PART 2.

In the quiet apartment, a deep silence enveloped the atmosphere. The children, exhausted from a stressful day, lay on the ground, covered with simple blankets to protect themselves from the nighttime cold.

Hinoko, the Anbu Ninja tasked with watching over her safety in the absence of others, sat in the small dining room, deep in thought.

Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by Himawari's excited whisper. His eyes flashed as he saw something outside the front window.

"Sumire-san!" He exclaimed in a barely audible whisper, attracting the attention of the children who were still awake. 

Hinoko did not ignore the whisper, for he had learned to recognize the seriousness in Himawari's voice throughout the day. Without hesitation, he got up from his seat as the other children began to wake up.

With a determined step, Hinoko walked towards the door and opened it. Himawari stood beside her, eager to see Sumire enter through the old door, which squeaked even with the gentle breeze.

Sumire's figure appeared at the entrance, accompanied by Ro, Hinoko's Anbu partner.

Hinoko couldn't help but show a hint of relief and concern at seeing Sumire safe and sound. However, his relief was marred by the annoyance his absence had caused.

"Where have you been...?"

Hinoko exhaled in a tense tone as Ro closed the door behind them.

"You've been lost all day! You shouldn't stray that far, especially now." He scolded with obvious tension in his voice. 

Himawari watched Sumire intently, as she began to take off her ninja bags and wristbands with tired gestures. The dark-haired young lady apologized sadly in her voice.

"I'm so sorry, Hinoko-san." Sumire said with a mixture of shame and regret. "I've been collecting information from civilians all day long..."

The silence was filled with palpable tension, but Ro broke the silence by removing his mask. He spoke in a low voice, confirming Sumire's words.

"The village is guarded to the ground." He declared seriously. "Sumire had to hide and learn the patterns of surveillance to go unnoticed. I even had a hard time infiltrating Hokage circles."

Surprise and concern were reflected in Hinoko's eyes as he listened to Ro. Himawari, for his part, approached Sumire with trepidation, offering his support. The young ninja nodded, holding Himawari gently.

"I'm fine, you don't have to worry." He assured him with a reassuring smile. 

The other children watched curiously, and Neon, the girl with the glasses, finally mustered up the courage to ask.

"And what is happening? How bad are things outside?"

"It's hard to even get some fresh air without seeing some ninja fly through the air." Added her pink-haired friend next to her, sharing Neon's concern. 

Yuina, Eho, and the young woman from the Aburame clan exchanged glances with each other, taking in the information given to them. Sumire completed her entrance to the apartment, placing her belongings on the small dining room table.

Hinoko, with a mixture of insistence and concern, questioned Sumire about what she had discovered, evidencing that both she and Ro, like Anbu ninjas, had been inquiring about the details.

Sumire put her things aside and turned to the group with a serious expression. Himawari approached, reflecting the children's curiosity. Ro, Hinoko, and Sumire exchanged glances before Sumire began to speak, her words full of gravity.

"There are a lot of rumors among civilians." He began to explain. "They blame other villages, they are aware of the surveillance; but what is most repeated are the interrogations."

A tense silence took over the room as everyone absorbed the information. Everyone's eyes widened in surprise at Sumire's words. The rumors about the interrogations of the victims of the portals were a disturbing and grim revelation that hinted at the growing tension in the village.

The small apartment fell into a dense, almost palpable silence, as Harika, the girl of the Aburame clan, struggled to find the right words. His eyes, barely visible behind his clan's signature dark glasses, reflected his struggle to remain calm.

Finally, cautiously, he broke the silence that had enveloped the room.

" What kind of interrogations...?" He asked, his words resonating with obvious caution. 

Sumire watched Harika intently, gauging whether the girl was ready for the conversation ahead. Finally, he decided to answer honestly, his gaze fixed on the ground.

"I'm not sure of the exact details of those interrogations." He began to explain in a low voice. "But based on what I heard from civilians, they're looking into whether anyone may have spotted suspicious individuals in the areas where the portals appeared."

Sumire turned her gaze to Hinoko, looking for confirmation or signs that her information was relevant.

Hinoko and Ro's reactions did not go unnoticed. His eyes widened and they gasped for gasp at Sumire's words. The atmosphere in the room was further burdened with anxiety and worry.

The children watched the adults intently, eager to understand the gravity of the situation.

"There is no doubt; It would not be wise to rule out that possibility." Ro interjected, his voice deep and tense, despite his usual serenity. He fixed his gaze on Hinoko, who looked at him in surprise, as if he had verbalized what she too was afraid to say out loud. "If we don't act quickly and take action, sooner or later, we will be discovered."

The reactions were not long in coming. The children let out gasps in surprise and began mumbling to each other in an attempt to understand what was happening.

"What...?"

"What does it mean...?"

His words were barely heard, mingling with the tension that filled the air.

The focus was again on Ro, whose gaze was still fixed on Hinoko. She remained silent, as if fearful of what he was about to reveal.

"The Scroll... It was activated at the four main gates of the village." Ro continued, sharing crucial information. "It absorbed everything in its path, suggesting that the mess outside the village might be even worse than inside."

Sumire's face tightened even more, her eyes reflecting the growing concern and fear in the group. Ro went on, his voice softer but just as serious.

