Naruto: In the future world

Chapter 46

Sakura and I were running down the path toward the training hall.

She had told me earlier that it was Sasuke's first appearance on the basketball court during team practice, and I wanted to be there. But sleep had overtaken me, and Sakura had come all the way to find and wake me up.

We arrived late, breathless from running, only to find the hall completely empty.

A wave of anxiety washed over me—I'd missed Sasuke's practice. He must be angry that we hadn't come to see him.

Sakura hurried in, glancing around. From one of the side doors, Sasuke emerged, a towel draped over his shoulder and a cold expression on his face.

"Sasuke!"

Sakura smiled and rushed over, standing before him cheerfully. "Sorry we're late. I was looking for Naruto. How was your training?"

"Fine. Nothing special," he replied curtly, brushing past her.

"Looks like you and Naruto were enjoying yourselves and forgot all about me."

"What are you saying? I was asleep in class, and Sakura came all the way to wake me up. That's it," I replied, a hint of irritation in my voice at his tone.

"Is that so? Doesn't matter. The match is over anyway. Why don't you two finish your little date and leave me be?" Sasuke shot me a look of faint contempt.

"Wait—why are you acting like this, Sasuke?" Sakura asked, a little shaken, stepping closer.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Sasuke replied icily, his stare keeping her from taking another step.

"Well, the thing is—"

"No need to explain."

Sasuke was acting strangely—what on earth was wrong with him?

He smiled faintly at us, eyes closed, then turned away. "Forgive me. I'm tired. I need to go home. No need to walk me—I've called my father, and a car is on its way."

With that, he left, closing the door behind him.

"Did I do something wrong?" Sakura whispered sadly, her hands pressed to her chest.

"No, Sakura. It's not your fault. He's just tired, like he said. Let him rest today. Tomorrow, everything will be back to normal. Okay?" I said gently.

As much as it pained me to see her so emotional over him, it hurt even more to see her sad. I had to cheer her up—even if it cost me my own happiness.

"O-Okay..."

She gave me a sad smile. She must have been deeply hurt by Sasuke's words. And it was my fault.

"I'm sorry... If I hadn't been sleeping, you would've made it to Sasuke's match instead of looking for me," I said, clenching my fist.

"Don't say that," Sakura replied softly.

"Shall we go?"

"Yes."

We left the hall and walked down the corridors in silence. We continued on foot until our paths eventually split.

Sakura walked slowly down the street, her sorrow clearly visible. As she neared an intersection, she sensed a few people nearby. When she looked over, her eyes widened in disbelief.

There was Sasuke—in Ino's embrace.

She couldn't fully make out the scene, but what she saw was enough to shatter her heart once again.

Her lips quivered, her eyes shaded beneath her pink hair. A single burning tear fell from her left eye before she turned back and walked away.

She walked, then began to run—taking the long way home.

Once inside her room, she slammed the door and collapsed onto her bed, covering her mouth. She couldn't deny what she saw—her eyes hadn't deceived her.

She closed her eyes as tears, hotter than molten metal, streamed down her beautiful face.

---

A few minutes earlier...

Sasuke had left the school, the world around him dim and colorless. For a moment, he'd lost all sense of vibrancy. His black eyes were darker than ever, full of quiet sorrow.

Outside the school gate stood a blonde-haired girl, waiting, as if for someone specific.

He blinked once, and when he opened his eyes again, she was waving at him with a smile, her cheeks softly blushing.

Just seeing her brought color back into his world.

"I was waiting for you, Sasuke. Do you mind if we walk home together?"

He walked up to her and replied with cold indifference, "I don't mind."

Ino smiled and followed Sasuke, who had already changed clothes. He ignored the car waiting for him and instead walked off with her.

"You were amazing in the game. I got so fired up every time you had the ball!" Ino said, mimicking some of his moves with excitement.

"Really?"

"Yes! You're a natural. Did you train hard to join the basketball team? I feel like no one can beat our team now that you're in it!" she laughed joyfully.

Sasuke closed his eyes and gave no response.

