Chapter 46

Naruto composed himself and recounted everything that had happened in the pocket dimension. From the initial interactions with the Uzumaki clan to their plans for relocation, he spared no detail. As he spoke, the tension among his friends grew, their expressions shifting with concern.

When Naruto finished, Orochi was the first to speak. His voice was measured but firm, a hint of caution underlying his words. "We might have to keep a close watch on the Uzumaki clan. From what you've described, it's clear they haven't let go of their desire for vengeance. That kind of resentment can lead to drastic actions, especially if they believe they've been wronged. They're not a risk we can ignore."

Hinata, standing nearby, frowned deeply, her lavender eyes shadowed by unease. "Naruto, be careful with these people," she urged, her tone soft but serious. "Their words, from what you've shared, sound manipulative and calculated. It seems like they were testing you at every opportunity, trying to gauge your strength and weaknesses. I know you want to trust them because they're your blood relatives, but... being family doesn't guarantee they'll have your best interests at heart. Especially since you didn't grow up with them."

Ino crossed her arms, her expression contemplative but tinged with distaste. "They're definitely giving me slimy vibes. But let's not jump to conclusions. Naruto, what exactly did you feel from them during those moments? You're an empath—your instincts are sharper than ours."

Naruto leaned against a tree, closing his eyes briefly as he recalled the emotions he had sensed. "I know they were testing me," he admitted, his voice steady but thoughtful. "They're definitely planning something, though I don't think it's directly against me. But after that... their emotions felt genuine. When they started talking casually and showing interest in bonding, I could feel their desire for connection. They're not bad people—they're just... broken. They've been trapped in that pocket dimension for so long, holding onto hatred. I think they need time in the outside world to heal and let go of their resentment."

Ino wasn't entirely convinced. "Alright, but what about that girl, Hotaru? You said she made you feel... weird. What was that about? Did you just fall for her at first sight or something?" she teased, though her tone carried a subtle edge of curiosity.

Naruto flushed slightly but shook his head. "Of course not," he shot back, a little flustered. "It wasn't like that. It was... different. When I was near her, I felt something. Not just her emotions—it was something deeper. My senses, especially with Sage Arts, picked up on it. I don't know what it was yet, but I'll figure it out with more training. Right now, all I can say is that it wasn't just Hotaru herself. There was something else... something beyond her."

Orochi's brow furrowed, "Could she be a vessel for something?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "If she is, and you couldn't sense the creature clearly, it must be something extremely powerful. Maybe even an immortal."

Naruto's stomach churned at the thought. "What do you mean by 'immortal'? Are we talking about something like Amaterasu or Izanagi?" His tone betrayed his unease—he wasn't entirely versed in the world of concepts and immortals, having spent more time perfecting his ninjutsu, taijutsu, and indulging in his love for ramen.

Orochi nodded, stepping closer as he elaborated. "Yes, something along those lines. You might not know this, but beings like Amaterasu, Izanagi, and others do exist. They're not mere myths—they're powerful entities tied to the fundamental concepts of the world. I, for instance, am a follower of Gaea, the concept of Earth itself. Through my connection with her, I can communicate and even draw strength from her."

Naruto's eyes widened as Orochi continued. "If Hotaru is a vessel, then whatever resides within her must be something extraordinary. It might not be a immortal in the traditional sense, but perhaps a concept. Concepts go deeper than physical forms or ideas. For example, Gaea is the embodiment of Earth, while Amaterasu represents the sun. But there are other, more abstract concepts—heat, space, time, life... The possibilities are vast. If Hotaru is tied to one of these concepts, it could explain what you felt."

To prove his point, Orochi's body began to glow faintly with a green aura. The energy coalesced into the shape of a woman—a serene and majestic figure with a nurturing smile. Her presence was almost overwhelming, yet soothing at the same time. The figure glanced at them, her smile widening before she disappeared.

"It's nice to meet you all," a beautiful, melodic voice resonated in the air, warm and inviting. "I hope we can work together soon."

As the voice faded, the group stood in stunned silence, the reality of Orochi's words sinking in. Naruto blinked, his mouth slightly agape. "So... you're saying Hotaru could be tied to something like that?"

"It's a possibility," Orochi replied, his voice steady. "And if it's true, it could mean a lot of things—some good, some dangerous. We'll need to keep a close eye on her and the rest of the Uzumaki. If she's a vessel for a concept, it could explain why your Sage senses reacted the way they did."

Naruto's frustration was evident as he spoke, his blue eyes narrowing. "What were they doing while the wars took place? While the Ōtsutsuki attacked? They had power—why didn't they use it to change anything?" His voice was firm, tinged with a sense of betrayal at the idea of powerful beings standing idle during humanity's darkest times.

