Shocking Revelation—The Resurrection of Two

[On Screen]

["Understanding each other... your hatred might change, just like my heart did when I met Iruka-sensei."]

[Naruto smiled suddenly, his tone light yet firm.]

["I haven't given up. I'll never give up on bringing you back to Konoha, Sasuke!"]

Sasuke stared at Naruto, his lips twitching slightly. He couldn't comprehend why this idiot was so stubborn.

The Ninja World

A collective silence filled the land.

"Naruto is such a kind-hearted boy. It's incredible, considering his past."

"Now I understand what Elder Chiyo meant... maybe he really can change things."

"Iruka again—I'm crying! Konoha, you owe him big time!"

Across villages, people found themselves quietly admiring Naruto's unyielding determination and warmth.

Konoha Ninja Academy

In his office, Iruka pressed his lips together, his heart swelling with both pride and sorrow.

[On Screen]

Naruto scratched his head with a sheepish smile.

["But, Sasuke, I'm done nagging you. Who'd have thought I'd become the type to lecture? Ha-ha!"]

His voice grew soft but carried an unwavering resolve.

["If we both die, then in the next world, we won't be an Uchiha or a Jinchūriki. We won't carry any burdens. Maybe then, we can truly understand each other."]

Hokage's Office

Sasuke froze, staring at the screen. Naruto's bright, warm presence felt like it was prying open the locked doors of his heart.

"Naruto... you..." Sasuke muttered, stunned.

Nearby, Naruko's face turned crimson as she fumbled to respond.

"That's nonsense! We're not going to die! No way! Absolutely not!"

She puffed out her chest, fists clenched, her little voice filled with determination.

Sasuke, despite himself, felt a rare softness in his chest. He turned away with a huff.

"You're such an idiot."

Sunagakure Embassy in Konoha

Gaara stared at the sky screen, his brow furrowed, his emotions stirring in ways he couldn't explain.

"Hmph!" He scoffed, his gourd of sand trembling slightly in response to his agitation.

Kankurō and Temari exchanged incredulous looks.

"No way... don't tell me Gaara has feelings for Naruto?" Kankurō whispered.

"But Naruto's a guy!" Temari countered, shocked.

Kankurō grinned slyly. "Technically, right now, Naruto's a girl. Maybe Gaara can—"

Temari swatted him. "Shut up, Kankurō!"

[On Screen]

Sasuke's face remained cold as he replied:

["My decision hasn't changed. I will destroy Konoha, and the only one who's going to die here... is you!"]

Naruto didn't flinch. ["If you're going to die, Sasuke, then I'll die with you."]

Sasuke smirked, his expression twisted. ["Fine. I'll make sure you're the first to die, Naruto."]

Naruto's tone softened. ["Is it because I still haven't earned your acknowledgment?"]

[Scene Transition]

In a dark underground hideout, Sasuke stood before the masked man.

["I want Itachi's eyes."]

The masked man tilted his head curiously. ["Finally made up your mind? What brought this on?"]

Sasuke's voice was cold as ice. ["I want to defeat Naruto... and reject everything he stands for. That's all."]

["Brother... I will destroy Konoha."]

The Ninja World

As the screen dimmed and the words "The End" appeared, people across the land sat in stunned silence.

They had seen Naruto's unwavering devotion and Sasuke's descent into darkness. They had witnessed their bond, fragile yet unbroken, etched into their hearts.

Hokage's Office

"I swear, I'll bring Sasuke back!" Naruko declared, her small fists trembling with determination.

Sasuke glanced at her, unimpressed. "I'm literally right here, idiot."

[DING!]

[Congratulations, Uzumaki Naruto, for answering correctly—despite exceeding the time limit.]

[Your reward is being prepared...]

Suddenly, the floor began to tremble.

"What's happening?!"

Naruko yelped and darted behind Sasuke, her small frame trembling. She cautiously peeked out, her head barely visible.

The ground cracked open, and two large, ominous coffins rose slowly from the floor.

"Is this a ghost?! Is it haunted?!" Naruko cried, clutching Sasuke's arm.

The coffins creaked open. From inside emerged two elegant figures—one with flowing black hair, the other with fiery red locks.

Sasuke and Itachi froze, their faces pale with shock.

"M-Mother...?"

It was Uchiha Mikoto, their mother, standing gracefully before them.

Mikoto opened her eyes slowly, her gaze falling on the familiar faces in front of her.

Her lips trembled as she whispered: "Sasuke... Itachi..."

Itachi turned away, pulling his Akatsuki cloak higher as if hiding from her gaze.

Sasuke, however, couldn't hold back. With tears streaming down his face, he sprinted forward, throwing himself into Mikoto's arms.

"Mother!"

In his haste, he nearly knocked over Naruko, who stumbled backward with a startled yelp.