Chapter 194: Naruto Returns

Hearing Jiraiya's suggestion, Shikaku fell into deep thought.

As a highly trusted staff officer, Shikaku preferred safe choices and strategies with less risk – even in failure, they would minimize losses.

The purpose of the Akatsuki's attack on Konoha was clearly to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Therefore, keeping Naruto in the hidden Mt. Myoboku to train seemed like the safest option.

However, Jiraiya's proposal reminded him of what Tsunade had said before leaving: "Although our goal is to protect Naruto, we must also allow him to join the battlefield when necessary. He's no longer a child but a deeply trusted Konoha ninja. We should have faith in him."

With two of the Sannin expressing trust in Naruto, Shikaku decided to believe in Jiraiya and Tsunade's judgment—and in Naruto himself.

"Since Jiraiya-sama insists, I agree to summon Naruto back to Konoha," Shikaku announced.

"Huh?!" Shizune exclaimed in surprise. "Is that really okay? What if—"

"Both Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama have chosen to trust Naruto. We have no reason to doubt his strength," Shikaku said, now resolute. "Besides, we need as much combat power as possible right now."

"But…" Seeing Shikaku's firm expression, Shizune could only sigh. "Alright, the battlefield is in your hands."

"I'll bring him back through summoning! That kid will be overjoyed." Jiraiya took out a scroll, spread it on the ground, and made seals with both hands. "Reverse Summoning!"

Boom! A puff of smoke erupted, and Naruto appeared in the Hokage's office with a toad sage, Fukasaku, perched on his shoulder. He wore a long red coat and carried a massive scroll on his back.

"Naruto?"

Seeing Naruto after so long, Sakura moved to greet him but froze when she felt an incredibly powerful aura emanating from him. It made her breath hitch.

Noticing her reaction, Naruto turned toward her and said casually, "Yo! Long time no see, Sakura. Long time no see, everyone."

"Long time no see, Naruto," Shino said quietly, his hands tucked in his pockets. "You seem stronger. I don't even have to ask why—my parasites have become restless."

Ignoring Shino, Naruto turned to Sakura, his expression serious. "Sakura, I sense several massive chakras in the village… and I think Sasuke's chakra is here. Is he back?"

Sakura glanced at Naruto's "toad eyes" with their orange eye shadow and bowed her head in silence.

"…I see. I understand." Naruto turned to Shikaku. "Uncle Shikaku, leave Sasuke to me."

Shikaku exchanged a glance with Jiraiya before nodding. "No problem. Sasuke's location isn't far. I'll have Anbu escort you—"

"No need. I can sense his chakra. I'll go now." Without another word, Naruto left.

"Wait! It's too dangerous for you to go alone!" Shikaku called after him.

"Don't worry, Naruto has me," Fukasaku reassured from Naruto's shoulder.

As Naruto disappeared, Jiraiya sighed helplessly. "Seriously, even as a Sage, he's still so reckless… Let's hurry after him."

Shikaku nodded. "Please, Jiraiya-sama."

Swish! Everyone in the tracking team moved swiftly to the roof of the Hokage Building.

Whether it was Naruto or Jiraiya and the others, the moment they stepped outside, their eyes turned to the death forest in the distance, where two massive entities clashed violently.

Feeling the tremors shaking the ground, Jiraiya muttered, "This is insane… If that level of destruction hit the village, it would be catastrophic."

"Jiraiya-sama, shouldn't we assist Senior Brother Kirito?" Sakura asked worriedly.

"Relax. That kid's stronger than you think. Trust him," Jiraiya replied firmly. "Our task is to deal with the Akatsuki leader, Nagato, as quickly as possible."

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, Naruto reached a hidden underground entrance, guided by his perception. Along the way, the bodies of Root ninjas and Anbu lay scattered.

Deeper in the pitch-black corridor, Naruto's extraordinary eyesight caught a familiar figure. "Sasuke…"

"Naruto?"

Ahead of Sasuke, the smooth walls had been carved out, as though gouged by some immense force. Sasuke turned, his Sharingan now displaying a six-pointed star, like cherry blossoms in a whirl. "I didn't expect you to come."

"Sasuke, you…" Naruto's eyes widened. "Why did you hurt the people of the village? Why?"

"Because I learned the truth," Sasuke said, blood and tears staining his face as he grinned manically. "I will kill all the leaders of Konoha. One down… and the next is the pair hiding in the Hokage Building."

Boom! Naruto stepped forward. "Sasuke, this has to be a misunderstanding. I won't let you fall into darkness. We're still Team Seven. I'll bring you back."

"Hahahaha!" Sasuke laughed coldly. "Impossible! I've already killed Danzo. Konoha and I will never coexist. If you try to stop me, I'll kill you too."

"Even so, I'll bring you back," Naruto said firmly. Sensing the icy chakra radiating from Sasuke, he realized this would come to blows.

Suddenly, a droplet of water dripped from the ceiling onto Naruto's forehead.

The droplets condensed into Suigetsu, who swung a massive blade toward Naruto. "You're not stopping Sasuke!"

Clang! The blade struck Naruto's raised elbow—and shattered on impact.

"What?!" Suigetsu gawked as Naruto kicked him mid-air, slamming him into the far wall.

"Rasengan!"

A shadow clone dashed forward, slamming a Rasengan into Suigetsu's corner. Boom! The walls collapsed in an explosion of water.

"Phew, that nearly killed me," Suigetsu groaned as his liquid form reconstituted in a nearby corner. "This guy's a monster."

"Back off, Suigetsu. I'll deal with him," Sasuke said, stepping forward. His gaze locked on Naruto. "You've gotten stronger… Naruto."

End of Chapter.

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