Chapter 38

A.N. This is a long story. Naruto enters the marvel universe at the half point.

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In the aftermath of the battle on the moon, the world began to shift its focus. The revelation of the Otsutsuki's presence and Toneri's role in the grand scheme brought new challenges, but the situation was not without its positives. With the potential for peace within grasp, the Kage from the five great villages, including the Raikage and Tsuchikage, realized that the balance of power was now skewed heavily in favor of Konoha—especially with Hinata's growing influence and Toneri's presence on their side.

The Raikage and Tsuchikage, however, were pragmatic. Having witnessed the devastating consequences of concentrated power in the wrong hands, especially after the legacy of Madara Uchiha, they knew the danger of one individual holding too much authority. Thus, they continued to put forth efforts to convince Toneri to serve as a neutral leader, one who could help maintain the balance of power across the shinobi nations. They also poured significant resources into their research, exploring the possibility of creating another countermeasure—a backup plan in case their worst fears came true once again. The lessons learned from Madara's rise and the immense power wielded by the Otsutsuki were lessons they couldn't afford to ignore.

Despite these concerns, the arrival of Hinata, Toneri, and the two transcendent fighters gave the world a glimmer of hope. If humanity played its cards right, they could amass seven more warriors of equal or greater strength, further solidifying the strength of their alliance. The immediate threat had been neutralized, but the larger, unseen threat—the puppet master pulling strings from the shadows—was far from over. Isshiki Otsutsuki's plans were still unfolding, and his actions were more dangerous than anyone could yet fully comprehend.

For Naruto, the battle was far from over. He understood that, while the world seemed to be stabilizing, the true game was still in motion, with the future at stake. His training with the Great Sage had resumed in earnest, and he had his hands full managing the ever-growing complexity of the world around him. The sheer amount of knowledge and intelligence he was now processing was overwhelming, and while he had always been a quick learner, this was a different kind of challenge.

Ino, ever the capable strategist, was assigned to assist him in managing the endless data streams he had to absorb. Her expertise in mind techniques allowed Naruto to process information more effectively and avoid becoming mentally overloaded. Meanwhile, Choji stepped into his role as Naruto's personal nutritionist, helping him maintain his energy levels with an overwhelming amount of high-calorie food, much of it from monstrous creatures that Choji helped procure. The food was not only nourishing but also enriched Naruto's life force, providing a foundation for further growth.

Lee and Gai, undeterred by the brutal training they had endured during the war, pushed Naruto to his physical limits. Their training, intense beyond belief, was designed to break him down, only to build him up stronger. Naruto's body was subjected to countless trials—broken bones, crushed muscles, exhaustion—every part of his physical form was tested, forcing it to adapt in ways it never had before. The combination of Lee and Gai's no-holds-barred training and the raw nutrients from Choji's guidance brought forth remarkable results. His body, once limited by mortal constraints, now teetered on the edge of something far more formidable.

Shikamaru and Kakashi, always the tacticians, drilled Naruto in strategy and public management, preparing him to lead in a world where alliances were delicate, and decisions could have global repercussions. Sakura and Shizune, with their expertise in medical jutsu and poison mastery, ensured that Naruto's body remained in peak condition and that he could withstand the toll his training took on him. Tenten, always the weapon specialist, helped fine-tune Naruto's combat techniques with a variety of weapons, expanding his versatility.

The Hyuga family, led by Hiashi, worked closely with Naruto on his taijutsu, helping him refine his techniques while pushing him to break the limits of what a shinobi could achieve physically. But perhaps the most significant addition to his training came from an unexpected source: the legendary weapon smith known only as Gram. A recluse with few peers in his craft, Gram had designed some of the most famous and powerful weapons in history, including the Seven Swords of Kiri. His wisdom and expertise helped Naruto understand the intricacies of weapon creation, not just as a fighter but as a strategist and craftsman.

Despite the immense weight of the responsibility on his shoulders, Naruto pushed forward, training relentlessly and integrating the knowledge he was gaining into real-time decisions with his Elite Force and his students. He wasn't just learning for himself but also to protect and guide those who depended on him. He kept a clone in every corner of the world, monitoring and sensing any issues that arose, no matter how insignificant they seemed. His clone army worked tirelessly, allowing him to gather intelligence and prevent threats before they could escalate.

