Naruto sent a shadow clone ahead using the Flying Thunder God technique to scout and ensure everything was safe while he stayed behind. It wasn't just to send a status update—it also helped him gather intel on the past couple of days' events.
Meanwhile, he himself led three beauties, one older, one middle-aged, and one younger, as they leisurely headed toward the Land of Waves. His main goal was to help Kanae relax, to quickly distance her from the traumatic experience of Kusagakure. Passing through various towns in the Land of Fire, they treated the journey as a leisurely trip to unwind.
From the reports sent back by his shadow clone, Naruto learned that all was calm in both the Land of Waves and Konoha. Feeling reassured, he carried on.
In the Land of Waves, Dazna had already been publicly executed. As Naruto had anticipated, the final hope of the citizens was crushed, leaving their spirits completely shattered. Taking advantage of this, Naruto announced that the citizens' overall living conditions would be improved threefold, ensuring they could enjoy a standard quality of life like ordinary people. By using both a stick and a carrot, Naruto successfully solidified his foothold in the Land of Waves and won over the people's hearts.
Inari had been handed over to Waraji, who would begin by training his courage and physical strength. Though Tsunami was initially worried, she didn't oppose the decision, knowing it couldn't be worse than the miserable, complaint-filled state her son had been in before.
As for Zabuza, they had reached an agreement. After being thoroughly beaten by Naruto's golden chakra mode, Zabuza finally relented, agreeing to work for him. Naruto had promised to assist in his return to Kirigakure at the right time, and with the lure of a steady paycheck, Zabuza couldn't refuse even if he wanted to.
During their encounter, Naruto also confirmed Haku's gender… Well, just as he suspected, Haku was simply a cross-dresser!
In Konoha, everything remained as peaceful as ever. Yugao Uzuki had likely been busy with her duties but still found a few moments to bring Naruto some homemade lunch and offer him words of encouragement. She had truly taken on the role of an older sister.
In their class, Sakura's behavior toward Naruto was becoming increasingly strange. She often stared at him absentmindedly, sometimes angry, sometimes smiling foolishly. Her attention had shifted from Sasuke to Naruto, a change that even Ino had noticed, though she hadn't yet confronted her about it.
Naruto's clone also made a brief stop by Tenten's shop to pick up the customized ninja tools he'd ordered. Since it was just a clone, they kept the interaction casual without diving into anything more intimate.
As for the main Naruto, he spent his time leading Kanae and the others through the towns, enjoying street food, playing little games, and strolling through markets. Karin, in particular, was overjoyed, her face always lit up with laughter as she indulged in the innocent fun of a young girl. Kanae, too, gradually began to relax, with a smile appearing on her face more frequently. Even Ryūzu, who still considered herself a captive, wasn't as tense as she had been at the beginning.
At night, they stayed at a local inn, sleeping in separate rooms. Naruto hadn't made any advances on Kanae or Ryūzu yet, not because he was refraining, but because he wanted to wait until Kanae had fully regained her emotional stability. As for Ryūzu, she could wait a little longer. Acting now would only come off as forceful, especially with Kanae still nearby, and Naruto didn't want to jeopardize her fragile recovery. Though he had his flaws, Naruto still cared for those he truly respected.
It wouldn't take long—he just needed to be patient.
However, what surprised him was that Kanae herself knocked on his door that very night.
"Aunt Kanae…" Naruto said softly as he looked at her standing before him. There was a hint of confusion in her eyes, as if she was unsure of what to do.
Kanae smiled gently and approached Naruto, lightly patting him on the shoulder. "Naruto, I know you've been working hard, but some things cannot be solved with strength alone."
Naruto nodded, seeming to understand her message.
"You don't need to carry all the pressure alone," Kanae continued, her voice warm and soothing. "Sometimes, it's more important to listen to your heart and seek the true answer within."
Naruto smiled faintly, feeling lighter in her presence.
"Aunt Kanae, thank you for your encouragement," he said, his gaze filled with gratitude.
Kanae shook her head with a soft smile. "No need to thank me. We're family."
As time passed, Naruto and Kanae grew closer. They discussed the intricacies of the ninja world, sharing experiences and personal stories. On one quiet evening, they walked together along the village path beneath a serene, starry sky.
"Do you know, Naruto?" Kanae suddenly said, "Sometimes, in the pursuit of power, people overlook the beauty right in front of them."
Naruto listened quietly, sensing the depth of her words.
"We can create miracles in the everyday moments, Naruto," Kanae continued, "if we take the time to appreciate life's beauty, rather than always rushing toward the next goal."
Naruto felt a deep clarity rising within him. In Kanae's words, he found a sense of inner peace and calm.
"Aunt Kanae, thank you. You've helped me understand so much," Naruto said sincerely.
Kanae smiled warmly, gently taking his hand. "Naruto, no matter what happens in the future, never forget this feeling of peace. It will be your eternal source of strength."
Naruto nodded. He understood. From that day on, he paid more attention to maintaining balance within himself, savoring each moment of life.
Time flowed on, and the bond between Naruto and Kanae grew ever deeper. Together, they cultivated a life full of warmth and serenity, finding strength and courage in the quiet moments they shared.
In this story, through his interactions with Kanae, Naruto found his path to growth. No longer driven solely by the pursuit of power, he learned to appreciate the beauty of life, becoming a wiser and stronger person in the process.
And Kanae, with her wisdom and warmth, became a key support in his life, guiding him along the way. Together, they created a peaceful and happy future.
In their shared efforts, the village prospered, and the people began to cherish the present moment, seeking peace within themselves.
Each spring, the village held a grand festival to express gratitude for life's simple joys. Streets were lined with colorful lanterns, flowers, and sweets as people gathered to celebrate. This festival became known as the "Day of Serenity."
Villagers believed that on this day, all their worries and troubles could be left behind, replaced by inner peace and happiness. Naruto and Kanae became the main organizers of the event.
One year, a sudden storm threatened to ruin the celebration, scattering lanterns and upending decorations. But Naruto and Kanae quickly led the villagers in a determined effort to restore everything, bringing the festival back on track.
The storm only made the celebration more precious. Under the glow of the restored lanterns, the village shone brightly, filled with joy and laughter.
As Naruto and Kanae watched, their hearts were filled with gratitude. They realized that while strength is important, the true meaning of life lies in inner peace and the appreciation of happiness.
It was this sense of peace that allowed them to enjoy life fully, creating a legendary tale for their village—a place filled with hope, where their story would live on forever