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"Release the Infinite Tsukuyomi!"
Tsukimi Heshu stood atop a high vantage point, addressing Naruto and Sasuke.
The land bore the brutal scars of war. The ground was cracked and fissured. Mountains in the distance had crumbled into rubble. Rivers had been rerouted or outright vaporized by scorching Fire Style techniques.
And rising from this wasteland stood the God Tree, its branches thick with dense, cocoon-like pods that hung in grotesque clusters like cicada chrysalises. Within each, a ninja was suspended.
A world without its ninja… could it even be called the ninja world anymore?
Heshu needed those cocoons opened. Her next plan depended on it. And the only ones who could undo the Infinite Tsukuyomi were Naruto and Sasuke. Why them? Don't ask. Call it the power of brotherhood. Of teamwork. Of plot convenience.
Naruto stared at her, dumbfounded.
"What do you mean by that?" Sasuke asked, seeing Naruto's slack-jawed confusion.
"Isn't it obvious?" Heshu stood protectively in front of Kaguya and Black Zetsu, spreading her hands toward Sasuke. "The Fourth Great Ninja War… is over."
Her gaze was so sincere, so earnest, that Sasuke found himself doubting the visual acuity of his own Sharingan and Rinnegan for the first time.
"Wha… what do you mean?" Kakashi stammered, his jaw practically on the floor.
Compared to the stunned Naruto and the visually-doubting Sasuke, Kakashi was at least coherent enough to voice his utter bewilderment.
"Madara's dead. Kaguya Ōtsutsuki is under my control," Heshu stated, her face the picture of calm. "The Fourth Great Ninja War is over. Is it that hard to understand?"
"Over?" Kakashi blinked. "How is it over? What about… you?"
He said it carefully, cautiously. Had she forgotten? She was part of the enemy camp too! The kind of villain who could sit quietly doing nothing for years, then unleash cataclysmic destruction with a single move!
"Kakashi," Heshu said, her expression softening into something achingly familiar—the gentle, understanding look of the Fifth Hokage. "In this world, there is no absolute 'good' or 'evil.' No absolute 'right' or 'wrong.'"
"I realized it a long time ago," she continued, her voice taking on a storytelling cadence. "Behind Madara, there was an even greater conspiracy. But back then… I didn't have the power to stop it. I didn't have the intelligence to understand it. All I could do… was join them."
"To investigate from within. To let the true mastermind behind the scenes reveal themselves completely. If that shadowy threat wasn't dragged into the light, the danger to our world would never end. So… I infiltrated the Akatsuki. I joined Madara's plan. I earned his trust. And now…" She smiled, a triumphant, weary smile. "The true puppet master has been exposed."
Tears welled up in Naruto's eyes. A sob hitched in his throat.
Then he wailed.
"I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT WAS LIKE THAT! HESHU-NEE-SAN WOULD NEVER! NEVER BETRAY US!"
For heaven's sake, Naruto! Don't be so gullible!
Sasuke watched the bawling idiot, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Kakashi lowered his gaze. "But… you indirectly caused the deaths of so many…"
Naruto's crying stopped abruptly. He turned to Kakashi, defensive. "B-But… Heshu-nee-san did it for… for the greater good…!"
Kakashi: "…"
Sasuke: "…"
"I never said they were dead," Heshu interjected.
"What?!" Kakashi's eyes snapped wide.
A massive, golden sphere materialized in Heshu's palm. It split apart, fracturing into countless tiny motes of golden light that scattered into the air like glowing pollen.
A warm, golden radiance enveloped the entire battlefield.
Naruto and the others watched, stunned.
Where there had been grievous wounds, flesh knitted itself back together under the gentle glow. Across the scarred earth, vanished heartbeats began to thrum anew. Naruto could feel it—chakra signatures that had winked out, now flickering back to life, burning bright and strong once more.
The flame of life, rekindled.
Naruto looked at Heshu, his eyes swimming with tears of pure gratitude. He looked like he wanted to launch himself at her and cling like a koala.
"So," Heshu said, turning back to the duo. "Release the Infinite Tsukuyomi."
"Yeah!" Naruto and Sasuke nodded firmly, in unison.
The God Tree withered, its bark turning gray and crumbling to dust.
One by one, figures returned to reality. They stumbled, disoriented, blinking in the sudden light. Some wore faint, blissful smiles, the remnants of perfect dreams still clinging to them.
When the darkness had swallowed the world, they had seen their fallen comrades. Now, standing in the harsh light of day, surrounded by living, breathing friends… they knew. Everyone was back. Back in this painful, messy, beautiful, real world.
Many embraced, clutching each other tightly. They had lived their regrets in the dream. Now, they would cherish what they had in reality.
