The Five Kage Summit had finally come to an end.
Naruto instructed several of the Kage to secretly form investigation teams and begin searching for Jigen's whereabouts. Once any trace of him was found, they were to report directly to Naruto without delay.
After the communication signal was cut off, Kakashi turned to Naruto and said seriously, "Naruto, we should also form a team on our side, shouldn't we?"
Naruto thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. Konoha should form one as well. That way, our actions will stay consistent with the other villages."
Kakashi understood immediately and looked toward Shikaku. Shikaku noticed the look and calmly said, "In that case, I'll serve as the captain of this team."
Naruto nodded respectfully. "Then I'll be counting on you, Lord Shikaku."
Shizune looked at Naruto and asked, "Naruto, are you heading to the Sand Village right away?"
Naruto smiled and shook his head. "Not yet. There's no need to rush that much. I'll go home first, say hello, and then I'll head out."
Hearing this, Sasuke glanced at Naruto and said, "In that case, I'll go home as well."
Naruto nodded. Sasuke didn't linger and left immediately.
After exchanging a few more words with Kakashi and the others, Naruto also left. He was in a hurry now, with many things waiting for him. There wasn't much time for casual conversation.
As Naruto walked through the village streets, he suddenly passed by Ichiraku Ramen.
"Hey! Naruto, you're back!"
Teuchi happened to be standing at the entrance due to some business matters. When he saw Naruto, his face lit up with excitement.
"Uncle Teuchi!"
Naruto stopped and greeted him with a smile. Teuchi laughed heartily and said, "Hahaha! Naruto, you've worked hard. How are you? You haven't eaten yet, have you? Come on, come in! Uncle's treating you to ramen!"
It was lunchtime, and the rich aroma of ramen filled the air. To be honest, Naruto was already starving.
"Well… alright, Uncle Teuchi. Thank you!"
Naruto had originally planned to go straight home, but Teuchi was so enthusiastic. Besides, eating a single bowl of ramen wouldn't take much time, so Naruto sat down.
Teuchi returned to the kitchen and immediately began preparing the ramen.
Because of Naruto, the ninja world was now at peace. Trade between the villages had become extremely frequent, and the flow of people in Konoha was far greater than before. Many visitors came specifically to see the hometown of the hero who had saved the world.
Coincidentally, Naruto loved ramen. Because of that, Teuchi specially developed a new dish called Uzumaki Naruto Ramen, which quickly became a signature classic. It was so popular that Ichiraku Ramen had to hire extra staff.
Teuchi had even taken on two apprentices, which finally allowed him to step out during peak hours and greet customers at the entrance.
"Here you go, Naruto. Your classic ramen!"
Teuchi placed a bowl piled high with ingredients in front of Naruto. Naruto picked up his chopsticks and grinned. "Thanks, Uncle! I'm digging in!"
He began eating immediately.
The battle on the moon had consumed an enormous amount of energy. In truth, Naruto had been hungry for a long time already.
After finishing the ramen, Naruto thanked Teuchi once again and then headed home.
When he arrived, Hinata, Minato, and Kushina were already waiting for him.
"Naruto!"
The moment Hinata opened the door and saw him clearly, she rushed forward and threw herself into his arms.
Minato and Kushina heard the noise and stood up from the sofa, walking over.
"Naruto, you're back! Are you alright? You're not hurt, are you?" Kushina asked anxiously as she examined him from head to toe.
Naruto smiled and shook his head. Minato stood behind her, smiling quietly without saying anything.
Fatherly love was often deep and silent.
"I'm fine. Don't worry," Naruto said warmly as he looked at his family.
Hinata smiled gently. "Naruto, you haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll go heat up some food for you."
Naruto waved his hand. "No need. I already ate outside. What's this? Did you cook at home?"
Kushina nodded. "Yes. We heard you were coming back, so your father and I went to the market, bought vegetables, and cooked for you."
Hearing that, Naruto felt a wave of guilt. "Sorry, Mom. I didn't know. If I had, I would've come home to eat instead of eating outside."
Minato chuckled lightly. "It's fine. We can save it for dinner. It won't go bad."
Naruto nodded, then said seriously, "By the way, I can't stay home for long. The Five Kage Summit just ended, and now I need to head to the Sand Village. So, Hinata, Dad, Mom—please stay home."
When they heard that Naruto was leaving again so soon, worry flickered in all their eyes. Still, none of them wanted to show it and make him anxious.
Hinata forced a smile. "Alright. Naruto, be careful on the road."
Kushina added, "Stay safe, Naruto."
As for Minato, he simply gave Naruto a steady look. Father and son met each other's gaze and understood everything without words.
After saying goodbye, Naruto stepped outside and instantly flew toward the Sand Village.
With Sasuke in Konoha, there was no immediate danger. Even if Ōtsutsuki Urashiki were to suddenly appear, Toneri was monitoring the sky and could provide an early warning at any time.
Sunagakure
Naruto appeared instantly beside Gaara.
At that moment, Gaara was holding a meeting to form a team. The purpose was to carry out Naruto's orders and search for a man named Jigen. When Gaara saw Naruto appear, he immediately stood up.
"Naruto!!!"
Overcome with excitement, Gaara walked up and hugged him.
Kankurō felt visibly relieved upon seeing Naruto. That night's attack had terrified Gaara, and even Temari, who rarely showed her emotions, had been shaken.
After all, Ōtsutsuki Urashiki's crimson chakra fishing hook was far too shocking.
No one in the Sand Village was unafraid. The Ōtsutsuki clan was a legendary existence, on the same level as Kaguya and the Sage of Six Paths.
Naruto smiled and greeted Gaara and everyone present. When he learned that Gaara was in the middle of a meeting, Naruto prepared to excuse himself.
But Gaara waved his hand. "Why leave? This is perfect timing. Join us and give some suggestions."
As he spoke, he ordered someone to bring an extra chair and place it beside the Kazekage's seat.
Naruto had no choice but to stay and participate in the meeting.
After the meeting ended, Naruto took Gaara with him as they left together. Their destination was Shukaku.
Since the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War, the tailed beasts had been living according to their own wishes. Some still remained affiliated with their respective villages, while others chose to roam freely.
Shukaku and Gyūki were examples of those who willingly stayed with their Jinchūriki.
Naruto and Gaara instantly arrived at Shukaku's location.
"Shukaku, long time no see!"
Naruto greeted the massive One-Tail with a laugh as he stood in the vast desert.
Although Naruto carried the chakra of all the tailed beasts, making it easy to locate them, opportunities to meet face-to-face like this were still rare unless something important came up.
Shukaku raised his head and snorted. He was initially happy to see Naruto, but after taking a closer look, his expression immediately darkened.
"Hmph… damn fox!"
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