Naruto stood tall in front of the five great immortals, his heart racing but his resolve steady. The vastness of the palace, the immense presence of the immortals, and the weight of their words filled the room with an almost suffocating tension. Yet, Naruto refused to let himself be swayed by their grandeur. He knew the prophecy, he understood the weight of what they were telling him, but he wasn't ready to accept it without question. Not yet.
He straightened his posture, meeting the eyes of each immortal as he spoke. "It is an honor to meet you all, but I hope you won't keep calling me that title. I am not the king of anything, as I am just a Hokage/Sage in the making."
The words hung in the air, challenging the assumptions they held about him. The immortals' expressions remained calm, but the tension in the room seemed to shift. Some of them exchanged glances, while others took a moment to absorb Naruto's defiance.
Zeus, the Immortal of the Land of Lightning, was the first to respond. He lounged on his throne with an air of casual power, his hand resting on his head as he observed Naruto. His eyes, sharp and filled with ancient knowledge, never left the young man. "It is better for you to acknowledge the truth before you regret it," Zeus advised, his voice carrying the weight of years of experience. "Fate is not something you can change, and trying to run from it has only caused disasters for everyone. I can tell you that from personal experiences. Accept it now, and maybe things will turn out in your favor."
Naruto felt a flicker of annoyance, but he held it back. He didn't want to waste time arguing about fate, not when the true problem lay ahead. He had no interest in the idea that his future was already written, and he certainly wasn't going to let anyone dictate his path based on a prophecy. His journey was his own to forge, and he wasn't about to accept defeat without a fight.
Before he could respond, another voice interrupted, this one deep and calming, filled with a grace that seemed to settle over the room. Shiva, the Immortal of the Land of Earth, spoke next. He was a striking figure, his blue skin glowing softly under the light of the palace. "Let the child find his path, Zeus," Shiva said, his tone gentle but firm. "Forcing it is not the way. The future will come to be in the order that it is supposed to be. It is the experiences that he will gain that will make him the King. You can't skip such important events lightly… Child, open your eyes and enlighten yourself to the true path that is meant for you. Do not lose hope, for there is no purpose in despair."
Shiva's words were wise, his presence undeniably calming, but Naruto didn't feel the weight of despair that others seemed to perceive in him. He wasn't interested in what the future held—he was focused on what was right in front of him. He appreciated the advice, but he wasn't here to discuss his fate or his future as a king.
"I'm not interested in dwelling on the future right now," Naruto replied, his voice steady, though his eyes revealed the underlying frustration. "Thank you for your advice, but I will keep it in mind. However, can we start with an introduction and begin discussing the problem? The reason we're here?" His gaze swept over the immortals, his eyes hardening slightly. It was clear he wasn't here to entertain philosophical discussions—he wanted answers.
The immortals seemed to sense the change in Naruto's tone. They observed him more closely, taking note of his determination. It was clear he wasn't going to be easily swayed by their words. Gaea, who had remained silent up until this point, took a small step forward, breaking the silence that had settled in the room.
"Naruto is right," Gaea said, her voice cutting through the tension. "We are here for a reason, and that reason is far more important than discussing prophecies or titles. The Immortal realm is in danger, and it is that threat we must focus on."
With Gaea's words, the other immortals seemed to relent. Their gaze shifted away from Naruto and towards the matter at hand. It was clear they respected her judgment, and her words grounded them. They had been speaking in riddles, discussing fate and the future, but now it was time to turn their attention to the real issue.
Izanagi, who had been silent up until now, leaned forward, his immense form looming over the group. "You're right, Gaea. We are gathered here today not to talk of titles or destinies, but to address the growing threat that we all face."
The room fell into a heavy silence as Ra, the Immortal of the Land of Wind, stood up. His towering presence, with the head of an eagle, gave him a majestic and intimidating aura, fitting for one who represented the sun and life. His piercing gaze, the very embodiment of sharp vision, locked onto Naruto, and it was clear that the gravity of the moment had arrived.
Ra's words rang out, echoing in the vast chamber, filling the room with a weight that Naruto could almost feel physically. "Very well, Naruto. Let us focus on why we have gathered here today. We are all aware of the threat known as the Otsutsuki and we have been making preparations for them accordingly. Today, we are gathered here to induct humanity as a viable partner in this fight against our mutual enemy."
The intensity in the air increased as Ra continued, detailing the reason for their meeting. "We have all witnessed the recent changes amongst mankind, and concluded that they can play a part in this war. This is especially true for three main players amongst mankind: Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuga Hinata, and Otsutsuki Toneri. The power of these three heroes has been acknowledged by us, and it is enough to grant humanity a seat on this council."
Ra's voice held no malice, only a matter-of-fact tone. The implication was clear—humanity, once seen as beneath the immortals, was now considered an equal partner in the grand scheme of things. They had proven themselves worthy of a place at the table, thanks to the strength of their champions.