The gathered ninja stood behind Naruto, a united front. Their eyes were wary, but a fragile, stubborn hope shone through. The shared experience of the dream had forged a strange, unbreakable solidarity.
"Naruto," Tsunade said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "This time, no matter how powerful the enemy… we won't retreat."
"RIGHT! WE WON'T RETREAT!" the chorus of voices roared.
Naruto scratched the back of his head, an awkward grin spreading across his face. "Uh… but… the Fourth Great Ninja War is already over…"
"NANI?!"
All eyes swiveled between Heshu and Naruto. Had the boy taken one too many blows to the head?
Under the weight of their collective stare, Naruto launched into an explanation of Heshu's story. His retelling was heavily biased, dripping with unwavering faith in his "Heshu-nee-san."
Among the ninja, there were hot-blooded idiots like Naruto who swallowed the story whole. And there were those with deeper, more suspicious minds like Sasuke and Kakashi, who cast sidelong, distrustful glances toward Heshu.
"But… our comrades… Shisui-sama… Jūri-sama… Jiraiya-sama… they all…" a Konoha ninja cried out, voice thick with grief and confusion. If it was all an infiltration… how could she raise a hand against her own village?
"Ahem… well… about that…" A newly-resurrected Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly.
Everyone: "…"
They looked. There, standing perfectly whole among the crowd, were all the comrades who had supposedly perished in the war. They smiled gently at their stunned friends.
"WAAAHHHHH—!" Uchiha Masako burst into tears, launching herself at Jūri and clinging to him. "You're really alive! You're really… waaah…!"
"Naruto."
A familiar voice. A flash of red and yellow.
Two figures landed on either side of Naruto.
"Dad! Mom!"
Naruto stared, disbelief freezing him in place. Minato and Kushina stood there. No cracks. Normal eyes. Not Edo Tensei.
He surged forward, wrapping them in a crushing hug. "You're warm… you're warm…" he mumbled into their shoulders, tears soaking his cheeks.
"Sasuke."
From the crowd emerged Fugaku, Mikoto, and Itachi. They moved to Sasuke's side.
"Niisan! Dad! Mom!"
The icy shell around Sasuke cracked. A warmth, long buried, bled through.
Fugaku's stern face broke into a genuine, proud smile. "Sasuke. Your mother, your brother, and I… we are all so proud of you."
"Huh?" Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at his own hands, feeling the strong, steady beat of his own heart return. "This… this is…"
"Oho?" Hashirama Senju pinched his own muscular arm, delighted. "Flesh and blood! Amazing!"
Tobirama Senju stroked his chin, deep in thought. "To think such a ninjutsu existed in this world…"
Obito's wounds closed under the lingering golden light. He looked toward Heshu. "So… the one who truly longed for the light… was you all along."
"Yo! Big Bro! Long time no see!" The resurrected Killer Bee launched himself at the Fourth Raikage.
The Raikage met him with a solid punch to the chest. "BEE!" he roared, the single syllable carrying a world of relief and brotherly affection.
Countless flowers of reunion and warmth bloomed atop the war-torn ruins. The air itself seemed to sweeten with the scent of peace and regained love.
"Heshu."
Heshu's entire body went rigid.
Her grand "skill" had been simple: erase all regrets. Return loved ones to the world of the living.
But it seemed… she had her own regrets too.
A soft sigh escaped her. Then, slowly, a smile touched her lips. It was a light, nostalgic thing.
"You've grown up."
Takenouchi stood beside her. The colossal form of Fa Tian Xiang Di shimmered and faded away.
Their eyes met.
Takenouchi's gaze held a tenderness that seemed at odds with his rough features. "I wonder… did you take good care of yourself after I left?"
Heshu nodded. "I took very good care of myself."
"That's good," he said, his voice thick with memory. "But from now on… let me experience taking care of you again. Even if you're all grown up… to me, you'll always be that little girl in the purple dress."
Heshu: "…"
All the moving sentiment in her heart evaporated instantly.
"Huh?" Hashirama, who had been marveling at his own resurrection, noticed something even more interesting. He vanished in a flash.
"Hey, Madara? You playing dead?" Hashirama asked, appearing next to the equally-resurrected Madara Uchiha.
Madara lay on the ground, eyes closed, expression serene.
At Hashirama's words, he opened one eye. "I'm just… seeing things clearly now."
"Great!" Hashirama beamed.
"I wanted an ending filled with warmth and happiness," Heshu said, looking down at the scene below. "It seems I've achieved that goal."
"It's over," Naruto said, his arms slung around Minato and Kushina's shoulders, a sunny grin on his face. "Everything… is really over."
