What Naruto had undergone could only be described as a transformation bordering on rebirth.
His growth was no longer something that could be measured in simple terms of strength or skill. It was as though his entire being—his mindset, his resolve, even his presence—had evolved into something far greater than before.
This was also one of the key reasons why Naruto had ascended to the position of Hokage far earlier than anyone had expected.
At that very moment, just as Naruto was reflecting on everything he had gained, the system's voice echoed once again in his mind.
A new mission had been issued.
[Host, please complete the mission: Prevent Uchiha Sasuke from joining Orochimaru and successfully bring him back to Konoha Village.]
[If successful, you will receive generous rewards.]
[If you fail… you will face the system's punishment—Lightning Release Baptism.]
Naruto's eyes lit up instantly.
Rather than fear, what surged within him was excitement.
"Bring Sasuke back?" he muttered under his breath.
Then, without hesitation, he clenched his fist.
"This mission is meaningless."
"Whether the system gives me this task or not… I will bring Sasuke back."
There was no doubt in his voice.
In the original timeline, Naruto had failed.
But now… things were different.
Now, anything was possible.
As dawn began to break, the first rays of sunlight stretched across the horizon.
Naruto had already gathered his team.
Hyuga Hinata.
Yamanaka Ino.
Aburame Shino.
The four of them moved swiftly, leaving Konoha behind as they headed toward Otogakure.
Their mission was clear.
Bring Sasuke back.
No matter what it took.
Naruto took the lead, his expression serious as he spoke.
"Our objective is simple—retrieve Sasuke."
"But this won't be easy."
He glanced at the others, his tone steady but firm.
"We'll be following Sasuke's route, but we also need to stay alert for traps. The enemy won't make things easy for us."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"That's why sensory abilities are going to be critical."
Naruto scratched his cheek slightly.
"I know Hinata's Byakugan is the strongest among us when it comes to detection…"
He turned toward Ino and Shino.
"But I'm not as familiar with your abilities. Can you explain what you can do?"
Ino nodded immediately.
Despite her usual playful personality, she was completely serious when it came to missions.
"My specialty is the Yamanaka clan's Mind Transfer Jutsu," she began.
"With it, I can project my consciousness into another person's body. I can control them, gather information… and even attack if necessary."
She crossed her arms lightly.
"But it's not perfect. It requires time and intense concentration. I'll need support from you all to use it effectively."
She added after a moment, "I can also sense chakra to some extent. Not as well as Hinata, but enough to be useful."
Naruto nodded, clearly impressed.
Then Shino spoke.
His voice was calm, almost monotone, yet carried quiet confidence.
"I use the Aburame clan's parasitic insects—Kikaichū."
"They are extremely versatile."
He adjusted his glasses slightly.
"With them, I can scout, track, attack, defend, and even restrain enemies."
"Simply put… I can handle nearly anything."
Naruto grinned.
"That's perfect."
Then he tapped his chest.
"As for me… my sensory abilities are limited. I've only trained a barrier-type technique with the Pervy Sage."
He scratched the back of his head.
"It's powerful in combat, but its detection range is small, and it consumes a lot of chakra."
His gaze shifted back to Hinata.
"So during the pursuit… we'll rely on your Byakugan the most, Hinata."
Hinata straightened immediately.
"I understand, Naruto-kun!"
Naruto nodded.
"But using the Byakugan continuously will drain your chakra quickly."
He looked at Ino and Shino.
"You two will support her. Rotate and assist with detection so she doesn't exhaust herself."
"Got it!" Ino replied cheerfully.
"Understood," Shino added calmly.
With their roles established, the team moved forward at full speed.
Meanwhile, far ahead of them, the Sound Four continued their escape.
However, they couldn't move as fast as they wanted.
They were carrying Sasuke.
Inside a large wooden barrel, Sasuke remained sealed and unconscious.
This slowed them down significantly.
And that…
Was Naruto's opportunity.
Hours passed.
The sun climbed higher into the sky.
Yet despite their speed, Naruto's group still hadn't spotted the enemy.
Naruto frowned slightly.
"Hinata, take a break," he said. "You've been using your Byakugan nonstop."
Hinata shook her head.
"It's okay, Naruto-kun… I can keep going."
Naruto opened his mouth to insist—
But suddenly—
"Naruto-kun!"
