The moment Yagura Karatachi materialized behind him, Naruto sensed it. Before that coral-covered palm could even complete its swing, a contemptuous smile spread across Naruto's massive face.
Without turning his head, Naruto's voice boomed across the battlefield. "Yagura Karatachi, did you really think your Water Mirror copied all my strength?" His tone dripped with mockery. "Did you think this is as big as I get?"
"Iron Body Technique—full release!"
The words had barely left his mouth when Naruto's body surged upward. In the span of a single breath, his form exploded from fifty meters to over one hundred, towering above the plaza like a living mountain. He was more than double the size of the mirror-copy still fighting below.
His fist, already in motion from fighting the duplicate, reversed direction. The punch that had been aimed at his clone redirected with impossible speed, intercepting Yagura's attacking palm mid-strike.
The Coral Palm was Yagura's signature technique in partial Tailed Beast form. Anyone struck by it would sprout coral growths across their body—not just devastating damage, but complete immobilization as the coral spread through flesh and bone.
But Yagura Karatachi had completely underestimated Naruto's true strength. He'd overestimated what his Water Mirror could replicate.
The instant their attacks met, Yagura's pupils contracted to pinpricks. The Naruto before him had grown impossibly large. That first enlarged fist obliterated the Water Mirror's creation in a single devastating blow, shattering it into cascading water. Then that same fist continued its trajectory without slowing.
Coming straight for him.
I'm going to die. The thought materialized in Yagura's mind with absolute certainty. Not fear, not hope—just cold recognition. This punch will kill me.
It was the last coherent thought Yagura Karatachi would ever have.
His coral-covered palm met Naruto's fist. The collision was eerily silent at first. Then Yagura watched in mounting horror as his palm simply... collapsed. The coral shattered. The flesh beneath disintegrated. The bone turned to powder.
The destruction didn't stop.
It traveled up his arm. His shoulder vanished. Half his torso evaporated. Then his entire body, consumed by the overwhelming force.
Even his tail, writhing with Tailed Beast chakra, couldn't withstand it.
Yagura Karatachi disappeared from the world completely. The Three-Tails Isobu, sealed within his body, didn't even have a chance to struggle before it too was obliterated by that single punch.
Though according to Tailed Beast nature, the Three-Tails wouldn't die permanently. Somewhere, sometime in the near future, it would reform in another location. But for now, both Jinchūriki and Beast were gone.
Naruto looked down. Across the plaza, every ninja from Yagura's faction lay sprawled on the ground with swollen faces and broken bones, groaning in pain. His shadow clones had completed their work. With a thought, Naruto released the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.
Tens of thousands of clones dispersed in puffs of smoke, their memories and experiences flooding back into the original. The feedback made Naruto's Iron Body transformation flicker and fade. His massive form condensed back down to his normal height and build.
He turned toward the perimeter where Terumi Mei's forces maintained their encirclement. "It's done, Lady Terumi Mei."
Terumi Mei felt joy surge through her chest, but it came mixed with complicated emotions. Naruto was terrifyingly strong. One person overthrowing an entire ninja village single-handedly. If he ever turned to evil, who could possibly stop him?
Fortunately, she knew Naruto well enough. He wouldn't kill innocent people indiscriminately. The proof lay scattered across the plaza—except for Yagura Karatachi himself, not a single Kirigakure ninja had died. Beaten, yes. Bones broken, absolutely. But alive.
Around her, Chojuro, Ao, and the other Kirigakure rebels seemed to be moving in a dream. Who would have thought a single person could win what should have been a civil war?
One person equaling an entire nation's military force. It defied everything they knew about warfare.
Only Zabuza and Haku maintained composed expressions. In their understanding, Naruto simply had no rivals in this world.
Terumi Mei's face broke into a radiant smile. She immediately began issuing orders to her forces—secure the defeated ninja, treat their injuries, prepare for transitional governance. Her subordinates moved with relieved smiles, going about their tasks while sneaking respectful, awed glances at Naruto.
What they respected was his strength. What they feared was also his strength.