"No," Heshu's voice rang out, clear and commanding, across the quieting field. "There are still things you need to know."
Every eye turned to her.
Regrets had been mended. Doubts, for the most part, had been assuaged. Releasing the Infinite Tsukuyomi and saving their comrades was proof enough for many.
"There is an even greater enemy we still face!"
The best way to unite the entire ninja world? Give them a common, terrifying enemy to stand against.
…
"So, that's the end of the story?"
"Yep!"
"Pfft. As if!"
"Who knows if you're telling the truth?"
"I don't believe it!"
Sarada Uchiha pouted, her eyes full of skepticism as she glared at Boruto.
Boruto bristled. "My dad told me this! He's the Seventh Hokage! Tsukimi Heshu-sama is his… uh… brother! Why would I lie?!"
Sarada snorted. "Why wouldn't you lie? My dad lies to my mom all the time when he goes to the red-light district! My mom says, 'A man's words are a devil's lies!'"
She lifted her chin defiantly.
Boruto's retort died in his throat. He had no comeback. Because Sarada's father, Uchiha Sasuke, for all his power, had one fatal flaw—philandering. Even with a strict wife like Sakura Haruno, he dared to test the limits. As Uncle Shikamaru once put it: "Uchiha Sasuke. A legend among men."
"Boruto! Sarada! The news broadcast is starting!" Sakura's voice called from the kitchen, where she was preparing dinner.
"Coming!"
Sarada flipped on the television.
For as long as she could remember, everyone around her made time to watch the daily news broadcast.
The familiar, somewhat corny intro music started.
Boruto and Sarada settled in front of the screen, eyes glued.
"Good evening, viewers!"
The face on screen was a man with a faint, polite smile.
"Good evening!" A blonde woman with a bright smile greeted alongside him.
"Welcome to the Evening News Broadcast. I'm your host today, Sai." Sai's smile was professional, practiced.
"And I'm Ino Yamanaka." Ino gave a slight, graceful nod.
"First, the main headlines of today's program," Ino began. "The Ninja Alliance, founded in the aftermath of the Fourth Great Ninja War, celebrates its tenth anniversary today. Alliance Chairman Tsukimi Heshu delivered an important speech."
"Chairman Tsukimi Heshu issued important directives regarding the Ninja World Hygiene Campaign, emphasizing that hygiene habits start in childhood. Alliance Health Organization Director Tsunade provided instructions on implementing the Chairman's directives."
"The Ninja Alliance organization, with Comrade Tsukimi Heshu at its core, emphasized issues of civilian welfare, poverty, and policies for war orphans."
"Alliance UNESCO Deputy Director Neji Hyuga attended a conference on abolishing feudal practices, confirming the next action plan."
"The winners of the second Jiraiya Literary Award were announced. The award ceremony will be attended by Alliance Chairman Tsukimi Heshu."
"Political representatives from the Alliance's principal member nations—the Land of Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water—unanimously voted for Chairman Tsukimi Heshu's second term in office."
"Alliance Peacekeeping Force Captain Madara Uchiha and Vice-Captain Hashirama Senju were commended for their contributions to recent world peace."
"The previous head of the Alliance Economic Organization, Danzo Shimura, passed away early this morning. Chairman Tsukimi Heshu will attend the memorial service."
"Alliance Science and Technology Development Center Director Orochimaru unveiled a new technological achievement today. Our field reporter now takes you live to the scene."
"HELLO, EVERYONE!"
The screen switched. A man with a bowl-cut and thick eyebrows filled the frame.
Boruto facepalmed. "Isn't that… Guy-sensei?"
The spandex-clad man held a microphone with boundless enthusiasm. "I'm your on-the-scene reporter, Might Guy! Now, let's interview Director Orochimaru! Director, could you introduce your latest technological marvel?"
Orochimaru shot a cold glare at Guy, deftly pushing away the microphone that was about to probe his nostril. He then plastered on a serpentine smile for the camera.
"Greetings. I am the Ninja World's premier scientist—Orochimaru."
"Director, no need for introductions!" Guy said with a blindingly bright smile. "We're on a tight schedule!"
Orochimaru shot him another icy look before smiling at the lens. "My latest achievement… is called the Nuclear Bomb! It can move at incredible speeds and cause catastrophic destruction! To put it simply… leveling a few cities is no problem. The inspiration came from our esteemed Chairman, Tsukimi Heshu! It is under the Chairman's leadership that our world has entered this era of rapid development. We should be eternally grateful for the Chairman's—"
Might Guy slowly retracted the microphone. "HAHA! Our Director Orochimaru is clearly… very passionate! HAHA…!"
In front of the TV, Sarada looked horrified. "Who on earth assigned Guy-sensei to be a reporter?!"
