Chapter 21: Flames of Reflection
At Kaemon's Estate
Kakashi stood near the estate's balcony, his gaze fixed on the faint glow of fire in the distance. Beside him, Kurenai and Guy exchanged uneasy glances. The air felt heavy, as if the very world held its breath.
"That's no ordinary battle," Kurenai said softly, her crimson eyes scanning the horizon. "I can feel the intensity from here."
Guy, ever the optimist, folded his arms and grinned. "What a fiery display of youth! Whoever's involved must be giving it their all!"
Kaemon approached, his expression calm but firm. "You have no reason to worry. Fujimoto-sama is handling the situation."
Kakashi nodded, reassured by the man's confidence.
"If even half of what's said about Genryusai-Dono is true," Kakashi muttered, "then this will be resolved quickly."
Guy's grin widened. "Fujimoto-sama sounds like a dependable man. Maybe one day, I'll meet him and challenge his fiery spirit!"
Kurenai rolled her eyes. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that, Guy. For everyone's sake."
---
With Naruto
Naruto lowered the barrier, his fingers brushing away the sweat on his brow as he surveyed the battlefield. The lingering heat from Genryusai's flames had left scorch marks that marred the ground. He let out a low whistle of admiration.
"The old man hasn't lost his touch," he said, a grin playing on his lips.
In the shadows, Kaito observed the scene silently. Having followed Shura without her knowledge, he had witnessed the entire battle. His sharp gaze lingered on Genryusai's imposing figure before darting to Shura's battered form.
I told you so, Kaito thought, his lips curving into a smirk. The old man isn't someone you can mess with.
A sudden shift in the air signaled Kaito's move. He caused a distraction, an explosion of smoke that filled the battlefield, concealing everything in a suffocating cloud.
When the smoke cleared, Shura was gone.
Naruto frowned, rubbing his temple. "Fantastic. Just fantastic. I can already tell she's going to come after me again. I'm really not looking forward to that."
Genryusai sheathed Ryūjin Jakka, his expression impassive. "Shunsui," he said, his tone soft yet firm, "we have much to discuss. A great deal of time has passed since our last meeting."
Naruto blinked, then broke into a wide grin. His eyes sparkled with genuine joy. "Yeah, we do, old man! And you better be ready, because I've got a whole lot to tell you!"
---
Stories of the Past and Present
Later, the two sat together in a quiet corner of the estate. The tension of the battle had faded, replaced by a sense of calm as they exchanged stories of their lives.
Naruto leaned back, resting his hands behind his head as he recounted what he knew of the events following Genryusai's death. "We won the war against the Quincy, old man. Ichigo was the key to defeating Yhwach."
Genryusai's expression darkened slightly, his pride visibly wounded. "Ichigo, again. To rely on that boy once more... It is a bitter pill to swallow."
Naruto tilted his head, his gaze thoughtful. "He's strong, though. You have to admit that. The Gotei 13 might've needed him, but that didn't make us any less capable. Sometimes it takes an outsider to shift the tides."
Genryusai hummed in acknowledgment, though his dissatisfaction remained. "Perhaps. But the Gotei 13 were meant to be the guardians of balance, not dependents on a substitute Shinigami. It is… troubling."
Naruto shrugged. "Hey, sometimes even the strongest of us need a hand. No shame in that."
Shifting the focus, Naruto asked, "So, what's life been like for you here? Fujimoto Genryusai... leader of Yugakure? That's a big title."
Genryusai's tone softened, tinged with a faint pride. "This world is different from the one we knew. The chaos here is relentless, but I have brought stability to Yugakure. It is a sanctuary now, a haven for those seeking peace. I have forged alliances and quelled conflicts, though it has not been without challenges."
Naruto smiled. "You've done a lot, old man. Yugakure's one of the most stable villages out there, and that's saying something."
Genryusai's gaze was steady, his voice calm but curious. "And what of you, Shunsui? This life you've built in this world... Are you at peace?"
Naruto leaned back, a small, thoughtful smile on his lips. "Peace, huh? That's a tough one." He looked away for a moment, his expression turning pensive. "The Leaf… most people there don't trust me. Being a jinchūriki isn't exactly something that wins you any popularity contests. I get the looks, the whispers. To a lot of them, I'm just a monster carrying the Nine-Tails."
His fingers tightened slightly around his knees, but the smile returned as he continued, his tone warmer. "But even with all that, I've been lucky. I've got a family who loves me. They didn't have to take me in, but they did. And they didn't just treat me like some kid they had to deal with. They treated me like I belonged."
He chuckled softly, his grin widening. "And my friends—Ino, Choji, even Kiba and the others—they've always had my back. Sure, things aren't perfect, but without them, I don't know where I'd be. They kept me grounded, made me feel like I wasn't alone. I owe them more than I could ever say."
Naruto glanced back at Genryusai, his gaze steady now. "So yeah, the Leaf might not trust me, but I've got my family, my friends. That's enough for me to keep moving forward."
Genryusai nodded slowly, his expression unreadable, but his tone carried a hint of warmth. "A man's strength is often drawn from those who stand beside him. Treasure them, Shunsui. They are your foundation."
Naruto grinned widely, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, I plan to, old man. I'd be lost without them."
---
Epilogue: In the Shadows
Far from the battlefield, Shura leaned against a tree, her body battered and her breaths ragged. Kaito crouched nearby, his eyes sharp as he surveyed their surroundings.
"You should've been more careful," Kaito said casually. "The old man's not someone you can take lightly."
Shura scowled, though her exhaustion dulled the edge of her glare. "I didn't ask for a lecture, Kaito. I know how strong he is now."
