Chapter 48

Ino's heart swirled with a mixture of emotions—gratitude, frustration, and an undeniable ache of doubt. She had always prided herself on being a strong, capable individual, never settling for mediocrity, never wanting to be just another face in the crowd. But as the world around her shifted and transformed, she began to feel the cold sting of insignificance.

Her inner turmoil had been brewing for some time, but it was only now that she truly allowed herself to confront it. Her father's death, the wars, and the powerlessness she had felt in the face of so many crises—it was all tied together in a way that gnawed at her sense of identity. She had always been part of the decision-making process, part of the inner circle, but now, with the new realities unfolding, she felt like she was fading into the background. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had become irrelevant.

She had hoped, even dreamed, that one day she would rise above the others. She had imagined herself as a central figure in the world's events, perhaps even a leader. But with each passing moment, it felt more like a distant fantasy, a fleeting vision that was slipping through her fingers.

The sudden surge of power from the likes of Hinata, Naruto, and even Sasuke had only intensified her frustrations. They had evolved, become titans in their own right, while she remained the same. She was left to watch as the world around her transformed, and the role she had once envisioned for herself seemed to drift further and further away.

The world had always been about fighting for survival, but it had also been about being recognized—having a purpose. But now, it felt like she had become just another soldier in a battle too large for her to influence. Her thoughts twisted darkly, imagining a life where she was never truly seen for her potential.

Ino had tried to keep a positive mindset, though. Naruto's natural aura had always been a beacon of hope for her, pulling her from the depths of her doubts. But even his presence, though comforting, was a harsh reminder of her limitations. He was so far ahead, and though he was kind enough to consider her feelings, Ino couldn't help but wonder if she would ever catch up to him.

The moment when Gaea had told her she wouldn't be able to accompany them had reopened the wound she had been desperately trying to ignore. It made her question her worth—her role in the grand scheme of things. She had been reduced to managing Naruto's memories, nothing more than a support figure. It felt like life had relegated her to the background, and the sting of it hurt more than she cared to admit.

But then, Naruto's words broke through the cloud of her emotions. "Let's bring them along. We will protect them together."

His offer was simple, yet it meant everything. It was a lifeline, a reminder that she wasn't invisible to him. He wasn't just thinking about Hinata or anyone else; he was thinking about all of them, about her. It was the kind of reassurance she needed to push past the darkness that had been clouding her mind.

Ino smiled, the tears in her eyes threatening to spill. She looked down, her emotions tangled as she hit Naruto's chest lightly, as if to hide her vulnerability. "Thanks, Naruto. But are you sure? Won't I become a burden?"

Her voice wavered, but she managed to keep it steady. She didn't want to appear weak, didn't want to burden him further. But in that moment, Naruto could feel the raw emotion behind her words. Her pain, her confusion, her desperate need for validation.

Naruto looked at her, his eyes soft but unwavering. He knew that her struggle was about more than just strength—it was about purpose, about being seen and valued. And he wasn't going to let her feel abandoned, not now, not ever.

"You're never a burden, Ino," he said quietly, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity. "We're all in this together. No one gets left behind, not on my watch."

His words were a promise, one that would carry them all forward. Ino could feel the sincerity in his tone, the unspoken understanding that they were a team, no matter what. And that, more than anything, was what she needed to hear.

The tears she had been holding back finally fell, but they weren't tears of sadness—they were tears of relief. For the first time in a long while, Ino felt like she had a place, like she was needed. Naruto had pulled her back from the brink, and in that moment, she knew she wasn't alone.

Hinata, still standing by Ino's side, gave her a gentle squeeze, offering her silent support. Ino wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth spread through her chest. Naruto had given her something she hadn't realized she was craving—the recognition that she was important, that her journey was far from over.

Naruto's thoughts were heavy as they stepped into the unknown, his mind lingering on his earlier realizations. He had been so focused on improving his own strength, on pushing his limits, that he had neglected to check on his friends. He had assumed that they were all fine—after all, they were strong, capable warriors, weren't they? But now, as he reflected, he realized how flawed that thinking was. They were people, too, and they each had their own struggles, their own insecurities, even if they hid them well. Just like him.

He had been so caught up in his own journey, so consumed by the need to be stronger, that he had forgotten to offer his support. But Ino's words and the way she carried herself, despite her own doubts, made him want to do better. He wasn't the only one facing battles, internal or otherwise.

As he pulled Ino into his embrace, he felt a wave of warmth and comfort spread through her body. The familiar feeling of being close to Naruto, feeling his strength and determination, helped ease her worries. He wasn't just fighting for his own power—he was fighting for all of them, for their shared future.

"You will never be a burden to me," Naruto said, his voice soft but firm as he held her close. "And this is a new experience for all of us, so maybe you can find a path to further boost your strength, too."

Ino melted a little at his words. His embrace felt like a reassurance, a shield against the doubts that had clouded her mind for so long. She smiled, her confidence returning, bolstered by his warmth and belief in her.

