Chapter 23— Debrief and Downtime
The journey back to Konoha had been calm and uneventful, a welcome contrast to the chaos that had unfolded in Yugakure. As they passed through the village gates, Naruto stretched his arms behind his head with a loud yawn, his body still sore from battle, and maybe the hangover.
Shortly after returning, the team was ushered into the Hokage's office to deliver their report. Hiruzen sat behind his desk, his expression sharp and contemplative as he listened. Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai, and Naruto stood before him, the latter slouching slightly, looking as if he'd rather be anywhere else.
Kakashi began the briefing, setting the stage for the others.
"We encountered three powerful shinobi, Haruka, Ryuji, and Kazuo. We left Kurenai to guard Kaemon and split up to engage the enemy."
Naruto spoke next, arms crossed, his tone light. "I took on Kazuo. We played a few games. During one of them, he just happened to look up and... saw me coming."
Kurenai raised a brow. "Games?"
Guy blinked. "Games… during a battle?"
Naruto only smirked, his voice teasing. "Secret technique. Can't give it away."
I engaged Ryuji," Guy continued. "He was an exceptional taijutsu specialist with the ability to harden his body like stone. A powerful and honorable opponent. I wouldn't mind facing him again."
About that…" Naruto scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "He's dead."
Guy blinked. "What?"
Naruto sighed. "During my fight with Haruka, Ryuji got caught in the crossfire. Wrong place, wrong time."
Guy shed tears for his departed rival.
Kakashi's expression shifted slightly. "You defeated Haruka? She gave me and Guy trouble, we couldn't land a scratch on her."
"Elemental shifting," Guy added. "She was nearly untouchable."
Naruto's smile faded a bit. Exactly," Naruto said. "So I had to use something else. A power beyond the games. Something… indiscriminate."
Kakashi and Hiruzen exchanged a look.
"A power greater than making children's games reality?" they both thought, unease flickering in their eyes.
Naruto continued, lightening his tone. "We made it to Yugakure safely with Kaemon. That's when the leader of those three came for me. I would've died, but the old man showed up and saved me."
Hiruzen leaned forward. "Old man?"
"Genryusai Fujimoto," Naruto said. "Yeah. That one."
Hiruzen's eyes grew distant as he recalled the past. "I remember the strength he displayed during the war. A single swing from his blade could change the tide of battle. These days, his presence alone is what keeps the other nations from interfering with Yugakure. They fear him, and rightfully so."
Kakashi folded his arms and stepped forward. "Genryusai-dono has taken Naruto as his student. He said Naruto showed potential."
Naruto nodded. "I'll be heading back to Yugakure in a few days to train under him."
Hiruzen closed his eyes and nodded solemnly. "You all did well. Kakashi, your foresight to bring Naruto was key to this mission's success."
"Foresight?" Naruto scoffed. "He knew I'd be carrying the mission."
Kakashi eye-smiled. "I simply have full trust in my star pupil."
Naruto grunted.
Hiruzen chuckled softly, the tension in the room easing.
---
Later
Naruto returned home to the Nara compound. The smell of simmering lunch greeted him, along with the sight of familiar faces on the porch.
Shikamaru, Asuma, Choji, and Ino sat outside chatting and eating skewers. When they saw Naruto, they lit up.
"Yo," Asuma greeted, raising a hand.
"Welcome back," Choji said through a mouthful of food.
"Took your time," Shikamaru added, smirking.
Ino beamed. "How'd the mission go?"
Naruto dramatically slumped down next to them. "Exhausting. My shoulders still hurt from carrying my teammates through the whole mission."
Ino snorted. "Yeah right. As if a lazy bum like you has the skill to carry anyone."
Naruto chuckled but didn't argue.
"I'm gonna crash for a bit," he said, waving as he went inside.
---
Dinner Time
The Nara family gathered around the table. The warm lighting and familiar faces brought Naruto a sense of peace.
He recounted the mission to Shikaku and Yoshino, leaving out the bloodier details. No mention of Kazuo, Ryuji, or Haruka's fate. Just the broad strokes. Kaemon was safe. The mission was successful. He would soon be training under Genryusai.
Shikaku leaned back, thoughtful. "To study under Genryusai-dono… that's an incredible opportunity. The man's a legend."
Naruto nodded slowly. "Yeah. He's tough. Really tough."
Yoshino reached across the table and gently squeezed Naruto's hand. "I'm just glad you made it back safe."
