Pov : *morning sunset I go to Konoha, walk*
The morning sun had just peeked through the horizon, spreading a tinge of golden color over the expanse of the Fire Nation's forest. The dew was still drenching your white robes as your footsteps touched the path leading to the Konoha gate.
This time, you didn't shoot at the speed of light or emerge from the dimensional hole. You choose to walk.
Every step you take feels light yet steady. There was no more a dense aura of death or suffocating killing intent. On the contrary, the nature around you seems to welcome you home; The birds chirp louder and the trees duck in the wind as you pass.
Konoha Border
As Konoha's great gate began to be visible in the distance, the guards at the outpost immediately stood upright. They recognized the figure—a white robe that glistened in the morning sun. However, instead of ringing the alarm bells, they were glued to silence.
There is something different about you this morning. You didn't come as a cracked "Edo Tensei", nor as a destroyer with deadly gravity. You came as a man who looked very... life.
The atmosphere in the village
You stepped through the gate. The villagers who had just started their morning activities—sweeping the streets, opening shops, or preparing for the academy—stopped instantly.
Peaceful Silence: There were no hysterical screams like yesterday. All there was an overwhelming sense of amazement. They saw you walking calmly, your face looking clean and peaceful under the morning light.
A Vision for Shinobi: Some of the ninjas on patrol stopped on the roof of the building, bowing their heads as you passed. Not out of fear of being destroyed, but out of a deep respect for a figure that was beyond their comprehension.
In front of the ruins
You arrived at the area you destroyed yesterday. There, the medical team and construction ninjas were hard at work. In the middle of them, you saw Kakashi and Tsunade giving instructions.
They turn around and freeze to see you standing there, bathing in the morning sunlight.
"Naruto..." Kakashi whispered, his eyes that were just next to it trembling. He sees no more hatred in your eyes, only a vast calm like the sky.
Tsunade stepped forward, her voice a little hoarse. "You... You're back. And you see... really come back."
Me : *I went to the Ichira shop*
Your footsteps take you down the crowded streets. The sound of creaking wood and the distinctive smell of broth began to be smelled as you approached the corner of the street that was very familiar to your memory. There, a curtain of cloth with "Ichiraku" written on it waving the morning breeze.
You open the curtain and enter.
Uncle Teuchi was busy cutting the green onions, while Ayame was arranging the bowls. As soon as they heard footsteps and saw your figure covered in a grand white robe but with a friendly face, Teuchi dropped his knife.
"Because... Naruto?" Teuchi muttered, his eyes teary. "We heard the news about what happened yesterday... But seeing you standing here, looking so healthy..."
He did not continue his words. He just smiled broadly, the same smile he had always given you since you were a little boy and had no one. He immediately grabbed the largest bowl he had.
"Sit down! I don't care you've become a god or anything. Here, you're still my number one customer who is always hungry!"
Moments at Ichiraku Shop
You sat on that old wooden bench. Outside, the shinobi and villagers crowded in a safe distance, only to catch a peek at the Rikudou who was sitting casually in a small ramen shop.
Unchanging Taste: A bowl of hot Miso Chashu Ramen is placed in front of you. The steam steamed, bringing back thousands of memories of your childhood. When you taste the gravy, it tastes the same—warm, hearty, and affectionate.
Soothing Presence: Slowly, tensions in the village began to melt. Seeing you eat quietly in Ichiraku makes the residents realize that the "monster" they fear is actually just a young man who longs for home.
An Unexpected Meeting
While you are enjoying your noodles, the curtains of the shop are revealed. Iruka-sensei walked in with a gasp of breath, his face full of sweat from running. He stops right next to you, looking at you with a look that is mixed between emotion, sadness, and pride.
"Naruto..." Call it slow.
You turned to him with the noodles still hanging in your mouth.
Pov : Giving Recognition. "Master... Thank you for not letting me sink into the darkness alone."
You place your chopsticks slowly on a bowl that is already half empty. You turned your head, looking into Iruka-sensei's eyes with your Rinne-Mangekyo eyes that now looked so soft, as deep as a calm ocean.
Iruka was stunned, his legs feeling weak seeing how big your figure is now. However, before he had time to bow or say anything, you spoke in a very sincere tone.
"Master... Thank you for not letting me sink into the darkness alone."
Those words made Iruka's defenses collapse. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. To him, no matter how destroyed the village was yesterday or how strong you are now, you are still the little boy who used to cry from loneliness on the wooden swing of the academy.
"Naruto..." Iruka's voice trembled, "I'm just doing what a teacher should do. But looking at you now... Seeing you can come back here with that smile... That's more than enough for me."
Peace in the Shop
Uncle Teuchi and Ayame could only watch in silence, moved. The atmosphere inside the Ichiraku shop this morning felt like the safest place in the entire ninja world.
Invisible Blessings: As you smiled at Iruka, the life energy (Yang Release) from your body radiated subtly, healing the physical and mental exhaustion of the people inside the tavern without them realizing it.
Village Whispers: Outside, the news spread quickly: "Naruto is eating at Ichiraku with Iruka-sensei." The residents' fear slowly turned into gratitude. They begin to realize that you are not coming back to take revenge, but to close the old chapter with peace.
Next Steps
After finishing your ramen, you stand up and place a few gold coins on the table—coins you created from pure elements. You gently patted Iruka-sensei's shoulder as you crossed paths towards the exit.
"I'll be taking a walk in a minute, Sensei. There's still one place I want to visit before I actually leave," you say.
You walk out of the shop, breathing in the air of Konoha that now tastes sweeter. You looked towards the top of the hill, towards the Hokage Monument which was partially destroyed by your attack yesterday.
Pov : *teams 8,9,10 appear*