in one place. “But if you change the vector, you end up with the opposite image.” “Vector?” – Boruto looked at Iruka mysteriously. “If you follow from the outside, you will reach the centre point. On the contrary, from the centre point, what happens if you go outwards? It spreads forever towards the outside. The image of the pictogram is scattered forever, rather than being gathered in one point. The swirl represents the movement from inside to outside and from outside to inside simultaneously.”

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*** “But there are so many other meanings to swirls!” – Boruto joined the conversation. “Sunflower seeds and cactus thorns grow in a swirling shape when you look at them.” “It’s a shape that efficiently stores long items. My parent sometimes swirls up his tongue.” -said Mitsuki, and Sarada continued. “There are some areas where swirls are carved in graves, right? These swirls that keep spinning are a symbol of eternity, so that they expect the dead to come back one day.” “You guys are studying properly…” – Naruto seems to have never heard of these things. “Surely you’ve also learnt about these at the academy, dad?” “No, I don’t think they taught these things in much detail at that time….” “I’m sure I taught you these things.” Iruka patted Naruto’s back happily. “You just didn’t listen because you were busy playing around with Kiba and Shikamaru.” “Really, I don’t remember clearly.” – Naruto’s face looked disappointed.

********************************************************************** ******** Chihare’s research has finally come to a conclusion. What kind of stimuli under what circumstances affect chakra? If one knows enough, they can make a guess by performing multiple regression analysis. The stage of repeating the

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experiments again and again in the dark is over. Now that she’s come this far, the rest should be straightforward. The chakra device was completed three days after Naruto confirmed the increase in chakra with his Byakugan goggles. “This afternoon, a messenger from Kengakuin will come to pick up the prototype… This is the end of the experiment. Thank you for your cooperation.” “Likewise. Your research results will surely help everyone in Konoha. Thank you, do your best!” She came all the way to the Hokage’s office to say that, and was smiling. After all, she wasn’t used to this person’s glare until the end. What that in mind, she left the Hokage’s office with a feeling of regret. It was the afternoon of the same day. Naruto met Orochimaru on the Hokage cliff, as promised to discuss about the Byakugan goggles. “You’ve become able to use it a little, right?” “Don’t lick the Hokage faces!” Naruto replied quickly, pulling the goggle’s bands and snapping it into his temples. Of course, it was still a far cry from Hinata or Hanabi. Even though, he could identify the chakra of people he was familiar with and have a full view in the range of a radius about 100 metres. He was able to come this far because he kept using the goggles every day while helping Chihare with her experiment. When Orochimaru turned towards Naruto, he grabbed the goggles and pulled it down.

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*** “Guess in which part of my body I’m focusing chakra now.” “Right hand.” When Naruto answered immediately, Orochimaru’s long tongue fluttered happily between his thin lips. “And now?” “Left foot?” “And now?” “Hmm.. right knee?” Every time Naruto answered correctly, Orochimaru’s yellow eyes approached the crescent shape. “All correct.” “Well, thanks…” It was meant to be a praise, but it was creepy. Naruto frowned, suddenly feeling strong chakra signals outside the village and turned in that direction. “…..!” This chakra, it was Sasuke and Sakura. Considering the speed of movement, they were using Susanoo. Kakashi already safely returned to Konoha the day before. Now everyone is back. ***

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“What’s wrong?” Orochimaru frowned mysteriously when he saw Naruto suddenly looking outside the village with his eyes on him. “Oh no, nothing!” Naruto started looking at the old town. A familiar figure was standing beside a half-destroyed mansion with a camphor tree. It was Chihare. It seemed like there were two men in white coats, who looked like scientists, walked and called out to Chihare. “Hmm…?” Naruto watched the movements of the two men. Judging from their manners and the amount of chakra they have, they were probably both shinobi. Could it be that they are both scientists and shinobi? The two men walked there and smiled. As soon as they received the things presented by Chihare, one of the men sank his fist into Chihare’s stomach. “That guy!” Another man put a bag on her head as her body was collapsing. Naruto hurriedly tried to jump off the cliff, but the snake released by Orochimaru got entangled in his ankle and he tripped. “Orochimaru! What are you doing!” “I’d like to ask you the same thing. I couldn’t see anything, so what happened?” ***

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“Chihare was kidnapped by people from Kengakuin!” Orochimaru wrapped around Naruto and didn’t let him go. “Calm down. Chihare is a scientist. She won’t be killed until they confirm that her findings are correct.” “How long is that?!” “Well, about three days?” The two men ran away on the roofs. They were obviously shinobi. One of them was carrying Chihare. Orochimaru said she wouldn’t be killed right away, but there’s no guarantee. Naruto was trying to chase them but Orochimaru didn’t let him. “The next time you try to move, I’ll kill you.” “What does this have to do with you?!” “You’re dealing with unidentified people. We need to find their hideout and eradicate it. Please calm down. I’ll help you.”

The men entered a flying ship depot on the outskirts of the new city. On the premises there is a huge warehouse for storing flying ships owned by the Land of Fire and a research institute jointly funded by Kengakuin. The men entered the laboratory. They seem to be closed today so nobody is around. ***

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“Hey, what are you doing?” – Orochimaru hurriedly stopped Naruto from trying to open the window. “Why aren’t we going inside?” “If you invade from such a place, the alarms will go off immediately and it’ll be troublesome. Have you never illegally invaded an international organisation?” Orochimaru seems to be an expert at illegal intrusion and says not to enter through the window, instead they should hack security first. The two men came out of the entrance, but Chihare wasn’t with them. Naruto and Orochimaru jumped behind them at the same time. “Where are you going and where is Chihare?” – asked Naruto, holding the man’s shoulders from behind so that they couldn’t see his face. They raised their hands without any resistance and admitted that Chihare is on the 27th floor of the building. “Just outside the emergency stairs, in the electromagnetic laboratory.” “We were just hired. We don’t even know anything about our employer.” “Thank you.” – Orochimaru bit into the men’s necks in turn. Naruto hurriedly caught the bodies of the two fallen men. With the entry card stolen from them, Naruto and

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Orochimaru broke through the security gate at the entrance and invaded the laboratory. The building itself has 30 stories, Naruto and Orochimaru ran up the emergency stairs and jumped into the electromagnetic laboratory on the 27th floor. “Seventh!” – Chihare was sitting on the floor in the middle of the room, not tied up. She looked the same as when she was taken away, and it appeared she was able to run and escape soon. “You can move. Why aren’t you running away?” “I can’t move!” “What?” – Naruto was told to look downwards. Makibishi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makibishi) were scattered all over the floor. It was reddish-brown makibishi, not the usual iron one. It wasn’t just makibishi. As soon as Naruto stepped into the room, the makibishi started floating. Naruto hurriedly withdrew his legs. “What is this?!” At first they thought it was a trap that activated only when they stepped in, but it appeared that it was a mechanism that started moving three-dimensionally as soon as an intruder was detected. The bronze coloured debris was flying around endlessly like a meteor shower, it even looked beautiful. If one inadvertently stretches their hands forwards, their flesh would probably be cut out though. “I can’t move because of this!” Only the place where Chihare sits seemed to be a safe zone,

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as the makibishi didn’t pass through there. Meaning, she couldn’t go anywhere because she was surrounded by makibishi. “I’m good, so both of you should go to the hangar! Now!” “What’s in the hangar?” “Secretary Furie wants to use my chakra device to duplicate the polar particles and scatter them from the sky to Konoha!” “Why would he do that?” – Naruto raised his eyebrows. “He’s aiming at the shinobi…” – pointed out Orochimaru. “Polar particles are harmless to the general public, but they are powerful drugs to shinobi. If they touch them, it could cause many serious problems because of the chakra tubes enlarging.” “Hurry up! The device should already be on board the flying ship!” Naruto looked back at Orochimaru. They exchanged a few words after which Orochimaru left for the hangar. “Seventh! You too, go to the hangar!” “Only after helping you!” Chihare was confused. If she was the priority now, she needed to find a way to get out of that trap. “I could break through it by brute force and not die.” ***

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Naruto tried to jump in but he got injured. “Please don’t do such a dangerous thing! Look for a magnet!” “Magnet?” “It should be nearby.” This makibishi trap must be using eddy currents. Naruto looked like a mess. “When you bring a magnet close to a metal, it creates a strong spiral magnetic field. Perhaps there is a huge magnet somewhere in this room. The force of that magnetic field causes the makibishi to move! The same vortex current is also used in the braking system of flying ships. This is a development laboratory for flying ships, there is no doubt there is an eddy current generator that uses a huge magnet somewhere.” The reason why these makibishi are made of copper is probably because it is a material that is more susceptible to magnetic fields than iron. “The movement of makibishi may seem random, but if you look closely, it moves in a combination of several swirls!” When Naruto took a look with the Byakugan, it certainly seemed they moved according to some pattern even though it seemed to be messy. There are vortices in four places in the room, and the makibishi in the room rotate along one of these. Naruto carefully followed each makibishi’s movement and concluded that the movement of makibishi in front of him was just circular. It was an independent ring, not connected to anything, unlike the spirals Iruka-sensei told him about, which are forever scattered outwards. Like a

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planet that orbits the Sun, it just goes around the same place and goes nowhere. Such a simple movement should be easily cut off. Naruto pulled the goggles’ lever. “What are you going to do…?!” After all, he just decided to break through by brute force. It was surprising to see how self-assured Naruto was. “It’s ok, I feel like I borrowed Hinata’s Byakugan.” Aiming at a place where the flow of the makibishi is thinner, he kicked the ground at the right time and his body floated in the air like a jumping rope. His arm got stabbed but Naruto ran straight through and jumped into the central windless zone. Chihare looked up at Naruto who looked at him with a bitter smile after checking his body. “If you pay attention to the whole thing and anticipate the next move, it isn’t that difficult.” Naruto took the lead. “What are you doing?!” He started going back the way he came and Chihare turned pale. “There is a safer way to break through, find the magnet!” “It’s a waste of time.” “Can you break the floor? Destroy it. Anything is fine. Hit or kick, just destroy it to the extent that it cracks.”

