The Chidori's crackling light faded, leaving only the sound of rain hitting the Valley of the End.
Sasuke stood there, his arm still extended through Naruto's chest, the lightning chakra dissipating into the damp air. Blood mixed with rainwater dripped from his elbow.
"I told you," Sasuke's voice was barely a whisper, "you can't stop me."
Naruto's blue eyes, usually so bright with determination, grew dim. His mouth moved, trying to form words, but only blood spilled out.
The Nine-Tails' chakra that had surrounded him earlier was completely gone now, leaving him looking small and fragile.
As Sasuke withdrew his arm, Naruto's body crumpled to the ground. The orange jumpsuit, torn and soaked with both rain and blood, seemed too bright against the gray stone beneath him. "Sa...suke..." Naruto managed to gasp, his hand reaching weakly toward his friend. But Sasuke had already turned away, clutching his cursed seal as it receded. He didn't look back as he began walking toward Orochimaru's territory, leaving his best friend dying in the rain.
As Naruto's consciousness faded, something strange began to happen. A brilliant white light appeared in the darkening sky above him, spiraling down toward his body like a falling star. His last thought before everything went black wasn't of pain or betrayal, but of confusion as he felt a soul slip into his dying body.
Then darkness took him, but it wasn't the end. It was just the beginning.
He saw a white light clash with his own essence, and then the light entered him, bringing with it a flood of memories—memories of wars, technology, knowledge, and peace—memories of a future where he became a Hokage, faced Pain, and learned about his parents.
As he learned all the secrets of his world. It took him a while to figure out if he was real or not, or even if he was still Uzumaki Naruto. He clung to the idea that his friend need him now then ever, and how to make his peranst proud.
After sorting through all the memories, Naruto's views changed. He started to understand that the future he achieved wasn't as impressive as he once thought. He realized he had neglected his family, and in the end, his sons shouldered the responsibility for his shortcomings. So, he vowed to change the future to make a better one for the next generation.
Naruto's eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the bright hospital room. The first thing he noticed was Shikamaru slouched in a chair next to his bed, looking both bored and relieved.
"Troublesome... you finally decided to wake up," Shikamaru said, straightening slightly.
Through the partially open door, Naruto caught a glimpse of pink hair - Sakura, hovering uncertainly but not entering. His heart ached a bit, understanding her hesitation after failing to bring Sasuke back.
Thanks to the memories he'd sorted through during his coma, Naruto now had a clearer perspective on many things. He had memories from his future self - wars, pain, triumph, and peace.
"How long was I out?" Naruto asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Three days," Shikamaru replied, studying him carefully. "You had us worried there."
Naruto sat up slowly, his mind clear despite the abundance of new memories. He'd spent his unconscious time organizing them, understanding them. He knew what challenges lay ahead, and what potential futures to avoid.
"The mission..." Naruto started.
"Failed," Shikamaru cut in, his voice tight. "But everyone survived. That's what matters."
Naruto nodded, his expression serious. He had a lot to think about, and even more to plan. But first...
"Shikamaru," Naruto said, his voice uncharacteristically serious, "we need to talk. But not here, not now."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Naruto's sudden change in demeanor. "Oh? That's not like you to be so cryptic."
Naruto glanced towards the door where Sakura still lingered. "There's a lot that's going to change. I've... learned some things while I was out. Important things."
Shikamaru leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What kind of things?"
"The kind that could change everything," Naruto replied quietly. "I need your help to figure out what to do with this information. But we can't discuss it here. Too many ears."
Shikamaru nodded slowly, his sharp mind already working on the implications. "Alright. When and where?"
"Tonight, at the training ground 7. Midnight," Naruto said. "And Shikamaru... don't tell anyone about this. Not yet."
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, but he nodded in agreement.
Just then, Tsunade entered the room, followed by Sakura. "I heard you suffered quite a serious injury, but you look well, considering," Tsunade remarked, her tone a mix of relief and sternness.
"Don't worry, Tsunade baa-chan, nothing can kill me before I become Hokage!" Naruto replied with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. Then he turned to look at Sakura. He saw the guilt and worry in her eyes, so he said, "Sakura-chan," prompting her to lift her face to meet his eyes. He continued, "Sasuke didn't leave because he hated us, but because he lived his life for one reason, and that was to kill his brother and avenge his clan and parents."