Naruto felt the weight of their words settle over him. Three names were spoken, and each held significance. Hinata, his beloved partner, and Toneri, the once-foe turned ally. Their names carried power, but it was his name that was the focal point. Uzumaki Naruto, the young sage, the future Hokage—he had earned his place among the immortals, according to Ra.
Ra's words became sharper, his eagle-like eyes staring intensely into Naruto's. "Amongst the mortals, there are multiple heroes worthy of becoming our chosen vessels, and as such, they can also reach our stage of power. Uzumaki Naruto, the young sage of Humanity and the future Hokage, has gathered here to ask for a blessing from us. His character, ideals, and power have satisfied our conditions. He is worthy to share power with us on equal ground."
As Ra made his offer, the weight of the moment bore down on Naruto. He felt the eyes of the immortals on him, their expectations hanging in the air like a tangible force. This was no small matter. A decision like this would shape the course of his future, the future of humanity, and perhaps even the fate of the world itself.
But none of the immortals elaborated on the full scope of the powers or benefits that would come with accepting their blessing. They left it up to Naruto to decide, as if expecting him to know instinctively what he was getting into. Gaea had already conveyed much of the message, and it seemed they trusted Naruto to make his choice without further explanation.
The silence stretched on as Naruto considered his options. His gaze flicked to each of the immortals around the table. He had always known that power was never given freely—it was earned, and it came with responsibilities that even the greatest heroes could not escape.
And yet, something inside him stirred—a desire to prove that even though his power was still growing, he could stand shoulder to shoulder with these immortals, these beings who had existed for eons. He had fought for this moment, fought through countless challenges, battles, and obstacles. But was he truly ready to accept such an offer? Was he prepared to share his power with beings who had lived for so long and seen so much?
As he mulled over his thoughts, he realized that the question wasn't just about power—it was about trust. Could he trust them? Could they trust him?
Naruto looked around the room, meeting the eyes of each immortal. They weren't just testing his strength—they were testing his resolve. The power they offered wasn't something that could be taken lightly. It was a bond that could change the very course of his destiny.
The silence in the grand audience room was thick with tension, as if the air itself had grown heavier from the weight of the immortals' words. All eyes were on Naruto as he stood, his back straight and his gaze unwavering, despite the sharp scrutiny of the immortals who surrounded him. They were beings of unimaginable power, with ages stretching beyond his comprehension, yet Naruto had no intention of shrinking under their stares.
"I am happy and honored that you all extended your hands for this cause," he began, his voice calm but filled with determination. "So, I hope you won't mind my words…I hope you all can consider choosing me at the same time because of our special circumstances."
The immortals exchanged glances, some appearing intrigued, while others held expressions of caution. They had witnessed his strength firsthand, but the magnitude of his request was not lost on them. Ra, Odin, Shiva, Zeus, and the other immortals had seen countless warriors come and go, but Naruto's plea was different. He was asking them to take a leap of faith, not just in his strength but in the future they could forge together.
But Odin, the Immortal of the Land of Water, representing wisdom and battle, was the first to respond. His one eye narrowed, the flicker of ancient knowledge flashing in his gaze as he spoke, his voice steady and filled with the weight of experience.
"Child, don't ask for more than you can handle," Odin cautioned, his words laced with the gravity of a man who had witnessed the collapse of entire worlds. "We know more about this threat than your kind. The Sage was strong, but he had never gone beyond this solar system to see what these creatures had done, nor was he aware of their strength. More than half of the world is under their control, and they use planets as farms for their fruits. This solar system was far from their territory, so it has survived becoming past tense, and the ones that visited this region were at the bottom of their power ranking."
The room seemed to darken as Odin painted a picture of the Otsutsuki threat. Naruto felt the weight of his words settling into his chest, but he did not waver. He had faced impossible odds before, and he had always found a way to fight back.
Odin continued, his voice a deep rumble, "There are countless Otsutsuki that can erase solar systems with a wave of their hands, and even galaxies. The top among them have left the normal world and ascended to the fifth dimension, but the rest are already strong enough to dominate the multiverse."
"The leader of the Otsutsuki is unknown to us, but his Royal Knights are well known across the Universe. The enemy that destroyed our world controlled the concept of infinity to the point that no one could ever reach him," Odin's words came like a cold, harsh wind, and Naruto felt the weight of the universe pressing down on him.
The magnitude of the enemy they faced was staggering, and for a moment, Naruto's resolve faltered. But only for a moment.
Odin's tone softened, but there was no mistaking the seriousness of his advice. "That is what we are facing, and you are just one part of the resistance. To mankind, you might be the invincible hero, but among us, that is not the case. Don't delude yourself into thinking that you are the hero of the universe. Accept one of us, and we can help each other grow together. Having all of us would only cause your death, and none of us would benefit from such a setting. Do you understand our point?"