"Even though we got here through one of the extensions of the Parchment, that doesn't guarantee us safety. Both they and Sumire-chan are undetectable to the barrier."

The silence in the room became overwhelming, everyone attentive to Ro's words.

"However, time is of the essence." He continued, his expression showing a mixture of concern and determination. "It's been three days since we arrived. Our bodies will adapt, and since our ages are adjusted within the boundaries of this era, our Chakras are likely to be visible to the ninjas of the past. Now is the right time, Hinoko."

The tension in the air was palpable. They were all fully aware of the unsettling reality around them, a reality that threatened to reveal itself to the ninjas of the past. Ro and Hinoko felt the overwhelming weight of responsibility that fell on their shoulders.

"In reality, they are only questioning possible suspects." Ro continued, lowering his voice even more and moving closer to Hinoko. Although his words were audible to everyone, the conversation seemed like a secret shared between the two of them. "I have no solid information that they are looking for the person responsible for the summoning of corpses. Its main focus is survivors."

Hinoko's amazement echoed in the room, causing a startle among the children.

"Survivors...?!" He exclaimed, his words reflecting his surprise and fear. "How did they come to that conclusion so quickly?! We've only been here for a week!"

Ro stared at the windows for a moment before answering in an even lower tone, moving even closer to Hinoko. Although everyone could hear him, the conversation seemed like a private matter between the two of them.

"I don't have all the details, but as I infiltrated Hokage Tower, I caught the fuzzy information circulating among the ninjas." He shared cautiously. "Apparently, they are taking this situation very seriously and only high-ranking ninjas have access to this information."

Hinoko listened intently, his face showing a mixture of anxiety and worry. Ro shot him a stern look before continuing.

"You've been prioritizing the Messaging Tower." He revealed. "They are waiting for some message that will change the course of their mission."

The children watched the conversation carefully, taking in the gravity of the situation. Ro crossed his arms and continued, revealing a confession that caused the tension in the room to rise.

"I can't say for sure that they're looking for a survivor to help him."

Understanding spread among those present, and the children shuddered at the thought that Konoha might pose a threat if discovered. The shadows of the past hung over them, and all were aware that their presence in that historical era was shrouded in uncertainty and danger.

Far back in her own past, when Hinoko was but a child, she had met the Heir of the Nara clan. However, meeting him did not give her more physical strength, but more understanding about what she was herself.

Since then, she and Ro had been his most trusted shadows. That led them to highly classified jobs, such as infiltrating allied villages or eliminating assassination suspects.

Unlike eliminating potential threats to their Hokage, infiltrating villages that had collaborated with them was a highly risky job. Just a single mistake could trigger a war, but Shikamaru was never one to give in if any village showed signs of suspicion, as the village of the Rock once demonstrated.

Hinoko and Ro were experts in espionage, with the latter having one of the most impressive abilities: the ability to suppress his own Chakra until he became virtually undetectable. However, while he could pull it off when the effects of the summoning wore off, it wouldn't be that easy for Hinoko.

Despite having obtained information from other villages in the past, doing the same in Konoha was ironically more difficult than it seemed. Failure meant endangering the lives of the children and, ultimately, the entire village.

The inquisitive gazes of young Genin and Chunin were directed towards Ro as Eho posed an intriguing question.

"What does it mean... 'Age range'? What are they trying to say by that?" Eho asked, showing a genuine interest in understanding the situation. 

Ro maintained a serene expression, trying to match the composure of an experienced ninja. His effort to appear calm was interpreted by the young people as a brave act, which encouraged Eho to keep going.

"Didn't they give you instructions?"

Ro asked, looking at Hinoko with a questioning gesture. He spoke with some difficulty, as if he had a marble in his mouth, which made his words difficult for children to understand. 

Eyes shifted to Hinoko, who, to everyone's surprise, seemed to remember something important at the time. A look of surprise shared between her and Ro indicated that neither of them had provided clear instructions.

Finally, everyone's attention turned to Sumire, who looked a little overwhelmed. Patience was a virtue she possessed in abundance, but dealing with this situation was challenging even for her. It was incredible how two trusted Anbu of the Shadow King could be so careless in crucial matters.

One of them lacked skills in dealing with children, while the other was not used to leadership. Sumire wondered if she should respond and risk making adults look incompetent, or if she should keep her balance. He opted for the first option when the silence threatened to extend too long.

"We were summoned from the future, which means we're undetectable against the barrier for now." Sumire explained with the necessary clarity, based on the information provided by the two Anbu and Shikamaru. "But it's a temporary situation... Maybe we only have a few days before the barrier starts detecting our presence."

The children backed away, panic beginning to take hold of them.

"Are they going to lock us up?" Osuka asked, his knuckles white with fear. 

Sumire hurried to defuse the situation, aware that panic was spreading among the young people.

"No, it's not that!" He explained firmly. "Our invisibility before the barrier is like... we are ghosts for any method of tracing."

Eho, watching Sumire fiddle with her fingers as if weaving words in the air, bowed her head.

"You mean we're invisible?" He asked, frowning. 

Harika chimed in a calmer tone.