Sakura's eyes widened slightly, taken aback by Naruto's serious tone and the truth in his words. She nodded.
"If we want to bring back Sasuke, then we have to be able to take Itachi down," Naruto said. "And Sasuke is not interested in weak women."
Sakura's determination flickered in her eyes as she absorbed Naruto's words, understanding the gravity of the situation and the need for strength.
Naruto then turned to Tsunade, standing from his bed to kneel on the cold ground. "Please, teach me some of your techniques."
Tsunade looked at him with a mix of surprise and contemplation. "My techniques might not be stable for you, and I already have a teacher lined up for you."
Naruto met her gaze with unwavering resolve. "I know, I'll go with Pervy Sage to train for three years, but I know I can master what he wants to teach me in two years. That would leave me with one year, and I would like to train in some medical ninjutsu and your Yin Seal."
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly at his request. She was taken aback by his foresight and determination. The Yin Seal was a complex and advanced technique, one that required immense chakra control and discipline. It wasn't something she had ever considered teaching to anyone outside of her own lineage.
She studied Naruto for a moment, seeing the sincerity and determination in his eyes. This was a boy who had faced death and returned with a new perspective and a new drive. He was no longer just the loud, brash kid she had known; he was someone who understood the weight of responsibility and the need for strength.
"Naruto," Tsunade began, her voice softer now, "the Yin Seal is not just a technique. It's a commitment, a way of life. It requires more than just chakra control; it requires discipline and a deep understanding of your own limits."
Naruto nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Tsunade baa-chan. I want to be able to protect everyone, to make sure that what happened with Sasuke doesn't happen again. I need to be stronger, not just for me, but for the village."
Tsunade sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "You really are something, Naruto. Alright, if you can prove to me that you can handle the basics of medical ninjutsu and chakra control, I'll consider teaching you the Yin Seal when you return."
Naruto's face lit up with a grin, his determination shining through. "Thank you, Tsunade baa-chan! I won't let you down!"
Sakura, who had been listening intently, felt a surge of admiration for Naruto. His willingness to learn medical ninjutsu and the Yin Seal showed a maturity and foresight she hadn't fully appreciated before. She felt inspired by his resolve and silently vowed to work harder herself, to become strong enough to stand by his side and help bring Sasuke back.
Shikamaru, leaning against the wall with his usual nonchalance, raised an eyebrow at Naruto's request and Tsunade's response. He was impressed by Naruto's strategic thinking and his ability to plan for the future. It was a side of Naruto that he hadn't seen before, and it intrigued him. Shikamaru realized that Naruto was not just a simple-minded ninja with big dreams; he was someone who could truly change the course of their world.
"Troublesome as always, Naruto," Shikamaru said with a smirk, "but I guess that's what makes you who you are. Just make sure you don't overdo it."
Naruto laughed, feeling the support of his friends bolstering his resolve. "Don't worry, Shikamaru. I've got this."
With that, Tsunade left the room, leaving Naruto with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear path forward. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on, armed with the knowledge of the future and the support of his friends and mentors.
As Naruto lay back on the hospital bed, he contemplated the path ahead. He knew he needed to prepare for the challenges that awaited him, and he had to decide how much of his newfound knowledge to share with Jiraiya, the Pervy Sage. He remembered the epic moments from his memories, especially learning Sage Mode and other powerful techniques. Ultimately, he decided to share his insights with Jiraiya but let him have his moments of teaching and discovery.
Just then, a familiar thud echoed from outside the hospital, signaling Jiraiya's arrival. Naruto grinned, knowing the sound well. He quickly opened the window, anticipating the sight he had seen in his memories: Jiraiya perched atop a large toad.
Sure enough, there was Jiraiya, standing confidently on the back of a massive toad, his presence as grand and eccentric as ever. "Hey, Pervy Sage!" Naruto called out, waving energetically despite his recent injuries.
Jiraiya looked up, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Naruto! I heard you had quite the adventure. Ready to get back to training?"
Naruto nodded, his determination shining through. "Yeah, I've got a lot to learn, and I need to get stronger. There's so much at stake."