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*** Eddy currents occur when a magnet is brought close to a flat metal plate. In the case of this room, the iron floor acts as a metal plate, so the eddy current should disappear if the surface is destroyed to the extent that it is not flat. As Naruto said, he slammed his clenched fist on the floor. It didn’t crash as much as it would’ve with Sakura, but it cracked the floor. Then, the makibishi suddenly stopped moving and scattered on the floor. “….What? We didn’t have to cross it then.” Naruto ran down the stairs and headed towards the hangar. He had a discomfort in his shoulder from being hurt by the makibishi and pulled one out from his back as well. Chihare didn’t understand why the Seventh Hokage got injured for her. Why is he so kind? She felt like it was a big mistake to protect her. “I can’t connect with others in society. I want to stay alone and live by doing what I like. That’s the kind of person I am, you know?” Naruto, who had been listening just became annoyed. “You’re noisy. Don’t force yourself to open your heart on demand, but you should force yourself to connect with people a bit. In the old days, when not everyone could do their best for the village is over. If you say you don’t want to connect that’s fine, but we live in a peaceful society where even people like you can live comfortably.” Naruto softened his voice as he was running down the stairs.

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*** “Hinata was born in a prestigious shinobi family, and in those days she obviously had to become a shinobi. Originally, she isn’t the type of person who fights against people and competes for victory… if she was born now, I’m sure she would choose a different job. I’m sure there were other people who didn’t want to fight but didn’t have a choice. I’ve always wanted to change that.” This person was always relaxed when talking about his wife. Chihare took a small breath, staring at his wide back. She was sure Hinata was a wonderful wife. “That’s why you really should try to connect with people. By the way, why did Furie let you develop this device? If this device gets completed, the demand for natural gas would drop, wouldn’t it?” “He would completely monopolise the energy market with this, after having destroyed the shinobi of each country using the polar particles and using the Land of Stair’s shinobis’ chakra to copy the gas.” Furie’s thinking was extremely selfish, and from Naruto’s point of view it was an unforgivable plan. Naruto didn’t say anything, but his back got a little hot. In front of the hangar, there was a huge shutter for the flying ship to enter and exit. Next to it was a small gate, and Orochimaru was in front of it. There was a familiar mechanical noise. It’s been a month they met for the first time. A drone with four rotors. ***

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“It’s you again…!” Naruto was cautious, not showing any surprise despite his tone. It was probably Furie who sent the drones to the underground laboratory when they were there. Was its purpose to eliminate Naruto? Perhaps their abilities are different individually. There is one who self-destructs, and drones appeared one after another from the back of the hangar. They were flying like birds and slowly approaching. After that, a laser beam. Naruto took a light breath and stepped to grab them, then pulled them and hit the upper one into the central sphere of drones. These are precision machines. If they’re hit, they break. The snake released by Orochimaru thrust its fangs into the sphere. The battle began. Drones VS Naruto & Orochimaru. There were at least a hundred of them, each with different capabilities, so it was hard to deal with them. Especially with the laser beam type and the self-destruct type. Orochimaru started spraying poisonous fog into the drones and ruthlessly executed the drones around him some of which started to self-destruct. As the tip of the frontal part of the drones started glowing red, the countdown to their suicide bomb started. A large number of snakes popped out of the mouth of Orochimaru. It filled the floor and started jumping at the drones. “Wow!” – Naruto was surprised by the snake crawling at his feet and he lifted his right foot. Orochimaru grabbed Naruto’s leg and threw him up to the ceiling of the hangar up to 5 metres and was hung by a sprinkler attached to the ceiling. “What are you doing, Orochimaru!”

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*** “Find the pilot of the drones, it’s troublesome to deal with them one by one.” While some programmes may have been installed to instruct the actions of the drones, it was more natural to think that some pilot was instructing them real-time based on the selfdestruction pattern of the drones. Naruto looked down at the hangar, with his arm hooked in the sprinkler. The fierce battle of snakes VS drones was unfolding. The snakes made full use of the small turns their bodies could handle, and Orochimaru seemed to be having fun. Naruto wore the googles and carefully compared the flying ships in the hangar. “That’s it.” – he felt a sign of chakra inside the ship that stopped near the entrance on the North side and let go of the sprinkler and jumped off. Instead of landing directly on the ground, he grabbed the arm of the drone that passed by while falling. The drone that he jumped on shook and lowered its altitude, but surprisingly continued to fly without crashing, and on the contrary, stretched its muzzle straight to the tip of Naruto’s nose. Its muzzle was flashing red. Just before the laser beam was fired, Naruto forcibly changed the direction of drone, so that it would aim at the flying ship parked near the entrance. A few seconds later, the laser beam fired straight at the ship as intended. The wooden wall of the ship burnt out. The inside of the ship was changed into a huge studio. A man holding a laptop was near the bow. It was Furie. Naruto jumped there immediately and tried to do this calmly but he naturally became angry. “It’s the first time we’re meeting face to face, Secretary Furie.”

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*** While Furie was at the top position of an international organisation, his reaction to Naruto was quite submissive and his pale lips were trembling. “You can’t pretend anymore you aren’t involved. Do you understand that?” Furie, frightened by Naruto’s expression nodded, opened his laptop and hit a key. The drones flying outside landed on the floor all at once. “Where is Chihare’s device?” Furie lifted his shivering finger with a stiff look and pointed at the location of the black cubic machine behind the ship. A round flash was connected to the machine, and silver coloured sand was shining inside the glass sphere. Could that be polar particles? As soon as Furie saw Naruto turn his attention to the device, Furie fired a photon gun from the inside of his jacket. Naturally, Naruto responded quickly and escaped without any issues, but the beam hit Chihare’s device. The polar particles got spilled onto the floor. As Naruto clenched his fist, a snake with an open mouth jumped and bit Furie’s throat. Orochimaru’s snake, which means it was definitely poisonous. In a few seconds, Furie turned his eyes around and became quiet. “Hey, don’t kill him!” Naruto rushed to Furie and confirmed he was still breathing. Naruto was relieved. Orochimaru entered the flying ship.

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*** “There may be other collaborators, so I’ll leave this one to you.” “What are you talking about?” “I can’t help you keeping this guy alive.” Orochimaru picked up the photon gun lying on the floor and giggled. “If we kill, him, do it fast.” “Stop!” Naruto jumped at Orochimaru before he could pull the trigger and they rolled on to the floor. Naruto managed to hit the photon gun but Orochimaru’s tongue grew in size and entwined the gun. “Some people really don’t change!” Orochimaru gave up the game and loosened his tongue. Naruto kicked the gun away. “I don’t want to keep the man alive who tried to assassinate you.” “Shut up!” – Naruto grabbed Orochimaru’s kimono and drew him towards himself. A fight ensued between Naruto and Orochimaru. Naruto tried to become victorious using taijutsu as he was aware he couldn’t use ninjutsu and he had no chance of winning that

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way. The yellow snake-like eyes of Orochimaru were staring at Naruto. Orochimaru grabbed Naruto’s wrist and his fist sank into Naruto’s face who stopped moving for a moment. He hit him two or three times in a row, and blood on his lips mixed with blood from nosebleed, scattering on the floor. When Naruto was distracted, Orochimaru escaped from Naruto’s arms. Orochimaru picked up the photon gun and turned its tip towards Furie. The laser beam scraped Furie’s knees. His knees came into contact with the ultra-high temperature burst, causing spontaneous combustion and burning. The heat is transmitted from cell to cell, and the flame grows spreading from the knees to his thighs, and then hips. Furie was suffering on the floor as the flame wrapped up to his stomach. Naruto jumped at Orochimaru from behind and slipped the photon gun out of Orochimaru’s hand. Orochimaru suddenly disappeared. When Naruto realised this his neck was already grabbed by Orochimaru’s extended arm. Orochimaru’s whispering voice stroked his ears. “Chihare!” – Naruto kicked the photon gun, which was spinning on the floor. Orochimaru slowly turned his face. “Give that to me.” – he said in a low tone, letting go of Naruto as Orochimaru slowly walked up to the ground.” “Chihare! Pick it up! Shoot at the ceiling!” As the ceiling was hit by the high temperature beam, the heat spread throughout the ceiling. “What on Earth…” – murmured Orochimaru. The sprinkler

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installed in the hangar is heat sensitive. The system detected the high temperature and as a result began to sprinkle water in a radial pattern. The flame burning Furie’s body turned into steam. The inside of the hangar was immediately flooded. The polar particles evaporated as well.

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4 “So, to sum up your story…” – Sasuke was visibly angry and in a bad mood. “You lost the polar particles so that you can save the life of your enemy.” “Yes, that’s what happened…” – said Naruto in an awkward way. Naruto was very sorry that Sasuke and Sakura went all the way to Redaku Country for the polar particles that Naruto ended up losing. But he thought it couldn’t be helped: otherwise, Furie would be dead. They were in their private space at the back of Tami Confectionary Shop. In addition to their usual crew, there was an extra person in the meeting: Chihare. “The Seventh came to my aid as I was abducted by Furie’s men…” Chihare was scared of Sasuke at first but eventually spoke up. “I know that much, so stay silent.” - Chihare obediently shut up. ***

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“We can’t help what has already disappeared. We have to think about our next move as soon as possible. We don’t have time anyway.” – said Sakura to ease the situation. After summarising the information they each obtained in Redaku Country and conducting a thorough examination of Naruto, Sakura came up with an accurate diagnoses of Naruto’s medical condition. There was no doubt the cause of the disease was the malfunction of chakra tubes caused by having a tailed beast sealed in him, just like they originally thought. The nine-tailed’s chakra only flows into Naruto’s body when he intentionally tries to lend chakra. However, when the lending and borrowing of all chakra is repeated many times, the boundary between the chakra that have adhered to each other becomes ambiguous (Naruto’s own chakra & Kurama’s chakra), and a small amount of tailed beast’s chakra is always in the body of a Jinchuuriki: the chakra is in a continuous flowing state. If that continues, Naruto’s original chakra tubes regards the nine-tail’s chakra as a foreign body and try to eliminate it by narrowing and closing the tubes. Naruto’s seizure was a side effect of the chakra tubes forcibly contracting. “The last seizure occurred half a month ago, right?” – asked Sakura and Naruto nodded. The fact that his seizures stopped is evidence that the chakra tubes are closing in. If they completely close, they probably won’t recover even with the polar particles. “How long does it take to close completely?” – asked Sasuke. “Let’s see, based on the results of this test, we have about three days.”

