"That strong?" Boruto-era Naruto's eyes narrowed.
As someone who wielded Six Paths power during the Fourth Ninja World War, no one knew his strength better than him. He was an existence capable of easily defeating Otsutsuki Momoshiki alone!
This time, with Otsutsuki Urashiki, if it were the Sasuke who fought Otsutsuki Kaguya, he could've defeated him easily too, but sadly… those days were gone.
Since that battle, both their Six Paths powers were depleted, and the Sage of Six Paths no longer existed in the real world.
They initially thought it didn't matter; even so, their strength was still the world's greatest.
But who'd have guessed the Otsutsuki would keep appearing, one after another.
"Indeed, that strong." Boruto-era Sasuke nodded. "His physical strength is unimaginable, beyond what humans can possess. Urashiki's attacks had no effect. I'm certain even my Susano'o couldn't harm him."
"Truly… incredible, stronger than expected." Boruto-era Naruto sighed.
"So far, we've encountered three Otsutsuki: Kaguya, Momoshiki, Urashiki, each with different strengths. Who knows if more are hiding. If an enemy as strong as Kaguya appears again… without Six Paths power, we might not stand a chance."
Boruto-era Sasuke's face showed worry.
"Indeed, Kaguya's power, bolstered by the Ten-Tails, far surpassed Momoshiki and Urashiki. Facing such an enemy now, with our current strength, we'd have no hope. This is the gap between humans and Otsutsuki…" Boruto-era Naruto looked helpless. "No amount of effort can bridge that racial divide."
"This divide makes facing truly powerful enemies tough, but this time-travel journey brought new hope." Boruto-era Sasuke said.
"New hope, you mean?" Boruto-era Naruto's eyes lit up.
"Martial arts! The foundation of that strange world's strength! And why that you was so powerful." Boruto-era Sasuke said seriously.
"Martial arts? They taught you something that crucial?" Boruto-era Naruto was skeptical.
"They taught me basic martial arts. With more practice, it can boost our strength." Boruto-era Sasuke said.
"Awesome!" They finally smiled at each other.
◆━◇◆◇━◆
Ryuji led the group through Konoha's main gate.
No one noticed them.
They walked straight, observing.
Imperial Sasuke sneered, "This world's far more advanced than ours after over a decade of development. Though its tech surpasses the old ninja world, it's still light-years behind the Empire.
"We've walked this far—no food delivery robots, no autonomous cars, no AI companions. Utter trash."
"Likely the normal development of the ninja world without His Majesty. Without him, no one strongly supported Dr. Orochimaru, Dr. Sasori, or Dr. Kabuto—geniuses—so the world didn't advance rapidly." Imperial Neji said.
"Hahaha… despite its flaws, I feel incredible spirit and vitality here! Great place!" Imperial Guy beamed enthusiastically.
"What's it like being the Seventh Hokage? Can't wait to see." Ninja World Naruto said, eyes full of anticipation.
"Hmph. Seeing that one-armed guy, I bet you're no better. Maybe you lost your right arm and look weak." Ninja World Sasuke grumbled.
"No way, right? You never said future me lost an arm…" Ninja World Naruto said, alarmed.
"Hmph! It's not big news; why mention it?" Ninja World Sasuke scoffed.
"Huh? Huh! No way!" Ninja World Naruto yelped, panicked.
The others remained calm.
"Your Majesty, you've sensed it, right?" Imperial Guy suddenly said.
The rest grew serious.
"Of course." Ryuji nodded casually. "In this future world, no strong auras in Konoha… except the one with future Sasuke. If I'm not mistaken, that's future Naruto's aura.
"So, no Otsutsuki in Konoha." Imperial Naruto said.
"No matter. As long as we stay in Konoha, the center of everything, the Otsutsuki will eventually show up." Ryuji said calmly.
"Your Majesty is wise." everyone praised.
They split up.
The Empire group left first.
Ninja World Sasuke eyed Ninja World Naruto. "We part ways for now. You do your thing, I do mine."
"Fine, but without His Majesty nearby, we must be cautious. This is the future world; something might evade our detection." Ninja World Naruto warned.
"Hmph! Don't compare me, with my Sharingan, to you." Ninja World Sasuke sneered, turning and leaving.
Soon, he vanished from Ninja World Naruto's sight.
After ensuring no one was around, Ninja World Sasuke swiftly disappeared.
◆━◇◆◇━◆
Outside an apartment door, Ninja World Sasuke stood with an odd expression. "This is my home in the future world? What's this? Even with one arm, he's still strong. And Haruno Sakura here, a renowned Konoha doctor, lives in a dump like this?
"Two incompetent people, tarnishing the Uchiha name."
*CREAK!*
The door opened, and two voices sounded:
"Mom! I'm heading out!"
"Remember, don't fight when you meet Boruto."
"I know! As long as Boruto doesn't annoy me, I'm too lazy to fight! Huh? Mister, who're you looking for?"
At the door, Sarada stared at the stranger blocking her path, surprised. "Mister… looking for my mom?"
Her voice carried, and someone inside heard, stepping out. "Sir, looking for me?"