"Thank you, Naruto." Terumi Mei approached him, her voice carrying genuine sincerity as she bowed. "I mean that from the bottom of my heart."
Naruto waved dismissively. "You're welcome, Sister Terumi Mei. But you paid me for this job. I'm just fulfilling my end of the contract."
"Even so." Terumi Mei straightened, then bowed again—this time at a full ninety degrees. "You did everything yourself. Not a single person on our side was killed or injured. I'll remember this kindness."
A gleam appeared in Naruto's eyes. He studied Terumi Mei for a moment, then smiled. "If Sister Terumi Mei really wants to thank me... I didn't get enough of a workout fighting Yagura Karatachi. Why don't we have another sparring session?"
"Fine." Terumi Mei shot him an exasperated look, though her lips curved upward. "Come with me."
The two of them made their way into the Mizukage Building, heading for the office that had belonged to Yagura Karatachi mere hours ago. After today, it would be Terumi Mei's domain.
An hour later, Naruto's expression showed neither satisfaction nor disappointment as he straightened his posture. He'd enjoyed Sister Terumi Mei's particular method of expressing gratitude very much.
After their intense "sparring session," Terumi Mei's face carried a healthy flush. Her voice came out slightly hoarse and strange when she spoke. Noticing that Naruto's clothes had been destroyed during his battle with Yagura, she cleared her throat. "I'll get you some replacement clothes."
She walked unsteadily from the Mizukage's office, her gait carrying a noticeable hitch. After a few minutes, she returned carrying a set of garments, still moving with that same careful, measured pace.
Naruto accepted the clothes and dressed quickly. Once presentable, he turned to Terumi Mei. "Since the battle's over, you'll have plenty of post-war matters to handle. I should head back to Konoha." He paused, considering. "Oh, one more thing—Kirigakure will need significant rebuilding efforts. If you're short on manpower, let me know. Konoha has ninja to spare if you need them. As for Yagura's former subordinates..." He gestured toward the plaza outside. "If they're not completely irredeemable, maybe spare their lives. Let them spend the rest of their days rebuilding what they helped destroy."
Terumi Mei nodded firmly. "I completely agree with your assessment. And I won't be shy about asking for that manpower if we need it. As for your share of the spoils—the war just ended, so I haven't tallied everything yet. Once the accounting's complete, I'll personally deliver your portion to Konoha."
"Sounds good. Goodbye, Sister Terumi Mei." Naruto's form shimmered and vanished in a Body Flicker.
Watching him disappear, Terumi Mei felt warmth spread through her chest. Meeting Naruto had been the greatest fortune of her life.
Then she remembered her subordinates were still waiting outside for her to address post-war arrangements. She'd been delayed in this office for an hour. Time to get back to work.
"Ah!" The moment she took her first step, a sharp twinge shot through her legs. But despite the discomfort, her expression showed pure happiness and satisfaction. The feeling from their session had been absolutely wonderful.
When Terumi Mei emerged from the building, she learned that Haku and Zabuza had also returned to Konoha with Naruto. She nodded approvingly. That made sense. Both of them had farm duties back home. If they'd been absent from work, they'd need to make up their hours.
Three figures materialized simultaneously on the back mountain. Naruto removed his hands from Zabuza and Haku's shoulders as the Flying Thunder God technique completed.
"We're back," Naruto announced. "Zabuza, Haku."
"Thank you very much for your assistance today, Naruto." Zabuza inclined his head respectfully. He still had over a dozen loads of manure to transport—time lost preparing for the war. "We'll get back to work now."
"Go ahead. Work hard—life will keep getting better." Naruto offered the encouragement with genuine warmth.
Not far away, Biological Consultant Orochimaru was collecting samples from various plants, his movements precise and methodical. After obtaining Naruto's urine sample the previous day, he'd rushed back to his laboratory for immediate analysis. The experiments had yielded... nothing. Absolutely nothing.
It seemed the chances of extracting anything useful from urine were vanishingly small.
