The Fourth Great Ninja War had finally ended.
On the high ridge overlooking the rain-soaked lands outside Amegakure, Nagato stepped out from the cover of the trees. His gaze swept across the distant horizon, and for the first time in years, there was a faint, peaceful smile on his face.
"Nagato… is this truly the end?"
Yahiko walked up beside him, his expression both curious and hopeful.
Nagato nodded slowly. "Yes. According to what Naruto told me earlier, he's defeated both Madara Uchiha and Obito Uchiha. That means the war is over."
Yahiko's lips curved into a proud smile. "As expected of Jiraiya-sensei's favorite student. Remarkable."
Konan approached from behind, her paper flower hair ornament swaying gently in the breeze. Her voice carried an almost childlike relief. "So… does this mean we can return to Amegakure?"
Nagato considered it for a moment, then allowed himself a deeper smile. "Yes. It's time."
Yahiko and Konan exchanged a joyful look. Without wasting another moment, they turned and called to the group of Ame ninja waiting behind them. Together, they began their descent from the mountain path, heading back toward their village.
It had been so long since the three of them had last led their people away from Amegakure to seek refuge in the highlands. The longing for home had only grown stronger with time. Now, with the war over, their steps were lighter.
Back on the battlefield, Naruto Uzumaki stood holding Hinata Hyūga close, a soft smile tugging at his lips. The chaos of war was over, and in that brief moment, it was just the two of them.
"Ahem."
Naruto turned to see Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, regarding him with a critical look. "Naruto, the war might be over, but there are still matters to settle. Madara Uchiha—are you truly planning to let him remain in this world?"
Reluctantly, Naruto released Hinata and looked Tobirama in the eye. "Yes."
Tobirama's brows furrowed. "And what exactly do you intend to do?"
"Not only Madara," Naruto replied firmly, "but you as well, Second Hokage-ojisan… and the First Hokage too. I want all of you to stay."
Tobirama scowled. "Baka. We are dead men, revived only through Edo Tensei out of necessity. This is unnatural, a violation of the laws of life and death. We cannot remain here indefinitely."
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, nodded in agreement. "Naruto, after the war, it's only right for us to return to the afterlife."
Naruto's gaze shifted to his father. "Dad, you've seen the future I showed you. You understand why I'm asking you to stay."
Minato's expression grew thoughtful. Yes, in the future Naruto had revealed, the Ōtsutsuki Clan—beings from beyond the stars—would descend upon their world. When that day came, the strength of the Hokage could make a critical difference. Minato fell silent.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, glanced between them, clearly puzzled. "Naruto, if there's something you're keeping from us, now is the time to speak. We need to know the truth."
Sasuke Uchiha stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. "I agree. The truth should be known to all shinobi. This war may have united the ninja world like never before, but they still need to understand what they're up against when facing enemies from beyond this world."
Naruto considered this and nodded. Sasuke was right.
"Although we can't use the moon to broadcast the truth to everyone directly," Sasuke continued, "the Ōtsutsuki name has already left an impression. The next step is to convince the Five Kage to share this knowledge with their villages."
Having once been Hokage himself, Minato found merit in Sasuke's words. "Naruto, Sasuke is right. The Five Kage trust you now."
As if summoned by their conversation, five figures approached across the battlefield.
Gaara of the Sand was the first to reach Naruto. His voice carried quiet pride. "Naruto, we've won again."
He was one of the few who had glimpsed the possible future through Naruto's vision. The word again was deliberate.
Gaara's eyes drifted toward Shukaku, who lingered nearby. The One-Tail gave a gruff snort but didn't turn away.
Tsunade Senju spoke next, her eyes sharp but her tone warm. "Naruto, Jiraiya told me your real goal lies beyond this war. You can tell us now."
The Raikage nodded, arms crossed. "Agreed. Given what we've seen, I'll believe whatever you say. This battle has shown us things we'd never imagined."
Ōnoki floated slightly above the ground, hands behind his back. "Indeed. We've faced enemies far beyond our understanding."
Mei Terumī, the Mizukage, smiled faintly. "But regardless of the enemy, we proved one thing—when we unite, no battle is unwinnable."
Naruto inhaled deeply. "I'll explain the truth about the Ōtsutsuki Clan—but not here. The war may be over, but there's much work to be done. Return to your villages, secure your homes, and then come to Konohagakure. We'll discuss everything there."
At that moment, Mifune, the leader of the Land of Iron's samurai, approached with his warriors. "Naruto, may we also be included in this discussion?"
"Of course, Mifune-sama," Naruto replied with a nod.
With that settled, the Kage began preparing to depart.
"I'll take the forces of Kumogakure home first," the Raikage announced. He turned his head sharply. "Bee! Where are you?"
Killer Bee, who had been chatting animatedly with Gyūki and the other tailed beasts, jogged over. "Yo, bro, what's the word?"
Without hesitation, the Raikage's iron grip clamped down on Bee's shoulder. "The war's over. We're heading home."
"Ah, c'mon! Hachi was just introducing me to the other bijū. Can't we hang a bit longer?"
"No," the Raikage barked. "We'll talk later." And with that, he dragged Bee away.
Ōnoki gave a small chuckle before turning to Hashirama Senju. "Lord First Hokage, I'll take my leave."
Hashirama nodded in acknowledgment.
Ōnoki looked to Naruto and Tsunade. "We'll meet again in Konoha." With that, he departed.
Mei offered a brief farewell before leaving as well.
Gaara stepped closer to Naruto. "I'll return to Sunagakure to restore order. After that, I'll come to Konoha."
"Sounds good," Naruto replied. His eyes flicked toward Shukaku. "What about you, Shukaku? Going home with Gaara?"
The One-Tail snorted. "Tch. Not interested."
Gaara only smiled softly and began walking away without pressing the matter.
As soon as he turned his back, Shukaku growled, "Oi, you ungrateful brat! No 'thank you'? Just walking off like that?"
The other tailed beasts chuckled quietly—they knew Shukaku well enough to hear the care hidden in his bluster.
Gaara turned back, his expression warm. "Let's go, Shukaku. Let's go home."
This time, his smile wasn't the cold, guarded mask he'd worn for years. On the battlefield, he had realized that what protected him wasn't the Shield of Sand—it was the love his mother had left behind.
Like Naruto, he had always carried love within him.
And those who carry love never truly walk alone.
Shukaku muttered under his breath, feigning reluctance, but followed Gaara anyway.
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