Scene Sixteen
.
.
.
Falling Rain
.
.
.
Naruto's POV
.
.
.
I feel like I'm floating in a void—there's nothing around me, not even my own body. Could it be... have I died?
What a life I've lived... I died in the middle of a war without fulfilling my dream of becoming Hokage. Then, I was brought back in another world, only to die again without accomplishing anything.
Now that I think about it, I had no dream or goal in this world. Why am I even here? What was the purpose of being sent to this place?
What was the point of getting another chance at life?
I remembered what Mizuki said... A mysterious organization secretly controlling Konoha?
Could that really be... my mission?
.
.
.
"Haah!!"
I opened my eyes with a violent gasp as I sat up, panting. What just happened?
Did I come back to life again? No... no, I don't think I ever died...
"Whew…"
I breathed a sigh of relief—I'm still alive. Dying is way too painful. I never want to go through that again!
I looked around as my memories slowly began replaying in my mind like an old film reel.
If I remember correctly, the ones who saved me were Rin, Kakashi, Sakura, and Sasuke…?
After that, I remember nothing.
I guess I'm in a hospital. And I'm alone...
I smiled faintly, tinged with a bit of sadness. I shouldn't be feeling down—after all, I've always been alone, haven't I?
The door creaked open slowly, and I instantly recognized that soft pink hair. I could tell it was her from just the color alone.
Sakura!!
My heart filled with joy. I felt like the happiest person alive.
But... that smile faded as soon as I saw Sasuke walk in behind her, both of them smiling, talking in perfect harmony.
I felt shattered.
But this is fate, right? That's just how things are meant to be. I never stood a chance...
Of course I was happy they were both here for me, that they stayed by my side while I was unconscious... but I couldn't feel the happiness I knew I should have felt.
I couldn't take my eyes off their shared happiness. I wished for something like that—for joy that matched theirs. Am I really... this jealous?
I let out a quiet sigh, forcing a fake smile as I answered their worried questions, laughing and joking along so they wouldn't see the storm raging inside me.
After they left, I slowly turned on my side and looked out the window. I'm so pathetic. Instead of being happy for them, why am I thinking about myself? Why do I feel so depressed, when I should be celebrating their happiness?
I'm the worst.
I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. They poured from my eyes like burning stones, carving painful paths down my face.
Then I heard thunder rumble, and I knew—it had started to rain.
As if the sky itself was crying with me.
.
.
.
Scene Sixteen
.
.
.
Falling Rain (End)
.
.
.
---
"Naruto-kun, I'm so glad you're okay!!"
After a long time alone in silence, my family finally came to visit. It was my uncle Yukiteru and his two daughters, Ella and Rebecca.
Rebecca, now seven years old, was the child born just a few months after I first inhabited this body.
They were accompanied by Uncle Yukiteru's wife, Yuna.
"Welcome," I said softly, smiling while trying to hold back the lingering emotions that had overwhelmed me earlier.
From what I gathered from Sakura and Sasuke, I had been unconscious for almost three days. Sakura contacted Kiba, who informed the Uzumaki family about what happened.
And since Grandma Mito didn't want the incident to become public, she used the family's influence to keep everything under wraps. Meanwhile, Mizuki was taken in for interrogation by the Uzumaki household and moved from the police station.
The Uzumaki influence… powerful enough to pressure even the law enforcement. It's honestly terrifying.
"You're really okay, right? Are you in any pain?" Uncle Yukiteru's concern warmed my heart.
"Yeah, don't worry! I'm super strong—after all, I'm Uzumaki Naruto!" I replied confidently, grinning.
"It was a mistake to let you act on your own… Mother is thinking of assigning personal guards to you," Yukiteru said calmly, but firmly.
"I don't need any bodyguards! It was just a slip-up and it won't happen again. Please tell Grandma Mito that," I replied seriously.
Yukiteru sighed with resignation. "I knew you'd say that."
"Onii-chan… you're not going to die, right?" Rebecca clutched my hand sadly, eyeing the bandages on my head.
"I'm not going to die, sweetheart." I placed my hand gently on her hair and smiled.
Her face lit up with joy. "Then let's play when you're better, okay, Onii-chan?!"
"Hahaha, sure! We'll play all afternoon," I laughed happily as the others smiled along.
Then Ella's phone rang, catching all our attention. She read the message quietly.
"I have an important meeting now," she said as she stood up, then turned to me. "Take good care of yourself, Naruto-kun."
I nodded. She left in a hurry.
Ella's been acting strangely lately. I really hope she's not involved with some shady guy or something like that.
.
.
.
Scene Seventeen
.
.
.
Joining the Soccer Club
.
.
.
A week after I woke up from my brief coma, the doctor finally discharged me, saying there were no lingering dangers from my facial injuries.
Life went back to normal—and just like that, an entire year had flown by.
I'm now fifteen years old.
Last year, Sasuke's soccer team didn't make it past the preliminaries. They were eliminated before the finals of the Konoha National Soccer Championship.
Sasuke was devastated, but Sakura and I stood by him until he regained his confidence and decided to try again this year.
And this year, I'll be joining Sasuke in the soccer league!
I've trained hard all year, and I'm confident in my skills now.
---
I left the house and walked toward school.
On the way, I spotted Sakura walking ahead and was just about to call out to her to walk together.
"Sa—"
"Hey, Sakura, am I late?"
I heard Sasuke's voice from afar and froze.
I saw Sakura's delighted, blushing face as she waited for him eagerly.
They smiled at each other, laughed, and walked on together.
I was standing behind them, unnoticed, completely invisible in their world.
I lowered my head and clenched my fists.
