Chapter 128 - Chapter 127: The Greatest Existence in the Ninja World!

Uzumaki Naruto adjusted the pristine white kimono that Kimimaro had handed to him."Naruto-kun, this outfit... I originally prepared it for Sasuke," Kimimaro said softly, bowing his head.From the side, Orochimaru watched Naruto carefully. Although Naruto's deep blue eyes were calm and familiar, Orochimaru couldn't forget what he had seen just moments ago in the white mist.That overwhelming presence…That god-like figure…Unparalleled perfection.For the first time, Orochimaru truly felt awe."Oh? Orochimaru," Naruto said with a faint smirk, "it seems you've finally let go of your obsession with Sasuke?"Orochimaru's expression shifted into a subtle smile. "Sasuke was just a vessel, a temporary substitute. I believe that with your help, Naruto-kun, I can finally obtain the perfect body I've always dreamed of.""Tch, seems like you're being honest today," Naruto replied, nodding in satisfaction.Rather than anger, Naruto found Orochimaru's directness amusing. The statement was not an insult—it was submission. Orochimaru was offering his allegiance.Naruto stepped forward until he stood face-to-face with Kimimaro. Their eyes met, and in that instant, Kimimaro's body stiffened. He couldn't move at all.A gentle force flowed from Naruto's palm and entered Kimimaro's body. Then, something miraculous happened.The chronic, fatal condition that had plagued Kimimaro for years... vanished.His breath caught in his throat. "Master… Orochimaru… Master…"Though Kimimaro had long accepted death, he couldn't deny that he wanted more time. Time to serve Orochimaru, to fulfill his role as a loyal follower.Orochimaru gave Kimimaro a slow nod.Understanding the gesture, Kimimaro turned toward Naruto and fell to his knees."Lord Uzumaki!"Naruto gave a small nod of approval.Kimimaro's loyalty was genuine—and he was worth recruiting. Plus, this was a test of Naruto's newly awakened Yin-Yang powers. The Yang element truly held immense vitality.---Inside Naruto's Mind"What's our next move?" the voice of the Nine Tails echoed within."We return to Konoha first. The original plan hasn't changed," Naruto replied. "I'm going to rebuild the Whirlpool Country."His tone shifted, darker now."After that… I will erase the Five Great Nations… and force the entire ninja world to submit to the Land of Whirlpools."---Outside CommentaryUchiha Madara: "This Naruto… he's actually starting to appeal to me. If only he were a member of the Uchiha clan! That's what true power looks like—showing the world what real strength is."Ohnoki: "Just as expected… that ninja world over there hasn't escaped the shadow of Kuronaki…"Fourth Raikage: "That brat Naruto… does he even take us Kage seriously anymore?!"Senju Tobirama: "As much as I dislike Naruto, Raikage… let's be honest. Even if the five of you teamed up, you'd still lose to him."Senju Hashirama: "Will the Five Great Nations dissolve into a single, new Whirlpool Nation? Such a union could be called 'Ten Thousand Nations'... Could it really bring peace?"Tobirama: "If Naruto truly accomplishes this during his lifetime, peace might indeed flourish like never before… but when he dies, it all resets. The cycle begins again."Hatake Kakashi: "Humans grow old. Even Naruto will one day die. And then… the endless cycle of war and peace resumes."Terumi Mei: "Unless, of course, Naruto masters immortality. Remember what the Sage of Six Paths said: the Ōtsutsuki clan from outer space are eternal. And with Orochimaru supporting him, who's to say Naruto won't achieve the same?"Ohnoki: "That… is a real possibility."Fourth Raikage: "It's starting to look bleak in that world."Uzumaki Kushina: "No. I believe in my son. If he creates such a nation, I know everyone will experience a happiness they've never known."Ohnoki: "That's just wishful thinking."Deidara: "Old man, are you scared? Or just not ready to give up your spot as Tsuchikage? You're ancient already! The only one older than you still in power is that guy from Konoha!"Sarutobi Hiruzen: "???"---Back in Konoha – At the Village GateNaruto had just returned when a familiar white-haired ninja appeared—waiting for him."Naruto! Where have you been?! Tell me the truth—were you off on a date with some beautiful kunoichi?!"Naruto looked at him lazily. "Boring."The eccentric white-haired man was, of course, Jiraiya of the Sannin.Seeing Naruto uninterested in small talk, Jiraiya awkwardly scratched his cheek. "Anyway… I'm here for something important.""You want me to help you find Tsunade of the Senju clan?"Naruto's gaze was blank, almost as if Jiraiya were mentally unwell.The next Hokage? Konoha's future?What does that have to do with me?"I'm not interested…"Before Naruto could finish his rejection, Jiraiya blurted out:"If you come with me—I'll teach you Sage Mode!""Sage Mode? What's that?"Naruto blinked in confusion. Despite his immense strength, including the power of the Sage of Six Paths and Yin-Yang Release, this was the first he had heard of such a technique."Sage Mode is a powerful ability. It allows you to use nature chakra freely.""The First Hokage, whom you've taken quite an interest in, mastered this technique!"Naruto raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying that the Sage Body can be enhanced through this Sage Mode?""Exactly! Why do you think Uchiha Madara was always suppressed by the First Hokage?"Naruto slowly nodded.Interesting—though only slightly.Seeing Naruto's lukewarm reaction, Jiraiya knew he had to try harder."Also…" he added, grinning slyly, "Tsunade is the greatest existence in the ninja world.""???""The greatest, Naruto. You know… the biggest? You get what I mean?""…"---On the Road Out of the Village"Train travel? The Snow Country? A princess?""Fushiko Village? Romance? Old promises?"Naruto listened to Jiraiya recount tales from his travels. Slowly, a spark of interest ignited within him.After all, even with all his current power, Naruto had only ever experienced life around Konoha. The rest of the ninja world remained a mystery to him.Jiraiya, the wandering sage, had seen a very different world—one filled with stories, places, and people Naruto had never imagined.---Fenghua Koyuki: "That's right, Naruto-kun! I'm in the Snow Country—please come!"Nadeshiko Shizuka: "Hmph, Naruto! I challenge you again! And if I lose, you have to honor our agreement!"---"How about it, Naruto?" Jiraiya asked. "Isn't the ninja world interesting?"Naruto nodded slowly, then raised an eyebrow."Say… Pervy Sage. First you try to tempt me with this 'Sage Mode.' Then you tell me stories about beautiful women, exotic places, and lost princesses.""You sure you're not just trying to get me to leave Konoha for a while?"Jiraiya froze."Maybe you're worried I'll do something drastic to the village?" Naruto continued. "Or are you just trying to distract me?""..."Busted.Jiraiya laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. He didn't have a good excuse.In truth, he didn't dare leave Naruto alone in Konoha right now. Not after seeing the massive crater that had destroyed the center of the village.It looked far too similar to the damage caused by a Rasengan…Could Naruto really have that level of destructive power?Even Jiraiya had his doubts.Forcing a smile, he changed the subject."Hey… how about I buy you a popsicle?"---To Be Continued.