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*** “Is there a way to get polar particles?” - asked Shikamaru, turning his gaze towards Sasuke and Sakura. “Yes. Rikudou Sennin broke the polar particles in two and hid the other half in the star that goes around without leaving, and the other half in the ‘star that descended to the ground’. We got the ones that ‘descended to the ground’. If you know the whereabouts of the ‘star that goes around’, you should be able to get the other half of the polar particles…” However, even if they headed out right now, Naruto’s chakra tubes may close before they get there. “Is the remaining clue in this straw paper?” – Shikamaru put a piece of paper with creases on the tatami mat. Chihare stretched her neck and looked into this paper. “What is this?” “Ah, is this the first time you see this? This was sandwiched between ‘astronomical drawings’.” “The number of stars has increased by one…?” “The meaning of that sentence is still a mystery. Moreover, what’s even more worrisome is why it has the mark of Konoha.” There was no direct interaction between the Land of Fire and Redaku Country before Kakashi started exchanging letters with the king. Through the travellers and merchants in between, they only occasionally heard rumours about each other. It is too unnatural that the books found in Redaku

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Country are engraved with signs representing Konoha, if they were at the level of wondering if it even existed. “The origin of the leaf mark is that shinobi trained to concentrate energy by placing a leaf on their forehead, as we learnt from Iruka-sensei at the academy. The paper with the Konoha mark could mean that the other half of the polar particles are in the Land of Fire.”- the eyes of everyone in the room gathered at once. “But swirl motifs have been used in various countries from the ancient times from East to West. It just happens that similar signs are born. To Konoha, swirls represent energy. It may have a completely different meaning elsewhere.” “So what is that different meaning?” – Chihare stared straight as Shikamaru who was frustrated. “Isn’t it written in an old document? That Rikudou Sennin took the stone and crushed it… if so, this picture might represent the falling stone here.” Sakura took her forehead protector off and stared at the familiar Konoha sign again. It certainly does not seem to represent a falling meteorite, or perhaps, the inverted triangle at the bottom left can be seen as showing the path of the falling meteorite. “Orochimaru said that in Redaku Country, the spiral is a symbol of regeneration. But meteorites don’t fall in a spiral.” – murmured Sakura. “’Astronomical drawings’ are written with a clear intention to convey the whereabouts of polar particles. Therefore, there must be a reason to add a swirl to this pictogram…” ***

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“So what could be the reason…?” – Shikamaru also started wondering. “After all, this should not be the end of it. Rikudou Sennin returned half the particles to the sky.” It seemed crazy that half the polar particles were still orbiting some star, but Naruto was confident for some reason. Certainly, if it were to orbit around this star like the Moon around the Earth, it would be a ‘star that goes around without leaving’ and the sentence ‘the number of star has increased by one’ would make sense. From the day Rikudou Sennin launched the particles as a ‘moon’, the number of stars must have had increased by one in the night sky. “If that is the case, the orbit of this star should behave completely different from other stars.” “There is such a celestial body!” Suddenly, a loud shout echoed. “A celestial body that orbits around this star, much faster than everything else. No doubt.” Chihare observed this celestial body with her own eyes over and over again. “It is the first celestial body that passes directly above the Land of Fire in a fixed cycle. 200km above the sky. We will be able to observe it from Konoha tomorrow afternoon, but if we miss it, the next occasion will be half a year later. I have been observing this in great detail, so I can pinpoint its orbit accurately.”

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*** “Is there a record of observation? Can you show me right away?” – asked Sakura. “Of course, I’ll bring it.” – nodded Chihare, and left for the record. Assuming that such a ridiculous speculation that the other half of the polar particles circulates around this star as a moon is true, Naruto believed in it more and more. But how are they going to get it? “I can try making a pillar with Earth Style, and extend it to the top.” – Kakashi, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly started speaking. “Sasuke, Sakura, you run up the pillar and take Naruto.” “They can use Chihare’s motorcycle vehicle. Sakura can be in charge of chakra control for running up the vertical wall, and Sasuke can supply chakra to the engine.” “The pillar is 200km above the sky… we have no choice but to do it.” – Kakashi said in a light tone, folding his arms. Shikamaru sighed and stared at Sasuke’s face. “If you get to this celestial body, how are you going to break the seal? The polar particles are probably sealed with the same amulets as the ones you found in the lake.” “I’ll just break it.” – said Sasuke. “Of course…” – Shikamaru had a bitter expression in his eyes.

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*** “At 10 o’clock tomorrow night, the celestial body will pass right above the training ground. At that time, Kakashi stretches out a pillar of soil with his Earth Style, and Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto run up on the side of the pillar with the motorcycle. Twenty-eight ours left until the operation. “Hey, everyone…” “What is it, you idiot. Are you hesitating?” “No… I’m grateful.” – Naruto bowed his head and put his hands on his knees. “I’m really counting on you.” Kakashi touched Naruto’s shoulders. “The Hokage shouldn’t bow his head so easily.” Shikamaru laughed bitterly. Chihare’s observation data was complete and both Sakura and Shikamaru confirmed its contents. It was almost certain that the celestial body was launched by Rikudou Sennin. Their operation plan was now complete and they all did their part in preparation. Sakura went with Chihare to practice driving the motorcycle, Sasuke decided to go home to save his physical strength. Kakashi went to Yamato asking for help to extend the pillar. They left the Tami Confectionary Shop one by one, so that it wouldn’t be too obvious they had a meeting there. “Sasuke-kun” – his name was called just as he left the Tami Confectionary Shop. It was Hinata. It wasn’t a place she just happened to pass by accident, she knew that Sasuke and the others had been gathering here. “…What’s wrong?”

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*** “Thank you for taking care of Naruto.” Could she have realised it? Sasuke hid his annoyance and kept his poker face while staring at Hinata. Naruto’s condition was meant to be a secret in front of his family. If she had always been sensing it but considered Naruto’s wishes and so didn’t say a thing then she really is a good wife. “There’s no reason for you to thank me. I’m just doing this because I want to do this.” – as he was passing by Hinata, she threw something. “Here.” It was a headband with the Konoha symbol on it. “It’s better to have your forehead protected by something like this.” Sasuke was staring at Hinata’s face, thinking about her. Back in the academy days, she was always shy, and despite working hard she had no confidence. She was only looking at other people and he felt she had no opinion of her own, and she only ever annoyed her. It appears Hinata changed while he was away from the village. She had got her strength outside that was locked inside. With that hidden strength, she was watching over Naruto, supported Naruto, and eventually got married to him before even became aware of that strength. “Strictly speaking I’m not a Konoha shinobi. There’s no reason for me to wear this…” ***

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“Return it properly.” – interrupting Sasuke who tried to return the headband, Hinata turned at Sasuke. “If you make my husband be burdened with your life, I won’t forgive you.” As expected, he wasn’t good at dealing with Hinata. Kakashi rushed off to Yamato while he was on his Orochimaru surveillance mission, and was told of this unreasonable request to extend an Earth pillar to 200km above the ground. “It’s tomorrow, by the way. My chakra will run out halfway through the pillar, but luckily I have an excellent junior here to help me.” “Say that again please…” – it seems he was happy to be praised by his senior after so many years and posed like he was making fun of him because of that compliment, but it was a fact that Kakashi relied on Yamato here. “My wooden pillar can withstand at most 100kg if the motorcycle runs on it. If you save it to half the strength and combine it with my chakra, we can extend it to 200kg. The problem is not just the amount of chakra though…” The two stood facing at the centre of the training ground. There were various possible patterns for their cooperation jutsu, but for the time being they were trying for Yamato to grow a tree as the pillar and Kakashi was coating the surrounding area with Earth Style. It was a collaborative ninjutsu that required delicate chakra control. ***

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Returning to the Hokage’s office, Naruto checked the documents on his desk that have accumulated and started sorting them. There were 3 mountains of documents: to the right, stamped documents, in the middle, documents that couldn’t be passed due to some problems and documents that need consulting with Shikamaru to the left. Naruto wanted the rightmost mountain of documents to be the highest, but unfortunately, all three of them had the same height. When he suddenly looked up, he saw his face reflected in the window of the Hokage’s office. The glass which had protective film coated on it will reflect more strongly inside the room than outside, so the scenery couldn’t be seen very well. He sighed deeply as he looked at the mountains of documents. He wanted to see the lights of the village. To sit on the Hokage rock, especially the 4th Hokage, right in the middle of seven face rocks, and look at the village. However, he wanted to get his work done by tomorrow. …tomorrow. Everyone will take Naruto to the place where the celestial body will arrive. “A person like you who has been raised in love surrounded by others doesn’t understand it” – Chihare’s words kept coming back to Naruto. Naruto denied at that time, but it was true that he has been blessed by good friends. Naruto stood up and picked up a photo frame from the shelf. It was of Minato and Kushina side by side in sepia, and behind another photo taken about the four members of Kakashi’s team. Kushina walked a little bit in front of Minato with her red hair fluttering while talking happily and Minato squints at Kushina’s back. Another photo of Jiraiya, a photo given by Tsunade a long time ago. Naruto stared at the faces of his

