Chapter 35: "Convergence of Fates"

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 35: "Convergence of Fates"

Author's Note:

Welcome back, dear readers. Thank you for sticking with the story! In this chapter, Naruto delves deeper into the complex politics and hidden mysteries of the Uchiha clan and the Key Tower. This chapter also explores the intricate relationships and tensions within the village. As always, your feedback is invaluable—let me know what you think of the new developments.

"A thousand-mile journey begins with a single step." – Lao Tzu

Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre) on !

Chapter 36: "The Metamorphosis" IS OUT!

Chapter 37: "Formation of the Outcasts" IS OUT!

Chapter 38: Web of Influence IS OUT!

Chapter 39: Power Shifts and Rising Storms IS OUT!

Chapter 40: Choices? IS OUT!

Chapter 41: Confronting the Snake Sannin IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHS Chapter 42: The Fires Of The Uzumaki IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHOS: Chapter 43: Mother Daughter Duo IS OUT! (5K)

NTLHOS: Chapter 44 - The Stage Is Set

NTLHOS: Chapter 45: The Gambit Unveiled

Happy reading!

Last Time on NTLHOS:

Naruto spent hours in the tower, absorbing knowledge and learning about the history and functions of this remarkable place. He found himself fascinated by the intricate seals and the advanced techniques developed by the clans. The experience deepened his understanding of fuinjutsu and strengthened his connection to his Uzumaki heritage.

After a month of rigorous teaching, Naruto found himself standing in the principal's chamber, seeking relief from his instructor duties. A part of him was apprehensive, worried that the higher-ups might extend his mission as a form of punishment. While he enjoyed teaching, his heart longed for the thrill of field missions.

The principal, an elderly man with a wise demeanor, looked at Naruto with a serious expression. "Naruto, do you know you are the best thing that has happened to this academy in years? The standards were declining, and people were becoming complacent, basking in the peace achieved through much hardship and sacrifice. Your methods, though harsh, have reinvigorated the students and reminded them of what it truly means to be a shinobi."

Naruto, shaken from his musings, nodded respectfully. "Thank you, sir. It's been a rewarding experience, but I feel my skills are best utilized in the field."

The principal smiled knowingly. "I understand, Naruto. You have fulfilled your duties here admirably. I will recommend your return to active duty."

As Naruto exited the academy, he was greeted by a familiar face he had been trying very hard to meet but with no luck. Standing outside the walls of the academy was Kosuke, the venerable shinobi who had been a mentor to many. His appearance had changed since Naruto last saw him—his hair had grown whiter, and his face was more lined, but his eyes still sparkled with the same wisdom and warmth.

"My, my, Naruto! Who is this I am seeing?" Kosuke exclaimed with a hearty laugh. "Last time I saw you, you were a young kid going on missions, and now, two years later, I am seeing a grown man. You've shot up like a weed!"

Naruto's face contorted into a genuine smile, and he rushed to embrace the aged man. "Kosuke!"

They shared a brief but heartfelt hug before retreating to Kosuke's domain, the serene forest surrounding the village. The canopy of trees provided a cool shade, and the rustling leaves created a peaceful ambiance. Birds chirped melodiously, and the gentle breeze carried the earthy scent of the forest.

They sat by a bubbling stream, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on the ground. Kosuke's face was a map of years and experiences, each wrinkle telling a story of battles fought and lessons learned. Despite his age, there was an enduring strength in his posture and a gentle kindness in his eyes.

"So, Naruto, tell me what has been on your mind," Kosuke prompted, his voice calm and inviting.

Naruto took a deep breath and began to speak. "I've been through a lot, Kosuke. Teaching at the academy was fulfilling. Yet, there are things I can't quite figure out. The Uchiha Clan's internal politics, and more than that, in the last mission I went on, I made deep connections with enemies. Now that I'm back, I feel very conflicted and don't know what to think about it all, and my own path as a shinobi."

Kosuke listened intently, nodding occasionally. "Life as a shinobi is never straightforward, Naruto. Each path you take will have its trials and tribulations. But remember, you are not alone. You have friends, mentors, and allies who will support you."

Naruto glanced at the stream, watching the water flow smoothly over the rocks. "Sometimes, I feel like I'm being pulled in different directions. The village, the things I've learned about myself, my duty... it's overwhelming."

Kosuke placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Focus on what you can control, and let go of what you cannot. Trust in your instincts, and in those who care for you. You have a good heart, Naruto, and that will guide you through even the darkest times."

They continued to talk, the conversation flowing as easily as the stream beside them. Naruto felt a sense of relief as he shared his burdens with Kosuke, who offered wisdom and perspective on each issue. The forest, with its tranquil beauty, seemed to reflect the peace that was gradually settling in Naruto's heart.

