Chapter 65

As the swirling energies of the portal stabilized, a group of two thousand people emerged from the hidden realm, stepping onto familiar yet foreign ground. Their reactions varied—some gasped at the sight of their homeland, long thought lost to them, while others remained silent, their eyes reflecting a mixture of nostalgia and sorrow. Memories, both cherished and painful, resurfaced in their minds as they took in the sight before them.

Naruto stood at the highest vantage point with his team, observing the scene unfold. He chose not to interfere, allowing the clan members the space they needed to process their return. Some wandered cautiously, touching the soil as if to confirm it was real, while others knelt in silent remembrance. Their solemn expressions painted a history of loss, hardship, and perseverance.

As Naruto scanned the crowd, he noticed an approaching figure—his unknown grandfather, Toshiro. The elder moved with quiet confidence, his sharp gaze scanning the landscape like a tactician planning his next move. Naruto turned slightly, acknowledging his presence.

"Are you not going to visit the place like the rest?" Naruto asked, his voice carrying a rare seriousness.

Toshiro stopped beside him, folding his arms as he looked over the land. "I don't think there's any point," he replied, his tone measured. "I have always remembered this sight since that day. It isn't something new for me." His eyes narrowed slightly, lost in old memories before he refocused. "I just wish to observe the region from higher ground. The past had its grandeur, but if we are to rebuild, we must surpass what once was."

Naruto nodded, understanding the weight behind his words. There was no turning back to the past—only the future lay ahead.

The elder studied him for a moment before speaking again. "You seem different since we met."

Naruto exhaled lightly. "Nothing much, just some physical training," he answered vaguely, unwilling to share the full extent of his growth.

Toshiro didn't press further, but there was a knowing glint in his eyes. Instead, he shifted the conversation. "I see... Do you want to know about your mother?"

Naruto blinked at the unexpected question. He had spent the past month collecting as much information as he could about his parents—Minato, Kushina, even Jiraiya. His efforts had led him to compile a biography detailing their lives, their legacies. Yet, hearing about his mother from someone who had been there since her birth—someone who had watched her grow—was an entirely different experience.

A small smile formed on his lips. "I'd love to. I can even share what I've learned about her life in Konoha."

Toshiro's hardened features softened slightly. "That's a great idea." He stroked his beard thoughtfully, gazing up at the sky. "Now, where should I begin…"

After a moment of contemplation, his eyes gleamed with nostalgia. "Ah yes, how about we start from the day she started crawling?" His voice took on a warmth that Naruto had rarely heard before.

And so, the elder spoke, recounting moments of Kushina's childhood—her fierce ambition, her aggressive yet playful spirit, her boundless energy that seemed to light up every room she entered. Each memory painted a vivid picture of the woman who had given Naruto life, making her more real to him than ever before.

As he listened, Naruto couldn't help but think—he truly was the combination of red and yellow, his mother's fire and his father's radiance intertwined within him.

After an extended discussion, Toshiro finally turned his attention to Naruto's personal life, his gaze sharp with curiosity and a hint of disapproval.

"Are you engaged to both of them?" he asked, his tone making it clear that he didn't quite like the idea.

Naruto shook his head, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Not yet. I think we still have a long way to go before such feelings are fully understood. I don't want to rush into something and make a mistake," he admitted. Over the past six months, he had undeniably grown closer to both women, but with their rigorous training and the responsibilities pressing upon them, there had been little time to properly explore those emotions.

Toshiro exhaled, his arms crossed. "I won't tell you to drop one. That's your decision," he stated firmly. "But you should stop overthinking it. You've never been the type to rely on logic over instinct. When it comes to matters of the heart, follow your own path instead of forcing yourself to navigate a road that doesn't suit you."

His keen gaze studied Naruto before adding, "Talking to you has made one thing clear—you think with your heart, not your mind. If you were to approach this logically, then the archer girl would be the obvious choice."

'I already know that,' Naruto thought but chose not to voice his response, not wanting to correct his grandfather's slight misunderstanding.

"I'll try to follow your advice," he said instead. "And when the time comes, I'll make my decision based on what my heart truly desires."

Toshiro nodded in approval. "Good. But don't take too long… or drop the archer girl."

Naruto chuckled at that, shaking his head in amusement. 'Doesn't that mean I should just choose Hinata?' He wasn't sure if Toshiro was truly giving him unbiased advice or subtly pushing him toward one option.

