Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 72: The Silent Rebellion

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"In the dance of chaos and order, it is not strength but resolve that forges the path to freedom."

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Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

NTLHOS: Chapter 72: The Silent Rebellion IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 73: Glimpse of the Kami no Shinobi IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 74: Tempest of Despair and Hope IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 75: The Great Assembling IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 76: The Whirlpool's Dominions IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 77: The Grand Ploy IS OUT!

Chapter 79: Part -II- A Pawn Crosses the Board to Become a Queen IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 80: Introspection And Good Times IS OUT ! ( Lemon Tsunade)

NTLHOS:Chapter 81: The Past Collides With The Seeds Of The Future. IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 82: The Great Board Takes ShapeIS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 83: I Don't Know!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: The Coronation Begins IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: Epilogue IS OUT!(New) (Conclusion of Volume one of the NTLHOS)

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Author's Note:

Hey everyone! 🌟✨

First of all, 🎉 Happy New Year! 🎆🎊 I'm beyond delighted to inform you all that the first volume of this fic is officially complete on the paid site after a journey of 85 chapters. 📜✨ It has been a whirlwind, but the results have been absolutely worth it. Thank you for sticking with me through every twist, turn, and moment of growth—not just for the characters but for me as an author as well. I am also grateful to many of you for tolerating me as an author dispite the very bad writing in the begining of the fic.💛📚

Life has been quite busy lately, with exams 📚📝 and other responsibilities deviding my attention. Add to that the amazing growth of my Patr(eon) 🌟💌—something I'm deeply grateful for—and it's been a challenge to respond to all your wonderful reviews here. But please know this: I've read every single one 📖💬, and I've taken all your feedback (positive 👍💡 and constructive 🛠️💭 alike) with gratitude.

This chapter was an absolute blast 🚀🔥 to write, and as much as I'd love to keep the momentum going, I promise to come back stronger in the next volume. 💪📖 Your excitement 🌟 and unwavering support 🛡️ mean the world to me and keep fueling my passion for storytelling. 💫❤️

Thank you for being patient, for sharing your thoughts 🖋️💭, and for tolerating me as an author. Here's to more amazing chapters 📜🔥 and stories 🌌📖 to come in the new year! Cheers 🥂 to all of you! 🎇💛

With gratitude and love,

The Third Fire Trident 🔥⚔️

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Naruto moved swiftly toward the Land of Demons, his mind racing with plans and reflections. The Priestess Shrine there held a terrible secret: for centuries, every few decades, a woman from the line of priestesses sacrificed her life force to seal away an ancient demonic entity. These women, gifted with glimpses of the future, bore the weight of their land's survival on their shoulders. When Naruto came to know of this, he had offered another solution. The Uzumaki's mastery over seals and the knowledge of ethereal being and shrines passed down to him by the Old man in the forest, could permanently contain the entity. It wasn't just goodwill that drove him; the Land of Demons bordered his growing domain, the marches, and their alliance would bring not only strategic safety but also mutual gains.

The thought of his new chapter led him to reflect on his recent journey to the Land of Rice Paddies—a mission that marked another step in consolidating his influence and securing allies.

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Flashback: The Land of Rice Paddies

The parchment crinkled in Naruto's hand as he reread the letter under the dim lantern light.

"To the Esteemed Arashi no Kōtei – Emperor of Storms,

We, the of the once-great Fūma and Iburi Clans, humbly reach out to you in our darkest hour. Our clans, once renowned throughout the shinobi world, have seen better days—days when our names were synonymous with excellence, craftsmanship, and stealth.

During the times of the Warring Clans Era, our paths often intertwined with those of your illustrious Uzumaki Clan. We remember with great respect how our forebears interacted—not merely as competitors but as esteemed rivals and occasional allies. Your vassal clans, such as the Sūra and Akebino, were our counterparts in the art of smithing. There was a mutual respect that transcended the battlefield.

