"Your Majesty can rest assured regarding the wager with Uzumaki Naruto. As people from that world, they don't need to expend space-time particles to return there." Orochimaru says.
"But even so, we can only send one Super Kage-level individual, or two below Super Kage, or even more but weaker individuals. This isn't enough to conquer that world." Tsunade says.
"No matter. As long as we're given more time, we'll surely find more sources of space-time particles. When that happens, sending more and stronger experts to conquer the ninja world will only be a matter of time." Orochimaru says, licking his lips.
"Everyone… I think conquering the ninja world doesn't have to involve war. We can also use heart and reason. Let little Naruto and the others persuade the people in the ninja world." Imperial Minato can't help but speak up.
"Oh, Minato, I heard you've been spending a lot of time with the clone of Naruto from that world lately, even teaching him Wind Breathing Style?" Imperial Jiraiya looks at Minato with interest.
"Minato, this isn't the time to act rashly. We know you're emotional, gentle, and kind-hearted. But matters involving two worlds allow no room for mercy." Tsunade says as well.
"I'm not being rash, Tsunade-sama, please hear me out. Through these few days of interaction, I've felt little Naruto's sincerity. He's gradually accepting us, understanding the importance of unification and its benefits for the people. Persuading them to surrender is entirely feasible." Minato says earnestly.
"Oh? That kid understands this already? Not bad." Tsunade raises an eyebrow, slightly surprised.
Even Ryuji on the throne is a bit shocked.
Naruto, who always made protecting Konoha his responsibility, even after the Ninja World War ended, with the power to unite the world, yet as foolish as the First Hokage—Naruto actually understands?
It's a bit unexpected but also understandable.
That's the kind of Naruto who cares about everyone—a romantic idealist.
"Then give them a chance, Your Majesty. If it truly doesn't work, as long as we have enough time to find new space-time particles and send stronger experts there, we can still unite the world!"
"Nothing can stop it!"
Tsunade looks at the man on the throne.
"Of course, I'm looking forward to Naruto and the others' performance." Ryuji nods.
"Your Majesty, regarding the people we'll send, do you already have candidates? If not, allow me to recommend Itachi from our clan. He's mature in thought, powerful, and steadfast in conviction. I believe he's the most suitable for this task." Setsuna speaks up again.
"Itachi? Indeed a good choice. Anyone else want to recommend someone?" Ryuji smiles faintly.
"Your Majesty, may I recommend my student Lee to go to the other world? I think it'd be great training for him." Guy says with a hearty laugh.
"Your Majesty! I recommend Chouji from our clan."
"Your Majesty! Kiba from our clan would work too."
"Our clan…"
A group of people scramble to speak, each wanting to bring glory to the Empire and be recorded in history.
Ryuji thinks for a long time before curling his lips and saying:
"No need to compete. For this trip to the other world, I've already decided. It will be led by Uchiha Itachi, accompanied by Rock Lee and Hyuga Neji."
"Three people: one calm and cool-headed, one passionate and positive, and one with the Byakugan, exceptional at gathering information. A three-man team is the most suitable."
Though he says this, Ryuji's mind flashes with another thought.
The calm and cool-headed Uchiha Itachi is highly trusted by everyone.
Hyuga Neji raised in a peaceful and loving environment, is fundamentally gentle and kind, loves helping clan members, and deeply cherishes his clan.
If these two go to the Naruto Shippuden world and see the state of the Uchiha and Hyuga there, what will their reactions and choices be?
Just thinking about it is intriguing enough.
Once Ryuji finishes speaking, some are pleased, others disappointed, but no one dares question the emperor.
Though some think this combination isn't the best…
Everyone silently accepts the decision.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Capital High School.
In the vast courtyard.
Sakura, Yamato, and Sai look up at the sky, a hundred meters above.
Naruto keeps stepping through the air, making muffled sounds, his entire body moving continuously in midair.
Seeing such a scene, Yamato can't help but admire:
"Naruto's Rokushiki training is getting better and better. He's truly as Iruka-sensei said—a martial arts genius."
"I never would've thought… the loser from back then has become so amazing, so reliable…" Sakura murmurs, her gaze growing complex.
She recalls Sasuke from her world.
If the old Naruto had the strength of this Naruto, he might've already brought Sasuke back to Konoha.
"Naruto is indeed amazing and very serious." Sai adds.
"The two worlds are similar; Naruto is outstanding in any world. Little Naruto's talent just hadn't fully developed until now…" Iruka, appearing beside the Team Whirlwind trio at some point, smiles softly.
"Why… doesn't our world have His Majesty the Emperor?" Sakura asks.
She suddenly feels a bit envious of the people in this world, fortunate enough to have Ryuji, the Shinobi Empire, and to enjoy everything here.
"Maybe… His Majesty the Emperor in that world died in an accident at a young age? The ninja world must be chaotic, right?" Iruka says.
Sakura immediately recalls the history she learned.
Thinking of the so-called First, Second, and Third Ninja World Wars, and the endless spies and traitors.
Maybe… the world we're in originally had a Senju Ryuji too, but he died in an accident when young?
Team Naruto considers this possibility and falls silent.
At that moment.
*WHOOSH!*
A figure suddenly appears beside them.
"Yo! You're all here."
A bright, warm voice, comforting like a spring breeze, rings out.
"Uncle Minato!"
"Minato-senpai!"
"Minato-sama!"
Sakura, Yamato, and Iruka each say.
"Minato-sama, your visit this time?" Iruka asks.
"Call little Naruto down first, and I'll tell you all together!" Minato smiles.
Sakura immediately shouts to the sky: "Naruto! Come down quick! Look who's here!"
Naruto, running through the sky, hears this, turns, and sees Imperial Minato, showing a joyful expression.
His feet pause briefly, and he dashes toward Imperial Minato, landing on the ground, rubbing his nose with his finger, and saying excitedly:
"Uncle Minato! Did you see my Geppo training just now? Everyone's calling me a Rokushiki genius."
"Absolutely impressive. Mastering it to this level in just two months—only a few in the entire Empire can do that." Minato praises, making Naruto even more delighted.
But Minato's next words cause Naruto and the other three to freeze in shock.
"Orochimaru-sama and Mukade have returned to the Capital. They've researched a way to go to your world, little Naruto."