It had been half a month since Naruto and Hinata's wedding.
After the first few days of newlywed bliss, Naruto's life soon slipped back into its old rhythm.
Training remained his unwavering priority.
But now, warmth and comfort colored his daily life.
At first, Naruto had worried about marrying Hinata so soon. But it was Konan's words that changed his mind.
"Defending the world from threats beyond doesn't mean you have to live like a monk. Having a family to return to can spark an even greater fighting spirit."
And most importantly, Hinata was no longer a delicate girl in need of protection. She was the only ninja in the world with the Tenseigan—a force who could stand shoulder to shoulder with Naruto himself.
In recent days, Hinata had settled into life in the Hidden Rain Village. As his wife, she cared for Naruto's daily needs and accompanied him in training.
That evening, Konan sought out Hinata with a gift. "Hinata, this is a uniform I had custom-made for you."
Hinata accepted the brand-new Akatsuki robe with both hands, her voice trembling with delight. "Thank you, Konan-nee!"
Konan smiled gently. "Don't mention it. Now that you're part of the Rain's family, we're all kin. There's no need for such formality among us."
Blushing, Hinata hugged the robe to her chest. "Mm…"
"Alright then, get some rest." Konan turned to leave.
"Konan-nee…" Hinata called after her.
Konan paused. "Yes?"
Hinata hesitated, cheeks pink. "Um… would you like to visit the hot springs together tonight?"
"Eh?" Konan turned, a bit surprised.
"Dame… ka? Is it… not okay?" Hinata's voice was soft, almost pleading.
"It's fine," Konan replied, turning back. "But haven't you been going with Naruto these days?"
A blush flashed across Hinata's face. "Kazekage-sama is returning to his village tomorrow, so Naruto-kun will be with him tonight."
"Oh, I see." Konan politely demurred. "Sorry, tonight's not the best time for me. Maybe… another day?"
Hinata persisted, her tone gentle but determined. "Tonight would be better."
Konan turned fully, gazing at her. "Why?"
Hinata took a breath. "I know that before I came, you were the one who looked after Naruto-kun. When he had to stand alone, you gave him a place to belong. I want to thank you for that, Konan-nee."
Konan's expression remained cool. "We're just companions, moving toward the same goal. There's no need for such gratitude."
"But it's not just… gratitude." Hinata finally spoke her heart. "I want to become closer to you, Konan-nee. I want us to be real friends."
Konan studied her seriously. "Do you mean that?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes. Say what you mean, and do what you say. That's something Naruto-kun taught me."
Konan looked down, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. "You two really are a perfect match."
She looked up again, a faint smile on her lips. "As it happens, there's a new private hot spring in the north of town. The owner gave me two VIP passes. Let's go together."
Hinata's eyes sparkled. "Yes!"
…
That night, Naruto and Gaara soaked in the hot springs together.
Half a month ago, Gaara had traveled a great distance to attend Naruto and Hinata's wedding—and to meet his father, Rasa.
Father and son talked deep into the night.
Rasa told Gaara that his mother, Karura, had truly loved him. He apologized for the pain he'd caused, and entrusted Gaara—as Kazekage—with leading the Sand Village toward a brighter future.
Gaara wept tears of release.
Father and son, at last, reconciled.
Now, two close friends sat together, hearts open.
Gaara made small talk. "Naruto, how's married life treating you?"
Naruto answered honestly. "Sweet. Fulfilling. Peaceful. Secure… Being able to spend my life with the one I love is truly wonderful. If I could, I'd want days like this to go on forever."
Gaara still knew nothing of the future, or of Naruto's rebirth. But every time they met, he could feel the weight behind Naruto's strength—a quiet, inescapable sorrow.
He knew Naruto carried burdens he couldn't share.
And even if spoken aloud, some things couldn't be changed. All he could do was walk beside his friend, in silent support.
Gaara made a silent wish: May the land know peace, and people find safety. May love endure until hair turns white, and bonds last as long as the earth and sky. Naruto, no matter what happens, I'll always stand by you…
…
As anticipation grew, the White Snake Sage set off on his journey.
Naruto prepared to head to Ryūchi Cave, to retrieve the blood of Indra left on the mountain wall.
But at that critical moment, Kabuto Yakushi delivered a declaration of war to the Hidden Rain Village!
He made his intentions clear: he would lead an army of 20,000 Might Guy clones to attack the village!
When Naruto first heard that Kabuto had parted ways with Sasuke, he'd had a hunch that something big was coming.
But he hadn't expected it to be this big—and at such a crucial time!
Indra's blood was the key to whether Naruto could awaken the Rinnegan.
Naruto immediately called an emergency meeting.
Tobirama said, "Naruto, let us handle things here. You go—"
"No," Naruto cut him off. "Bushy Brows-sensei is the strongest taijutsu user alive. Even if these clones aren't as powerful as the original, they'll still be formidable fighters!"
You had to hand it to Kabuto Yakushi—he knew how to pick his weapons.
A ninja's strength comes down to ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu.
He knew that even the strongest ninjutsu was useless against Naruto with the Rinnegan.
He knew that genjutsu wouldn't work on Naruto with Kotoamatsukami.
But taijutsu? That never goes out of style. If it fails, it just means you haven't pushed it far enough!
Naruto analyzed the situation thoroughly. "The Eight Gates is a taijutsu path that takes years of brutal training. Bushy Brows-sensei spent decades mastering the secret of the Gate of Death."
"With Kabuto's knowledge of drugs and cloning, maybe he can make these clones learn the Eight Gates quickly. But with my experience, I'm certain: the 'Eighth Gate of Death' is absolutely beyond them…"
"So, worst-case scenario, we're facing twenty thousand clones who can use Morning Peacock or even Daytime Tiger…"
A feral grin tugged at Naruto's lips. "Now this is a fight worth having~"
Naruto chose to join the battle himself, but someone still had to collect Indra's blood.
Orochimaru volunteered. "Naruto-kun, let me handle it."
"Alright, but be careful~," Naruto replied.
Orochimaru's golden eyes glinted. "Why's that?"
Naruto said, "When Madara went to Ryūchi Cave, Black Zetsu went with him, right?"
Orochimaru's face darkened. "You think… Black Zetsu will make a move?"
"We can't rule it out," Naruto said. "Madara's cut ties with Black Zetsu, and Sasuke isn't playing along either. Think about it—Black Zetsu's so desperate, it's even trying to use Toneri as a pawn. It doesn't have many cards left…"
Orochimaru's expression grew grim. "If I have to face Black Zetsu, I can't guarantee victory…"
But Naruto's gaze was deep. "Don't worry. Go ahead. If Black Zetsu doesn't show, all the better. But if it does… just put on a little show for it~."
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed sharply. "Naruto, don't tell me—"
"That's right. I have other ways to get Indra's life essence. As for the sample on the cave wall, let that black pest have its fun…"
Naruto stared up at the sky, his eyes fathomless.
"The first Ten-Tails jinchūriki is just a sacrifice to revive Kaguya. We don't have many options left. After thinking it over, I'd rather let the 'ancients' step on this landmine for us!"
RUMBLE…!
Lightning split the sky above the Hidden Rain, thunder rolling across the heavens.
Uzumaki Naruto—truly, terrifying beyond measure!
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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