Naruto: Rebirth Of The Child Of Prophecy

A large bird soared gracefully across the vast sky, its wings cutting through the morning air like a silent predator. Then, in rapid succession—swish, swish, swish—seven figures appeared on the ground below, as if falling from the heavens like dumplings into boiling water.

Naruto stood at the forefront, flanked by the Six Paths of Pain. Overhead, Nagato and Konan remained aboard the massive bird, circling the area like vigilant sentinels.

Naruto raised a hand in greeting, a bright smile lighting up his face. "Yo, Sasuke! Long time no see. Still as cool as ever! And Jūgo, man, you're looking sharp as always!"

Sasuke's eyes widened in shock as he took in the scene. "Naruto?! What are you doing here? And... your clothes?" His gaze drifted to the Akatsuki cloak Naruto was wearing. Then, he glanced down at his own matching attire.

Naruto chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, this? Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not with Akatsuki, and I'm definitely not trying to coordinate outfits with you. I'll tweak the design later so it doesn't look like we're in some weird matching squad, okay?"

Sasuke's expression darkened as he scrutinized the Six Paths of Pain behind Naruto. "And what's with those six behind you? What does this mean, Naruto?"

Naruto beamed as if introducing old friends. "Oh, let me explain! These six are my new recruits—the Six Paths of Pain, now part of the Celestial Organization."

Nagato, standing aboard the bird above, felt a surge of pride at Naruto's introduction. Meanwhile, Tendo Pain stepped forward, nodding slightly toward Sasuke. "Greetings. I am Tendo Pain, a member of the Celestial Organization."

One by one, the remaining Paths of Pain followed suit, introducing themselves.

Sasuke stood in stunned silence, his mind racing. What is this? When did Naruto gain control over the Six Paths of Pain—Madara's tools of destruction? His gaze snapped back to Naruto, his thoughts swirling with questions. What's happening? When did Naruto become this powerful?

"Are you... betraying Konoha?" Sasuke finally managed, his voice cold but tinged with disbelief.

Naruto sighed and shrugged. "You could say that. I mean, the Leaf already has a wanted poster out for me, so... yeah, pretty much."

Sasuke's expression hardened. "Naruto, your dream has always been to become Hokage. How could you betray the village? What happened to you?"

Naruto smirked, but the humor didn't reach his eyes. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. But yeah, let's just say things change. Sometimes you realize you need to walk a different path."

For a moment, Sasuke felt as though his worldview had shifted. Naruto—the loud, idealistic ninja who once dreamed of leading the village—betrayed Konoha? Sasuke clenched his fists. Madara was right. This world is a lie.

Before he could say anything further, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Sasuke-kun!" Karin called out, dragging Suigetsu behind her as she rushed toward Sasuke.

Naruto turned his attention to them, greeting them warmly. "Oh, Karin! Long time no see. You're looking as beautiful as ever. And Suigetsu, still as handsome as I remember!"

Karin froze for a moment, her cheeks reddening. "W-Well, you may be a little annoying, Naruto, but at least you're honest! It's nice to hear some truth once in a while, hahaha!"

Suigetsu, standing off to the side, watched her with a mixture of disbelief and disgust. "What's wrong with you?" he muttered under his breath.

Even so, Suigetsu couldn't ignore the oddity of the situation. His sharp eyes darted to the Akatsuki cloak Naruto was wearing and the Six Paths of Pain standing behind him. "Naruto... What's going on? Why are Konoha ninjas hanging out with Akatsuki?"

Ignoring the comment, Sasuke stepped forward, his voice calm but laced with suspicion. "Naruto, I don't know what happened to you, and I don't know what you've done to gain control of the Six Paths of Pain. But I doubt you came all this way just to catch up."

Naruto's smile returned, his tone light. "You're sharp as always, Sasuke. Yeah, I'm here to borrow someone."

"Borrow someone?" Sasuke frowned.

Karin immediately shrank behind Sasuke, glaring at Naruto. "Don't even think about borrowing me! I know I'm beautiful, and you might want me for some reason, but forget it! I belong to Sasuke-kun!" She hugged Sasuke's arm tightly, her voice growing increasingly dramatic. "Naruto, even if you steal my body, you'll never have my heart! My heart belongs to Sasuke-kun, forever and always!"

Sasuke sighed, rolling his eyes as she continued to cling to him. "Enough, Karin. I haven't agreed to lend anyone yet."

Naruto burst out laughing. "Oh man, I wish I could record this and play it on a big screen at Sasuke and Sakura's wedding. That'd be hilarious!"

Karin froze at Naruto's words, but before she could react, Naruto raised a hand and clarified, "Relax, Karin. I'm not here for you. I'm here to borrow Jūgo."

"Me?" Jūgo blinked in surprise, stepping forward slightly.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Why Jūgo?"

Naruto's expression grew serious, though a playful glint remained in his eyes. "Sorry, Sasuke. I can't share the details about what the Celestial Organization is up to. Let's just say it's important."

Sasuke snorted. "The Celestial Organization, huh? When did Akatsuki change its name?"

Naruto's grin widened. "This isn't Akatsuki anymore. It's my organization now. And trust me, soon the entire ninja world will know the name Celestial Organization. What do you think, Sasuke? Your little 'Hawk Squad' is impressive, but why not join me? Let's join forces—brothers again."

Sasuke's gaze hardened. "I'm not interested. My Hawk flies free and isn't bound by anyone. Jūgo stays with me."

Turning sharply, Sasuke began to walk away.

Naruto's smile faded slightly. "Sasuke!" he called out. "No living being in the ninja world can escape the sky's reach. Even an eagle must soar beneath it."

Sasuke stopped abruptly, his body stiffening. Slowly, he turned back, his Mangekyō Sharingan blazing. "Then I'll see if this sky can be torn apart."