Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

The morning after Naruto and his team returned to Konoha, those who had participated in the pursuit gathered at the hospital.

Choji, Kiba, and Naruto were all hospitalized. Among them, Naruto's condition was the most severe. His battle with Sasuke had pushed him to the brink—he had drawn on the Nine-Tails' chakra to increase his strength, but the tailed beast's corrosive energy had left him gravely injured. Combined with Sasuke's attacks, his body was wrapped entirely in bandages, looking like a mummy.

For an ordinary person, such injuries might have been fatal. Only Naruto's extraordinary resilience had allowed him to survive.

Choji and Kiba, on the other hand, had mostly recovered after a night of rest. The group had now gathered in Naruto's ward to reflect on the mission.

"I'm sorry, everyone. It's my fault we couldn't bring Sasuke back," Naruto said, his head bowed, his voice filled with regret.

"No, everyone did their best," Shikamaru interjected quickly. He had witnessed Naruto's fight with Sasuke at the Valley of the End. If not for seeing it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed such a battle could happen between two Genin. Compared to Naruto's effort, Shikamaru felt his own performance as a newly promoted Chunin was far more lacking. He had been knocked out almost instantly, unable to make any significant contribution.

"I think we all felt it," Shikamaru continued. "Our opponents were extraordinarily strong, far beyond the level of ordinary ninjas."

This mission had been his first as a Chunin squad leader, and it had ended in failure. After carefully reviewing every detail of the mission, he concluded that given their level of strength at the time, there was no better strategy to ensure success. Even if each team member had taken on an opponent one-on-one, they would have been overpowered and defeated.

His gaze shifted toward Kirito, who stood silently by the wall. Shikamaru couldn't help but wonder about him.

Shikamaru had observed that Kirito, though a clone during the mission, had immense power. He could have eliminated the Sound Four without much effort, yet he seemed to hold back.

Why would he do that? Shikamaru thought. It doesn't make sense for him to intentionally let Sasuke leave.

Kirito had always been kind and protective toward the younger ninjas. From helping Team Seven in the Forest of Death to supporting Sasuke in suppressing the curse mark, his actions showed care and a sense of responsibility. Even during the mission, he had intervened against Kimimaro to save Shikamaru and Naruto.

Perhaps there were limits to what Kirito's clone could do, or perhaps he had been concerned about something unknown. Unable to piece it together, Shikamaru could only speculate.

"But in the end, the truth is that we're too weak," Shikamaru admitted. The strength gap between them and their opponents had been too vast. Reflecting on Naruto and Sasuke's fight only solidified this realization in his mind.

"Next time we meet, I won't lose again," Choji said, munching on a bag of chips as if to punctuate his determination.

"That's right," Kiba added, holding Akamaru tightly. "We'll bring Sasuke back next time."

Naruto, looking at the scratched forehead protector in his hand, clenched his fist. "I'll bring Sasuke back, no matter what."

At that moment, a knock at the door broke the mood. Tsunade entered, with Sakura trailing behind her.

"Good, everyone's here," Tsunade remarked, scanning the room.

"Grandma Tsunade! Sakura!" Naruto's eyes lit up at the sight of them before quickly dimming with guilt. "Sakura... I'm sorry. I couldn't bring Sasuke back."

"Why are you apologizing to me?" Sakura asked gently, walking to the window and pulling open the curtains to let sunlight flood the room. "Looking at you, all wrapped up like this, it's obvious you gave it your all."

"Sakura, I made a promise—a lifetime promise. I'll bring Sasuke back, no matter what. That's my ninja way!" Naruto declared, his voice filled with conviction as sunlight illuminated his determined face.

Sakura, moved by his unwavering determination, reflected inwardly. Have I been too weak? Too reliant on Naruto and Sasuke? She resolved to change, to become stronger, and to stop being the one always left behind.

"Thank you, Naruto," Sakura said softly. His resolve had not only strengthened her belief in him but also inspired her to grow.

Meanwhile, Shikamaru approached Tsunade. "I'm sorry, Hokage-sama. I failed to bring Sasuke back."

Tsunade shook her head. "No, you've done well, Shikamaru. To return safely with your team alive is an accomplishment in itself. Your mission was far more difficult than any of you were prepared for. You showed great leadership."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Shikamaru replied, bowing.

Turning to Kirito, who had remained quiet throughout, Tsunade said, "Kirito, come to my office later. There are things I need to discuss with you."

Her interest in Kirito had been piqued after reading Shizune and Shikamaru's reports. His abilities—possessing Byakugan, Ice Release, Lava Release, and even Wood Release—were remarkable, yet his origins remained a mystery.

In the records left by the Third Hokage, Kirito's history before joining the academy was almost nonexistent, save for vague mentions of disputes with the Hyuga clan. At first glance, his career seemed normal, but now it was clear that "normal" was far from the truth.

What was the Third Hokage thinking? Tsunade wondered. She intended to dig deeper into Kirito's background, especially since she was considering taking him on as an apprentice. Understanding him was imperative.

"Yes," Kirito replied simply, showing no resistance. For him, as long as his greatest secrets remained hidden, he had nothing to fear.

As the conversation ended, Naruto and the others began discussing their plans to train and grow stronger, their spirits reignited despite their defeat.

Kirito stood silently, observing. The longer I remain here, the more deeply entrenched I become. They'll adapt to me, just as I've adapted to them.

The mission had failed, but for Kirito, this was just another step in his journey.

(End of Chapter)

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