Jiraiya leaped down from the toad, landing gracefully beside the window. In a serious tone, he said, "But forget about Sasuke." Naruto looked at Jiraiya with a strange expression, already knowing what he was going to say. "Sasuke went to Orochimaru of his own accord. No matter how much you want to bring him back, you have to understand that he made his choice."
Naruto's expression hardened, but he remained silent, listening to Jiraiya's words. But he couldn't help but remember the image of the future with Sasuke and Orochimaru. He was determined to make a better future and become better.
Jiraiya continued, "I know you care about him, and I know you want to save him. But you can't let his choices dictate your life. You have your path to follow, your destiny to fulfill."
Naruto took a deep breath, absorbing Jiraiya's advice, but he couldn't shake the images of the future he had seen. He knew what was possible, and he was determined to make it happen.
"Okay, stop, Pervy Sage," Naruto interrupted, his voice firm. "I get what you're saying, but I can't just go with the flow and forget about Sasuke. I've seen the future, and I know we can bring him back. I know Orochimaru comes back too, but we can handle it. So, in your face."
Jiraiya blinked in surprise, taken aback by Naruto's sudden outburst and confidence. "You've seen the future?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Naruto nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, I have. And I know what needs to be done. I know the challenges we'll face, and I know we can overcome them. I just need to get stronger, and I need your help to do it."
"Alright, Naruto," Jiraiya said, his tone both challenging and curious. "If you've seen the future, let me ask you something. If you know the future, tell me something significant. Something that would prove you have knowledge beyond what you should."
Naruto paused, considering what to reveal. He knew he had to be careful about what he shared, but he also needed to convince Jiraiya. He decided to share something personal and impactful.
"I know the truth about my parents," Naruto said quietly, meeting Jiraiya's eyes. "I know who they were and what happened to them."
Jiraiya's expression shifted to one of shock and understanding. He knew how closely guarded that secret had been and realized that Naruto's knowledge was indeed extraordinary.
"And I know about Itachi," Naruto continued, his voice steady. "I know why he did what he did, and I know there's more to his story than we thought."
Jiraiya took a deep breath, processing Naruto's words. He could see the sincerity and determination in Naruto's eyes, and he understood that Naruto's experiences had given him a unique perspective.
"Alright, Naruto," Jiraiya said, his voice filled with respect. "You've convinced me. Let's get to work and make sure you're ready for whatever the future holds."
With Jiraiya now fully on board, Naruto felt more determined than ever to train and prepare for the challenges ahead, confident that he could change the future for the better.
But Naruto had to ruin the moment by saying, "Huh, Pervy Sage, we can't leave until tomorrow as I have to meet with my friend tonight."
Jiraiya, still processing Naruto's revelations, nodded in agreement. "Alright, Naruto. We'll set off tomorrow. Just make sure you're ready."
Naruto grinned, feeling a sense of relief that Jiraiya believed him. "Thanks, Pervy Sage. I promise I won't keep you waiting."
As Jiraiya left, Naruto lay back on his hospital bed, contemplating the meeting he had planned with Shikamaru. He knew he needed to share some of his insights and plans with his friend, someone he could trust to help him navigate the complexities of the future.
====================
Later that night, Naruto quietly slipped out of the hospital and made his way to Training Ground 7. The moonlight illuminated the familiar clearing, casting long shadows across the grass.
Shikamaru was already there, leaning against a tree with his hands in his pockets. "You're late," he said, though his tone was more amused than annoyed.
"Sorry, had to make sure no one followed me," Naruto replied, joining him.
Shikamaru studied Naruto for a moment, noting the seriousness in his eyes. "So, what's this all about, Naruto? You said you learned something important."
Naruto took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "While I was out, I had these visions... memories from the future. I know it sounds crazy, but I saw what could happen, and I know what we need to do to change things."
Shikamaru listened intently, his analytical mind already working through the implications. "are joking with me? And you want what changes the future?"
Naruto"Yes, but the big change in the future will rely on me, I need you to come up with a plan so, I'm going to tell you everything, and you decide if I'm telling the truth or not."
Naruto took a deep breath and began, "Shikamaru, what I'm about to tell you might sound insane, but I need you to listen carefully."
Shikamaru nodded, his expression serious. "Go on."