Orochi, ever patient, shook his head. "They couldn't intervene, Lord Naruto," he explained, his tone calm but weighted with the gravity of the situation. "As I mentioned before, these immortals aren't inherently stronger than you. Their abilities are tied to their domains, and their influence is limited by rules beyond even their control. Before Kaguya's arrival, a seal on the moon—crafted by the Sage of Six Paths and the Sage of Tenseigan—kept these immortals confined to their respective domains. None of them could leave their territories to interfere with Earth."

Naruto frowned but listened intently as Orochi continued. "Now, with that seal broken after Kaguya's resurgence, they've started gaining access to our world. While some might see this as an opportunity for alliances, it also opens the gates for darker forces. Demonic entities and hostile immortals could be drawn here, like moths to a flame. Earth, with its abundant chakra and life, has become a beacon in the darkness. If we don't act, this beacon might attract beings we're unprepared to face."

Pausing, Orochi glanced at Naruto, his expression softening. "This is why I ask you to give them a chance. Not all of these beings are enemies. Some might even offer their help, but only if we approach them with understanding."

Naruto's lips pressed into a thin line, his emotions warring within him. He was quick to act on injustice, but Orochi's explanation gave him pause. After a moment, he exhaled deeply and nodded. "Don't worry. I don't judge others without hearing their side of the story. I'll keep an open mind."

Ino, however, wasn't as easily appeased. "Okay, but what do we do about this now?" she interjected, crossing her arms and tapping her foot. "If this Hotaru girl is connected to something powerful—something insane—what's our plan? How do we handle this if it turns into a threat?"

Orochi stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I can consult with Gaea to identify which immortals might already be interacting with this region," he suggested. "But they're unlikely to interfere with the Uzumaki unless the clan openly proves itself to be a danger. The immortals are cautious, and they won't act on speculation."

Naruto nodded, but his expression remained grim. "We can't accuse the Uzumaki of anything without solid evidence. They haven't shown open hostility, and attacking them without cause could lead to disaster. For now, we'll keep doing what we're already doing—monitoring them and learning more about Hotaru and the rest of the clan. Unless you all have another idea, that's our best option."

Hinata's pale lavender eyes glimmered with determination as she spoke up. "What about forming a contract with the immortals? Just like Orochi has done with Gaea. If you had allies among these beings, it could give you an edge no one would expect."

Naruto looked at her, his eyes widening slightly at the suggestion, then turned to Orochi. "Is that even possible?"

Orochi nodded, his usual stoic demeanor softening with a faint smile. "It is possible, and I also believe it's an excellent idea to bolster our fighting capabilities." He glanced at Hinata, his expression showing appreciation. Though he was chosen by Gaea, the thought of encouraging others to seek similar connections had never crossed his mind. Sometimes, the simplest solutions needed an outsider to point them out.

Naruto leaned back, arms crossed, as he considered the option. The weight of his new responsibilities, coupled with the adjustments to his evolving powers, made him cautious. "What are the requirements for making a contract? And how does it work?" he asked, his tone serious.

Orochi met Naruto's gaze. "The requirements depend entirely on the Immortal you're trying to form a contract with," he explained. "Each Immortal has its own domain, personality, and expectations. Some might demand proof of strength, while others could ask for a demonstration of loyalty, wisdom, or even a personal sacrifice. You'll have to speak to them directly to learn what they want from you."

Naruto frowned slightly, absorbing the information. "And their power—wouldn't it mess with what I already have going on? I don't want anything interfering with my current chakra or abilities."

Orochi shook his head reassuringly. "You don't need to worry about that. Their power remains dormant unless you choose to activate it. Think of it like a tool in your arsenal—you can call on it when needed. That said, Immortals do retain the ability to temporarily take control of your body to activate their power directly. This usually only happens in extreme situations, and it's a risk mainly for weaker beings. For someone like you, the chances of that happening are slim."

Though Orochi ended his explanation with a lighthearted smile, the weight of his words hung in the air. The mention of Immortals potentially taking control wasn't exactly comforting, and his attempt at humor did little to ease the tension.

Sensing the unease, Orochi decided to demonstrate. Without warning, the black markings across his body began to glow with an ethereal blue light. His body lifted off the ground, and his energy signature shifted dramatically. Naruto, Hinata, and Ino could feel it immediately—Orochi's energy had transcended human limits, exuding an otherworldly quality.

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he analyzed the change. The transformation wasn't just cosmetic; Orochi's power had elevated to a level that could threaten even someone of Naruto's strength. So I'm not immune to the energy of the Immortals... he thought, his expression growing more thoughtful.

When Orochi returned to normal, Naruto asked, "Then who do you think is suitable for me?"