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parents, who died younger than he is now. Naruto was bullied in the village and gained the power of the ninetailed’s chakra because Minato sealed the nine-tailed fox in Naruto. This ensured that Minato could also meet Naruto in person, but what if Kurama hadn’t been there from the beginning? Naruto was thinking this over and over again, many times after he realised that he might lose the chakra that allowed him to meet his parents, and he kept holding the photo stronger. What can he do without chakra? If his father hadn’t sealed Kurama’s chakra in him, Naruto wouldn’t have had that huge amount of chakra. Still, as he’d done so far, he could’ve helped his friends and fight the enemy. If he didn’t have Kurama, perhaps he wouldn’t be the Hokage now… “That’s not true” – a low voice replied at the back of his head. “Even without me, you would’ve become the Hokage. With your ninja way of ‘Never going back on your word’, never giving up, and always pulling people together, you even save your enemies. Because of that everyone recognised you, and therefore you would’ve been picked as the Hokage. I’m saying so, so it is how it is.” “Did you just wake up? Lately you’ve been sleeping a lot.” “I just got up because you were in a bad mood. I’m going back to sleep already.” Without Kurama, his parents could still be alive, and Naruto wouldn’t have been bullied in the village. The Ninja World War may not have happened, and they would be living in a completely different world. But it doesn’t make sense to imagine such a thing now… ***

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“Hey, Kurama.” – he either fell asleep again, or was awake but ignored it. If the Kurama’s chakra was gone, he was wondering what would remain and thought about what his mother told him long ago. He’s always been loved by Kushina and Minato, and even now, the old team 7 members, Shikamaru, his family and everyone in the village every day fill him with good feelings. He has trained a lot and gained various skills and abilities. But he always thought having good friends was the best thing for him, and it’s fine to be truly proud of their existence. Moreover, tomorrow, everyone is going to try and save him. “It’s amazing. It really is like as if it was on fire.” “That’s right, it feels more like a ‘Land of Fire’ rather than ‘our country’.” Looking down on the hill from the observatory of a commercial building, Ino and Chouji conversed. The slopes of the hills were covered by vegetation and they watched the sunrise. The modern cityscape is becoming visible. A promenade with a group of buildings and tiles that ‘support’ the sky. “Let’s go and confirm the strategy.” – Shikamaru called them, and Ino and Chouji left. Unfortunately, the reason why the three members of Asuma’s team took the trouble to go to the Land of Stairs was not for sightseeing. Surprised by Naruto’s illness, Shikamaru told them about this mission while heading to the Land of Stairs on an overnight train. They were moreover amazed at the mission: the insane task of sneaking into the headquarters of Kengakuin. Kengakuin is an international company that does not belong to any of the five great nations and is operated neutrally ‘for working

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towards the realisation of world order without considering the interests of any country in particular’. It will be an international problem if it becomes known that shinobi from the Land of Fire have invaded illegally. Shikamaru looked calm, however, if anything goes wrong he’ll be the one to take responsibility. He’s been involved with the staff since the Sixth Hokage’s time. “Hey, what kind of beans do you use for this organic coffee?” “That coffee is really bad. Try this hot tea instead.” They closed the menu and turned back, as Orochimaru put a cane on the table. “So, why have you called me all the way here?” Indeed, this mission required a four-man cell with a Snake added to their team. It was a strange sight, but the mysterious great sinner who once tried to destroy Konoha somehow mixed well with Shikamaru and his team. Shikamaru spread a large piece of paper on the table. It was a city map where a route was marked, and another piece of paper that is a sketch of Kengakuin Headquarters. “Our mission this time is to steal the release mark of the ‘star that goes around without leaving’, that Kengakuin somehow deciphered. This ‘star that goes around without leaving’ is a satellite that Rikudou Sennin launched. The polar particles hidden in it are protected by two seals. One is a mark for dropping the satellite out of orbit, and another mark breaks the seal on the vessel itself.” “Don’t we know that mark? Since it should be the same that

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Sasuke and Sakura brought back from the Astronomical Institute.” “Right, but unfortunately the material was too old and the ink was rubbed, so I asked for decipherment from Kengakuin.” “Furie, the Secretary of Kengakuin was arrested yesterday. I made a mistake and gave ‘Celestial Drawings’ to Furie. I knew he was suspicious but… there was nobody else other than Furie at that time whom we could ask to repair such a damaged document.” “Oh, I could have done it.” – Shikamaru looked at the frowning Orochimaru. Shikamaru was wondering if Orochimaru was human or not, but instead continued to talk. “Anyway. Furie must have repaired and deciphered the damaged part of the old document, otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to unseal the vessel and remove the polar particles from the inside. Moreover, he should’ve also deciphered the ‘star that goes around without leaving’ and not only the ‘the one has landed’”. Furie hasn’t regained consciousness yet, and Kengakuin admitted to this top scandal without his testimony. “I don’t have time to negotiate. That’s why we directly hack their computer. It’s an old document from over 100 years ago, I don’t think it was deciphered using magnifying glass… the deciphering must have been done on a computer. Orochimaru, that’s why I called you.” “I see, but don’t forget about the reward you promised.” This reward Orochimaru reminded them of is the original

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motorcycle developed by Chihare. He wanted to replicate and ride it as well. “Sure.” – Shikamaru nodded unpleasantly and turned his gaze towards Chouji and Ino. “The firewall of Kengakuin’s computers cannot be removed without directly operating the terminal with authority access. Furthermore, Furie has his own security on his computer. From there on, it’s a separate action.” Shikamaru put a photo on the map. A young man in an expensive suit is shown. “He is the director of the technical bureau of Kengakuin, Noto. He has authority of the firewall. We need to get close to him and somehow break through the firewall.” “Which means…” – Ino was looking at Orochimaru, realising the combination of teams. “You should team up with Orochimaru to break into Kengakuin. We then unlock the firewall, hack Furie’s PC and get the decrypted data.” “Nice to meet you.” – Orochimaru squinted happily. “The limit is today at 10 o’clock, because that’s when Naruto should reach the celestial body.” “What if we don’t make it in time?” “Then Sasuke will simply break it.” – Shikamaru easily answered Chouji’s question.

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*** “The vessel is protected by a strong amulet, but he may be able to break it.” “In that case it may be pointless to sneak in to Kengakuin…” – as Ino said that, Shikamaru had trouble explaining himself and glanced at Orochimaru. “It’s natural to think that.” – Orochimaru shrugged a little and continued. “What’s in that vessel is something that amplifies chakra. If a shinobi with a chakra as big as Sasuke is exposed, his chakra tubes will explode and he will die instantly.” “To do such a thing… Sasuke-kun…” “I know…” – said Shikamaru while scratching his head. “Quite stubborn if it’s for Naruto’s sake, without any hesitation. He’s that kind of a man.” “If anything happens to Sasuke-kun, then Sarada and Sakura…” “Well, he really thinks that as long as Naruto is okay, everyone else will be okay. I’m just as important to my family as he is to him.” “Isn’t that stupid?” – said Chouji in an unfussy way and Shikamaru nodded.” “It’s quite troublesome. But this mission isn’t only for Naruto’s sake, but also for Sasuke’s life.”

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*** “We can’t mess this up.” – the three of them looked at each other in a powerful way. It’s been a while since all three members of their teem have come together. Moreover, since the mission involves Naruto and Sasuke, they are even more enthusiastic. “Isn’t it a bit bad to be enthusiastic about this…? – asked Orochimaru holding a cup in front of his chest. “Wouldn’t we have to go to Redaku Country to unseal the vessel? Since it was sealed in Redaku, that may be the place where it needs to be broken. Based on ‘Celestial Drawings’, the code could be tied to the alignment of the stars as seen from Redaku Country.” “There is someone heading to Redaku Country right now” Orochimaru had a mysterious face, which was unusual for someone who didn’t show much emotion. This strategy was decided last night, even if they left for Redaku Country, they couldn’t make it in time, he thought. “We have the right person to do that job” – Ino said in a proud way. “Even if someone flies faster than a bird, I can use my Mind Transmission Technique to contact them.” ************************************************* With that, a bird drawn by ink spread its wings and flew. This was the fastest Super Beast Scroll operated by Sai. It was the legendary waterfowl, so graceful that it easily crosses mountains and rivers, and is said to have been a subject of jealousy of travellers walking on the ground. The long and fluttering tail feathers are particularly beautiful, and its

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appearance is like that of a celestial maiden that has fascinated many painters. Sai is now using it for carriage. Sai stroked the feathers of the ink-bird in a relaxed manner. This bird specialises in speed, originally for carrying letters and luggage, and is not supposed to carry people. However, this is a mission to move a distance within 20 hours that takes 20 days for a shinobi and 2 days for a hawk. It was last night that Shikamaru approached him. He was suddenly given a map and explained the situation. It was a map on straw paper. He heard the detailed circumstances while preparing the travel equipment. He was also surprised to find out about Naruto’s illness and a bit angry that he was hiding it. Sai was now sleepy but kept on flying, relying only on a compass. Even with the flying abilities of the waterfowl, it was only a bet that he’d be able to reach Redaku in time, but he’ll receive a message from his wife using the Mind Transmission Technique at the destination and further information. Sometimes they do this when he’s on his way home from work, but this is the first time they do it over such a long distance. Sai sighed. It has been difficult for him to breathe due to the rapid increase in altitude. The scenery he’s used to is long gone, and now all he could see was desolate mountains. “I wonder if people really do live here…” ******************************************************************* In the meantime, Naruto was restlessly looking through the documents at the Hokage’s office. “Along with the adoption of the new kunai throwing

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curriculum, the fees will increase by 500,000 units as well.” “Classic lessons will be optional and the teaching material fee will be collected separately.” The academy’s budget for next year, which Shino has proposed with all his heart will be completely changed. Time was moving rapidly, and it was already 5.30. At 8 o’clock Sakura will come to pick him up. “Should I go home…?” – Naruto stood up with great momentum. He hasn’t finished all his job for today, but once everything is done he can just work overtime tomorrow and get it done. When he got home, there was nobody there. He just remembered now that Hinata would go to her parents’ house with Himawari today. Naruto roamed through the empty house. He still felt uncomfortable about himself after getting home. It’s been a long time he was at home at this time on weekdays. He had no choice but to sit on the couch and watch TV without his family, but then Boruto came back. “Dad… you’re home so early.” – Boruto looked surprised as he appeared in the living room. “Well, I’m training today, so…” “It’s alright.” Boruto ran up the stairs and returned to his room. The situation was a bit odd. Naruto was wondering if he was angry he couldn’t train with his son, or if it was about tonight’s mission. It was also difficult to guess the feelings of his son. Boruto reappeared for some reason. ***

