Emperor of Mankind (Naruto X Marvel )

Arriving at the Nara clan compound, Naruto walked down the path surrounded by lush trees and calm fields, the setting sun casting long shadows. The Nara clan, true to their nature, dealt with grief in their usual reserved and contemplative way. They were logical thinkers, processing loss with a quiet dignity that rarely showed outward emotion.

Shikamaru, the new clan head by default, had been thrust into a role he likely found troublesome. Typically, a surviving elder or a parent like his mother, Yoshino, would step in to guide the clan. But the circumstances were anything but normal, and Shikamaru had already proven himself as a capable leader during the war.

As Naruto approached the compound, he used his heightened senses to locate his friend. Shikamaru sat in the courtyard beneath a wide-branched tree, the shadow of which stretched across the ground in the golden light of dusk. Beside him was Temari, her presence steady and grounding. Though she hailed from the Sand, she had long since become an integral part of Shikamaru's life, providing him with the strength he often claimed not to have.

Naruto paused, watching them from a distance. Shikamaru was calm, his face carrying its usual stoic expression, but Naruto could see the subtle tension in his shoulders, the quiet grief that lingered in his eyes. Temari's hand rested lightly on his arm, a small gesture of comfort that spoke volumes.

A faint smile crossed Naruto's lips. Shikamaru didn't need him right now. He had someone by his side who could understand and share his burden. That thought filled Naruto with a sense of relief and gratitude. Unlike the emotional storm he had felt with Ino, this visit didn't weigh as heavily on his heart.

Shikamaru wasn't just a comrade or an ally—he was a true friend. Naruto had always valued the bond they shared, which had grown over the years through countless battles and hardships. Shikamaru, along with Neji, Gaara, Kiba, Shino, Lee, and Choji, had stood by him during the darkest moments of his life. They had fought for his dreams, even when they had no obligation to do so, putting their lives on the line for a cause they believed in.

That loyalty had left a mark on Naruto's heart, and he had vowed to protect them in turn. Losing Neji had been devastating, and Sasuke's loss was a wound that would never truly heal. But Naruto was determined—he would not let any more of his precious people fall.

He took a deep breath and walked further into the courtyard, paying his respects to the memory of Shikaku Nara. Shikaku, along with Inoichi, had been a pillar of strength and strategy for the Allied Shinobi Forces, their brilliance enabling countless victories. Their loss was immeasurable, but their legacy would live on through their children.

Without disturbing Shikamaru and Temari, Naruto bowed silently before leaving the Nara compound. His steps grew heavier as he moved toward the Akimichi clan, where another family mourned the loss of a friend and leader.

The Akimichi compound was already visible in the distance, its gates standing open as if to welcome anyone who wished to pay their respects. Naruto steeled himself. He wasn't just visiting his friends—he was carrying the weight of their grief, determined to remind them that they were not alone.

The air around the Akimichi compound was thick with emotion. The sounds of loud cries echoed through the grounds, and yet, amidst the sorrow, the smell of food filled the air. The Akimichi clan, known for their love of food, had a unique way of mourning their fallen warriors. Choza, the former clan head, had always been a larger-than-life figure, both in stature and personality. His favorite dish, one that was simple yet rich in flavor, was being prepared by his son Choji and his mother, who worked side by side in the kitchen.

Choji, normally a jovial and larger-than-life person himself, was subdued. The weight of grief pressed down on him, but his mother's presence offered him a semblance of comfort. Naruto knew the Akimichi clan dealt with loss in their own way, but even the mighty warriors of this clan had their own limits. Choji, despite his immense strength, was only human, and the loss of his father had left a hole that not even his courage could fill.

Naruto walked toward them, his steps slow but purposeful. As he approached, Choji's eyes met his, and for a moment, they exchanged a silent understanding. Choji's expression tightened, and Naruto saw the ghost of the pain he had suffered when his father had been lost to the battle. Choji had seen it firsthand—how Pain's revival jutsu had brought the fallen back to life, and yet, not all could be revived. The same eyes that had saved the lives of many had failed to undo the destruction brought by the Juubi's laser.

Naruto sat down next to Choji, offering a quiet nod. Choji, though visibly hurting, turned to him with a forced smile. The food in front of them—a rich, hearty dish—was something that Choza had loved. It was a tradition for the Akimichi to prepare their fallen clan leader's favorite meal, a way to honor them and celebrate their life.

"Thank you for being here, Naruto. It really means a lot to me." Choji's voice cracked slightly, but he steadied himself, pushing through the grief. His strength was clear, but so was his vulnerability. It was the same strength that Naruto admired in him—a warrior who could stand tall even in the face of overwhelming sorrow.

