Transcending Realities: A Journey to Reclaim Home

Naruto POV

In Konoha, I gathered all my girls and explained that I would be leaving the village for a few days to attend the summit alongside Tsunade. They were initially reluctant, trying to convince me to bring them along, but I assured them that taking everyone would only make things overcrowded.

Instead, I promised to meet them either at the summit or in one of the villages along the way, where we could spend quality time together. With the Flying Raijin technique, I could come and go as needed, which reassured them.

Understanding my reasoning, they agreed to stay behind, planning to use the time to take on missions or focus on their training.

Before departing, I prepared for potential threats. I left a shadow clone in the village to keep watch in my absence, knowing that infiltrators from other villages might attempt something. Additionally, I left another clone in the Land of Fire as a precaution, ensuring I could respond swiftly to any emergencies.

With everything in place, I got ready and departed, confident that both the village and my loved ones would be safe while I was away.

As we traveled, I turned to Tsunade with curiosity. "Hey, Tsuna, you were away from the village for so many years. How was it?"

She glanced at me, her expression softening as she reflected on her time away. "It was… good. It helped me get over some things from the past," she began, her tone measured and thoughtful.

Before she could continue, Shizune, walking beside us, interrupted with a sly smile. "Well, I was with you the whole time, Tsunade-sama. You didn't exactly spend that time healing—more like gambling and drinking all day until you ran out of money!"

Her initial hesitation quickly gave way to boldness, her teasing tone growing stronger. I burst into laughter at the remark, unable to resist mocking Tsunade further. "Is that so, Tsuna? You've been setting quite the example!"

Tsuna's face turned red with a mix of embarrassment and anger as she raised her hand to swat at Shizune. "You little—!"

I quickly stepped between them, gently stopping Tsunade. "Hey, it's okay, Tsuna. Cool off. She's just teasing you. Besides, why get mad when all she did was tell the truth?"

Shizune chuckled nervously, while Tsunade crossed her arms and huffed, her pride taking a hit. The lighthearted banter eased the tension as we continued on our way, the moment bringing a rare sense of normalcy amidst the looming summit.

I leaned closer to Shizune with a playful smirk. "You've got guts, Shizune, provoking Tsuna like that. Especially for someone with such a shy personality."

Shizune glanced at me, her usual composure faltering for a moment as her expression softened. "It's not about guts," she said quietly, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "I just… I'm trying to change. I want to be someone who can keep up with you all, who can be there when it matters. I hate feeling like I'm left behind or alone."

Her words carried a weight that caught me off guard, a glimpse into the deeper emotions she rarely let show. For a moment, the teasing atmosphere gave way to something more sincere.

"Shizune," I said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're already more important to us than you realize. You don't have to change who you are to belong here. We're in this together."

She nodded, a small, grateful smile breaking through her emotional moment, as if my words gave her the reassurance she needed. Tsunade, though still huffing from earlier, glanced back and softened at the sight, her usual gruff demeanor briefly replaced with a quiet understanding.

I shook my head dramatically, feigning disappointment. "Look at this, Tsuna. You made Shizune cry. Making adults cry? I expected better from you. I'm disappointed." I added a sad expression for effect, trying to lighten the moment.

Tsunade rolled her eyes but quickly softened, walking back toward Shizune. She gently wrapped her arms around her in a warm embrace. "Do you really think you'd ever be alone, Shizune? I've always been here for you, haven't I?" she said, her voice unusually tender.

Sensing this was a moment they needed to share without me hovering, I quietly stepped away, giving them space. From a short distance, I watched as their bond shone through, a testament to the years they'd spent relying on each other.

Shizune's voice trembled as she replied, her emotions spilling over. "It's just… lately, I've felt like you might leave. Maybe it's just my imagination, but I can't shake the thought. I want to stay by your side, Tsunade-sama, just like you've always been there for me. Even when you were hurting and barely had the strength to smile, you still smiled for me. You helped me through so much. You've been like a big sister to me all these years."

Tsunade tightened her embrace, her expression softening as she listened to Shizune's heartfelt words. It was a rare, vulnerable moment between the two of them, one that reminded me of the unshakable bond they shared. I turned my gaze back to the path ahead, giving them their privacy, knowing they'd come out of this even stronger together.

"Don't worry, Shizune," I said with a teasing grin. "I won't steal your precious Tsunade-sama from you."

Both of them turned to look at me, their expressions shifting from surprise to amusement. The heavy atmosphere from moments ago lifted, replaced with a lighter, more playful energy.

Tsuna, however, wasn't about to let me off the hook. She cracked her knuckles, her signature smirk forming. "Oh, you're going to regret that, brat," she said, stepping toward me with menace in her eyes.

I quickly darted behind Shizune, using her as a shield. "Shizune, help me! Your big sister is trying to hurt me!" I cried out dramatically, peeking over her shoulder.

Shizune blinked in surprise at first, then burst into laughter. The tension that had gripped her earlier melted away completely as she clutched her stomach, unable to contain her giggles.

Tsuna stopped in her tracks, her own lips twitching into a reluctant smile as she watched Shizune laugh. The somber moment from earlier was forgotten, replaced with the warmth of shared laughter and camaraderie.

After the lighthearted drama, we resumed our journey toward the Land of Iron, the mood considerably lighter now.

"Shizune, which village comes up next?" I asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

She glanced at the map in her hands. "I think we'll soon reach the Land of Hot Water," she said thoughtfully. "It's quite famous for its hot springs."

I paused for a moment, a knowing grin spreading across my face. The mere mention of hot springs made me certain of one thing: our journey was about to come to a halt for a few days.

Tsuna, after all, adored hot springs, and she wasn't alone in that. Practically every girl I knew had a fondness for them, and even most of the guys couldn't resist their allure. It was hard to blame them—hot springs offered a perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation.

I chuckled inwardly, already anticipating the excuses Tsuna might come up with to make an extended stop. "Looks like we might be taking a little detour," I thought, already planning how to make the most of the inevitable break.