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“I told you if you don’t come home early everyday it’s not a problem?” “What? Problem?” – Naruto twisted his head and Boruto replied. “I told you to stay home more and so on… but it’s okay now because I’ll protect Mum and Himawari, I’ll do my best here so that you can do your best for the village.” Naruto finally realised. Boruto was worried that it may be his fault that Naruto returns earlier than usual these days. It’s embarrassing to say that to face-to-face though. He just said what he was thinking. “You are a kind person.” Boruto became bright red. 8 o’clock. Sakura was on time in front of the Uzumaki family’s house with the motorbike. Boruto, who was surprised at the engine noise, headed out first and opened his eyes wide as soon as he saw Sakura on the motorcycle. “Wow! Sarada’s mum is riding a great machine! So cool!” “This was a motorcycle, a means of transportation that can be used by individuals. You can actually ride it at any time when you pick one up at a station just like when you ride a thunder car.” “Really, I want to ride one with Mitsuki or Shikadai and run around in the village!” ***

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“Running around with a motorcycle around the village is not allowed.” Naruto came out of the house. Although, he kept it a secret he ran on top of the railroad track rather than in the middle of the village with Chihare. “What about the others?” “I headed to Sasuke-kun, and Kakashi-sensei and captain Yamato may be a little bit late. Those two have been training all night.” Sakura laughed bitterly when she noticed that Naruto’s face was stiff and looked like he just woke up. Both of them were exhausted. “Are you nervous?” “Not at all.” – Naruto denied it, pulling up the goggles that were hanging around his neck and got on the motorcycle. The bike was gradually improved, it has now a speedometer and a brake lever that were not in the prototype. The biggest change is the addition of converter in the engine. By converting the chakra into natural gas and supplying it to the fuel tank, fuel efficiency has improved dramatically. It appears that on a full tank it can run about 2000 km. “There are brakes, but I can’t stop suddenly. It feels like I’m stopping slowly while slowing down.” Sakura stepped on the pedal and pulled the lever. The engine roared vigorously and the bike moved forward with stable movement. Thanks to Chihare’s improvement of the bike, the riding experience was much better than last time.

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*** “Dad, I really like it…” Boruto saw his father off as he went away with Sakura. The bike arrived at the training ground in no time. Not only Sasuke, but also Yamato and Kakashi had arrived, all seemingly very sleepy. “I have to attach the oxygen supplying machine. Naruto, Sasuke-kun, please show me your abdomen.” The two of them took their jackets off and Sakura pierced an IV needle into the chakra tubes that ran across the side of Sasuke’s navel. She then pierced into a blood vessel on the side of Naruto’s torso. These two sites were connected to each other through Chihare’s chakra device. The chakra that was harvested from Sasuke’s chakra tubes was converted into oxygen, a mechanism directly supplying it to the bloodstream. Naruto was unable to supply chakra to himself on his own, so he was directly connected to Sasuke’s chakra tubes this way. Chihare stayed up all night in order to make this very compact oxygen supplying machine. “Naruto, Sasuke-kun… no matter what, don’t get separated from one another while we’re on our way. If this connection breaks, Naruto won’t be able to receive a supply of oxygen at all.” While explaining this, Sakura fixed the base of the needles, securing the IV needles. With this, they should be able to breathe even at 200km altitude. In theory. ***

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The length of the tube system connecting Naruto and Sasuke was about 80cm. Thinking how his life depended on it, Naruto felt uneasy. “Yeah… I’ll make sure not to get separated from Sasuke…” – said Naruto while staring at the IV needle piercing his torso. “Let’s have a final strategy meeting.” – Yamato finished the preparatory movements and called out to the four people again. “From now on, you will run up the wall that stretches the pillars of wood and earth style with this motorcycle. It should be 200km up in the sky. You have to be exactly on time, if it’s too late or too early, you cannot succeed. Because we prioritised the strength of the pillar, the surface is rough, so please pay attention to that while driving.” Kakashi took over. “So, when the celestial body approaches, Naruto will use his Byakugan goggles as you approach the body. The polar particles inside it will be sealed, but the Ino-Shika-Cho team and Sai are working on that, and therefore by the time you get there, the seal should be easy to open.” The three were on the bike, ready to start. The person who holds the grip at the front is the chakra controller, Sakura. Behind her, Naruto, who is assisting in approaching the celestial body by using his goggles, and at the back, Sasuke who supplies chakra to the engine. The motorcycle is only meant to seat two people, so with the three of them it was a bit crowded. Naruto was sandwiched between a couple, and felt like shrinking. Sakura started counting down at 8:59 as checking her pocket watch. The time for the operation was exactly 9 o’clock.

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*** “3…2…1…..” Instead of saying 0, Sakura threw her pocket watch. Yamato and Kakashi looked at each other and started making signs. “Earth style-‘ “Wood style-“ “Spiral pillar technique!” The pillar of soil and tree are alternately intertwined as extending to the sky. Shortly after being overwhelmed by the beautiful spirals, Sakura stepped on the pedal of the motorcycle. The bike jumped and ran up vertically on the side of the spiral pillars with three people on board.

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5 8 o’clock. Presenting the fake IDs at the entrance, Shikamaru and Chouji were walking up the stairs. A nightclub in the middle of the downtown area. Even though it was a weekday, it was very successful and the lockers were almost full. On the top of the dance floor, men and women were dancing. After receiving a drink at the bar, Shikamaru and Chouji moved to the wall to look for the target. According to their intel, Noto loved party and nightlife, a rare trait for scientists. It took them an unexpectedly long amount of time to find this club, but Noto was quickly found. Noto was toasting with two men and three women at a table while drinking liquor. “The two guys with him are shinobi. Perhaps bodyguards? One with glasses and another one with long hair.” The two observed Noto for a while. Even after the three women left their seats and went to the dance floor, the men’s drinking pace didn’t stop. However, contrary to expectations, Noto didn’t sit up easily. The other two guys took the bathroom in turn, but Noto was sunk on the couch drinking liquor. When Shikamaru began to think about another way to approach the situation, Noto finally stood up and went to the

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bathroom. Finally. Shikamaru and Chouji looked at each other and moved to the bathroom and waited for Noto to come out. After ten seconds, Shikamaru spoke to Noto. “Yeah, it’s been a long time!” – Shikamaru crossed Noto’s shoulders. “Huh?” Shikamaru put his arm around Noto’s neck. Noto took a deep breath and lost consciousness in about seven seconds. “Ah, why did you drink too much?” – Shikamaru held Noto’s body and dragged him to the men’s toilet under the guise of caring for a friend who drank too much. The toilet looked really nice with a couple of coloured neon lights illuminating the tiles on the floor and walls. When Shikamaru pushed Noto into the private room in the back and examined his body, a phone about the size of a business card case came out of his pocket. When he touched it on the screen ‘please enter the passcode’ came up, and four blank spaces for typing numbers were displayed. Shikamaru sprinkled some powder on the surface of the touchscreen. By doing this, the powder will stick to the oil left behind by the fingers, and the fingerprints of Noto will be clearly visible. Fingerprints are concentrated in places where you frequently press the touchscreen. The number icons where the powder was concentrated are 8,1,0. The passcode is 4 digits, but there were 3 numbers. That means the same number was used twice. If all the numbers are different, there are 24 possible combinations, but if one of them is repeated, it will increase to 36 possibilities. He had no choice but to try it all out. Shikamaru impatiently started tapping the numbers. ***

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8810, 8801, 8108, 8018, 8081, 8180… After he tried about 10 different combinations, he heard a voice at the entrance of the toilet. “Noto-san? Are you okay?” – his bodyguards must have been worried about Noto not returning. Shikamaru and Chouji reflexively held their breath, but when they weren’t making any noise, only one door of the toilet was closed, and six legs were at the bottom, which was suspicious. Shikamaru decided to invite them and made some noise on purpose. “Are you here, Noto-san?” As he opened the door, Chouji punched the stomach of the man. While Shikamaru and Chouji were examining Noto in the men’s toilet, Orochimaru impersonated a researcher and invaded the headquarters of Kengakuin. For the time-being, he changed his face to look like a middle-aged researcher, but Orochimaru didn’t appear to wear any makeup. Ino was confused what Orochimaru’s real face would really look like, and couldn’t really believe she was walking alongside him on a mission. She looked at the snake man walking next to her. Mass murder, terrorist acts, human experimentation, kidnapping… Orochimaru’s criminal record is a collection of serious crimes. She didn’t feel like befriending such a person along the way. “I wonder what floor it is…” – muttered Orochimaru as they got into the elevator. “Um… the Secretary’s office is on the 13th floor!” – Ino checked the display and Orochimaru pressed the button of the elevator.

