ALL NOVEL Chapter 6: 6
Chapter 10
As Naruto stood in front of the fallen Kurama, his breathing steady but heavy, a strange warmth filled the air. Suddenly, two glowing figures emerged from the shadows of his inner world, Minato and Kushina. Their presence radiated a soft light, tinged with bittersweet sadness.
"Naruto," Kushina cried, rushing forward to envelop him in a bone-crushing hug.
"W-Wait, Mom" Naruto barely managed before a cough wracked his body. Blood spattered the ground as his knees gave way, and he collapsed in her arms. His face turned alarmingly pale.
Kushina gasped, eyes wide in panic. "Oh no! My baby boy is dead!" she cried dramatically, shaking him lightly.
Minato, standing a few paces away, rubbed the back of his head with a chuckle. "Kushina, I think you're overreacting. He's just passed out."
Still clutching Naruto, Kushina glared at her husband, tears brimming in her eyes.
Their attention turned to Kurama, who lay weakly nearby, his massive body heaving with each breath. Despite his condition, a chuckle rumbled from his throat.
"Don't worry, Yondaime," Kurama rasped. "I won't cause trouble again. It's safer for me here inside the boy. Besides, I've no desire to be hunted again."
Minato's expression turned serious as he considered the fox's words. He knew what Kurama meant, remaining sealed inside Naruto, meant he will be safe from the masked Uchiha.
---
For what felt like hours, Naruto and his parents talked. They spoke of the past, shared stories, and offered advice for the future.
As the light surrounding them began to dim, Minato placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Our time is running out."
Kushina's voice trembled as she cupped Naruto's cheek. "Naruto, remember, eat well, take care of yourself, and don't let anyone push you around, dattebane!"
Naruto grinned, tears threatening to fall. "I promise, Mom."
Minato smiled. "You've made us proud, Naruto. And you'll continue to. You're stronger than you realize."
As their forms began to fade, Kushina leaned in and kissed Naruto's forehead. "We love you, Naruto. Always."
"Love you too..." Naruto whispered as the glow vanished, leaving him alone.
---
With his parents gone, Naruto turned to Kurama, who still lay on the ground, his breaths shallow.
Naruto took a deep breath, his gaze softening. He closed his eyes and imagined the inner world transforming lush greenery replaced the barren ground, and vibrant energy filled the air. Kurama's wounds healed in an instant.
Kurama blinked, looking around in mild surprise before his gaze settled on Naruto.
Naruto walked up to him, a determined look in his eyes, and extended a hand. "Hey, let's be buddies."
The Nine-Tails studied him silently, the sage's words echoing in his mind: "The one to bridge the gap will be someone like no other." Could this boy truly be the one?
Setting the thought aside, Kurama let out a low chuckle and raised a massive paw, offering Naruto a fist bump. "We'll see, brat."
Naruto chuckled, bumping his fist against Kurama's.
Suddenly, Kyōkotsu appeared atop Kurama's head, grinning mischievously. "Now that we're friends, how about a game of hide-and-seek?"
Kurama stared at her, dumbfounded. "Hide? Where exactly do you expect me to..."
Naruto grinned. "No problem!" He imagined Kurama shrinking, his massive form condensing until he resembled a fluffy, fox-sized version of himself.
Kurama growled. "You've got to be kidding me."
---
When Naruto awoke, his body felt heavy, but he forced himself out of bed. Stumbling into the living room, he found Asuma, Choji, and Ino sitting with Shikamaru.
Asuma greeted him with a casual wave. "Good afternoon, Naruto."
Naruto yawned as he returned the greeting.
Ino smirked. "Sleeping in again? Honestly, you're so lazy!"
Naruto scratched his head. "It's my day off. Can't I enjoy it?"
Choji chuckled. "We just got back from a mission. D-rank. Had to help an old lady move furniture."
Shikamaru sighed. "What a drag. Still, I'd take that over anything serious."
Naruto slumped onto the couch. "You and me both, bro."
Asuma chuckled, lighting a cigarette. "You two are way too alike."
Ino crossed her arms, feigning annoyance. "You both could be a little more enthusiastic for a change."
Naruto waved her off and headed to the kitchen.
---
While Team 7 continued their endless cycle of chores, Kakashi focused on refining their teamwork. Sakura, lagging behind, was pushed to improve her stamina and taijutsu.
Kakashi eventually introduced the tree-climbing exercise to enhance their chakra control. Naruto, however, sat to the side, reclining against a tree.
Sakura frowned. "Why aren't you training?"
Kakashi glanced at her lazily. "The Nara kids learn chakra control early. It's essential for the Shadow Possession Jutsu."
Naruto smirked. "Perks of being a Nara, I guess."
In their downtime, Kakashi and Naruto bonded over Icha-Icha, much to the annoyance of Sakura and Sasuke, who couldn't stand their odd bromance.
---
Kakashi, Guy, and Kurenai were assigned an escort mission for Lord Kaemon, a wealthy merchant. During his travels, Kaemon had lost his men to an ambush and narrowly survived thanks to Konoha's Anbu.
At Kakashi's request, Naruto joined the mission, which Hiruzen approved without hesitation.
When Kakashi arrived at the Nara household, Naruto sighed. "I've got a bad feeling about this."
Kakashi grinned. "Good instincts."
---
At the village gates, Naruto met Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai, and Lord Kaemon. The merchant, visibly shaken, had the demeanor of a man haunted by death. Naruto attempted to lighten the mood with jokes, but Kaemon remained distant.
As they traveled, Guy's boundless energy clashed with Naruto's lazy attitude. "Come now, Naruto! Youthful energy is the key to success!"
Naruto yawned. "No thanks. I'm conserving energy."
Their banter drew laughter from Kakashi and exasperated sighs from Kurenai, who focused on scouting ahead.
---
At night, the team rested cautiously, with Guy's vigilance countering the oppressive gloom of their surroundings. However, unease buzzed in Naruto's gut as they crossed a narrow bridge the next day.
Signs of battle littered the area, shattered weapons, bloodstains, and torn tents, a grim reminder of Kaemon's previous ambush.
Three figures appeared on the other side.
Naruto stepped forward, his expression calm. "Do we really have to fight? Can't we settle this peacefully?"
Kazuo chuckled, raising his firearm. "Afraid not, kid." He fired without hesitation, but Naruto intercepted the bullets with his blades.
Naruto sighed, muttering under his breath.
Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind. "Lazy brat?"
Naruto smirked. "The gunman's mine."
Without waiting for permission, Naruto lunged at Kazuo.
---
Ryuji cracked his knuckles, grinning. "Guess that leaves me the green spandex guy!"
Guy responded with a gleam in his eye. "Youth versus brute strength? I'll take that challenge!"
As the battle erupted, Kakashi faced Haruka, leaving Kurenai to guard Kaemon.
"Why are you targeting lord Kaemon?" Kakashi demanded.
Haruka remained silent, a cryptic smile playing on her lips.
---
Back with Naruto, he sprinted ahead, leading Kazuo away from the group. "Let's make this fun. So tell me pal what is your opinion on games," Naruto said, spinning his blades.
Kazuo smirked. "Games, huh? You think this is a game, brat?"
Naruto's grin widened. "Life's a game. You just need to know how to play."
Kazuo's eyes narrowed as he raised his weapon. "Then let's see if you're ready for the final level."
Tbc