Chapter 27: Leaving village for the first time

He saw both Tsunade and Shizune staring at him, their expressions softening as if, for just a moment, they had been completely mesmerized by him. There was something almost wistful in their eyes—like they had seen a future version of him that they couldn't help but admire.

But Naruto, with a knowing smirk, reverted back to his small, four-year-old self. His bright blue eyes twinkled with mischief as he looked up at them.

Tsunade and Shizune blinked as Naruto shrank back into his small four-year-old form, their expressions shifting from dazed admiration to mild disappointment.

Naruto smirked, crossing his arms. "You both looked like you were ready to propose," he teased, his blue eyes gleaming with mischief.

Tsunade crossed her arms, huffing. "Brat, if you keep looking that handsome, you might just cause problems for yourself." 

Shizune nodded, still looking a little dazed. "It's unfair… growing up to be that good-looking should be illegal." 

Naruto grinned mischievously. "Well, if you both like it, I don't mind staying like this while we're out." He transformed again, standing tall with a confident smirk. 

Tsunade and Shizune exchanged glances before Tsunade scoffed. "Hmph, do what you want, but don't come crying when women start throwing themselves at you." 

Naruto laughed, reverting to his normal self. "If that happens, I'll just tell them I already have two beautiful ladies watching over me." 

Both women blinked before looking away, hiding their faint smiles. 

Kushina, however, sighed, rubbing her temple. "This is what I get for raising a little flirt."

With everything settled, they prepared for their journey. Kushina, though reluctant, handed over a hefty sum of 1 million Ryo, insisting that they take more just in case. But Naruto, ever determined, shook his head with a confident grin.

"This is enough, Mom. Trust me, we'll make it grow," he reassured her.

Kushina sighed, ruffling his hair. "Just be careful, alright?"

Meanwhile, Tsunade had somehow managed to convince the Hokage to permit Naruto to leave the village—something that should have been near impossible given his status as a Jinchūriki.

[A/N: The way she convinced him… well, I'll leave that up to your imagination.]

With money in hand and official approval secured, their adventure outside the village was finally set in motion.

Naruto bid farewell to his close friends, Mikoto-obasan, and the people dear to him.

Before leaving, he turned to his mother, seeing the worry in her eyes.

"Mom, I'll be back," he reassured her with a warm smile, his small hands holding hers tightly.

Kushina, on the verge of tears, tried to stay strong, but the thought of her son being away, even for just a few days or weeks, made her heart ache.

Before she could say anything, Naruto stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug. "I promise, I'll be fine," he whispered.

Kushina clung to him tightly, her hands trembling slightly as she buried her face in his hair. "You better come back safe and sound, you hear me?" Her voice wavered, but she held back her tears.

Naruto smiled, hugging her back with all the warmth he could. "Of course, Mom. I'll come back stronger too, so you won't have to worry about me anymore."

Kushina exhaled shakily, reluctantly letting go. She cupped his cheeks, her thumbs brushing against his whisker marks. "You'll always be my little boy, no matter how strong you become."

Naruto chuckled. "And you'll always be my amazing, overprotective Mom."

Kushina playfully smacked his arm. "Brat."

Tsunade and Shizune watched the moment in silence, both moved by the bond between mother and son.

With one last deep breath, Naruto turned to leave, giving a final wave. "See you soon!"

And with that, his journey outside the village had begun.

Then, all three stepped beyond the village gates. 

Naruto took a deep breath, feeling the crisp air of freedom beyond Konoha's walls. The towering trees, the open road stretching ahead—it was a world waiting to be explored. 

"At last," he murmured, his voice deepening as he transformed into his adult form. His once-childish features sharpened, his presence radiating confidence. "For the first time in years… I'm finally outside the village." 

Tsunade and Shizune glanced at him, amused by his dramatic tone.

"You're acting like you've been locked up for decades," Tsunade teased, smirking.

Naruto chuckled, stretching his arms as if shaking off invisible chains. "Well, it felt like that. Konoha is home, but man, it's suffocating when you know there's a whole world out here waiting."

Shizune giggled. "And here I thought you were just excited about making money."

Naruto grinned mischievously. "That too. But first, let's enjoy the feeling of freedom."

With that, the three of them took their first steps toward a journey that would change everything.

"Man, this is freedom," he said, his voice filled with awe as he stretched his arms wide, embracing the open sky. The wind brushed against his face, the scent of the earth and trees filling his senses.

He dashed ahead, feeling the wind rush past him, his laughter echoing through the trees. He spun around, arms wide open, taking in the vastness of the world beyond Konoha's walls.

"This is what it means to live!" he shouted, grinning from ear to ear.

Tsunade shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It's kind of refreshing, isn't it?" she mused. "He carries so much on his shoulders, but at moments like this, he's just… a kid."

Shizune nodded, watching as Naruto leaped onto a tree branch and dramatically posed like a hero in a storybook. "He deserves this. Even if it's just for a little while."

As He finally calmed down, he turned back to them with an excited gleam in his eyes. "Alright! Time to make history!"

Tsunade smirked. "More like, time to make money."

He laughed. "Same thing!"

While they were walking, "Tsunade, Shizune, You both were traveling around for years how was it", he asked to understand how the world was.

Tsunade glanced at the sky, her expression turning thoughtful. "The world is… vast. Bigger than you can imagine, Naruto. Every village, every place has its own culture, its own way of life." 

Shizune nodded. "Some places are beautiful, filled with kind people and breathtaking landscapes. But others…" Her voice trailed off, a hint of sadness in her tone. 

Tsunade sighed. "Others are harsh. Corrupt. Ruled by power and fear. Not everyone has the protection of a village like Konoha." 

Naruto listened intently, his usual playful energy subdued. "So, people are suffering everywhere?" 

Tsunade met his gaze, her amber eyes serious. "Yes. War, poverty, greed… they've left scars on the world, just like they have on people." 

Naruto clenched his fists. "Then, I'll change that. I'll make a world where no one has to suffer like that anymore." 

Tsunade and Shizune exchanged a look before smiling. 

Tsunade ruffled his hair. "You talk big, brat. But… I'd like to see you try." 

Naruto grinned. "Just wait and see. I'll make it happen." 

And with that, they continued their journey, the weight of Naruto's dream settling over them like the first light of dawn—hopeful, determined, and unyielding.