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*** ***************************************************************** The bike with Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke made a fierce engine nose as it was running up the wooden and soil walls. They’ve started about five minutes ago. After passing through some thin clouds, they couldn’t see the ground anymore. They were about 20km above the ground. The wind was so strong that it was hard to keep their eyes open, but the bike itself was chakra controlled and stuck tightly to the pillars, so it didn’t shake. “I’m glad that the stars are bright” – muttered Sakura while holding the grip. There were no lights on the bike, but thanks to the bright light of the stars, the path of the pillars could be clearly seen – but suddenly, the surroundings became dark. Water drops blew all over her face. “It looks like we’re inside the clouds.” Small drops of water hit their whole bodies like a shotgun from all directions, and the three became soaked in no time. Eventually the water droplets turned into ice grains towards the centre of the cloud, and it became quite painful. “I wonder if it’s a cumulonimbus cloud… there wasn’t a cloud right above the training ground, but I’m sure it came from somewhere… it could be dangerous!” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumulonimbus_cloud As it was raining underneath, Yamato and Kakashi still continued. The clouds were lit by a tremendous lightning for a moment, and as it quickly disappeared, static electricity

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began to make a crackling noise around Sasuke’s and Sakura’s hair. It appears the cumulonimbus cloud grew into a thundercloud. Lightning hit the motorbike and Naruto and Sasuke flew off the bike, in different directions and the oxygen tube almost came off. “That’s dangerous!” Naruto grabbed Sasuke’s shoulders and pulled himself towards him while pulling a kunai with wires into the spiralling towers. “What about Sakura-chan?!” Sakura seems to have fallen down with the bike that was blown away by the lightning. Sasuke turned his gaze straight down, talking to Naruto who turned pale. “It’s okay. She’ll be back soon.” Immediately after that, with a roaring engine sound the motorcycle with Sakura ran up the pillar, picked Naruto and Sasuke up while passing them and rushed towards the top again. “That was good, Sakura-chan… I was scared that you’d fallen to the bottom.” “It’s okay, but I think we’ll be hit again… I wonder how much this bike can endure?” The clouds were shining from the lightning and continued to discharge. ***

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“I can cut it.” – Sasuke stood up with his feet on top of the bike. “Can you really do that?” “Did you forget the nickname of chidori?” – Sasuke replied to Sakura, who looked at him with amazement, and Sasuke started kneading chakra in his hand. While creating a lump of soil and looking at it, he sharpened the outline into a kunai shape. There was a clear sound, and the soil turned into a glass-like structure. He created an ‘instant kunai’ using an Earth release technique that changed the composition of soil and the ratio of elements. Sasuke’s right hand holding the glass kunai began to discharge. As predicted, the inner area of the clouds was warped in thunder and lightning hit the bike again. The noise it made was so loud they didn’t see what happened exactly. After the lingering sound disappeared from Sakura’s ears she looked back at Sasuke, who looked like nothing happened. “Did you cut it…?” – Sakura was surprised and blinking. Sasuke didn’t say anything, perhaps because he still couldn’t hear anything from the loud thunder, but Naruto did say something. “Thanks for cutting it!” Thanks to his Byakugan goggles, he could see everything. Sasuke fired a few moments earlier than the discharge, and his kunai’s top cut through the lightning. Normally, kunai, when exposed to tremendous heat, melt and evaporate instantly, but this was a glass kunai, which is an electric insulator and so it smashed the lightning. As the thunder

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broke up, electric currents were created and Sasuke’s hair and cloak ends got burnt a bit. “Amazing…” – muttered Naruto. Sasuke’s chidori certainly cut thunder. But they aren’t the only ones working hard far above the ground. ***************************************************************** Although, unlike Naruto’s movement, Sai’s movement -who’s also part of team 7- is horizontal, not vertical, he’s also in the sky. His altitude has risen steadily since he approached the mountains and now he’s risen nearly 5000 metres. “We still haven’t arrived…” Sai was tired and leaned against his bird. He found it difficult to breathe due to having a headache, he was extremely fatigued and had symptoms of altitude sickness. No matter how good you are as a shinobi, you can’t live without oxygen. Even Sakura, Kakashi and Sasuke chose the very same route who headed for Redaku Country, they chose a route that did not raise the altitude so sharply and got used to it, but Sai climbed the same altitude in a few hours only. “This country is too far…” Finally a cityscape made by humans appeared on a small flat land surrounded by bare rocks, an Sai stopped sweating. “There it is…” Sai began descending.

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*** ***************************************************************** The men’s toilet in the nightclub was messed up. The bodyguard with glasses kicked into Couji’s stomach and cut Shikamaru’s ears. Noto stuck his head in the toilet while fainting. From then on it was a fierce battle. “Hey, these guys are actually strong!” They were rolling on the floor fighting. The glasses guy grabbed Chouji’s neck. He pulled him towards himself, but since Chouji was strong and heavy, he didn’t move, but instead the bodyguard got slammed against the wall. Chouji rushed to see if the guy was ok, but the he quickly turned around and pulled the toilet out of its place. The stream of water came up and stopped Chouji for a moment. Immediately afterwards, a small pain ran on his back. As he turned around to check it, a small injection needle was stuck there. The moment he recognised that, his whole body became numb and he knelt in one spot. The long-haired guy pointed his gun at Chouji. Shikamaru grabbed his hair on the back of his head and pressed it onto the flooded floor. “Injection needle… poison or…? Chouji, are you okay?!” “I’m fine.” – by the time Chouji said that, he had already done did his body expansion jutsu. His body enlarged and it was so big in couldn’t fit in the toilet, smashing its walls and pushing up to the ceiling. The lethal dose of a drug is determined by the size of the body. Enlarging the body will inevitably increase the lethal dose. His body was now 5 metres tall, and now the poison of a single syringe will not have a big effect.

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*** “What is this….” By the time the bodyguards noticed, Shikamaru and Chouji weren’t there. They broke the wall and jumped out of the bathroom. ***************************************************************** “That was cold….” Naruto exhaled for a long time as they got above the clouds. How many times has Sasuke done the superhuman technique of cutting lightning? In this below zero temperature, while his whole body was continuously exposed to ice grains, and parts of his body feeling frozen. Naruto was peeling off the ice pellets stuck to Sakura’s shoulders and neck, and Sasuke picked up the ice pellets on Naruto’s head. Nobody could do it to Sasuke since he was at the back, so he shook his body like a wet cat in the rain and flipped the ice off himself. This area was calm and nothing like the situation before. The world spread beyond the pillars and the stars were shining like gold dust on a riverbed of a starry sky, clear like a stream. The Moon was terrifyingly large, and the light shining from it was so clear that they could feel like grabbing it with their hands, but unfortunately the three of them couldn’t afford to enjoy the scenery. Sakura looked straight down. Far below the field of vision, clouds like the back of a sheep were hanging down. It was highly likely that it was raining underground. “I hope that they are safe down there…” ***

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Konoha was being hit by a downpour. “This is bad…” – muttered Kakashi when he noticed the raindrops that struck his nose, after which the rain fell in a blink of an eye, pouring mercilessly. Both the soil and wood became soft and wet. The surface of the soil pillar, which was particularly vulnerable to water had already begun to crumble. They had to use extra chakra to reinforce the wall. “If you’re using chakra at that pace, we’ll never reach 200km! What are you doing, senpai?” “What should I do…” Kakashi was poking the ground with his hands. “We have no choice but to do our best.” ***************************************************************** The elevator with Ino and Orochimaru made a small noise as it arrived on the 13th floor. The Secretary’s office should be at the end of a long corridor, but after walking for a while, their path was blocked. Thick iron door covered the entire corridor like a plaster wall. The security system built on the side of the door uses fingerprint and iris authentication. An unregistered person will trigger a security alert just by attempting to open it. “Security is tight. Should we break it all?” Orochimaru shook his head. The mission of this team is basically an intelligence-type. Even though it is recommended to leave no trace of sneaking in somewhere,

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this was a snake man. “Why not breaking it? Because we can hack the surveillance camera.” A snake crawled out of Orochimaru’s hem of clothes. It crawled up the wall, entwining the surveillance camera hung from the ceiling, biting a hole into its side, thrusting a thin tongue into it and started doing something. The appearance of Ino and Orochimaru in front of the door has been noted. Hence, if they stay there, someone will come sooner or later. For the time being, Orochimaru pretended to be a scientist. “What are you doing here?” A woman in a grey suit walked up to them. The figure of the snake clinging to the surveillance camera was in sight. “This floor is off limits to unauthorised people.” “Ah, there’s something we need to tell Secretary Furie.” – replied Orochimaru in disguise. “What about you…?” “I’m Furie-sama’s Secretary.” – the woman proudly answered. If so, the Secretary should be able to open the security to the Secretary’s office. Normally, Ino borrows someone’s body without hesitation, but… while using her technique, her body loses consciousness and becomes completely defenseless, so she can only use it when she’s with a reliable companion… Is Orochimaru trustworthy enough?

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*** “We belong to the mathematics department…” – Ino pointed at their fake badge. “It seems that a formula we discovered can be applied to the chakra research being promoted by Secretary Furie. That’s why I want to consult with him.” – replied Orochimaru. The study was done by Furie in secret, and only a few people at Kengakuin knew about it. “Which affiliation do you belong to?” “Mathematical analysis team.” “What is the project?” “Degenerate series expression and semi-simple Lie groups.” The secretary woman was thinking for a while. “Show me your researcher’s card.” “Huh? I don’t have that. I left it on my desk… but I can explain the content of my research and prove that I am a scholar.” – said Orochimaru, and quickly explained it. “I’m working on the development of technology that applies the conventional conversion formula for making a realvalued function to the same kind of frequency analysis that is discrete like a digital signal. I came up with a formula for the frequency analysis. This is done by mapping a complex function to real space by applying a unitary operator. In practical use, when performing numerical calculations, the

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normalisation coefficients are combined into one and scaling is performed at the same time…” “I understood, understood…” The secretary woman looked disgusted. “Furie-sama would definitely be happy to hear this, but… you can’t meet him, as he hasn’t returned since yesterday.” “Since yesterday?” Orochimaru knew this of course, but pretended to be surprised. “That sounds worrisome… I wonder if he got involved in something.” “Perhaps absorbed in his research?” Ino looked at the surveillance camera. The snake seems to have finished hacking and is relaxing on the camera. “That’s why, please, leave for now.” – the secretary woman arrogantly put her hand on her hip. “I know that no scientist has read the company rules properly, but you can’t enter without permission. Follow the procedure properly.” It isn’t that easy after all. Ino was still worried whether she could trust Orochimaru but it seemed that she had no choice but to take her body over… Ino pretended to be obedient and turned her back to the secretary and whispered to Orochimaru. ***

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“Can you distract the secretary? I’ll manipulate her with my mind transfer technique.” “What? I don’t want to do such a troublesome thing.” – Orochimaru lifted the cuffs of his kimono. “Hidden snake hand!” – a giant white snake popped out from the inside of the sleeve and wrapped around the secretary’s body in a blink of an eye, tightening around her body. She lost consciousness without knowing what happened. It was a very quick job. “You haven’t killed her, right?” “Why don’t you check it yourself?” ***************************************************************** 9.35pm. Upon arriving in a small mountain town, Sai was casually wandering around the city dressing in local style using transformation technique. On the hillside of a small rocky mountain, there is a stone royal palace overlooking the town. The appearance of the town was consistent with the information he had heard from Shikamaru in advance. There is no doubt that this was Redaku Country. All Sai had to do now was waiting for Ino to contact him. The culture of Redaku Country seemed to be quite different from the great five nations’, but unfortunately Sai suffering from altitude sickness could not enjoy this different culture. “My limbs are really numb… It’s bad.” Sai bit his tongue. Can he really do his job in this state?