Hinata's voice sharpened.
"I've found them!"
Naruto's eyes widened instantly.
"Really?! How many?"
Hinata focused, her Byakugan fully activated.
"Four enemies," she replied. "Their chakra is strong… very strong."
She hesitated briefly.
"Sasuke… his chakra is extremely weak. It feels like he's been sealed with some kind of technique."
Naruto's expression darkened.
"They've been traveling all night," Hinata continued. "They're resting in a forest not far ahead."
Naruto clenched his fists.
"Four enemies…"
A grin slowly spread across his face.
"That's perfect."
"We're also four."
He looked at his team.
"They haven't noticed us yet. That means we have the advantage."
"But we can't rush in recklessly."
He took a deep breath.
"We need a plan."
For all his combat experience, leading a squad like this was still new for Naruto.
He wasn't like Shikamaru, who could devise complex strategies instantly.
Naruto's strength lay elsewhere.
He was quick-thinking, adaptable, and unpredictable in battle.
After a brief silence, Shino spoke.
"We should confirm their position again using my insects," he suggested.
"Caution is always preferable."
Naruto nodded.
"Do it."
Shino released a swarm of Kikaichū.
The tiny insects spread out silently, moving ahead toward the enemy's location.
Time passed.
Then, one by one, they returned.
Shino raised his hand, allowing a few to land on his finger.
After analyzing their findings, he spoke.
"The enemy has set traps."
Naruto's eyes narrowed.
"What kind?"
"Spider-web-like threads," Shino explained.
"They're extremely thin and spread out."
"Once touched, they will restrain the target."
He adjusted his glasses again.
"Even Hinata's Byakugan might struggle to detect them."
Naruto nodded slowly.
"They're cautious…"
Then he smirked.
"But we've already found them."
"The advantage is still ours."
He crossed his arms.
"We're not afraid of a fight… but our mission is to save Sasuke."
"So…"
"I have a plan."
Ino raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
Naruto looked at her and grinned.
"This time… you're the key."
"Me?" Ino pointed at herself in surprise.
Naruto nodded.
At that moment, the Sound Four were resting.
Each of them leaned against a tree, recovering their strength.
Jirobo stood closest to the wooden barrel, guarding it.
"We've rested enough," he muttered.
"Lord Orochimaru is waiting."
Tayuya rolled her eyes.
"Give me a break," she snapped. "We've been running all night!"
Kidōmaru chuckled.
"She's right. Even if we want to finish quickly, we need our strength."
Sakon added with a smirk, "Konoha probably doesn't have anyone left to chase us anyway."
"Most of their forces are deployed elsewhere."
Jirobo nodded.
"Still… we shouldn't let our guard down."
Then—
He froze for a split second.
"…What's wrong?" Tayuya asked.
"Nothing," Jirobo replied.
But a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his lips.
"Mind Transfer Jutsu…"
"Success."
That was Naruto's plan.
Using their superior sensory abilities, they had approached silently.
Then, without warning—
Ino took control of Jirobo.
Naruto had chosen him deliberately.
Jirobo was the one guarding Sasuke.
A direct confrontation would be risky.
Sasuke was still unconscious.
Any mistake could harm him.
But this method…
Was precise.
Decisive.
And effective.
Inside Jirobo's body, Ino acted instantly.
She grabbed the wooden barrel—
Then—
BOOM!
With a burst of immense strength, she hurled it forward with all her might.
The massive barrel soared through the air at incredible speed.
Straight toward Naruto.
Naruto's eyes lit up.
"This is it!"
He leaped forward, catching the barrel mid-air.
Without hesitation, he turned and ran.
"Move!"
Shino was already carrying Ino's body.
Because of the Mind Transfer Jutsu, her physical body was temporarily unresponsive.
But the moment Naruto secured Sasuke—
Ino released the jutsu.
Her consciousness snapped back.
She opened her eyes weakly.
"…It worked."
Hinata ran beside her, smiling brightly.
"That was amazing, Ino!"
Ino let out a small laugh.
"I didn't expect it to go this smoothly…"
Naruto tightened his grip on the barrel.
His expression hardened.
But there was determination in his eyes.
"We've got Sasuke…"
"But this isn't over yet."
Because behind them—
The real battle…
Was about to begin.
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