Seeing Naruto appear with Zabuza and Haku, Orochimaru straightened and approached with a genial smile. "Naruto, Zabuza, Haku—welcome back!"
Orochimaru wouldn't ask where they'd been. Everyone deserved their privacy.
Naruto nodded pleasantly. "Orochimaru, keep up the good work. I have some other matters to attend to."
"Of course." Orochimaru nodded, then his nose twitched. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he watched Naruto vanish again. He stood motionless, processing what his enhanced senses had detected.
"Consultant Orochimaru." Zabuza's gruff voice interrupted his contemplation. "We're heading to our work stations now."
"Wait." Orochimaru raised a hand. "Zabuza, Haku—may I ask where you all just came from?"
Zabuza's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why do you want to know?"
"Just curiosity. No malicious intent." Orochimaru spread his hands disarmingly. "We all work in the same place. You don't need to worry that I'd do anything inappropriate with the information."
"Fair enough." Zabuza's posture relaxed fractionally. "We just returned from Kirigakure. Now, if there's nothing else, we need to get to work."
"Oh, of course. Enjoy your work." Orochimaru lowered his head, keeping his expression neutral as Haku and Zabuza walked away, their conversation fading into the distance.
Once they were out of earshot, Orochimaru remained standing in place for a long moment. Finally, he raised his head to look at the darkening sky, letting out a long sigh.
"So that's where it is," he murmured to himself. "Everything I've been seeking... it's all in Kirigakure."
Upon learning this, Orochimaru felt tremendous excitement surge through him. He was only one step away from success now. Just one more step.
The next morning, Naruto finished his breakfast and said goodbye to Sasuke and Kurama at the door before heading to the Hokage Building.
When he arrived, a quick survey of his desk revealed nothing particularly urgent. He'd been planning to visit Kabuto Yakushi—recruiting him to serve as Orochimaru's research assistant seemed like a productive use of time.
Before he could leave, his secretary appeared. "Lord Fifth, Neji from the Hyūga clan is requesting an audience with you."
"Please show him in." Naruto had just stood up, but immediately sat back down in his chair. He'd wait for Neji-nii to arrive properly.
After a few moments, a knock sounded at the door. Naruto looked down at the documents scattered across his desk. "Come in."
Footsteps approached. Since he still had a few lines of text to finish reading, Naruto intended to greet Neji after completing the paragraph.
The footsteps stopped directly in front of his desk. "Naruto."
At Neji's greeting, Naruto immediately looked up.
What he saw made his hands jerk in shock, his body tipping backward in his chair. Neji stood before him with a face so swollen and bruised it was barely recognizable. His expression carried profound resentment.
"Whoa!" Naruto caught himself, staring in genuine surprise. "Neji-nii, what happened to you?"
Seeing Naruto's innocent, shocked expression, infinite grievance welled up in Neji's heart. Tears began streaming down his battered face. "Naruto," he said miserably, "please, I'm begging you—don't go around making friends with all those other ninja anymore!"
Naruto felt sympathy for Neji's condition. He truly did. But asking him to stop making friends? That crossed a line. Making friends was his lifelong dream. How could he possibly abandon it? A person without dreams was nothing but a walking corpse.
He'd been about to offer Neji a "friendship maintenance session" right there in the office, but seeing that pitifully swollen face made him hold back. Instead, he spoke in his most reasonable tone. "Neji-nii, what does me making friends have to do with you?"
"Waahhh..." Neji burst into full sobbing right there in the Hokage's office. "Those ninja all say it's because of me that you thought of befriending them!"
"I see..." Naruto studied Neji carefully. "Why would they misunderstand and blame you specifically? Not Shikamaru, not Choji, not Shino—why you? What did you do that made them think this?"
"???" Facing this barrage of questions, Neji said helplessly, "How should I know? They're all acting crazy!"
"Alright, Neji-nii, let me ask you something." Naruto's expression turned serious. "If someone suddenly demanded you stop pursuing your dream immediately, would you agree? Would you consider that a reasonable request?"
