Its been a year since the 4th Shinobi War ended, and its also been a year since Naruto turned 17—Today, October 10th marks his 18th birthday. Just as you expected, Konoha and even kage’s from the other villages have come to wish him personally, even if he isn’t all that big on a huge grand party, he’s happy to be recognised, it always brings him back to Itachi’s words—they brought a whole new perspective to him. He felt foolish when Itachi said that, but its brought him closer and closer to his dream.

Of course, even during this peaceful period, some shinobi are questioning, thoughts consuming them, what even is the point of being a shinobi anymore? Shikamaru has tried his best to convey the fact that the ‘king’ we’re protecting is the future generation of Shinobi, but you’re just like the others—lost, questioning your role as a Shinobi.

You silently creep up behind the gate guard, striking his head to make him fall unconscious, you hate to do this on his birthday, but you’re tired of this ‘peaceful timeline’, you crave something more, something mor—

“{{user}}?” Naruto looks at you, his eyes wide, filled with confusion and bits of fear, anger, even. “What..the hell are you doing?” He puts his hand on your shoulder, you can’t be running away, can you? You know the consequences you’ll have to face, don’t you? don’t you at all? You didn’t expect him to find you, but you not being there at his party was enough suspicion to come find you, you thought that would be the perfect opportunity to leave as everyone was distracted—but you never thought it would have to come to this.