Chapter 12

Naruto's efforts had saved hundreds of thousands from the grips of the chakra sickness. For someone without any formal medical training or global travel experience, it was an achievement beyond comprehension. Yet, as remarkable as his actions were, they came with the haunting knowledge that many had been left behind. It was an unfortunate reality that no amount of effort could fully cover the vastness of the world. Even with his incredible chakra control and sensory abilities, Naruto could only focus on roughly 10% of the world at a time, and even then, distinguishing between natural ailments and the sickness was a challenge he couldn't overcome.

Despite this, Naruto chose to focus on what he had achieved rather than dwell on the losses. The "what ifs" lingered in his mind, but he reminded himself that doing nothing would have been far worse. This mindset became his anchor, allowing him to move forward and resolve to do better in the future. He knew there were lessons to learn from the experience—lessons about preparation, teamwork, and global coordination. Though this crisis had passed, it was a wake-up call for him to be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

After a week of relentless effort, Naruto finally allowed himself a moment to rest. He returned to his new home in the Dark Ocean, a space where he could find solace and quiet reflection. His grief, which had been pushed aside by the urgency of his mission, began to resurface. The memories of his loved ones and the pain of their loss were a constant weight on his heart. As much as he wanted to escape from those memories—to seal them away or bury them—they were an essential part of who he was. Forgetting them would be a betrayal to those he held dear. Instead, Naruto resolved to remember them fondly, turning the pain into a source of strength rather than despair.

When he finally felt ready, Naruto returned to Konoha. Flying over the familiar village, he was greeted by sights that evoked both nostalgia and a sense of duty. His arrival carried with it a mix of emotions, but he was determined to move forward, honoring the past while building the future. As he approached the Hokage's office, he instinctively prepared to jump through the window, a habit formed during his youth. But as his hand reached for the frame, he paused.

Standing there, Naruto realized how much he had changed. The boy who had once sought attention by leaping through windows was now a man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Entering through the window felt childish, almost disrespectful to the role he now played. He couldn't continue behaving as if he were still the same mischievous boy from years ago. His people needed a leader, someone who commanded respect not just with strength but with maturity.

Taking a deep breath, Naruto adjusted his posture and walked through the front doors of the Hokage's office like a professional. It was a small change, but for him, it symbolized a shift in his mindset. He wasn't just a hero or a savior anymore—he was a symbol of hope and responsibility, someone who needed to inspire trust and confidence in those who looked up to him.

As he entered the office, he found Tsunade busy with paperwork, her expression as sharp and focused as ever. She looked up, surprised but pleased to see him.

"You've grown," she said softly, her voice laced with a mixture of pride, regret, and pain. It wasn't just his physical growth or the maturity in his stance—it was the weight he carried now, the loss of the innocence she once cherished in him.

Naruto wasn't someone who excelled in reading subtle gestures or mastering complex conversations, but when it came to emotions, he had a knack for understanding people when he truly paid attention. Even without the aid of his sensory abilities, he could see the concern and sorrow reflected in Tsunade's eyes.

"Have I?" Naruto replied with a faint smile, trying to steer the conversation away from the heavy mood. "I don't see much of a difference."

Tsunade stood from her desk and closed the distance between them. Before Naruto could say another word, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight, protective hug.

"You've grown stronger, Naruto. I'm proud of you," she said, her voice warm and sincere, masking any lingering sadness she felt. No matter how much pain she saw in him or how the harsh world was shaping him, she couldn't help but admire the young man he was becoming.

Naruto blinked in surprise. It had been a long time since someone embraced him like this. The loss of his loved ones had amplified his awareness of the importance of moments like this. Looking into her eyes, he could see nothing but love and genuine affection.

"Thank you," Naruto said after a pause, his tone soft and filled with gratitude. Then, breaking the emotional tension with his signature grin, he added, "So, how about inviting me to dinner tonight? You know, since I've earned it."

Tsunade pulled back slightly, a little surprised, but then her expression softened into a smile. She realized that despite all they had been through together, they had never truly spent time as family after she became Hokage.

"Of course. I'll treat you to the biggest meal Konoha can offer, and we'll celebrate with the best sake this world has," she replied, her voice cheerful.

"I'll hold you to that," Naruto said with a laugh as he stepped out of her embrace. But then his eyes flickered toward the corner of the room. His expression grew serious, his demeanor changing as he gazed into the shadows. "So… why is he here?" he asked, his voice sharp.

From the shadows, a serpentine pair of golden eyes gleamed with amusement. Orochimaru, standing like a silent predator, stepped forward just enough for his features to be visible in the dim light.

"You noticed me," Orochimaru said, his voice smooth and laced with amusement. "As expected of you, Naruto-kun."