After a few steps, he spoke, "Ino."

She stopped and looked at him, curious.

"If there was someone who meant the world to you… someone who held you in your weakest moments, who stood by your side through every trial, someone always in front of you, your teacher in life…"

She looked down, silently recalling the person who had always been her center, the one dearest to her heart.

"What would you do if that person suddenly vanished? If they said it was over… if they cut ties like it meant nothing—what would you do?"

"I would break," Ino replied truthfully, squeezing her arm gently. "Losing a bond like that would hurt more than any other. I don't think I could go on without it."

Sasuke stopped walking. "How am I supposed to move forward without him? He just left… left a burning message behind, ended everything like it was nothing. How could he do this to me?"

His voice was quiet and pained, eyes closed in deep sorrow, searching for something—anything—to ease the weight in his heart.

"How do I move on after that?"

Ino clenched her fist, then pulled Sasuke into her arms, resting his head against her chest, like a mother cradling her child.

"Don't worry. Don't despair. Your sadness will fade the moment you open your eyes. What's gone may never return, but stopping in place hurts more than pressing forward."

She ran her fingers through his hair, as if she could read his thoughts—knowing exactly what the fragile boy beside her needed.

"Everything will be okay. Just follow your heart from now on."

Sasuke remained silent, eyes closed, seeking solace from the storm in his heart.

But that very moment was witnessed—misunderstood—by Sakura, who had hurried off in pain.

---

Naruto's POV

As I walked, my phone rang. I answered it to hear Shino on the other end.

"Naruto, where are you?"

"I just left the school. Why?"

"Can you come to our second base? There's something important you need to see."

"Got it. I'll be there in a few minutes."

I ended the call and changed direction, heading to an abandoned warehouse near the school.

After making sure I wasn't being followed, I slipped inside quietly.

Inside, I found Shino and Rock Lee standing with two others. One was a girl with blue hair and black eyes, tall and slender.

She had a curvy figure—large breasts, wide hips—and wore tight black clothes: jeans, a jacket, and a short top that stopped just above her navel.

"So this is your unshakable leader, huh, Shino?" the blue-haired girl said loudly and with enthusiasm.

"That's right. His name is—"

"No need. I already know him. He's the talk of every high school gang lately. The rookie who crushed Jin."

"And who are you?"

"What? You don't know me? Didn't Shino tell you?"

She smiled and stepped toward me.

"Naruto, I told you about her! She's the leader of the Hasuno gang!"

That's right—she's from Shouri High School.

But before I could think further, she leapt toward me, aiming a kick at my head.

"Naruto, watch out!" Rock Lee shouted, shocked by her sudden attack. Shino was equally surprised.

I raised my hand to block and caught her foot, but she came at me again with the other. I released her and stepped back as she advanced, pushing me out of the warehouse.

"Enough! Why are you attacking me?"

I dodged her strong kicks, retreating until she landed a blow to my stomach that sent me flying.

"That's all you've got, Red Demon?"

She lowered her head with a wicked grin. "You don't seem special at all. Maybe the rumor about you beating Jin was just dumb luck."

I didn't respond. I stayed calm and stared her down.

"That blow only landed because I sensed no true hostility from you. Now, allow me to get serious."

Her eyes widened. I vanished, reappearing in front of her in a blur. Everything was moving slowly around me again.

I feinted, planning to stop just before hitting her face. But even as time seemed to slow, she countered with a low kick, and I retreated, breathing calmly.

"I don't believe it! You dodged a blindside counter at that speed!"

She was ecstatic, preparing to go all out. I could sense her aura shift—she released a killing intent aimed straight at me.

But the man beside her placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered something that calmed her.

Shino walked over, hands in his pockets, unbothered.

(Tch, you icy bastard, show some concern for your leader!) I thought, shooting him a fake angry grin. He turned away, indifferent. Ugh, I'll teach him a lesson later.

"Naruto, are you alright?" Rock Lee asked with slight concern.

"Yeah, nothing serious. Just scratches."

