Transcending Realities: A Journey to Reclaim Home

As Shizune and I stepped inside, the warmth of the room enveloped us. Tsunade and Temari were lounging casually, but the sly smiles on their faces told me they had been waiting for us to return.

Tsuna raised an eyebrow, her smirk wide. "Took you two long enough. What were you doing out there, huh?"

"Just talking," I said, keeping my tone nonchalant.

Temari leaned forward, clearly enjoying this. "Talking, huh? Shizune, your face is still red. Care to explain?"

Shizune stammered, her hands fidgeting nervously. "N-nothing! It was just...the night breeze!"

Tsuna chuckled, shaking her head. "Sure, the 'night breeze.' We'll let that one slide—for now."

I rolled my eyes but decided to change the subject. "Alright, enough teasing. Let's get some rest. We've got a long journey ahead tomorrow."

The room quieted as everyone began settling in, but I caught Shizune sneaking glances at me, her lips curving into a soft smile.

As I lay down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm. Things were changing, but for the better. With Shizune by my side, and the trust of everyone else, I knew I could handle whatever came next.

"Temari, shouldn't you be with your father and siblings?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I looked at her.

Temari shrugged, leaning back comfortably. "They're fine. Gaara and Kankuro can handle themselves for a while. Besides, it's not every day I get to hang out with you and… your crew." She smirked slightly, her tone teasing.

Tsuna chuckled. "You mean you're enjoying the break from your duties and just using us as an excuse."

Temari waved her hand dismissively. "Call it what you will. I'm here, and I'm not leaving until I feel like it." She gave me a pointed look, as if daring me to argue.

I shook my head, amused. "Fair enough. Just make sure they don't start a search party for you."

She crossed her arms confidently. "Trust me, Naruto. If anyone can manage without me for a day or two, it's them. Besides, I'm sure they're enjoying the peace and quiet without me."

The room filled with laughter, the easy camaraderie between us making the atmosphere light.

"Come here, all three of you. I need to say something important," I said, my tone serious.

The three of them exchanged confused glances, clearly unsure of what I meant, but they approached and sat beside me, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what I was about to say. "I can't continue with your journey from now on," I said, my voice firm but tinged with regret.

Their eyes widened in unison, the weight of my words sinking in.

"Wait... what do you mean?" Temari asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Naruto, you can't just leave us like this," Shizune said, her tone desperate.

Tsuna frowned, her gaze sharp. "You'd better have a damn good explanation for this, Naruto."

"Nothing serious," I said, offering them a small smile to ease their tension. "I'll send a clone with you while I go visit the Land of Whirlpools—my clan's fallen homeland."

Their initial confusion gave way to a mix of understanding and curiosity.

"The Land of Whirlpools?" Shizune asked softly, her voice tinged with concern. "That's Uzumaki territory, isn't it? Are you sure you want to go there alone?"

Tsuna leaned back, her arms crossed. "It's dangerous, Naruto. That area's been abandoned for years and is crawling with traps and remnants of battles. You shouldn't go without backup."

Temari nodded in agreement. "We could come with you. You don't have to do this on your own."

I shook my head firmly. "I appreciate it, but this is something I need to do alone. It's about more than just visiting—it's about understanding my clan and reclaiming what was lost. I'll be fine. My clone will be with you, so you won't even notice I'm gone."

The three exchanged glances, their worry evident, but they didn't argue further. Shizune finally sighed, her expression softening. "Just... promise you'll be careful, okay?"

"I promise," I said with a reassuring grin. "I'll be back before you know it."

"So, I'll leave from here tomorrow morning," I said, my tone calm but firm.

Tsuna frowned slightly, her concern evident. "But do you even know the way to get there?" she asked skeptically.

I chuckled, waving off her doubt with a confident grin. "Don't worry, Tsuna. I can find my way there easily. Trust me."

She sighed, clearly not convinced but choosing not to press further.

Before they could say anything else, I added, my tone hardening, "And one more thing—after this summit, let's execute those four fools."

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. Tsuna's eyes narrowed, and Shizune's breath hitched, the weight of my words sinking in. Temari crossed her arms, her expression unreadable, though her silence indicated she was listening intently.

"Are you sure about this, Naruto?" Tsunade asked, her voice quieter but sharper.

I nodded, my expression resolute. "They've caused too much harm and betrayed everything the village stands for. It's time to make things right. After the summit, their judgment will come."

The room fell silent as the gravity of my words settled. The three women exchanged glances, their unspoken understanding clear. They knew I wouldn't back down—and in their hearts, they knew I was right.

"Good night, and go to sleep early, or I'll be gone before you even know it," I said, standing and stretching.

"Okay," Temari replied with a sly grin, "but only if you sleep with us tonight."

I froze, caught off guard by her boldness. "What? There's no bed big enough for all four of us!" I protested, my voice rising slightly.

Shizune chimed in, her tone practical but her cheeks flushed. "We can push two beds together or just lay the mattresses on the floor. That way, we can all sleep together."

Tsuna smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "What's the matter, Naruto? Afraid of a little company?"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck as I tried to process their determination. "You're not going to let me sleep alone tonight, are you?"

"Not a chance," Temari said with a teasing laugh, already pulling a mattress off the bed.

I blinked in surprise, then scratched the back of my head with a sheepish grin. "You all really planned this out, huh? Fine, but don't complain if you end up squished."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Naruto, you'd better not take up all the space like last time. I swear you roll around like a hyperactive kid even when you're asleep."

Temari chuckled, crossing her arms. "And if you snore, I'm kicking you off the bed."

Shizune blushed slightly but smiled. "It's not like we're strangers to sharing space... but, um, just don't try anything funny, Naruto."

I threw my hands up in mock innocence. "Me? Funny? Never. I'm the perfect gentleman."

They all gave me skeptical looks, and I laughed. "Alright, alright. Let's rearrange the beds and make this work. I'll help."

We got to work pushing the beds together to create enough space for everyone. By the time we finished, the room looked more like a giant nest than a proper sleeping area.

As we settled in, I found myself sandwiched between Temari and Shizune, with Tsunade taking the edge. I sighed, staring at the ceiling. "This might be the coziest—and the riskiest—night of my life."

Tsunade smirked, patting my head. "Good night, Naruto. And remember—one wrong move, and you're flying out of here."

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, closing my eyes as they all chuckled softly. Moments like this made all the chaos worth it.

Their laughter filled the room as they began rearranging the beds, and despite my protests, I couldn't help but feel a warmth settle in my chest. It was moments like these that reminded me how much I cherished them.