The fall of the Uzumaki Clan was not just a loss for your people but a wound felt deeply by all who revered true strength and wisdom. When whispers reached us that the royal line had not been extinguished, that an heir had risen—a beacon of hope known as the Emperor of Storms—we were relived.

We are no longer the proud clans we once were. The Fūma Clan's master smiths, who crafted legendary weapons like the famed Fūma Shuriken—large yet easy to carry—have dwindled. For generations, the secret of its creation was ours alone, a testament to our ingenuity. Yet, over time, that technique was leaked, but we continued to innovate, staying atop the pyramid with new inventions. Our clan also specializes in the use of chakra threads and boasts a large number of shinobi trained in the art of chakra archery. We possess many hidden techniques, including the Curse Mandala, which binds opponents which is unbreakable.

Our fellow Iburi Clan, masters of infiltration and espionage, have suffered greatly. Their unique ability to transform into smoke allows them to move unseen, making them unparalleled spies and infiltrator. However, they are not strong combatants, and without allies, we are vulnerable. Our skills have been exploited, and our people have been killed.

But the establishment of the hidden villages marked the beginning of our decline. Our daimyo shifted their favor to these new powers, and our pride did not allow us to become subservient to any village. We clung to our independence, even as it led us down a path of isolation and obscurity. The Land of Rice Paddies, our ancestral home, has now fallen entirely under the control of Orochimaru of the Sannin. His insidious influence has spread like a poison, corrupting everything we hold dear.

Our stubbornness blinded us. We believed we could withstand any storm without aid, but the atrocities committed by Orochimaru against our people—our children—in his quest to unlock the secrets of our bloodlines and technique have shattered our illusions. The inhuman experiments, the disappearances, the perversion of our blood and life—it has become too much to bear.

We have swallowed our pride and sought help from many: neighbouring clans, mercenaries, even the hidden villages themselves. Yet none are willing to confront the Snake Sannin on his own turf. Those who dared to try, including a formidable force from Kumogakure, were annihilated to the last man. Their intervention made the snake to push us into deeper hiding, eroding what little hope we had left.

But then we heard whispers—tales of a warrior even Orochimaru himself fears. A shinobi who wields the storms like the old graces of the Uzumaki, whose name carries the legacy and fear. You are that beacon, the Emperor of Storms.

This is our last and final plea. We are proud peoples brought low, our history, present and future teetering on the brink of extinction. We beseech, we plead you to help us break free from Orochimaru's grasp. In return, we offer our unwavering loyalty, the skills of our clans, and the strength of our bloodlines.

May the winds of fate carry this letter swiftly to you, and may it find you willing to aid those oppressed, who have long admired and respected you and your.

With deepest respect and earnest hope,

Hybusa Fūma written as representative of Enkai Iburi the clan heads of our respective clans,

Acting Leaders of the Fūma"

Naruto leaned back in his chair, absorbing the weight of the words. Such formality and desperation. The letter was written like a daimyō's invitation Naruto smirked. He folded the letter carefully.

"The Fūma and Iburi Clans..." he murmured.

He remembered reading about them, of their prowess—the Fūma Clan's unmatched craftsmanship and hidden techniques, their expertise in chakra threads, archery, and the formidable Curse Mandala that could bind opponents at least according to the scrolls of his clan. The Iburi Clan, on the other hand was more interesting for him, were masters of espionage, able to transform into smoke itself, making them unparalleled infiltrators and spies. They had their weakness like they were not known for combat and can be detected by people who knows their secrets, but their abilities could turn the tide in any strategic operation and with some of his seals…..

He couldn't let this opportunity pass. If Orochimaru was willing to go to such lengths to poach and then keep them under his control, their abilities were indeed as valuable as the scrolls says.

"The Snake won't know what hit him," Naruto decided. The decision had been immediate. Not only could he help liberate clans, but forming an vaselage with them would strengthen his own network and bring him one step closer to his vision.

