Naruto: Reborn in His Younger Self

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Above the Giant Bird

Naruto sat on the bird's head, staring at his outfit with a dissatisfied expression.

For a long moment, he clicked his tongue and frowned.

Konan, noticing his mood, approached him. "What's wrong, Naruto? Are you uncomfortable sitting on the bird's head?"

Nagato chimed in, "Why don't you sit behind me? This transmitter of mine blocks the wind. You won't hear the wind noise there."

Naruto shook his head. "It's not about comfort. It's this damn outfit—I need to change it. Akatsuki's cloak is way too recognizable."

Konan nodded in agreement. "That's true. Akatsuki has been infamous for collecting Tailed Beasts for years. Our robes are practically a death flag at this point."

"Then what do you suggest, Naruto ?" Konan asked, stepping closer and tilting her head.

Naruto pondered for a moment, staring at the vast sky ahead. Then, inspiration struck.

"Look up at the sky. During the day, it's endless blue. At night, it's covered in stars, right?"

He grinned. "Black is cool and all, but it's too dark. I say we go for a new look—blue sky and white clouds!"

"That way, we have a fresh uniform that actually represents our organization and symbolizes a bright future!"

Nagato murmured, "A bright future… Yahiko said the same thing when he founded Akatsuki."

Konan's gaze softened, reminiscing about Yahiko's dream.

Naruto, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes. "Hey, what's with those faces? You two want me dead or something?"

The mood lightened slightly. Still, Naruto was pleased—Nagato's mind had stabilized under the influence of Kotoamatsukami. The madness from before was gone.

Now, instead of being consumed by pain and revenge, he was slowly rediscovering the ideals he once followed.

Naruto made a mental note—once Orochimaru was revived, he'd discuss the possibility of bringing back certain important figures. After all, Danzo had enough Uchiha eyes in his right arm to make something work.

Naruto already understood how the Sharingan evolved into the Rinnegan. Now, he just needed someone capable of experimenting with it.

And Orochimaru was the best scientist for the job.

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Iron Country—Next Stop: Jūgo

After finalizing his thoughts, Naruto activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and teleported.

His next destination? The Land of Iron.

Now that he had captured Anko, the next step was to find Jūgo.

From his previous life, Naruto knew that the source of Orochimaru's Curse Mark power came from Jūgo's bloodline. Orochimaru had merely refined it.

And since Sasuke had tested Jūgo's abilities firsthand, Naruto was confident in this plan.

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Nightfall—Stars Illuminating the Sky

Above the giant bird, Naruto maintained his Sage Mode, keeping his perception active at all times.

Suddenly, his sensory abilities picked up a familiar chakra signature.

His eyes snapped open.

"Again?" Naruto muttered.

The Flying Thunder God Mark he had left behind was flaring up once more.

Hinata.

Ever since the night he took Danzo's right eye and arm, Hinata had been searching for him.

That evening, she had waited at Ichiraku Ramen, hoping he'd show up.

But when Naruto never came, she had gone home… and then desperately started pouring chakra into the Flying Thunder God Mark on her arm, trying to summon him.

She had been doing this every day since.

Naruto sighed. "That girl is so damn stubborn."

The Mark's resonance was getting stronger, meaning she was still trying—pumping chakra into it without rest.

"This is just reckless."

Sighing deeply, Naruto stood up.

"Nagato, Konan—I'm heading out. I'll be back soon."

Before they could respond, Naruto vanished into a golden flash.

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Konoha—Naruto's Secret Training Spot

Naruto reappeared in a familiar forest clearing, hidden deep within Konoha.

This was a place he had used for secret training ever since he was a child.

Looking around carefully, he checked for any threats.

Once he confirmed the area was safe, he formed a Shadow Clone, instructing it to enter Sage Mode to absorb natural energy.

Then, Naruto dropped down from the tree.

Not far ahead, Hinata sat on the stump of a dead tree, head bowed.

Her entire focus was on the Flying Thunder God Mark on her arm.

She was still injecting chakra into it, over and over again.

She hadn't even noticed Naruto's arrival.

Naruto walked forward and gently grabbed her wrist.

His voice was filled with pain and guilt.

"That's enough, Hinata."

Hinata froze.

Her eyes trembled slightly, finally shifting away from the Flying Thunder God Mark.

She blinked, staring down at the familiar shoes in front of her.

Then, her gaze lifted, and she finally saw him.

Under the soft moonlight, two teardrops fell from the corners of her eyes.

And then, her lips parted.

"Why did you lie to me?"

Her voice wasn't loud.

But to Naruto, it felt like a hammer slamming into his chest.

For the first time in a long time…

Naruto didn't know how to answer.

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End of Chapter 30

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