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*** ***************************************************************** The rain falling in Konoha kept getting more intense every moment. While pouring chakra into the spiral tower, both Kakashi and Yamato were completely soaked to the skin. The spiral tower was wet from the inside. They were doing their best just to maintain the strength and withstand the rain, but the speed at which the pillars grew was slowing down. “Yamato, it’s dangerous…” – Kakashi looked up at the sky and muttered. The rain clouds were thick in the night sky and it didn’t seem to stop. It has become doubtful for how long they will be able to maintain the strength of the tower so that it doesn’t fall over. Both Kakashi and Yamato have exceeded their limits. “It’s bad!” – there was a rupture in the middle of the pillar. “Damn… already?!” The extension of the pillars got interrupted and they started pouring chakra into it desperately, but there was a limit to the amount of chakra that can be released at one time. Rainwater soaked to the core, and the pillars of soil were collapsing from one side. The wooden pillars however, which have become burdensome are beginning to crack, losing the soil which should support it. The entire tree tilted greatly. Eventually, the spiral tower was about to collapse. Two sets of arms cut in between Kakashi and Yamato, touching the pillar at the ground. ***

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Naruto’s group was also aware of the incident in the spiral pillar. “The speed at which the pillars grow is getting slower and slower.” “Something must have happened underneath.” “Ah!” Naruto looked back and shouted, pulling the lever of the googles. “It’s raining!” “That is why the pillars are slowing down…” Sakura operated the clutch to fine-tune the speed of the bike. “At this pace, we won’t cover 200km in time.” “It’s alright.” Naruto was in a good mood. “Kakashi sensei and captain Yamato told me to leave it to them, so I’m sure they’ll do something about it.” Sakura got relaxed too. “Well, that has been the case. They have overcome many impossible situations. Although this strategy does have unreasonable parts to it… the two of them will surely do something about it.” Yet, the speed of pillars slowed down. Not only that, the entire pillar began to vibrate in small steps and the surface began to crumble and peel off. “After all, this might not work out…” ***

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The pillars stopped growing completely, but the bike didn’t stop suddenly. “….!” Sasuke immediately stoped supplying chakra to the engine, but the engine did not stop immediately. The bike jumped into the air with great force. “Ah…!” “Kakashi sensei… Captain Yamato!?” The next moment, the pillars that stopped started stretching again. Sakura didn’t miss it and brought the pillars and tires together with chakra control. They regained their posture and started moving up the pillar again. “That was dangerous… I thought we completely stopped.” – Sasuke wiped off the cold sweat from his forehead. “But it looks a bit different from the pillars up until now…” Until now, there was one wooden and one soil pillar, alternating as extending with Yamato and Kakashi in charge. But now, there are a total of four intertwined pillars. One wooden, two soil and one of them was a sand pillar. “This chakra is…” Naruto grinned happily. “Gaara and Kurotsuchi!” ***

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“Aren’t those two a little bit late…” “They were called the day before and only got here now!” While putting her hands on the ground and pouring chakra into the spiral tower, Kurotsuchi glanced at Kakashi. “I was out of the country on a diplomatic mission, and came here right away. You can’t just call us so easily!” “Is Naruto up there?” Gaara looked up at the sky. “Riding on a lump of metal, above the clouds… crazy, as usual.” “That’s right.” – Yamato laughed bitterly. With Kurotsuchi and Gaara’s assistance, the spiral tower managed to regain its strength, stabilise its speed again and continued to grow into the sky. Wooden pillars by Yamato, soil pillars by Kakashi and Kurotsuchi and sand pillars by Gaara. The four pillars are entwined like weaving hair, supporting each other and extending into the sky. Compared to the time when only two of them supported each other, the sense of stability significantly increased. “By the way, why does Naruto want to go up to 200km into the sky? Is there any reason?” “That is… a secret.” Kurotsuchi became irritated.

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*** “Are you really asking for this much cooperation and not tell us the situation?” “Alright. When all is done, ask Naruto directly.” Gaara laughed a little and looked up at the end of the pillar.

********************************************************************** **************** Shikamaru changed his appearance with the transformation technique and escaped the crowded dance floor. With the mobile phone in his jacket, he proceeded with trying the possible passcodes. 0018, 0081, 0801, 0108… “Hey, look over there, there’s a huge person!” “It’s really huge!” The drunk people at the party seemed to misunderstand the giant Chouji. Some people leaned against him to take a commemorative photo. Chouji needed to keep this form in order not to be effected by the poison and for the time being they were stuck there. If he moves with that size and weight, he might destroy the building. He couldn’t help it. He’s tried more than half the possibilities but still couldn’t unlock it. It was 9.45pm. It took time to identify Noto in the club and

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also to fight the other two shinobi unexpectedly. They have no time anymore and have to hurry up and break through the firewall. The two shinobi might have regained consciousness and went out to look for Shikamaru. The unnatural movement of operating a mobile phone inside a jacket was cleverly hidden by the flow of people near Chouji. The average bodyguard would have decided that the shinobi, who hit Noto had already escaped from the club, but unfortunately Noto’s long-haired bodyguard was a careful type. Standing up on the table, he pulled out his shuriken and struck it against the ceiling. It turned and curved gently, sticking to the clasp of the mirror ball that was hanging from the ceiling. The clasp broke and the mirror ball fell head-on into the crowded floor. “Ah…!” Where it was about to fall, three women were having fun without noticing the falling mirror ball. The mirror ball hit the floor and fluttered greatly, and the shattered mirror glass scattered around. “Kyaaaah!” People flooded towards the door. Shikamaru turned his back to the doorway against the flow of people and was caught by the bodyguard. “It was you who stole Noto-san’s phone. I can’t let you escape.” - The long-haired bodyguard had no questions and answers, he simply pulled out the long sword hidden behind his jacket. ***

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What a drag. Shikamaru dodged his word who leaned his body and jumped, and released his transformation jutsu. He slammed his fist into the guard’s side, stretched the shadow of his feet, and aims at the shadow of the long-haired guy’s hair. The pink light crossed and blocked the shadow. He tried again, but this time the blue and green lights cast shadows too quickly. The club’s dance floor was the worst ever place to use shadow-binding techniques. ************************************************** “This is Furie’s room…” They broke into the study safely, and innocently looked around the room while gently laying down the secretary woman whom they had carried around. In this white room, there were only desks and chairs with PCs. “That looks heavy. It’s much easier if you cut off the fingers and the eyeballs.” Orochimaru was already hitting keys on the computer, giving criminal advice in a tone that is indistinguishable whether it’s a joke or a serious one. They checked the time with their pocket watch. ************************************************** 9.50pm. Was Shikamaru and Chouji’s mission going smoothly? “Orochimaru, how long will it take to hack into it?”

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*** “It’s over.” NETWORK PROTECTED was displayed in bright red letters. “The local security has been breached. After that, I have to wait for those two to break through the firewall.” Haven’t they finished yet? 9.51pm. Once Shiakmaru removes the firewall, Orochimaru will be able to access Furie’s data. Once they get the deciphered data, Ino sends it to Sai by using her mind body transmission technique. Sai can then release it in Redaku Country, after which Naruto will be able to get the polar particles. Orochimaru added some extra anxiety to the situation. “If any one of them fails, the mission will collapse. Can you even reach that far with your technique? To your husband, who is so far away?” “I don’t know because I’ve never done it before.” During the ninja world war, she once connected 300 people at once. Connecting 300 people at once in a short distance versus connecting to 1 person far away… the latter seems easier, but she hasn’t tried it, so there’s no guarantee it’ll work. “I think I can do it.” Until Shikamaru and Chouji complete their mission, there is nothing Ino and Orochimaru can do. Ino was just waiting,

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alone with Orochimaru, in an other person’s office. She felt a bit awkward… She opened her pocket watch calmly. 9:52pm. Since last night, Inojin was staying with Sarada at Iruka sensei’s place. She was wondering if Shikadai and Chouchou were together today. Have they had dinner already? Come to think of it, this guy is Mitsuki’s parent. Does that make him a mum friend for the other mums? “Mitsuki is a good boy.” “What?” – Orochimaru looked at Ino. “Inojin told me a lot, you know. Mitsuki has excellent grades, always calm. At first they thought he was difficult to get along with… but they realised he was a good guy.” “Why are you saying this all of a sudden?” “There’s no particular reason. I just thought parents would like to know about their children. Don’t you visit him after class?” Orochimaru’s yellow eyes turned towards Ino. After a brief silence, Orochimaru muttered. “I went to a parents’ meeting once.” *************************************************** Sai kept waiting for Ino to contact him. He felt even worse due to the lack of oxygen. He checked the time on his pocket watch he brought from the land of Fire and exhaled. Time was almost up, and he hasn’t heard from her. ***

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******************************************** 9.58pm. After an hour-long drive, the bike with Naruto and the others was finally approaching 200km in the sky. The satellite was already in sight. In this unobstructed place, it reflected the sunlight and shone which was very noticeable. The silver sphere had swirls engraved on both sides, reminiscent of the Konoha mark. “As expected, we couldn’t quite get there.” – like Sakura said, the orbit of the celestial body, which was going in a straight direction, seems to deviate no longer than 50 meters to the West from the route of the pillars. “The polar particles may be inside that.” “No, that round thing is a container of the container.” – Naruto confirmed the inside with his Byakugan goggles. “There is a Bamboo vessel in it, and the polar particles are the inside of that. But… we can’t break the seal of the vessel.” Shikamaru and the others weren’t on time. The polar particles are still sealed. In the previous briefing, they decided to suspend the strategy and return to the ground in this case, but… “No problem.” – shortly after saying that, Sasuke held Naruto’s body. “Eh?” – Naruto looked at Sasuke’s face. Were there some secret plans? Sasuke’s facial expression was the same as usual. ***