"Think of the landlady." He said. "He received us gladly. And she was the only one who dared to comment on the bad face that your scarf has. Does that make her someone capable of seeing ghosts?"

There was an exchange of glances between Eho and Harika, with barely audible grunts showing their frustration. Only Himawari's intervention managed to separate them, while Eho muttered something about the worst state the Aburame girl's mask attempt was in.

"Sumire-san refers to our Chakras." Himawari clarified. His eyes reflected a mixture of nostalgia and understanding. "We are all connected through the Chakra, even people who are not ninjas. But for some reason, our Chakras cannot be detected, which means..."

Neon, visibly relieved, completed Himawari's prayer.

"That no one will know that we are here. Not even someone with Himawari-chan's Eyes will be able to detect us."

Sumire's words eased initial concerns. Although the fear was still present, the possibility of going unnoticed by unknown ninjas that might stalk them gave them a break.

But the sense of relief was short-lived, as Himawari had another question on his mind.

"And what about Hinoko-san and Ro-san?"

Sumire hesitated at Himawari's question. Although he preferred not to remember that painful moment, he knew that he needed to explain the situation clearly.

"We are at least fifteen years in the past." Sumire began. "We are all younger than that, including me. Hinoko-san and Ro-san, on the other hand, are people who are over that age limit."

The group of young Genin and Chunin were attentive to Sumire's every word, trying to understand the complexity of his situation.

"People over fifteen years of age are visible to tracing methods." Sumire explained. "We, because we are invoked through the parchment, are an exception and can coexist in this past without being detected."

Sumire's explanation left a sigh of relief in the group, but there were still many unknowns to be resolved. The mystery surrounding their situation deepened, and the curiosity of young Genin and Chunin became even more intense.

The silence in the small apartment was interrupted by the tense murmur of concern emanating from Genin and Anbu.

The reality of their situation was beginning to sink into their minds, and a new fear loomed like an ominous shadow over them: what would happen if Hinoko and Ro were discovered? Would the children also be swept into the coming storm?

Sumire, always calm and friendly, couldn't help but feel a chill running down her spine at that disturbing thought. The responsibility of protecting the children fell on her shoulders, and the very thought that they might be caught because of a mistake on the part of the adults filled her with anguish.

However, he could not unprotect children from the past who would not possibly wake up tomorrow. Their duty was very complex, and protecting both parties depended on different factors, each of which was ignorant of the future. Protect people from the past, even if it costs them their own lives.

Hinoko, on the other hand, was caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and worries. He widened his eyes as he looked at Ro, searching for answers or maybe just a glimmer of relief in his expression.

Her countenance tried to reflect the same serenity as the Anbu, as if she was obliged to match her expression in order to be taken seriously. But his attempt was perceived more as an act of bravery on the part of the children, who admired the adults and clung to their words for guidance.

Ro, for his part, looked around, pointing out that the place was not suitable to discuss such a sensitive topic. But before he could express his thoughts out loud, Hinoko interrupted him with his harsh but determined voice.

"If they find out, it will be our fault." He declared firmly, his gaze piercing everyone in the room. "And if that happens, who will protect them...? Sumire-chan has a job to fulfill."

His words fell like a stone on the small space. The children looked at her in amazement and fear, while Sumire couldn't help but feel a growing concern. What would happen if everything went wrong? How could he protect them all if they were discovered by the village authorities?

Ro uttered Hinoko's name in an attempt to calm her down, but his own concern was written on her face. The atmosphere in the room became even heavier when Hinoko closed the windows tightly and secured the door, generating a rumbling sound due to the small size of the apartment.

"We have to consider all possibilities." Hinoko continued as he slowly turned to face everyone. His expression was gloomy and worried. "We don't know what will happen if we get caught... the mere presence of Ro and me disturbs Sumire-chan's mission."

A thought breezed through his head. She wished she was wrong, but her extensive wisdom and experience in the Anbu camp exclaimed that she had to keep in mind every palpable possibility. Distrusting the side that was your side was also their job.

"It's only a matter of days... we have at least three days left." She wanted to murmur, but she was heard anyway. His frustration was notorious. "With everything I saw... I don't think I can do anything in that period of time."

"Did you see...?" Ro soon jumped. "What did you discover?!"

Although he didn't speak to her as loudly, the students of the Ninja Academy of the future clung to Sumire's back, hoping not to be harmed if a violent encounter were to resurface between the two Anbu.

"Please tell me you didn't do anything stupid, because if you don't—"

"Stop fooling around, I didn't do anything crazy." She practically spat on him, leaving behind the patient mask she had shown the children. "I didn't discover much. Like you said, everything is full of eyes up to the walls. It's almost impossible to infiltrate, and if it weren't for our current state, we wouldn't have even managed to get into Hokage Tower."

"So?"

Ro sounded slightly relieved. I had shared moments and fought back-to-back with the girl, and I knew that sometimes she used to be quite daring for an Anbu.

Hinoko's eyes darkened, as dark as a night mist under the red moon of the coming cataclysm.

"A lot of information is disappearing." He revealed. "Regarding the issue as a result of the portals... someone seems to be investigating on their own, and diverting the information so that it does not reach the hands of the Hokage."

Those present were dumbfounded.