Tsunade let out a small sigh, her cheerful demeanor shifting to a more pragmatic tone. "He's here because we need him," she explained, her voice steady and firm.

Naruto's glare was enough to silence the room. The weight of his presence made the air thick, and his voice carried the sharp edge of suppressed fury.

"Need him? How?" Naruto's words were cold, and his tone betrayed the burning rage inside him. His mind flashed back to all the chaos Orochimaru had caused—the pain he inflicted, the lives destroyed. And above all, it was Orochimaru who planted the seeds of Sasuke's descent into darkness.

"Naruto, calm down," Tsunade said firmly, stepping in front of him and placing her hands on his shoulders. Her gaze locked onto his, an anchor to keep him from spiraling. "I know what he's done. I know. But for the survival of the world, for the betterment of our people, we need him. He's unparalleled in genetic manipulation and body enhancement. Without those skills, we may lose the edge we need. Believe me, if not for those reasons, I would've disposed of him long ago."

Naruto clenched his fists, his knuckles white with strain. He didn't look at Tsunade; his glare remained fixed on Orochimaru, who, unfazed by the tension, wore a smirk that was both amused and infuriating.

"You wound me with such words, Lady Hokage," Orochimaru said smoothly, his voice dripping with mock hurt. "I thought we were friends. And you, Naruto-kun—he promised me freedom. What do you think about that?"

Naruto's eyes darkened, and his rage boiled over. Slipping from Tsunade's grasp with a fluid motion, he grabbed Orochimaru by the throat in one swift move. The sheer force of his grip made the snake sannin's smirk falter. For the first time, Orochimaru felt the full weight of Naruto's power—a power that dwarfed anything he'd ever encountered.

"Never," Naruto growled, his voice low and dangerous, "utter his name again, or I'll make sure you never speak a word."

Tsunade stepped forward, panic in her voice. "Naruto, don't—"

Naruto cut her off. "I won't kill him. I will not kill anyone, no matter who they are. But I will not allow him to roam free, living in comfort after all he's done." His words were steady, but the intensity of his bloodlust was undeniable. It seeped into the room like a suffocating fog, making even Orochimaru's composure falter.

For the first time in years, Orochimaru felt true fear. The power emanating from Naruto was otherworldly—something far beyond what Orochimaru had witnessed even during the war. The combination of the rinnegan, the full power of Kurama, and the fragments of other tailed beasts had elevated Naruto to a level that felt untouchable. Yet, beneath his fear, Orochimaru's insatiable greed burned brighter. He didn't just fear Naruto; he desired to achieve that level of perfection.

"What do you wish for, Uzumaki Naruto?" Orochimaru asked, his voice carefully controlled despite the cold sweat on his brow. "I will accept anything you say."

Naruto tightened his grip slightly before releasing him with a forceful shove. Orochimaru staggered but quickly regained his composure, though the tension in his body betrayed the strain of the encounter.

"You'll stay in a prison-like environment like everyone else who has committed crimes," Naruto declared. "Until you've paid your dues and proven yourself changed, you will never walk freely in the sunlight. Without proof of your innocence, you'll remain under watch."

Tsunade let out a quiet sigh of relief. Despite her initial fear, Naruto's words reassured her. He hadn't let his anger consume him. He hadn't abandoned his principles. She could only thank his unshakable no-kill rule, which often frustrated her but now served as a shield against darker paths.

"I accept your conditions," Orochimaru said, his smirk returning, albeit more restrained. He tilted his head slightly, a spark of curiosity and excitement in his golden eyes. "But… does this mean I'll be allowed access to your blood? The ultimate sample would save us years of work and—"

"You will not use his blood," Tsunade interrupted sharply, stepping between Naruto and Orochimaru. Her voice was firm, and her piercing glare silenced the snake. "Not until we trust you. Not until you've earned it. Don't even think about asking him."

Orochimaru's mouth opened to protest, but the seal placed on him by Tsunade flared subtly, cutting him off. His expression soured for a moment before he forced his usual calm mask back into place.

"It would accelerate progress…" he began, but Tsunade silenced him with a wave of her hand.

"Enough. You'll work with what we give you. If you have an issue with that, feel free to stay locked up."

Naruto stepped forward, his gaze hard. "Remember, Orochimaru—you may think this is a game, but one step out of line, and you won't get a second chance."

Orochimaru chuckled softly, bowing his head slightly in mock submission. "Of course, Naruto-kun. I'm nothing if not cooperative."

Tsunade gestured toward the door. "You can leave now."

Without another word, Orochimaru turned and left the room, his retreat marked by an eerie silence. Once he was gone, Tsunade exhaled deeply, turning to Naruto with a small, tired smile.