Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The First Team Building Plan of the Chat Group
Namikaze Minato thought for a moment before responding in the chat:
"Alright, I'd love to know how Naruto is doing right now."
"But… we're in different timelines. Is this really possible?"
The idea of communicating across time seemed incredible. If that was possible, then was jumping from one timeline to another feasible too?
It all sounded completely absurd.
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Don't underestimate the power of plug-ins!"
"Something like this is child's play for me. Just let me know when you're ready, and I'll bring you over."
Namikaze Minato: "The group leader is really impressive..."
"But I'll need to prepare first. I have to finish some work and inform Kushina—otherwise, she'll be worried."
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Why not bring Kushina along too? Wouldn't it be better to reunite the whole family?"
Namikaze Minato: "Is that even possible? That would be amazing!"
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Then it's settled. I'll see you in the group tomorrow, and I'll bring you over."
Namikaze Minato: "Alright, I'll get ready first. This is kind of nerve-wracking now that I think about it."
Before long, another voice chimed in.
Uchiha Obito: "Wait a second! How could you guys plan something this awesome without me? This is too much!"
"If I hadn't checked the chat, would you have just left me behind, Minato-sensei? @Namikaze Minato."
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Aren't you busy with your Eternal Mangekyō? Didn't expect you to finish so fast."
"Also, you and Naruto don't even know each other that well. What's the point of you tagging along?"
Uchiha Obito: "Hah! A mere Eternal Mangekyō is nothing to me."
A notification popped up—Obito had sent an image.
"picture.jpg"
In the photo, his Mangekyō Sharingan swirled subtly, shifting into its Eternal form.
Apparently, his evolution was complete.
Uchiha Obito: "And who says I don't know Naruto? When he was born, Kakashi and Rin weren't there, but I was. In fact, I even blasted him."
A long silence followed.
Namikaze Minato: "..."
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "…6."
"I really walked into that one."
Just then, another name popped up in the chat.
Senju Hashirama: "Oh? Everyone's still chatting this late? Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
Shinomiya Uzumaki's eyes lit up.
If Minato and Obito could come, why not bring the First Hokage too?
Just imagine the scene—Konoha's legendary "God of Shinobi" appearing in the modern village. It would be a sensation!
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "We're discussing tomorrow's team-building event. Want to join? It'll be fun!"
"By the way, is it nighttime on your end? It's noon here."
Uchiha Obito: "Noon? It's just getting dark over here."
Namikaze Minato: "It's ten in the morning here."
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Wait… why don't the times match up?"
That was when he realized something unusual about the chat group's settings.
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Quick question—how long have you all been in this group?"
Senju Hashirama: "About a month, give or take."
Uchiha Obito: "A little over a week."
Namikaze Minato: "Today marks my twelfth day."
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "What the… The time difference is insane!"
He had only joined a few days ago, yet others had been here much longer.
Still, despite their timelines being out of sync, the chat itself wasn't affected. Otherwise, Hashirama would have to wait days to see his messages—but he always responded instantly.
After some discussion, they reached a conclusion.
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Huh… I guess I just gained some strange new knowledge."
Then, a thought struck him.
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Hey, @Senju Hashirama, want to join our team-building trip? You can see what the future Konoha looks like!"
Initially, Shinomiya just wanted Minato to see Naruto. Maybe it would change something for the better—and he could earn some gold coins along the way.
But now, Obito was coming too. With only Hashirama left, why not invite him?
Might as well make it a full reunion.
Senju Hashirama: "Sure, sounds fun!"
Shinomiya Uzumaki: "Alright! I'll officially summon everyone tomorrow. Keep an eye on the chat!"
With everything confirmed, Shinomiya closed the chat.
Back to Reality
He glanced at Naruto, who was chatting happily with Hinata.
A smirk played on his lips.
"Little brother, are you ready? A big surprise is coming your way."
Naruto suddenly shivered and scratched his head.
"Weird… feels like someone's watching me."
Finally, the school bell rang. Students poured out of the classroom like wild animals being set free.
Several familiar faces gathered around Shinomiya, planning to walk home together.
He waved them off casually.
"You guys go ahead. I have to report to Hokage."
Naruto and the others nodded before heading off.
The moment Shinomiya stepped out of the school gate, a masked Anbu member was already waiting.
It was the same one from this morning.
Without a word, the Anbu approached.
"Shinomiya-san, do you have time now?"
Shinomiya gave him a knowing look.
"You're just going to walk there like this?"
The Anbu hesitated. "Huh?"
Before he could react, Shinomiya's figure blurred—then reappeared several meters ahead.
"Too fast!"
The Anbu was stunned. He hadn't even seen Shinomiya move.
The boy flashed him a mischievous smile.
"I'm in a hurry. Catch up if you can."
Before the Anbu could reply, Shinomiya vanished like a phantom.
Still in shock, the Anbu quickly formed a seal and used the Body Flicker Technique to follow.
But deep down, he was troubled.
"That wasn't a teleportation jutsu. He didn't even form a seal. Was that pure speed?"
Inside the Hokage's Office
A calm knock echoed against the heavy wooden door.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Shinomiya Uzumaki stood outside, hands in his pockets, while the Anbu landed beside him.
He raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. You're pretty fast."
The Anbu, slightly out of breath, remained silent.
A composed voice answered from within.
"Come in."
The Anbu pushed open the door and bowed.
"Lord Hokage, I've brought Shinomiya Uzumaki."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and motioned for the Anbu to step aside.
He looked at Shinomiya with an expression of quiet admiration.
But Shinomiya remained unfazed.
"Lord Hokage, what did you need from me?"
Hiruzen took a slow puff from his pipe before smiling warmly.
"No need to be so tense. I simply wanted to meet the rising star of Konoha in person."
He gestured toward a chair.
"Please, have a seat."
As Shinomiya settled in, Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke and studied him carefully.
"Tell me, what are your thoughts on Naruto?"
Shinomiya was caught off guard by the question.
But without hesitation, he answered honestly.
"He's my best friend."
Hiruzen's smile deepened.
He seemed pleased with the answer.
Then, he slid a folder across the desk.
"Let's see how much you really know."
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