A month passed in what seemed like a blink of an eye, and with it came profound changes in Naruto. His training with Sasuke's eyes—enhanced by Orochimaru's intervention—had accelerated his evolution. By blending Sasuke's DNA with his own, Orochimaru had unlocked dormant potential in Naruto's body. The addition of Uzumaki, Senju, Kaguya, and Hyuga genetics made him closer to an Otsutsuki, though he had yet to fully ascend to their level. His chakra had grown denser, heavier, as if carrying the weight of a world on his shoulders.

Naruto's body had also undergone radical transformations thanks to Choji's dietary regimen. Consuming enormous quantities of monster flesh had not only strengthened his life force but also made him more resilient physically. Lee and Gai's unyielding training had molded his body into something more powerful, pushing him beyond his previous limitations. His physical prowess, combined with his newfound chakra control and enhanced abilities, made him a formidable force, one that could rival the strongest of the Otsutsuki.

But all this growth came at a cost. Naruto had suffered immensely during his training, enduring excruciating pain and pushing his body to its breaking point. But it was through that pain that he found strength. His body had been tested beyond its limits, and in every trial, he emerged stronger. The process had been grueling, but Naruto had never been one to back down. The new power he had gained wasn't just a means to protect others—it was a symbol of his determination to overcome any obstacle and ensure that peace would one day prevail.

The duo was even working on an insane concept surpassing the 8 Gates, The 12 Gates. The ambitious pursuit of the Twelve Gates had become a project that could potentially alter the very fabric of shinobi power. For years, the 8 Gates had been a concept built upon the foundation of Otsutsuki research, a formidable power originating from the ancient clan. This power was not without its dangers, and its tragic price had kept many from daring to unlock its true potential. However, Gai's obsession with surpassing the limits of the Eight Gates was not driven by arrogance but by a deep desire to push the boundaries of human strength, just as his father had done before him.

The Eight Gates, once thought to be the ultimate test of a shinobi's resolve and strength, were already legendary in their ability to propel the user beyond their natural limits. The Gate of Opening, which unlocked the brain's restraints, allowed a shinobi to use their muscles at full capacity, something no normal person could achieve without catastrophic consequences. Each successive gate—the Gate of Healing, the Gate of Life, the Gate of Pain, the Gate of Limit, the Gate of View, the Gate of Wonder, and the Gate of Death—brought increasingly unbearable consequences, as the user's body was pushed to its breaking point. The ultimate cost of these gates was often death, as their immense power shattered muscles, caused intense internal damage, and brought the body to its limits.

Might Guy's legendary fight against Juubidara was a testament to the incredible boost these gates provided. A normal Jonin, Guy, had transcended the realm of mortal warriors, displaying power that rivaled the gods. His might in the Eighth Gate had made him a figure of awe and fear, for he had fought and nearly defeated an entity that threatened to bring the world to ruin. His power had been more than a thousandfold stronger than his normal self, and yet it was not without cost. Even as Guy stood victorious, he knew the toll it had taken on his body, a toll that left him shattered and broken. Most shinobi would never dare to open the gates, knowing that even the second gate could easily be lethal. For someone like Naruto, with an ocean of chakra at his disposal, even the second gate would have overwhelmed him, consuming his being in a way no one could foresee.

However, the discovery of the possibility of unlocking further gates, beyond even the Eight, filled Naruto and his allies with both hope and trepidation. The teachings of the Sage had revealed that four more gates existed—gates that had never been explored by any mortal soul. The Gate of Earth, one that could only be achieved after surviving the Gate of Death, would require the user to connect with the very earth beneath their feet. This connection would be a profound transformation, a linking of one's body with the planet itself. Those who had tried to reach this gate before had failed, perishing long before they could grasp its full potential. But Gai, against all odds, had survived the Gate of Death, and in doing so, had felt the faint stirring of the Gate of Earth beneath his feet.

The Gate of Souls, the next step beyond Earth, promised a connection with the spiritual world—a realm that few could ever comprehend, let alone access. It was said that the souls of the deceased, the essence of life itself, could be tapped into here. Beyond that was the Gate of Cosmos, a connection with the universe itself, something far beyond the understanding of any mortal. The final gate, the Gate of Heaven, promised transcendence—ascension to a higher plane of existence, where the user would no longer be bound by mortal limitations. This was the ultimate gate, the one that promised the possibility of achieving true immortality and divine power.

The path to unlocking these gates was not a straightforward one. Theories about the gates had been passed down for generations, but no one had ever successfully passed the Gate of Death and survived long enough to connect with the Earth. But with Gai's survival, the hope that the path could be paved once again burned brightly. Naruto and his allies were optimistic that, through Gai's discovery, they could forge a new path—one that would lead them to unimaginable power.