As the conversation came to a lull, Kosuke broke the silence, his voice tinged with concern. "The other day, I met with some old colleagues of mine. They aren't happy with your association with the Uchiha, nor are they pleased with your involvement in the day-to-day activities of the Key Tower."

Naruto looked at Kosuke, his expression serious. "What do you expect me to do?" he asked, a hint of frustration seeping into his voice. "They are my people, and they consider me some sort of messiah. Have you even seen their condition? Sure, they are comfortable in the tower with plenty of food and luxuries, but they are still treated with suspicion in the village. They aren't allowed to leave the village walls. How can I not help them? It's not as if I have any political power to make significant changes."

Kosuke remained silent, listening intently as Naruto vented his frustrations. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone measured and calm. "So you know who your mother was and what she had done?"

Naruto nodded, his expression resolute. "Yes, I know who she was and what she had done. Lord Kammado informed me about my heritage and other things I was kept unaware of. But the more important question is, what is your opinion about the whole mess? Do you support the elders or me in this issue?"

Kosuke fell silent for a few moments, the weight of his thoughts evident. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying the gravity of his words. "I am for the village, Naruto. I will not support the elders or betray you and your secrets. But if the situation ever arises where I must choose between you and the village..." He paused, the silence stretching out like an eternity. "Please don't make this old man choose between such choices."

Naruto's eyes softened, understanding the depth of Kosuke's loyalty and the burden of his position. "I would never want to put you in that position, Kosuke. I just want to do what's right for everyone."

"Be careful, Naruto," Kosuke warned, his voice grave. "The old wounds are still not healed. There are people who would not like you associating with both factions. Do you know, Naruto, that it's your unintentional actions that kept the Uchiha Clan from falling completely under the elders' control?"

Naruto looked puzzled. "What? I never got involved in the feud between the Uchiha and the village. I only found out about the political divide when Shisui told me in the Mist, and until this month, I didn't know any Uchiha except Shisui."

Kosuke sighed, "Yes, but the Daimyo surviving the attack brought a lot of scrutiny on the Leaf and its leadership. Any visible political divide, especially with one of its founding clans, would have brought the Daimyo's full displeasure on the village. Because of this, there was an unofficial ceasefire, which in the past year has been lifted, and they are back to their usual games."

With that, Kosuke mentioned he had to meet some other friends and left Naruto to stew on his thoughts. As he walked away, Naruto could only think, "What a mess."

Naruto remained there for a while, lying on the cool grass and staring up at the swaying trees. The forest, usually a place of solace, now felt heavy with the weight of his newfound knowledge and the intricate web of politics he was entangled in. His mind kept circling back to the Uchiha and the Key Tower, the old wounds and the potential future conflicts. He closed his eyes, trying to piece together his role in all of it, feeling the burden. The sounds of the forest surrounded him, a gentle reminder of the peaceful life that seemed so far away now.

Naruto still vividly recalled his first day meeting with the denizens of the Key Tower.

Flashback

Naruto had gone to meet his old instructor in the ANBU, codenamed Key, head of the Barrier Corps. They weren't particularly close, but they had a healthy respect for each other when it came to the art of sealing. Naruto was seeking some research notes to further his own studies. After exchanging pleasantries, Key mentioned that this particular field was not his specialty and directed Naruto to the second basement where he would find the material he needed.

Naruto descended to the second basement, a labyrinth of shelves filled with scrolls and ancient texts. As he was searching, he noticed a commotion down one of the long corridors. A large, imposing figure was storming through, standing at least seven and a half feet tall with broad shoulders and a muscular build. His hair was a striking silver, and his face bore the stern marks of an aged man.

Kammado's eyes blazed with fury as he argued with several members of the sealing corps and other shinobi. "I need to speak with Captain Key immediately!" he demanded, his deep voice echoing through the hall.

"Captain Key is busy!" one of the shinobi replied, trying to placate the enraged man. "You need to wait!"

The altercation was escalating, and Naruto could see it was on the verge of becoming physical. Deciding to intervene, he stepped forward. "Let's calm down, everyone," he said, his voice firm yet measured.

His words were drowned out by the raised voices of both sides, so Naruto did the only thing he could think of—he flared his chakra. The surge of powerful chakra silenced the room, causing everyone to instinctively match his pitch and turn to face him. As Naruto's and Kammado's eyes met, the fury in Kammado's gaze transformed into shock.

"Bless my soul," Kammado murmured, taking a step back. "A real, living, breathing Royal Uzumaki."

Naruto was taken aback. How did this man recognize him so easily? His red hair and distinct chakra were giveaways, but few people knew the difference between an ordinary Uzumaki and a royal one. Before Naruto could respond, Kammado continued, "Come with me to the underground caves. We need to talk."

Without hesitation or consideration of the potential danger, Naruto found himself following Kammado through a series of tunnels. The other shinobi watched in shock as Naruto, a foreigner to their close-knit group, was led into their most sacred areas without resistance. They were confident Kammado wouldn't harm a Konoha shinobi; doing so would give the village every reason to root out the remaining Uzumaki and dismantle the tower's influence.

