Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 40: Heroes Come Back / End of Part 1

HEROES COME BACK / END OF PART 1

Three months later

Hidden Leaf Village

The Hidden Leaf's gates stand as tall and proud as they always have, looking the same as they always have and yet they feel so different. A part of Naruto and Hinata had forgotten how impressive a sight they are.

Now, after over a year of travelling, they're home with their new extended family. Kotori, Yokumaru, and Shoto look up at the large entrance in awe, with a hint of nervousness. Today is the day they settle in their new home. Today is the day their adventure ends, although a new one will begin. What will it lead to? How will they fare? One way to find out.

They step through, passing by merchants and travellers going in and out of the village, encountering shinobi not just from Leaf going about on missions or returning from them.

"Well, well," A familiar voice draws their attention to the guard station to the side. As usual, it's Izumo and Kotetsu.

Kotetsu steps forward with a smile. "Feels like it's been forever."

Hinata bows to them both. "We've returned from our mission."

Izumo waves. "Welcome back, you two."

"Yeah, it's good to be back!" Naruto takes a deep breath and looks around. "This place hasn't changed much, huh?"

Kotetsu shrugs. "In some ways, no, it's the same place as always, just with more foreign guests."

"That's good to hear." Hinata smiles.

"You going straight to report to Lady Tsunade?" Izumo asks.

"Not yet. Gotta get the whole group together first."

"It's been a long time not just for us." Hinata looks back to the kids. "We'll go to Lady Tsunade soon."

"Alright." Kotetsu nods. "We'll be seeing more of each from now on. Stay safe." He waves and moves back to his station, as they gang steps fully inside, now soaking in the atmosphere.

"What do we do now, shisho?" Shoto looks around the unfamiliar village.

"You said to get the whole group?" Yokumaru looks up to him.

"Yeah, we'll go find your parents first." Naruto grins.

"Do you... know where they are?" Yokumaru grips his shirt. For the first time in a year, he'd see his mom, the most he'd been away from her. It's beyond nerve wracking. 'Mom...'

"Well, not yet. Gimme a second." Naruto brings his hands in front in a meditative state. After a moment, his eyes shine golden and he takes a moment to focus. As soon as his eyes changed, they revert back to their normal blue. "Alright, let's go!" He Flickers away, and they all follow after him.

Hidden Leaf Village's Shorin-ryu dojo

The distinct sounds of sparring can be heard from within the Hidden Leaf's newest dojo, of the Teshin clan's Shorin style of fighting. The pained and intense grunts of combat, of the wooden floor being struck with great strength, the almost rhythmic cries of students following their kata.

Shoto stands in front of the door, intensely staring at the sign as if making sure this is actually where he's supposed to be. Naruto places a reassuring hand on his student's shoulder who takes in a deep breath, and opens the door.

Inside, as the sounds would suggest, are a group of 10 trainees performing kata to the side. They... seem focused enough, although it's clear their attention is also being taken by what's happening to the side.