A Strange New Life || Isekai'd Reader To Naruto World

Silent Capture

[Third Person's POV]

The moment Team Gai crossed the final ridge overlooking Konoha, (Y/n)’s steps faltered. Her breath hitched as her eyes took in the devastation below. Smoke curled into the sky from collapsed buildings, roads were reduced to rubble, and the familiar streets of their home were barely recognizable.

Her heart pounded in her chest. This wasn’t the village they had left behind just days ago. It was as if the very soul of Konoha had been torn apart.

"Impossible…" Tenten whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Lee clenched his fists. "What happened while we were away?" His usual energy was absent, replaced with an uncharacteristic solemnity.

Gai placed a firm hand on Lee’s shoulder, his brows furrowed in concern. "We need to move quickly. There may still be people who need our help."

(Y/n) remained frozen, her mind racing. Pain did this. She had known of his existence, of the looming threat he posed. But to see the aftermath with her own eyes—it left her stomach twisting in guilt and frustration.

Neji stepped closer, his gaze steady on her. “(Y/n).” His voice was quiet, grounding.

She turned to him, eyes wide, but before she could speak, he gently took her wrist, pulling her forward. "Standing here won’t change anything. We need to go."

(Y/n) swallowed hard, forcing herself to nod. She pushed down the emotions threatening to surface. Now wasn’t the time to break.

With that, Team Gai made their way into the ruined village.

As they moved through the wreckage, (Y/n) felt the weight of the destruction settle on her chest. The once-lively streets were eerily silent, save for the distant sounds of people searching for survivors.

Then, she saw them—injured villagers, shinobi tending to the wounded, and homes reduced to nothing but broken wood and stone. Her throat tightened.

"(Y/n)?" Tenten’s voice pulled her back to reality. "Are you okay?"

(Y/n) hesitated, unsure how to answer. She had seen destruction before, fought battles, and endured losses. But this… this was different. Konoha was home. And now, it lay in ruins.

“I…” she started, but the words wouldn't come out.

Neji, who had been observing her closely, placed a reassuring hand on her back. "It's okay to be upset."

Lee nodded firmly. "Yes! Even the strongest warriors feel the weight of loss. But we endure because we have each other!" He gave her a determined look. "And that includes you, (Y/n)! You always support others, but let us support you this time!"

Gai, watching quietly, gave her a warm, knowing smile. "Sometimes, even the brightest flames flicker. But they never go out."

(Y/n) looked at each of them, her chest tightening. It was true—she had spent so much time worrying about everyone else that she hadn’t even processed her own emotions. She had to be strong, had to keep moving forward.

But right now, with them… she didn't have to carry it alone.

A shaky breath escaped her lips, and she finally nodded. "Thank you… all of you."

Tenten grinned. “You don’t have to thank us. We’re a team.”

Neji, standing beside her, murmured, “More than that.” His voice was soft, but the weight behind his words was unmistakable.

(Y/n) turned to him, meeting his gaze. A silent understanding passed between them.

Then, before the moment could grow too heavy, Lee suddenly jumped in front of (Y/n) and struck a ridiculous pose. "To restore your spirit, I shall perform… The Dance of Youth!"