Naruto: Different Path

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The world of shinobi is inherently cruel. After a brief pause, Naruto's Raijin Sword began glowing again. 

Though the enemy's blood would never taint it, its killing intent was anything but weak. 

Danzo, who had grown accustomed to such scenes, wasted no time and charged forward when he confirmed that the Blood Demon had been defeated. 

Compared to Danzo, Naruto's efficiency in eliminating enemies was significantly higher.

The battlefield was chaos as shinobi clashed in fierce combat. Naruto moved like a streak of lightning, his Raijin Sword emanating terrifying power. 

None of the remaining enemies could withstand him. 

Occasionally, Naruto threw volleys of kunai, and wherever they landed, no Mist ninja was left alive. 

It didn't take long for the Mist shinobi to realize the horror of facing Naruto, prompting over twenty of them to band together. 

These trained individuals quickly formed hand seals and unleashed a powerful technique: Water Style: Super Water Prison.

Naruto felt the water surge upward around him, forming a massive sphere that attempted to trap him inside. 

Smirking, he said, "It's true that coordinated ninjutsu can be effective against a powerful enemy, but it needs to be the right kind of jutsu." 

In an instant, kunai shot out at blinding speed, giving the Mist shinobi no time to react. 

Naruto followed with a sweeping strike from his enlarged Raijin Sword. 

All but one of the twenty were cut down, and the lone survivor barely had time to process his escape before a flash of lightning ended his life.

The Yamanaka clan's signature communication jutsu proved invaluable in coordinating the Leaf forces amidst the chaos. 

Following Yamanaka's relayed orders, the Leaf shinobi withdrew to their fortifications. 

This move seemed logical to the Mist, as the Leaf traditionally struggled in aquatic battles. 

Meanwhile, Naruto replenished his Sage Chakra, created two shadow clones, and activated Lightning Hell again. 

Although the Mist shinobi tried to distance themselves, the vast range of Naruto's jutsu made escape futile. 

Those too close were instantly annihilated. 

After his attack, Naruto noticed that the strongest Mist shinobi, save for the now-defeated Blood Demon, were nowhere to be found. 

The looming shadow of death drained the morale of the Mist forces, many of whom began retreating. 

This triggered a domino effect, leading to a mass rout. Mist ninjas fled in a panic, desperate to escape. 

Seeing this, Danzo immediately ordered a pursuit, and the Leaf forces surged forward with renewed morale, overwhelming the fleeing enemies.

This pursuit became a massacre, with little risk of casualties on the victor's side. Yet, something felt off to Naruto. 

Neither the Mizukage nor the Mist's elite shinobi had appeared on the battlefield. It was too convenient. 

Sensing a potential trap, Naruto paused his attack and activated Sage Mode to sense his surroundings, searching for signs of a greater scheme.

The Mist forces fled toward the coastline, with the Leaf shinobi in relentless pursuit. 

However, upon reaching what should have been a sandy shore, the Leaf forces found themselves facing a massive dam-like structure. 

Atop the dam stood the Mizukage, surrounded by her elites, including Chojuro. 

The Mizukage declared, "Danzo, Black Flash, I never imagined the Mist would lose so thoroughly." 

"However, this chase ends here! Chojuro, once our forces cross the dam, break it open!"

Danzo assessed the dam, realizing that the Mist must have used Earth-Style ninjutsu to construct the structure, creating a reservoir filled with seawater. 

Finding Earth-style users to build such a structure was plausible for a great nation like the Mist. 

Transporting water likely involved the Mizukage and her water-style experts working gradually.

Once the Mist forces crossed, Chojuro detonated explosive tags planted on the dam, unleashing a deluge of seawater upon the Leaf forces. 

While the water lacked the concentrated impact of a jutsu, the sheer volume created a tsunami-like effect, covering a vast area. 

This effectively halted the Leaf's pursuit. As the flood rushed toward them, the Leaf shinobi braced themselves for the worst.

Naruto, however, quickly acted. He summoned two shadow clones and rapidly formed hand seals. 

"Sage Art: Earth Wall Barrage," he declared. Reinforced by Sage Chakra, thick earthen walls rose in succession, forming a protective barrier that encircled the forward Leaf forces. 

The floodwaters crashed against the walls but failed to break through, sparing the trapped shinobi from being swept away.

Danzo remarked, "I almost forgot that you can use Earth-Style too. But the Mizukage still managed to escape," he said, casting Naruto a meaningful glance.

Naruto replied, "Danzo-sama, achieving this result is already a great victory."

Another shinobi approached, adding, "That's right, Danzo-sama. After all the hardship we've endured, this victory is nothing short of extraordinary." 

The speaker wasn't part of the ANBU, so he spoke without fear of Danzo. 

His words resonated with the other Leaf shinobi, who soon joined in agreement, cheering for the victory.

Naruto, known as "Black Flash", became the centre of their admiration. 

Many lifted him in celebration, chanting his name as the hero who turned the tide of the battle. 

Even some ANBU joined in, seemingly forgetting Danzo's presence.

After a brief jubilation, Danzo called for order and began organizing the retreat to the Leaf Village. 

Naruto, not Danzo's subordinate, had the freedom to move independently, though he couldn't help but reflect on the significance of the battle and the sacrifices made to achieve this victory.

In the Hokage's office, Tsunade had returned to Konoha and resumed her duties as the Fifth Hokage. 

Sitting with her was Jiraiya, who seemed preoccupied despite his usual laid-back demeanour. 

Kakashi and the others had already been assigned new missions by Tsunade, as there weren't many idle shinobi during such a turbulent time.

Noticing Jiraiya's unusual expression, Tsunade put down the document she was reviewing and said, "Jiraiya, are you worried about Naruto?"

