Return from Mission.

After wrapping up their mission in the Land of Demons, Naruto and his team made their way back to the village.

Naruto headed straight to report to Hokage Tsunade, the village's leader. Standing confidently in front of her desk, he gave her a rundown of the mission, detailing their accomplishments.

Tsunade, impressed, didn't hold back her praise. "I didn't expect anything less from someone as skilled as you. Excellent job!"

Naruto, with a relaxed but confident smile, responded, "Thanks! Actually, there's something I've been meaning to ask."

"What's on your mind, Naruto?" Tsunade inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Any updates on the Akatsuki? What's their latest move?" Naruto asked, his tone casual yet sharp.

Tsunade leaned back, "We've got intel they're on the move."

Naruto nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. "I figured you'd be steps ahead. Just so you know, I'm more than ready to lend a hand with this, or any other challenge that comes our way."

Tsunade gave a nod of acknowledgment, impressed by Naruto's offer. "I'll be sure to call on you," she assured him.

"Guess I'll head out then," Naruto said, bowing respectfully before making his exit.

Once he left, Shizune turned to Tsunade, worry etching her features. "You're not considering involving him in Akatsuki-related missions, are you?"

Tsunade, with a thoughtful look, responded, "Not at the moment. But let's be real, he's become one of our strongest assets. It's only a matter of time before he's thrust into the thick of things, but only when the timing is absolutely right."

Stepping out of the Hokage's office, Naruto strolled through the streets of Konoha, where folks greeted him with waves and shopkeepers beckoned him over. Ever since it got out that he was the Fourth Hokage's kid, the vibe in the village had taken a turn for the better towards him. But what really got everyone buzzing was the news about him taking down Orochimaru. Now, everywhere he went, the whispers followed.

"There goes Naruto, huh!"

"Yep, that's the Fourth's son for ya."

"Heard he's even outdone the Fourth now, took out a Sannin and all."

"Come on, the Fourth's still top tier."

"Was, my friend, was."

Naruto just shrugged off the murmurs and kept on his path, his stride easy but confident, all the way to his usual ramen spot.

"Been a while, hasn't it?" Teuchi remarked as Naruto settled in at the counter.

"Ah, you know how it is. The mission grind doesn't let up," Naruto said, tossing his order Teuchi's way.

"You're the talk of the town, kid," Ayame chimed in, lending a hand around the shop.

"Still surprises me you haven't skipped out on us for someplace fancier," Teuchi added.

"Come on, you really think I'd go anywhere else for my ramen fix?" Naruto shot back with a grin.

Teuchi just laughed, serving up Naruto's favorite dish just the way he liked it.

After the meal, a brief exchange of goodbyes with Teuchi and Ayame, and Naruto was back on the move, leaving the warmth of the ramen shop behind.

As Naruto walked outside the Ramen shop, Naruto stood in front of the Hokage Monument,

Ignoring all the whispers and commotion around him Naruto only looked at the Hokage Monument...

"Why does the air feel so heavy today? Is it just me, or is there a vibe of melancholy floating around?" Naruto pondered, a hint of curiosity lacing his thoughts.

As Naruto continued his walk home, he noticed Ino greeting him with a wave, standing proudly in front of her family's flower shop.

Returning the gesture with a laid-back wave, Naruto approached, "Hey, Ino. It's been a while, hasn't it?" he greeted.

"Yeah, it feels like ages!" Ino replied, her smile brightening.

"Seems about right..." Naruto mused.

"And where are you off to?" Ino inquired, tilting her head slightly.

"Just heading back at my place. You know how it is," Naruto responded with a relaxed shrug. "Anyway, I should get moving. Catch you later," he added.

"Sure, no worries. See you around," Ino said, watching Naruto continue on his way with a sense of ease.

[A.N: Okay This chapter is like a 0.5 type for the new arc that's about to began, I just wanted to practice my writing , Bc I couldn't Write for past few days and so, So from now on new episodes almost regularly! Thanks

Thanks for reading, drop Powerstones that will help a lot and drop reviews if you like the story and add to your library]