He stood up, tucking the letter into his cloak. "Hybusa Fūma, Enkai Iburi...

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Naruto approached the outskirts of the forest as dusk settled. The network of tunnels was nestled within a valley, obscured by tress and thick mist that clung to the ground like a shroud.

Naruto infiltrated the complex with instruction that was in the second letter, to find them and access their place.

"So this is where they've been hidden," he murmured.

As he entered the village or for lack of better words tunnels under a forest, wary eyes peered from behind shutters and doorways. Children were hurriedly pulled inside by anxious mothers. The air was thick with unease.

A figure emerged from the shadows ahead—a young man with sharp features and a guarded expression. He wore a worn kimono, and a distinctive emblem was etched onto his shoulder armor.

"Are you the one they call the 'The Uzumaki'?" the boy asked cautiously.

Naruto pulled back his hood, revealing his unmistakable blond hair and determined blue eyes. "I am. You must beHybusa."

Kyōji inclined his head slightly. "I am his son. We didn't think you'd come alone."

Naruto gave a small smile. "Sometimes, fewer people make less noise."

Kyōji gestured for him to follow. "Come, I will take you to him. There's much to discuss."

-xx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xx-They entered a modest room that served as the clan hall. Inside, elders and key members of the clan were seated around a large table, maps and documents strewn across it. The murmurs ceased as Naruto and Kyōji entered.

An elderly woman eyed Naruto sceptically. "So, the famed Stormbringer graces us with his presence. Do you truly believe you can help us?"

Naruto met her gaze steadily. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't."

So who among you, is the clan head? Naruto asked

A strongly built, yet aged man who sat with the gathering said, "I am".

Another man, scarred and hardened, leaned forward. "Orochimaru has eyes everywhere. By coming here, you've painted a target on all of us."

Hybusaraised a hand. "Enough. We asked for his help. Let's hear what he has to say."

Naruto stepped forward, his sharp blue eyes cutting through the tension. "I understand your fear—Orochimaru is a formidable foe, I won't deny that. But he's far from invincible. I've faced him before, and the world knows how that turned out. I'll face him again if I have to." His tone was steady.

"This isn't just about fighting him," Naruto continued, his voice rising slightly to command the attention of every Fūma present. "It's about freeing your people, breaking the chains that have kept you bound, and giving you the chance to stand on your own once more."

He paused, letting his words settle before his tone grew sharper, his gaze narrowing. "But let me make one thing clear—you're the ones who asked for my help, not the other way around. Don't act like I owe you anything."

A young woman with uncertainty in her eyes spoke up. "Our clan has been divided. Some have sided with Orochimaru willingly, seduced by promises of power. Others are too afraid to act."

Naruto nodded. "Then we need to show them that there's another path or be done with them. If they are willing sacrifice you for that mad man's experiment, then they may no longer be worth it."

Where is the Iburi Clan?

They are….

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Word spread quickly, and soon the entire clan gathered in the clan square. Torches lit the area, casting flickering shadows on the anxious faces of the crowd.

Naruto stood atop a raised platform, Hybusa by his side. He scanned the crowd, seeing the mix of hope, fear, and scepticism.

He took a deep breath. "People of the Fūma Clan! I've come because you reached out for help. Orochimaru has taken your kin, twisted your talents for his own gain, and left you living in fear. But it doesn't have to be this way."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. A man pushed forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "And what makes you think you can change anything? Orochimaru's power is absolute! Challenging him is suicide!"

Naruto's gaze locked onto the man. "What's your name?"

"Daichi," he spat.

"Daichi," Naruto repeated calmly, "I understand your fear. But living under Orochimaru's thumb is not living—it's surviving. Barest sense of the word."

Daichi sneered. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one he'll punish when things go wrong."

Naruto's eyes hardened, his voice sharp and resolute. "You're right—he'll come after me. And when he does, he'll know exactly who it was that freed you. Just like last time, he'll turn tail and run. I've defeated him once, and if necessary, I'll do it again—maybe permanently this time."