"I will definitely get to your level, so keep yourself sharp," Ino said, her tone filled with a renewed sense of determination. It was a promise to herself and to Naruto. She would no longer be sidelined. She would find her own way, just as Naruto had found his. She had no intention of staying behind, no matter what.

Naruto chuckled softly, his hand brushing through her hair. "I'm always at 100 percent," he replied playfully, before turning to Orochi with a raised brow. "Mister Orochi, will you also follow us or do you wish to sit this one out?"

Orochi met Naruto's gaze, his expression thoughtful, before his eyes shifted to Gaea, who gave him a slight nod of encouragement.

"I will be honored to follow you on this journey," Orochi said, his voice steady, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

With that, the team continued on their path, and Gaea, always calm and composed, opened a portal to the Immortal realm. It was a sight unlike anything they had seen before—vast, surreal landscapes stretching out beyond their vision. There were no solid roads or paths to follow, just the endless expanse of floating islands, each with its own mysteries and challenges. It was a place of power, of ancient energies, of things that defied the rules they had come to understand.

The group stepped through the portal, feeling an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity. Each step felt like a leap into the unknown, but there was a sense of excitement that pulsed through them. This was what they had been preparing for—this was the next chapter in their journey.

As they emerged onto the floating island, the ground beneath their feet seemed to pulse with energy, as if the very earth they stood on was alive. The sky was a swirling blend of colors—deep purples, blues, and golds—making it feel like they had stepped into a dream. The air was thick with power, yet strangely serene, as if they were stepping into a realm that existed beyond time and space.

As the group stepped through the portal, they were immediately struck by the surreal beauty of the Immortal realm. Floating islands drifted around them like celestial bodies, each representing a different immortal or aspect of the realm itself. The central island, where they had arrived, was the largest of them all—a hub where the immortals gathered to discuss matters of great importance.

Despite the fantastical surroundings, there were some familiar elements to the landscape. The islands were lush with greenery, with waterfalls cascading from some of the floating rocks, and the skies above stretched into vast, swirling colors that made the atmosphere seem both serene and mysterious. The one unmistakable difference from Earth, however, was the beings who inhabited this world. They were not human. Instead, creatures of myth and legend roamed freely: Harpies soaring through the sky, Mermaids swimming gracefully through the air, Minotaurs and Centaurs walking with a regal bearing, and beings Naruto had never seen before. This was a place of pure legend come to life.

But even amidst all the beauty, there was something else that immediately struck Naruto—the overwhelming concentration of energy that permeated the very air they breathed. The powerful aura from these immortals was palpable, so much so that it threatened to overwhelm anyone without the proper energy reserves.

Ino, Orochi, and the others were feeling the strain of this powerful atmosphere. Recognizing this, Naruto quickly surrounded them with a chakra cloak, stabilizing their energy levels and shielding them from the raw, potent power around them. The concentration of energy was so intense that weak or unprotected individuals risked exploding from the strain, or being poisoned by the very air they breathed. It wasn't just the power of the immortals themselves, but the very essence of the realm, which had been imbued with energy over countless eons.

Despite the danger, the group was awestruck by the beauty of their surroundings. It was as if the world itself had been sculpted by the imaginations of the immortals, each island a testament to their boundless creativity and power. From the radiant colors of the floating plants to the surreal formations of rock and crystal, the team found themselves captivated by the sights. It was a wonder to behold, one that seemed beyond anything they had experienced in their world.

Gaea, always calm and composed, led them through the realm, guiding them toward the palace where Izanagi resided. It was the center of political activity in this world, where important matters were discussed and decisions were made. As they walked, Naruto couldn't help but notice the occasional glances from the beings around them—some curious, some fearful.

Many of the immortals who saw them seemed to mistake Naruto and Hinata for Otsutsuki, their power radiating so strongly that it was easy to understand why. Some of the immortals were so frightened that they hurriedly fled, fearing confrontation. Others, on the other hand, seemed almost ready to attack, their instincts drawn to the immense strength emanating from Naruto and Hinata. It was only due to Gaea's calming presence that they refrained from acting on their impulses.

"These are the children born during our exile," Gaea muttered, clearly aware of the reactions the team was drawing. "So you might not have heard of them. Many of them are Demi-Immortals, the children of a mortal and an immortal."

Naruto was unsurprised by the idea that immortals could have children. After all, he had his own family, and he'd seen how bonds between individuals could transcend the boundaries of power. It seemed natural that even immortals would seek companionship and create legacies, just as he had done with his own loved ones. He was happy to see that these immortals had extended their reach through future generations, forming a network of support in their fight against mutual enemies.

However, he couldn't ignore the possibility that some of these new immortals might eventually become enemies as well. It was a sobering thought, one that gnawed at the back of his mind as he surveyed the diverse beings around them. While they were allies now, the shifting nature of this realm meant that things could change. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, even in a place that seemed so full of wonder.