Hinata, who had been quietly watching the exchange, felt her heart swell with warmth as she saw Naruto laugh freely. It had been so long since she had seen him like this—carefree and unburdened, even if only for a moment. His expression had darkened ever since Jiraiya's death, and the weight of the war had only added to his sorrows.

A sudden thought came to her, and she turned to Ino. "Can you make a portrait of him?" she asked softly. "I want to save this moment."

Ino, having also been captivated by the rare sight of Naruto's radiant smile, nodded. "I was thinking the same thing," she admitted.

As she studied him, her own heart skipped a beat. It wasn't often that Naruto let his guard down enough to show such genuine joy.

"I hope he starts showing this side of himself more often," Ino mused, a wistful tone in her voice.

Hinata smiled at her friend's words. "I think he will. His family has grown, and with it, his reasons for happiness," she said with certainty. Knowing that Naruto had found his long-lost clan, even if they weren't necessarily close yet, gave her hope that he would find new joys in life beyond the pain of the past.

Ino, ever the tease, grinned mischievously. "But what if they don't agree to your marriage? What if they want Naruto to marry their noble young lady instead?"

Hinata blinked before bursting into laughter. The mere thought of Naruto being forced into a political marriage was hilarious. "That would never happen!" she giggled.

Ino smirked. "You never know. Maybe some noblewoman has already set her sights on him."

Hinata shook her head, still laughing. "Naruto isn't the type to go along with such things. He's far from the average noble who plays political games."

Both women shared a moment of amusement at the ridiculous notion, but deep down, they knew—Naruto's heart was his own to follow. And no matter where it led, they would be there to support him.

Hotaru stood beside her father, Genryu, gripping a fox mask tightly in her hands. Her expression was unreadable, but her voice carried an unsettling calm as she spoke.

"They have gained a contract with the Immortals, and their levels have been verified."

Genryu's brow furrowed at her words, his sharp gaze locking onto his daughter. There was something foreboding about the way she said it, as if even she—despite her boundless confidence—was troubled.

"Is that why Lady Izanami seems so angry? Who did he choose?" he asked, though deep down, a terrible suspicion gripped him like an icy hand squeezing his heart.

Hotaru turned her gaze toward the still waters of the pond, her lips curling into an amused smile. "Hades," she answered. "And his power is far beyond our initial expectations. I don't think we can beat him now."

A storm brewed around them, wind stirring the surface of the pond as arcs of energy crackled faintly in the air. Hotaru's amusement was genuine. The thought of someone surpassing her, of facing a force beyond her own, was something she found almost entertaining. After all, she had always been untouchable—invincible. To encounter such a challenge was exhilarating.

Genryu watched his daughter carefully, his surprise evident as the very environment responded to her emotions. He knew better than most that Hotaru was no ordinary warrior—she was the vessel of a primordial force, the embodiment of nature's will. And yet, even she was acknowledging the gap in power.

"How can that be?" he finally asked, disbelief creeping into his voice. "You are the Vessel of the primordial force of nature."

Hotaru turned to face him fully, the glow in her golden eyes flickering like dying embers. "He has the power and artifacts of the Sage of Six Paths," she explained. "And I haven't fully awakened yet. I might need to go on a trip."

"A trip?" Genryu echoed, narrowing his eyes. "Where? And how long will it take?"

"I will be leaving the planet," Hotaru answered simply, as if the words carried no weight. "The Phoenix has called, and I will follow its guidance. As for how long..." She shrugged. "I can't say for certain. It could take years."

Genryu exhaled slowly. He knew his daughter well enough to understand there was no stopping her once she had made up her mind. If this was her path, then no force in the world could deter her.

"Fine," he conceded, his voice firm despite the underlying unease. "But before you leave, I have one final request."

Hotaru tilted her head, curious. "What is it?"

"Erase the three Shinobi villages from the world," Genryu ordered. "Do it discreetly. Make sure there are no traces left behind."

A small silence stretched between them. The wind around the pond had settled, yet a lingering tension remained.

Hotaru regarded her father for a moment before nodding. "I can do it," she confirmed. "But he will know who did it."

Genryu's expression remained unreadable, his dark eyes unwavering. He had already accepted the consequences.

"It doesn't matter," he said finally. "We are more valuable than those scum. He will have no choice but to compromise."

A smirk played at the edges of Hotaru's lips. "If that's what you believe," she mused, her voice carrying a dangerous edge.

With that, the wind picked up again, and the storm in the pond raged once more.