As Naruto walked behind Kammado, he felt a strange mix of emotions. The sheer devotion and admiration in Kammado's eyes churned something deep within him, a sense of responsibility and connection that he had never fully acknowledged before.

The tunnels grew darker and more intricate as they descended. Finally, they emerged into a vast underground chamber that opened up into a hidden society. The chamber was illuminated by the soft glow of bioluminescent plants and the warm light from thousands of intricate seals lining the walls. The air was thick with the hum of powerful chakra, and Naruto could feel the weight of centuries of knowledge and history pressing down on him.

The walls of the chamber were lined with modest living quarters carved directly into the rock, with wooden beams reinforcing the structures. Pathways made of smooth stone wound their way through this underground village, connecting homes, workshops, and communal areas. The buildings, though simple, were adorned with carvings and symbols that spoke of the rich cultural heritage of the Uzushiogakure clans.

There were gardens filled with vibrant, luminescent plants that provided both light and a sense of tranquility. Streams of crystal-clear water flowed through the chamber, their gentle babbling adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Children ran through the pathways, their laughter echoing off the stone walls, while elders sat in groups, discussing matters of importance or sharing stories of the past.

Naruto marveled at the sight. It was a thriving, self-sustained community, hidden away from the world above. The sense of unity and resilience among the people was palpable, and he felt a deep connection to this place and its inhabitants.

Kammado turned to face Naruto, his expression now calm and respectful. "Welcome, My Prince, to the heart of your people's dwelling. Here, we guard the knowledge and power that have been passed down through generations," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. Tears glistened in his eyes as he bent on one knee, a gesture of deep reverence.

In the middle of the clearing, in the expanse of the underground society, people who had been busy with their tasks and children who had been playing all stopped and gathered, their curiosity piqued. The air was filled with a hushed silence, as if the very walls of the cavern were holding their breath. Faces turned towards them, a mix of surprise and anticipation. The elders, recognizing the boy's features, felt a stir of old memories, while the younger ones watched in awe, sensing the significance of the moment even if they did not fully understand it.

Old man Kammado turned back to the crowd, and in his loud and boisterous voice, he shouted, "This is Prince Naruto Uzumaki, Son of Lady Kushina!" His proclamation echoed through the cavern, bouncing off the walls and reaching every corner of their hidden world.

It was as if a celebration had been announced. Faces brightened with joy, and many eyes filled with tears. The older members of the community wept openly, overcome with emotion. They had lived through the destruction of their homeland, and now, seeing a direct descendant of their royal line brought hope and pride to their hearts. The younger ones, though less aware of the historical weight of the moment, felt the infectious joy and joined in the celebration with cheers and laughter.

Naruto, standing at the center of this unexpected adoration, felt a whirlwind of emotions. He knew he was of the royal line—Jinin had taught him the characteristics of a royal Uzumaki—but the weight of this revelation, the tangible connection to these people, was overwhelming. His mind raced as he tried to piece together the significance of "Kushina." Who was this character that elicited such deep reverence and joy among these people?

Flashback End.

Slowly, Naruto drifted to sleep in the very clearing where he and Kosuke had their conversation. The peaceful sounds of the forest and the soft rustling of leaves lulled him into a deep slumber, providing a momentary escape from his swirling thoughts.

The next day, Naruto reported to the ANBU headquarters to receive his missions. The familiar, imposing structure loomed before him, a stark reminder of the weighty responsibilities that came with his role. As he entered the building, the atmosphere buzzed with quiet intensity, as operatives moved with purpose and precision.

"Wolf," a voice called out, snapping him from his thoughts. He turned to see a masked ANBU operative approaching him. "You've been summoned by the ANBU Commander, Dragon."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. "Dragon wants to see me? Now?"

The operative nodded curtly. "Follow me."

As they navigated the labyrinthine halls of the headquarters, Naruto's mind raced. He had expected to receive permission to continue his missions and rejoin Team Agis under Shisui. Being summoned by Dragon himself was unexpected and filled him with a sense of foreboding.

Finally, they reached a large, reinforced door. The operative knocked and then opened it, gesturing for Naruto to enter. The room was dimly lit, the walls lined with mission scrolls and strategic maps. At the center, behind a sturdy desk, sat the ANBU Commander, Dragon. His presence was as imposing as ever, his mask concealing his expressions but not the authority that radiated from him.

"Wolf," Dragon's deep voice echoed in the room. "Step forward."

Naruto obeyed, standing at attention before the desk. "Commander."

Dragon studied him for a moment before speaking. "I have reviewed your performance at the academy and your recent missions. Your performance has been exemplary. Your skills and dedication are commendable."

