Naruto: In the future world

#Narrator's Point of View

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Not long after the gathering of Jin's gang—

During a break between classes.

In the school cafeteria, six students sat together.

Without a doubt, they were Naruto, Sakura, Kiba, Ino, Karin, and Sasuke.

Sakura had kept quiet about what had happened between her and Sasuke. She simply said it had been an apology for what happened yesterday, and that they had made up.

As for Sasuke, when he returned to class, he too acted as if nothing had happened.

"Kurena–sensei is so harsh... I can't believe she actually wants us to do all that chemistry homework," Kiba whined, clearly distressed by the workload.

"Yeah, I heard she used to date Asuma–sensei, and they either broke up or had a fight," said Ino, the most well-informed when it came to school gossip. She spoke with confidence, repeating what she had heard from other girls in class.

"What?! That's what happened?!" Naruto was completely shocked—he hadn't expected a fight between Kurenai and Asuma at all.

"Well, it's natural. Breakups always happen when a relationship fails," Kiba muttered with his mouth full.

"But they didn't even seem like they had a bad relationship…" Sakura said, a bit sadly.

"They were a cute couple… What a shame," Karin sighed, dragging her fork across her plate with disinterest.

Sasuke, meanwhile, remained silent—lost in thought.

"Hey, Sasuke, why don't you join in the conversation?" Naruto smiled as he nudged Sasuke lightly with his elbow.

Sasuke snapped out of his thoughts.

"Huh? Oh… sorry. I just didn't really feel like talking."

"Is something wrong, Sasuke–kun?" Ino asked with concern, looking at him nervously.

"No, I'm fine." Sasuke gave her a faint smile.

Ino blushed slightly and looked down shyly.

Naruto noticed Sasuke's unusual tone and was just about to say something, but then someone approached their table—cutting him off.

Kiba and Sakura looked surprised. Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

Naruto stared coldly at the figure who had arrived.

"Shino?! What do you want?"

"Come with me. I need to talk to you about something important."

"There's nothing to talk about, you bastard!" Kiba growled.

But Naruto stood up.

"Oi, Naruto!!" Kiba called out, startled.

"What do you want, Shino?" Naruto muttered coldly, his eyes sharp.

"Just follow me… unless you want those around you to get hurt," Shino said, glancing over at Sakura.

Sakura blinked, confused.

Naruto's eyes widened with shock. He grabbed Shino by the collar, fire in his eyes.

"Shouldn't we talk somewhere… more private?" Shino said calmly, staring at Naruto from behind his dark sunglasses.

"Tch…" Naruto let go of his collar, closed his eyes, and began walking with him.

"You're actually going with him?!" Kiba cried out in concern.

"Don't worry. He won't hurt me." Naruto smiled softly, then walked off with Shino, who looked completely indifferent.

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#Scene_Sixteen

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Shino's Plan

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#Naruto's Point of View

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We walked all the way to the back courtyard of the school. Shino kept glancing around as if being watched.

I didn't care—I just followed him until we entered the storage shed behind the school.

Once we were inside, I looked at him and asked, "So? What do you want, Shino?"

"Do you remember what I said during our fight about a looming threat?"

"Yeah…" I nodded, waiting for him to finish.

"That man is incredibly powerful—unfathomable. I want to bring him down… and I want your help."

My eyes shot wide open in shock.

But he wasn't going to fool me with this act.

"Are you joking with me right now?" I snapped.

"I'm not joking, Naruto." Shino's tone was calm and cold.

"I don't believe you. This has to be a trap to take me down."

"I risked my life just coming here to meet you, you idiot! I don't care about you personally—just that you're strong… and a useful ally right now."

What does he mean by "useful ally"?

I let him keep talking. He noticed I was listening and continued.

"That guy is the one after Sakura—not me. What I said back then was just a cover for him. He used me to take the blame from the Haruno clan."

"What do you mean by that? Explain it clearly."

"Why do you think I went after Sakura yesterday? Think, Naruto!"

My eyes widened as I realized it.

"To… assault her. That guy's been after Sakura from the start. You were just the scapegoat."

"Exactly! Naruto, your girlfriend is in danger. That's why I need your help to bring him down."

I stared at him, beginning to feel the truth in his words.

"What proof do you have? Why should I believe you?"

"I have no proof. In fact, I'd prefer you stay suspicious. Just be at the meeting place tonight—and then you can decide for yourself."

My thoughts were all over the place. Should I trust him?

"Who even is this guy? And why is he after Sakura?"

"His name is Jin. He's a second-year. Here—this is what he looks like."

Shino pulled out his phone and showed me a picture. It was him—the guy I bumped into this morning who had a photo of Sakura.

"So it was him. I thought I imagined how strong he was."

"What?! You ran into him? What did he look like? He usually hides his identity—no one's seen him clearly before."