Naruto smiled at her, soft, genuine.
Then Shikamaru, chewing on a rice ball, looked at him and said, "Try not to break anything valuable while you're away. Like your bones."
Naruto blinked.
"I'm serious," Shikamaru added with a rare, wry grin. "It'd be a real drag if you didn't come back."
Naruto grinned wide, the room echoing with quiet laughter and warmth.
---
Chapter 24
The streets of Konoha bustled with the usual rhythm of village life. Civilians passed by, shinobi moved with purpose, and merchants barked to attract customers. Among the crowd, Naruto strolled casually, hands behind his head, a lazy grin stretched across his face.
That grin widened when he spotted familiar figures ahead.
"Sasuke! Sakura!" he called out, waving energetically.
The two Genin turned at his voice. Sakura looked pleasantly surprised. Sasuke's expression, however, immediately sharpened.
Naruto came to a stop before them, beaming. "Guess what? I just got back from a high-profile mission."
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Really?! What kind of mission?"
Naruto chuckled. Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Tch. Enough games. Just spit it out, already."
Naruto blinked. Then, with mock realization, he snapped his fingers. "Ah, right. My bad. I forgot you two have only had the pleasure of completing D-rank missions."
Sasuke's glare deepened, eyes dark as thunderclouds.
Naruto gave a lazy chuckle. "Relax. I wasn't even supposed to be there. Kakashi basically dragged me along. Next time he comes to get me i will send him your way"
Without another word, he vanished with a burst of speed,leaving nothing but a swirl of dust in his place.
Sasuke clenched his fists. His jaw tightened as frustration burned in his chest. First, he'd been shown up during the bell test. Now Naruto was out completing high-level missions?
He ground his teeth together.
"I'm falling behind…" he muttered, rage simmering quietly beneath the surface.
---
A Few Days Later
Naruto stood at the outskirts of the Fire Country, facing the long road to Yugakure. But it wouldn't take long. With a smirk, he vanished, shunpo carrying him swiftly across rivers, forests, and mountains.
Yugakure welcomed him with the calm serenity only it could offer. Between training sessions with Genryusai, Naruto took full advantage of the village's renowned hot springs, gourmet food, and scenic views. The contrast between leisure and the grueling spars was jarring, but he embraced both fully.
Each evening, the training grew harsher. Genryusai spared no mercy. His strikes were heavy, his footwork flawless, and his spiritual pressure enough to make even experienced shinobi stagger. Naruto fought back fiercely, relying on instinct, shunpo, and his zanpakutō's tricks to keep up.
But the old man always held the upper hand.
---
The Final Evening
The last day of his training arrived. The two sat on a wooden porch under a moonlit sky, a gentle breeze rustling the trees around them. A small sake bottle sat between them, already half empty.
Genryusai took a slow sip, then glanced at Naruto. "You've grown stronger."
Naruto leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Still can't land a clean hit on you though, old man."
"Hah," Genryusai chuckled. "Not many can."
A comfortable silence settled before Genryusai spoke again. "By the way… Retsu, Gin, and Jushiro are also in this world."
Naruto's eyes widened. "Seriously? Retsu and Jushiro too? That's great."
"And Gin too. So has that brat been causing trouble?"
Genryusai's chuckle deepened. "No, he's not causing trouble, shockingly. That fox-faced brat is actually considered a hero in Kirigakure."
Naruto nearly spat out his drink. "Gin? A hero? That's rich."
"He helped liberate Kiri during the fall of Yagura's regime," Genryusai said with a faint smile. "They owe him."
Naruto shook his head in amusement. "Even when he does good, it's got mischief written all over it."
Then his tone softened. "And Jushiro? Where is he?"
"Kumogakure."
Naruto's expression dimmed. "Is he… is he sick again?"
Genryusai nodded solemnly. "Yes. But not as severely as before."
Naruto looked down, a shadow falling over his face. "That's… a relief. I hope he's alright. I'd like to see him."
"You will," Genryusai assured him. "In 4 months."
Naruto looked up.
"The next Chūnin Exams," Genryusai said, "will be held in Kumogakure."
Naruto's brows raised, surprise replaced by a determined smile. "Guess I've got a reason to the participate in the exam now."
Genryusai smirked into his cup. "Just don't get cocky."
Naruto chuckled. "No promises."
They drank in silence for a while longer, the night peaceful and full of quiet possibilities.