The sightseeing didn't last long, however. Gaea was not one for delays, and the immortals who awaited them were known for their impatience. Their destination was not far, and as the group continued their journey toward the palace, they couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. What awaited them there, beyond the glorious surroundings, was a mystery that none of them could predict. The air was thick with anticipation, and the closer they drew to the palace, the heavier the tension seemed to grow.

Soon, they arrived at their destination. The palace was a structure unlike anything they had ever seen. It seemed to float in mid-air, its walls made of shimmering energy and glowing stone, pulsating with the life force of the realm. This was the heart of the Immortal realm, where decisions were made that could affect the entire cosmos.

As the group entered the palace, the overwhelming scale of the place struck them immediately. The ceilings stretched high above, far beyond what any of them had ever seen. The architecture was grand and imposing, designed to accommodate beings of unimaginable size—each immortal towering at least 20 meters tall. To them, Naruto and the others appeared like mere ants in comparison.

The audience room was vast, able to hold thousands, but even so, it felt eerily empty despite its grandeur. In the center of this immense hall sat the five great immortals, the leaders of the Immortal realm. Their presence filled the room with a palpable sense of power and authority. Naruto couldn't help but feel a surge of weakness, a feeling he rarely experienced, standing before these beings. Even Kaguya, whom he had once faced, was weaker than the five immortals before him. The difference was subtle, but unmistakable. It wasn't just their power—it was their age, their experience, and the timeless weight of their existence that set them apart.

At the center of the group was Izanagi, the Immortal of the Land of Fire. He represented both creation and destruction, a duality that defined his power and influence. He sat with a calm and neutral demeanor, his eyes studying Naruto as though he had already known him for ages. Izanagi was a handsome figure, with sharp features, black hair, and brown eyes typical of his region, and his attire reflected the traditional style of his domain. Despite the peaceful nature of his face, there was an undeniable air of authority about him.

"Welcome, Uzumaki Naruto. We have been waiting for your arrival for a long time, King of Men," Izanagi greeted him, his tone measured but imbued with an ancient wisdom that made the words feel like a prophecy in themselves.

Naruto stood still for a moment, his mind racing. The title "King of Men" was unfamiliar, and it caused a ripple of confusion to cross his features. His thoughts were interrupted by a deep, knowing voice from one of the other immortals.

"Don't look confused, child," said Odin, the Immortal of the Land of Water. Odin was a tall, regal figure with one eye—his other hidden beneath a dark patch. His presence was that of battle and wisdom, a being whose experience stretched beyond even Naruto's comprehension. "The Great Toad Sage is not the only one that can see the possibilities."

Naruto's eyes flicked toward his companions, noticing their confused expressions. Ino and the others were looking at him, eager for some sort of explanation. They, too, had heard the term "King of Men," but none of them understood its meaning. Naruto could feel the weight of their gazes on him, but he couldn't hide the turmoil in his heart. His surprise was evident, and the others could see it.

This revelation took him back to the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, the one he had heard during his training. The sage had foreseen a future for him—one he didn't fully comprehend and desperately wished to avoid. He had been given cryptic words that suggested he would play a pivotal role in shaping the world, but it also spoke of a tragic end.

"King of Heroes, Emperor of Mankind, you shall build a Kingdom like no other. A Kingdom that shall not belong to anyone after you," the prophecy had foretold. "No matter what path you take, you will always reach the same end. The sharp blade of lightning shall reap your soul asunder, and the world shall weep for the loss of its Great King."

Naruto had struggled to understand the meaning behind these words. His heart had rebelled against them, for they painted a future he couldn't accept. The idea of becoming an emperor, of ruling a kingdom, was foreign to him. His dreams had always been to guide others, to help them grow, not to rule over them. He never sought power, never yearned for dominance. The prophecy felt like a dark cloud hanging over his head, one that was impossible to ignore, no matter how much he wished it away.

The prophecy had been given to him by the Great Toad Sage, who had explained that he could only see fragments of a future filled with infinite possibilities. There were countless paths ahead for Naruto, yet the sage had seen these points as inevitable: that Naruto would one day control the world, that humanity would inevitably struggle against him, and that in the end, he would be forced to take control.

It was a future that Naruto couldn't reconcile with his own desires. He wanted to be a guide, a protector—not a ruler. The thought of becoming a king, an emperor, filled him with dread. It went against everything he had fought for, everything he had stood for. The weight of the prophecy, and now the recognition from the immortals, made him question his own future even more.

As he stood there, trying to mask the inner turmoil that was threatening to show on his face, Izanagi continued, his deep voice breaking the silence. "Naruto, do not be afraid of what is written in the stars. You are the King of Men, and your path is one that will shape the future. But it is your choices that will define how the world remembers you."

Naruto's thoughts were a whirlwind of doubt and fear, but in that moment, he made a silent vow to himself. He would not allow the prophecy to define him. He would choose his path, no matter how difficult, and he would fight to the end to protect the future he believed in. He would find a way to fulfill his dreams without succumbing to the weight of destiny.