Because Asuma's injuries required time to recover, and because Hagoromo himself had just submitted intelligence of the highest sensitivity—placing him in a state where he could be summoned for questioning at any moment—the Hagoromo Squad temporarily remained at the command headquarters.
As for their reconnaissance mission, there was already a rotation system in place. Other squads would naturally take over. No matter how experienced a team might be, shinobi were still human beings, not machines—no one could stay in a state of constant high alert indefinitely.
So Hagoromo ended up with a few relatively idle days. He used the time for research, and for practicing things like Water Release.
Of course, he didn't actually get to relax for long.
The intelligence he brought back involved international-level developments, touching even on diplomatic concerns.
Jiraiya likely sent the report out immediately via ninja courier, marked urgent. Once it reached Konoha, it was delivered straight to the Third Hokage.
Before long, Hagoromo received orders to return to Konoha.
He took it in stride. Go back, then go back. The shinobi world wasn't that big anyway—Konoha was about the size of a… well, let's say a castor bean.
After receiving the order, Hagoromo didn't delay. He traveled alone, returning to Konoha at his maximum speed.
Considering how long he'd been gone, the village hadn't changed much.
Konoha was still Konoha.
Morning mist drifted across the streets.
Fresh air carried dewdrops that sparkled.
Civilians chatted cheerfully, children ran about laughing and playing.
Every time he saw scenes like this, a sense of dissonance washed over Hagoromo.
Which world was real, exactly?
The Hokage Tower soon came into view. Hagoromo pushed those thoughts aside and stepped inside.
He first met with the Third Hokage, but the intelligence briefing didn't begin immediately.
Because others had been summoned as well.
First were the two advisors who looked like they did nothing while actually doing something:
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
Then came the man who embodied Konoha's shadows—Danzō Shimura, leader of Root.
Including Hagoromo, that made five people.
It felt less like a meeting and more like a summit.
What Hagoromo did was simply repeat what he had already told Jiraiya. When questions arose, he answered them. When inconsistencies were pointed out, he smoothed them over.
As for how the higher-ups would ultimately judge the matter—that wasn't something he could predict.
Once it was over, Hagoromo withdrew. Anything that came afterward had little to do with him.
As long as the Hokage didn't order him to deliver the intelligence personally to Sunagakure, everything was fine.
If that order came down, it would basically be telling him to defect.
After all, Suna had already put a bounty on White Fang–level threats—capture the target's head, receive vast rewards.
Fortunately, the Third Hokage wasn't an idiot.
Leaving the Hokage Tower, Hagoromo realized he had nowhere in particular to go—
Except to see Kushina Uzumaki.
Judging by his behavior alone, whether he admitted it or not, Kushina's place in Hagoromo's life was something like home. Something like family.
That had nothing to do with strength, nor with which world he came from. Humans were social creatures. Certain needs were fundamental.
Thinking about this made him realize just how harsh Naruto's childhood had been in canon. Even someone like Hagoromo needed an anchor—meanwhile Naruto had virtually nothing until he and Iruka Umino truly connected.
And yet Naruto still grew up positive, and eventually became Hokage.
That wasn't just mental strength. That was borderline inhuman.
By coincidence, Hagoromo ran into Kushina not long after leaving the tower.
That bright red hair stood out in any crowd.
"Kushina-sensei!"
"Hagoromo?"
She turned around, surprised at first—then immediately smiled.
Bright eyes. A radiant grin. Like candy.
Hagoromo smiled back, genuinely, and walked over.
Did Hagoromo like Kushina?
Of course he did.
But what kind of "like" was it? Even he couldn't quite say.
Did Kushina like Hagoromo?
Of course she did too.
But definitely not the same way she liked Minato Namikaze.
Hagoromo was still just a kid, after all.
So she casually slung an arm around his shoulders.
Here's a paradoxical question:
If Minato and Hagoromo both fell into a ditch at the same time—who would Kushina save?
Honestly?
She'd probably save Hagoromo.
But what would that prove?
Nothing at all.
Minato's place in Kushina's heart was irreplaceable.
Some things were destined to remain unripe—sour like a green tomato.
Just as Hagoromo was about to speak, two figures suddenly entered his field of vision.
How to describe them?
A bowl-cut.
A green jumpsuit.
Thick eyebrows.
Blindingly white teeth.
...
Author's Postscript (Translated & Cleaned)
When writing fanfiction, I believe the key lies in semi-original creation.
I consider myself a longtime Naruto fan—but ultimately, still just a reader. What I write is my own interpretation. Sometimes I get things wrong. Sometimes I deliberately alter things for the sake of the story. I hope readers can understand that.
I call him Namikaze Minato, not "Nato" or "Minatoe."
The Third Hokage is Sarutobi Hiruzen, not "Sarutobi Garlic Mountain."
Obito is Obito, not "Obi-Man."
Utakata is Utakata—yes, he's Bubble, but he's also fleeting fireworks.
Just like no old One Piece fan would call ONE PIECE by some other localized name.
Personally, I believe Naruto was nearly flawless as a story up until the Pain invasion—after that, it fell apart.
Because of age and life, I stopped following Naruto news long ago, and dropped the anime even earlier. But the affection remains—otherwise I wouldn't be writing this.
I even watched the only theatrical movie where Naruto wasn't the protagonist.
Naruto is Naruto.
Boruto feels like pure cash-grab.
Still, it makes people emotional.
Might Guy is one of my favorite characters. Seeing the illustration where Kakashi lounges in Guy's wheelchair, while Guy—legs ruined—still trains by handstanding… that alone makes ten years of fandom feel worthwhile.
Naruto is still Naruto.
I read the comments. I just don't reply—experience has taught me better.
Once upon a time, when I was young and stupid, I tried arguing with people in comment sections.
Veteran readers know how that ends.
No matter what you write, it's hard for a new author to stand out. If you like this story, please support it.
This book goes on shelves next Friday. Over 30,000 bookmarks, but weekly recommendations never broke 10,000.
So for the final week—if you have votes, please vote.
I'll grind hard after release. No empty promises.
PS: I've been releasing chapters daily . Honestly, it hurts seeing almost no support on Patreon after all that work.If you're enjoying the fic, even a little, supporting me would mean a lot. It helps a student stay independent .
complete fic (all chapters ) are already up on Patreon → patreon.com/Chakraflow789
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