In Bai Ming's world, Uzumaki Baiming found himself deep in contemplation, grappling with the complexities of his decision. He wasn't sure whether the plan provided by the Heiming World was truly feasible. The situation was too delicate, and the consequences of failure too severe. What was clear, however, was the intensity of the grudge against Uchiha Obito, the mastermind behind the Nine Tails Rebellion. This hatred, Baiming realized, ran deeper than even Uchiha Sasuke's bitterness over the Uchiha clan's massacre.
In Baiming's world, the path to peace had not been easy. After years of conflict, Uzumaki Naruto had finally forgiven Uchiha Obito, and with his aid, they had managed to defeat the formidable Ōtsutsuki Kaguya. Despite his personal animosity toward Obito, Baiming couldn't deny that it had been a pivotal moment.
Uchiha Sasuke, having learned of the tragic history from the perspectives of Uchiha Madara and First Hokage, chose to honor his brother's memory by protecting Konoha Village. But for Baiming, such actions weren't enough. His own heart harbored no forgiveness, not even for those who had helped bring about the fragile peace. The future invasion by the Ōtsutsuki clan loomed over them like an impending storm, and Baiming was resolute in his stance that those responsible for the current peace had to answer for their past.
As Naruto completed a conversation with the Nine Tails about his plans, he closed his eyes in quiet reflection. The days of being watched by Konoha's Anbu seemed to be over, but as if on cue, there was a knock at his door.
"Naruto-kun, are you at home?" came the shy voice of Hyūga Hinata.
Naruto, who had been resting after his recovery, opened the door with a smile, surprised by her visit. "Hinata, what brings you here?"
Hinata, her cheeks flushed with bashfulness, stammered, "I heard you've been sick recently, so I made you lunch."
Her hands trembled slightly as she offered the bento box to him. Naruto accepted it with a bright smile, teasing her gently. "Thank you, Hinata. You're so kind. I'm sure you'll make a wonderful wife someday."
Hinata's face flushed deeper, and for a moment, her heart skipped a beat. "W-Well... if you like it, that's all that matters."
Naruto laughed softly, feeling at peace in her company. "It's not just that, Hinata. This is great, really. You know how long it's been since I've had a real meal?"
As he opened the bento, Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, this looks amazing. You've really outdone yourself."
Hinata's shyness only deepened, but she smiled at his genuine praise. It felt like a moment of simple happiness amid the chaos of the ninja world.
As Naruto eagerly dug into the meal, the Nine Tails couldn't resist commenting. "Hey, Naruto, what do you think about Hinata? You two should definitely get together. With your bloodline and her Byakugan, your children would be something else."
Naruto paused mid-bite, almost choking on the food. He couldn't help but laugh at the suggestion, though part of him did find the idea strangely appealing. "Well, it's a nice thought," he admitted, giving the Nine Tails a playful look. "But you've got a funny way of matchmaking."
Before they could continue, another voice interrupted.
"Hinata! You done with your deliveries? Time to assemble!" called Inuzuka Ya, leaping into the doorway with a grin. He saw Naruto holding the now empty bento box, and a playful smirk crept across his face. "So, looks like you've been well taken care of, huh, Naruto? A special delivery straight from the Hyūga clan. That's not bad, huh?"
Hinata quickly tried to hide her flustered expression. "I... I'm going now, Naruto-kun. Please take care."
As Hinata hurried off, Inuzuka Ya continued, "Hey, Naruto, you're lucky. We're heading out on another mission soon. Things have been non-stop after the recent chaos. No rest for the weary, right?"
Naruto waved them off. "Good luck on your mission. Stay safe."
After the door closed behind them, Naruto couldn't shake the strange feeling of contentment that lingered. Despite the turmoil of the ninja world, moments like these made it all feel worthwhile.
Yet peace was fleeting. A figure in a cloak appeared near him—Anbu, the shadowy figures of Konoha.
"Uzumaki Naruto," the Anbu ninja spoke in a neutral tone, "Fifth Hokage is calling for you."
Naruto nodded, rising to his feet. He had sensed this meeting was coming, but the sudden reappearance of the Anbu who had once kept him under constant surveillance caught him off guard. This particular Anbu ninja had been stationed by Sarutobi Hiruzen during the earlier years of Naruto's life.
After a brief exchange with the Anbu, Naruto made his way to the Hokage office. There, Tsunade awaited him. Her presence was commanding, and despite her youthful appearance, there was a palpable sense of authority in the air.
"Uzumaki Naruto," Tsunade began, her eyes scanning him critically. "You've shown remarkable growth. Jiraiya wasn't exaggerating. You've become a formidable force."
Naruto chuckled nervously, feeling somewhat out of place in the face of the Hokage's praise. "I'm still learning. But I'm ready for whatever comes next."
Tsunade's gaze softened for a brief moment before she continued, "We have an important mission for you. A high-profile assignment to guard a prominent figure from the Land of Fire."
The mention of the mission immediately piqued Naruto's interest, though he wasn't sure why. A mission to protect a celebrity was hardly the type of work he'd expect to receive, but Tsunade's tone made it clear it was more serious than it appeared.
"You'll need to be discreet and handle this with absolute caution," Tsunade explained.
Naruto nodded, accepting the responsibility. As he left the Hokage's office, he couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. With new challenges on the horizon, the world of ninjas continued to evolve, and he, too, would have to grow with it.
But for now, there were other matters to focus on, including the growing tension between his companions and the complex relationships developing within their ranks. There was more to this mission than just guarding a VIP, and Naruto knew it.
As the chapter ended, the uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on him. The delicate peace he had fought for seemed to be slipping through his fingers, and with it, his responsibility to protect those he held dear.
His journey was far from over.
–--––-------------------------------
Visit our Patreon for more:
patreon.com/Samurai492