Naruto's form materialized on the back mountain farm, reality solidifying around him in gradual waves.
Only an hour had passed here. Time flowed differently between dimensions, stretching and compressing according to laws he didn't fully understand yet.
He took a moment to survey his surroundings, the familiar landscape grounding him after his journey. The past days in Boruto's world replayed in his mind, each memory sharp and clear.
The trip had been profitable. First, he'd gathered extensive intelligence about that timeline's development. Second, he'd made countless new friends, expanding his network across an entire world.
Though he still didn't understand why the Seventh Hokage kept vomiting blood. Naruto had clearly helped him by making so many friends. Konoha would be one big happy family now.
After Boruto and Himawari had fallen asleep, Naruto had said his goodbyes to the Seventh Hokage and Hinata before departing. Perhaps tomorrow morning, when the children woke to find their "young dad" gone, they'd feel sad. But things would improve. Their real father would spend more and more time with them as they grew.
Naruto felt no regrets. That world had its own version of his family, people who belonged there.
This world, his world, held his future family. Here, he was needed. The misfortunes that had plagued that timeline would be corrected here, one by one.
Jiraiya's death. Neji's sacrifice.
In that world, Naruto had visited their graves, offered incense at their memorial stones. The experience had left him with complicated emotions, a tightness in his chest that lingered even now.
My friends here will be fine. I'll make sure of it.
Thinking of Jiraiya and Neji, Naruto felt an urgent need to see them alive and well. Confirming their existence with his own eyes would ease the discomfort.
Though with Jiraiya, he'd just gotten angry and sent the man to the hospital...
Better to visit the Hyūga compound instead. See Neji, check on Hiashi. Every time Naruto showed up there, Hiashi would hide himself somewhere far away. Why did the clan head keep avoiding him?
Thinking of Hinata brought clarity. It was very necessary to meet with Hiashi and establish a good relationship. He'd need the man's approval to marry his daughter eventually.
Before heading to the Hyūga compound, Naruto decided to visit Sasuke first. He'd gained valuable insights from adult Sasuke's techniques and training experience. Sharing this knowledge would help his Sasuke grow faster.
When Naruto arrived at Sasuke's usual training ground, his friend was deep in practice.
Beyond his normal routine, Sasuke had added a new focus: familiarizing himself with the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan's abilities.
"Sasuke."
Sasuke stopped mid-technique and walked over. "Naruto? Shouldn't you be working? It's still office hours."
"Training is more important than paperwork." Naruto smiled easily. "I can leave the boring stuff to my subordinates."
"Then why track me down? I'm busy. I want to master the Sharingan's abilities as quickly as possible." Sasuke's tone carried an edge of impatience.
Naruto observed him quietly. Sasuke had gotten a bit swollen-headed since obtaining the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. His manner of speaking had become more casual, almost cocky.
He probably thinks he's invincible now.
Not that Naruto minded. Sasuke's overconfidence would inevitably end with a bruised face during their next "friendly exchange." The pattern was predictable and oddly comforting.
"Come here. Hold out your fist. I've got something good for you."
"Something good?" Sasuke looked puzzled but extended his fist.
Naruto touched his knuckles to Sasuke's and transmitted everything. Adult Sasuke's complete combat experience, his refined techniques, his understanding of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. And the Rinne Tensei, the Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique.
The moment contact was made, Sasuke's pupils contracted sharply. Information flooded his mind, knowledge settling into place like puzzle pieces finding their proper positions. He stared at Naruto with surprise and growing excitement.
"Naruto, where did you get this? It's perfectly suited for me!" The sensation was overwhelming. With these techniques, this understanding, his strength could dominate the entire shinobi world.
"Study hard. Work diligently." Naruto's expression turned serious. "You can learn the Rinne Tensei too, but don't use it recklessly. Wait until I've solved its fatal flaw."
"Don't worry, I understand." Sasuke's eagerness practically vibrated through his stance. "I'll get back to training then."
"Go ahead. I have other business." Sasuke's dedication was exactly what Naruto wanted to see. The current Sasuke was still too weak. He hoped his friend would grow stronger quickly. In the future, their friendly exchanges could last a full hour instead of ending in minutes.
Sasuke immediately dove back into practice. Naruto turned and headed for the Hyūga compound.
The journey was brief. Soon, Naruto stood before the Hyūga family gates.
The two guards recognized him immediately. Their expressions shifted to solemn respect. "Hokage-sama."
Naruto nodded. "I'm here to see Hinata and Neji."
"Please, Hokage-sama, come to the reception hall. We'll summon Lady Hinata and Master Neji immediately." One guard gestured him forward, leading him inside.
The treatment felt completely different from previous visits. In the past, Naruto had waited at the gate while guards went to report his presence.
Now they invited him directly in to drink tea while waiting.
Settling into the reception hall, a Hyūga clan member prepared tea with practiced efficiency. "Lady Hinata and the clan head are currently training. They'll arrive shortly, Hokage-sama. Please be patient."
Before Hinata or Hiashi could appear, Hanabi rushed in like a small whirlwind. She threw herself into Naruto's arms without hesitation, calling "Naruto-niichan!" repeatedly with obvious affection.
"The second miss is quite attached to Hokage-sama." The clan member serving tea smiled slightly. "I wonder what will happen if Hokage-sama marries the eldest miss in the future?"
In the training courtyard, a guard approached and bowed. "Clan Head, Lady Hinata, Hokage-sama has arrived."
"Oh." Hiashi immediately stopped the session. "Hinata, change into fresh clothes and come greet Naruto."
"Yes!" Hearing of Naruto's arrival, joy flooded through Hinata. Her face, already flushed from exertion, turned even redder. Like a ripe apple ready to fall from the tree.
After changing quickly, Hinata followed her father to the reception hall.
There sat Naruto in his Hokage robes. The formal attire added to his natural charisma, making him seem somehow more attractive than usual. Hinata's face heated immediately.
"N-Naruto-kun..." The words came out barely above a whisper.
"Hokage-sama." Hiashi offered a proper bow.
"Please, Clan Head Hiashi, you're being too formal. You're my senior. Just call me Naruto." Naruto didn't want to stand on ceremony. In fact, he wanted to be friends with Hiashi.
They settled into seats facing each other. Hinata took her place beside her father. Only four people remained in the reception hall now. Hanabi still clung to Naruto's lap, refusing to leave.
"Naruto came to see Hinata, I assume?" Hiashi's eyes gleamed with knowing amusement as he glanced between them.
Hinata's head dropped like an ostrich burying itself in sand, her face burning.
"Haha, yes, but I also wanted to be friends with Senior Hiashi." The words left Naruto's mouth before his brain caught up. Wait, did I just say that out loud?
Hiashi's eyes widened. His expression shifted to anger. "Doesn't Naruto like Hinata? If you don't want to marry her, then we can be friends instead!"
Naruto thought quickly. "I can treat the clan head as my father-in-law, and you can treat me as a friend. We can each have our own perspective."
Perfect solution! Hinata's eyes lit up with admiration. Why didn't I think of that? Naruto-kun is so clever!