Chapter 56: Where is the Sun

Naruto reported the news to Head Captain Yamamoto.

"Half a year... I thought you'd be faster," the Head Captain said calmly.

Naruto lowered his head.

"But to achieve this much is already beyond my expectations. Naruto, you're a competent captain," the Head Captain continued. "Go back and tell Komamura Sajin to prepare to take up the position of Captain of Squad 9."

Naruto was surprised. "No need for an assessment?"

The Head Captain asked in return, "Wasn't he already assessed?"

"Captains Retsu, Shunsui, and Shiba all gave me affirmative responses."

"As the proctor yourself, were you not satisfied with Komamura's performance?"

Naruto shook his head.

He certainly recognized Komamura Sajin's capabilities.

Whether in handling squad affairs or in personal strength, he was exceptional.

He just hadn't expected—

That the Head Captain had treated his request as the official evaluation of Komamura's qualifications for captainship.

This is the Head Captain's level of insight...

Naruto learned something again.

He passed the message on to Komamura Sajin.

Sajin was delighted.

Squad 9 was a good fit for him. It held his first friend—currently acting vice-captain of Squad 9—Tōsen Kaname.

Seven years later.

The new captain for Squad 2 was finally selected.

It was Suì-Fēng, a member of the lower noble family "Feng" affiliated with the Shihōin Clan.

As for Squad 12, the vacant captain seat was filled by the former 3rd Seat and Deputy Director of the Technology Development Bureau—Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

About this man—

Naruto found it hard to like him.

Urahara Kisuke had high praise for him, calling him a genius "second only to myself in intellect."

But—

This man carried an extremely cold and eerie aura.

The way he looked at Naruto was no different from how he looked at lab specimens on a table.

And not just toward Naruto.

Toward everyone except Urahara Kisuke, he looked at them with that same "experimental judgment" in his eyes.

No wonder he had once been imprisoned in the "Maggot's Nest"—a prison for individuals deemed a potential threat to the Soul Society.

Byakuya Kuchiki served as the 3rd Seat of Squad 6—his grandfather was the Captain, and his father the Vice-Captain.

Another genius of the same level—

Gin Ichimaru had already become Vice-Captain of Squad 5.

It was said both of them had begun studying Bankai, preparing to become captains in the future.

The "Captain Hollowfication Incident" had almost been completely forgotten by this time. Naruto, as the person sent to pursue the criminals Urahara Kisuke and Shihōin Yoruichi, should have been the most suitable person to uncover the truth, but the Central 46 Council didn't support his actions.

Every time Naruto tried to review case files or investigate, he would receive orders forcing him to stop.

He also kept an eye on Sōsuke Aizen.

But—

There was nothing unusual about him.

Aizen Sōsuke remained the same gentle, kind man—he treated his subordinates well, diligently handled squad duties, and even as a captain, never forgot his promise with Principal Hōzō, attending every year's entrance ceremony to give a speech and offer blessings.

In comparison—

Gin Ichimaru, Vice-Captain of Squad 5 and one of Naruto's friends, seemed more like the mastermind behind the scenes.

Twelve years passed in the Soul Society.

Sakura petals fluttered in the air.

Naruto awoke and opened his eyes.

He was no longer at the Squad 7 barracks—he was back at that inn.

Karin lay sleeping on the bed.

Disturbed by his movements, she turned groggily and looked at the blond boy still honing his sword techniques. "What's wrong, Naruto?"

Naruto shook his head. "Nothing. Just finished my training."

Karin mumbled sleepily in response.

Naruto formed a seal and created a Shadow Clone. "I'll be out for a bit. I'll be back soon."

"The Shadow Clone will protect you."

The clone cheerfully waved and greeted her.

Naruto used shunpo and disappeared.

He was going back to Konoha.

Not because he had lingering feelings for the village—

But because he still remembered that Genin named "Rock Lee." Back then, his healing abilities weren't enough. After twelve years of further training under Captain Unohana, his Kaido (healing techniques) had greatly improved, and he should be able to heal him now.

Konoha.

Naruto made no effort to hide his presence and entered boldly.

He headed straight for the hospital.

The ANBU were on high alert.

The Jinchūriki's sudden return—what was he planning?

They couldn't see this as good news.

After all—

When Naruto left during the day, he had killed two people and pinned them to the village gates.

A powerful declaration of hostility.

People followed him, but couldn't keep up with his speed.

The intel quickly reached the Hokage Building—

And soon reached Jiraiya and Kakashi.

In front of Konoha Hospital—

Two figures landed swiftly.

"Are we sure Naruto's target is here?" Jiraiya asked, glancing at an ANBU standing atop the roof.

Before the ANBU could answer—

A flash of gold.

Naruto had already appeared before them in an instant.

"Naruto..." Kakashi muttered his name.

"Why are you back?" Jiraiya forced a smile, trying to sound casual. "Changed your mind?"

Naruto shook his head. "I just remembered something I forgot to do—came back to handle it."

Kakashi's expression turned serious.

Jiraiya frowned and looked toward the hospital.

What did Naruto have to do with the hospital?

"About Rock Lee's injuries—I have some ideas. I want to try and heal him," Naruto said directly, not beating around the bush.

Kakashi was stunned.

The hand he had subtly begun to raise slowly fell back down.

It was for the sake of saving Gai's student.

He had thought...

But it wasn't the kind of threat he feared.

Naruto wasn't an enemy.

Jiraiya also relaxed slightly. "Still thinking about your friends, huh?"

"Seems like you still care about Konoha, deep down," he added. "Koharu and Homura both promised me they would—"

Naruto shook his head and gave a soft smile.

The Soul Society had its darkness too, but at least there was still the Head Captain—a true sun.

Where is the sun of Konoha?

He turned his head and raised his hand.

Chakra surged, and a golden chain lashed out from his palm, striking a shadowy figure, coiling around and yanking the person to the ground.

It was a masked, flak-jacketed Konoha ninja.

Jiraiya and Kakashi looked over—and their pupils dilated.

Though the man looked like ANBU—

One glance was enough.

This masked ninja did not wear the standard animal mask.

He was from Root.

He was part of that man's faction.

"If there's truly a promise, then prove your sincerity," Naruto said, stepping on the man who tried to resist. His chakra pinned him down.

He bent down and ripped off the mask.

Forced open the man's mouth and pulled out his tongue.

On the tongue, two crossed symbols formed a clear sealing curse mark.

"Hand this man over to me—let me deal with him."

Naruto looked up at the two of them.

It was obvious—

The "man" Naruto spoke of wasn't the ninja whose tongue he now held.

It was the one who sent this Root ninja.

The user of this cursed seal.

The one who dispatched unidentified assassins during the day to kill and hinder Naruto.

Jiraiya opened his mouth, but no words came.

Kakashi held his breath.

"If you can't do that, then don't talk about grand promises and noble ideals," Naruto said, tossing the man aside and walking past the two of them.

"If you don't have the resolve to be the sun..."

"Then don't trick people into believing you are the sun."

(End of Chapter)