"How are you so sure?!"

"I saw them." Hinoko's eyelashes were like dark curtains in front of his eyes. The memory seemed to give him a bad taste in his mouth, and he slurred his words in annoyance. "Those in charge of passing classified paperwork at the speed that is required... they were Anbu."

Sumire shuddered noticeably. As the daughter of a former member of the Root, the former Anbu organization that performed dark work under Konoha's supervision, she knew the complexities and dangers of such matters.

An Anbu who was well a member of that organization, was obligated not only to give his life in the dirty jobs, but also to never return with a failed mission.

Those who survived to tell the tale, were not willing to talk about the practices that were done. Sumire tried many times, but failed to get results. Many of the people had changed their identities, and of the few that were known, they refused to receive it.

It was a recent stage of curiosity about that side of his lineage. She wanted to know what it was that moved Dad to do the things he did, but he never understood it one hundred percent.

"What do you plan to do now?" Ro interrupted his thoughts, turning to Hinoko. Who looked away from Sumire. "With the enemy also within the walls... and being of the past... We can't touch them. It goes against Shikamaru-san's words."

"We can't." The chestnut added, in a tone that determined a boldness in the face of risk. 

Both Sumire and Ro blinked, curious about that almost joking tone. Hinoko was about 25 years old, but her behavior was still like that of a teenager in the rebel stage.

Kakkei intertwined his fingers in front of her abdomen when Hinoko spotted her.

"Since you're out, do you know how to behave?"

"Hm?" Sumire hesitated. "Hey, Hai! The basics... I don't think it's much different than who we are."

"Hinoko..." Ro called her once, but that was enough to be ignored by her eyes again. "What are you thinking?"

The brunette looked at him out of the corner of his eye. I didn't want to show him the little insecurity I had about the idea, because that would be giving the serene man the right.

"Don't talk to me right now. Let me think about it..."

Hinoko looked at the children, who took a step back, led by Himawari, who was trying to stand his ground.

"Your graduation exam was canceled due to preparations." Hinoko explained, her voice rough and heavy as if she were carrying a heavy weight on her shoulders. His gaze fell on each of the children, scrutinizing them seriously. "Of all of you... Who do you think had the best chance of passing that exam?"

(~~~)

The night clung to Konoha, painting the village in shadows as the moon floated overhead, shedding its pale light on the roofs of the houses. Inside the Japanese Nara home, stillness reigned almost supernaturally.

In the main hall, Shikamaru Nara was sitting alone at a board of Shōgi, who shared his silence. The only sound that broke the night's tranquility was the soft rustle of the pieces moving strategically on the board.

He had a stoic expression, his face barely revealing an emotion. His eyes, however, flashed with a mixture of melancholy and despair.

The sliding door leading to the courtyard was open, and a cold breeze filtered into the room, making his skin crawl. That draught, though fresh, had a hint of uneasiness, as if it bore a bad omen. Shikamaru stared out, where the moon lit up the night, but his mind was not on Shōgi's game.

The young strategist's thoughts wandered uncontrollably. They began with memories of Asuma, his late teacher and friend. The conversations shared, the lessons learned and the moments they had shared. Asuma had been a second father figure to him, and his loss still weighed on his heart.

But then, his thoughts drifted to the mysterious portals that had appeared in Konoha. They were like a curse that had fallen upon the village, and Shikamaru felt that it was his duty as a ninja and as a disciple of Asuma to solve that riddle. However, the truth seemed to slip through his fingers, and that frustration tormented him.

The village was in danger, and he couldn't allow it. He had vowed to avenge Asuma's death, but that revenge was on hold due to recent events. Shikamaru had the feeling that everything was connected, but he didn't know how.

In the midst of those murky thoughts, her worries focused on the child she had found in the Sand Village. Temari had given him a vague clue about the importance of that boy and the mysterious iron sand that surrounded him. That only added to the weight of uncertainty on his shoulders.

Frustrated and exhausted, Shikamaru let out a growl of despair. His thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and worry, and he didn't know where to start to solve all those riddles. He felt powerless, and that was something he deeply hated.

Staring blankly at Shōgi's board, Shikamaru let himself be carried away by the melancholy of the night. However, something at the back of the room caught his attention. Although his expression was still expressionless, his eyes drifted to that object in the darkness.

The light of a candle that had been lit at the beginning of his departure was slowly fading, casting deeper and deeper shadows into the room. It was an unmistakable sign that Shikamaru was giving up on fatigue. Although his mind kept struggling with the unanswered questions, his body was telling him that he needed to rest.

The Nara house was enveloped in a quiet gloom under the foreshadowing gaze of the moon. The mysteries of the night still lurked in the darkness, but Shikamaru surrendered to sleep, in need of a respite from the storm of uncertainty that surrounded him.

For now, everything was on hold, and the world was waiting for the strategist to rest to continue his battle against what would one day be known as "The Meeting of Kings".

The wagon moved slowly through the dark forest, its monotonous rattle accompanied by the soft murmur of the passengers, most of whom had sunk into the embrace of sleep.

The atmosphere was filled with an eerie silence, only occasionally interrupted by the noise of the wood creaking under the pressure of bodies or the soft moan of the horse pulling the cart. It was as if the forest itself was holding its breath, waiting for something that was to come.

