Naruto: Otsutsuki Naruto Chapter 2 - Chapter 2 Open and honest (2024)

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Konan narrowed her eyes, uncertain if she had heard Naruto correctly. "Say that again, Naruto. What do you want to inherit?"

Naruto's expression was resolute as he repeated, "I want to inherit Nagato's Rinnegan."

Konan felt a wave of disbelief. Naruto didn't seem like someone who would say such a thing. Still, she remained composed. "Naruto, Nagato entrusted his will to you, but his eyes… those are not something that can be passed on."

Naruto responded calmly, his voice steady, "I know what you're saying, Konan. But the Rinnegan is too powerful to be left unguarded. There are others who would seek it for their own purposes. If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences could be disastrous. The safest place for it… is with me."

Konan's expression darkened. "The Rinnegan isn't just an ordinary eye, Naruto. It's a treasure of our village, a legacy that belongs to Amegakure. Even if it's you, I cannot grant this request. Nagato sacrificed himself to revive the people of Konoha, and I plan to leave the Akatsuki to return his and Yahiko's bodies to Amegakure."

Naruto closed his eyes, the air around him growing still as he began to absorb natural energy. He spoke softly, his words carrying weight. "Konan-sensei, I respect your wishes, but this isn't a request. It's a necessity."

As the natural energy reached its peak, Naruto opened his eyes, revealing the orange pigmentation and toad-like pupils of Sage Mode.

Sage Mode, activated.

With a sudden burst of speed, Naruto used the Body Flicker Technique to appear right in front of Konan. Before she could react, he delivered a swift but powerful punch to her abdomen, knocking the wind out of her.

"Ugh..." Konan gasped as her eyes widened in shock, her body crumpling to the ground.

Naruto withdrew his fist, looking down at the fallen Konan with a mixture of regret and determination. "I'm sorry, sensei. This was the quickest way to avoid an unnecessary fight. I promise I'll explain everything when the time comes."

He glanced back toward where the Konoha ninja were waiting, a deep longing in his eyes. If he turned back now, he might regain everything he had lost.

But he knew that the path he was about to take would go against everything Konoha stood for—the Will of Fire that had been passed down to him.

Even if he explained his reasons, would they believe him?

Naruto shook his head, forcing himself to look away, suppressing the urgency in his heart. "I'm sorry, everyone. I love the village and all of you deeply, so I'll bear this burden alone until the time is right…"

That day, the people of Konoha, waiting at the village gates, did not welcome their hero.

When the Konoha ninja went to search for Naruto, they found a copy of "The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi" with finger marks at Nagato's previous hideout, along with a Konoha forehead protector engraved with the symbol of rebellion.

Back in Konoha, the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, had fallen into a deep coma after exhausting her chakra.

The elite jonin, led by Nara Shikaku, convened for an emergency meeting.

Shikaku spoke first, his tone grave. "Before we encountered Naruto on the mountain, he asked us to leave the negotiations to him and said he would settle things with the enemy."

Shikaku glanced at Kakashi, who had been revived and was now absorbed in the book "The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi" brought back by the search team.

Looking away, Shikaku continued, "Afterward, the dead in the village were resurrected, so Naruto's negotiation must have been successful. But then he suddenly attacked and destroyed Lady Katsuyu's clone, leaving behind the book and his forehead protector. We don't know what transpired during that time."

He paused, considering his next words carefully. "But based on my analysis, there are two possibilities."

"First, Naruto was manipulated by some enemy technique, forcing him to act."

"Second, Naruto had his reasons and decided to deal with the enemy in a way we aren't supposed to know about..."

He hesitated, his voice heavy with uncertainty. "As for the items Naruto left behind, if I set aside my personal feelings, the most straightforward interpretation is that Naruto has abandoned the ninja way he inherited from Jiraiya-sama and has chosen to become a rogue ninja."

The jonin present gasped, unable to believe that Naruto—the Naruto who persevered and followed his own ninja way—had betrayed the village.

At that moment, Kakashi spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "Naruto is my student, and from everything I've learned about him over the years, I know he wouldn't betray the village. There must be a reason behind his actions..."

He showed the group the cover of the book. "This finger mark explains it. He must have been holding this book tightly, struggling with his decision..."

Shikaku sighed, speaking with solemn authority. "Until we know the full story, we can't draw any conclusions. What we do know is that Naruto defeated Pain and saved the village. I suggest we temporarily hide the fact that Naruto has left, and announce that he's recovering from exhaustion after the battle."

"The Hyuga clan agrees!"

"The Yamanaka clan agrees!"

"The Aburame clan has no objections!"

One by one, the clan heads voiced their agreement.

Shikaku nodded, his mind already racing with plans. "But concealment isn't a long-term solution. Let Anbu expand the search area and find Naruto as soon as possible."

"Additionally, the village has just gone through a catastrophe. The most important thing now is to stabilize the villagers. With the Fifth Hokage in a coma and Naruto's situation uncertain, the village cannot be without a Hokage. I recommend that Kakashi Hatake become the Sixth Hokage!"

Kakashi placed the book gently on the table, his voice steady but laced with a deep sadness. "I've already accepted that responsibility…"

…

In the woods behind the ruins of Konoha, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu emerged from the trunks of the trees.

White Zetsu spoke first, his tone incredulous. "I never thought Pain would be killed. And that brat Naruto Uzumaki took Nagato's body too. It's outrageous!"

Black Zetsu's voice was as cold as ever. "Go and report this to Tobi!"

…

In the Land of Fire, inside a dark cave.

Naruto sat on a stone chair, his left eye wrapped in bandages. He rested his chin on his hand, his right eye staring at the flickering candle flame, lost in thought.

"You're awake..."

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Konan, tied up in the corner with ropes.

Konan struggled but couldn't break free.

Naruto spoke, his tone deep and far older than his years. "I tied you up to make it easier to talk. And I sealed your chakra to prevent you from turning into paper and escaping..."

Konan, still disoriented, could barely process the change in Naruto. The contrast between how he used to be and how he is now was stark. "Naruto Uzumaki, your acting skills are remarkable. Nagato and I were both deceived by you..."

Naruto smiled faintly, but offered no response.

Konan's voice grew desperate. "Where is Nagato's body? You've already taken his Rinnegan, and your goal is achieved. If you don't intend to kill me, at least return his body to me so I can take it back to Amegakure!"

Naruto turned slowly, his expression unreadable. "The Rinnegan that Nagato possessed… wasn't originally his. The true owner of those eyes was none other than the ancestor of the Uchiha clan… Uchiha Madara."

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(Thank you for reading ☺️)