The waterfall thundered in endless sheets, white water crashing against black stone. Naruto stood beneath the cascade, bare-chested, golden light rippling across his exposed skin like liquid fire. Even in broad daylight, his body glowed with enough intensity to hurt unprotected eyes.
Yesterday marked the completion of his first major dream.
He'd left Konoha months ago with a simple goal: become friends with ninja from other villages. Walk beyond his home's borders and extend the hand of friendship across the shinobi world.
Mission accomplished.
The Hot-Tempered Fourth Raikage and his rap-loving brother Killer B in the Hidden Cloud Village. Every ninja in the Land of Lightning had become Naruto's friend through enthusiastic friendly exchanges.
Afterward, they'd traveled to Kirigakure in the Land of Water. Terumi Mei had spent the intervening months cleaning up the bloody mess left by Yagura's regime. The Blood Mist era was finally ending, stability slowly returning to the village.
Terumi Mei's welcome had been almost embarrassingly enthusiastic. She'd greeted them at the village gates personally, arranged the finest accommodations, provided guided tours of the reconstruction efforts.
To thank her for such hospitality, Naruto had naturally been generous with his own contributions. Reciprocity demanded it.
The Kirigakure ninja who'd accompanied Terumi Mei to deliver the Three-Tails' spoils to Konoha months ago had witnessed how differently Naruto treated Ao and Chōjūrō compared to random ninja. They'd seen the warmth, the camaraderie, the obvious friendship.
Back in Kirigakure, those ninja had spent weeks expressing regret to their colleagues. If only we'd had the courage to ask Naruto-sama to become our friend back then. What an honor that would be!
So when Naruto arrived this time, those same ninja practically stampeded forward, volunteering eagerly to become his friends.
Chōjūrō and Ao's expressions had been priceless. A mixture of sympathy, anticipation, and barely suppressed amusement.
Naruto, of course, hadn't refused. He'd come to Kirigakure specifically to befriend its ninja.
After repeated friendly exchanges, the entire Hidden Mist Village joined his ever-growing circle of friends.
Then the peninsula nations around Kirigakure. The island countries scattered across the sea. One by one, every ninja settlement became part of Naruto's network.
Now his friends spanned the globe. He'd never suffer from isolation again, never walk alone through hostile territory.
The second day after returning to Konoha, Naruto resumed training with renewed intensity.
The entire shinobi world was at peace—or at least, friendly. Which meant he could practice without worrying about sudden invasions or political crises requiring his attention.
Better still, his excellent mood translated into improved training efficiency. Joy was apparently an underrated performance enhancer.
Time flowed differently during focused practice. Hours passed like minutes.
Outside the waterfall's spray zone, Sasuke trained in the courtyard. He hadn't neglected his development during their months of travel. Now his strength had increased noticeably, the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan's power becoming more integrated with each passing day.
One more month, Sasuke thought, completing a kata with perfect form. One more month until I've fully mastered Uncle Sasuke's memories and training experience. Then Naruto will finally experience what a bruised face feels like.
The prospect filled him with vindictive glee.
Nagato sat in the same courtyard, basking in winter sunlight. The rays felt warm against his skin, soaking into muscles that had been confined to a wheelchair for years. It made him lazy, content, peaceful.
His eyes drifted closed. The world's turmoil seemed impossibly distant. All the conflict, all the schemes, all the pain—none of it could touch him in this moment of simple warmth.
I could get used to this, he admitted.
His mind wandered to the future. Yahiko resurrected, smiling that bright smile again. The three of them—Yahiko, Konan, Nagato—sitting side by side on deck chairs in a sunlit garden. Lazy conversation. Comfortable silence. The simple joy of existing together without war or worry.
Though we'll have to wait for Konan's day off.
She worked six days a week now, twelve hours daily, managing the explosive tag production business. Only Sundays were hers.
Footsteps interrupted his daydream. Nagato opened his eyes to see Sasuke approaching, training apparently concluded.
"Sasuke, stopping early?" Nagato asked. In his observation, Sasuke was exceptionally hardworking. The young Uchiha would go far with that dedication.
