The Future: Naruto Fanfiction

Chapter 69 WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

The Portal

Hiruzen stands amongst those closest to him as he looks at the portal before him. A large structure, circular, easily wide enough at the base for ten people to pass through at a time. It's black stony outline as thick as a tree trunk, it stands as the most prominent landmark for miles around. The circle is filled by a purplish haze, giving any who look at a semi-transparent window to look at the view beyond. Not being able to see through it into the other world has driven many to fear what they will see when they pass through, but most have been calmed by the Hokage's presence.

All around people are gathered into groups of family and friends. Some because this is their first step on a much greater adventure, some because this could well be their last few moments of life. They hope the Hokage can protect them. Even ten at a time it will take them a while to walk through the portal. Several thousand survivors from the Hidden Leaf and Sand Villages wait to go through, along with the soldiers under Clyde's command.

Naruto notes the portal's texture is slightly different to previously. Nothing significant, it's makeup and size remain the same, but the rock formations used to create it have clearly changed slightly. He has discussed his decision to destroy the last portal with Clyde previously, asking how Lara could have gotten to this world. It is likely that this portal is an entirely new one, made for the sole purpose of reaching this pocket world. The construction of the portal was likely driven by Lara's obsession to fight Clyde, otherwise the Leaf may well have been free for good.

Hiruzen, having looked at Naruto, feels calmed. He hasn't been fearing death in this situation, at least not his own death. He has been fearing the potential loss for the villagers, the possibility of the impending calamity for the village. While his face is a picture of concentration, Naruto's relaxed body shows how calm he is feeling, how confident of survival he is when they head through the portal. Either way, it would be a bit late to back down from this decision now. The tents have been packed, the supplies gathered and distributed, the shinobi and captains prepared. Now is the moment. This is the instant in time where the Hidden Leaf will realise its destiny and leave the pocket world from which it was born.

"Well then" Hiruzen nods, "This is it".

Mirai smiles at her grandfather. "Are you as excited as I am old man?".

"Kids these days, do you think we were so different in the past. I am excited, of course, I am excited".

"Hey, we're undertaking a difficult mission with low odds of survival" Shikadai tells the grandfather-granddaughter duo, "Try to take it seriously Mirai, lives could well be depending on your actions".

"Aww, come on Shikadai, light up for once. This may be a step into the unknown but it's also a big step forward".

"Then I hope we are not stepping off a cliff-edge".

Several puffs of smoke rise from amongst the villagers and captains as Naruto's clones dissipate. Information floods in his direction from the four corners of the civilian group. He's pleased with what he finds out, everyone is ready for this. With his checks on the others complete he turns his attention to his own family.

"Mom, are you alright, you look a bit nervous?".

Kushina pulls her hands from her hair, running them down over her face and leaving her with a dishevelled appearance. The bags in her eyes speak to her lack of sleep as another bead of sweat rolls down her head.