Outside in the real world, Jiraiya watched a smile spread across Naruto's meditating face. Suddenly, orange chakra began to flow around him, but it wasn't violent or corrosive like before—it was calm and controlled.
Naruto opened his eyes, which briefly flashed red before returning to their normal blue. "Ero-sennin! I did it!"
"Did what exactly?" Jiraiya asked cautiously, sensing the change in Naruto's chakra signature.
"The Nine-Tails - I mean, Kurama - we're partners now!" Naruto jumped up excitedly. "He's still grumpy, but he's willing to work with me!"
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "Just like that? Naruto, tailed beasts don't just..."
"Trust me, Ero-sennin," Naruto's expression turned serious. "This is how it needs to be. Now we can start the real training!"
"Hold on," Jiraiya raised his hand. "Let's not rush things. Even if you've reached an understanding with the Nine-Tails, you need to master the basics first. Remember our plan?"
"Right, right," Naruto nodded. "Taijutsu and chakra control first. But now Kurama can help me understand my chakra better!"
Inside his mind, Kurama grumbled, "At least the pervert sage has some sense..."
Naruto turned to Jiraiya with a serious expression. "Ero-sennin, there's something else we need to do. The seal... I need you to open it."
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "That's dangerous, Naruto. The Fourth designed that seal specifically..."
"I know," Naruto interrupted. "But Dad designed it to unseal it when the time was right. And there's something else you should know - both my parents left some of their chakra in the seal."
Jiraiya's eyes widened as he processed Naruto's words. "Your parents... in the seal?" He shook his head, a mix of disbelief and hope in his eyes. "Alright, kid. But we do this my way. Slow and careful."
Naruto nodded, his usual exuberance tempered by the gravity of the moment. He lifted his shirt, revealing the seal on his stomach. Jiraiya knelt, examining the intricate design with a critical eye.
"Minato, you clever bastard," he muttered, tracing the patterns with his fingertips. "Alright, Naruto. This might feel... intense. Ready?"
Naruto took a deep breath, closing his eyes. "Ready, dattebayo."
Jiraiya's fingers glowed with chakra as he began to manipulate the seal. The air around them grew heavy, charged with anticipation. As the final turn of the seal clicked into place, a blinding flash of light erupted from Naruto's stomach.
Inside his mindscape, Naruto felt a seismic shift. The bars of Kurama's cage dissolved, replaced by a vast, open space. The great fox stood before him, no longer confined.
"Naruto," Kurama's voice rumbled, different than before. "This feeling..."
"I know," Naruto grinned, feeling their chakras intertwine like never before. "We're partners now."
Suddenly, two figures materialized beside them - a man with spiky blonde hair and a woman with flowing red locks.
Naruto's eyes filled with tears as he looked at his parents, their forms shimmering with chakra. "Mom... Dad..." he choked out, his voice thick with emotion.
Kushina moved first, wrapping her arms around her son. "Oh, Naruto," she whispered, her voice breaking. "My beautiful boy."
Minato joined the embrace, his strong arms encircling both of them. "Son," he said softly, his voice filled with pride and love.
Naruto clung to them, his body shaking with sobs. All the loneliness, all the pain of growing up without them, came pouring out. "I missed you so much," he cried. "Even though I didn't know you, I missed you every day."
Kurama watched the reunion, trying to maintain his gruff demeanor. "Hmph. Humans and their emotions," he grumbled, but there was a softness in his eyes that betrayed his words.
Outside in the physical world, Jiraiya stumbled back, overwhelmed by the surge of chakra emanating from Naruto. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt - warm, powerful, and harmonious. "Incredible," he breathed, steadying himself against a tree.
Back in the mindscape, Naruto wiped his eyes, looking up at his parents. "There's so much I want to tell you, so much I need to ask."
Minato nodded, his expression turning serious. "We don't have much time, Naruto. But we'll help however we can."
Naruto scratched his head, his face scrunched up in thought. "I... I don't know where to start, dattebayo!"
"Start from the beginning." Minato
"Well..." Naruto started pacing, waving his arms animatedly. "Something really weird happened to me. I... I saw things. Future things, I think."
Minato's brow furrowed in thought. "Start from the beginning, Naruto. How did you see these... future things?"