Another voice shouted from the back. "Words mean nothing! Show us proof!"

Hybusa stepped forward. "Enough! His Grace Naruto Uzumaki has come here personally. At least give him the respect to hear him out!"

Naruto raised a hand to Kyōji. "It's okay." He turned back to the crowd. "I didn't come here to make empty promises. I came to offer a choice. Stand with me, and we'll face whatever comes together. Or continue living in fear."

Silence settled over the square. Then, a young boy stepped forward, clutching a worn Fūma Shuriken. "My father was taken by Orochimaru. If you can bring him back... I'll fight."

Naruto knelt to the boy's level. "What's your name?"

"Riku."

He placed a hand on Riku's shoulder. "I promise, we'll get your father back."

The gesture sparked a change in the crowd. One by one, members of the clan began to step forward, voices rising in agreement.

Daichi looked around, his defiance wavering. "You're all fools."

Naruto stood up. "No, Daichi. They're brave. And bravery is what will set you free."

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Back in the village hall, maps were unrolled, and plans were laid out. Kyōji pointed to a marked location. "This is where Orochimaru's base is hidden—a fortified compound deep in the forest."

Naruto studied the map. "He'll have guards, traps, and likely expects retaliation."

A woman with intricate tattoos spoke up. "Our scouts report that he's currently away, but his lieutenant, Kimimaro Kaguya, is overseeing operations."

" Kaguya..." Naruto mused. "He might be dangerous but manageable."

Where is the Iburi clan?

Kyōji leaned in. "They are in a complex near to the base. Unlike us they don't have any devision you just need to go there ince. We need to act quickly. Every moment we delay puts our people at greater risk."

Naruto nodded. "Agreed. We'll assemble a team. Those skilled in stealth and reconnaissance will accompany me. The rest should prepare the village to escape at my signal."

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Under the cover of night, Naruto led a small group toward the compound. The forest was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of nocturnal creatures absent.

A whisper came from behind. "This silence isn't natural," Kyōji remarked.

Naruto's eyes scanned the surroundings. "Stay alert. We're not alone."

As they approached a clearing, the entrance to the compound came into view—a heavily guarded gate with high walls.

Naruto signalled for the group to halt. "I'll handle the guards. Wait for my signal."

Before anyone could protest, he vanished, reappearing behind one of the sentries. With swift, silent movements, he incapacitated each guard, leaving them unconscious.

He gestured back to the group. "Let's move."

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The corridors were dimly lit, the walls adorned with sinister markings and grotesque sculptures.

A member of the team shuddered. "This place gives me the creeps."

Naruto led them deeper. "Focus. The prisoners are likely held below ground."

They descended a spiral staircase, the air growing colder and staler. Faint sounds of moaning and chains clinking echoed through the passages.

They reached a massive door sealed with complex locks and seals.

Kyōji stepped forward. "This is beyond our ability to open."

Naruto smirked. "Not for me."

He formed a series of hand signs. "Uzumaki Art: Seal 8 Fist Reversal Technique."

The seals on the door glowed brightly before fading away. The locks clicked open.

The door creaked as it swung inward, revealing dozens of captive clan members, including Riku's father.

Gasps and cries of relief filled the room.

Kyōji moved among them. "Shush, We're here to get you out."

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A siren blared, red lights flashing throughout the compound.

Naruto tensed. "We've been discovered. Get everyone out, now!"

Footsteps thundered above as guards mobilized.

Kyōji nodded. "We'll escort them back. What about you?"

Naruto's eyes narrowed and put on his hood and activated the stealth seal. "I have to secure the Iburi and some unfinished business."

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The cavernous tunnels of the Iburi Clan's hideout were dark and damp, the air thick with tension. Naruto moved with quiet determination, his hood casting a shadow over his face. His team stayed back, awaiting his signal while he approached the Iburi leaders.

