After Kurotsuchi returned to Iwagakure, she immediately went to see Ohnoki with the letter he had sent.
Tsuchikage's Office
Inside his office, Ohnoki was busy reviewing documents. His decision to deploy Anbu had caused tensions with both Konoha and Sunagakure.
Naruto, after all, was originally from Konoha, and Ohnoki's attempt to recruit him into Iwagakure did not sit well with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
On Sunagakure's side, the situation was equally delicate. The Kazekage's daughter had already been engaged to Naruto, making matters even more complicated.
Ohnoki had initially thought this was just a personal grudge between himself and Konoha. He hadn't expected Sunagakure to be drawn into it as well.
Given the close proximity of the Land of Earth to both the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, antagonizing both these villages at the same time was risky.
Unlike in the past, when great ninja wars could be fought with sheer numbers and strategy, the current balance of power required careful consideration.
However…
Ohnoki's expression suddenly turned sharp as he leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
Naruto's ability to control the Nine-Tails and his remarkable power—defeating four Kage-level opponents simultaneously—was no small feat.
If Iwagakure could recruit him…
They wouldn't just have another Yellow Flash.
No—Naruto's potential far exceeded Minato Namikaze's.
For some reason, Ohnoki was reminded of his youth, of the time he had met Uchiha Madara himself.
He had a gut feeling—Uzumaki Naruto's future would be just as legendary as Madara's and Hashirama's.
And if such a powerhouse could be brought to Iwagakure, they would no longer have to fear Konoha or Sunagakure.
Even if Kirigakure and Kumogakure were thrown into the mix, it wouldn't matter.
Because in the presence of a true super-Kage-level shinobi, alliances between nations meant little.
A single person, with enough strength, could shape the world however they wished.
As he pondered this, Kurotsuchi entered the room.
Ohnoki frowned, about to reprimand her for not knocking, but upon recognizing his granddaughter, his demeanor softened.
"Oh, Kurotsuchi! You're back!" he greeted with a rare smile.
Kurotsuchi, however, was in no mood for pleasantries. She slammed his letter onto the desk, her expression filled with frustration.
She was about to tell him the truth.
But before she could speak, Ohnoki interrupted, "Where's that brat? He didn't come back with you?"
Kurotsuchi blinked, caught off guard.
"Or," Ohnoki continued, smirking, "is he just a scumbag who ran off?"
The memory of Naruto flashed in Kurotsuchi's mind, and before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "Yeah, he's definitely a scumbag!"
Ohnoki, however, simply laughed, waving his hand dismissively. "Hahaha! Being young is a good thing."
"I already know what happened between you two," he added with a knowing grin. "Don't worry, I approve of this."
Kurotsuchi's mouth opened, then closed.
She had been prepared to argue, to explain everything, but the happiness on Ohnoki's face silenced her.
Since Deidara had left Iwagakure, it had been rare to see her grandfather smile.
And now, just the mention of Naruto had changed that.
Did Naruto really mean that much to him?
She felt a strange, unfamiliar emotion rising within her.
Ohnoki, sensing something was off, narrowed his eyes. "Kurotsuchi, are you sure he's a scumbag?"
If Naruto had truly abandoned his granddaughter, there would be hell to pay.
Kurotsuchi quickly shook her head, forcing a smile. "No… he's just busy with something important."
Ohnoki nodded in understanding. "Well, that makes sense. Someone with that level of strength must have a lot on his plate."
"I'm not in a hurry," he added. "As long as he comes to meet me properly when he's done."
Kurotsuchi sighed.
She hadn't expected this outcome at all…
Meanwhile, Elsewhere
Naruto and Setsu had initially planned to go straight to the Land of Snow.
However, unexpected circumstances altered their course.
Unlike many other countries, the Land of Snow was located in a remote region, accessible only by crossing the ocean.
And despite Naruto's mastery of the Flying Thunder God technique, he didn't have teleportation markers spread across the entire world.
That meant they had to travel there the old-fashioned way.
During their journey, Naruto began training Setsu in using the Nine-Tails' chakra.
Because of Naruto's powerful sealing abilities, the small Nine-Tails residing within Setsu was cooperative.
However, a problem quickly became apparent.
Whenever Setsu tried to manifest the Nine-Tails' chakra, it remained an ominous shade of crimson.
She was unable to enter the golden Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.
Only those who truly understood their own hearts and accepted themselves could properly wield the Nine-Tails' power.
Even Kurama, who resided within Naruto, hadn't yet reached that level of synchronization.
Furthermore, Setsu's relationship with her Nine-Tails was… complicated.
She had never mistreated the small beast, but their bond was built on forced obedience rather than mutual trust.
And for true synchronization, that was a problem.
Realizing this, Naruto made a decision.
Before heading to the Land of Snow, they needed to make a detour.
They would travel to the Real Waterfall.
The Real Waterfall
After several days of travel—crossing mountains, forests, and even the ocean—Naruto and Setsu finally arrived at their destination.
The Real Waterfall was a sacred place known for revealing one's true self.
The moment they arrived, Naruto discreetly placed a Flying Thunder God marker in a hidden spot.
That way, they could return here whenever necessary.
Standing at the edge of the waterfall, Naruto gestured towards a large rock in the center.
"This is it," he said, glancing at Setsu. "If you sit there, you'll see a reflection of your true heart."
Setsu hesitated.
Her fingers curled nervously, and she turned to Naruto. "I… I don't know if I want to do this."
Naruto smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. No matter what happens, I'll be right here with you."
"What if…" Setsu bit her lip. "What if you see my true self and start to hate me?"
Naruto's expression softened. "That won't happen."
There was no hesitation in his voice.
"I will never abandon you, Setsu."
Hearing his words, Setsu took a deep breath.
Slowly, she stepped forward and sat upon the rock in the middle of the Real Waterfall.
The moment she did, a figure appeared within the cascading water.
And from it… radiated an unmistakable hostility.
Setsu's breath caught in her throat.
She was staring at herself.
But this version of her had a cold, calculating gaze.
A smirk curled her lips, filled with confidence and a touch of malice.
"…Who are you?" Setsu whispered.
Her reflection chuckled. "I'm you, obviously."
"But I'm the real you."
A chill ran down Setsu's spine.
The Real Waterfall had begun its test.
And now… she had to face the truth about herself.
To be continued…
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