Naruto took a deep breath, his eyes meeting those of his parents. "When my friend and I fought at the Valley of the End, something weird happened.
As I was losing consciousness, this bright light came down from the sky. It was like... like a soul or something entered my body." Minato and Kushina listened intently, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Suddenly, I saw everything. The future, I mean," Naruto continued, his voice trembling slightly. "I saw a future where all the villages were at peace! But... but it only happened after some really bad stuff. And now I'm worried that if we stop the bad stuff, we might never get that peace, dattebayo!"
His parents listened intently, their expressions a mixture of confusion and concern as they tried to process this unexpected revelation from their son.
Kushina watched her son with a mix of amusement and concern as he continued his energetic rant.
"I mean, everyone only started working together because they were super scared of getting their butts kicked! Even Kurama and I became best buddies because of all that crazy stuff! So if I change things and stop the bad guys early, maybe everyone will just go back to being jerks to each other!"
Kurama snorted from behind them. "Tch, trust a human to make something simple so complicated."
"Oi! Shut up, you grumpy fox!" Naruto pointed accusingly at Kurama. "This is serious, dattebayo!"
"Who're you calling grumpy, you little brat?!" Kurama growled, though there was a hint of fondness in his irritation.
Minato placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, stopping his pacing. "Naruto, let me ask you something. Do you think fear is the only thing that can bring people together?"
"Well... no, but—"
"And do you think waiting for a disaster to force people to cooperate is better than actively working to build trust?"
Naruto's face scrunched up again. "No... but it's just... AGH! This is so confusing! In the future, I become this awesome Hokage who helps maintain peace, but what if changing stuff means I can't do that anymore?!"
Kushina stepped forward, ruffling Naruto's hair. "Listen, ya know! True peace isn't built on fear or having a common enemy. That's just a temporary solution, dattebane!"
"Your mother's right," Minato smiled. "The peace you saw in the future came not just from fighting together, but from the bonds you formed along the way. Those bonds can be built without a war forcing them."
Kurama rolled his eyes. "Just tell the kit he's being an idiot. The peace you achieved wasn't because of some war – it was because you kept charging headfirst into every situation, refusing to give up on people until they had no choice but to believe in your annoying optimism."
"Hey!" Naruto protested but then paused. "Wait... was that a compliment, Kurama?"
"N-no! Shut up!" Kurama turned away, his tails swishing in embarrassment.
Minato laughed. "The Nine-Tails has a point, Naruto. The peace you saw wasn't built on fear of a common enemy – it was built on understanding, friendship, and your ability to reach out to others."
"So... you're saying I can still make everyone friends without waiting for some super-powerful bad guys to show up?" Naruto's eyes lit up with hope.
"Exactly!" Kushina grinned. "And this time, you have knowledge that can help prevent unnecessary suffering along the way, ya know!"
"Plus," Kurama grumbled, still facing away, "you've got me helping you this time from the start. Not that I care or anything..."
"Aww, Kurama, you do care!" Naruto teased.
"I DO NOT!" Kurama roared, his face slightly red.
Naruto's expression turned serious for a moment. "But what if I mess up? What if I make things worse?"
"Then you'll fix it," Minato said confidently. "That's what you do, Naruto. You never give up, and you always find a way."
"Yeah!" Naruto pumped his fist in the air. "You're right! I'll make an even better peace this time, dattebayo! One that doesn't need any crazy wars or evil rabbit ladies!"
Kushina hugged him tight. "That's our boy!"
"Just don't do anything too stupid," Kurama muttered. "I'll be stuck watching whatever mess you create."
"Hey, with you helping me this time, we'll be unstoppable!" Naruto grinned. "Right, partner?"
"Whatever," Kurama huffed, but a small smile tugged at his lips.
Outside in the physical world, Jiraiya watched in amazement as Naruto's chakra continued to pulse with newfound strength and harmony. "This kid," he muttered proudly, "he is going to change everything."
Over the next few hours (which felt like days in the mindscape), Minato and Kushina taught Naruto the basics of their techniques. Minato showed him the fundamentals of the Flying Thunder God technique, while Kushina taught him about Uzumaki sealing arts and chakra chains.
As Minato and Kushina began to fade, they hugged Naruto one last time. "We're so proud of you, Naruto," Minato said.
