Chapter 16: slapped

He knew that even though he had many friends, none of them could replace the void that Jiraiya left.

Naruto felt like he had failed his mentor, that he wasn't able to protect him. This increased his anger towards Nagato and the pain of losing Jiraiya, making it difficult for him to move on.

But still, Naruto knew he needed to keep fighting. He knew Jiraiya would want him to do his best, even if he wasn't there anymore.

So he stood up and slapped his own face with his hands, screaming to motivate himself.

He promised himself he would do everything he could to protect his friends, his village, and his world in honor of Jiraiya. He knew he had to overcome the pain of loss and move forward, not just for himself, but for all those who loved Jiraiya and what he represented.

Naruto no longer wavered in his thoughts about bringing Sasuke back to the "right" path. He knew the whole story behind his friend's actions and wasn't in a position to demand anything from him.

Even so, Naruto was still willing to protect the village and the people he loved.

As for Sakura, Naruto wasn't sure what to feel about her. He knew he liked her, but his feelings and thoughts began to take a different turn.

Perhaps influenced by his past memories, Naruto began to consider Hinata with more fondness. He felt a strange sensation in his chest when he thought of her, and it intrigued him.

He couldn't get Hinata out of his mind and slowly began to realize that his feelings for her were deeper than he imagined. Naruto wondered if this change in his feelings would be for the better or for the worse, but deep down he knew he needed to explore these feelings with more care and understanding.

Meanwhile, Naruto remained determined to protect the village and those he loved, regardless of the challenges that appeared in his path. He knew there was a lot to face, but he was willing to do his best and move forward with courage and determination.

Even if the person trying to cause harm to the village was Sasuke.

"Grandpa Toad, how do I look?"

Naruto leaped from the pillar with supernatural agility and landed beside Fukasaku. His face was focused, his expression determined.

His eyes had an intense yellow glow, and the chakra of Sage Mode flowed throughout his body, increasing his strength and speed.

Around his eyes, two spiral marks appeared, giving the impression that his eyes were on fire. His golden hair grew longer, and his skin acquired a slightly darker tone.

He looked like a mythical figure, a divine being capable of incredible feats.

Fukasaku looked at Naruto with admiration and a little fear. He knew that Naruto was becoming more powerful every day and that Sage Mode was just the beginning.

Was he ready to handle all that power?

But Fukasaku couldn't deny the evidence: Naruto was a prodigy, a boy who grew beyond anyone's expectations. He had unstoppable energy, unbreakable strength, and an iron will.

Fukasaku was sure that if there was anyone capable of changing the ninja world, it would be Naruto Uzumaki.

"Naruto-chan, you're amazing," Fukasaku said with a smile. "There's nothing more I can teach you.

"

Fukasaku added in his mind: 'You're the embodiment of the prophecy, the boy chosen to save the world. I can only imagine how proud your sensei, Jiraya-chan, would be of you now!'

Naruto smiled, feeling moved by Fukasaku's words. He knew he still had a lot to learn and improve, but he was determined to move forward and become the strongest ninja that ever existed.

Gamakichi, the toad, watched Naruto with amazement and admiration. He had never seen anything like it before.

Naruto was becoming more powerful every day, and his chakra control was astounding. Gamakichi wondered if he had always been like this or if it was the result of intense training.

Even having heard stories about his father, Gamabunta, and his godfather, the legendary Jiraya, Naruto seemed to be even more talented and genius. Gamakichi could barely keep up with the fast pace of his training and was impressed with the skills that Naruto demonstrated.

Naruto's growth was so rapid and remarkable that even Gamakichi, who had been with him from the beginning, was surprised. He wondered where Naruto would end up and how far he would be able to go with all that talent and ability.

Would he become the strongest ninja that ever existed?

Gamakichi was certain that whatever Naruto's destiny was, he would be a great leader and a great friend.

Fukasaku looked at Naruto seriously. "Shima should already be in Konoha, she will summon you at any moment.

"

Naruto agreed, determined to prepare for what was to come. He knew things were about to get serious, and he needed to be ready to fight.

Even without receiving chakra from the toads, Naruto was able to enter Sage Mode, thanks to his hard training and his ability to burn through his red orbs. He didn't care about expanding them, knowing he needed all the power he could get.

Fukasaku watched in amazement at Naruto's ability to enter Sage Mode so quickly. He knew Naruto was a prodigy, but he never imagined he could develop his abilities so rapidly.

However, Naruto's power did not go unnoticed. He had already talked to Gamamaru, who had said strange things about a destiny that lay beyond this world.

Naruto felt scared and anxious hearing this, not knowing what it could mean for his future.

But Naruto was determined to face any challenge that came his way. He knew he couldn't run from his destiny, but he was willing to fight for what he believed in and protect those he loved.

Naruto had come to an important realization: that destiny may exist, but he had the power to change the path he followed. He realized he could be destined to do many things, but the moment he remembered a past life and gained the Pocket Hunting Dimension changed the course of his destiny.