NOVEL NEXT Chapter 140: Leaving
"Anyway, go back and act normal," I said. "I'll handle my business, and then we can discuss things further."
Zetsu seemed to relax, his posture shifting from one of tension to a more neutral stance. "Fine, but don't take too long, Naruto. I'll be watching," he said, his voice losing its earlier edge, though I could sense that he was still calculating.
"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, waving him off. "You just stay out of my way, and we'll get this done."
With that, Zetsu began to blend into the shadows, his form almost vanishing into the ground. I couldn't help but wonder how much of his behavior was genuine and how much was part of his manipulative nature. But for now, I had bigger things to focus on.
Turning away, I glanced at the horizon. The journey ahead would be tough, but I couldn't let anything stand in my way. I had a promise to keep, and there were things far greater than my personal struggles at stake. Whether it was bringing Kaguya back or dealing with the consequences of tampering with powers beyond even my understanding, I would face them head-on.
I could feel the weight of the decision pressing on me, but it wasn't time to dwell on doubts. Not yet. There was still much to be done.
As I continued my path, I couldn't shake the feeling that the events unfolding were far more complicated than I could have ever anticipated. But I was ready for whatever came next. The journey was far from over.
I resumed exploring the areas I hadn't seen yet. Most of it was the same—broken ruins scattered around—but a few buildings were still intact, though empty and of no use.
With that, my trip to the Land of Whirlpools cake to an end.
"Let's all rest in peace," I said quietly. Using Earth Style, I buried the ruins deep underground. Then, with Wood Style, I grew a lush forest over the site, letting nature reclaim what was once lost.
After ensuring that the entire area was buried respectfully, I stood in silence, gazing at the newly grown forest. The ruins, which once stood as a testament to my clan's legacy and tragedy, were now part of the earth, hidden and preserved beneath the trees. The land of the Uzumaki clan would now become a sanctuary, untouched by time and prying eyes.
"Rest in peace, all of you," I whispered, feeling a mix of grief and resolve. This place was my heritage, but it was also a symbol of the pain my clan had endured. It was time to let it go and build something new.
As the wind rustled through the trees, I took one last look at the serene landscape. It was no longer a graveyard but a peaceful haven. Turning to my horse, I climbed back onto its saddle.
"Let's go," I said quietly, giving the reins a gentle tug.
The horse neighed softly as I began my journey back, my heart a little heavier but my resolve stronger. I carried with me the knowledge, memories, and spirit of the Uzumaki. Their sacrifices wouldn't be in vain.
The sun was setting as I rode away from the forest. The shadows stretched long across the ground, but the light in the distance promised a new beginning. This was not the end; it was the start of something greater.
Within a few minutes, I reached the shore. With the boat safely crossing the sea, I docked at the familiar shore of the Land of Hot Water. The sight of the calm waves lapping against the coastline felt like a subtle farewell from the Land of Whirlpools.
I disembarked and tethered the boat securely, ensuring it wouldn't drift away in case I needed it again. My horse, ever patient, waited by the shore, munching lazily on some grass I'd picked earlier.
"Well, back to familiar territory," I muttered, patting the horse's mane.
As I saddled up and began riding, the dense forests and serene atmosphere of the Land of Hot Water greeted me warmly. The journey ahead was clear, but my mind kept drifting back to the Land of Whirlpools.
The knowledge I had gained, the secrets I uncovered, and the promise I made to Zetsu—it all weighed on me. But there was no turning back now. I had a destiny to fulfill and a world to protect, even if it meant taking risks others wouldn't dare.
The horse's hooves clattered against the dirt path, echoing softly through the forest as I ventured deeper into the Land of Hot Water, heading toward my next destination.
As the sky darkened, I decided to rest for the night. After a quick breakfast the next morning, I resumed my journey toward the Land of Iron.
With my horse, I traveled through the Land of Hot Water, eventually reaching the capital where we had stayed before. I approached the village head and asked, "When did Tsuna and the others leave?"
"They left about a week ago," he replied. "I imagine they've already reached the Land of Iron by now."
After thanking the head for the information, I mulled over the timeline.
"A week ahead? Makes sense, knowing them," I muttered to myself. "Still, if I push forward without delays, I can catch up soon."
With my horse re-saddled and supplies replenished from the capital, I began my journey toward the Land of Iron. The brisk winter air grew colder with every mile, a clear indication that I was heading into a snowy terrain.
The Land of Hot Water's vibrant greenery gradually gave way to sparse vegetation, and the paths became less traveled. Villages were fewer and farther apart, and the chill in the wind started biting harder.
I camped by a small stream that night, the stars overhead reminding me of how vast the world really was.
"I wonder what Tsunade and the others are up to right now," I thought aloud, stroking the horse's mane. "Probably arguing about something stupid again."
With a soft chuckle, I fell into a light sleep, knowing I'd need to keep up my pace in the morning. The Land of Iron was still a few days away, and there was no telling what awaited me once I got there.
3rd POV
Just as the village head had said, Tsunade and the others had already arrived in the Land of Iron.
"When is this damn summit going to start?" Tsunade asked, her frustration evident.
Tsunade paced back and forth in their lodge, her impatience evident to everyone present. The Land of Iron's snowy terrain only added to her irritation as the cold made her movements stiff.
Shizune tried to calm her, handing over a warm cup of tea. "Lady Tsunade, the summit starts tomorrow morning. The Daimyo and other Kage are still arriving."
Rasa, who was sitting by the fireplace, spoke up with a smirk. "You should know diplomacy doesn't work on a ninja's schedule, Tsunade. Patience is key."
Tsunade shot him a glare. "Patience, huh? Easy for you to say when you're not freezing your ass off in this tundra!"
Rasa chuckled lightly but didn't reply. The other delegates in the lodge kept to themselves, knowing better than to provoke Tsunade further.
Naruto's clone, who had accompanied the group, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "She's been like this the whole trip," he muttered to himself. "Can't blame her, though. This place is boring."
Shizune sighed, trying to steer the conversation to a more productive topic. "Lady Tsunade, we should go over the agenda for tomorrow. The Daimyo's security and our objectives need to be clear."
Tsunade grumbled but relented, sitting down with Shizune to review their plans. Meanwhile, the clone looked out the frosted window, sensing Naruto's real body drawing closer.
"Hope you get here soon, original," the clone thought. "She's going to blow a gasket if this summit doesn't start on time."