"We love you, always," Kushina added, her voice fading.
Naruto watched them disappear, his heart full. He turned to Kurama, a new determination in his eyes. "Ready to change the future, partner?"
Kurama nodded, a hint of a smile on his muzzle. "Let's show them what we can do, kit."
As Naruto opened his eyes to the physical world, he felt a new strength coursing through him. Jiraiya watched in awe as Naruto stood, surrounded by a golden chakra cloak.
"Ero-sennin," Naruto said, his voice filled with resolve, "let's take our training to the next level. We've got a future to change."
Jiraiya nodded, a proud smile on his face. "Lead the way, kid. I feel the world isn't ready for what you're about to become."
Jiraiya looked at the setting sun, his expression turning serious. "We've stayed here too long. Let's move first, then we can discuss everything that happened. I know a safe spot a few hours from here."
Naruto nodded, understanding the need for caution. "Right, Ero-sennin!"
After traveling through the night, they arrived at a secluded clearing deep in the woods. Jiraiya set up some privacy seals before turning to his student.
"Alright, kid. Show me what you can do now."
Naruto grinned, closing his eyes. "Ready, Kurama?"
"Just don't overdo it, brat," Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind.
Golden chakra suddenly enveloped Naruto's body, forming a brilliant cloak. His whisker marks darkened, and his eyes turned orange with cross-shaped pupils.
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "This chakra... it's completely different from before. It's not corrosive at all!"
"Yeah!" Naruto moved through some basic forms, showing off his enhanced speed and strength. "Kurama and I are working together now! But..." After about thirty minutes, the chakra cloak flickered and disappeared. Naruto dropped to one knee, panting.
"My body's not strong enough yet to maintain it longer," he explained, catching his breath. "Kurama says I need to build up my stamina."
"That's impressive enough as it is," Jiraiya said, helping him up. "What else did you learn?"
"Mom and Dad taught me some awesome stuff!" Naruto's excitement returned. "Dad showed me the basics of his Flying Thunder God technique, but he said it'll take a lot of practice. And Mom taught me about Uzumaki sealing and chakra chains!"
"Those are advanced techniques," Jiraiya noted thoughtfully. "It will take time to master them."
"I know," Naruto nodded. "But there's something else I want to learn too. Ero-sennin, I want to start Sage Mode training!"
"Sage Mode? Already?"
"Yeah! Kurama says it'll be easier now that we're working together. He can help balance the natural energy while I learn to control it!"
Inside his mind, Kurama snorted. "At least try not to turn into a toad statue, kit."
"I won't!" Naruto protested out loud, making Jiraiya chuckle.
"Well," Jiraiya crossed his arms, "if the Nine-Tails is willing to help, it might work. But first, we need to strengthen our base abilities. No shortcuts."
"Right!" Naruto pumped his fist. "Let's get started, dattebayo!"
"We'll begin tomorrow," Jiraiya said firmly. "For now, rest. You used a lot of chakra today."
Naruto wanted to protest but felt Kurama's agreement with Jiraiya. "Fine," he pouted. "But tomorrow, we go all out!"
Naruto settled into his sleeping bag, his usual energetic demeanor subdued. As he stared up at the stars, the weight of his knowledge and responsibility pressed down on him.
Naruto's mind raced with plans and possibilities. He was still the same knuckleheaded ninja, but now with a deeper sense of purpose. 'Just wait,' he thought, his eyes closing. 'I'll protect everyone, no matter what.'
Jiraiya watched his godson settle down for the night, still amazed at how much had changed in just one day. 'Minato, Kushina,' he thought, 'your boy is really something else.'
The next morning, Naruto woke before dawn, his mind clear and focused. Inside his mindscape, Kurama was already awake.
"Ready for another day of training, kit?" the fox asked.
"You bet, dattebayo!" Naruto grinned. "But first..." He created several hundred shadow clones, each with a specific task in mind.
Jiraiya approached, looking impressed. "Already at it, eh? What's the plan?"
"One hundred clones working on chakra control," Naruto explained, pointing to different groups. "Another hundred on sealing basics, fifty practicing the Flying Thunder God theory, and fifty more studying natural energy with Kurama's help."
"And the real you?"
