Naruto: In the future world

The Next Day.

Heading toward one of the large mansions in Konoha, inside the office of its lord sat a blond man, his face a canvas of mixed emotions plainly visible in his features.

A servant gently knocked on the door, then bowed silently before the blond man, awaiting orders.

"Any news about Naruto?" the man asked.

"I'm sorry, nothing yet. But we are doing everything we can to find him. It's just extremely difficult," came the reply.

Minato placed his hands on his head in frustration and said, "Keep searching. We must find him, no matter the cost!"

The servant bowed again, then turned and closed the door behind him.

"Where have you gone, my son?!" Minato whispered with worry.

---

Meanwhile, the Uzumaki clan was no better off than the Namikaze; their situation was grim—they had lost their heir!

The family was gathered, the grandmother lying weakly in bed, coughing and asking, "Where is he? Where is my grandson Naruto!" The ravages of illness gnawed at her frail body with each passing second.

Yukiteru quickly grasped his mother's hand, his voice filled with concern: "Mother, we are doing our utmost to find him. Don't worry—you must rest!"

Mikael spoke calmly, "The Uzumaki will not allow whoever did this to escape justice!"

Oshino's phone suddenly rang. He answered coldly, "What is it?... Is what you say true?... Understood. I'll contact you later."

The family's eyes turned toward Oshino as he pocketed his phone. "Someone claims to have found a lead on Naruto's whereabouts. I will investigate immediately." Oshino left, with Tera following him.

The rest of the family remained with the grandmother, Mito.

Soon after, Aila glanced toward the door, saying hastily, "I will go as well to continue searching."

Rebecca placed her hand gently on her mother Yuna's dress and asked, "Will my brother Naruto be okay, Mom?!"

Yuna met her daughter's gaze and smiled reassuringly, "Of course! He will be fine when he returns."

Yukiteru finished Yuna's words calmly, "Yes! Let's pray he will be safe when he comes back."

---

The Akatsuki organization gathered at their secret headquarters at the summons of their leader. This time, all nine seats were filled, indicating all members involved in the plan had assembled.

Chairs circled a round table, each marked with a number and occupied by a member ranked accordingly.

The first seat was occupied by Kakuzu, who sat with his eyes closed and arms folded over his chest.

The second seat held Hidan, grinning wickedly and sticking his tongue out brazenly.

The third belonged to Kisame, a seasoned member from the previous generation of Akatsuki, like Kakuzu.

In the fourth seat sat Sasori, his hatred toward the other members, especially Kakuzu, barely concealed.

The fifth chair was taken by a young man nearly Sasori's age, with long black hair, sharp black eyes, and a cold, indifferent gaze—Itachi.

The sixth seat belonged to Deidara, who sat fidgeting, tapping his finger on the table.

The seventh was Yaahiko, a recent addition.

Beside him, in the eighth chair, was Konan.

The final seat was claimed by a pale, frail young man with red hair, silent and indifferent.

Next to these seats stood Orochimaru, dressed in a doctor's suit and glasses, operating a screen that now only projected a voice.

"We should have been celebrating our success in uniting the organization's operatives, but an unexpected event occurred. The boy Naruto has suddenly disappeared. This was not part of our plans in the high school gangs' conflict. Jin was supposed to reap all the glory."

Itachi closed his eyes and sighed silently.

Kakuzu coldly said, "Leader, if I may speak frankly, I told you it was unwise to place a child like Jin in control of those kids. Teenagers are difficult to control; their principles shift with their emotions."

The leader paused, then said, "Perhaps that was rash. But you know the main problem was Naruto himself, the wild card. That fool Oshino should have eliminated him years ago but betrayed us by siding with Naruto. Still, most things went well, and the plan progressed. Though the boy Tiger is dead now, we can replace him with Naruto. We just need to find him and begin the alternate plan."

"I have already dispatched the White Fang gang to search. We should hear good news soon."

"You moved quickly, Kakuzu. I like how you align with my plans," the leader chuckled, while Deidara, Sasori, Yaahiko, and Konan bit their lips in frustration, disbelieving this organization would even manipulate children.

Kakuzu slammed his fist on the table, causing the others to stare. "The leader is speaking. How dare you not listen?"