Kaito smirked, leaning back against the tree. "Good. Next time, you'll be ready. And when you are, I'll be right there with you."
Shura's scowl softened into a faint smirk. "Next time, I won't lose."
Kaito chuckled, his tone laced with amusement. "We'll see about that."
As the two disappeared into the shadows, the remnants of the battlefield cooled, but the air carried the promise of future confrontations.
---
Chapter 22:
Kaemon strode confidently toward Genryusai's estate, Kakashi, Guy, and Kurenai following behind him. The serene streets of Yugakure felt far removed from the chaos they had experienced in recent days, yet a subtle tension lingered in the air.
When they reached the entrance of the estate, Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly. Inside, they could see Naruto sitting cross-legged with Genryusai, the two of them drinking sake as if they were old friends. Naruto, with his characteristic grin, seemed entirely at ease.
"Naruto?" Kakashi muttered, his tone tinged with disbelief.
Genryusai rose slowly to his feet, his presence commanding. "Kaemon," he said, his voice warm and welcoming, "it's good to see you again. Welcome home."
Kaemon bowed deeply. "Thank you, Fujimoto-sama. It's good to be back."
Kakashi, Guy, and Kurenai exchanged glances before stepping forward to offer polite bows. "Fujimoto-sama," Kakashi said formally, "it's an honor to meet you."
Genryusai waved a hand dismissively. "There's no need for such formalities. You're guests in my home. Relax."
Kakashi straightened, his eye lingering on Naruto, who was still seated with a sly grin. "Naruto," Kakashi said, his tone half-scolding, "what exactly are you doing here?"
Naruto stretched lazily, setting his cup down. "Relax, Kakashi-sensei.." He paused, then launched into his explanation, carefully omitting the deeper connection between himself and Genryusai.
"So, here's the deal," Naruto began. "The leader of those three jerks we fought, Haruka, Ryuji, and Kazuo—came after me. She was tough, but the old man here took care of her. She managed to escape, though."
Before Kakashi could respond, Genryusai interjected. "The boy has potential," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I've decided to take him under my wing and train him. He'll benefit greatly from proper guidance."
Kaemon nodded approvingly. "If Fujimoto-sama has chosen to mentor Naruto, then the boy is in the best hands possible."
Genryusai turned to Kaemon. "Come. We have matters to discuss." He motioned for Kaemon to follow him but stopped at the doorway, looking back at the group. "Make yourselves at home."
As the two men left, the atmosphere relaxed slightly.
---
Naruto's Antics
Still a bit tipsy from his drinks with Genryusai, Naruto was in high spirits as he casually turned to Kurenai. "You know," he began, leaning back in his chair with a confident grin, "it's a real shame you're so serious all the time."
Kurenai raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but also skeptical. "Is that so?" she asked, her voice both amused and testing.
Naruto leaned forward, his grin widening as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "If you'd just let loose once in a while, maybe we could get along a little better. You'd be surprised what a little fun can do."
Kurenai's lips curled into a smile, but her gaze remained firm. "You'll need more than charm and a few drinks to get me to loosen up, Naruto."
Naruto threw his head back and laughed, clearly undeterred by her response. "Guess that's a no-go then, huh? Ah well, worth a shot."
Kurenai chuckled, shaking her head. "You're a handful, that's for sure."
Kakashi, watching from the side, let out a quiet laugh. "Yoshino's going to have your head when she finds out you got drunk and flirted with Kurenai, Naruto"
Naruto's expression immediately shifted to one of panic. "Kakashi-sensei, don't you dare! She'll kill me!"
Kakashi stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... I might keep this between us. But you'll owe me one."
Naruto groaned, slouching dramatically in his seat. "Traitor! You're supposed to be my sensei!"
Kakashi grinned. "Teacher's know when to collect favors."
---
The Next Morning
While Kakashi, Guy, and Kurenai explored Yugakure, Naruto and Genryusai sparred in the courtyard of the estate.
The clash of their training weapons echoed through the air as the two moved with incredible speed and precision. Naruto's shadow constructs lashed out in unpredictable patterns, but Genryusai countered each one with masterful ease.
"You're still relying too much on tricks," Genryusai scolded, dodging a whip of shadow that nearly caught his shoulder. "Your instincts are sharp, but your discipline needs work."
Naruto grinned, sweat dripping down his brow. "Come on, old man, you're making me look bad!"
Genryusai's blade flicked upward, disarming Naruto with a single, fluid motion. "Then work harder, brat."
Naruto panted heavily, but the grin never left his face. "You've still got it, old man. Guess I've got a long way to go."
Genryusai nodded. "You've grown weaker, it's up to you to rectify that."
---
Farewell to Yugakure
As the time to leave approached, Kaemon stood at the gates of his estate with Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai, and Naruto. His expression was calm but filled with sincere gratitude.
"Thank you, Konoha nin," Kaemon said, bowing slightly. "Your protection has been invaluable. I can't express enough how much your efforts mean to me."
Kakashi nodded with a smile. "It was our duty. You don't need to thank us."
Naruto stepped forward, his usual grin back in place. "Yeah, don't worry about it. Just another day for the awesome team!"
Kurenai, with a teasing smile, added, "Just keep out of trouble next time, Naruto, and maybe lay off the sake."
Naruto laughed. "No promises, Kurenai!"
Kaemon gave a final, appreciative nod to each of them. "I'll make sure to remember this favor. You've earned my trust and respect."
The group turned and began their trek back to Konoha, leaving Yugakure behind.