My throat had sounded at my unexpected occurrence. "The Meeting of Kings", a name in itself less than flashy, but entertaining considering my current position.

There was nothing to hang onto. There was no boy, no orange juice waiting for me at the next table. Right now I was traveling in a clandestine environment, being a complete stranger in the world I was in.

He no longer had any reason to continue. I would not fall to the bottom merely because the one who believed himself to be the one was no longer willing to take me into account. It was only there to be one more piece of a chessboard that would witness a prevention against the destructive.

My younger brother, Daemon, slept soundly on my lap, totally oblivious to the world around him. His occasional snoring was the only reminder of his presence. He was a child with explosive power, but at that moment, he seemed completely vulnerable.

I covered him with my cloak and arranged the hood over his head to protect him from the night cold and prying eyes. Being seen by strangers in itself was uncomfortable for my taste. However, this time, things seemed to be turning different.

I, on the other hand, stood motionless in my seat, my cloak covering me completely, including my head. I would not allow anyone in this past earth to look me in the eye. No individual here would fall into their strings. Being discovered would cause nothing but obstacles in my path and well-being.

My gaze was fixed on the space in front of me, watching without being seen. My eyes, those that hid the power of omnipresence, were my greatest secret.

Omnipresence was active in my left eye. He saw every detail of the wagon, every gesture of the passengers, and every shadow that moved in the darkness of the surrounding forest. My vision transcended time and space, a skill that gave me an unmatched advantage. I saw both the past and the future, now nonexistent, unfolding before me.

But all power had its price, and omnipresence was no exception. When I turned off the technique, my eyesight returned to reality. Despite my knowledge of the future and my ability to see beyond my own presence, I maintained an imperturbable expression. I had learned to hide my emotions behind a mask of tranquility.

My thoughts moved between the past and the future. Konoha, Shikamaru, Daemon, and I were pieces in a cosmic game that was just beginning. He knew more than anyone else the kinds of things that happened to those who were unlucky enough to face enemies once they survived the cataclysm.

Although things like fear and dread did not run through my mind, I did feel a certain degree of anxiety when entering that scenario.

I watched Shikamaru, Konoha's strategist who was now just a child. His concern for Asuma, his desire for revenge, and his uncertainty about the portals that had appeared in the village. All of this was part of a puzzle that only I had witnessed from every possible point of view.

Although my blue eye no longer had the same presence in my time as before, it had adapted to the past in such a way that I was now able to witness different events in the same way I saw them when I was in Konoha.

But it was not the right time to continue investigating. My presence in the past was to be kept secret, at least for now. My actions and intentions were an enigma, and I should remain so until others do their part.

The "Battle of Kings" was approaching, and I was ready to reveal its secrets and play my part in that cosmic game. Night was closing in on us, but I was not afraid. Or so I was trying to convince myself. My sight was lost in the dark horizon, and although my thoughts were filled with uncertainty, there was a deeper shadow lurking in my mind.

Kawaki.

That name was an ominous echo in my head, a constant reminder of something my eye had witnessed before the cataclysm that sent us back in time. It was a vision that I had tried to bury deep within me, but now it was coming back stronger than ever.

In that vision, I saw my own demise at the hands of Kawaki. I saw the fear in my own eyes reflected in his as everything crumbled around us. I didn't know why or how I had gotten to that point, but the fear I experienced in that instant was so real.

The imperturbability in his eyes, the burning in my chest, and the blood burning all my skin and tearing my clothes. The world had clouded over me in that vision, and I could only hear the words "Betrayal" and "Exile."

That experience had marked me deeply. And during the days following that vision, I always kept myself alert, sitting on my bed as if there was no difference between the moonlight and the sun.

They constantly watched me, treating me as a strong enemy to be defeated. It was a time when I wanted nothing but her heart and affection. At that point, however, I wanted nothing more than to get away from that boy with whom I was locked in the walls of that mansion.

My eyes showed me no more from that day on, and in the following months of preparations, everything remained the same. No clear scenes were revealed to me, and the rest was like watching a bunch of movies in disarray, through a tear in a fabric.

The sounds, the sensations... everything communicated, and I didn't have to wait long before I found myself close to Kawaki again. When he fled and part of my vision was fulfilled, the plan for the villages was already underway.

The answer remained an enigma even to me. They acted faster than I expected, and even destroyed an entire story just to save their own. But one thing I was sure of: fear never left me when he was around. It might have been a quiet night, but Kawaki's shadow darkened my mind and heart.

Although I tried hard to remain calm and composure, I could not deny the fear that gripped me every time I saw him. There was something in his gaze, something in his presence, that constantly reminded me of the future peeking through the cracks of time in front of my left eye.

How much was Kawaki willing to sacrifice for that man? Uzumaki Naruto, the man who gave a surname and a place to Kawaki, his own killer.

(~~~)

The flickering light of the campfire illuminated the underground hiding place, casting golden flashes on the rough stone walls. The children were gathered around a makeshift circle, sharing a well-deserved meal after a grueling day of training.

Namida was looking for someone, and her face lit up as she saw an approaching figure. She was Mirai Sarutobi, the only survivor of the Sarutobi family after the catastrophe.