Nagato genuinely liked Sasuke. Hardworking, willing to ask for guidance, constantly generating creative insights during ninjutsu study sessions. Most importantly, Sasuke showed consistent concern for Nagato's wellbeing.
Every single day, Sasuke inquired about his physical condition. Like now.
"It's almost lunch time," Sasuke explained. "I'm going to help Kurama cook."
Then his eyes dropped to Nagato's legs. "I heard Naruto say that tomorrow you should be able to walk normally. Is that right?"
Warmth touched Nagato's chest at the obvious concern. "Yes. I should walk normally starting tomorrow."
After more than three months of treatment, Nagato could already walk short distances. But after several hours on his feet, exhaustion set in. He hadn't recovered the casual freedom of movement ordinary people took for granted.
Yesterday, though, Naruto had promised complete recovery by tomorrow. Normal function, no different from anyone else.
Nagato believed him. Naruto's methods had proven miraculous so far.
Sasuke's face lit up. "Senior Nagato, congratulations! I'm so happy for you. Kurama and I are both thrilled."
"Thank you, Sasuke." Nagato's gratitude was genuine. "It means a lot that you care so much."
"You're welcome." Sasuke's expression shifted slightly. "I hope you'll thank me again tomorrow."
"What was that?"
"Nothing, Senior Nagato. You should rest. I need to help Kurama." Sasuke hurried toward the kitchen.
At the doorway, he paused and glanced back. His whisper barely carried across the courtyard. "What I'm saying is, after you become friends with Naruto tomorrow, you can thank me properly then."
He vanished inside before Nagato could ask for clarification.
"Kurama, I'm here to help," Sasuke announced, finding the fox standing on a small stool wearing his apron.
"Good timing. Taste the soup and tell me if it needs more salt." Nine-Tails gestured with a ladle.
With Sasuke's assistance, lunch preparation went quickly. The saying proved true: fast hands were good, but a helper was better.
After plating the final dish, Nine-Tails removed his apron. "Sasuke, start serving. I'll get Naruto."
He rode a summoned goat to the waterfall, observing Naruto's training from a distance. The golden glow was almost blinding, like staring at a miniature sun.
"Naruto! Time to eat!"
The shout carried over the waterfall's roar. Naruto immediately stopped, the golden light fading as he pulled on his Hokage robes. One step carried him from beneath the cascade to Nine-Tails's side.
"All ready?"
"Mm-hmm." Nine-Tails launched into an enthusiastic description of the menu, emphasizing that he'd specifically chosen all of Naruto's favorite dishes.
After months eating in foreign villages, Nine-Tails was thrilled to cook again. And Naruto was equally thrilled—nothing outside Konoha compared to Kurama's culinary skills.
Back at the residence, everyone waited at the dining table. Naruto had been absent for months, leaving farm management to Orochimaru, Kabuto, Zabuza, and Haku.
They'd worked hard. Naruto decided an extra-special lunch was appropriate recognition for their dedication.
The moment Naruto arrived, everyone dug in.
After the meal, the farm workers departed for their lunch break before returning to afternoon duties.
Naruto and Nagato remained in the courtyard. Naruto began the final treatment session while Sasuke observed with apparent deep concern for Nagato's condition.
"Senior Brother Nagato," Naruto said after completing the technique, "tomorrow you'll be completely recovered. Back to how you were before the injury. No more wheelchair."
Though he'd heard similar promises before, Nagato still felt joy surge through him. "Thank you, Naruto. Truly."
Sasuke and Nine-Tails exchanged glances. Anticipation gleamed in both sets of eyes.
Tsuchikage Tower, Iwagakure Village
Ōnoki's office occupied the highest floor, circular windows providing panoramic views of the village. At this moment, Kitsuchi sat across from his father's desk while Ōnoki studied a newly delivered intelligence report.
His brow furrowed deeper with each page. His expression grew increasingly grave.
Kitsuchi was used to this. Every time information about Uzumaki Naruto arrived at the Tsuchikage Tower, his father's mood darkened.
The silence stretched uncomfortably.
Finally, Ōnoki set down the report and sighed. He looked at his son. "Kitsuchi, did you read this?"
"Yes, Father."
"What do you think of it?" Ōnoki decided to test his son's analytical abilities.
