Chapter 33: A Farewell Challenge!

Chapter 33: A Farewell Challenge!

"It's time to go back..." Naruto Uzumaki murmured, his expression turning complex.

The other members of Team Kakashi felt the same way.

Two months ago, they had been eagerly anticipating their return home.

But after spending two months in the Empire, that desire had gradually faded, and they dared not actively think about it.

Because during these two months, they had all made wonderful friends.

Haruno Sakura of Team Kakashi had found this world's Sakura, who, although not a disciple of Tsunade like her counterpart, was an excellent medical ninja working as a primary physician at the Empire's top hospital.

She had also met with this world's Ino Yamanaka and Shikamaru Nara, among others, and they had become good friends.

The same was true for Yamato and Sai; they had gotten along splendidly with the people of the Empire.

This feeling even subtly surpassed their time in Konoha...

But they! Ultimately, they weren't people of this world! They still had to return to their original one.

Back to Konoha!

Unless... everyone joined the Empire's big family too.

But was that... possible?

Of course, it was possible! It was just difficult!

Perhaps we should try harder to persuade everyone to join?

Team Kakashi unconsciously exchanged glances, their hearts filled with these thoughts.

If they joined, we wouldn't be betraying them! Everyone could be even happier and more blissful together!

Perhaps this is the future of Konoha!

That's right! This is it!

"Uncle Jiraiya, when are we leaving?" Naruto asked, taking a breath.

"Tomorrow," Empire Jiraiya smiled. "Lee, Neji, and Itachi will accompany you back."

"Tomorrow?" Naruto nodded. "I understand."

His expression turned slightly dejected.

So soon!

"Are you reluctant to part with everyone, Naruto?"

"Yeah... Although we haven't spent much time together, everyone has become my most important partner."

Naruto nodded earnestly.

"Then, before we part, let's have a good gathering! Come closer! I'll take you to a place!"

Jiraiya smiled mysteriously.

Team Kakashi slowly drew closer, and before they knew it, they had disappeared from their original spot.

Whoosh!

Naruto's vision blurred for a moment, and when he could see clearly again, he found himself in a private room.

Seated around several large round tables were almost all of their friends.

"Yo! The useless guy's here!" Empire Sasuke looked at Naruto with an arrogant expression.

"Naruto! Come and sit down, we were just about to eat and waiting for you!" Empire Naruto waved.

"Naruto, come over here!" Empire Kushina beckoned.

"Naruto-kun! You must have worked hard on your training today too. Would you like to come and relax by my side?" Empire Sakura smiled.

"Sakura-chan! Come here, today is the last day. As a friend, I want to give you a super collection that I have cherished for many years! Don't be so excited that you cry tears of snot!" Empire Ino exclaimed.

"Yamato, come and sit here. I want to hear more about the story of the other world you told me about."

Empire Kakashi said.

"Sai! Come quickly! Stop dawdling and sit down! After you finish eating, draw a majestic portrait of my Akamaru!

My stupid dog has recently become obsessed with your paintings!" Empire Kiba Inuzuka called out.

"Woof!"

"Young man! A farewell banquet is something to cherish!" Empire Guy gave a thumbs up.

"Naruto! Sakura! Sai! Yamato! Come here quickly!" Lee exclaimed.

...

One by one, the friends that Team Kakashi had made during their two-month stay appeared, smiling and greeting them warmly.

Witnessing this scene, Team Kakashi felt a warmth in their hearts.

"Alright! Now that everyone is here, let's make the most of this farewell gathering!"

Uzumaki Naruto raised his right hand high, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

And so, the farewell banquet began!

In the harmonious atmosphere, everyone chatted and feasted, losing track of time.

Suddenly, Empire Sasuke spoke up, "Hey, useless guy. When you return to your world, don't disgrace us here. Otherwise, I won't let you off the hook."

"Stinky Sasuke! What do you mean by that? How would I disgrace you?"

Naruto Uzumaki, with a mouthful of grilled meat, glared at Sasuke.

"You've trained in our world's martial arts. If you still lose to those useless, outdated ninjas, what else could it be but a disgrace?" Sasuke retorted.

"Hah! Stinky Sasuke, you have no idea how powerful I've become. I might just surprise you so much that your jaw drops and you pee your pants!" Naruto boasted, full of confidence and even winking at Sasuke.

"Oh? You're quite confident, I see. Despite the setbacks you've faced, you still dare to challenge me? Very well! Let's see what you've learned in these two months." Empire Sasuke smiled, intrigued by Naruto's boldness.

"Hey, hey, hey! Naruto from another world! Are you drunk or something? Challenging Sasuke? Haven't you heard of the Twin Stars of the Empire? Sasuke here is ridiculously strong!" Empire Kiba Inuzuka exclaimed in shock.

"Naruto-kun, Sasuke's strength is truly formidable..." Empire Sakura added, concerned.

"Hehehe! Of course, I know how powerful Stinky Sasuke is. But I never said I wanted to fight him in a one-on-one battle! Remember how arrogant he was before, daring me to hit him while he stood still? I'm asking if he has the guts to do it again," Naruto said, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Empire Sasuke.

"So, it's that kind of challenge? Sure, why not? The condition remains the same as before. If I take a step back, you win," Empire Sasuke said nonchalantly, crossing his arms.

"Oh ho ho! So that's how it is! Naruto from another world, I didn't expect you to be so clever! But even so, it'll be tough for you to win!" Empire Kiba realized Naruto's strategy and couldn't help but admire his cleverness.

"Hehehe! I've got a secret weapon! When you see it, don't be too shocked!" Naruto laughed, full of mystery and pride.

"A secret weapon? Now I'm curious, young Naruto!" Might Guy exclaimed, giving Naruto a thumbs-up.

"Hmph! Then I shall look forward to witnessing your 'secret weapon,'" Empire Sasuke said, his interest piqued.

"Uncle Minato! Please teleport us to an empty area!" Naruto eagerly requested.

"Of course, I can do that. But you... Ah, never mind," Empire Minato started to say something but then shook his head, deciding to let it go.

Gathering everyone around him, they vanished from the private room.

In an instant, they reappeared on a vacant lot at the border of the Imperial Capital.

"Uncle Minato's technique is so convenient. I wonder if this is also part of the martial arts?" Naruto looked around, impressed by the transportation jutsu.

"This is a combination of martial arts and ninjutsu. I've named it Flying Thunder God Space Flash Silent Blink," Empire Minato proudly explained, excited to share the name of his technique.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end