The Raikage's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

Naruto turned his head. "Absolutely. Do you think I'd lie in front of all the Kage?"

"Ugh..." The Raikage clenched his fists, ultimately more concerned about his brother's safety than anything else.

Crackle!

The lightning armor dissipated, and the Raikage, before leaving, issued a stern warning: "Uzumaki Naruto, I'll let you off today! But Uchiha Sasuke has spilled Kumo's blood! If he falls into my hands, I won't spare his life! And you, watch yourself!"

Naruto replied meaningfully, "Alright, I'll be looking forward to it..."

This wasn't just a polite remark. Naruto and the Raikage would cross paths many times, and in the near future, they would even engage in a spectacular "ninja-taijutsu" battle in Kumo's secret "Hell Valley."

Ōnoki put on his Tsuchikage hat and sighed. "What a show. It was worth the trip. Who knows when the next Five Kage Summit will be..."

Mei Terumī's eyes sparkled. "Tsuchikage-sama, are you leaving already? Since you're here, why not try the famous hot springs of the Land of Iron? It might help with your back pain!"

"Wow!" Kurotsuchi's eyes lit up, clearly tempted.

Hot springs weren't unique to the Land of Iron, but the cold climate made them particularly appealing.

Ōnoki said thoughtfully, "Heh, with so many threats in the ninja world, I feel there are still those lurking in the shadows. I'd better return to the village and keep watch..."

After all, Danzō had mentioned at the summit that the leader of Akatsuki was Uchiha Madara, which wasn't baseless.

Just the name Madara was enough to stir up trouble.

Mei Terumī also looked serious.

Ōnoki said sternly, "Danzō's scandal of fleeing the summit has likely cost him the Hokage position, but he might still try something else. I propose we Kage jointly write to the Fire Daimyō to impeach Danzō. What do you think?"

Mei Terumī replied, "I'm willing to cooperate. Root's ideology threatens the interests of the Land of Water..."

"..." Gaara looked at Naruto with a complex expression.

Temari placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered, "No matter what, he's now a rogue ninja from Konoha. You're the Kazekage. Remember your position..."

"Yes, I understand..."

Gaara turned away reluctantly, hoping: Naruto, I hope one day you'll tell me what really happened.

Unnoticed, Suigetsu had already slipped away with Jūgo.

Aside from Naruto, Konan, and Orochimaru, only Mifune and his samurai, along with the Konoha group, remained.

Naruto turned to Mifune. "Mifune-sama, I apologize for the trouble. I need to speak with the Konoha ninja. Can we stay a bit longer?"

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Mifune replied, "You must leave the Land of Iron by midnight at the latest!"

Naruto nodded. "Thank you..."

"..." Mifune and his men left. The samurai, represented by Mifune, had long maintained a neutral stance in the ninja world.

Though they upheld the spirit of bushido, it was more out of survival necessity.

As long as their interests weren't threatened, they preferred not to get involved in ninja conflicts.

But Mifune was also a man of great integrity. In the past, when Tobi declared war at the summit, Mifune led the samurai to join the fight against Akatsuki to protect the world's safety.

Naruto respected Mifune for this.

Orochimaru, sensing the atmosphere, said, "Naruto-kun, I'll step aside for now..."

Naruto replied, "Go ahead, wait for me at the usual place. I'll be there soon."

Konan and Orochimaru left.

With everyone gone, the snowy field became empty, the only sound the crackling of black flames... Perhaps it was the psychological effect of the burning black flames, or the tension of facing his former lover and comrades again, but Naruto wiped away some sweat.

The Konoha group felt a similar sense of loss.

Naruto's conversation with Mifune, specifically mentioning "Konoha ninja," was particularly jarring. It signified that Naruto had officially severed ties with them!

The atmosphere was oppressive, and no one spoke first.

Especially Hinata, her shoulders slumped, her face hidden in shadow...

Whoosh!

In mid-air, the ink bird dispersed, and Sai helped Shikamaru, who had a cast on his right leg, to the ground.

Sai, known for his lack of social awareness, bluntly asked Naruto, "Where is Danzō-sama?"

Naruto replied frankly, "He's still alive. I intended to kill him, but Sasuke appeared. I wanted him to kill Danzō and complete his revenge, but Sasuke refused to use my hand for his purpose, so he let Danzō go..."

"!" The shocking information left everyone momentarily speechless.

Shikamaru, the most clear-headed, quickly pieced things together and sharply asked, "No matter what, Danzō is still the Hokage. Attacking the Hokage means you've completely turned against Konoha, right, Naruto?"

Naruto's eyes darkened, but he resolutely said, "Yes, that's right!"

"Dammit!!!" Sakura couldn't contain her anger any longer. She stepped forward and punched Naruto hard!

Naruto could have dodged but didn't, taking the hit and being sent flying.

Whoosh!!!

Sakura rushed over, grabbing Naruto's collar and shaking him. "Do you know what you're saying?!"

Naruto, calm and cold, replied, "Wasn't I clear enough?"

Sakura became more agitated. "Liar! Where's the Naruto who always charged forward and kept his promises? Where's the Naruto who wouldn't shut up about becoming Hokage?!"

Naruto glanced at the heartbroken Hinata behind Sakura and swallowed his bitterness. "That was then, this is now..."

Slash! Sakura drew a kunai and held it to Naruto's throat. "Even jokes have limits. Do you believe I'll kill you right now?!"

Everyone knew Sakura wouldn't really harm Naruto...

Lowering the kunai, Sakura's fragile emotions burst forth. With tears in her eyes, she said, "Naruto, tell me the truth. Is it because of that promise you made back then? Did it put too much pressure on you, making you do this?"

It was the only motive she could think of for Naruto betraying Konoha.

"No." Naruto immediately denied it.

How could it be for such a childish reason?

"There are many things that can't be explained in a few words, Sakura. I hope you won't ask. One day, you'll understand..."

"I don't want to wait for that day!!" Sakura cried. "What if I beg you, saying that promise doesn't count anymore, and ask you to return to Konoha?"

Naruto replied, "I refuse..."

Sakura bitterly said, "What if I say I don't like Sasuke, but you?"

"..." Naruto remained silent.

Sakura had said the same thing years ago. Back then, even though he knew it was a lie, it still affected him. But time had passed, and he was no longer that boy.

Sakura's words didn't stir him at all, but he knew she meant well. She was truly desperate, with no other options...

"Alright, Sakura, don't say such childish things. There are too many things in this world that we can't control. Don't forget, we're ninjas, those who endure and move forward..."

Naruto said solemnly, placing his hand on Sakura's shoulder and gently pushing her away.

"..." Sakura was stunned, the sudden distance and unfamiliarity from Naruto leaving her at a loss.

However, Naruto's words, though seemingly directed at Sakura, had another meaning.

If Hinata were to beg him like this, Naruto feared he would lose his composure!

"Hu..." Naruto stood up, took a deep breath, brushed the snow off his clothes, and walked towards Hinata...