The Elder Lotus

Chapter 3: Echoes of Family

The Void

“Ahh…” the entity yawned lazily, slumping in his chair. “This new timeline is interesting and all, but I feel like I'm missing something—like there’s an important change I made, but it’s slipping my mind.”

Minutes passed as the entity frowned in deep thought, tracing his actions. “I didn’t even make that big of a change, did I? Couldn’t be lil’ Jackie—no matter how strong he becomes, he shouldn’t shift the timeline this much.”

After more frustrating silence, he sighed. “Guess I’ll just retrace my steps. Okay, first, I transferred Jackie into this world. That didn’t cause much change. Then I added his parents—shifted the timeline as if they’d always existed here. Only Jackie remembers they’re not originally from this world, but no big deal there.”

The entity smirked. “Unexpected bonus: Jackie’s mom became the civilian woman Itachi saved. Didn’t even plan that, but hey, I’ll take it. Then I moved Naruto’s birth a little earlier just for kicks. But let’s see what that did…”

He trailed off as he reviewed the timeline. His eyes widened. Silence. Then—

“WHAT?!” The entity fell out of his chair, scrambling to his feet in shock. “A little sister?! That’s… that’s impossible!”

For the first time in his existence, he was utterly dumbfounded. “I created a new life? This can’t be! None of us have ever been able to alter reality to this extent! Sure, we can move people between timelines, tweak events, even change memories, but create life? That should be impossible.”

Panic set in. “If the higher-ups find out, I’m screwed… or worse!” He began pacing, his thoughts spiraling. “All I did was tweak the timeline to amuse myself, but this… this is beyond what any of us are allowed to do.”

Then, an idea struck him. “Wait… as long as I make sure this timeline hits key points and ends with Boruto’s birth, no one will notice! I can still get away with this.”

A wicked grin spread across his face. “I just need to keep guiding the story, like a subtle hand in the shadows. As long as I don’t deviate too much, it’ll be fine. No need for a perfect ending—just an acceptable one.” His smirk deepened. “And honestly? I’m kinda curious to see where this goes.”

With renewed confidence, he rewound time to Naruto’s past.

Konoha: Namikaze Estate, Five Months Ago

“NARUTO!” Kushina’s voice boomed through the house. “Dinner’s ready! Get down here!”

“I’m busy, Mom!” Naruto called back from his room, focused on perfecting his calligraphy. Jiraiya was coming over, and Naruto wanted to impress him with his practice.

Suddenly, the door burst open. Kushina’s fiery red hair floated ominously behind her. “Naruto,” she said, voice dangerously calm. “I wasn’t asking.”

Naruto gulped, recognizing the intensity of his mother’s temper. “B-but Mom, I’m working on—”

“No excuses,” she cut him off. “Your father is taking time off work for this, and Jiraiya will be here soon. This is a special family dinner.”

Before Naruto could protest further, Minato appeared behind Kushina, smiling warmly. “Relax, Kushina. Naruto’s just excited to show Jiraiya-sensei what he’s been working on. Let him bring the calligraphy to the table.”

Naruto grinned at his father, grateful for the save.

Kushina sighed but relented. “Fine. But wash your hands first, Naruto, and don’t be late to the table.”

“Okay!” Naruto shouted, rushing to the washroom, his scrolls forgotten on the couch. “What are we having?”

“Ramen, your favorite!” Kushina called after him, smiling as she turned to Minato. “That’ll get him to the table.”

Minato chuckled but glanced toward the door. “Speaking of, where’s Jiraiya-sensei?”

As if on cue, a familiar voice echoed through the window. “No need to worry! I wouldn’t miss Kushina’s cooking—or ramen—for the world!”

Jiraiya entered with his trademark grin. “Minato, Kushina, long time no see! I hear there’s a special surprise tonight?”

Kushina smirked. “There sure is, but let’s wait until after dinner.”

Namikaze Estate: After Dinner

“That was amazing,” Jiraiya groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Kushina, you’ve outdone yourself.”

Naruto nodded enthusiastically, still slurping his noodles. “Best ramen ever!”

“Thanks,” Kushina said, beaming at the praise. “But now that we’re all done, it’s time for the real surprise.” She exchanged a glance with Minato.

“We’re having a baby,” she said, her face glowing.

Naruto’s chopsticks dropped. “I’m gonna be a big brother?!”

Jiraiya’s eyes widened. “Another godchild! Congratulations, you two!”

“Yes,” Minato confirmed with a proud smile. “Kushina found out a few weeks ago. We’re having a baby girl.”

“We’re calling her Hikari,” Kushina added, grinning.

“Hikari,” Jiraiya repeated. “What a beautiful name. She’s going to be a strong kunoichi, no doubt.”

Naruto frowned, pretending to sulk. “A girl? I wanted a little brother so I could show him off to Itachi! And compete with him and his brother—-”

Before he could finish the sentence, Kushina’s fist connected with his head. “Don’t be rude, Naruto!”

“Ow! I was just kidding!” Naruto rubbed his head, doing his iconic nervous laugh.

Everyone at the table laughed along, the warmth of family filling the room as they celebrated the news of their growing family.

The Void

The entity frowned, watching the scene unfold. “Well, that didn’t give me much.” He sighed. “Guess I’ll fast-forward to the day of the Nine-Tails attack and see how it all plays out.”

His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he jumped ahead to that fateful day.