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“Sasuke-kun.” Suddenly, Sakura released both of her hands from the grip of the bike and stood up. The upper half of her body turned around and faced right behind. She seized the collar of Sasuke’s clothes and pulled him towards herself. image (This is literally a screenshot. Since I love this fanart, I tried very hard to embed the tweet, but I failed. For the original tweet, it’s here: https://twitter.com/ytamanotwt/status/ 1183064232796946433) As she said that, she slipped her hand inside of Sasuke’s coat and took out a headband, then threw it towards the satellite that was coming closer. Naruto didn’t understand it at all. This wasn’t supposed to be a place for kissing. If the seal can’t be broken on time, they return to the ground. Also, whose headband is that? Because it wasn’t Sasuke’s… Still holding Naruto, Sasuke kicked the wheel and jumped up. The bike that lost the chakra from its supplier, Sasuke, lost the speed and staggered, then fell down with Sakura still on it. The headband that Sakura threw towards the satellite then released a spark due to the frictional resistance from the thin atmosphere at this altitude and went up in flames immediately. The headband that turned into charcoal started crumbling. “Amanotejikara!!” Sasuke changed places of himself and Naruto with the decaying charcoal. The satellite then approached right in

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front of their eyes. Sasuke pulled out a long sword, and pierced the tip of his sword into his leg armour, stabbing it into the side of the satellite. It was a violent way of doing things, but it got the job done. He took out a short sword from his pocket. “Wait, Sasuke! The seal on the vessel hasn’t been broken!” “No problem. I’ll break the vessel.” “You idiot! If you do that…” His face went pale. “Don’t tell me….” Sasuke didn’t answer. He had his usual poker face. “Don’t you think if you’re dead and only I’m saved, that won’t make people happy?” Naruto didn’t think Sasuke was this stupid. He knew he was stupid, but didn’t think THIS stupid. If Sasuke thinks that Naruto is the only thing that the village needs, then he’s wrong. This has always been the case. The willingness to sacrifice himself without hesitation. If there is a world that everyone except Sasuke is happy, but the people who like Sasuke are in pain, he really thinks that world is peaceful. But that’s just not the case. Just as Sasuke needs Naruto, Naruto needs Sasuke, which is natural, but no matter how many years pass, he just doesn’t seem to get that. ***

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“Are you even listening? At least apologise to your wife!” Sasuke pulled his sword out. ************************************ Shikamaru was battling the long-haired bodyguard while still attempting to break the code. He was well trained as part of the VIP escort of Kengakuin. 1180. The passcode he entered was wrong again. This was the 35th pattern. So, the last one should be the correct solution. It was about 10 o’clock. Seriously dangerous. The long-haired bodyguard rushed towards Shikamaru for the cellphone, he pushed Shikamaru down to the floor. Shikamaru grabbed his long hair again and smashed him to the floor. “Chouji!” Chouji’s body returned to its normal size, except for his arm. “Don’t do that! The poison will kill you!” Chouji’s whole body grew big again. 1108. Finally, it was broken, and Shikamaru has also started turning off the firewall. “So troublesome!” ***

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The long-haired bodyguard punched Shikamaru’s face. “You bastard, I won’t forgive you…!” Shikamaru kicked his stomach and jumped off. The mobile device in his jacket has already returned to the lock screen. “Damn!” ********************************************** “It’s here!” Ino leaned forward as she saw NETWORK PROTECTED disappear from the screen of the PC. Orochimaru was waiting for this moment and was already hitting the keyboard keys at a tremendous speed. The time displayed in the corner of the monitor was 9.59pm. “Quickly! We have no time!” “It’s over. This is the sequence of hand seals for breaking the seal of the polar particles.” – Orochimaru enlarged the display of the monitor. Ino contacted Sai. “Sai! Can you hear me?!” The message arrived. Sai heard the familiar voice of his wife in Redaku Country. It was very comforting in the midst of his altitude sickness. “I’m going to tell you what seals to make to break the seal on the polar particles. Horse, Dragon, Boar…” ***

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Sai was squeezing all the chakra he had left. ********************************************************************** ** Sasuke’s blade was charged with tremendous electricity and kept emitting light due to lightning. He focused on the polar particle vessel. It was literally just breaking the seal by brute force. “Sasuke! Quit!” Naruto desperately kept shouting at his best friend who didn’t even look at him. Not even the Hokage has any authority now. “Listen, Sasuke! Let’s go back! The operation is cancelled!” Sasuke kicked Naruto’s stomach with his knee. “You stay here, idiot.” He held Naruto’s weak body down with his legs. Sasuke’s Chidori illuminated the top of the sword, which was about to break the vessel. At that very moment, Naruto’s Byakugan goggles saw what was going on inside the satellite. The bamboo bowl cracked, and silver powder scattered all over it. It opened! However, Naruto had no time to tell Sasuke. He instead inserted his left arm into the tip of Sasuke’s blade. Blood splattered, and Sasuke’s current pierced through Naruto’s body. The IV needle popped off. In the meantime, Naruto pulled out the long sword that fixed Sasuke’s ankle, and kicked Sasuke off the satellite. “The seal has been broken!”

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*** Naruto threw Sasuke’s long sword away so that he can use Amenotejikara. “Pick up Sakura-chan and wait underneath!” Naruto saw that Sasuke’s expression became relieved, however Naruto was also very angry at the same time and felt like crying. The oxygen supply was disconnected and Naruto couldn’t breathe on his own anymore. Naruto tied his lips and clung to the satellite. The wind pressure tore the goggle off which flew away. But he didn’t need the Byakugan anymore. Naruto broke the satellite with force and the silver coloured polar particles popped out, wrapping Naruto’s body. The debris of the satellite hit the spiral tower. The impact of the satellite’s debris was transmitted through the spiral tower to the ground. The soil and wooden pillars were cracked. Gaara quickly spread the sand over the sky and tried to protect the village, but spent too much chakra on the spiral tower and he did not have enough chakra left. Dirt and tree barks fell apart onto the ground while being swept away by the wind. ************************************************* Konoha was quiet. It was a weekday night, with joyful laughter leaking from Ichiraku ramen and the other shops, houses lit, everyone lived their usual lives and nobody thought that a falling object like spiral towers are approaching, about to crush a private house any moment. A white object flew away, crushing the dirt. The object was

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spinning around, turning like a boomerang, returning to the thrower. It was Temari who stood on the roof that caught the white iron fan. She was told objects would fall from the sky, which would be dangerous and to be on alert. She wasn’t the only one doing it. There was also Kankuro, who rushed to the Land of Fire with Gaara, Lee, Karui and Kiba, Tenten. There were many falling objects. Each piece was several metres long. Innumerable dirt and pieces of wood. The ninjas on the roof were instantly scattered and chased the falling objects. However, there were too many. With this number of people, it was unlikely they could pick it all up. “It’s bad…!” – Tenten said. Innumerable lumps of rotating wind fell from the depths of the clouds, crushing all the dirt and wood. The vacuum created by the wind compressed all the crushed debris, absorbing the debris without dropping it. Wind style: Oodama Rasengan – One of Naruto’s specialities. Shortly after, Uzumaki Naruto looked up at the sky and relaxed. Standing on the face rock of the Fourth Hokage, Naruto quietly looked down at the village. ******************************************************************** EPILOGUE Naruto’s been having his wife’s home cooking for the first time in a while.

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*** “Amazing! It really is true that you get the food at home.” The table was lined with simple Japanese food: rice, grilled fish and several side dishes. Eggplant thinly boiled as well. The number of fireworks launched this year has increased from 500 to 60000. This is the result of adopting Chihare’s chakra device as a fireworks detonator and now the cost per shot was significantly reduced. Chihare was still at Kengakuin. Looking at her achievements, she is the most promising candidate for the next Secretary, but she has no intention of doing so. “Such a leadership is absolutely impossible for me. I’ll be fine for the rest of my life as long as I get a private room.” Naruto laughed a little, remembering the tone of Chihare. It was agreed that she would get a private room as she wishes to spend her days devoting herself to research. Although her not wanting to interact with others doesn’t seem to change, the results of her research are steadily changing society affecting people. “Naruto-kun, it’s okay if you eat slowly…” “Papa, I’m leaving!” After seeng Himawari off, he enjoyed Hinata’s home cooking which was relaxing. “There was a strange rumour in the past… that fireworks are made from the human soul.” - said Kiba. “I just heard a voice above my head too…”

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*** Naruto jumped out of nowhere with great momentum. “I’m finally here. Everyone, thank you.” Sakura pulled out a can of cold cider from a plastic bag filled with ice and threw it to Naruto. Sasuke and Kakashi also arrived. They heard a whistling sound and turned their gaze to the sky. A large, bright red firework spilled out of the sky and exploded. Thousands of flames scattered. And disappear in the blink of an eye. “Where is Hinata?” – asked Kakashi. “She’s out with her mum friends and Himawari.” As the goggles broke, the power of Byakugan returned to Hinata, Naruto, who has battled for the polar particles returned to the village, and now has his own chakra. Forgetting about being happy to be back, he struck Sasuke for what he was trying to do. Did Sasuke really think he’d be happy without him? Sasuke took a quiet ‘beating’. Kakashi and Yamato didn’t even try to stop him. Sasuke’s right arm got visibly bruised in the shape of a fist. Naruto felt like he really couldn’t forgive Sasuke – from the bottom of his heart for this, however, the truth is, he can’t get angry with Sasuke. It couldn’t be helped. He needs everyone. He also hopes that everyone needs him.

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