Mirai approached with a tense smile, accompanied by two subordinates of the Grand Elder, which generated an atmosphere charged with tension.

Namida was the first to react, running to Mirai to welcome her. The other children stood up one by one and approached, full of questions and hinting at their concern about their tardiness.

"What were you doing? You didn't even come for lunch." Namida asked, clinging almost desperately to the teenager. 

Mirai hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Well... There were a few things I needed to attend to."

"Where have you been, Neechan?" Boruto asked, inadvertently sowing a palpable doubt. 

Silence took over the place like a heavy blanket, a palpable tension that contrasted sharply with the serenity in Mirai's gaze.

Every spark from the campfire seemed to resonate loudly in the underground cavern, and the occasional crackle of wood under fire intensified in the awkward silence. It was as if the air itself had become dense, laden with expectation and doubt.

The Great Old Woman, sitting in a corner and apparently immersed in her own conversation with one of her subordinates, watched everything out of the corner of her eye.

His keen intuition and deep knowledge of the reason behind Mirai's departure suggested to him that there was much more to it than the young woman was willing to reveal.

Despite Mirai's serene appearance, there was something in her gaze, in the slight flicker of her eyes, that hinted that she was hiding something important.

Shadows danced on the rough stone walls as the flickering light of the campfire cast golden gleams.

The children, without realizing it, were at the center of a scene that was far from what it seemed. As Mirai struggled to find the right words behind her carefully forged smile, the Grand Old Woman kept her vigilance silent.

Every second spent in this tense silence was like a long sigh, and the mystery hung in the air laden with secrets. No one dared to break the charm, but everyone felt that something was about to explode in the charged atmosphere.

Finally, Mirai broke the silence with a big sigh of tiredness as she stretched out visibly, surprising the children.

"What a tiredness! Seriously..." Mirai looked at the two subordinates of the Grand Elder and playfully tapped them with her elbow. "I'm a long way from being as skilled as you are at cutting a rock of that size... You make it look so easy!"

The two subordinates exchanged awkward glances, not knowing how to respond to the unexpected praise and for no apparent reason. Inojin, trying to break the tension and a prisoner of his own curiosity, asked:

"Were you abroad for special training?"

Mirai's complacent smile widened as she nodded.

"Exactly. I was having a special practice at a nearby location. You know, there's always room for improvement."

The children seemed impressed by Mirai's story, not noticing that the Grand Elder was watching the conversation attentively, her frown did not go unnoticed. The old lady knew that Mirai was lying to them, but for some reason, she didn't want to reveal the truth to the children.

As Mirai continued to weave her story, the children listened to her with enthusiasm, not suspecting that behind her smile were hidden secrets that had not yet come to light.

Gathered around the campfire, they shared stories of their training days while enjoying a hot meal. Mirai joined the circle with a warm smile, listening to the children's stories. To her, these stories were a reminder of the perseverance and indomitable spirit of youth, even in difficult times like these.

When it was her turn to speak, Mirai shared her own experiences of a supposed workout, talking about the times she had tripped and fallen, but also how she had gotten up again and again.

Although he was blatantly lying at the time, there were still traces of truth in his words. He had failed missions, although they were fewer than the successful ones, and many of the children present had not even managed to pass the first stage of the Cunin exam. I wanted to give them at least a little honesty.

Namida, her eyes shining, nodded excitedly, though her voice trembled.

"You're right, Mirai-san! Let's do our best!"

Mirai patted him on the shoulder.

"That's what I want to hear!"

Despite the bustle in the underground shelter, three figures stood out for their distant introspection. Shikadai, his eyes narrowed in an expression of deep concentration, seemed trapped in a maze of thoughts.

His gaze, lost in the flames of the campfire, barely blinked, as if he were immersed in an intense internal struggle.

Sarada, on the other hand, sat with her back straight, her dark eyes fixed on a distant, invisible spot on the horizon. Every line on his face, from his forehead to his jaw, revealed a deep reflection.

His fingers fiddled with a blade of grass, twisting it and bending its edges with absent-minded dexterity, as if he needed an outlet to channel his thoughts.

Hoki, the youngest of the group, had his head tilted slightly downward, his dark hair falling over his forehead as his eyes scanned his bowl of food with almost awkward concentration.

His furrowed eyebrows and the wrinkle on his forehead spoke of a mind occupied by questions and deep reflections, far beyond his young age.

The Great Old Woman, who had been watching the children's lively conversation with wise and experienced eyes, decided to discreetly withdraw. His hunched figure moved away from the circle, casting a fleeting glance at Mirai.

It was a meaningful look, like a silent reminder that there was unfinished business that required his attention. The old lady knew that Mirai had secrets that had not yet been revealed.

The atmosphere was filled with an unusually heavy silence as the three young men continued to be immersed in their own thoughts, unaware of the expectant presence of the Great Old Woman.

It was at this moment that one of the Grand Elder's subordinates, an older man, drew attention when he spoke, although he was clearly forced to do so.

"Now that you have advanced so far in such a short time, Mirai, you must give the report of your training to the Great Old Woman."