"We were listening," Sasori retorted coldly, though his icy glare hinted at murder.

Deidara quickly raised his hands to ease tensions. "Regardless of Sasori, the others are new and unfamiliar with protocol. The leader wouldn't pick them at random, right?"

"Deidara is right. Don't be harsh on your new brothers, Kakuzu. Let them adapt, and we will reveal our ultimate goal when the time comes. Then they will understand our cause."

Kakuzu sighed and folded his arms again, ignoring the leader's words. He glared coldly at Yaahiko and Konan, clearly withholding any trust.

Turning away, the leader continued, "Now regarding H&M Entertainment Company, I have selected a suitable person to oversee it."

The leader proceeded to explain the current plan for a while.

---

That evening.

A man left Konoha High School building, wearing a black suit, a red striped shirt, and a black scarf covering his nose, mouth, and chin. He had a headband concealing his left eye, and his spiky white hair gave him a strikingly masculine allure.

As usual, he carried a book on the art of romance, reading with sleepy eyes as he walked without shame. He got into his car and drove to a certain place.

Exiting the highway, he reached a bustling popular street that had gained massive popularity in recent years, packed tightly with people.

Parking his car and locking it, he walked down the street, book in hand, ignoring the gazes cast upon him. He heard many remarks such as:

"Why don't you put that down? Are you crazy?"

"Look at this pervert, how does he have the nerve to show his face like that?"

"Man, get that filthy thing away from us!"

"Hey handsome, interested in practicing the art from that book on me?"

"Are you free tonight? I'll lower the price because you're good-looking."

Though many comments reached his ears, a mere drop in the ocean, he paid them no mind and continued reading with sleepy eyes.

He raised his gaze when a strong scent reached his nose, recognizing immediately that he had arrived. He saw the restaurant's name and entered.

"Welcome, sir! You honor our humble establishment," said the restaurant owner while cooking noodles. His daughter was washing dishes for other customers.

The white-haired man recalled meeting his students here once, which had ended with a mission to find the kind-hearted Uzumaki boy.

He noticed a brown-haired girl sitting on a chair, gazing dreamily at a black-haired man with flushed cheeks. It was hard not to misinterpret such a look—it resembled that of a person truly in love.

The black-haired man noticed the other standing apart and smiled, calling out, "You're late, Kakashi."

Kakashi regained composure and quietly said, "I found an elderly woman on the way and helped her get home."

The brown-haired girl grumbled, "What a blatant lie. Aren't you just copying what Obito said when he was late in elementary school?"

Obito looked at Rin with surprise, "What? But I wasn't lying then!"

"Ha? No one believed you back then."

"Are you kidding! Is that why Minato-sensei always scolded me? I should tell him I wasn't lying!!"

Rin laughed, "What's the point? It's been about seven or eighteen years by now."

"Yeah, yeah, it's too late now."

"Kakashi, you too?" Obito put his head on the table in frustration. "I can't believe this."

Kakashi sat beside Rin, who tapped the chair next to her, looking at him. He complied.

"So, how was your day, Kakashi-sensei?" Rin smiled warmly, leaning her head close enough for Kakashi to study her lovely features.

"How was it? Like every other day, I suppose." Kakashi sighed and leaned back, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks, though it was subtle beneath his scarf.

Rin kept moving closer, smiling, causing Kakashi to close his eyes and look aside to change the subject. "The atmosphere was tense, especially in Class 1-A. They acted as if the boy had really died."

Rin sighed softly and placed her hand on the table, resting her face on it. "It's strange that someone kidnapped him all this time without demanding ransom or anything. If there had been a body, it would have been found somehow. But the kidnapper is smart enough to avoid surveillance cameras and probably took Naruto out of the country."

Obito raised his head slightly, still frustrated. "What does that person want with the Uzumaki boy?"

Kakashi and Rin looked at Obito with some surprise. Kakashi slowly asked, "How did you know he was an Uzumaki's son?"

Obito was a bit surprised, then said, "Oh, that. Aren't you two talking about Sasuke's friend? I found out about him by chance from Sasuke." Obito laughed, scratched his head, then lowered his voice. "Was that supposed to be a secret?"

Kakashi sighed quietly, "It's definitely a secret. I hope you keep it and don't tell anyone else."

"Of course! Don't worry."

