The great battle ended, and Naruto sat resting on a rock. Zetsu took Sasuke away, but Naruto didn't stop him.

Rustling... Paper swirled together, forming Konan’s body. She looked at the devastation and sighed, "It was more intense than I imagined."

Naruto smiled, "Indeed. Sasuke has gotten stronger. Without the trip to Kumogakure, defeating him would have been much harder."

"Just let him go? Why not take him back and show him what the future holds?" Konan asked, puzzled.

Naruto had his reasons. "The timing isn’t right."

“Everyone's experiences and understanding shape their thoughts and actions. Even if Sasuke saw those memories now, he would just think I made them up.”

Naruto's eyes darkened, "I need Sasuke to use his hatred to tap into his potential."

Thirty years ago, Naruto would never have said such things. But now, his perspective was broader.

"Thinking carefully, Sasuke’s power, born from love transformed into hatred, ultimately saved the ninja world from Kaguya.”

“Perspectives expand with growth. Hatred fades with broader views.”

“What if Sasuke loses it and attacks Konoha again?” Konan asked.

Naruto laughed, "Then I'll stop him again! Whether it’s Sasuke, Obito, or any Uchiha, their strong emotions make them prone to extreme thoughts. They’ll sense why I’ve spared them time and again. When they become truly interested and seek answers, that’s when I’ll be open with them."

Konan was surprised, "Not just Sasuke... you want to win over Madara, and even Uchiha Obito?”

Naruto looked to the sky, "Yes. One Otsutsuki Shinki is enough to wipe us out. Their clan has many stronger than him. I’m not naive to think I can face them alone. Besides growing stronger, I must explore every possibility. In the future, everyone will stand with me. For now, due to information gaps and different perspectives, I’m forced into a pioneering role.”

“So, not only won’t I suppress them, I’ll encourage them to become stronger—whether through opposing me or other motives. The stronger they get, the more they’ll aid us in resisting the outside threats.”

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Naruto’s words were convincing, but Konan still worried. The enemy's power was immense, and Naruto's plans were fraught with risks.

Seeing her concern, Naruto smiled, "Don’t worry, Konan. I’ve lived a lifetime and know who’s worth winning over and who must be eliminated."

“Can you tell me who you want to win over and who to eliminate, so I know?” Konan asked.

Naruto pondered, "Sasuke, Obito, the past Hokages, Madara, Kabuto, Kaguya. These are the ones to win over."

“Madara and Kaguya!?” Konan thought she had misheard.

Naruto’s gaze was profound, "Yes. Madara is blinded by flawed ideals. Kaguya only opposes us because she lacks companions and guidance.”

“But isn’t Kaguya an Otsutsuki?” Konan asked.

Naruto lowered his eyes, "She once coexisted with humans, embodying both godliness and humanity. She acts more like a deeply insecure woman than a wrathful deity.”

“I know it’s risky, but I believe I can win these two over. One day, I’ll revive Kaguya and converse with her. By then, I must be strong enough to earn that dialogue.”

Naruto’s decision was both forward-thinking and risky. Many years later, it was proven right. Kaguya truly became their ally. But that’s a story for another time.

“To revive Kaguya, I tolerate Black Zetsu’s existence. But reviving her requires the birth of a Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, a role destined to be a sacrificial pawn.”

“Last time, it was Madara. This time, as I aim to win him over, someone else will play that role.”

Naruto’s eyes glimmered with complex emotions. In his plan, he himself would become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, an essential element to counter the Otsutsuki.

But only after reviving and winning over Kaguya.

Naruto continued, "As for those to be eliminated, that’s Otsutsuki Isshiki and his Kara organization. They must be eradicated! Even now, they lurk in unseen corners, ready to pounce.”

"Those people are true blood-sucking vampires!"

Naruto’s eyes gleamed with undeniable killing intent. Once the time was right, he would launch a devastating attack on Isshiki and Kara.

"We were tormented by Isshiki and his Kara before. This time, the tables will turn!”

Konan felt honored. She was the first person to whom Naruto revealed his critical plans for the future. That signified trust!

After resting, Naruto jumped off the rock, dusting off his robe.

"This Valley of the End will be the stage for future duels with Sasuke. Let’s tidy it up a bit."

With a clap, Naruto performed a jutsu.

—— Earth Release: Transformation Technique!

Rumble... The ground rose, and Naruto recreated the statues of Hashirama and Madara from memory.

—— Water Release: Waterfall Basin Technique!

Gushing... An artificial waterfall cascaded between the statues.

The Valley of the End was not fully restored, but it sufficed.

Konan floated in the air, her orange eyes scanning the statues, "Aren’t these statues a bit asymmetrical?"

"Huh?" Naruto stepped back and looked, "They really are..."

Madara’s statue was shorter than Hashirama’s by a bit.

Naruto shook his head, "Whatever. Madara can’t see it anyway."

Konan chuckled, "What if he does and gives you trouble?"

Naruto, nonchalant, "We’ll deal with it then."

In a flash, with Flying Raijin, Naruto and Konan returned to Amegakure.