SHINOBI EXAM

Sasuke scoffed, crossing his arms. "Idiot, is this really the time to focus on that?"

Even the Third Hokage seemed startled. The voice of the orange-haired Akatsuki leader bore an uncanny resemblance to his old teacher.

Senju Tobirama, the Second Hokage, sighed, his tone laced with irritation. "You fool! Just because someone sounds like me doesn't mean I'd destroy Konoha! My brother built this village with his blood, sweat, and tears! You're even dumber than Hashirama!"

Naruto blinked, confused. "Huh? Why am I being scolded?"

"Uzumaki... Naruto..."

Gaara, his expression unreadable, stared at the blonde ninja. The images replayed in his mind: a future where he stood alongside this boy, fighting for their friends and the ninja world. A future where someone, for the first time, truly understood him.

Naruto noticed Gaara's gaze and tilted his head. Their eyes locked, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as though the pain of their shared loneliness eased slightly.

Suddenly, a high-pitched scream broke the tension.

"Ahhhh! Gaara-sama is so cool!"

Naruto frowned, puffing out his cheeks. "What's so great about that kid anyway?"

"Then why were you staring at him like that?" Sasuke muttered, rolling his eyes.

Naruto's face flushed. "Shut up, Sasuke! Don't remind me!"

---

Temari's Reflection

Onscreen, Temari smiled warmly.

"You've grown up wonderfully, Gaara."

Temari, watching from reality, bit her lip. Could she and Kankuro truly see Gaara in such a light? Could they move past their fear of him to feel pride in him as both their brother and the Kazekage?

In her heart, she hoped so.

---

The Future's Potential

The video continued to show the camaraderie among ninja.

"Although it's troublesome, remember your comrades' scent clearly," Kiba said onscreen. "Bet on the Inuzuka family's sense of smell!"

"That's me and sis!" Kiba exclaimed, pointing at the screen excitedly.

The image shifted to Gaara taking a commanding step forward.

"Anyone who agrees with me, follow me!"

Under the majestic music, a tide of unity swept through the shinobi.

The screen then turned black.

The magical projection vanished.

Naruto jumped to his feet. "Hey! What gives? Why wasn't I in that scene?!"

Sakura frowned. "I didn't see Sasuke-kun either."

"Humph!" Naruto crossed his arms. "That Gaara kid just stole the show!"

From the corner of his eye, Naruto noticed Gaara's contemplative expression.

"Uzumaki... Naruto..." Gaara spoke hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Huh? What is it now?" Naruto asked, scratching the back of his head.

"Who... are you?" Gaara's gaze bore into him, as if searching for answers.

Naruto stared back, confused but intrigued.

"Is it true... the things in that image?" Gaara finally asked.

Naruto grinned, his usual carefree demeanor returning. "I don't know if that's really the future, but if a friend is in trouble, I'll do everything I can to help! Crying and stuff though? Let's not talk about that—it's too embarrassing!"

Gaara fell silent, his mind racing.

---

The Second Hokage's Wisdom

Senju Tobirama cleared his throat, his authoritative voice cutting through the chatter.

"I can tell you this," he began. "The future has already shifted since my return. The Fourth Great Ninja War may not even occur as we saw. But there is one undeniable truth: there are nine tailed beasts, and therefore, nine Jinchūriki."

Gaara stiffened. Nine others like him?

"Jinchūriki bear a heavy burden," Tobirama continued, his tone somber. "Even my sister-in-law, Uzumaki Mito, suffered greatly after sealing the Nine-Tails within herself to protect the village. She lived her life with courage, enduring loneliness and pain few could understand."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Second Hokage... you..."

Tobirama turned to him, his expression unwavering. "You Jinchūriki are not weapons. You are heroes. You will shape the future of this ninja world."

Naruto and Gaara stood speechless, the weight of those words sinking in.

---

Konoha's Strategy

Snapping out of his reverie, Tobirama began issuing orders.

"Sarutobi, summon the other advisors. Koharu, Homura... and where's Danzo?"

The Third Hokage sighed. "Danzo's not here at the moment, Sensei."

"Figures," Tobirama muttered. "No matter. We must act swiftly. Prepare for a Five Kage Summit. The other villages will be scrambling for answers after seeing Akatsuki's plans. We need to act before they do."

"Understood," Hiruzen replied.

Turning to a nearby Jōnin, Tobirama added, "Continue the Chūnin Exams. Diplomatic relations with other villages are crucial, and canceling them now would show weakness."

The Jōnin nodded and hurried off to relay the orders.

---

Naruto's Resolve

Meanwhile, Naruto scratched his head, still trying to process everything.

"Man, this is getting intense," he muttered. "But no matter what, I'll keep pushing forward! Believe it!"

Sasuke smirked faintly. "You'd better. You've got a lot of catching up to do."

Naruto glared at him. "Oh yeah? Just wait, Sasuke! I'll prove I'm stronger than you someday!"

As their bickering continued, Gaara watched quietly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

For the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of hope.

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