"Really? Makes sense. He looked completely different—glasses, hair tied in a ponytail."

"Figures. That's why we couldn't identify him." Shino sighed.

"And the name?"

"'Jin' is his code name, of course."

"I see."

We both went silent for a moment until Shino broke it.

"Can I count on you to show up tonight, Naruto?"

"That depends on what your plan is."

"First—we'll kidnap Sakura."

I punched him hard in the face.

"Damn it, Naruto! At least hear me out first!" Shino wiped the blood and yelled.

"Forget it! I'm not agreeing to kidnapping Sakura–chan!"

"Just listen, then decide!"

"Like hell I'd agree to any plan that involves her being kidnapped!"

"But it's necessary if we want to win, you stubborn idiot!" Shino grabbed my collar and shouted.

"I don't care! I won't let you lay a hand on Sakura–chan!" I grabbed his collar.

"For the love of all that's unholy, just listen for a second!" Shino slammed his forehead against mine.

That was it. I was done.

I headbutted him back with full force.

Owwww… that hurt more than I thought!!

We both fell to the ground, groaning and clutching our heads in pain.

"Damn it, Naruto! You're the worst ally ever! Remind me never to rely on you again!"

"Fine by me! Your creepy plans don't suit me anyway!"

After a moment, we both sat in silence, looking down. I'd cooled off—I was ready to listen.

Shino seemed to notice and started explaining calmly.

"Alright. Here's the plan:

According to Jin's original idea, Sakura will use an excuse to stay the night out. That's when she'll be taken—then Jin will act as he pleases on the night of his eighteenth birthday."

I followed so far, waiting for the next part—Shino's counter-plan.

"I've already gathered loyal followers—about 40% of his gang. The numbers are more even now."

"At first, I planned to recruit the Red Demon of Konoha—but he's joined Jin, which only made things worse. Numbers won't matter if no one can stop Jin."

As he said that, he looked at me—and I swear I saw burning confidence and resolve in his eyes.

"I'm strong. I could probably take the Red Demon… but Jin is beyond me. But recently, I met a beast strong enough to face him."

"You mean… me?"

"Exactly. I still remember how you lost control like a wild beast when I mentioned your precious Sakura."

I turned away in embarrassment—I didn't deny it.

"By the way… who is the Red Demon?"

"Ah, right. He's one of the Four Demons—just a title."

"Explain."

"There are four prestigious high schools. Each one has its own gang of delinquents, and each gang is led by a 'Demon.' The Red Demon is the official leader of Konoha High's gang—and one of the top five strongest students in all of Japan."

I was stunned. Just how deep does this darkness go?

Even with the Akatsuki involved… there's still this entire underground hierarchy of power among high school delinquents?

Why am I getting pulled into all this?

It's like some hidden force is guiding me—like a puppet—into the shadows.

What else is waiting for me in the future?

I drifted into thought until Shino continued in a quiet voice.

"So Jin is ranked the number one high schooler in Japan. But I know you can beat him, Naruto. I believe in your strength."

"What makes you trust me that much? You wanted to kill me just yesterday."

"Because you're the one who defeated me. Isn't that enough?"

I was speechless.

"And… I don't know why, but I feel like I can trust you. Just don't tell me we knew each other in a past life—that's crazy."

I smiled softly.

"If we did… I'm guessing we were mortal enemies."

Shino smiled too.

"Yeah… probably."

My voice shifted to something more serious.

"Back to the plan. Go on."

Shino straightened up and explained.

"Right. With you on board, the excuse for Sakura's absence will be easier. After she's 'kidnapped' by me and Rock Lee, I want you to head to the abandoned building near the school. Around midnight will be the best time to strike."

He gave me the location clearly.

"If you can bring your two friends, that'd be great—they're strong too. The plan is: Rock Lee and I will start the assault and stall the Red Demon. We'll also try to weaken Jin—giving you a better shot."

"So I'm meant to join after the assault begins?"

"Exactly."

"I can't do that!"

"Worried about me? Don't be. No one but Jin or the Red Demon can beat me!"

I went quiet, looking away.

Will this plan actually work?

More importantly… even if I protect Sakura this time, will the darkness chasing her really stop?

I doubt it.

If that's the case, then I need to build power—my own power. Not from the Uzumaki or Namikaze legacies.

Mine.

I looked back at Shino, and he seemed to sense the shift in me.

With a calm but serious tone, I said:

"Got it. I'll let you make a mess until I get there, Shino."

Shino smirked.

"Already trying to take charge? You never stop surprising me, Naruto."

He shoved his hands in his pockets and added:

"Fine by me. Until Jin falls… you're our leader, Naruto.

You'll lead The Breakers."

I stood up quietly. We both reached out and shook hands.

And just like that—

My journey into the world of gangs… had begun.

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To Be Continued