ＮｅｇｌｅｃｔｅｄＮａｒｕｔｏ Ｕｃｈｉｈａ Ｓｅｎｊｕ

Chapter 38

After some time, Naruto stirred, his body aching from the intense battle. As his eyes fluttered open, he immediately noticed that both Shanks and Izumi were still unconscious beside him. Groaning slightly as he pushed himself up, Naruto crawled over to them and gently shook their shoulders.

"Oi, wake up!" he called, his voice raspy but urgent.

Shanks was the first to respond, his eyes slowly blinking open as he sat up, rubbing his head as if disoriented. "What happened?" he muttered groggily.

Naruto then turned to Izumi, who woke shortly after, looking equally bewildered. "Naruto?" she asked, glancing around as though searching for answers.

Naruto looked at both of them, and confusion was evident in his expression. "Are you guys okay? Do you remember anything from the fight?"

Shanks and Izumi exchanged confused glances before Shanks shook his head. "The fight? What fight? All I remember is us travelling to the Fire Capital...and nothing."

Izumi frowned, trying to recall the events, but her mind was blank. "I don't remember anything either. It's like... I blacked out."

Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "You don't remember the guy we fought? The one with the Sharingan?" he pressed, desperation creeping into his voice.

Shanks rubbed the back of his neck, visibly straining to recall anything. "Sorry, Naruto, it's all fuzzy. We must've gotten knocked out or something."

Izumi nodded in agreement, still looking confused."It's like there's a gap in my memory."

Naruto sat back, completely puzzled. How could they forget everything? He vividly remembered the battle, the intense clash of jutsu, and the mysterious figure with the Sharingan. The Tsukuyomi, the pain, the sheer terror— it was all still so fresh in his mind. And yet, Shanks and Izumicouldn't recall a single thing.

"How can I be the only one who remembers?" Naruto whispered to himself, feeling a deep sense of unease. Something was off, but for now, he had no choice but to accept the strange reality in front of him.

"I guess... we should get moving," Naruto finally said, helping them. But as they resumed their journey, the mystery of the forgotten battle weighed heavily on Naruto's mind, an unanswered question that lingered like a shadow over his thoughts.

After a day, the group finally arrived at the Fire Country'scapital, the bustling heart of the nation. The towering buildings and lively streets sharply contrast the eerie battle that still lingered in Naruto's mind. Shanks, Izumi, and Naruto made their way through the busy streets, heading directly toward the Daimyo's palace, where they were scheduled to meet the Daimyo regarding their mission.

The imposing structure was a testament to the Fire Country'spower and influence as they approached the grand palace gates. The guards, recognising them as shinobi from Konoha, allowed them entry without hesitation. Together, they stepped inside the vast palace grounds, ready to discuss the details of their mission with the Fire Daimyo himself. Despite the city's grandeur and the palace's imposing aura, the unsettling mystery of the forgotten battle weighed heavily on Naruto's mind.

Fire Daimyo Castle

Fire Daimyo Office

As they made their way to the Daimyo's office, the air inside the palace felt regal and formal. Upon entering the grand chamber, they were greeted by the sight of Katsuhiko, the Fire Country's Daimyo. In his early70s, the man sat with an air of authority and wisdom. His years were evident in the lines on his face, but they did not diminish the strength in his presence.

Naruto, Shanks, and Izumi respectfully bowed before him."Daimyo Katsuhiko-sama," Shanks greeted, his tone respectful but firm. 

The Daimyo offered them a warm smile, nodding in acknowledgement. "Welcome, Konoha shinobi. I'm grateful you've come. There is a matter of great importance I need your help with."