"Going back…"
Naruto murmurs, his expression instantly turning complex.
The three members of Team Seven feel the same.
Two months ago, they constantly hoped to return as soon as possible.
But after two months in the Empire, that desire has gradually faded, and they haven't dared to actively think about it.
Because in these two months, everyone has formed deep friendships.
Sakura from Team Seven found this world's Sakura. Though not Tsunade's student here, she's an exceptional medical ninja, serving as the chief doctor at the Capital's Number One Hospital.
She also met Ino, Shikamaru, and others from this world, becoming close friends.
Similarly, Yamato and Sai have gotten along wonderfully with everyone in the Empire.
This feeling faintly surpasses their time in Konoha…
But they aren't from this world! They must return to their original world.
Back to Konoha!
Unless… everyone joins the Empire's great family.
But… is that possible?
Of course it's possible! Just difficult!
Perhaps they need to work harder to persuade everyone to join?
Team Seven exchanges glances unconsciously, such thoughts endlessly swirling in their minds.
As long as they join, they won't betray anyone. Everyone can be happier, together.
This might be Konoha's future!
Yes! That's it!
"Uncle Minato, when do we leave?" Naruto takes a deep breath and asks.
"Tomorrow. At that time, Lee, Neji, and Itachi will go with you." Imperial Minato smiles.
"Tomorrow? Got it." Naruto nods.
His expression dims slightly.
So soon!
"Missing everyone, little Naruto?"
"Um… even though we haven't been together long, you've all become my most important comrades." Naruto nods earnestly.
"Then before we part, let's have a proper gathering. Come closer to me; I'll take you somewhere." Minato says with a mysterious smile.
Team Seven slowly approaches, and in an instant, they all vanish from the spot.
*SHUA!*
Naruto feels his vision blur. When it clears, he's in a private room.
Around several large round tables, nearly every seat is filled.
"Yo! The loser's here too!" Imperial Sasuke looks at Naruto with an arrogant expression.
"Little Naruto! Hurry and sit; we're waiting for you to start dinner!" Imperial Naruto waves.
"Little Naruto, come here!" Imperial Kushina waves.
"Naruto-kun! Tough training today? Want to relax next to me?" Imperial Sakura smiles.
"Sakura-chan! Over here! It's the last day today, so as your friend, I'll give you one of my super rare collections I've kept for ages! Don't cry from being too touched!" Imperial Ino says.
"Yamato-kun, come sit here; I still want to hear about myself in the other world." Imperial Kakashi says.
"Sai! Hurry over! Why're you so slow? After dinner, quickly draw a dashing portrait of my Akamaru! That dumb dog at home has been obsessed with your paintings lately!" Imperial Kiba says.
"Woof!"
"Oh, youth! This farewell feast is priceless!" Imperial Guy gives a thumbs-up.
"Naruto! Sakura! Sai! Yamato! Get over here!" Lee says.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
One by one, the friends Team Seven made over two months appear, smiling and greeting them.
Seeing this scene, Team Seven can't help but feel moved.
"Alright! Since everyone's here, let's enjoy it to the fullest."
Naruto from Team Seven finally raises his right hand high.
The farewell feast begins!
In a harmonious atmosphere, everyone chats while eating, time passing unnoticed.
Imperial Sasuke suddenly says, "Loser, when you return to your world, don't embarrass us here, or I definitely won't let you off."
"Arrogant Sasuke! What's that supposed to mean? How would I embarrass you guys?" Naruto puts down the grilled meat he just popped into his mouth, glaring as he asks.
"You've trained in our martial arts here. If you still lose to those old-fashioned, outdated ninjas, wouldn't that disgrace our name?"
"Hah! Arrogant Sasuke, you don't know how awesome I am now, do you? Hehe! Wanna see? It'll definitely shock you—maybe even scare you so bad you'll wet yourself!" Naruto says proudly, even winking at Imperial Sasuke.
"Oh? Pretty confident. After losing before, you still dare challenge me? Fine! Let's see the results of your two months of effort." Imperial Sasuke smirks.
"Hey, hey, hey! Otherworld Naruto! Didn't you drink? Has your brain gone bad? You dare challenge Sasuke? Haven't you heard of the Capital's Twin Stars? This Sasuke's strength is downright inhuman!" Imperial Kiba exclaims, shocked.
"Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun's strength is really formidable…" Imperial Sakura also warns.
"Hehe! Of course I know how great arrogant Sasuke is. But I didn't say I'd fight him one-on-one. Wasn't arrogant Sasuke super cocky before, standing still and letting me hit him without moving? Dare to try again this time?" Naruto looks at Imperial Sasuke, a sly smile curling his lips.
"So that's your plan? No problem, same conditions as before: if I take a single step back, you win." Imperial Sasuke crosses his arms, looking indifferent.
"Ooooh! So that's how it is! Otherworld Naruto! Didn't expect you to be pretty clever, but even so, it'll be tough for you to win." Imperial Kiba says, understanding dawning.
"Hehe, I've got a secret weapon. When you see it, don't be too shocked." Naruto laughs proudly and mysteriously.
"Secret weapon? That's intriguing, Naruto-shonen!" Guy gives Naruto a thumbs-up.
"Hmph! Then I'll look forward to your little dance." Imperial Sasuke says with interest.
"Uncle Minato, please teleport us to an uninhabited area." Naruto says eagerly to Minato.
"Oh, no problem, but you… ah, never mind." Imperial Minato starts to say something but stops, shaking his head.
He gathers everyone close, and the next second, they all vanish from the private room.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
An empty field at the Empire's Capital border.
With several buzzing sounds, Team Seven and everyone from the Empire appear here.
"Uncle Minato's technique is so convenient. By the way, is this martial arts too?" Naruto looks around, speaking with slight awe.
"It's a combination of martial arts and ninjutsu. I call it Hiraishin – Spatial Flash – Silent Blink." Minato answers enthusiastically when asked about his technique's name.