Chapter 32: Candidates for the Journey to the "Naruto: Shippuden" World! Parting on the Eve!

Chapter 32: Candidates for the Journey to the "Naruto: Shippuden" World! Parting on the Eve!

"Your Majesty, you need not worry about the bet you made with Naruto Uzumaki. As people who have crossed over, their return trip will not require the consumption of spacetime particles."

Orochimaru explained.

"Even so, we can only send one person above the Super Kage level or two below it, or even weaker individuals in greater numbers. That is hardly sufficient to conquer that world," Tsunade countered.

"It doesn't matter. Given more time, we will undoubtedly discover more sources of spacetime particles. Sending stronger individuals to conquer the ninja world is only a matter of time."

Orochimaru licked his lips in anticipation.

"Everyone... I believe that conquering the ninja world does not necessarily require waging war. We can also appeal to their emotions and reason with them. Let Naruto and his companions persuade the people of the ninja world," Mizukage, having been silent until now, spoke up.

"Oh? Mizukage, I've heard that you've been spending time with the other world's Naruto clone and even taught him the Wind Style: Breath Technique?" Jiraiya turned to him, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"Mizukage, this is not the time to be swayed by emotions," Tsunade interjected. "We know you are compassionate and kind, but we cannot afford to be merciful when it comes to the affairs of two worlds."

"I am not being swayed by my emotions, Tsunade. Please hear me out," Mizukage replied earnestly. "In the past few days, I have come to understand Naruto's intentions. He is gradually accepting us and recognizing the importance of unification and its benefits for the people. The idea of persuading them to surrender is entirely feasible."

"Oh? Has the child come to realize this?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Even Senju Tianren, seated on the throne, wore a slightly astonished expression.

Could it be that the Naruto Uzumaki, who had always dedicated himself to protecting Konoha, even after the events of "Naruto: Shippuden," possessing the power to unify the world, yet foolish like the First Hokage, had finally understood?

This turn of events was somewhat unexpected but seemed reasonable.

After all, that Naruto Uzumaki genuinely cared for everyone.

He was a romantic idealist.

"Then let's give them a chance, Your Majesty," Tsunade said, turning to the man on the throne. "If it doesn't work out, as long as we have enough time to discover new spacetime particles, we can send stronger individuals, and unification will still be within our grasp! No one can stop us!"

"Of course," Senju Tianren nodded. "I am curious to see what Naruto Uzumaki and his companions are capable of."

"Your Majesty, do you have any preferences for the candidates we send from our world? If not, may I recommend my clan's Itachi Uchiha? He possesses a mature mindset, formidable strength, and unwavering loyalty. I believe he is the most suitable person for this mission," added Uchiha Katashi.

"Itachi, you say? He is indeed an excellent candidate. Are there any other recommendations?" Senju Tianren asked with a smile.

"Your Majesty, may I suggest my disciple, Rock Lee, for this journey to another world? I believe it will be a valuable learning experience for him," Might Guy proposed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

"Your Majesty! I recommend Choji Akimichi from my clan!"

"Your Majesty! Kiba Inuzuka from my clan is also an excellent choice!"

"My clan's..."

One after another, voices rang out, each suggesting a candidate from their clan, eager to bring glory to the empire and leave their mark in history.

Senju Tianren pondered for a moment before finally speaking, a slight curve forming at the corners of his mouth, "There's no need to argue, everyone. I have already made my decision regarding this journey to another world. Uchiha Itachi will lead Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga. Itachi's composure and trustworthiness, Lee's passion and positivity, and Neji's Byakugan and exceptional information-gathering capabilities make them the perfect trio for this mission."

Though he had made his decision, Senju Tianren's thoughts lingered on Itachi Uchiha, the calm and collected shinobi who had earned the trust of those around him.

In a world of peace and love, there lived a gentle and kind-hearted Hyuga Neji, who was beloved by his clan and always willing to lend a helping hand. How would these two individuals react and choose if they were to go to the world of Naruto: Shippuden and encounter the Uchiha and Hyuga clans there? It was quite intriguing to think about.

With Senju Tianren's words, some were happy, while others were worried, but no one dared to question the emperor. Although some believed that this team was not the best choice...

Everyone accepted this decision.

At the Imperial Capital's middle school, on the spacious playground, Sakura, Yamato, and Sai looked up at the sky, where Naruto Uzumaki was continuously stomping his feet against the air, creating muffled sounds as he moved about a hundred meters above the ground.

Watching this scene, Yamato couldn't help but exclaim, "Naruto's training in the Six Paths Senjutsu is truly remarkable. Just as Iruka-sensei said, he's a genius in martial arts."

"I never thought... that the dead-last would become so strong and reliable now," Sakura murmured, her eyes gradually filling with complex emotions.

She thought of Sasuke from her world. If only Naruto had the strength he had now back then; perhaps he could have brought Sasuke back to Konoha.

"Naruto is indeed remarkable and diligent," Sai added.

"The two worlds are similar, and Naruto is outstanding in both. Little Naruto just needed to unlock his true potential, and now he has," Iruka said softly, having appeared beside them unnoticed.

"Why... don't we have the presence of His Majesty Shenwu in our world?" Sakura asked, feeling a twinge of envy for the people in this world who were fortunate enough to have Senju Tianren, the Shenwu Empire, and all the blessings that came with it.

"Perhaps... the His Majesty Shenwu in your world passed away in his youth due to an accident? The ninja world must be in chaos," Iruka speculated.

Sakura immediately recalled the historical knowledge she had learned, remembering the so-called First, Second, and Third World Wars, as well as the countless traitors and spies.

Perhaps... our world once had a great His Majesty Shenwu as well, but he died unexpectedly in his childhood? The thought crossed the minds of the "Naruto: Shippuden" trio, leaving them silent.

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared beside them.

"Yo! Everyone's here!"

A cheerful and sunny voice rang out.

"Uncle Minato!"

"Minato-senpai!"

"Lord Minato!"

Sakura, Yamato, and Iruka called out simultaneously.

"Lord Minato, what brings you here?" Iruka asked.

"Let's call Naruto down first. I'll tell you all about it in a moment," Minato replied with a smile.

Sakura immediately shouted towards the sky, "Naruto! Come down and look who's here!"

Naruto, who had been running in the sky, turned at the sound of Sakura's voice and spotted Lord Minato of the Empire. A delighted expression spread across his face.

He quickly descended and landed on the ground, rubbing his nose with his finger as he said excitedly, "Uncle Minato! How's my Moon Walk going? Everyone says I'm a genius with the Six Paths!"

"It's truly remarkable. To achieve such proficiency in just two months is something very few can accomplish in the entire Empire," Minato praised.

Naruto beamed with joy at the compliment.

However, Minato's next words caused Naruto, Sakura, Yamato, and Sai to stiffen.

"Orochimaru-senpai and Centipede have returned to the Imperial Capital. They've discovered a way to travel to your world, Naruto."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end