Chapter 1: A Shinobi in the city
The sun was beginning its descent, painting the Osaka skyline in hues of orange and gold.
From his perch atop the towering Umeda Sky Building, Naruto surveyed the sprawling metropolis below. The urban tapestry, woven with gleaming skyscrapers and bustling streets, stretched as far as the eye could see.
A gentle breeze carried the scent of the Yodo River, a stark contrast to the familiar earthy aroma of the Naka River back home.
Home.
Konohagakure, The village hidden in the leaves.
A pang of longing struck Naruto's heart as he reminisced about the Hokage Rock, a silent sentinel that had watched over him since childhood.
Here, the Umeda Sky Building, with its futuristic architecture, stood as a testament to human ingenuity, a different kind of landmark in a different kind of world.
Even the iconic Osaka Castle, visible in the distance, couldn't quite evoke the same sense of awe as the Naka Shrine did when gazed at from the top of his father's face on the Hokage rock.
Naruto closed his eyes, the familiar scent of the Yodo River replaced by the earthy aroma of the Naka River, the lifeblood of Konohagakure.
He could almost hear the rustling leaves of the village's surrounding forests, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle that now surrounded him.
The image of the Hokage Rock, etched into his memory, surfaced in his mind's eye. It had always been a symbol of strength and leadership, a constant reminder of the dreams he had once chased with unwavering determination.
Despite the pangs of homesickness, Naruto found solace in the relative peace of Osaka.
The city's vibrant energy, its hidden alleyways and bustling markets, held a certain charm, but it was the quiet moments, the lulls in the urban symphony, that truly resonated with him.
Even with the occasional world conflict, this world was far removed from the near-constant wars that had ravaged the Elemental Nations.
This was the peaceful ideal he had hoped to achieve as the Seventh Hokage, a world where children could grow up without the shadow of war looming over them.
He hoped in his absence, that peace he had worked so hard to maintain would continue, the bonds of the people shining through to usher in an era of lasting peace like that enjoyed by the world he had found himself in.
'Was it truly worth it, Kawaki?' He wondered, but he shook his head and banished the thought as soon as it came.
With a sigh, Naruto opened his eyes, the orange glow surrounding his pupils burning brightly even in the fading light.
He adjusted his posture, his orange-black hoodie and black pants a stark contrast against the concrete rooftop. Beneath him, the seal, a complex tapestry of swirling lines and ancient symbols, pulsed with a faint luminescence as he poured his energy into it.
The seal thrummed with power, a vibrant heartbeat echoing through the twilight air. It pulsed once, twice, then faded, leaving behind a sense of disappointment.
"Failed again, huh?" Naruto muttered, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
He glanced at the setting sun, its fiery glow painting the horizon in a breathtaking display of color.
Evening would soon descend upon the city, casting long shadows and ushering in a sense of tranquility. A quick glance at his watch confirmed his observation.
"Time to head home," he said to himself, sighing in resignation at yet another failed attempt.
Standing up, he dusted himself off and tucked his hands into his pockets, taking a moment to appreciate the panoramic view one last time.
The city lights twinkled below, a mesmerizing dance of colors against the darkening sky. With a casual step, he walked off the edge of the building, his body plummeting towards the earth.
The wind whipped past him as he fell, the sensation of freefall exhilarating despite the familiarity.
After nearly a minute, he shifted his body, maneuvering himself to run parallel to the building's facade.
His speed increased with each stride, the glass a blur beneath his feet.
As he reached the base of the skyscraper, he pushed off with all his might, launching himself into the air like a human projectile. He soared through the orange burning sky enjoying the air as flew past his whiskered face.
Naruto landed with a practiced grace on the rooftop of another building, his momentum barely checked. He immediately broke into a dead sprint, his powerful legs propelling him towards the Kizu River with blurring speed. The cityscape whizzed past him, a vibrant tapestry of light and shadow.
Mid-stride, Naruto's body tensed, his senses tingling with a familiar unease.
He let out a resigned sigh, altering his course towards a sprawling construction site. The half-finished skeletal frame of a building loomed in the distance, a stark silhouette against the twilight sky.
"Another one of those creatures, huh?" Naruto muttered to himself, his voice a low rumble.
With a shrug, he gathered his chakra, leaping several stories in a single bound. His eyes, sharp and focused, scanned the unfinished floors, searching for the source of his unease. He landed lightly on a metal beam, his gaze sweeping across the empty concrete expanse.
There was nothing there, at least nothing that he could see.
Naruto stood motionless on the beam, his senses stretched to their limits.
The air crackled with an unseen energy, a subtle shift in the atmosphere that betrayed the presence of his quarry. A confident smile tugged at his lips as he raised his right hand, a swirling sphere of pure chakra forming in his palm.
"Let's get this over with!" he declared, his voice echoing through the unfinished structure.
A sudden surge in the air alerted him to an attack. With a swift pirouette, he twisted off the beam, his Rasengan poised to strike.
But the creature, whatever it was, proved elusive. His attack landed harshly on the beam he had been perched on, and the thing twisted as a large semi-spherical hole was instantly drilled on its surface.
