By the time Kaien arrived at the Hokage office in the Hokage Building, it was already packed with people.
"Brother Naruto," Kaien called out.
"Kaien, you're just in time. I have something for you to do," Naruto turned around and said. "After we leave, you'll help Shikamaru and the others handle the Village's affairs."
Kushina already felt Kaien's strength was too low and didn't want him to go—so how could Naruto not think the same?
"No! Brother Naruto, I want to go with you," Kaien shook his head, his tone firm.
"Your strength is still too low. If you go and encounter danger, what am I supposed to do?" Naruto shook his head, rejecting him again.
Among their group, the weakest was an elite Jonin. Kaien, a Chunin, truly couldn't help much and might even become a burden.
"Brother Naruto, don't worry. I definitely won't drag everyone down," Kaien said quickly.
"No, it's still too dangerous. I'm not at ease," Naruto said, shaking his head once more.
"Kaien, don't be stubborn. Listen to Naruto," Sakura, standing nearby, also advised.
This time, Sakura would be going as well. Besides her, Kiba, Sai, and Shino Aburame were also part of the team.
Kiba, Sai, and Shino all possessed elite Jonin-level strength and were mainly responsible for reconnaissance, while Sakura, who had Kage-level strength, would handle medical support.
"If you don't take me, I'll secretly follow you later," Kaien pouted, his attitude extremely resolute.
This left Naruto momentarily speechless. Facing such a stubborn Kaien, even he felt helpless.
"You… really… sigh," Naruto sighed deeply.
"Naruto, just take him along," Shion suddenly spoke up at that moment, glancing at Kaien.
"Is that really okay?" Naruto frowned.
"It's fine," Shion smiled and nodded.
"Alright. Since Shion says so, Kaien, you can come with us," Naruto finally nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, Brother Naruto," Kaien said quickly.
"Alright, everyone. Check your equipment and see if there's anything else you need. Once ready, prepare to depart," Naruto said, waving his hand.
Soon, everyone finished preparing, each fully armed.
"Kakashi-sensei, Shikamaru, while I'm gone, the Village will be entrusted to you," Naruto said, wearing his Hokage cloak.
"Don't worry," Kakashi nodded, then added, "But all of you—be careful."
"Mm!" Naruto nodded heavily, then looked at Sakura and the others. "Depart!"
Swish! Swish! Swish!
At Naruto's command, their figures vanished from the spot.
"Is Kaien really going to be okay with them?" Kakashi asked, looking at their disappearing backs, then turned to Shion.
"There won't be any problem," Shion replied calmly.
"You must come back safe…" Kushina stood by the window, watching them leave, murmuring softly.
Worry filled her beautiful eyes.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Sakura carried Kaien as they moved rapidly through the forest, following closely behind Naruto and the others.
"Why did you insist on coming this time?" Sakura asked quietly.
Kaien's speed couldn't keep up with them at all, so Sakura had no choice but to carry him.
"I'm worried about you," Kaien replied without hesitation.
"Why are you worried about me?" Sakura's heart skipped a beat when she heard that.
"If you were just on Earth, I wouldn't be worried," Kaien said seriously.
"But we're going to the Moon. I'm afraid you won't be able to come back and might get trapped there. I want to be with you."
"You…!" Sakura's cheeks instantly flushed, her heart deeply stirred.
This mission involved traveling to the Moon, and no one could guarantee they would return safely. For her sake, Kaien—a mere Chunin—was risking his life to follow along.
How could she not be moved?
This was proof that Kaien wasn't just fooling around with her—he truly cared.
"You must stay close to me later. Don't wander off, understand?" Sakura said solemnly after taking a deep breath.
"Don't worry, Sister Sakura. I won't be a burden," Kaien nodded.
"If we encounter an enemy, hide immediately and let me handle it. Don't try to play the hero, understand?" Sakura warned sternly.
"Sister Sakura, are you worried about me?" Kaien asked, looking at her.
Sakura's face flushed again, but she nodded lightly.
Seeing her admit it, Kaien was delighted.
He glanced at Naruto and the others ahead, then whispered, "Don't worry, Sister Sakura. You haven't eaten yet, so I'll be fine."
"Pfft," Sakura snorted softly.
Soon, the group stopped at the entrance of a cave.
"This is it. According to Shion's information, this should be the passage to the Moon," Sai said, pointing ahead.
"Mm," Naruto nodded. "Investigate the inside."
Sai, Kiba, and Shino exchanged glances and immediately used their techniques to scout the cave.
"No abnormalities detected," Sai and Shino reported simultaneously.
"I can smell Hinata's faint scent inside. It seems the person who took her left through here," Kiba added.
"Good," Naruto said, nodding. Then he turned to Kaien. "Stick close to Sakura and absolutely do not wander off."
"I know, Brother Naruto. Don't worry," Kaien replied.
"Let's go," Naruto said, taking the lead into the cave.
Everyone followed him inside.
The cave wasn't very large—only wide enough for about four people to walk side by side.
Naruto carefully observed the surroundings as they advanced.
Before long, they reached a spacious area where a massive formation was etched into the ground.
"This should be the teleportation array," Naruto said, his eyes narrowing.
"Everyone, stand on it together," he instructed.
They all nodded and stepped onto the formation.
Buzz—
The array emitted a faint white glow, gradually enveloping the group. The light intensified, and in the blink of an eye, Naruto and the others vanished.
When they opened their eyes again, they were already in a completely different world.
"Is this… the Moon?" Naruto murmured. "Sai, investigate the surroundings."
"Sai?" Naruto called again when there was no response.
He turned around—and froze.
There was no one behind him.
"Damn it… it's a random teleportation!" Naruto's expression darkened.
If it was random teleportation, then Kaien might also be completely alone.
...
📢 Author's Update
The fanfic "Naruto: Raised by Kushina, Took His Brother's Wife" (Part 1, 2 & 3) is now officially complete! 🎉
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📚 Category: Naruto
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