Naruto smiled gently and nodded. "I'm always here for you, Choji. You know that." His words were simple but carried with them the depth of his sincerity.

The dish was placed in front of Naruto, and though he wasn't particularly hungry, he didn't hesitate. He ate, savoring the flavors, allowing the taste to remind him of the bonds he shared with Choji, and the moments of peace in between the chaos of war.

As they ate, Choji began to speak of his father—of Choza's strength, his wisdom, and his leadership. He spoke with pride, but there was an undeniable sadness in his words. Choji had lost more than just a father; he had lost a guide, a mentor, and a protector. The pain of that loss was palpable, but in speaking of his father's deeds, Choji kept his memory alive.

Naruto listened, his thoughts wandering to Jiraiya. He had lost his teacher in a battle, just as Choji had lost his father. And just as Choji held onto the memories of his father's wisdom and strength, Naruto realized how little he had shared with others about Jiraiya. He had let the memories of his teacher fade, and in doing so, he had failed to honor him as he should have. Jiraiya had been a guiding force in his life, and yet Naruto hadn't fully carried forward his legacy, not in the way he had intended.

Naruto's gaze grew distant as Choji continued talking, his voice growing more steady as the story of his father unfolded. He thought of Jiraiya, of the lessons learned, and of how important it was to share those memories, to pass them down, so they were never forgotten.

The silence between them grew comfortable as the meal continued. Choji's strength was returning, piece by piece, as he shared his father's legacy with his friend. In turn, Naruto realized that the bonds between them were more than just those formed by battle. They were built on shared grief, shared understanding, and the unspoken promise to never let the memories of the fallen fade away.

Naruto's thoughts swirled as he walked toward the graveyard, the heavy weight of his emotions pulling him down with every step. His mind couldn't help but reflect on the taste of the Akimichi clan's food. The dish, with its richness and intricate flavors enhanced by chakra, had made him realize how little he had experienced in terms of gourmet cuisine. He was used to ramen and simple meals that filled his stomach and fueled him for battle, but this—a meal crafted with chakra-infused precision—was a world apart. The thought of chakra-enhanced ramen made him smile. Maybe he could take his love for ramen to the next level and discover new ways to enjoy the dish that had been his comfort for so long.

Still, as the thoughts of food faded, his heart grew heavier. His destination was one he dreaded, but it was necessary. He had to see Sakura, to speak with her before it was too late, before the bond they had forged over the years was severed irreparably. It was a conversation he had been putting off for too long, and as he neared her, he felt his body slow, an instinctive resistance building in him.

There she was, sitting by Sasuke's grave, her form small and fragile against the backdrop of the headstone. It was hard to watch. The weight of his failure pressed down on him, reminding him of the promise he had made—bringing Sasuke back. But the truth of it was too painful to ignore: he had failed. He hadn't returned Sasuke alive; he had only brought back a lifeless body, a hollow shell of the man Sakura had loved with all her heart.

Sakura's love for Sasuke had been unwavering. She had spent years waiting for him, holding onto the belief that he would return, and in that belief, she had given him everything. Her heart, her devotion—everything was for Sasuke. But it had been in vain. Sasuke had never seen her as anything more than an obstacle in his own path. He had never returned her feelings, never acknowledged the depths of her love. She had nothing but painful memories to hold onto now, memories that were tainted by rejection and unfulfilled hopes.

Naruto understood this pain all too well. He, too, had loved someone once—Sakura. But unlike Sakura, he had moved on. He had realized that his feelings for her were a childish crush, and that there was no place for him in her heart. He had let go of that love, understanding that their paths were different. It had taken him years, but he had grown to accept it, especially during his time with Jiraiya. But Sakura... Sakura had never let go. She had clung to the hope that Sasuke would return and that her love for him would finally be reciprocated.

It was bittersweet for Naruto. He saw Sakura as a close friend, someone who had cared for him, fought alongside him, and even risked her life for him. She had stood by him in the end, even after everything. It was late, it was messy, but she had chosen to stand with him. Despite all their differences and the battles they had fought, she had been there. And now, with Sasuke gone, Naruto knew the bond between them needed to be addressed.

As he approached her, his feet felt heavier with each step. He could see the pain etched in her face, the lines of grief that had deepened over the years. She had never let go of Sasuke, and now that he was gone, her heart was left in tatters. He had failed her in a way that cut deeper than any physical wound. He had promised that Sasuke would come back, and all he could give her was a cold reminder of a love that would never be returned.