Naruto, who had always believed in pushing beyond his limits, knew that this was the key to their future. If Gai could continue his work and unlock the Ninth Gate, it would change everything for them. No longer would they be at the mercy of their enemies. With the strength of the Twelve Gates, they would have the power to protect not only the Shinobi world but the entire planet from whatever threat loomed ahead.

Over the course of the month, Naruto's training under the Great Sage had borne fruit in ways far beyond what he had anticipated. His mastery over nature energy had not only advanced his own abilities but also triggered a series of profound changes across the world. The energy from the planet itself had surged under his influence, pouring into the land and creatures alike. It was as if the very life force of the planet had awakened and begun to flow with a renewed vigor. The once dormant and minor life forms, from plants to monsters, had flourished, growing stronger and more resilient as the energy seeped into their being.

The animals, too, had begun to adapt to the influx of nature energy, growing larger and more powerful in response. It was as if every creature was in tune with the earth, pulling from the vast reserves of life force that Naruto had charged into the planet. This growth was not limited to just the creatures of the earth, however. The humans, too, felt the effect. The power would slowly seep into the populace, enhancing their physical and mental capabilities, allowing them to adapt and grow stronger over time.

Naruto was particularly focused on a select few individuals, those who had the potential to rise to great heights and make a real difference. However, he was not blind to the possibility that unknown individuals, much like Ai, might awaken abilities they hadn't even known existed. He understood the potential danger of this, but he also saw it as an opportunity for growth on a global scale. Every living being, from the smallest bug to the most powerful warrior, could evolve and adapt in response to this new surge of power. And so, Naruto worked tirelessly to ensure that the entire world, not just a select few, could benefit from this transformation.

Of course, this increased nature energy was not without its downsides. As the earth and its inhabitants grew stronger, so too did the forces of nature that could cause harm. Venomous creatures, bacteria, and viruses—once under control—began to evolve and mutate, becoming more dangerous and resilient. The medical ninjas, always on the front lines, found themselves working harder than ever to counter these new threats. Their skills were tested to the limit as they faced off against increasingly deadly diseases and toxins. Yet, despite the challenges, the medical field continued to grow, with ninjas constantly improving and refining their techniques to adapt to the changing world.

Meanwhile, Naruto's collaboration with Kiba and Shino had helped him gain a deeper understanding of the nature of monsters and the process of growing them. This knowledge proved invaluable when it came to the care and management of the Legendary Beasts around the world. These creatures, often seen as untouchable or dangerous, were now under Naruto's careful stewardship. He had gathered them and entrusted a select group of warriors with their care, guiding them to harness the power of these beasts in ways that no one had done before. Fusion of beasts with humans had become a common practice, with some warriors now possessing power on par with the legendary Hashirama Senju. The rise of these warriors marked a significant shift in the power dynamic of the world, with an increasing number of individuals possessing the strength to change the course of history.

The process of weapon making, though still in its infancy, had also made significant strides. Naruto was patient in this regard, unwilling to rush the creation of powerful artifacts that could be easily misused or destroyed. With the guidance of his mentors and the influence of the Otsutsuki puppets and Sage weapons, the world was on the cusp of a new era of weaponry. The materials being used were of a higher quality, thanks to the surge in nature energy and Naruto's own chakra, which infused every creation with greater strength and durability. Though still early in its development, the future of weapon-making seemed bright, and the possibilities were endless.

Even the puppet technology, once thought to be limited in its scope, had advanced beyond what anyone had imagined. The Otsutsuki puppets—tools of immense power and complexity—had inspired a new generation of engineers and craftsmen, pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved with chakra-infused creations. As the technology continued to evolve, it was only a matter of time before these puppets became an integral part of the shinobi world, adding a new dimension to the battlefield.

In the span of a mere month, the world had undergone a profound transformation. The strength of humanity had increased, and new technologies had emerged to aid them in their quest for peace. People were hopeful about the future, but Naruto knew that peace was never easily attained, and his efforts had drawn the attention of those who sought to exploit these changes for their own gain. Evil beings—those who thrived in chaos and destruction—were not content to watch the world evolve in such a way. They were already scheming, their eyes set on the new power and resources that the shinobi world had come to possess.

Despite the optimism, Naruto knew that the peace they had worked so hard to build would not last forever. The forces of darkness were always lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike. But for now, the world was in a period of growth and change.

