Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 147: You Are the Reincarnation of My Son, Asura!

"Who are you?"

"Where is this place?"

"Am I dead?"

Naruto asked these questions aloud, his eyes filled with confusion as he stared at the figure with his back turned.

"What do you think death is?"

The figure spoke with a deep, calm voice, but his words carried a strange weight.

"Your idea of death is quite different from that of my era. It's foolish to declare yourself dead so easily. Stay optimistic, young one!"

As the figure turned to face Naruto, his appearance became clear: an elderly man with two horns protruding from his forehead. He hovered above the water's surface, radiating an aura of wisdom and mystery.

"Who are you?" Naruto repeated, his frustration growing.

"That is indeed a question."

The old man paused before continuing in a measured tone.

"Throughout history, my name has often been misinterpreted. For simplicity's sake, you may call me Hagoromo. In this world, I am known as the Sage of Six Paths, the one who brought balance and order to the shinobi world."

Hagoromo's explanation left Naruto blinking in confusion.

"Yeah… I still don't get it. Seriously, old man, you're making my head spin."

Despite his mounting frustration, Naruto still managed to remain polite.

"Could you make it simpler? And where exactly am I?"

"You are not dead. This is your mindscape, a reflection of your inner world."

Hagoromo began to elaborate, but once again, his words turned into a lengthy monologue.

Naruto's patience was wearing thin.

"Argh! Can you get to the point already?"

The old man didn't seem to notice Naruto's annoyance, instead continuing his speech.

"You see, the ideals of my era, the traditions—"

"Enough!" Naruto finally snapped.

"I don't care about your ancient traditions or ideals! Just tell me how to get out of here!"

For the first time, Hagoromo fell silent, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face.

"Perhaps you are not yet ready," he murmured to himself.

Raising his staff, he struck the water's surface. The resulting ripples revealed a reflection of a figure Naruto didn't recognize.

Hagoromo floated closer, his face now solemn.

"Naruto Uzumaki," he said. "You are the reincarnation of my son, Asura.

"For centuries, Asura's spirit has been reborn to protect the shinobi world during times of great crisis. You carry his will and potential."

Naruto stared at him, stunned into silence.

"But," Hagoromo continued, "from what I've seen, you lack the maturity and strength to shoulder this responsibility. The shinobi world faces a dire threat, and there is no time for you to grow into your role."

Hagoromo's words sent a chill down Naruto's spine.

"What are you talking about? What threat?"

Hagoromo didn't answer directly. Instead, he extended his hand.

"Hold out your dominant hand," he instructed.

Still confused, Naruto complied, raising his right hand with his palm facing up.

Hagoromo placed his hand over Naruto's and closed his eyes. A faint glow emanated from his palm, leaving behind a solid circular mark on Naruto's hand.

"What's this?" Naruto asked, staring at the mark in bewilderment.

"You'll understand soon," Hagoromo replied cryptically.

With a wave of his hand, the mental landscape began to shift. The infinite waters churned, and Naruto felt the world spin around him.

---

Naruto awoke with a start, finding himself in a hospital bed in Konoha. Familiar faces surrounded him, their expressions filled with concern.

"Where am I?" he asked groggily, his voice tinged with confusion.

"Naruto's awake!" Kushina exclaimed, rushing to embrace her son. Her voice trembled with relief as she held him tightly.

"It's okay now, Naruto. You're safe."

Minato, standing nearby, gave a small smile. "It seems the Nine-Tails' outburst was just an accident, not an attack by Akatsuki. We were worried, but everything is fine now."

The tension in the room eased as the gathered shinobi left one by one, leaving only Minato, Kushina, and Naruto.

---

Unbeknownst to anyone, Hagoromo remained in Naruto's mindscape, gazing at the reflection in the water.

"My descendant, Naruto Uzumaki," he said quietly.

"I have given you a chance, but you've yet to realize your potential.

"The shinobi world cannot afford to wait. If you cannot fulfill your role as Asura's reincarnation, I have no choice but to awaken the dormant part of you."

Hagoromo's voice was heavy with regret as he made his decision.

"I will bring Asura's persona to the forefront. He will protect the world in your place."

With that, the Sage of Six Paths vanished, leaving Naruto's mindscape eerily quiet.

The old man's parting words went unheard by anyone, and the weight of his decision remained a mystery to all.

---

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