Orochi tilted his head in thought before answering. "Gaea would be a strong candidate—her connection to the Earth and life itself aligns well with your natural energy and empathy. But there are others who could be just as fitting. Hestia, the immortal of familial bonds; Athena, the embodiment of war and wisdom; Nemesis, the arbiter of vengeance and justice; Ra, the sun immortal; and Odin, the seeker of knowledge."

Naruto blinked, unfamiliar with many of the names Orochi listed. Before he could interject, Orochi continued, "Closer to home, though, there are Immortals known in the Land of Fire. Amaterasu, immortal of the sun; Inari, the protector of agriculture and foxes; Susanoo, the storm immortal; Tsukuyomi, Immortal of the moon; Bishamonten, guardian of warriors and punisher of criminals; Izanagi, representing Yang; and Izanami, representing Yin. Each of them represents a unique concept that might resonate with you."

As Orochi spoke, Hinata and Ino exchanged glances. The Hyūga and Yamanaka clans had their own ties to ancient legends, and some of the names Orochi mentioned were familiar to them. But for Naruto, many of these Immortals were completely unknown.

"You've got a wide range of choices," Orochi said, his tone serious but encouraging. "Because of your unique capabilities, many Immortals might be interested in working with you. There's no need to rush this decision. Take your time to think it through."

"I have given you an idea of what they represent, so what kind of immortal do you want to follow? What concept entices you?" Orochi asked.

Naruto's mind raced as he mulled over Orochi's question. What concept entices me? The choice of an Immortal wasn't something he had ever considered, but now that it was laid before him, he felt the weight of it.

"Wisdom and knowledge are the most important aspects that I desire," he said after a long pause, his voice filled with quiet determination. "It's what I lack."

Orochi nodded thoughtfully. "Then Odin, Izanagi, or Ra would be your best choices," he suggested. "Each represents the power of knowledge and wisdom in different forms."

Naruto considered it carefully. The idea of gaining knowledge to strengthen his understanding and abilities seemed appealing. But as he thought about the concept more, a nagging question lingered in his mind.

"Why does he need to choose? Can't he have more than one contract? Isn't he different from others? Isn't he their equal?" Ino's voice broke the silence, her thoughts cutting through the complexity of the situation. She didn't see the need for Naruto to limit himself, especially when his potential seemed limitless.

Orochi's face hardened, and he shook his head quickly. "That is impossible," he declared. "No one has ever had more than one contract. The Immortals would never allow it, and it's never been done."

Ino's brow furrowed in frustration. "Why not? I don't think we are in a situation to compromise. We need all the help we can get." Her voice was sharp, a reflection of her determination to make the best choices for Naruto and the group.

Naruto, however, seemed to catch on to Ino's idea. "We'll never know unless we try it," he mused aloud. "How about we start by talking to Izanagi?" The more he thought about it, the more the concept of Izanagi resonated with him. The Immortal's image was one of strength and wisdom—attributes Naruto deeply respected and admired. In addition, he had heard of Izanagi through the legends of the Land of Fire, where the being was seen as the most powerful mythical figure.

"Izanagi is a wonderful choice," Orochi agreed with a smile. "Let me ask Master Gaea for her assistance." He raised his hands together in a gesture of reverence, his expression serious yet hopeful.

Naruto's heart raced, the anticipation of speaking with such an ancient and powerful being filling him with awe. He hadn't fully processed the gravity of his decision, but something about it felt right.

Orochi closed his eyes and muttered a quiet prayer to Gaea, calling upon her for aid. The air around them seemed to hum with energy as green light poured from his body, spreading across the ground in tendrils of life. The earth beneath their feet began to stir, and Naruto could feel a subtle but distinct pressure in the air—a sensation of immense power gathering around them.

The earth seemed to grow restless as Gaea materialized. The ground trembled slightly beneath their feet as greenery and vines spiraled upward, her form rising out of the earth like an ancient spirit. It was as if the very land itself had come to life in response to her presence.

The summoning had clearly taken a toll on Orochi. His face had gone pale, and sweat beaded on his forehead as he swayed slightly, drained from the effort. His legs gave way, and Gaea, appearing as a magnificent figure of nature, moved swiftly to catch him. With a gentle yet firm hand, she helped him to a chair that materialized from the earth, crafted by her will.

Gaea's form radiated an aura of calm, her presence both commanding and soothing. She stood behind Orochi, her gaze warm and nurturing as she looked down at him, ensuring that he was safe and comfortable. She smiled gently at Naruto and Ino, her presence filling the air with a sense of timeless wisdom.

"Thank you, Master Gaea," Orochi said weakly, his voice tinged with exhaustion.