Neji opened his mouth. He understood what Naruto meant, but... In the end, he managed weakly, "It would be cruel, but..." He really didn't want to keep getting beaten up for no reason.
"No buts, Neji-nii." Naruto leaned forward earnestly. "I can't stand seeing you like this. To be honest, I almost didn't recognize you just now. How about this—when I go to be friends with others in the future, I'll clarify things seriously with them. I'll explain that befriending people is my personal dream and has absolutely nothing to do with you. Would that help?"
Sensing Naruto's sincerity, Neji asked doubtfully, "Will that really work?"
"Don't worry, it'll definitely work." Naruto nodded firmly. "Now, I have some business to attend to. You should head home and train. Think about it—if you're strong enough, would you still fear getting beaten by others?"
"Then... I'll be going, Naruto." Neji left the Hokage's office, still looking uncertain.
Naruto watched Neji's dejected back as he departed. He genuinely couldn't understand why Neji kept suffering this treatment. He'd have to make sure to explain things clearly to his prospective friends in the future.
For now, though—time to visit Senior Kabuto.
Naruto's form shimmered and vanished from the office.
"Oh! Lord Hokage!" Kabuto Yakushi, walking down a village street, jumped slightly as Naruto appeared beside him. "Do you have orders for me?"
Seeing the polite senior, Naruto smiled warmly. "Kabuto, we're friends. There's no need for such formality. When we're alone like this, just call me Naruto."
"Of course, Naruto." Kabuto couldn't help but admire how even after becoming Hokage, Naruto maintained no airs whatsoever, treating his friends exactly as before.
Though their friendship hadn't exactly been his choice originally, Kabuto had to admit it wasn't so bad being Naruto's friend. Especially now that Lord Orochimaru had pledged loyalty to Naruto as well. They were all in the same camp. Kabuto didn't reject the arrangement.
"Kabuto, you're one of Orochimaru's operatives remaining in Konoha, correct?" Naruto asked directly.
"Yes, Naruto." Kabuto saw no reason to hide his identity now. To demonstrate loyalty, Orochimaru had already revealed all his assets and personnel to Naruto.
"Good. Orochimaru spoke highly of you—particularly your performance in experimental work. Right now, Orochimaru is serving as a biological consultant on my farm. He's expressed interest in having you join him there as his research assistant. What do you think?"
"I see." Kabuto considered for exactly one second before nodding. "I accept. It would be an honor to work under you, Naruto."
Naruto's smile widened. "Excellent! Don't worry—your salary will be very competitive."
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Oh, one more thing, Kabuto. Keep your compensation confidential. Specifically, don't mention your salary in front of Orochimaru."
"Why not?" Kabuto adjusted his glasses, genuinely curious.
Naruto maintained his pleasant smile. "It's standard non-disclosure policy. Employees shouldn't compare salaries. Everyone follows this rule."
"Understood." Kabuto nodded acceptance.
Naruto had given his friendly warning. If Kabuto chose to ignore it and told Orochimaru about his salary—well, Orochimaru only received room and board with no actual pay. There was no guarantee he wouldn't beat Kabuto senseless out of jealousy.
"Then, Kabuto, report to the farm tomorrow morning." Naruto confirmed the start date.
Watching Kabuto walk away, Naruto's thoughts turned inward. The two people who'd instigated the Fourth Shinobi World War—Kabuto Yakushi and Black Zetsu—were now both under his command. The Fourth War would never happen.
His next objective: find Tsunade. In the Boruto timeline, she'd been brought back to succeed as Fifth Hokage after Hiruzen's death during the Konoha Crush.
Once Tsunade returned, she could either serve temporarily or take over as Hokage permanently. Either way, it would free Naruto to travel the ninja world with peace of mind. He'd visit every village and be friends with everyone.
And during those travels, of course, he'd need to deal with Brother Nagato's Akatsuki organization.
That had been his original plan, at least.
But first—today's agenda included befriending several Konoha ninja who hadn't yet gone through the process.
Naruto's smile widened as he headed toward his next destination.
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