I already decided to support them… so why does this scene still hurt so much?
I need to get used to it…
"Oi, Naruto!!"
Kiba's voice snapped me out of it. I turned—just in time to get smacked in the neck.
"Damn you, Kiba!!"
I grabbed my neck in pain and cursed at him.
"Quit sulking already—we're going to be late!" Kiba wrapped his arm around my head, trying to choke me in mock frustration.
"You bastard, are you trying to kill me?!"
I yelled at him, but he let go and ran off. I chased after him.
"Catch me if you can, Naruto, you idiot!"
Before I knew it, I was smiling. I was genuinely enjoying myself as I chased Kiba, who sprinted full speed toward the school.
---
"Pant... pant... we made it… barely!"
Both of us were out of breath as we rushed into the classroom.
"And whose fault is that?!" I snapped at Kiba. He had taken the longest possible route on purpose to stop me from seeing Sasuke and Sakura. I knew it was part of his plan, but I went along with it anyway.
"Alright, alright, chill out. We made it, so it's fine."
"Man, you make me look like the bad guy!!"
Kiba laughed. "Doesn't matter, doesn't matter. It's our last year anyway—I doubt we'll see most of these classmates again."
We both fell silent for a moment. He had a point. After graduation, I might not see Kiba again.
But as if he'd read my thoughts, Kiba grabbed me tight and smiled. "Don't be dumb, Naruto! We're stuck together like glue. I'm not leaving you, even if you beg me to!"
"Haaah?! Who said I was thinking that?! We're totally getting into Konoha High together!! If you don't, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth!"
"I will, I will!!"
We both grinned and clung to each other like idiots.
A few moments later, Sasuke and Sakura entered the classroom, chatting happily.
"Good morning, Naruto, Kiba," they said, smiling.
"Morning!"
We returned the greeting and walked toward Kiba's desk, which was near the window.
"Did you do the math homework? The trigonometry section was such a pain," Sakura said, sighing.
"I feel like the teacher's got a grudge or something," Kiba groaned.
He's definitely the worst when it comes to studying.
Wanna hear something shocking?
I'm second place in the whole school! Hahaha!
Though Sasuke is first, which is annoying—but still! I'm second!!
My previously hopeless academic life ended when I came to this world. Thank you, previous Naruto, for giving me this genius body!
"I finished it too—it wasn't that bad," Sasuke said with a small smile.
"I agree. Unless you're Kiba, it was easy—like slicing cake with a knife."
"What the hell are you trying to say, you idiot?!" Kiba exploded with rage.
"Nothing, nothing at all."
I teased him while Sasuke and Sakura laughed out loud.
"Alright, everyone to your seats."
The teacher entered, and we all settled down.
---
During break, I headed slowly to the soccer club.
When I got there, I knocked and entered after asking permission.
"Welcome, Naruto-kun. How can we help you?"
The club president was a muscular, bald man—definitely built like a pro.
The rest of the members were there too, including Sasuke, who looked surprised to see me.
Of course, they all knew me because of my friendship with Sasuke. I'd visited the club a few times before.
"Ah, yes. I'd like to apply to join the club."
Everyone's mouths dropped open in shock—including Sasuke.
"Oh? Really?"
The president smiled, eyes closed.
"Yes."
"But... we're full on members."
"Please… find a way," I said, bowing slightly.
"Hmm... How about this? You'll play a one-on-one match against Toro-kun. If you score before he does, I'll let you in."
He pointed at Toro—a white-haired guy with sleepy eyes. He was the team's top striker and strongest player.
Trying to let me down gently, huh?
Fine, I'll play your game.
"I accept!!"
"Naruto, what are you—?!"
Sasuke was clearly surprised by my resolve.
"Don't worry—I know what I'm doing."
I gave him a confident smile.
He went quiet and nodded, trusting my words. I turned to Toro, who smiled.
"Alright then. Shall we start Naruto-kun's trial?"
"Yes!"
Everyone headed out. I changed into sportswear and followed them to the field.
I stood across from Toro, breathing slowly, focusing. I had the ball first—an advantage, since they saw me as a total rookie.
"Begin!"
The president blew the whistle, and I darted toward Toro. He moved casually, trying to take the ball.
Perfect. He's underestimating me.
I wasn't good enough to beat a pro like Toro head-on. But if he let his guard down... that was my only chance.
I made a deceptive move that shocked everyone, spun my body to the side, and slid past Toro, the ball flowing smoothly between my feet.
In the blink of an eye, I dashed toward the goal and shot the ball into the upper right corner—score!!
I raised both hands and shouted while the entire team stared at me like I was a ghost.
Sasuke was the first to recover. He ran toward me, beaming. "That was amazing, Naruto!! I can't believe how good you are—that move was incredible!"
"Hehehe, were you underestimating me?" I grinned mischievously, laughing with joy.
"That was a solid move, Naruto-kun."
Toro approached with a gentle smile and extended his hand humbly. His arrogance was gone, and I wasn't arrogant either—I shook his hand with equal humility.
"Haha, no, it was just luck."
"Don't be too modest, haha."
We laughed together calmly.
"That wasn't luck at all," the club president interrupted, walking toward me.
"Taking advantage of someone underestimating you isn't easy—it takes sharp instincts. You're really impressive."
"Ah, thank you for the compliment." I scratched my head, smiling shyly.
"Alright then. Naruto-kun, you're officially a member of the club. I look forward to playing alongside you."
He extended his hand.
"And I look forward to it too, Captain."
I shook it and smiled.
.
.
.
Scene Seventeen
.
.
.
Joining the Soccer Club (End)
.
.
.
To Be Continued