At the center of a large chamber stood the Iburi Clan—men, women, and children who gazed at him with uncertainty. Their leader, a tall man named Enkai, stepped forward, his body flickering as smoke briefly replaced his solid form.

"Naruto Uzumaki," Enkai greeted, his voice calm but wary. "So you have come?"

Naruto removed his hood, revealing his fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes. "I'm here to free you from Orochimaru's control. I've already struck a blow against his forces, and now it's time for you to escape."

Enkai's eyes narrowed but there was hope. "And what's in it for you? Orochimaru won't stop hunting us. You're asking us to trade one cage for another."

Naruto shook his head. "I'm not offering another cage—I'm offering freedom. Orochimaru uses you as tools, exploiting your powers and destroying your future. I can help you relocate, rebuild, and protect yourselves. But you need to trust me."

A younger Iburi member stepped forward, her smoky form unstable. "And what if you fail? What if he finds us again?"

Naruto knelt to her level, his voice firm yet gentle. "If he comes for you, I'll be there to stop him. I've defeated him before, and I'll do it again if I must. But you have to take the first step.

The room was silent, the clan exchanging uncertain glances. Finally, Enkai spoke, his voice resolute. "You've convinced me, Uzumaki. If you can promise us sanctuary and a chance to rebuild, we will follow you."

Naruto nodded. "I promise. I'll arrange safe passage and protection. But we need to leave now. Orochimaru's forces won't stay idle for long."

Enkai raised his hand, motioning for the clan to prepare. "We'll follow your lead."

As the clan gathered their belongings, Naruto turned to his clones. "Create a diversion. Draw any remaining guards away from this area."

He addressed Enkai one last time. "Stay close to me."

With Naruto at the front, the Iburi Clan moved through the tunnels, their flickering forms blending with the shadows. By dawn, they had escaped the compound and reached the safety of the surrounding forest.

Naruto turned to Enkai. "You're free now. But the real work begins here. Stick together, stay hidden, and trust in the alliances I've built. We'll keep you safe."

Enkai bowed deeply. "You've given us more than freedom—you've given us hope. We won't forget this."

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Naruto made his way to the central chamber. The doors burst open as he entered, revealingKimimaro Kaguya, poised like a predator. His stark white hair gleamed under the pale light, and his piercing green eyes locked onto Naruto.

"You're not supposed to be here," Kimimaro said, his voice cold and measured as he unsheathed a bone sword formed from his arm. "Lord Orochimaru entrusted me to guard this place. You will not leave alive."

Naruto smirked. "You're strong, no doubt about that. But strength alone won't save you after all I have delt with your master once."

Without hesitation, Kimimaro moved, his speed blurring as he closed the distance. His bone sword slashed downward, aiming to cut Naruto in two. Naruto sidestepped fluidly, his movements as effortless as flowing water.

"Wind Release: Gale Palm!" Naruto whispered, releasing a concentrated gust of wind that pushed Kimimaro back. Yet the Kaguya's feet barely shifted as he regained his stance, his gaze unwavering.

"You'll need more than that," Kimimaro remarked, launching a volley of sharp bone projectiles. They tore through the air, each one aimed with deadly precision.

Naruto formed a single seal, the script glowing briefly. "Uzumaki Art: Reflex Barrier!" A translucent shield materialized, deflecting the projectiles with a shimmering wave of energy.

As the dust settled, Naruto moved swiftly, flickering around the chamber. Unnoticed by Kimimaro, he subtly placed small seals at four strategic points, forming an invisible square around his opponent.

Kimimaro lunged again, his bone sword a blur of motion. Naruto met him head-on, blocking the strike with a kunai infused with wind chakra. The clash sent a sharp echo through the chamber.

"You fight well," Kimimaro admitted, pressing forward. "But you're wasting your efforts. I am unbreakable."