Before she could finish, Jiraiya interrupted her. 

"No, not at all! As the legendary Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku, my most exceptional disciple can handle anything." 

"A situation like this is nothing to him. Naruto will return unscathed!"

Tsunade and even Shizune, standing nearby, couldn't help but roll their eyes at Jiraiya's exaggerated confidence.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Reflexively, Jiraiya leapt up from his chair and opened the door in one swift motion. 

Standing there was Shikaku Nara.

Jiraiya sighed. "Oh, it's just you again."

Shikaku smirked and replied, "Jiraiya-sama, it seems I've disappointed you once more. Your eagerness to see Naruto is showing."

Before Jiraiya could retort, another voice spoke from behind Shikaku. "Jiraiya-sensei, are you waiting for me?"

Jiraiya immediately recognized that voice as Naruto's. Shoving past Shikaku, Jiraiya faced Naruto, his expression brightening. 

"Naruto, just as I thought! You've come back without a scratch. As expected of my most talented disciple! Hahaha!"

After exchanging a few words with Jiraiya, Naruto approached Tsunade and said, "Lady Hokage, I have something important to report regarding this last battle."

Hearing this, Shizune and Shikaku tactfully excused themselves. 

Though both were trusted confidants of Tsunade, some matters required strict confidentiality.

Naruto left alone with Tsunade and Jiraiya, began, "The Mist Village has suffered significant losses in this battle." 

"Although Konoha also faced casualties, the outcome was a decisive victory for us." 

"However, what caught my attention wasn't the Mist but our own. Danzo has transplanted Uchiha Shisui's right eye and is capable of using Kotoamatsukami."

"What?!" Tsunade and Jiraiya exclaimed in unison.

Tsunade slammed her desk in anger. "He can use Kotoamatsukami, the ultimate genjutsu?!" 

"That Danzo… He's been hiding far too much from us! We need answers. If he were to use Kotoamatsukami on Konoha's people, it could be catastrophic!"

Seeing Tsunade's growing frustration, Naruto quickly interjected, "Please don't worry too much, Lady Hokage." 

"Danzo's intentions, while extreme, are ultimately for the sake of Konoha. His methods are just… unconventional."

Tsunade fell silent, contemplating Naruto's words. 

She had heard similar sentiments before, but the thought of a jutsu as dangerous as Kotoamatsukami being in Danzo's hands was deeply unsettling.

After a moment, Tsunade asked, "How did the Mist shinobi counter Kotoamatsukami? Or did Danzo refrain from using it entirely?"

Naruto replied, "I had Danzo send a Mist prisoner back to Konoha. Has he arrived?"

Tsunade thought for a moment. "The interrogation department mentioned a prisoner Danzo had sent over." 

"I've been too busy to review the full report. Does this prisoner have something to do with it?"

Naruto nodded. "This individual possesses a Byakugan—spoils of war highly prized by the Mist."

This revelation stunned Tsunade, and she immediately searched for relevant reports. 

After repeatedly confirming the details, she stormed out of the office, shouting, "Shizune, prepare to head to the interrogation department immediately!"

Understanding Tsunade's urgency, Shizune quickly followed her, leaving Naruto and Jiraiya alone. 

Sharing a resigned glance, Naruto said, "Jiraiya-sensei, I'll leave the rest to you. I need some rest after everything." 

With that, Naruto vanished, clearly needing recuperation after the relentless battles.

With most of the major nations having suffered defeats, a period of calm seemed likely. 

Even the reinforcements from the Land of Wind had returned home. For now, peace was within reach.

During this respite, Tsunade refrained from assigning Naruto additional tasks, allowing him to finally relax. 

However, news of Naruto's battlefield exploits had already spread throughout Konoha, elevating his status to that of a hero. 

Villagers sought his autograph or photos wherever he went, to the point where Naruto had to use the Transformation Jutsu just to grab a meal in peace.

Despite his fame, Naruto still preferred spending time with his old friends. 

Yet, given the ongoing missions, even arranging a simple meal with them was challenging. 

Determined, Naruto convinced most of them to attend a dinner party at Konoha's largest inn.

As the host, Naruto waited eagerly for his friends. The first to arrive was Kiba, who entered with Akamaru by his side. 

"Naruto, you've become a hero of Konoha, but I won't lose to you!" Kiba declared confidently.

Soon after, Hinata and Shino arrived together. While Shino remained quiet, Hinata blushed deeply upon seeing Naruto.

Next came Sakura and Ino, both friendly rivals and students of Tsunade. They arrived simultaneously, bickering as usual. 

Sakura cheerfully greeted Naruto, "I heard you're treating us tonight, so of course, I had to come!" She then took a seat beside him.

One by one, the rest of the group arrived—Rock Lee, Tenten, Neji, Choji, Shikamaru, and others. 

As everyone gathered, Choji wasted no time devouring the grilled meat, a sight everyone had grown used to.

Shikamaru, in his usual laid-back manner, remarked, "What a drag. But Choji insisted I come, so here I am."

Ino quickly chimed in, "Don't say that, Shikamaru! Naruto went out of his way to bring us all together. It's not a hassle at all!"

Rock Lee declared enthusiastically, "Naruto, we've heard about your achievements on the frontlines." 

"We Genin haven't been allowed to fight there yet, but I promise to train even harder and surpass you!" 

He then launched into a speech about youth, much to Tenten's exasperation.

Neji added calmly, "Naruto, I'm impressed by how strong you've become in such a short time."

Naruto humbly replied, "I've just taken the lead for now. With hard work, I'm sure all of you can achieve even greater things."

The group's reunion was lively and filled with laughter. Despite their different personalities, the camaraderie created a warm and cheerful atmosphere.

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