Naruto clicked his tongue. "A slippery little spirit, aren't you?" he said, then looked worriedly at the destroyed metallic beam and said "Oi, I hope whoever this building belongs to doesn't find out and make me pay for that, spirit!"
He turned his head slightly, effortlessly dodging an unseen strike.
A flurry of attacks followed, each one met with a nonchalant sidestep or a graceful backflip. Naruto's movements were a blur, a dance of evasion that belied the seriousness of the situation.
Then, with a final twist and a triumphant grin, he declared, "Finally, that's dealt with." He turned away, his gaze drawn to the Kizu River, its waters shimmering like molten gold under the setting sun.
It wasn't very far, he realized.
"It was nice meeting you," Naruto said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth, as he turned to look at where he could sense the spirit that was gathering itself. "Hope you enjoy the Pure Lands."
A low thrum filled the air, followed by a sudden flash of light. Another Naruto, a perfect clone, landed at the empty space he was smiling at. This second Naruto held a Rasengan in his right hand, which he slammed into the empty space with a decisive cry.
"Rasengan!"
A garbled wail pierced the silence, the creature's voice echoing with frustration and despair. "The cinder blocks are too costly... we will use plaster..." The words dissolved into a final, mournful sigh, and the presence that had haunted the construction site vanished, leaving behind only the lingering echoes of its final lament, and a faint puff of smoke.
Shaking his head, Naruto sighed. "Why these stupid ghosts don't just move on is beyond me," he grumbled under his breath. "Who stays in the mortal world over a grudge about cinder blocks, anyway?"
Another glance at his watch and the rapidly setting sun confirmed his fears. "I'm gonna be late," he muttered, a hint of worry creeping into his voice.
Without a backward glance, he walked off the edge of the building again, his body a blur as he raced back towards the Kizu River.
He navigated the rooftops with practiced ease, his powerful legs propelling him across the urban landscape.
Within minutes, he arrived at a building overlooking the river, its waters shimmering like liquid gold in the fading light.
He paused for a moment, taking in the breathtaking view for a final time. Then, with a final leap, he plunged into the narrow alley below.
Dusting himself off, Naruto straightened his clothes and stepped out onto the street. He had finally reached his destination, a small 7-Eleven, its cheerful lights a beacon in the gathering dusk.
With his hands casually tucked into his pockets, Naruto strolled into the 7-Eleven, offering a friendly, "Hey, Yumi-san," to the cashier.
Yumi, a petite woman with a warm smile, brightened visibly at the sight of him. "Naruto-kun! Good to see you again." Despite the other customers milling about, she couldn't hide her delight at his arrival. He was a regular, after all, and their frequent interactions had blossomed into a pleasant acquaintance.
Naruto made his way to the instant ramen aisle, his eyes scanning the colorful array of options.
He plucked a packet of Miyazaki Karamen, the spicy orange one, and tossed it into his basket. "Not quite Ichiraku," he mused with a nostalgic smile, but it'll do in a pinch. Definitely beats those instant ramen packets back home.
He then grabbed a pack of Oyatsu Churoll Cinnamon Churros and a few other essentials from the aisles and went up front where Yumi was seated.
As Yumi rang up his purchases, she couldn't help but comment, "You know, Naruto-kun, I'm always surprised to see you buying this stuff. How do you stay in such great shape?"
Naruto chuckled, "I guess it's just good genes, Yumi-san. Can't explain it any other way."
Yumi laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "Well, whatever your secret is, it's working. Take care, Naruto-kun."
"You too, Yumi-san. See you around."
Naruto left the store, the familiar warmth of their exchange fading as he stepped back into the cool evening air. He let out a long sigh.
It was time to head to his apartment.
Naruto walked down the street, his pace leisurely as he approached the riverside apartment complex. The electronic door slid open, granting him access, and he rode the elevator up to the eleventh floor.
Taking a deep breath, he unlocked the apartment door and stepped inside. "I'm home!" he announced, his voice echoing through the quiet space.
"Welcome back, Father!" Himawari's cheerful voice responded from within.
Naruto's face lit up as he saw his daughter emerge from the hallway. He handed her the 7-Eleven bag, ruffling her hair affectionately.
Himawari peeked inside, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the cinnamon churros. "Thanks, Dad!" She paused, then looked up at him with a quizzical expression. "But why did you get ramen again?"
Naruto chuckled. "Hey, it might not be Ichiraku, but it's a decent second best."
Himawari gave him a deadpan look as he hung up his hoodie and kicked off his shoes. "I meant the ramen itself, Dad. It's not exactly healthy."
Naruto shrugged, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Can't help it, 'ttebayo."
Himawari snorted, a faint smile playing on her lips as her father's verbal tick showed itself again.
Naruto seized the opportunity to change the subject. "So, how was school today?"
"I got my biology results back," Himawari replied, her voice tinged with pride. "Highest in the grade."
"That's my girl!" Naruto beamed. "I knew you could do it."
Himawari's smile faltered slightly. "The captain's been bugging me again about joining the bokken and martial arts clubs."
"And?" Naruto prompted, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't want to," Himawari mumbled, heading towards the kitchen to fetch her father a glass of water. "It feels like cheating."
