Naruto: After Seclusion Becoming Naruto Grandfather

"Boy, even though your consciousness has been infected by my chakra, you haven't gone completely insane yet. Should I say you've got potential or that Chito has really taken good care of you?"

The Nine-Tails shrank in size, assuming a form that allowed it to look at Naruto directly. Its voice carried both amusement and grudging respect.

Naruto, still trying to piece together why he was in this strange space, began to understand through the Nine-Tails' words. This must have been another precautionary measure Uzumaki Chito had set up.

"How do I get back?" Naruto asked, his tone edged with urgency. He could sense the danger looming outside, but his consciousness was trapped here with the Nine-Tails.

"You could use your talisman to summon Chito," the Nine-Tails suggested, a sly grin forming on its face.

Naruto instinctively reached for the talisman jade at his waist, only to realize it had followed his soul into this space.

"Don't toy with him, Nine-Tails."

The commanding voice of Uzumaki Chito echoed through the space as his figure materialized. With a single hand gesture, the mighty Nine-Tails was reduced to a child-like form, sulking in silence.

"Chito, I wasn't bullying him!" the Nine-Tails huffed, turning its head away in defiance.

Naruto looked between Chito and the now diminutive Nine-Tails, unsure of what to say.

"Ask your questions, Naruto," Chito said gently. "This space is a safeguard I left in your soul. It's meant to protect you from genjutsu or techniques that could tamper with your memories."

Naruto's eyes widened in understanding. "Grandpa, I need to get out. My friends are in danger trying to protect me!"

Chito, observing the urgency in Naruto's expression, nodded but remained calm. "What will you do when you're out?"

The question stopped Naruto short. He knew that Chito was right—his current strength might not be enough to turn the tide.

"But I can't just sit here while they risk their lives for me!" Naruto shouted, his fists clenched.

Chito smiled knowingly. "You have a way out, but it's not up to me to help you this time."

"Not you?" Naruto tilted his head in confusion.

The Nine-Tails growled in irritation. "Chito, you don't mean him, do you?"

Naruto's confusion deepened. Before he could ask further, the calm of the space shattered. It was as if unseen hands tore through the fabric of reality itself.

A shadowy figure emerged, surrounded by a dark mist that obscured its features. When its gaze fell upon Uzumaki Chito and Naruto, it froze in place.

"Be quiet, Nine-Tails," Chito said, his tone carrying a quiet authority. Then he turned to the shadow. "It's been a long time, Minato."

The black mist dissipated, revealing the face of a man Naruto had seen in countless photographs and statues—Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.

"Chito-sama," Minato said, bowing his head respectfully. "Thank you for looking after Naruto."

Naruto stared, his mouth agape. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Dad…?" Naruto whispered, his voice trembling.

Minato smiled gently. "Naruto, you've grown into a fine young man. I've always believed in you."

He turned back to Chito. "It seems your protections on Naruto's soul helped trigger my seal. I never expected to meet both of you here."

Chito waved dismissively. "I had a feeling you were still lingering. The Grim Reaper's presence during the resurrection gave it away."

Minato's expression darkened slightly. "Even so, my time here is limited. The seal tied my soul and half of the Nine-Tails to the Grim Reaper. If the Reaper vanishes, I'll fade with it."

The Nine-Tails, now in its reduced form, bared its teeth at Minato. "You locked me away and split me in two. It's your fault I'm not at full strength!"

Minato's smile didn't waver. "It's good to see you're still as fiery as ever, Nine-Tails."

Chito chuckled, lightly tapping the Nine-Tails on the head. "Quiet, brat. Don't forget who's keeping you in check."

Naruto, still overwhelmed, looked between his father and Chito. "Dad, why now? Why are you here?"

Minato placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Because you need me, Naruto. You're stronger than you realize, but even the strongest need a guiding hand sometimes."

Chito stepped back, his role in this reunion complete. "I'll leave you two to talk. Nine-Tails, come with me."

The fox grumbled but followed Chito as they exited the space.

In the real world, Neji and Might Guy were watching over Naruto when Chito suddenly appeared, accompanied by the small Nine-Tails.

Both of them immediately knelt. "Lord Chito," they greeted respectfully.

Chito nodded in acknowledgment, but his arrival didn't go unnoticed. The commotion caused by the Nine-Tails drew the attention of the Thunder Country's search team.

"They're here!" Neji warned, activating his Byakugan.

The enemy was closing in, and with Naruto still unconscious, the team had little time to act.

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