Kitsuchi looked puzzled. "How do I see it?" He gestured at his eyes with complete sincerity. "I see with my eyes, Father."
Ōnoki's face turned purple. His hands clenched the desk edge hard enough to crack stone. "You... you absolute..." He sputtered, unable to find words adequate to express his frustration. "I originally planned to pass the Tsuchikage position to you! But now I see you're worse than Kurotsuchi! I should give it to her instead!"
His voice rose to a shout. "GET OUT! Send Kurotsuchi in here!"
Kitsuchi stood, genuinely hurt. "Why are you yelling? And I really do see with my eyes!"
He stomped out, slamming the door. In the hallway, he muttered under his breath, "I never wanted to be Tsuchikage anyway. If Father passes it to Kurotsuchi, that makes me the Tsuchikage's father. That's way better."
The logic cheered him considerably as he went to find his daughter.
Soon Kurotsuchi entered, taking the seat her father had just vacated. "Grandfather? What did Dad do to make you so angry?"
Ōnoki waved dismissively. "Don't mention him. I have something important for you."
"Okay."
"Here." Ōnoki pushed a stack of reports across the desk. "All the intelligence we've collected on Naruto recently. Read through it."
Kurotsuchi picked up the first document and began reading carefully.
Ten minutes later, she set down the final page and looked up. "This is all about Uzumaki Naruto's journey."
"Yes. Now tell me—what do you see in that intelligence?" Ōnoki watched her expectantly.
Kurotsuchi's eyes narrowed in thought. After a moment, she began speaking. "Konoha's Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto, left his village five months ago. He started in the Land of Hot Water, then continued making friends in every nation he visited. Small countries, great nations, it didn't matter. The Lands of Bears, Demons, Snow, our Land of Earth, the Land of Lightning, the Land of Water—every single one."
She paused, organizing her thoughts. "If Naruto wanted diplomatic friendship, he could have accomplished that through normal channels. Official delegations, treaties, trade agreements. Instead, he personally traveled to each nation and forced 'friendly exchanges' on everyone from Kage to genin."
Her voice dropped. "This isn't friendship. It's a demonstration. A show of force."
"And in just a few months, he befriended ninja across the entire shinobi world..." She trailed off, eyes widening as a bold theory crystallized. She looked at her grandfather, suddenly uncertain.
Ōnoki nodded encouragement. "Continue. Don't be afraid to speak your mind."
Kurotsuchi took a breath. "Could Konoha's Hokage want to unify the shinobi world? By visiting each village and defeating everyone from Kage to common ninja, he's demonstrating overwhelming strength. He's saying: this time was friendly competition. But if you don't recognize the message, next time won't be friendly."
Ōnoki's weathered face softened with pride. "Kurotsuchi, you're far superior to your father. From now on, Iwagakure will depend on you."
The implication was clear.
"Grandfather, I—"
"Don't refuse yet. Trust yourself. I trust my judgment." Ōnoki returned to the topic at hand. "Your analysis is correct. This is Naruto's true ambition, though he thinks he's hidden it well. I've seen through his scheme."
He leaned forward. "I investigated his history thoroughly. Uzumaki Naruto is a once-in-a-generation genius. Strong and intelligent from childhood. First, he befriended Konoha's ninja clan heirs under the guise of 'making friends,' binding the clans to himself personally. Then, when the time was right, he killed Hiruzen Sarutobi and seized the Hokage position in one decisive move."
Ōnoki's admiration was grudging but genuine. "Brilliant methodology. Wisdom and strength, perfectly combined."
"After taking Konoha, he set his sights on the wider shinobi world. Yes, Kurotsuchi—he wants to unify all the nations. Achieve world peace through absolute dominance."
He fixed her with an intense stare. "Do you remember his last words when leaving Iwagakure?"
Kurotsuchi had been present for Naruto's departure. She recalled the scene clearly. "He said... 'See you next time.'"
"Exactly." Ōnoki's voice turned grim. "Not 'goodbye.' Not 'farewell.' He said 'see you next time.' Because he knows—he knows—there will be a next time. When he returns to Iwagakure, it won't be as a visitor."
The office fell silent as the implications settled.