The room fell silent again as Odin's words lingered in the air. The weight of the immortals' experiences, their centuries of wisdom, hung heavily over Naruto. They weren't just offering advice—they were offering him a glimpse into the harsh truth of their world, a world far beyond the one Naruto had fought to protect.
Naruto stood unwavering before the five great immortals, his heart pounding in his chest as the tension in the grand hall thickened. Despite the vast, overwhelming power surrounding him, he remained firm in his decision. His resolve was like iron, forged from years of fighting for what he believed in.
"I understand your concern, but I can't relax until I have done my very best," Naruto said, his voice steady and full of conviction. "I didn't intend to accept power from all of you at the same time. I just wished to convey my intention. For now, I only wish to work with Mister Izanagi, and if it works out, then I'll consider accepting another power. And, I don't think of myself as the center of the universe. Nonetheless, I am willing to risk my existence for what I believe in."
The immortals, who had lived for millennia, exchanged glances. They were accustomed to being in control, to having their decisions met with deference and respect. Yet here stood Naruto, a mortal with only a fraction of their time in existence, challenging their judgment with the clarity and strength of someone who had already weathered great storms.
The five immortals, despite their immense power and age, were taken aback by Naruto's unwavering determination. He had been among them for only a short while compared to their thousands of years, yet his resolve was something none of them had anticipated. His words cut through the air, resonating with a kind of conviction that even they could not ignore. However, they also recognized the weight of his request—the implications of granting him power, especially with his unyielding stance.
Izanagi, the Immortal of the Land of Fire and the representative of creation and destruction, studied Naruto with his sharp, ancient gaze. His features were as timeless as the elements he controlled, his deep voice carrying the weight of countless ages. "I see..." he murmured, acknowledging Naruto's words. But the tone in his voice held no warmth, only a trace of finality. "Since you are intent on ignoring our words, I take back my offer."
The room seemed to freeze. Naruto's breath caught in his chest as the weight of those words sunk in. He had expected resistance, but he had not expected outright rejection. His pulse quickened, and for the first time in this meeting, uncertainty flickered in his heart. Had he made a mistake by pushing so hard? Was this the consequence of his stubbornness?
The other immortals followed suit, their agreement falling in line with Izanagi's decision. Odin, the Immortal of the Land of Water, gave him a long, unreadable look, and though his face remained stoic, Naruto could sense the faint flicker of respect for the young man's persistence. Shiva, the Immortal of the Land of Earth, remained silent, but his eyes softened with a mixture of understanding and sorrow.
But despite the collective rejection, the atmosphere shifted slightly as Izanagi addressed him again, his tone less harsh but still resolute.
"Regardless, you are part of this council now, and your vote matters in the decisions that take place. For now, you can take your leave and visit this world." Izanagi's words were final, though the implications of his statement hung heavily in the air. It was not a victory for Naruto, but it was a step forward. He had earned his place in this grand council, even if the immortals would not share their power with him—at least not yet.
Before Naruto could even process the full extent of what had just transpired, the world around him shifted. The palace, the great hall, the immortals—all vanished in an instant, as if the very fabric of reality had been altered at their whim. The team was unceremoniously pulled out of the grand audience chamber, and the stark reality of what had just happened settled over them like a heavy cloud.
Naruto's eyes darted around as he tried to make sense of the sudden shift in environment. He was back in the world outside the palace, surrounded by the floating islands and the ethereal glow that filled the air. But it was not the breathtaking landscape that weighed on his mind—it was the rejection.
Even Naruto, with all his years of training and fighting, couldn't help but feel the sting of being turned away by beings of such unimaginable power. He had thought—no, believed—that his resolve, his unyielding belief in humanity, would earn him the support of these immortals. But now, faced with their collective decision, he was left questioning his own approach.
He turned to his team, who had been silent throughout the entire exchange. Hinata, ever the steady presence, looked at him with concern, her eyes soft but filled with understanding. Ino gave him a small, supportive smile, though she too seemed affected by the turn of events. Orochi's expression was unreadable, as usual, but even he couldn't mask the silent tension that hung in the air.
The silence stretched between them as Naruto tried to gather his thoughts. He had been rejected, but that didn't mean the fight was over. He had earned a place on the council, and that was no small feat. Still, the sting of their refusal lingered in his chest like an unhealed wound.
He exhaled slowly, his gaze firming as he met his team's eyes. "Well, that didn't go as planned," he said with a half-hearted chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "But it's not over yet. I'll prove to them that they made the wrong choice."
His words were more for himself than for them, but as he looked around, he saw the quiet determination in his friends' eyes. They would stand by him, no matter what. And together, they would find a way to overcome this challenge. The immortals may have denied him now, but Naruto's spirit would not be broken. Not by them, and not by anyone.