The battle was over, and Naruto sat on a rock to rest.
Sasuke was taken away by the approaching White Zetsu, and Naruto didn't stop him.
Crash...!
Konan's body reformed from scattered paper. Looking at the ruins, she sighed, "This was more intense than I expected."
Naruto smiled. "Yeah... Sasuke has gotten stronger. If I hadn't gone to the Kumogakkure before, it would've taken a lot more to beat him."
Konan asked curiously, "You're just going to let him go? Why not bring him back and show him what the future holds?"
Naruto had his reasons. "It's not the right time yet.
People's experiences and understanding shape how they think and act. Even if he saw the truth now, Sasuke would just think I made it up."
His eyes dimmed. "Besides, I need Sasuke to tap into his potential through hatred..."
If he had said that thirty years ago, it would've sounded cruel. But now, his vision had grown.
"Think about it. The power Sasuke once gained came from hatred, hatred that was born from love. And it was that same power, flawed as it was, that helped save the world from Kaguya."
"As people grow, their perspective changes. And hatred slowly fades when they begin to see things differently."
Konan asked, "But what if Sasuke gets angry and attacks Konoha again?"
Naruto smiled. "Then I'll stop him again. Whether it's Sasuke or Obito, the Uchiha tend to be sensitive and easily fall into extreme thinking."
'They'll eventually start to wonder why I keep going easy on them. And when that curiosity grows strong enough, that's when I'll tell them everything."
Konan looked surprised. "So it's not just Sasuke... You're trying to save Obito too?"
Naruto looked up at the sky and said
"Yeah... just one Ōtsutsuki like Shiba could wipe out our entire army. And there are many in that clan even stronger than him. I'd be a fool to think I could face them alone."
"That's why I have to keep growing stronger but also explore every possibility. In the future, everyone will stand with me. Right now, because of misinformation and different ways of thinking, I have no choice but to take the lead alone."
"So, I won't suppress anyone. In fact, I'll encourage them to grow stronger. Whether they fight me or pursue their own goals, as long as they gain strength, they could one day become allies in the fight against enemies from beyond this world."
Konan listened, moved by his words, but couldn't hide her concern. The threat Naruto spoke of was too great, and his path seemed filled with danger.
Seeing her worry, Naruto smiled gently.
"Sister Konan, don't worry. I've lived a long life. I know who's worth saving and who will only hold us back. Some people can be guided, others must be eliminated."
Konan asked, "Can you tell me who you're trying to win over, and who you think needs to be removed? It would help me understand better."
Naruto thought for a moment. "Sasuke, Obito, the former Hokage, Madara, Kabuto, and even Kaguya, they're all people I still want to reach."
"Madara and Kaguya!?" Konan looked shocked.
Naruto's gaze turned serious.
"Yes. Madara is just blinded by the wrong ideals. And Kaguya... maybe she turned against us because she never had anyone to walk beside her, to guide her."
Konan asked, "But… isn't Kaguya an Ōtsutsuki herself?"
Naruto lowered his eyes and said,
"But Kaguya once lived among humans. She has both divinity and humanity. To me, she doesn't seem like a ruthless god who looks down on others, but more like a deeply insecure woman."
"I know it's risky, but I believe that if it's me, I might be able to reach her."
He looked up at the moon.
"One day, I'll bring Kaguya back and talk to her. But when that day comes, I need to be strong enough to stand as her equal."
It was a bold and visionary decision, and many years later, Naruto proved to be right, Kaguya really did become their ally.
But that's a story for another time.
"Because I plan to revive Kaguya, I've chosen to tolerate Black Zetsu for now. But to bring her back, the Ten Tails' Jinchūriki must be created and that person will become the sacrifice..."
"In my past life, that sacrifice was Madara. But this time, I want to save him. So someone else will take that role..."
A strange, unreadable light flickered in Naruto's eyes.
In truth, Naruto planned to become the Ten Tails' Jinchūriki himself. It was a necessary step to fight the Ōtsutsuki.
But only after reviving Kaguya and earning her trust.
Then he changed the topic.
"As for those I must eliminate... Isshiki and his organization, they're beyond redemption. They're still hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike."
"Those people are like vampires... feeding on others until there's nothing left!"
Murderous intent flashed in Naruto's eyes.
When the time was right, he would launch a decisive and devastating operation against Isshiki and the Kara organization.
"In the past, our ninja world was pushed to the brink of death by Isshiki and Kara. This time, it's going to be different!"
Konan felt honored.
She was the first person Naruto trusted enough to share such important plans with. That meant everything to her.
After resting for a while, Naruto stood, adjusted his robe, and leapt down from the stone.
"This Valley of the End will probably be the stage for my next battle with Sasuke," Naruto said with a smile. "For now, let's fix it up…"
Snap! Naruto formed a hand seal.
—Earth Style: Earth Transformation!
Rumble...!
The ground shook as the soil rose, and Naruto recreated the statues of Hashirama and Madara based on his memory.
Swish! He quickly formed another seal.
—Water Style: Waterfall Technique!
Crash...!
A waterfall flowed down from between the two statues, just like before.
Though the Valley of the End wasn't fully restored, it was once again peaceful and intact.
Floating in the air, Konan looked at the two statues and commented, "Aren't they a bit too symmetrical?"
"Huh?" Naruto looked again from a distance.
"You're right… Madara's statue is actually shorter than Hashirama's!"
He scratched his head and laughed. "Oh well, let's just leave it. It's not like Madara can see it anyway."
Puchi! Konan chuckled. "Don't be too sure. What if he sees it someday and picks a fight with you?"
Naruto grinned, rubbing the back of his head. "We'll deal with that when the time comes~"
Whoosh!
With a flash of the Flying Thunder God Technique, Naruto and Konan disappeared, returning to Amegakure.
.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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