Boruto shook his head. "Dunno. Probably volunteered."
Sarada: "…That's so unprofessional!"
Boruto: "Who's gonna stop him?"
Sarada: "…Fair point. In The Chronicles of Tsukimi Heshu, Guy-sensei's Night Guy did leave quite an impression."
On the other side of the world, in the Ninja Alliance Headquarters building…
Heshu sat in her chair, watching the broadcast with a deeply complicated expression. "Who… exactly… assigned Might Guy to be a reporter? And to interview Orochimaru?"
Shisui stood behind her, a picture of serene gentleness. "Who knows?"
Heshu: "…"
She'd held it in for a long time. She couldn't anymore.
She turned to look at Shisui. "Don't you have… your own work to do?" Following her around every single day?
Shisui's smile didn't falter. He pointed to the badge on his chest. "My position is Alliance Chairman's Personal Secretary."
Heshu: "…"
Nara Sōsai stood to the side, giving Shisui a look of pure, unadulterated resentment. "I'm the Head of the Secretary Department."
Shisui kept smiling. "I know."
Nara Sōsai swallowed hard. "…"
This version of Shisui is terrifying.
"Alright, thank you, Reporter Guy and Director Orochimaru, for that… sharing," Ino said, her broadcaster's smile looking a little strained.
"Moving on," Sai interjected quickly. "By unanimous decision of the Ninja Alliance, in addition to the Jiraiya Literary Award and the Tsukimi Heshu Peace Prize, the Orochimaru Science Prize and the Tsunade Medical Contribution Award have been established."
"Currently, the mercenary organization Akatsuki has been contracted by the Alliance to transport scrolls for the next Chunin Exams."
"Ninja World International Volunteer Service Center head Kabuto Yakushi recently met with Poverty Alleviation and Education Center head Hiruzen Sarutobi to discuss future relief efforts."
"Alliance Military Committee Chairwoman Kaguya Ōtsutsuki attended the unveiling ceremony of the Land of Lightning's new-style energy cannon a few days ago."
"Tailed Beast Alliance Leader 'Little Blue' led a coalition of tailed beasts in a nationwide peace advocacy tour, achieving complete success."
"Alliance Health Organization Director Tsunade, Deputy Director Chiyo, and members Sakura Haruno, Shizune, and others have embarked on a hygiene education tour across the ninja nations."
"Ninja World Women's Federation Chairwoman Kushina Uzumaki has traveled to various nations to coordinate with federation branches."
"Through research at Director Orochimaru's lab, we have established technological cooperation with the Moon Base, utilizing the power of the Dragon Vein to create a protective layer around Earth in conjunction with the Moon."
"We have also detected the existence of the extraterrestrial lifeforms mentioned by Chairman Tsukimi Heshu during the Fourth War. With the Chairman's approval, we have decided to launch a number of secret weaponized spatial missiles toward outer space in the coming days. Let us await a response from our cosmic neighbors."
"Funded by the Uchiha Group, with Shisui Uchiha contributing his Body Flicker technique, and the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju and Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze contributing the Flying Thunder God Technique, the ninja world's first food delivery service company has launched. Since its market debut, it has seen tremendous success."
"That concludes today's news broadcast. Thank you for watching."
Ino and Sai bid farewell to the camera in unison.
"Ah! Shisui-senpai and the others started a company?" Sakura asked, placing a plate of food on the table.
Sarada nodded. "I knew about that ages ago! Boruto and I ordered from them a few days ago! We got KFC! It was delicious!"
Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Sarada, how many times have I told you? Don't eat so much fried food!"
"I know, I know!" Sarada said quickly.
Boruto, chewing on a piece of tempura, suddenly asked, "Aunt Sakura… Guy-sensei once told me he ate tempura fried by the Chairman himself. Said it was amazing. Is that true?"
Sakura: "…"
"Some things… you just know in your heart. No need to say them out loud," Sakura said, her expression serious.
"Oh!" Boruto didn't really get it, but Aunt Sakura's face looked pretty stern. He'd keep it to himself.
"Aunt Sakura, isn't Dad's birthday coming up soon?" Boruto asked.
"It is. Your mom and I, and your grandparents, are planning a surprise for him," Sakura said with a smile.
Sarada perked up. "Will the Chairman be coming?"
Sakura nodded. "Of course the Chairman will come!"
"WOW!" Boruto and Sarada's eyes sparkled simultaneously.
"Awesome!" they cheered in unison.
—END—
(All Alliance-related content is purely fictional and bears no relation to reality.)
P.S. There will be side stories.
Ha ha ha.
Thank you, everyone!
(Whispering: Don't say I rushed the ending, okay?)
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