During the month of rapid change and growth, the Shinobi Alliance was not content with simply improving on what they already knew. They had set their sights on more legendary and powerful artifacts, seeking ways to further enhance their strength, knowledge, and influence. The discovery of several mythical items had sparked intense interest, as they held the potential to reshape the very balance of power in the world.

One of these artifacts was the Peach of Immortality, a fruit that granted its consumer a thousand years of life and unimaginable power. It was said to double the physical strength and energy of the eater while preventing any fatigue or need for nourishment for a period of three months. The benefits were incredible, but the process of obtaining it was shrouded in mystery, with few ever returning from their attempts to obtain the fruit.

Another legendary item was the Divine Spring Water. This water had the ability to unlock the full potential of the consumer, allowing them to reach heights of power that they would otherwise have achieved only over the course of their natural lifespan. However, the danger lay in the fact that only those strong enough to endure the intense energy surge would survive drinking it. The Divine Spring was elusive, with its location known only through ancient texts and rumors.

The Hero Water, a potion that granted the drinker a temporary, tenfold increase in chakra, was another potent item on their radar. While its short-term effects could turn the tide of battle, the Hero Water came at a cost—it drained the user's life force significantly, shortening their lifespan. It was a dangerous gamble, but one that could prove invaluable in times of dire need. The Hero Water was believed to be hidden in the Waterfall Village, the former home of the Seven-Tailed Beast, but during the war, it had been taken by Star City, a powerful city-state located on the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning.

Finally, there was the Star Fragment, an extraordinary object said to grant the user the ability to evolve beyond their current form and develop entirely new bloodline abilities. Its potential to transform the wielder was enormous, and it was believed to be housed in Star City, which had become a focal point for many of the world's most ambitious powers.

With the locations of these two artifacts confirmed, Konoha had set into motion a strategic mission. A team led by Kiba, Storm, and Shino was dispatched to Star City to retrieve the Star Fragment and assess the situation surrounding the Hero Water. The team was well-suited for the task, given their expertise in tracking, combat, and intelligence gathering. They would have to navigate through the intricacies of Star City, a bustling metropolis filled with powerful individuals, all while avoiding unwanted attention.

Meanwhile, Naruto, Orochimaru, Hinata, and Ino were assigned to another critical mission. They were sent to the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools, a place tied deeply to Naruto's heritage. This land was once the heart of the Uzumaki Clan, the home of some of the most powerful fuinjutsu (sealing techniques) ever created. Naruto had been delving into the ancient texts left by the Sage, learning the intricacies of fuinjutsu, but he also sought to reconnect with his past, ensuring that the legacy of the Uzumaki Clan would not fade from the world.

The Land of Whirlpools held more than just historical significance for Naruto—it was rumored to contain powerful artifacts, including the elusive Shinigami Masks. These masks, created by the Uzumaki, allowed the user to tap into the power of death itself, a truly remarkable and terrifying ability. Naruto's personal connection to this mission was undeniable, and his presence in the ruins was critical to uncovering any remnants of his ancestors' power and knowledge.

To cover more ground, Konoha had also dispatched Sai, Kurotsuchi, Zoro, and Akuma on a separate mission to explore another continent. Their objective was to locate more legendary items and artifacts, those that had been lost to time or hidden away in forgotten corners of the world. The team's diverse set of skills made them ideal for this task, as they could handle a wide range of challenges, from combat to diplomacy and stealth. Their mission was crucial, as the Shinobi Alliance sought to uncover all available resources in their quest to secure peace and prosperity.

The stakes had never been higher. While the current situation seemed promising, the pursuit of these legendary items added a layer of complexity and urgency. Each of these artifacts held the potential to shift the balance of power dramatically, and the race to obtain them would undoubtedly bring new challenges and dangers. As the various teams set out on their missions, the Shinobi Alliance remained ever-vigilant, aware that in this world, power was both a blessing and a curse.

Naruto, ever determined, was focused on the task at hand. His journey to reclaim his legacy and ensure the survival of his clan's teachings was a personal one, but he also understood the importance of maintaining balance in the world. As he ventured into the Land of Whirlpools, he couldn't help but reflect on the journey ahead, knowing that the future of the shinobi world depended on the success of these missions. The search for legendary artifacts was not just about gaining power—it was about ensuring that humanity's growth and strength would be used for good, not for destruction. And as Naruto's team continued on their journey, they would face trials that would test their resolve and determination, shaping the future of the world.