NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Timeskip
After leaving the Hokage's office, Kushina returned home, her mind swirling with thoughts about how to care for and raise Naruto in the coming years. Her life had changed drastically, but her determination remained unwavering. She knew that Naruto was her priority, and she would dedicate herself to ensuring his well-being and growth, just as she had promised Minato.
**Timeskip – 4 Years Later**
Naruto (Leo) had grown into a bright and energetic four-year-old. Even at such a young age, his striking features were beginning to show, particularly the vibrant red hair that had come from the purification of his Uzumaki bloodline. His handsome face and fiery hair drew attention, making him stand out even more among his peers.
He had become close with the people who were dear to his mother. Mikoto Uchiha, her children Itachi and Sasuke, were practically family to him. Itachi, always kind and protective, often watched over Naruto, while Sasuke, a toddler still growing into his own, would cling to his older brother. Naruto felt a deep bond with them, and their families spent much time together, creating a warm, supportive environment for him.
Kushina was always around, guiding and loving Naruto, but she also encouraged his friendships with others, knowing they would play an important role in shaping his life. The relationships he built during these formative years were precious, and Naruto, being sharp and observant even at his age, understood the value of the bonds he was forming.
He absorbed everything around him, his natural charisma already drawing people toward him, and those who were close to his mother felt a similar pull toward him. The Uzumaki legacy was strong, and Naruto was already proving to be a promising child, full of potential and surrounded by love.
During those four years, even though he fully aware of the events that transpired in the Naruto world from his past knowledge, was cautious. He understood that Aurora's intervention in saving Kushina might have caused unforeseen changes—*butterfly effects*—that could shift the balance of the world and alter events in unexpected ways.
One day, with this concern in mind, he asked his mother, "Mom, can you tell me more about the current state of the village and the world? I want to know everything that's happening."
Kushina, slightly surprised by Naruto's curiosity at such a young age, smiled warmly. "You're quite inquisitive for a four-year-old, Naruto. But I suppose that's part of your Uzumaki spirit!" She tousled his red hair lovingly.
She then began to explain how things had settled in the village since the Nine-Tails attack. "The village has been peaceful, but there's always an underlying tension. The old generation—the village elders—are still in control, though your father's death shook them up. Hiruzen returned to his role as Hokage, but there's been talk about succession."
She explained further how the world outside the village seemed calm for now, but there were whispers of political movements in the other hidden villages. There was still some tension with the other major ninja nations, particularly since the destruction of the Uzumaki clan had caused ripples, and the Fourth Great Ninja War had not yet occurred.
He listened carefully, thinking about how these subtle changes might differ from the original timeline he knew. Aurora, always present in his mind, reminded him that even small shifts could lead to significant consequences. Saving his mother had been the right choice, but he needed to stay vigilant for any alterations that could lead to unintended dangers.
"I'll keep my eyes open," he thought, "and be ready for anything that happens. Whatever the changes, I'll protect those I love."
Though still young, He resolved to observe closely how the world evolved around him, knowing that his presence—and Aurora's guidance—might have set events on a different path.
Naruto (Leo) quickly realized that the world around him hadn't shifted drastically, but one key difference stood out: *his own life*. In the original timeline, Naruto had been despised and feared by the villagers, labeled as the "demon fox" for having Kurama, the Nine-Tails, sealed inside him. But now, thanks to Aurora's intervention and the survival of his mother Kushina, everything was different.
Instead of glares of hatred, Naruto was met with smiles and admiration from the villagers. He wasn't shunned or isolated—he was loved. As the son of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, Naruto was held in high regard by the people of Konoha. They saw him as a symbol of hope, the living legacy of their beloved hero, rather than a child to be feared. The respect they had for Minato extended to Naruto, and with Kushina still alive to protect him, Naruto grew up in an atmosphere of warmth and care.
The change in how the villagers treated him allowed Naruto to experience a much happier childhood. He wasn't left alone to struggle with loneliness and rejection. Instead, he was surrounded by friends and adults who cared for him, with his mother Kushina being a constant source of love and guidance. His bond with Mikoto Uchiha's family, especially Itachi and Sasuke, deepened, and they became like siblings to him.
Naruto's life was filled with joy, support, and a sense of belonging—things he had sorely missed in the original timeline. He understood that this love and acceptance had given him a strong foundation to build upon as he grew, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead.
But despite the love he received from the village, He knew that this world was still dangerous and that enemies, both known and unknown, awaited. He vowed to take advantage of this new reality, becoming strong enough to protect his loved ones and ensuring that the painful events he remembered from the original timeline wouldn't happen again.
In this timeline, he had a family, friends, and a village that believed in him, and with Aurora by his side, Naruto was determined to change the course of fate for the better.