Naruto rolled his eyes playfully. "I know you don't use any chakra, during the classes Hima-chan. That's not cheating. You should join the clubs… they will be good for you" He accepted the glass from her, downing its contents in one gulp.
Himawari bit her lip. "I know what you're doing, Dad. We've had this conversation before. Just because I don't use chakra doesn't mean the others have a chance. They're barely better than..." Her voice trailed off, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Naruto sighed, his expression softening. "I know, Himawari. But I still think it would be good for you."
Himawari hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. "It just... it doesn't feel right," she whispered. "I can't."
Naruto sighed, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "We've been here for a while now, Himawari. And while I'm working on a way to get us back home, it's going to take time. I just... I don't want you to isolate yourself. It's not good for you."
Himawari's voice was barely a whisper. "I'm trying, Dad. I know you're trying too. But... it just feels like I'm replacing them all."
Naruto's smile was tinged with sadness. "You're not replacing anyone, Himawari. Making new friends..."
"Doesn't mean I'm replacing the old ones," Himawari finished his sentence for him. "I know that. But it still hurts."
Naruto pulled his daughter into a warm embrace, his large hand stroking her hair. "It's okay to hurt, Himawari. I understand." He released her, ruffling her hair affectionately. "You can take as long as you need. But I want you to at least try to get along with the people here, okay?"
Himawari bit her lip, then nodded slowly. "I'll try, Dad."
Himawari hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I'll think about it."
Naruto smiled at his daughter. "Good. Now, why don't you set the table? I'll be there in a minute. I need to say hi to your mother first."
Himawari nodded, a small smile gracing her lips as Naruto ruffled her hair one last time. She turned and headed back towards the kitchen, leaving Naruto alone in the hallway.
He approached the closed door at the back of the apartment, his hand hovering over the knob. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and pushed the door open.
A soft light bathed the room, illuminating the serene figure lying on the bed. Hinata, his beloved wife, looked as though she were merely asleep, her features relaxed and peaceful.
Her long, dark hair cascaded over the pillow, framing her delicate face. Even in her unconscious state, her beauty shone through, ethereal and angelic.
An IV drip snaked its way into her arm, and the gentle hum of medical equipment filled the quiet room.
Naruto's face broke into a cheerful grin. "Hey, Hinata," he said, his voice brimming with warmth. "Another seal design failed today, but don't worry, I'll get it eventually. I was working in Minato Ward this morning, you know? It's funny, having a place with the same name as my dad. It's a nice area, though. Makes me feel a little closer to him."
He settled into a chair beside the bed, taking Hinata's hand in his own. "Jun-san says the shipment from America is supposed to land in Minato Ward soon. America... can you imagine? It's supposed to be this huge country, way bigger than the Land of Fire. Crazy, right?"
"Osaka's quite something, Hinata," Naruto continued, his voice a gentle murmur in the tranquil room. "The food here is amazing, though nothing beats Ichiraku, of course. And the people... they're so polite and helpful. It's a bit of a change from the hustle and bustle of Konoha, but I'm starting to appreciate the slower pace."
He paused, a fond smile gracing his lips. "You'd love it here, Hinata. The temples, the gardens... it's all so beautiful. I even went to Nara Park the other day. The nature chakra there is so pure, it's almost like I am back in mount Myoboku! And the deer! You wouldn't believe the deer there! Hima-chan loved them. They're practically ninjas, the way they sneak up on you for food. Shikamaru would have a field day with them."
"Himawari's doing great, Hinata," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "She's settlede in really well, after all these years. I know you'd be so proud of her." Tears welled up in his eyes, but his smile remained unwavering. "She got the highest score in her biology class today. Top of her grade."
He squeezed Hinata's hand gently. "Please wake up soon, Hinata. But there's no rush. Take all the time you need. Who knows, maybe by the time you do, we'll be back home in Konoha. Wouldn't that be something?"
The conversation continued a one-sided outpouring of love and longing. Naruto spoke for what felt like hours, sharing his hopes, his fears, and his dreams for the future. Finally, with a final kiss on Hinata's forehead, he whispered, "Goodbye for now, Hinata. I love you."
Naruto gently rose from his chair and quietly closed the door to Hinata's room, a bittersweet smile lingering on his lips.
Just as he turned to leave, Himawari's voice called from the hallway. "Dad! The food's ready, and the show's about to start!"
Naruto's smile returned, full and genuine. "Coming, Himawari! Did you heat up the ramen?"
"What? No, dad! It's the leftovers from what you cooked last night. Ramen is not good for you!" Naruto chuckled at her concern, but couldn't help teasing her a little.
"You know I can sense you munching on those churros right?!"
A brief moment of silence followed, and Naruto could practically feel Himawari scrambling to hide the evidence.
"I don't know what you're talking about dad!" her muffled voice replied, "A-anyway, the show is about to start!"
Naruto shook his head, a fond smile playing on his lips.
He knew he was wrapped around his daughter's little finger, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜ ꩜
(A/N)
This is a plot bunny I have been playing around with. I hope you all like it!
— New chapter is coming soon — Write a review
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