The mention of a breakthrough startled the children, and their eyes widened. Wasabi was one of the most shocked and could not help but ask almost shocked.

"Progress? Did you manage to get results? What kind?"

The man simply nodded and withdrew without saying another word, leaving the children in a state of amazement and curiosity. Mirai, who had been sitting with them on the ground, stood up with a reassuring smile.

"I have to give you my report first." Mirai said.

His eyes fell on Shikadai, who was still absorbed in his thoughts and fiddling with his food. However, before the others could follow the direction of her gaze, Mirai calmly added.

"I'll be back in a few minutes. Finish your meal, guys."

The children responded in unison with an "Hai!" as Mirai trotted over to where the subordinate had disappeared, her mind filled with hidden anxiety about what was to come.

As she made her way through the narrow stone corridor, the rhythmic sound of the staff hitting the ground and the dancing shadows cast by the torches guided Mirai to her destination. The gloom of the corridor gave it an air of mystery as it delved into the depths of the underground shelter.

Finally, he found the right room. He did not burst in abruptly or attempt to initiate the conversation. Instead, he remained silent, resolutely watching the old lady who was sitting with her back to the door.

He waited patiently, feeling a lump in his throat as time seemed to pass at an agonizingly slow pace. The flash of the candle in the corner of the room cast twinkling shadows dancing on the walls, adding a surreal touch to the scene.

Finally, after a prolonged silence that weighed on the room, the old woman's voice broke the silence. He spoke coldly, his words sharp like knives in the calm air.

"Why did you lie?" He asked, his inquisitive eyes fixed on Mirai. "Why did you lie to them like that?"

Mirai kept her face expressionless, but her eyes reflected the storm of emotions stirring within her. The silence continued as the candle continued to dim its light, casting a growing gloom over the room.

At that moment, memories embraced her like a dark, menacing shadow. He saw the images in his mind, like fragments of a torn film.

The tavern where she had seen the list of rewards with the initials "Eliminated" marked next to the photos of young people, some even younger than her. Their identities reduced to mere names on worthless paper, with a ransom claimed for their lives.

Mirai's throat tightened, and she had difficulty swallowing saliva. Every breath felt like a titanic effort, and his words welled up from his trembling lips without his consent.

"I can't... Do." He stammered, his teeth clashing with tension. "If I involve you in this... they will no longer be able to turn back."

Mirai felt the need to vent, to share the burden she carried in her heart with someone. Her words came with urgency, despair veiled under a controlled tone so that others could not hear her clearly.

"This is much more, even beyond what I thought impossible." He murmured, his voice trembling but determined. "There are people who seek our death. Its objective seems to be very abstract... but from what I saw, they want to eliminate the survivors of the Cataclysm as soon as possible."

The old lady, in a gesture of silent disapproval, looked at her as if she was scolding her in her mind while seemingly ignoring her words.

Mirai, however, was desperate. It was debating internally, wanting to take responsibility for clandestine missions for itself. She felt that she had to protect the children and not put their lives at risk. But I also knew that the task was immense and dangerous.

A new silence fell in the room before the old woman broke the ice with a key question.

"Did you get to the 'Hidden Twilight'?"

Mirai nodded, and then added compassionately in her trembling voice.

"But this is much bigger than we can imagine. It's not just the villages, it's the most dangerous ninjas of my time. It seems that they have everything under control.

The old lady slowly turned to look at her seriously, and Mirai, full of fear, posed a troubling question.

"Could the scroll... negatively affect the stamps of this era?"

The old woman, with wisdom and caution, answered:

"I'm not sure of the exact consequences, but I know that activating the scroll creates ripples that could affect the past in many ways, even without the need to transport people through it."

Mirai's eyes widened as she heard the Great Old Lady's answer. A deep sadness came over his expression as his mind rewound the events that Sarah, the young queen of the extinct Rouran, had narrated to him. The weight of responsibility and the impossibility of escaping the consequences tormented her.

His fists clenched helplessly as he said to the Great Old Woman:

"Our misfortune is affecting others." Mirai's voice reflected a mixture of anger and sadness, an expression of helplessness that echoed in her tone. The old woman looked at her intently as she continued. "Innocent people who have nothing to do with it... they could be killed, and all for us..."

Mirai clutched her chest, feeling the weight of the situation crushing her. The Great Elder, in a condescending tone, replied:

"That's what it means to survive. If you want to live, sometimes others must die. That's how things work."

Mirai looked up with blinding determination.

"Many of those on those sheets were younger than me, and their heads came with a high price!" Even Sara-san was about to be killed by Mezu! He exclaimed, a cry that echoed through the room, creating a deathly silence. Both women shared the need to remain calm so as not to alert the children. "Mezu, the leader of a gang of assassins who are experts in mass murder... He's an S-class enemy!

There was a pause as Mirai drew even closer, biting her thumbnail anxiously.

"Mezu knew about the scroll... Is that possible?" He spoke as if he knew what was going on...

The Great Old Woman frowned at the news.

He didn't know who Mezu was, but he didn't expect that one of the people he had been able to meet on the outside was about to be a victim of the future.

Emotions did not play, but she could say that she felt a little dejected at the scenario of knowing that Sarah's Daughter was in danger, and that she was forced to do nothing.