Rin looked at Obito and asked, "Anyway, how is the search going through the camera footage? Is there any recording of the fight between the high school kids?"

"No, there's nothing. They must have chosen the battle site carefully," Obito said anxiously, scratching his head. "I'm a lieutenant, but there are still limits to what I can do. Maybe my father or Uncle Hokage could do more, but it's difficult, and they wouldn't care to save an unknown boy. Sasuke would influence them if he personally requested."

Kakashi put his hands on his chin. "Sasuke seemed relieved that Naruto wasn't nearby. Did something happen between them recently? They used to be best friends."

"Who knows? Teenagers are temperamental. Let them cool off, and they'll probably reconcile," Rin said softly, closing her eyes.

"I wonder about that. Sasuke was upset for a long time but seems better lately," Obito thought about Sasuke over the past three weeks.

"Uncle Ishiraki, three bowls of ramen, please." Rin raised her hand to order, and the elderly man smiled, "Right away!"

Rin looked at Obito, then Kakashi kindly, "We'll think more about it later. For now, let's enjoy some delicious food. I'm starving."

The two sighed and smiled back at Rin, who returned their smiles.

---

In a small house, specifically the medium-sized living room,

Two girls sat on the couch side by side. Aine was holding her phone, seemingly exchanging messages with someone, while the other lay on the couch, her face gloomy.

"Aren't you tired of texting? Why did you invite me if you're just going to spend the rest of the day messaging that person?"

"It's not like I message him every day! He seems better since I met him. He used to be gloomy and fierce; now he even messages me first! Should I pretend not to care to see if he texts me every time?"

"That's terrible. Why do you want him to chase you all the time?"

"I mean, wouldn't it feel good? To wake up and sleep to his messages without starting the conversation first!"

"Please don't become that kind of girl, Ino. It won't end well for you." Sakura looked at Ino with disgust.

"Hey, I'm joking! I won't be that bad! Hey, he just replied again." Ino laughed for a few seconds until a message notification appeared, and she looked at her phone again.

Sakura glared angrily at Ino, then stood, grabbing her bag.

"I'm leaving!"

"Baby, you really said goodbye this time! Sorry, okay!"

Ino grabbed Sakura's hand, laughing happily. Sakura sighed and sat back down, this time with Ino putting her phone aside and focusing on Sakura.

"So, our beautiful princess is mad because my relationship is going well while hers isn't?!" Ino looked at Sakura.

Sakura exhaled sharply and said quietly, "It's not about jealousy, and I don't care much about your relationship. What really bothers me is the strange disappearance of Naruto."

"But you talked to the Breakers gang members. Didn't they say someone in black suddenly took him away when Jin stabbed Tiger?"

Ino calmly recounted what Sakura had told her—the circumstances of Naruto's disappearance, his relationship with Shino, and everything that had happened.

"That's true, but even with my father's influence, I can't get any useful results. I have to convince Sasuke to look into it. He's our last hope to find Naruto."

Sakura's expression turned serious; the fire of determination blazed in her eyes as she looked at Ino.

"The only one who has a close relationship with Sasuke now is you, Ino. Even I can't convince him. I feel that if I ask him, our relationship will worsen. Will you do it for me, Ino?"

Ino smiled, holding Sakura's hand reassuringly, "Dear, I'm glad to hear your sincere feelings. But I already asked him."

"Huh?!"

Sakura was surprised as Ino showed her the recent chat with Sasuke, where she asked him to act regarding the situation. Sasuke remained silent without replying.

Sakura sighed harshly, then said angrily, "That foolish Uchiha! Is he serious? He's the childhood friend who disappeared! Why does he act like he has nothing to do with Naruto now?!"

"That's why I suggest you ask him yourself, Sakura," Ino said quietly.

"But I told you why I haven't done that yet."

Ino sighed, then said firmly, "Don't hesitate, Sakura. You have nothing to lose since your relationship with him is bad anyway. If something unexpected happens, I will handle it. Is that a fair deal?"

Sakura put her hand on her head, saying, "Then I'll have to play the innocent naive girl again. I might really punch Sasuke if he treats me coldly, especially after rejecting me and calling me trash!"

"Didn't you say you got over it?"

.

.

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#To_Be_Continued.