"Thank you, sir," Naruto replied, trying to gauge the direction of this conversation.

"I have decided that you will no longer be part of Team Agis," Dragon announced, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We have concluded that Team Agis is holding you back."

Naruto's heart sank. "But, sir, if I may..." he began, the commander gestured for him to continue. "I thought I would rejoin them after completing my duties at the academy."

Dragon shook his head. "You will be working as a substitute member for various teams when there is a need. Your versatility and ability to adapt make you a valuable asset in this role. You will fill in gaps where needed, ensuring the success of our missions across different teams."

Naruto struggled to keep his disappointment in check. "Understood, Commander. I will do my best."

Dragon leaned forward slightly. "I know this is not what you expected, but it is a crucial role. You will be exposed to different missions, strategies, and team dynamics. This experience will make you a more well-rounded operative. Trust in the process."

Naruto nodded, accepting the new assignment. "I understand, sir. Thank you for the opportunity."

"Dismissed," Dragon said, turning his attention back to the documents on his desk.

As Naruto left the office, he couldn't shake the feeling of being adrift. His future with Team Agis seemed to be in flames, and he was sure Shisui would receive a scroll informing him of the changes by now.

In the Meantime at the Academy:

Iruka was taking charge again after a month of probation. He was fuming, his anger directed at that arrogant man who had temporarily taken his place. Yet, after a bit of self-reflection, he acknowledged that he had been out of line by questioning his superior's authority in public. Even so, Iruka believed he was justified in stepping in to stop the brutal beating of Kiba. He had also heard that Owen-sensei was put on probation and ordered to reevaluate his skills by none other than Naruto Uzumaki. Today, Iruka thought, they would finally be rid of that uptight man for good.

As he entered the classroom, something felt off. The class was immediately silent, and everyone was in their seats before he could blink. These were the same children who usually didn't notice his presence until he used his Big Head Jutsu. Now, they were all paying full attention. As he reached his desk, the entire class greeted him in unison.

"Good morning, Iruka-sensei!"

Iruka was shocked and flabbergasted. What reality was he in? Was he under some sort of sick genjutsu? Even the rambunctious students like Konohamaru, who usually had the least respect for authority, were giving him full respect. Their eyes darted nervously around the room. Iruka quickly realized who they were waiting for.

Basking in the silence, Iruka didn't know what to say. Then, out of everyone, it was Kiba—the least disciplined student—who raised his hand and waited for permission to speak. Iruka motioned for him to go ahead.

"Iruka-sensei," Kiba said slowly, his voice loud and clear, filled with respect that floored Iruka. "Where is Naruto-senpai?"

Iruka looked at the other students, who stared at Kiba as if he had uttered words of damnation. Iruka replied, "Uzumaki Naruto has been reassigned to his old duties."

There was disbelief at first, then a chorus of cheering and shouting erupted. Iruka started yelling at them to keep quiet, but to no avail. Even his Big Head Jutsu did not do the trick. He could hear cheers like, "Finally, the monster-sensei is gone!"

Out of nowhere, a voice spoke, "Rookies." It wasn't loud; it was a mild tone, but with an undertone that struck fear into Iruka. He knew whose voice it was. Suddenly, the class was deadly silent. Even the ever-calm and composed Sasuke Uchiha was looking around frantically.

The voice continued, "If I even hear a whisper that the batch of 1999 Section A, that I taught for a month lacks discipline or any shinobi qualities, I shall come for that individual or group. Is that clear?"

It was as if Naruto was standing among them. The class replied in unison, "Yes, Sir."

Iruka noticed a faint seal glowing underneath the teacher's desk. He decided then and there to keep the fear of the monster-sensei alive.

That day, after class hours, there was a great party from the whole batch. Never had they been more united in their entire years at the academy. They celebrated with food, games, and even a mock battle tournament that ended with everyone in fits of laughter. They shared exaggerated stories of Naruto-sensei's terrifying training methods, bonding over their shared "trauma."

Even Konohamaru, usually the class clown, declared, "We survived Naruto-sensei! We can survive anything!" to which the entire class cheered.

Iruka watched from a distance, a small smile on his face. Maybe, just maybe, that uptight man had done some good after all.

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm!

Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre) on !

Chapter 36: "The Metamorphosis" IS OUT!

Chapter 37: "Formation of the Outcasts" IS OUT!

Chapter 38: Web of Influence IS OUT!

Chapter 39: Power Shifts and Rising Storms IS OUT!

Chapter 40: Choices? IS OUT!

Chapter 41: Confronting the Snake Sannin IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHS Chapter 42: The Fires Of The Uzumaki IS OUT! (7-8K LONG)

NTLHOS: Chapter 43: Mother Daughter Duo IS OUT! (5K)

NTLHOS: Chapter 44 - The Stage Is Set

NTLHOS: Chapter 45: The Gambit Unveiled

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