"I've seen the future. Not just glimpses, but years ahead. I know about the Fourth Great Ninja War, Madara Uchiha, and the Ten-Tails. I know about Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and how we seal her away."
Shikamaru's eyes widened slightly, but he remained silent, processing the information.
Naruto continued, "I become Hokage, Shikamaru. And you become my advisor. But there are threats we never imagined. The Ōtsutsuki clan, beings from another world, come for us. Momoshiki, Kinshiki, and then... Isshiki."
"These are names I've never heard before," Shikamaru said, his mind racing. "You're talking about threats beyond anything we've faced."
Naruto nodded grimly. "They're after the chakra fruit, the source of all chakra in our world. And they're willing to destroy everything to get it."
Shikamaru frowned, his analytical mind working overtime. "If what you're saying is true, we're severely underprepared for these threats."
"That's why I need your help," Naruto said earnestly. "We need to start preparing now. We need to change things, make alliances, get stronger. But we have to be careful not to change too much, or we might lose our advantage of knowing what's coming."
Shikamaru was quiet for a moment, then asked, "What about the immediate future? Akatsuki? Sasuke?"
Naruto's expression darkened. "Akatsuki will make their move soon. They're after the Tailed Beasts. And Sasuke... he'll come back eventually, but not before a lot of pain and suffering."
Shikamaru nodded slowly. "This is... troublesome doesn't even begin to cover it. But I believe you, Naruto. Your eyes... they're different. You've seen things, haven't you?"
"More than I ever wanted to," Naruto admitted. "But now we have a chance to change things, to make them better."
Shikamaru straightened up, his mind already formulating strategies. "Alright, let's start from the beginning. Tell me everything you remember, every detail. We'll need to create a timeline, and identify key events we can influence without drastically altering the future."
As the night wore on, Naruto shared his memories with Shikamaru, from the Pain attack on Konoha to the Fourth Great Ninja War, from his battles with Madara and Kaguya to the threats posed by the Ōtsutsuki clan. Shikamaru listened intently, asking questions, making connections, and slowly piecing together a plan.
By the time the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon, they had the beginnings of a strategy. A way to face the future armed with knowledge and determination.
"This won't be easy," Shikamaru said as they prepared to part ways. "But with what you know, and if we play our cards right, we might just have a chance."
Naruto nodded, feeling a mix of hope and trepidation. "Thanks, Shikamaru. I knew I could count on you."
As they left the training ground, both felt the weight of the future on their shoulders, but also the strength of their friendship and shared purpose. The road ahead would be challenging, but they were ready to face it together.
As Naruto prepared to leave for his training with Jiraiya, he said goodbye to everyone he found. Also, he and Shikamaru had one final meeting.
"Remember," Naruto said, his voice low and serious, "while I'm gone, you've got two important jobs."
Shikamaru nodded, his eyes sharp and focused. "Yeah, I know. Make plans for the future and help the others get stronger. It's going to be troublesome, but I understand the importance."
Naruto grinned, despite the gravity of the situation. "I'm counting on you, Shikamaru. You're the only one who knows what's coming. Use that knowledge to push everyone to their limits."
"I've already got some ideas," Shikamaru replied, a hint of a smirk on his face. "I'll start with Choji and Ino, then branch out to the others. We'll focus on their strengths but also work on their weaknesses. By the time you get back, you might not recognize them."
Naruto's expression softened. "Just... don't push them too hard. We need to be stronger, but we also need to stay true to who we are."
Shikamaru nodded in understanding. "Don't worry. I'll make sure they grow, but I won't break them. It's all part of the plan."
As Naruto turned to leave, Shikamaru called out, "Hey, Naruto. Don't forget to get stronger yourself. We're all counting on you too."
Naruto gave him a thumbs-up and a wide grin. "You got it! When I come back, I'll be strong enough to protect everyone. Believe it!"
With that, Naruto set off on his journey with Jiraiya, leaving Shikamaru with the monumental task of preparing their friends for the challenges ahead. Shikamaru watched him go, then turned back to the village, his mind already working on training regimens and strategies to make their generation the strongest Konoha had ever seen.
The next three years would be crucial, and Naruto and Shikamaru was determined not to waste a single day. The future of their world depended on it.