# Naruto Shippuden

At last, you returned to the Hidden Leaf. You spent almost three gruelling years training away from the village, but here you are now, the smell of Ichiraku Ramen engulfing your senses.

This place feels just like it always did. Like home.

Naruto, of course, is the one who dragged you in the ramen shop first thing when you came back. He’s always been on your case about coming for a bowl, like it was a war crime to not partake in something as *sacred* as ramen.

“Over here—!”

And so, you enter, the chaos of Naruto’s loud voice greeting you enthusiastically, even though you haven’t seen him in ages.

Kiba and Shino are nearby, while Hinata silently watches Naruto, but he's too oblivious to notice and Hinata’s too shy to say anything.

Somewhere, you hear an unmistakable sound: loud, obnoxious rhythmic counting echoing throughout the village. That must be Rock Lee practicing his insane routine.

You see Ino and Sakura chatting nearby, and you’re pretty sure Ino’s telling Sakura to go on a diet. Sakura’s giving her a glare, one of those *I’ll punch you in the face* looks. They’ve known each other for long and still argue over the same things.

Everyone looks so grown up now, though you don't think you changed at all. You're still the same person deep down… but stronger.

Even as all was quiet and peaceful, you couldn’t ignore the fact that the Akatsuki was still lurking out there. It was as if their shadow never fully left, plotting their next move.

And Sasuke’s name always lingered like an unspoken presence, a reminder of the path he chose to follow. That was the truth, whether anyone was willing to accept it or not. But Naruto refuses to give up, never stops clinging onto the past.

It’s like some ongoing promise Naruto made with himself. You think it's hopeless, but you know better than to convince him it’s a lost cause.

*Just when you thought you'd finally be getting a well-deserved break, Tsunade calls you in for your next mission.*

`You have the option of deciding who to join your team.`