"That was amazing, though."

The girl approached with a small smile, eyes closed. "What?"

"I mean your strength. You're insanely powerful. That counter-attack—no normal person could sense it, let alone block or dodge. Your reflexes are beyond human."

Her words genuinely pleased me—but I didn't show it. I replied modestly, "Really? Thanks."

"Anyway, Naruto, I have a request now that I've seen your strength firsthand."

"What is it?"

"I'm Lily—the Blue Devil of Shouri High and leader of the Hasuno gang. I want to form an alliance with you… the Red Devil of Konoha High!"

"An alliance? Against whom?"

"Against Shinshoku High. Their leader plans to conquer Konoha."

The name struck me like thunder. Shinshoku High?! No way...

"That's right—it's exactly what you're thinking. Shinshoku High now has Jin on their side. Rumors say they even work with real mafia groups!"

Sweat trickled down my brow as I stared at Lily.

"A few days ago, after the Breakers declared you publicly, the Yellow Demon challenged me. The bet was everything—whoever wins takes full control of the other gang's power. That would disrupt the balance of Konoha's four major gangs."

That much was clear. But if that balance collapsed…

"Then total control of Konoha… and eventually all of Japan," I whispered in shock.

"Exactly. Once Konoha falls, Japan follows. And maybe even the Koreas… and China."

"He's insane," Rock Lee said, stunned.

"With someone like Jin backing him, and other powerful gangs, it's no surprise the leader of the Thorns is getting ambitious."

"The Thorn Gang… in Shinshoku High… their leader is Tiger."

"We have to act before Hasuno falls," I said calmly. No way I'd let Jin expand his influence over Konoha!

"Right. That's why I'm asking for your help. Naruto… will you join me?"

Lily extended her hand—no longer smiling. Her eyes trembled slightly with fear, hiding the desperation within.

How could I reject someone begging me with eyes like that?

I reached out and shook her hand firmly. "Let's crush those bastards together, Lily."

She smiled brightly and squeezed my hand. "Yes!"

"I knew you wouldn't refuse, my young master."

A voice spoke behind Lily—mysterious, familiar.

When I heard it, my eyes widened in shock. No way!

She removed her hat, revealing long black hair and dazzling emerald eyes.

"Carol!" I exclaimed as I rushed toward her.

"That's right, young master Naruto." She bowed respectfully.

"What's going on here?" Rock Lee asked, baffled.

"My name is Carol. I am the servant of young master Naruto."

"That's right. I asked her to disguise herself, just in case you refused, Naruto. But I wanted to convince you myself," Lily said, laughing as she patted Carol's back.

"I see," I smiled faintly.

"Actually…"

Lily continued, catching our attention.

"While I did ask for an alliance, there's still one more thing we need to address."

"What is it?"

"There's still the Bushi Gang at Ai High. Their leader, the Green Demon, Kojirou—we need him too."

"That's true. Without him, we can't guarantee victory over both Tiger and Jin."

"I'll send a messenger to arrange a meeting. Since this one was secret, Lily shouldn't go."

"Alright then. Shino, take care of the meeting."

"Understood."

---

Elsewhere—in another warehouse—two figures stood side by side, radiating dark, ominous energy.

One was Jin, hands in his pockets, a scar under his eye from his fight with me.

Beside him was a boy with flame-like blond hair, crimson eyes, and black circles beneath them. His gaze was empty and menacing.

"Is this really supposed to be a devil like me? This pathetic weakling?" Tiger sneered.

In front of them lay an unconscious boy with green hair, covered in wounds. He looked completely defeated.

"As you can see, devils are all trash. Even the Red Devil turned coward and joined that damn Naruto."

"Oh, I'll kill him too."

Of course, the word "kill" was a bit of an exaggeration.

"Well, now that we've dealt with this loser, let's destroy Hasuno next. We'll leave the Breakers for last," Jin said calmly, glancing at Tiger.

"Yeah. Let's go."

They both turned and left, abandoning the unconscious Green Devil behind.

. . .

To Be Continued