Chapter 24: Endurance and Moving Forward

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The Raikage's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Naruto turned his head slightly and replied, "Absolutely. In front of all the Kage here, do you think I would dare spout nonsense?"

"Mmhmhmhm…" The Raikage clenched his fists tightly. In the end, his concern for his brother's safety outweighed everything else.

Crack!

The Lightning Release Chakra Mode dissipated as the Raikage prepared to leave. Before departing, he left behind a harsh warning: "Naruto Uzumaki, I'll let you off the hook for now! But Uchiha Sasuke has stained his hands with the blood of Kumogakure! If he falls into my hands, I swear he won't leave alive! And you… you'd better watch yourself!"

Naruto responded with a meaningful smile. "Very well, I look forward to it…"

This was no mere pleasantry. In the future, Naruto would cross paths with the Raikage many times. In fact, not long after, they would engage in an epic battle of taijutsu in the secret grounds of Kumogakure, the "Valley of Hell."

Ōnoki adjusted his Tsuchikage hat and sighed, "Well, this was quite the show. Worth the trip. Who knows when the next Five Kage Summit will be…"

Mei Terumī's charming eyes shifted toward him. "Tsuchikage-sama, are you heading back already? Since you're here in the Land of Iron, why not experience the famous hot springs? They might even help with your back pain."

"Wow!" Kurotsuchi's eyes lit up, clearly tempted by the idea.

Hot springs were not exclusive to the Land of Iron, but in this frigid climate, they were particularly appealing.

Ōnoki replied thoughtfully, "Hmph. With so much unrest in the Shinobi World, I can't shake the feeling that there are forces stirring in the shadows. I'd better return to the village to keep watch…"

After all, Danzō had mentioned during the summit that the leader of the Akatsuki was Uchiha Madara. That claim was unlikely to be baseless.

The name "Madara" alone was enough to send ripples through the world.

Mei Terumī's expression also turned serious.

Ōnoki's tone grew grave. "Danzō's disgraceful escape today has surely jeopardized his position as Hokage. But we can't rule out the possibility of him resorting to other schemes. I propose we Kage jointly petition the Daimyō of the Land of Fire to impeach him. What do you think?"

Mei Terumī nodded. "I'm more than willing. The ideology of Root poses a threat to the interests of the Land of Water…"

"…" Gaara silently observed Naruto, his gaze complex.

Temari placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered, "No matter what, he's now a rogue ninja of Konoha. You're the Kazekage. Remember your position."

"Yes, I understand…" Gaara turned away reluctantly, silently hoping: Naruto, I hope that one day, you'll tell me what truly happened.

Unnoticed by most, Suigetsu had already slipped away with Jūgo.

Apart from Naruto, Konan, and Orochimaru, the only ones left were Mifune and his samurai, along with the Konoha delegation.

Naruto turned to Mifune. "Mifune-sama, I apologize for the trouble caused today. I still have matters to discuss with the Konoha ninja. Could we impose on your hospitality a little longer?"

Mifune replied, "You must leave the Land of Iron by midnight at the latest."

Naruto nodded. "Thank you…"

"…" Mifune departed with his men. The samurai, who had long maintained a neutral stance in the Shinobi World, adhered to their code of Bushidō more out of survival than principle.

As long as their interests were not threatened, they preferred not to meddle in the conflicts of ninja. Yet Mifune was a man of great conviction. In a previous life, when Obito declared war during the summit, Mifune had led his samurai to join the fight against the Akatsuki for the sake of the world's safety.

For this reason, Naruto maintained a basic level of respect for him.

Orochimaru, ever perceptive, spoke up before Naruto could. "Naruto-kun, I'll excuse myself for now…"

Naruto replied, "Go ahead. Wait for me at the usual spot. I'll be there shortly."

Konan and Orochimaru left.

With everyone else gone, the snowy field became eerily quiet, save for the crackling of black flames. Perhaps it was the psychological effect of the flames, or perhaps it was the tension of facing his former lover and comrades again, but Naruto wiped away a bead of sweat.

The Konoha delegation felt a similar sense of loss.

Naruto's deliberate reference to them as "Konoha ninja" during his conversation with Mifune stung deeply. It signified that Naruto had formally severed ties with them.

The atmosphere was heavy. No one spoke.

Hinata, in particular, seemed utterly dejected, her shoulders slumped and her face obscured by shadows.

Whoosh!

In the sky above, a large bird dissolved into ink as Sai landed, supporting Shikamaru, whose right leg was in a cast.

Sai, known for his lack of social awareness, bluntly asked, "Where is Danzō-sama?"

Naruto answered without hesitation, "He's alive. I intended to kill him, but Sasuke appeared and wanted to take revenge himself. However, Sasuke refused to use me as a tool for his vengeance, so we let him go."

"!" The sheer weight of this revelation left everyone momentarily stunned.

Shikamaru, the sharpest among them, quickly pieced things together and asked pointedly, "No matter what, Danzō is still the Hokage right now. By attacking him, you've placed yourself in direct opposition to Konoha, haven't you, Naruto?"

Naruto's gaze darkened, but he soon steeled himself. "That's correct."

"You idiot!!!" Sakura could no longer contain her anger. She stepped forward and delivered a powerful punch.

Naruto could have dodged, but he chose not to. He was sent flying by the blow.

Crash!!!

Sakura lunged at him, grabbing his collar and shaking him violently. "Do you even know what you're saying?!"

Naruto replied coldly and calmly, "Haven't I made myself clear enough?"

Sakura grew even more agitated. "Liar! Where is the Naruto who was always so determined and kept his promises? Where is the Naruto who dreamed of becoming Hokage?!"

Naruto glanced at Hinata, who was watching in pain, and swallowed his own bitterness. "That was then. This is now…"

Shink! Sakura drew a kunai and pressed it against Naruto's neck. "Don't joke around! Do you believe I'll kill you right here and now?!"

Everyone knew Sakura wouldn't actually harm Naruto.

She lowered the kunai, her fragile emotions breaking through. Tears welled up in her eyes as she said, "Naruto, just tell me the truth. Is this because of that promise you made to me? Did it put so much pressure on you that you ended up like this?"

This was the only reason she could think of for Naruto's betrayal.

"No," Naruto denied immediately.

How could it be for such a childish reason?

"There are many things that can't be explained in a few words, Sakura. I hope you won't ask anymore. One day, you'll understand…"

"I don't want to wait for that day!!" Sakura cried, tears streaming down her face. "Then what if I told you that the promise doesn't count anymore? What if I begged you to come back to Konoha?"

Naruto replied, "I refuse."

Sakura's voice trembled. "Then what if I said… the one I love isn't Sasuke, but you?"

"…" Naruto remained silent.

Sakura had said the same thing years ago. Back then, even though he knew she was lying, it had still shaken him. But now, he was no longer the same boy.

Her words stirred no emotions in him. Yet he knew Sakura's heart was in the right place. She was desperate and out of options.

"Enough, Sakura. Don't say such childish things. There are too many things in this world that neither you nor I can change. Don't forget, we are shinobi—those who endure and move forward."

Naruto's voice was low as he placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder and gently pushed her away.

"…" Sakura stood there in a daze. The sudden distance and unfamiliarity in Naruto's demeanor left her at a loss.

But Naruto's words, though directed at Sakura, carried a deeper meaning.

If Hinata were to beg him like this, Naruto feared he might lose his resolve.

"Haah…" Naruto exhaled deeply as he stood up, brushing the snow off his clothes. Then, he began walking toward Hinata…