He had to divide his motivations and obligations. In this situation, the children of the future mattered more than anything. Besides, it was his role.

"To activate the Parchment, extensive preparation is needed. The delay depends on how much perfection is expected as a result." The Great Elder informs him, mired in her own black eyesight due to her closed eyes. "It would not be surprising if when preparing the parchment... have opened several cracks that cause anomalies. Those cracks would become what you recognize as portals, which break once the scroll is activated after you've accumulated so much space."

"Could Mezu have known?"

The old woman shakes her head slowly.

"I'm not sure. But I suppose he would know from one of those members of the "Cult" or the Summoning Family, what that man told you."

The woman replied, referring to the version Tanaka had given Mirai before giving her the clue to the Ancient Woman's whereabouts. 

Mirai, visibly worried, knelt on the ground in front of the old woman.

"But... Why eliminate us?" His voice was full of uneasiness, and his concern was directed more towards his friends. "It should not be due to the simple fact of 'being important' or to 'maintain control of our actions'. There must be another reason."

A heavy silence spread across the room as the old lady studied Mirai with her gaze. He seemed to sigh after a grimace. He didn't agree with lying to the children and hiding the truth from them, but he also couldn't stop Mirai.

"Do you know why the Scroll is linked to Konoha?" The old woman asked. Mirai was completely attentive. "Because one of the Hokage was responsible for the release of the person who would be known to be the keeper of the scroll.

Mirai's eyes widened. She knew who he was referring to, as Tanaka-san had given her clues about it. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the third Hokage, knew the person who would create that cult. As Mirai seemed to sit even more on the ground, the old lady nodded.

" That's right." He looked distant, with a calm expression. "I was stunned when you told me... Are you related to that man?"

Mirai swallowed hard and nodded, her voice cracking.

"Yes, he was my grandfather..."

A heavy silence filled the room. The old lady finally spoke.

"That Hokage... I had knowledge of the parchment, so I imagine it was not difficult for you to find it."

Paleness took hold of Mirai.

"Did my grandfather know that something so dangerous existed...?"

"You can't figure it out yet." The old woman said sternly. "That man, the keeper of the scroll, didn't create it."

He began to guard him once his people created him without his permission, and thanks to the good relationship he had with the Hokage, they both promised to take care of him through their blood.

The mention made Mirai pale even more. His red eyes reflected the same blood, and that comparison was reflected in the room.

"So that the parchment would not be opened, they made a pact with its blood. The only way to open it is through the blood of one of the two, and that deal... it also involves their descendants."

The impact of those words was felt in the room. The atmosphere was charged with tension, and the silence was palpable. The candle in the corner of the room flickered, adding an eerie atmosphere to the moment.

"Mirai... If someone finds out that you are trying to enter the underground, you will be the target with the highest reward." The old woman warned sternly. "With Sarutobi blood and being from the future, you'll gain a lot of interest. There will be those who will want you just to get hold of the scroll and take it to the Execution of it. It's very dangerous for everyone for you to be outside... But it's also not safe to stay hidden."

Mirai swallowed hard, trying to remain calm as her expression twisted more into a grimace than a serene composure. The tension in the room was palpable as the old woman tried to bring her face closer to Mirai's, despite the three-step distance separating them.

"Don't lie to those children. Sooner or later, they're going to run into horrible things, even if you're with them. You can't avoid them." The old woman pleaded, her genuine concern evident in her expression. "Think about it. There is an Uchiha among them, and Children from clans that currently do not yet exist. They are ninjas... You can't protect them forever."

Mirai struggled to maintain her composure, but the dark circles under her eyes were evident. Fatigue was catching up with her. He vividly remembered his master and his last wish.

He remembered the faces of those who were gone: Sakura, the Hokage, Chōji-san, Ten-Ten-san... they all lived in their memories. And instead, I saw the faces of children, facing the loss of their world.

He gripped his grip on his knees and looked at the old woman.

"I accepted a mission." He said, as if he wanted to get away from the old woman's words. "They said that, if I complied, they would take me into account. I'm going to do it."

The old woman looked up when Mirai stood up, but the latter looked expressionless, the shadows of the candle dancing on her tired face.

"I made a promise. And although... I understand that the time will come for them to fight, I am not going to neglect them." Mirai's blackened eyes surprised the old woman a little. "Please..." Hold the lie just a little longer."

The old lady looked irritated and joked as she looked at the ground. He was going to help them by any means, and that included Mirai, but he understood the priorities and disadvantages of overprotecting children. He spoke without looking at her, his eyes closed and sweat on his forehead.

"What mission did they give you?"

Mirai turned as she was about to leave the room, and rested one hand on the wall, her expression serious and exhausted. The atmosphere was fraught with tension, and the smells of candle and stone filled the air. Then, he spoke while looking into a corner of the room.

"It's easy. I have to steal the wedding gift from the feudal lord's spouse."

The answer shocked the old woman, who sighed and sank into her seat on the floor. Mirai looked at her for a moment before leaving, and said in a low but respectful tone:

"I'm going to study the mission. If it's not a hassle... Keep them entertained, please." He said in a muffled tone. "Good evening."

Then he left the room, leaving the old woman alone with her thoughts.