Naruto grinned as he leapt back, landing precisely at the final point of the invisible square. "Unbreakable, huh? Let's test that theory."

He raised his hand in a single, deliberate gesture. "Uzumaki Art: Reverse Quadrant Binding Array!"

The seals on the floor glowed, and lines of crimson energy connected the four points, forming a square beneath Kimimaro. Before he could react, the array activated. Chains of energy erupted from the ground, wrapping tightly around him, pinning him in place and his curse mark .

Kimimaro struggled, his body twitching as the seals suppressed his movements and chakra. "What... what is this?" His voice betrayed his fear, though his expression remained stoic.

Naruto stepped forward, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. "I've had enough time to study your cursed seal—starting with Anko's base model. I understand its mechanism, its strengths, and its flaws. All I did was take the control Orochimaru placed in it to control the bearers and take their will."

Kimimaro's eyes widened slightly, the faintest crack in his composure. "You... modified the cursed seal?"

Naruto nodded, his voice calm but laced with authority. "That's why the Uzumaki were so feared. Our mastery over seals doesn't just contain—it dominates. Your cursed seal is mine to command now."

Kimimaro struggled harder, his muscles straining, but the seals held firm. The array pulsed, sapping his strength further. "You won't... get away with this."

Naruto shook his head. "You don't get it, do you? This was never about winning or losing. This was about freeing the people your master has enslaved. You were just in the way, then again, I have delt with your master once."

Kimimaro's body slackened as the seals drained the last of his resistance. Naruto knelt beside him, placing his palm on Kimimaro's shoulder to reinforce the binding. "Sleep now. Your fight is over."

Kimimaro's eyes closed as his consciousness faded. Naruto stood, summoning two clones to secure the subdued warrior.

"One less obstacle for the clans to fear," Naruto muttered, his gaze shifting toward the rest of the compound. "Time to finish this."

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Naruto exited the compound as it began to collapse, the structural integrity compromised from the battle and the explosion seals his clones planted.

He regrouped with Hybusa and the others at the edge of the forest.

Kyōji approached him. "We saw the explosions. Is it done?"

Naruto nodded. "Kimimaro'sis taken care off. Orochimaru's operations here are crippled."

Cheers erupted from the freed clan members.

Riku ran up, his father by his side. "You did it! You really did it!"

Naruto smiled warmly. "I keep my promises."

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The liberation of the Fūma and Iburi Clans marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives—a journey fraught with challenges, but brimming with hope. The combined group of men, women, and children traveled toward Naruto's hidden stronghold in the Swamp Village, a place promised as their sanctuary.

The trek took over half a month, winding through dense forests, treacherous terrain, and unpredictable seas. Food was rationed carefully, with Naruto using his shadow clones to scout ahead, ensuring they avoided any unwanted attention or potential ambushes. Despite the grueling journey, a sense of unity grew among the two clans, bound by their shared trials and newfound purpose.

By the time they reached the Swamp Village, the Iburi and Fūma Clans were weary but filled with cautious optimism. The hidden settlement lay deep within an intricate labyrinth of wetlands, shielded by natural barriers and reinforced by Uzumaki sealing arrays that radiated an undeniable aura of protection.

At the entrance, Kamado awaited with a group of seasoned warriors. His imposing frame and steadfast presence exuded authority, while his warm smile eased the apprehension of the newcomers.

"Welcome to your new home, my prince," Kamado said, bowing respectfully to Naruto before addressing the crowd. "The prince has told us about your journey. You'll be safe here."

Naruto stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. "This village thrives on trust, unity, and strength. You're not just survivors or refugees here—you're part of something greater. But before we can move forward, we must ensure our safety. Each of you will undergo thorough checks to ensure Orochimaru hasn't planted anyone among us."

The clans nodded solemnly, understanding the necessity of caution.