"Physical training!" Naruto adjusted his weight seals. "Can't slack off there!"
Jiraiya nodded approvingly. "Smart thinking. But remember, even with your stamina, there's a limit to how much information you can process."
"I know," Naruto started his warm-up exercises. "That's why I'm having the clones work in shifts. When one group dispels, I'll create another."
As the morning progressed, Naruto's organized approach to training began showing results. His clones made steady progress with chakra control, while the real Naruto's taijutsu continued to improve under Jiraiya's guidance.
Jiraiya watched Naruto's intense training with a mix of pride and amazement. After several hours, he approached his student.
"You've made impressive progress, Naruto. What's next on your agenda once you've mastered these techniques?"
Naruto wiped the sweat from his brow, grinning. "I'm going to complete the Rasengan, dattebayo! Oh, and before we left, I asked Tsunade baa-chan if she could train me in some medical jutsu and the Yin Seal."
Jiraiya's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "And what did she say?"
"She agreed, but said I need to completely master my chakra control first," Naruto replied.
Jiraiya fell into deep thought, considering all the information. After a while, he came to a decision.
"Alright, kid. I think it's time we take your training to the next level. I'm going to send you to Mount Myōboku, the land of the toads, while I head back to the village to get those scrolls from Tsunade."
Naruto's face paled slightly as he remembered what he'd seen in his future memories. "Uh, Ero-sennin, about that... Do I have to eat those bugs?"
Jiraiya chuckled. "So you know about that, huh? Unfortunately, there's no safer place to train and master Sage Mode and other high-level jutsu without worrying about your safety."
Naruto grimaced but nodded in understanding. "I guess you're right. It's just... those bugs looked so gross in my memories!"
"Sometimes we have to do things we don't like for the sake of getting stronger," Jiraiya said wisely. "Besides, think of all the progress you'll make there."
Naruto sighed in resignation. "Alright, alright. I'll go to Mount Myōboku. But you better bring back some good scrolls from Tsunade baa-chan!"
Jiraiya grinned, ruffling Naruto's hair. "That's the spirit, kid."
Jiraiya bit his thumb and performed the summoning jutsu. In a puff of smoke, Fukasaku, one of the two great sage toads, appeared.
"Jiraiya-boy? What's the matter?" the elderly toad asked.
"Pa, I need a favor," Jiraiya said seriously. "It's about Naruto. He... he's seen the future."
Fukasaku's eyes widened. "The future? How much?"
"Years ahead," Jiraiya explained. "He knows about Sage Mode, the prophecy, everything."
The old toad studied Naruto intently. While visions of the future weren't entirely unknown to the great toad sages, they were usually brief glimpses, not detailed knowledge spanning years.
"Interesting," Fukasaku mused. "This confirms it even more - he truly is the child of prophecy."
"Will you take him to Mount Myōboku for training?" Jiraiya asked.
"Of course," Fukasaku nodded. "Ready, Naruto-boy?"
"Yeah!" Naruto grinned, stepping forward. "See ya later, Ero-sennin!"
In a puff of smoke, Fukasaku and Naruto disappeared. Jiraiya burst out laughing, realizing something.
"That little brat!" he chuckled. "He left without taking any soldier pills or food supplies!" Despite his amusement, Jiraiya felt relieved. Even with all his future knowledge, Naruto was still the same unpredictable knucklehead.
Meanwhile, at Mount Myōboku...
Naruto appeared in a puff of smoke, immediately taking in the familiar yet new surroundings of the toad mountain. The massive leaves, the strange vegetation, the unique architecture - it was just like in his memories, but experiencing it firsthand was different.
"Welcome to Mount Myōboku, Naruto-boy," Fukasaku said.
"Thanks, Fukasaku-sensei!" Naruto replied, and then his stomach growled loudly. His face fell as he realized his mistake. "Ah man, I forgot to get food from Ero-sennin!"
Fukasaku chuckled. "Well, we have plenty of food here..."
Naruto's face turned slightly green as he remembered the giant bugs. "Right... the bugs..."
"Oh? You already know about our cuisine?" Fukasaku raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah... from my future memories," Naruto grimaced. "But I guess I have no choice now, dattebayo!"
"Indeed," Fukasaku smiled. "Now, shall we begin your training?"