"…"
Ninja World Sasuke, his appearance altered, didn't answer, scanning them.
Seeing a more mature, beautiful Sakura with a diamond mark on her forehead and Sarada with short black hair and glasses, he frowned.
"Sir…" Uchiha Sakura called softly.
For some reason, the man felt instinctively familiar.
Sarada felt it stronger, her eyes studying Ninja World Sasuke.
But his appearance was too ordinary.
"Are you Uchiha Sakura, Uchiha Sarada?" Ninja World Sasuke asked.
"Yes, I'm Uchiha Sakura; this is my daughter, Sarada. What do you need with us?" Sakura sensed something off, her old ninja instincts kicking in.
She pulled Sarada behind her, cautious.
"You look very healthy." Ninja World Sasuke said cryptically.
"Huh?" Sakura was confused but replied, "I'm a medical ninja, so I know how to stay healthy."
"I heard the more intimate women are with men, the better their appearance, while men entangled with women decline faster." Ninja World Sasuke continued.
Sakura and Sarada were stunned.
Sarada thought, 'What's this weird guy saying? How dare he say such rude things to two women!'
Sakura blushed. "Sir, you shouldn't discuss such topics in front of children…"
"Hmph! So that one-armed guy became useless because of you?" Ninja World Sasuke said darkly.
His words shocked them again.
'One-armed? Is he talking about Dad? Damn, how dare he be so rude!' Sarada fumed.
She shouted, "What's your deal? Standing at someone's door, not saying what you want, spouting nonsense, and now insulting my dad! Apologize! Apologize now, or I won't let you off!"
Though Sakura found the man odd, she restrained herself, thinking, 'Young Sasuke was cold and cruel, even killing stray dogs. He must've made enemies. Is this one of them?'
She sighed inwardly, saying regretfully, "Sorry, sir, did Sasuke ever hurt you?"
"Hurt me? With his pathetic state?" Ninja World Sasuke sneered.
"Huh?" Sakura was stunned.
Sarada grew angrier.
Though she often complained about her dad leaving her and her mom for years, she'd heard of his strength and secretly admired him.
Hearing Ninja World Sasuke insult him brazenly, she snapped, "You jerk, what nonsense! My dad's one of the world's strongest ninja! Who are you to compare yourself to him?"
"Sarada!" Sakura tried to calm her, though she thought the man was crazy.
"That guy… weakened by two women, utterly useless. Truly disappointing. Indeed, women are stumbling blocks to true power." Ninja World Sasuke concluded, more convinced.
He ignored the Uchiha mother and daughter, turning to leave. Sarada's curses didn't faze him.
Nearby, Imperial Sasuke leaned against a wall, unnoticed despite the crowd.
"This is my family here? Sakura and Sarada.
"Seems warm and harmonious. For that guy in the original world, it's a good ending. But… joining the Empire and seeing his future possibilities, that arrogant guy won't consider marriage anytime soon.
"Tch… interesting…"
◆━◇◆◇━◆
Outside Naruto's house, Ninja World Naruto paced, eyes darting to the door, muttering, "Why's the door still closed? Why? Hurry! I wanna see my future family!"
"Mom! Himawari! I'm home!" A loud shout came from afar.
Ninja World Naruto turned, seeing Boruto sprint back enthusiastically.
Their eyes met.
Boruto froze, a familiar feeling flooding him. "Mister, who are you?"
"Me? Hahaha, just passing by, yup! Passing by!" Ninja World Naruto's eyes wandered.
He recalled Boruto and Sasuke hiding their identities in the Empire.
"Huh? Passing by? But… mister, your expression betrays you… Let me guess, you're a huge fan of my dad?" Boruto grinned.
Ninja World Naruto lit up. "Exactly, exactly! I'm a Naruto fan! Seventh Hokage Naruto, I heard he's the greatest Hokage ever, super cool, super handsome. I've admired him forever and finally mustered the courage to meet him."
"Hahaha! Knew it! But Dad's still at the Hokage building. If you wanna wait, it'll be a while. Come, sit at my house for a bit." Boruto said enthusiastically, grabbing Ninja World Naruto's hand and leading him inside.
Inside, a gentle voice came from the kitchen: "Boruto's back?"
A figure emerged.
"Big Bro! Big Bro's back!" Himawari bounded out joyfully.
Seeing Ninja World Naruto, both women were slightly surprised. "Boruto, who's this?"
"Big Bro, who's he?"
But they also felt familiarity with him.
"Met a fan of Dad's on the way. He seems super sincere, so I brought him home. When Dad's back, I'll get him to sign something." Boruto laughed.
"Exactly, exactly! I'm a huge fan of the great, handsome, gallant Seventh Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto!" Ninja World Naruto said hurriedly.
"Hahaha, Brother Naru, you're funny! I like you!" Boruto laughed.
"Naru, sit here first. I'll make tea." Hinata smiled softly.
Himawari sat beside him, curiously eyeing Ninja World Naruto. "Brother Naru, why do you feel so familiar? I only feel this with Dad, Mom, Big Bro, and Grandpa."
"Himawari feels it too?" Boruto was surprised.