Over the next few days, Naruto and Kamado worked tirelessly to integrate the Iburi and Fūma Clans into the village. They were introduced to the settlement's workings: defensive seals that shimmered with intricate patterns, communal kitchens where food was prepared with care, and training grounds alive with the hum of progress.

The artisans of the Fūma Clan marveled at the craftsmanship of the village's smithy, already envisioning how their skills could elevate it further. Meanwhile, the Iburi Clan discovered the swamp's natural mist was perfect for refining their smoke-based techniques, a prospect that sparked renewed pride in their unique abilities.

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A week after their arrival, Naruto called a gathering in the central square. Fires crackled in the humid air, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared meals filled the space. For the first time in weeks, the clans laughed, shared stories, and embraced the sense of community they thought lost forever.

Hayabusa Fūma, the acting leader of the Fūma Clan, stepped forward, his voice carrying across the square. "Tonight, we celebrate not just our survival, but the dawn of a new alliance. Lord Uzumaki has given us hope where there was none."

He turned to Naruto, bowing deeply. "Without you, we wouldn't be here. You've given us a future."

An elderly woman from the Fūma Clan, her face lined with wisdom and past skepticism, approached hesitantly. "I misjudged you, Lord Uzumaki. Forgive an old woman for her doubts."

Naruto smiled warmly, shaking his head. "There's nothing to forgive. Caution is not weakness—it's wisdom, and it's kept you alive."

Next came Enkai, the leader of the Iburi Clan. His voice was steady but tinged with emotion. "We owe you more than we can ever repay. You've given us freedom, dignity, and purpose. The Iburi Clan stands ready to serve you, Lord Uzumaki."

Naruto's gaze swept over the crowd, his tone resolute. "What we achieve here, we achieve together. This isn't just my home—it's yours now, too."

Hayabusa stepped forward again, holding a ceremonial blade that gleamed in the firelight. With deliberate motion, he cut his palm, letting his blood drip into the communal bonfire. The flames hissed and roared as if alive.

"As acting leader of the Fūma Clan, I pledge our loyalty to you, Naruto Uzumaki. From this day forward, we are your allies, in peace and in war."

Enkai followed, presenting an obsidian pendant etched with Iburi Clan symbols. "As leader of the Iburi Clan, I too pledge our loyalty to you. We will stand by you, in shadow or in light."

Naruto accepted both gestures with solemnity, gripping the ceremonial blade tightly. "And I pledge to stand by you, to protect and honor you as one of my own."

With that, Naruto raised Arashi high above his head. The gathered crowd erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the swamp like a beacon of hope.

As the flames of the bonfire burned brighter, the Iburi and Fūma Clans knelt, solidifying their fealty to the man who had given them more than freedom—he had given them a future.

-xx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xx-

Flash Back End

The memory faded as Naruto continued toward the Land of Demons. The alliance with the Fūma and Iburi Clans had have changed many things.

He could see the silhouette of the Priestess Shrine on the horizon. The wind carried a faint, ominous energy.

Time to end another cycle.

-xx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xx-

In a dark chamber far away, Orochimaru seethed.

A shadowy figure stepped forward. "He has become a significant obstacle."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with sinister intent. "Then it's time we reminded him why snakes are not to be trifled with."

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Stay tuned for the next chapter of NTLHOS.

Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

NTLHOS: Chapter 72: The Silent Rebellion IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 73: Glimpse of the Kami no Shinobi IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 74: Tempest of Despair and Hope IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 75: The Great Assembling IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 76: The Whirlpool's Dominions IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 77: The Grand Ploy IS OUT!

Chapter 79: Part -II- A Pawn Crosses the Board to Become a Queen IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 80: Introspection And Good Times IS OUT ! ( Lemon Tsunade)

NTLHOS:Chapter 81: The Past Collides With The Seeds Of The Future. IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 82: The Great Board Takes ShapeIS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 83: I Don't Know!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: The Coronation Begins IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: Epilogue IS OUT!(New) (Conclusion of Volume one of the NTLHOS)

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